Ahmet Ozgur Yildirim

Finite element analysis of the stability of transverse acetabular fractures in standing and sitting positions by different fixation options

BACKGROUND Treatment of a transverse acetabular fracture type is possible from an anterior approach, a posterior approach or both. Different fixation methods have been described but whether one is superior to the other is still under debate. The aim of the current study was to test the different fixation alternatives of stabilization of transverse acetabular fractures under two basic physiological loading conditions: standing and sitting utilizing a finite element model. MATERIAL AND METHODS A transtectal transverse fracture model was fixed in five different alternatives: an anterior column plate; a posterior column plate; an anterior column plate combined with a posterior column screw; a posterior column plate combined with an anterior column screw; and a posterior column plate and an anterior column plate. In these models, a load of 400N was applied at standing and sitting positions and the displacements were analyzed by using three-dimensional finite element stress analysis method. RESULTS In the model simulating standing human position, overall motion at the posterior column was minimum when two columns were plated (0.071mm). The second best fixation was posterior column plate with an anterior column screw (0.077mm). Overall motion at the anterior column was minimum by posterior column plate with an anterior column screw (0.0326mm). The plating of two columns was associated with motion of (0.0333mm). In the model that simulates sitting position, the motion at the posterior column was minimum when two columns were plated (0.0478mm), and (0.0517mm) when a posterior column plate with an anterior column screw was used. Overall motion in the anterior column was minimum when posterior column plate with an anterior column screw (0.0198mm) was used, whereas the motion was (0.0203mm) when plating of both columns was examined. CONCLUSION Posterior column plating combined with an anterior column screw has quite comparable results to a both column plating in transverse fractures, suggesting that two column fixations might be unnecessary. This method is also very superior to anterior column plating combined with a posterior column screw in that type of fractures.

Avoiding iatrogenic radial nerve injury during humeral fracture surgery: a modified approach to the distal humerus

OBJECTIVE Our aim was to assess the results of posterior retraction technique to prevent iatrogenic radial nerve injury during humeral fracture surgery. METHODS Seventy-two patients who underwent surgery for a distal humerus fracture between 1996 and 2002 were reviewed. These 72 patients comprised Group 1. Following a cadaveric study on the vascularization of the radial nerve, a modified surgical approach was undertaken starting in 2002. Sixty-one patients who underwent this new surgical approach were included in Group 2. The rates of radial nerve deficit of the groups were compared using the Pearson chi-square test. RESULTS In Group 1, 19 iatrogenic nerve deficits occurred. After defining the blood circulation of the nerve, the lateral approach was modified. The anterolateral side of the nerve was released and the nerve was left attached to the triceps muscle. In Group 2, one patient developed postoperative transient nerve deficit. CONCLUSION The radial nerve is supplied by the branches of the deep brachial artery in close relation with the triceps muscle. Anterior dissection and posterior retraction of the radial nerve during lateral approach may preserve its blood supply and reduces the risk of iatrogenic injury.

Impact of oxidative stress on early postoperative knee function and muscle injury biochemical markers: Is it possible to create an ischemic preconditioning effect in sequential ischemic surgical procedures?

OBJECTIVE Simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with prolonged tourniquet time has the potential to trigger ischemia-reperfusion injury, which can adversely affect knee function. Studies suggest that the magnitude of injury is less if it occurs following an ischemic event which takes place in another part of the body, known as ischemic preconditioning (IPC). The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of oxidative stress on muscle injury and knee function and to elucidate if potential IPC effect can attenuate ischemia-reperfusion injury metabolites and prevent poor functional outcomes in single-stage bilateral TKA. METHODS Thirty patients who underwent single-stage bilateral TKA under tourniquet were enrolled in the study. All procedures were initiated from the right limb. Upon completion of the procedure, the left tourniquet was inflated 20 minutes after the first tourniquet was deflated. The tourniquet time was noted. Pre- and postoperative levels of malondialdehyde (MDH), creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were evaluated. Knee function was assessed postoperatively at 1 month using WOMAC score. RESULTS Postoperative levels of MDH, CK, and LDH were significantly increased in both extremities compared to preoperative levels. Serum MDH, CK, and LDH levels were not found to be correlated with tourniquet time for either extremity. Compared to the left extremity, the right extremity revealed increased postoperative oxidative stress, which was indicated by elevated serum MDH, CK, and LDH levels. Although tourniquet time and postoperative serum MDH, CK, and LDH levels were not found to be correlated with WOMAC index in either knee, the average change in WOMAC score at 1 month postoperatively was found to be higher in the left knee compared to the right. CONCLUSION The biochemical and functional outcomes can be attributed to potential IPC effect. During bilateral TKA, a 20-minute interval between tourniquets can create IPC effect and attenuate the magnitude of ischemia-reperfusion injury, preserving better functional outcomes.

