Ata Can Atalar

Correction of complex foot deformities using the Ilizarov external fixator.

There are many drawbacks to using conventional approaches to the treatment of complex foot deformities, like the increased risk of neurovascular injury, soft-tissue injury, and the shortening of the foot. An alternative approach that can eliminate these problems is the Ilizarov method. In the current study, a total of 23 deformed feet in 22 patients were treated using the Ilizarov method. The etiologic factors were burn contracture, poliomyelitis, neglected and relapsed clubfoot, trauma, gun shot injury, meningitis, and leg-length discrepancy (LLD). The average age of the patients was 18.2 (5-50) years. The mean duration of fixator application was 5.1 (2-14) months. We performed corrections without an osteotomy in nine feet and with an osteotomy in 14 feet. Additional bony corrective procedures included three tibial and one femoral osteotomies for lengthening and deformity correction, and one tibiotalar arthrodesis in five separate extremities. At the time of fixator removal, a plantigrade foot was achieved in 21 of the 23 feet by pressure mat analysis. Compared to preoperative status, gait was subjectively improved in all patients. Follow-up time from surgery averaged 25 months (13-38). Pin-tract problems were observed in all cases. Other complications were toe contractures in two feet, metatarsophalangeal subluxation from flexor tendon contractures in one foot, incomplete osteotomy in one foot, residual deformity in two feet, and recurrence of deformity in one foot. Our results indicate that the Ilizarov method is an effective alternative means of correcting complex foot deformities, especially in feet that previously have undergone surgery.

Primary fixation strength of rotator cuff repair techniques: a comparative study

PURPOSE The goal of the study was to compare the primary fixation strength of transosseous suture, suture anchor, and hybrid repair techniques for rotator cuff repair. TYPE OF STUDY Animal model experiment. METHODS Thirty-two sheep shoulders were divided into 4 homogeneous groups, according to bone density and tendon dimensions. Infraspinatus tendons were transected from their insertions and reattached using 4 different techniques. Group 1 was repaired with a single Mason-Allen stitch and 2 transosseous tunnels for each end of the suture, knotted on the lateral cortex of proximal humerus; group 2 was repaired with double Mason-Allen stitches and 2 transosseous tunnels; group 3 was repaired with 2 Corkscrews (Arthrex, Germany); and group 4 was repaired with 2 Corkscrews combined with a single Mason-Allen transosseous suture. All specimens were tested for their fixation strengths with a material testing system. RESULTS The mode of failure in group 1 was mainly suture breakage. In groups 3 and 4, the tendons pulled out from the sutures. In group 2, sutures broke the bony bridge between the 2 tunnels. The mean load to failure value was 160.31 +/- 34.59 N in group 1, 199.36 +/- 11.73 N in group 2, 108.32 +/- 15.98 N in group 3, and 214.24 +/- 28.52 N in group 4. Anchor fixation was significantly weaker compared with other groups (P <.001). Combination of a transosseous suture and anchor fixation (group 4) was significantly stronger than the single transosseous suture (group 1) and double anchor techniques (group 3) (P <.001). CONCLUSIONS Hybrid technique was the strongest among the tested rotator cuff repair techniques. With the addition of one transosseous suture to two anchors, the strength of the repair could be doubled.

A comparison of single-versus double-row suture anchor techniques in a simulated repair of the rotator cuff: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY IN RABBITS

We compared time-dependent changes in the biomechanical properties of single-and double-row repair of a simulated acute tear of the rotator cuff in rabbits to determine the effect of the fixation techniques on the healing process. A tear of the supraspinatus tendon was created in 80 rabbits which were separated into two equal groups. A single-row repair with two suture anchors was conducted in group 1 and a double-row repair with four suture anchors in group 2. A total of ten intact contralateral shoulder joints was used as a control group. Biomechanical testing was performed immediately post-operatively and at four and eight weeks, and histological analysis at four and eight weeks. The mean load to failure in group 2 animals was greater than in group 1, but both groups remained lower than the control group at all intervals. Histological analysis showed similar healing properties at four and eight weeks in both groups, but a significantly larger number of healed tendon-bone interfaces were identified in group 2 than in group 1 at eight weeks (p < 0.012). The ultimate load to failure increased with the number of suture anchors used immediately post-operatively, and at four and eight weeks. The increased load to failure at eight weeks seemed to be related to the increase in the surface area of healed tendon-to-bone in the double-row repair group.

