Ayhan Kilic

Comparison between locked intramedullary nailing and plate osteosynthesis in the management of adult forearm fractures

OBJECTIVES We evaluated the results of two different surgical methods for the treatment of adult diaphyseal fractures of both forearm bones. METHODS Forty-two adult patients with forearm fractures were retrospectively evaluated. Of these, 22 patients (7 women, 15 men; mean age 32 years; range 18 to 69 years) underwent open reduction and plate-screw fixation, and 20 patients (6 women, 14 men; mean age 33 years; range 18 to 70 years) underwent closed reduction and locked intramedullary nail fixation. The fractures were classified according to the AO/OTA system. The patients were assessed using the Grace-Eversmann criteria and the DASH (Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) questionnaire. The mean follow-up was 30 months (range 12 to 45) with plate-screw fixation, and 23 months (range 12 to 34) with intramedullary nailing. RESULTS The mean operation time was 65 minutes (range 40 to 97 min) with plate-screw fixation, and 61 minutes (range 35 to 90 min) with intramedullary nailing (p>0.05). The mean time to union was significantly shorter with intramedullary nailing (10 weeks vs. 14 weeks; p<0.05). According to the Grace-Eversmann criteria, the results were excellent or good in 18 patients (81.8%) and acceptable in four patients (18.2%) treated with plate-screw fixation, compared to 18 patients (90%) and two patients (10%), respectively, treated with intramedullary nailing. The mean DASH scores were 15 (range 4 to 30) and 13 (range 3 to 25), respectively. The two groups did not differ significantly with respect to functional results and DASH scores (p>0.05). Postoperative complications were seen in three patients (13.6%) and two patients (10%) with plate-screw fixation and intramedullary nailing, respectively. CONCLUSION The two fixation methods yield similar results in terms of functional healing and patient satisfaction in the management of adult forearm fractures.

Anatomic Course of the Superficial Branch of the Radial Nerve in the Wrist and Its Location in Relation to Wrist Arthroscopy Portals: A Cadaveric Study

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to assess the course of the superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN) at the level of the wrist and its branches in relation to wrist arthroscopy portals. METHODS Dissections were performed on 11 hands from 6 cadavers in the section starting from the point where the SBRN begins to emerge and ending at the terminal branches of the dorsal hand. The distribution of the SBRN, the distance from the superficial branch to the dorsal portals used in wrist arthroscopy, and the distance from the superficial branch to the anatomic determinants (styloid process of the radius, Lister tubercle) were studied. RESULTS At the level of the wrist, the nerve bifurcated into 2 branches in 8 of 11 wrists (73%) and into 3 branches in 3 of 11 wrists (27%). The mean distance from the SBRN where it was first detected proximal to the Lister tubercle was 73 mm. The mean distance between the styloids was 52 mm; the distance between the Lister tubercle and styloid process of the radius was 23 mm. At the wrist level, the distance from the branch closest to the radial side to the Lister tubercle was 28 mm (L-D1), 21 mm (L-D2/3), and 7 mm (RS-D1). The distance of the closest nerve branch to the 3-4 portal was 9 mm. The distances of the other portals were 5 mm (1-2RMC-D1), 8 mm (1-2RMC-D2/3), 8 mm (1-2P-D1), and 9 mm (1-2P-D2/3). CONCLUSIONS The limited size of the area where portals can be positioned and the anatomic variations between individuals are major obstacles in developing a guideline for reducing the risk of SBRN injury in wrist arthroscopy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Great care must be taken when using the 1-2 portal. We suggest making a skin-only incision for this portal and then using blunt dissection to help prevent injury to the SBRN.

