Cuneyd Gunay

Spinal osteochondroma: a report on six patients and a review of the literature

IntroductionOsteochondromas are the most common benign tumour of the bone. They occur in two forms as solitary and hereditary multiple form. Osteochondromas are generally located on the metaphysis of the long bones. From 1 to 4% of osteochondromas occur in the spine. Spinal osteochondromas can cause cord and root compression and also be asymptomatic. In the diagnosis of osteochondromas, radiological methods are very important.Purpose of studyBecause spinal osteochondroma is very rare, other benign and malign tumours should be kept in mind during differential diagnosis. In this paper, six patients with spinal osteochondral lesions were evaluated at our orthopaedic oncology department.PatientsBetween 1986 and 2009, six patients, four males, two females with an average age of 31.2 (9–65) were diagnosed with spinal osteochondroma at our clinic. Although one patient was diagnosed following another complaint, five patients were suffering from pain. In addition, four patients had swelling and one patient had neurological symptoms. Five patients were treated surgically, and the sixth one was followed conservatively.DiscussionThe patients with spinal osteochondral lesions applied with mostly pain and swelling at the dorsal of the vertebrae. Because neurological symptoms are rarely seen, radiological examination is of great importance in diagnosis.ConclusionsPatients suffering from spinal osteochondroma, due to the risk of secondary chondrosarcoma, must be closely evaluated both clinically and radiologically. If necessary, the patient must be treated surgically following histopathological diagnosis.

Correlation of femoral head coverage and Graf α angle in infants being screened for developmental dysplasia of the hip

Ultrasonography has become accepted as a useful imaging modality in the early detection of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which ultrasonographic measurements of femoral head coverage correspond to the categories of hip maturity defined by Graf’s angle α. The infants in this study (1,037 infants, 2,034 hips) were examined as part of an ultrasound screening program for detecting DDH. We found that femoral head coverage is positively correlated with α angle, and we also found upper and lower threshold values of femoral head coverage (51% and 39%), such that all hips having these values or beyond had mature or pathological development, respectively. For the detection of hips having mature development, this provided a specificity of 100% (by definition) and a sensitivity of 82.6%. For hips having pathological development, specificity was 100% and sensitivity was 79.2%.RésuméL’échographie est une méthode permettant l’analyse et le dépistage des dysplasies de hanches (DDH). Le propos de cette étude est d’analyser la couverture de la tête fémorale, de déterminer si cette couverture permet de définir différentes catégories de maturité des hanches selon l’angle a de Graf. 1037 enfants (2034 hanches) ont été examinés par échographie dans un programme de dépistage de la luxation de hanche (DDH). Nous avons trouvé que la couverture de la tête fémorale était corrélée avec l’angle a de Graf. Nous avons pu déterminer des valeurs repères hautes et basses de couverture de la tête (51% et 39%), de telle sorte que les hanches qui sont soit dans ses valeurs soit en dehors de ces valeurs, ont un développement mature ou pathologique. La spécificité de ce dépistage est de 100% et la sensitivité de 82,6%. Pour les hanches pathologiques la spécificité est de 100% et la sensitivité de 79,2%.

The use of fibular autograft and ankle arthrodesis for aggressive giant cell tumor in the distal tibia: a case report.

The case describes successful distal tibial resection, fibular autograft, and ankle arthrodesis in two patients who had giant cell tumor in the distal tibia. At long-term followup, the patients had no pain and no limitation in daily or low-impact recreational activities. In conclusion, due to the large resection that is often necessary for aggressive tumors, fibular autograft and ankle arthrodesis may be a useful method in the distal tibia.

Primary leiomyosarcoma of bone: a report on three patients

Primary leiomyosarcoma of bone is a rare aggressive tumor that occurs mainly in older people. It resembles other malignancies clinically and radiologically, and differential diagnosis is based on histopathology, including immunohistochemistry. If leiomyosarcoma is found in bone, the possibility that it is a metastasis from a distant tumor should be investigated. The treatment is surgical excision with wide margins. Here we present three patients who had primary leiomyosarcoma of radius, ilium, and femur, respectively, and who were treated surgically.

Which modality is the best choice in distal radius fractures treated with two different Kirschner wire fixation and immobilization techniques

BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to investigate whether the number and position of Kirschner (K)-wires, and the manner and duration of immobilization influence radiologic and functional outcomes of distal radius fractures treated with percutaneous K-wire fixation. METHODS Ninety-two patients were included into the study with a mean follow-up period of 19.84±5.22 months (range, 13-34 months). In Group I, forty-five patients were treated with 3 K-wires and supported with a volar semi-circular cast for the first 3 weeks followed by a removable splint for a further 3 weeks. In Group II, forty-seven patients were treated with 2 K-wires and supported with a below-elbow circular cast for 6 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS No significant difference in grip strength and DASH scores was found between the two groups. In clinical examination, significantly better functional results were determined in patients supported with a removable volar splint. At 6 weeks postoperatively, volar tilt, radial inclination, and radial length were significantly better in Group I compared to Group II (all p values). CONCLUSION Tripod technique with 3 K-wires is a safe and reliable procedure to achieve stability and good radiological results. The use of a removable splint also improves the functional outcomes in the treatment of both intra- and extra-articular distal radius fractures.