Time-Dependent Changes in Failure Loads of 3 Biceps Tenodesis Techniques In Vivo Study in a Sheep Model

Background Failure load of the tendon–fixation material–bone unit has a crucial importance for the rehabilitation protocol after tenodesis procedures. Purpose To investigate and compare the time-dependent changes in fixation strengths of 3 proximal biceps tenodesis techniques. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Two intraosseous techniques (suture sling and tenodesis screw) and 1 extraosseous technique (2 suture anchors) were investigated. Biceps tenodesis was performed on 45 shoulders of 26 sheep, 15 shoulders for each technique. Twelve similar cadaveric sheep shoulders (4 for each technique) provided the day 0 results. Sheep were sacrificed at 3, 6, and 9 weeks, and specimens were tested for the failure load of the tenodeses. Results All 3 tenodesis techniques were found to have similar failure loads at all time intervals tested. All 3 curves remained below the failure load of the intact tendon (862 ± 96 N) and above their day 0 results for the study period; similarly, at each time interval, results tended to be better compared to the previous test. The tenodesis screw group exhibited significantly higher failure loads at week 3 (419 ± 53 N) compared to day 0 values (164 ± 45 N) (P=. 009). The same level of significance was observed at week 6 in the remaining 2 groups. Conclusion Tenodesis of the biceps tendon on the proximal humerus at an extra-articular site does not weaken after surgery. The tenodesis screw group had a significantly higher increase in the fixation strength within the first 3 weeks. Clinical Relevance No significant differences could be found between the failure loads of all 3 investigated tenodeses for the first 9 weeks.

Biomechanical Comparison of Fixation Techniques in Midshaft Clavicular Fractures

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the biomechanical properties and the stability among a locking clavicle plate (LCP), a dynamic compression plate (DCP) and an external fixator (Ex-fix) in an unstable displaced clavicle fracture model under torsional and three-point bending loading. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight human adult formalin-fixed clavicles were paired according to their bone mineral density homogeneously into three groups: LCP, DCP, and Ex-fix. Each specimen was osteotomized at the midshaft. Torsional and three-point bending forces were performed for 1000 cycles with stiffness recorded at 10 cycles (initial) and then at 100-cycle intervals thereafter. Initial stiffness, failure loads, and the percentage of initial stiffness at the various intervals were compared using analysis of variance. Results: The mean initial stiffness values (Nmm/deg) for torsion were 703.2 (LCP), 448.1 (DCP), and 365.2 (Ex-fix). The mean failure moments (Nmm) for torsion were 7671.7 (LCP), 4370.3 (DCP), and 2999.7 (Ex-fix). The mean initial stiffness (Nmm) for bending were 32.6 (LCP), 23.4 (DCP), and 20.6 (Ex-fix). The mean failure loads (N) for bending were 213.2 (LCP), 131.1 (DCP), and 102.7 (Ex-fix). For both torsion and bending, an overall significant difference among the three constructs in terms of failure loads and also a significant difference between the locking plate and the other two models only in terms of initial stiffness was seen. For torsion and bending, at all cyclic intervals, there was a significant difference between the locking plate and the other two models. After 700 cycles, a significant difference was also detected between the DCP and Ex-fix in torsion, but no difference was found between these groups at any cyclic interval in bending. Conclusions: The locking plate is significantly more stable than DCP and Ex-fix under torsional and bending cyclic loading in a displaced fracture clavicle model.

Failed resorption of bioabsorbable meniscus repair devices

Bioabsorbable meniscus repair devices are being used more frequently because of their easy and quick application and reduced risk of neurovascular complications. Three cases, whose menisci were repaired with Biostinger bioabsorbable device and having remaining symptoms mimicking meniscus tear, are reported in this article. In the second-look arthroscopies of all three cases we observed, repaired menisci had healed and some of the repair devices had not been resorbed. Symptoms disappeared soon after removal of unresorbed materials. Late resorption of bioabsorbable meniscus material may cause intra-articular problems such as synovitis and chondral lesions. These problems should be addressed by meniscal implant designers and researchers.

Comparison of Three Different Treatment Modalities in the Management of Humeral Shaft Nonunions (Plates, Unilateral, and Circular External Fixators)

Objectives: To compare 3 different fixation methods for the treatment of humeral shaft nonunions in terms of union time, functional outcome, and complications. Design: Retrospective case series. Setting: University hospital. Patients: Between 1996 and 2004, 80 patients (mean age, 49; range, 15 to 86; 30 women and 50 men) with nonunions of the humeral shaft were treated surgically in our institution. Circular external fixators (CEF) were used in 35 patients, unilateral limb reconstruction system (LRS) fixators in 24 patients and fixation with plates in 21 patients. Intervention: Surgical procedure included hardware removal in previously operated patients, autogenous grafting in all patients in the plate group and in those patients with atrophic nonunions in the external fixator groups, compression of the nonunion site in all patients. Main Outcome Measurements: Radiological union time, complications, shortening, and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score. Results: Mean follow-up period was 48.1 months (range, 12 to 121). Mean radiological union time was 5.5 months (range, 1.5 to 12) in the CEF group, 5.2 months (range, 3 to 10) in the LRS group, and 5.7 months (range, 3 to 12) in the plate group. Mean DASH score was 23.7 in the CEF group, 18.6 in the LRS group, and 26 in the plate group. There were no statistical differences in terms of union time and the DASH score among the 3 groups. Successful union was achieved in 77 (96.3%) patients. Conclusion: Both external fixation and plate fixation produce excellent results in humeral shaft nonunions if applied properly. The procedure can be tailored to the surgeons experience, keeping in mind that plate fixation demonstrates a longer healing time in those cases that had previous surgeries.