Comparison of radiation exposure times in the treatment of pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures with open-closed reduction and internal fixation

OBJECTIVES We compared open reduction-internal fixation (ORIF) and closed reduction-internal fixation (CRIF) with respect to operation and radiation exposure times in the treatment of displaced supracondylar humeral fractures in children. METHODS This retrospective study included 124 children (76 boys, 48 girls) who underwent surgical treatment for displaced supracondylar humeral fractures (Gartland type 3). Of these, 52 patients (mean age 7.5 + or - 2.8 years) underwent ORIF, and 72 patients (mean age 6.1 + or - 2.5 years) underwent CRIF. Operation and fluoroscopy times were recorded in both groups. Final assessments included range of motion, varus- valgus angulation, neurovascular findings, and cosmetic appearance. Functional and cosmetic results were assessed using the criteria of Flynn et al. after a mean follow-up period of 49.3 + or - 18.6 months and 50.4 + or - 17.9 months in the ORIF and CRIF groups, respectively. RESULTS Radiographical union was obtained in all the patients within six weeks postoperatively. The two groups did not differ with respect to functional and cosmetic results (p>0.05), with excellent-good results accounting for 90.3% in the CRIF group, and 86.6% in the ORIF group. The mean operation times were 44.2 + or - 12.6 and 28.3 + or - 8.2 minutes, and the mean fluoroscopy times were 36.0 + or - 15.3 and 11.7 + or - 4.5 seconds, in the CRIF and ORIF groups, respectively, both being significantly longer in the former (p=0.000). CONCLUSION As extended fluoroscopy use increases radiation exposure, ORIF sems to be more convenient for the treatment of displaced supracondylar humeral fractures.

Arthroscopic treatment of intra-artricularly localised pigmented villonodular synovitis of the ankle: 4 cases with long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare, locally aggressive benign proliferative pathology of synovial tissue. Lesions are classified regarding location as diffuse or localised which are same as histologically. Intra-articularly localised type is relatively rare, especially in the ankle joint. Because of the high recurrence rate and aggressive nature, localised lesions should be excised totally. PURPOSE We performed a retrospective study of 4 patients with intra-articularly localised PVNS in the ankle joint who were treated by total arthroscopic excision and evaluated for functional results and recurrence rate. STUDY DESIGN Case series. PATIENT SAMPLE The mean age of the patients was 27 (17-46) years at the time of arthroscopic surgery. The mean follow-up time was 33 (24-48) months. METHODS Functional evaluation according to the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society Score was performed, and patients were evaluated for recurrence by MR imaging. RESULTS In all patients, functional results were excellent and there was no recurrence. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that the intra-articularly localised PVNS can be successfully treated with arthroscopic procedures without recurrence.

An Overlooked Deformity in Patients with Hallux Valgus Tailor's Bunion.