Volar locking plate fixation of unstable distal radius fractures

OBJECTIVES We evaluated radiographic and functional results of volar locking plate fixation of unstable distal radius fractures. METHODS The study included 27 patients (15 males, 12 females; mean age 45 years; range 18 to 77 years) who were treated with volar locking plate fixation for unstable distal radius fractures. Twenty-two patients (81.5%) had AO type C and five (18.5%) had type B fractures. Two patients (7.4%) had type I open fractures. Dorsal and volar angulation were present in 21 (77.8%) and six (22.2%) fractures, respectively. Four patients (14.8%) also had elbow dislocation and/or fracture and nine patients (33.3%) had disruption of the distal radioulnar joint. Autologous iliac crest graft was used in 10 patients (37%). Postoperative assessments included range of movement and grip strength measurements, and radiographic parameters using the Stewart criteria. Functional results were assessed using the Q-DASH (Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) questionnaire and the Gartland-Werley scale. The mean follow-up was 18 months (range 12 to 34 months). RESULTS All fractures united without a problem within a mean of 6.5 weeks (range 6 to 8 weeks). The following parameters became equal to the unaffected side: ulnar variance (n=21, 77.8%), radial inclination angle (n=13, 48.2%), radial tilt angle (n=8, 29.6%), and radial height (n=11, 40.7%). The mean radiographic Stewart score was 0.5 (range 0 to 3). The mean grip strength of the operated side was 72.4% (18 kg) of the normal side. The mean Q-DASH and Gartland-Werley scores were 8.3 (range 0 to 70.5) and 4.7 (range 0 to 16), respectively. According to the Gartland-Werley scale, the results were excellent in 12 patients (44.4%), good in 12 patients, and moderate in three patients (11.1%). Three complications (11.1%) occurred, including loss of alignment in two patients, and screw-related discomfort in one patient. CONCLUSION Volar locking plate fixation is an effective treatment in the anatomical and functional restoration of unstable distal radius fractures.

A comperative study between two different surgical techniques in the treatment of late-stage Freiberg's disease

BACKGROUND The aim was to evaluate the results of two different methods in surgical treatment for patients with late-stage avascular necrosis of the metatarsal head. METHODS Between 2007 and 2012, fourteen consecutive patients (13 females, 1 male; mean age 29 yrs; range, 12-58 yrs) with metatarsal head infarction were enrolled for this study. The main presenting symptom was pain on walking or daily activities. According to the Smillie classification all of lesions were classified as in stage IV-V. Six patients had cheilectomy and microfracture procedure in Group A, 8 patients had received cheilectomy and dorsal crescentic osteotomy in Group B. Clinical outcomes were evaluated according to American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) lesser toe metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale and range of motion (ROM) of metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Metatarsal shortening and osteotomy-site healing were evaluated with AP and oblique view X-rays. RESULTS The mean follow-up period was 22 months (range, 12-53). The clinical outcomes were excellent in 11(78%) patients and in the 3(22%) patients the results were good. The AOFAS scores increased from a mean of 66.3 points (range, 55-75) preoperatively to 92 points (range, 84-100) at last follow-up in Group A. The mean AOFAS score increased 55.8 points (range, 45-64) to 90.6 points (range, 84-95) in Group B. In the patients that osteotomy have been applied there were no limitation of movement or fixed deformity of the toe. DISCUSSION These results suggest that both surgical techniques may provide significant improvement in pain and ROM of the MTP joint.

Extramembranous transfer of the tibialis posterior tendon for the correction of drop foot deformity

OBJECTIVES We evaluated the effectiveness of extramembranous transfer of the tibialis posterior (TP) tendon for the treatment of drop foot deformity. METHODS The study included 13 patients (6 females, 7 males; mean age 30 years; range 10 to 46 years) who underwent 15 tendon transfers for drop foot deformity. Ten patients (76.9%) had deformity due to unrepairable nerve injuries, which were associated with surgical procedures in six patients and trauma in the remaining four. In four feet (26.7%), the TP tendon was turned from the intero-anterior aspect of the tibia and fixed by tenodesis to the lateral cuneiform bone, while in 11 feet (73.4%), it was transferred to the extensor hallucis longus, extensor digitorum communis, and peroneus tertius tendons. The patients were assessed according to the Stanmore system questionnaire. The mean follow-up was 25.3 months (range 12 to 80 months). RESULTS According to the Stanmore system, the results were poor in two feet (13.3%), moderate in three feet (20%), good in three feet, and very good in seven feet (46.7%). All the patients were satisfied with the final outcome. The mean foot dorsiflexion was 5 degrees (range, -5 degrees to 10 degrees ), which was 10 degrees in four feet (26.7%), and 5 degrees to 10 degrees in six feet (40%). Apart from complaints of bulging in four patients (30.8%) in the dorsum of the foot due to tendon and suture material, no complications were seen during the early postoperative period. CONCLUSION Extramembranous transfer of the TP tendon for the treatment of drop foot deformity enables the patients to walk without the aid of orthosis and increases their quality of life.