A Rarely Seen Multilevel Thoracic Vertebral Fracture after a Nocturnal Hypoglycemic Convulsion Attack

A 49-year-old male presented with acute midthoracic severe back pain following a witnessed nocturnal convulsion attack. There was no history of trauma and the patient had a 23-year history of Type I diabetes mellitus. MRI scans of the thoracic spine revealed compression fractures at T5, T6, T7, and T8 vertebrae. The patient was treated conservatively. At 17 months after the initial diagnosis, the complaints of back pain had been resolved and the patient was able to easily undertake daily living activities. Hypoglycaemia is a common problem in diabetic patients treated with insulin. Convulsions may occur as a consequence of insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Nontraumatic compression fractures of the thoracic spine following seizures are a rare injury. Contractions of strong paraspinal muscles can lead to compression fracture of the midthoracic spine. Unrecognized hypoglycaemia should be considered to be a possible cause of convulsions in insulin-dependent diabetic patients. The aim of this report is to point out a case of rarely seen multilevel consecutive vertebrae fractures in a diabetic patient after a nocturnal hypoglycaemic convulsion attack.

An Unusual Disengagement of the Humeral Head Component after Hemiarthroplasty: A Case Report Presentation.

Introduction: Proximal humeral fractures account for 4% to 5% of all fractures. Complex proximal humeral fractures with displaced three- and four-part fragments, humeral head splits and fracture-dislocations are more difficult to treat. In older patients, because of poor bone quality, hemiarthroplasty is often the indicated treatment. Case Report: One such case of a 73-year-old woman is presented here. The patient presented with a four-part fracture of the proximal humerus, with displacement of the humeral head. Hemiarthroplasty was done in the right shoulder. At postoperative 20 days, during physical therapy, the humeral head component of the prosthesis disengaged and a second operation was necessary. A deltopectoral approach was repeated using the previous incision. The humeral stem was seen to be well-fixed into the bone so the humeral head was changed for a new one of the same size. At two years, the dominant right side had active, painless ROM. Conclusion: The management and two-year follow-up of this case is reported here, which was the first to occur at our institution.

Abnormal Development of the Femoral Head Epiphysis in an Infant with no Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Apparent on Ultrasonography

Introduction: In the investigation of hip development in newborns and infants, ultrasonography and radiography are widely used, but their optimal roles in this setting remain controversial. Case Report: Here we describe an 8.5-month-old infant who had undergone hip radiography at a primary care facility and was referred to our hospital to be evaluated for developmental dysplasia of the hip. Ultrasonography showed no developmental dysplasia of the hip according to standard criteria, but developmental retardation of the femoral head was apparent on the radiograph. Conclusion: This patients findings demonstrate that abnormalities in femoral head epiphysis development can go undetected during routine ultrasonographic evaluations for developmental dysplasia of the hip.

Functional treatment of developmental hip dysplasia with the Tübingen hip flexion splint.

Objective Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a deformity that may cause to serious disability. Early diagnosis and early treatment are very important. Our aim is to report the outcomes of infants with DDH who were treated with the Tübingen hip flexion splint. Materials and methods Retrospectively, 49 patients (45 female, four male; 60 hips) diagnosed with DDH were included in the study. For diagnosis, all patients underwent ultrasonography of the hip performed according to the Graf method. Infants whose hips were Graf type 2b or worse underwent orthotic treatment. Treatment success was defined as development into a mature hip (Graf type 1 on ultrasonography and no acetabular dysplasia apparent on the latest radiograph). Results Overall median age at the start of treatment was 18 weeks (14-25). Median total treatment time (from initial application of the splint to the end of weaning) was 17 weeks (14-20). Median duration of follow up was 13.5 months (8.5-31.5). Treatment was successful in 56/60 hips (93.3%). Of the 56 successfully treated patients, acetabular dysplasia was present early in follow up but later resolved in 4 patients. No complications were encountered in any patients in the study. Conclusion The Tübingen splint provides abduction, but due to its different design it offers the advantages of preventing hip adduction and leaving the knee and ankle joints free. Our findings suggest that in infants with DDH, the Tübingen hip flexion splint is an effective form of treatment.