BACKGROUND Tailors bunion is a deformity of the fifth toe, and its concomitance with hallux valgus (HV) is defined as splayfoot deformity. Treatment is focused on the HV deformity in splayfoot, and the tailors bunion deformity can be overlooked. The frequency of HV concomitant with tailors bunion in splayfoot has not been reported in the literature. METHODS A retrospective evaluation was performed to detect the existence of tailors bunion deformity in 203 patients (376 feet) treated for HV. Standing anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were used in the radiologic evaluation. Fallats classification was used to grade tailors bunion. Surgery for HV was applied to 86 patients (136 feet), and conservative treatment was applied to 117 patients (240 feet). Mean follow-up was 28.3 months (range, 18-42 months). Clinical evaluation was by American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. RESULTS Of the 376 feet with HV, 28 (7.4%) had tailors bunion, of which 17 (60.7%) were overlooked according to the surgery criteria for tailors bunion. In the HV surgery group, there were no differences in preoperative mean AOFAS scores according to concurrence with tailors bunion, but postoperative AOFAS scores were low in patients with accompanying tailors bunion (P < .001). In the conservative group, no differences were determined in mean AOFAS scores according to tailors bunion. CONCLUSIONS Tailors bunion deformity sometimes goes undiagnosed in patients with treated HV. This deformity must be kept in mind for patients with HV to improve clinical results.

The evaluation of two different surgical approaches in total hip arthroplasty according to the patient satisfaction, plantar pressure distribution and trendelenburg sign

The aim of this prospective study was to analyze the results of two different surgical aproaches for total hip arthroplasty as Trendelenburg sign, plantar pressure distribution with the help of dynamic pedobarography and clinical results by Harris Hip Score. A total of 28 patients who underwent unilateral total hip arthroplasty using two different types of lateral approach as conventional lateral Hardinge approach and intermuscular Hardinge approach described by Pai were included in this study. Plantar pressures have maesured by EMED-SF pedobarography device and analysed by the help of a commercial software; that seperates the foot to the four different parts which are called masks. TrendelenburgÂ’s sign has been estimated as grade 1 and grade 2 by the method which was described by Hardcastle and Nade. Clinical outcome was measured by comparing Harris Hip Scores pre-operatively and postoperatively at last clinic visit. In both groups after the two years from the surgery; total contact time has increased at the operation side when the results were compared before the surgery at the same side and at the other side after the surgery. Also when we looked at the first and second masks which show the significant part of the stance phase; contact areas have similarly increased and the changes at the peak pressures were similar as contact areas. In both groups Harris Hip score was increased significantly after the operation. This is the first study to compare two different lateral approaches by pedobarographic analysis, clinical evaluation and functional scoring. The fuctional and clinical early results are similar in both lateral hip approaches for total hip arthroplasty when superior gluteal nerve protection, conjuant tendon repair and postoperative rehabilitation have done well.

Surgical Management of Stiff Shoulder

Stiffness problem in the shoulder, is a symptom that can be caused by many pathologies. It can be seen in different clinical presentations like primary or secondary simple stiffness, adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder or algodystrophy. The etiology is intricate and multifactorial, so that treatment of stiff shoulder is often empirical and confederated [1].

Multiple cervical spinous process fracture (clay shoveler fracture): Case report

Clay-Shoveler’s is fracture of one or more spinous processes to include lower cervical or upper thoracic vertebrae. In this article, it was aimed to investigate possible mechanisms of Clay-Shoveler’s fracture and share radiological results of q case of 11 years (2003) follow-up after the traffic accident. A 25-year-old male patient complained of neck pain spreading to both shoulders, and there was an in-car traffic accident two weeks ago. Patient’s motion restriction was 50% for active flexion, lateral flexion and rotation, and 20% for active extension movement. Imaging revealed a minimal inferior displaced avulsion fracture in C6, C7 and T1 vertebra spinous processes. Patient returned to daily activities in 3rd month after immobilization with medical treatment and neck collar. Clay-Shoveler’s fracture is most commonly seen in T1, then C7, T2, T3 and C6. Surgical treatment is not planned because patient has no limitation of neck movements and neck pain which responds to medical treatment.

A rare case of chondroblastoma of the acromion

We present a 37-year-old patient with a chondroblastoma in his right acromion. The acromion is an unusual site for this type of tumor and the typical surgical treatment involves resection of the involved acromion bone. The patient was surgically treated with resection of the right acromion and autogenous iliac bone grafting. Twenty five months postoperatively, he demonstrated full shoulder function, without evidence of local recurrence or metastasis.