Early results of open mosaicplasty in osteochondral lesions of the talus

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate early results of open mosaicplasty for the treatment of talus osteochondral lesions associated with chronic complaints. METHODS The study included eight patients (1 male, 7 females; mean age 35 years; range 18 to 74 years) with osteochondral lesions of the talar dome. The mean duration of symptoms was 11 months and the mean lesion size was 17 x 9 mm. The lesions were of medial localization in five patients, and lateral localization in three patients. According to the Bristol classification, the stages of the lesions were as follows: stage IIa (n=2), IIb (n=1), III (n=2), IV (n=1), and V (n=2). Mosaicplasty was performed via a mini arthrotomy with osteotomy. Functional assessments were made using the AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society) scoring system pre- and postoperatively. Pain was assessed using a visual analog scale. Regeneration of new cartilage tissue at the lesion site was monitored by magnetic resonance imaging. The mean follow-up was 17 months (range 8 to 34 months). RESULTS The osteotomy site healed in a mean of six weeks in all the patients. The mean pre- and postoperative AOFAS scores were 58 (range 40-68) and 89 (range 80-97), respectively (p<0.005). Pain scores decreased from a mean of 8 (range 5 to 10) to 2 (range 1 to 4; p<0.005). Surgery-related complication was seen in one patient. All the patients returned to preoperative levels of activity and occupation. Magnetic resonance imaging showed graft incorporation in all the patients. CONCLUSION Open mosaicplasty is a simple, safe, and effective alternative in the treatment of cartilage losses of the talar dome, in particular those of cystic type and exceeding 10 mm in size.

Comparative evaluation of radiographic and functional outcomes in the surgical treatment of scaphoid non-unions

OBJECTIVE The aim of our study was to evaluate the correlation between the radiological signs of union and functional outcomes in patients with surgically treated scaphoid non-unions. METHODS In our study, we evaluated 13 patients who underwent surgery at our clinic for complaints resulting from an unhealed scaphoid fracture. Of the scaphoid non-unions, 9 were on the scaphoid body and 4 were on the proximal pole. According to Slades classification system, there were two Grade 4, eight Grade 5, and three Grade 6 fractures. The patients were all male with a mean age of 31, with 25 months of mean time between the onset of trauma and surgery. All fractures were treated through open reduction with autogenous bone grafting (cancellous in 4 cases; corticocancellous in 9 cases) and fixation with compression screws. Bone morphology and carpal alignment were assessed through radiography, using the scaphoid index and scapholunate angle measurements, respectively. Range of motion and grip strength measurements together with the modified Mayo wrist scores were used in the assessment of wrist functionality. RESULTS Average duration of follow-up was 16 months. In 10 patients, radiological union was attained in a mean time of 12.4 weeks following the operation. There was a substantial improvement in grip strength and range of motion values after surgery. The preoperative mean modified Mayo wrist score of 41.5 improved to 79.2 postoperatively. Accordingly, 4 patients had perfect, 2 had good, 5 had fair and 2 had poor results. The surgical treatment allowed the preoperative mean scapholunate angle of 45.8° and the preoperative mean scaphoid index of 0.69 to be reduced to 32° and 0.6, respectively. The humpback deformity present in 11 patients before the surgery was restored in 10 patients by reconstruction of the scaphoid bone length. Abnormal carpal alignment was restored in 4 of these patients. No statistically significant correlation was found between the functional results and the surgically attained structural restorations and union process. CONCLUSION The surgical treatment of scaphoid fracture non-unions can correct bone morphology and resolve alignment problems but might not be sufficient for the improvement of functional results.