Synovial chondromatosis of the subcoracoid bursa

Abstract Synovial chondromatosis, is the chondroid metaplasia of the synovial membrane. Large joints such as the knee and hip are most commonly involved. Extraarticular involvement is rarely described. Synovial chondromatosis may be associated with impingement syndrome of the shoulder. We report a case of synovial chondromatosis of the subcoracoid bursa, which resulted in impingement symptoms.Résumé La chondromatose synoviale est une métaplasie de la membrane synoviale. Elle atteint généralement les articulations de la hanche et du genou. Son développement dans les bourses séreuses est très rare. Nous présentons un cas de ce type avec étude de la littérature.

The contribution of subacromial injection to the conservative treatment of impingement syndrome

OBJECTIVES We evaluated the contribution of subacromial local anesthetic and corticosteroid injection to the conservative treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome. METHODS The study included 56 patients (39 women, 17 men; mean age 50 years; range 31 to 68 years) with subacromial impingement syndrome without any rotator cuff lesion. The patients were randomly allocated to injection and control groups equal in number. The former group received a single subacromial injection of 9 ml bupivacaine and 1 ml betamethasone at the beginning of the treatment. The same physical therapy and rehabilitation program was administered to both groups, consisting of 15 sessions (3 weeks). Evaluations were made before, and three and six weeks after treatment. Functional results were assessed using the Constant score, pain was assessed using a visual analog scale, and range of motion was measured with a goniometer. RESULTS Compared to pretreatment values, both groups exhibited significant improvements in pain score, Constant score, and range of motion measurements at three and six weeks (p<0.05). Pain score decreased by 37.7% in the injection group after 24 hours of injection. Pretreatment Constant scores which were 39.9 + or - 13.9 and 40.3 + or - 13.4 in the injection and control groups increased to 68.4 + or - 7.6 and 64.7 + or - 7.7 at six weeks, respectively. No significant differences were seen in pain scores between the two groups at three and six weeks (p>0.05). Patients receiving subacromial injection had significantly higher Constant scores at six weeks (p=0.044) and significantly greater external and internal rotation at three weeks (p=0.03). Range of motion measurements did not differ between the two groups at six weeks (p>0.05). CONCLUSION Subacromial injection contributes to the success of the conservative treatment through decreasing pain and enabling more effective range of motion and strengthening exercises, both of which are associated with increased functional improvement.

Functional results of the parallel-plate technique for complex distal humerus fractures

OBJECTIVES We evaluated functional results of patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation with the parallel-plate technique for complex distal humerus fractures. METHODS Twenty-one patients (14 males, 7 females; mean age 47 years; range 16 to 85) underwent open reduction with olecranon osteotomy and internal fixation with the parallel-plate technique for distal humerus fractures accompanied by highly intra-articular or metaphyseal comminution (n=10), intra-articular comminution and osteoporosis (n=7), and intra-articular and metaphyseal comminution with bone loss (n=4). According to the AO classification, there were 12 C3, six C2, and three C1 type fractures. Eight patients had open fractures. The mean time to surgery was six days (range 1 to 17 days). Functional results were evaluated using the Mayo elbow performance score, Jupiter elbow score, and DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) score. The mean follow-up was 28 months (range 12 to 48 months). RESULTS The mean total range of motion was 90.2+/-31.1 degrees, flexion was 118.1+/-17.4 degrees, and extension was 27.8+/-17.4 degrees. The mean Mayo elbow performance score and DASH score were 86.1+/-12.6 and 7.6+/-9.5, respectively. According to the Jupiter elbow scores, the results were excellent in seven patients, good in 11 patients, moderate in two patients, and poor in one patient. Radiographically, solid union was achieved in all the patients. Heterotopic ossification of varying degrees was seen in seven patients, two of whom underwent resection of heterotopic ossification due to severe limitation of movement. Debridement was performed in one patient due to the development of deep infection. Chondrolysis of the elbow occurred in one patient. Patients with open fractures had significantly lower range of motion than those with closed fractures (p<0.05), but the Mayo elbow performance score and DASH score did not differ significantly in this respect (p>0.05). CONCLUSION Functional results are satisfactory in distal humerus fractures treated with stable osteosynthesis and parallel-plate technique that allow early active motion.