The results of non-surgical treatment for unstable distal radius fractures in elderly patients

OBJECTIVES This study was designed to evaluate anatomical and functional results of non-surgical treatment for unstable distal radius fractures in the elderly. METHODS Twenty-nine patients (7 males, 22 females; mean age 72+/-2 years) aged = or > 65 years were treated with closed reduction and short-arm circular casting for unstable distal radius fractures. According to the AO classification, all patients had type C fractures. Anatomical and functional results were assessed using the Stewart criteria and Q-DASH (Quick-Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand) questionnaire, respectively. Bone mineral density measurements were performed. Grip strength and wrist range of motion were measured in comparison to the unaffected side. The mean follow-up was eight months (range 6 to 12 months). RESULTS Union was achieved in all fractures within a mean of 4+/-1 weeks. Bone mineral density measurements showed osteoporosis in 22 patients (75.9%), and 26 patients (89.7%) had regional osteoporosis in cortical width measurements. After treatment, radiographic measurements showed the following: radius tilt angle +5.6+/-5.4 degrees , inclination angle 17+/-4.6 degrees , radial height 9+/-2.3 mm, and positive ulnar variance 2.8+/-2 mm. Five patients (17.2%) exhibited an articular step-off of less than 1 mm on the radial surface. According to the Stewart criteria, the results were good in 15 patients (51.7%), moderate in 12 patients (41.4%), and poor in two patients (6.9%). The mean Q-DASH score was 38+/-19.2 at three months, and 23+/-2.4 at final follow-up. Grip strength, extension/flexion, and pronation/supination were measured as 57.3+/-12.5%, 52+/-14%, and 75+/-16% of the unaffected side, respectively. Complications were seen in 11 patients (37.9%). Three patients (10.3%) developed malunion which required corrective osteotomy. CONCLUSION Unstable distal radius fractures can be treated with closed reduction and cast application in low-demand elderly patients to avoid risks and complications of surgery.

A minimally invasive fixation technique for selected patients with fifth metacarpal neck fracture

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to compare the short-term results of treatment of fifth metacarpal neck fractures using a minimally invasive surgical fixation technique and the gold standard splinting method in a selected patient group of office workers with high expectations. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-four male patients (mean age: 28 years, range: 18-46 years) satisfying the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study in two groups: surgical treatment and splinting (U-shaped ulnar gutter) groups. Hygienic interactions during daily activities and the use of keyboard and pens were allowed in the posttreatment period. The Short Form-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (DASH) questionnaire was used to assess patient satisfaction and functionality of the extremity on the 30th and 45th days. Joint ranges of motion were measured on the 45th day. Functional and radiological evaluation data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS In the conservative treatment group, initial palmar angulation was measured to be 42.6°, whereas a mean of 13.5° was noted and metacarpal shortening of 5.6mm decreased to 2mm after treatment, respectively. In terms of total joint range of motion (ROM), flexion of the treated side was at 91.25% and extension at 92.5% when measured versus the healthy-side values at the final follow-up. The mean time for return to work in this group was 33.6 days. The mean Quick-DASH score on the 30th-day follow-up was 69.5, whereas it was 39.3 at the 45th-day follow-up. The radiological findings showed a correction of the mean palmar angulation from 43° to 8° at follow-up in the surgically treated group. The initial metacarpal shortening of 9.3mm improved to 0.5mm at final examination. In terms of total joint ROM, flexion of the treated side was at 94% and extension at 95.5% when measured versus the healthy-side values on the 45th-day follow-ups. The mean time for return to work was 3.9 days. The mean Quick-DASH score on the 30th-day follow-up was 2.96, whereas it was noted as 0.69 at the 45th-day follow-up. CONCLUSIONS We recommend antegrade intramedullary K-wire fixation as a reliable method, which minimizes the functional loss and allows for early return to daily activities in office workers who sustained a fracture of the fifth metacarpal neck.

The treatment of talar body fractures with compression screws: a case series

Fractures of talar body are rare and serious injuries and frequently seen in multiply injured and polytraumatised patients. The high variability of talar fractures, their relatively low incidence together with the high percentage of concomitant injuries makes treatment of these injuries a challenge to the surgeon.We treated three patients with talus body fracture and multiple articular fractures of the distal tibia. The patients were male, aged 36, 34 and 40 years. All cases were treated by open reduction and internal fixation. All the fractures were united during an average follow-up of 13 months and there were neither non-union nor collapses due to avascular necrosis.