Emin Özkul

Comparison of retrograde intramedullary nailing and bridge plating in the treatment of extra-articular fractures of the distal femur

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare retrograde intramedullary nailing (RIMN) and bridge plating for the treatment of extra-articular distal femur fractures. METHODS The study retrospectively examined 15 patients (13 males and 2 females; mean age: 36 years, range: 17 to 55 years) who underwent bridge plating and 13 patients (11 males and 2 females; mean age: 31.1 years, range: 17 to 49 years) who underwent RIMN for the treatment of extra-articular distal femur fractures between 2007 and 2012. Functional results were evaluated using the Sanders criteria. The mean follow-up time was 31.3 (range: 20 to 46) months and 26.7 (range: 18 to 62) months in the plate and the nail groups, respectively. RESULTS Mean duration until union was 25.7 (range: 12 to 72) weeks in the plate group and 22.3 (range: 12 to 52) weeks in the nail group. Nonunion was observed in 2 patients in the plate group and in 1 in the nail group, delayed union in 3 patients in the plate and 2 in the nail groups, malalignment (>10°) in 2 patients in the plate group and 1 in the nail group and implant failure in 1 patient in the plate group. Excellent/good functional results were obtained in 12 and 10 patients in the plate and the nail groups, respectively. No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of duration of union, complications and functional results (p>0.05). CONCLUSION Bridge plating and RIMN have similar results in the treatment of extra-articular distal femur fractures. Both methods can be applied to all fractures, with the exception of Gustilo-Anderson Type 3B and C open fractures.

Effectiveness of locking versus dynamic compression plates for diaphyseal forearm fractures.

This study compares the results of the locking compression plate (LCP) and the dynamic compression plate (DCP) in the treatment of diaphyseal forearm fractures in adults and defines the indications for the use of the LCP. Forty-two patients with diaphyseal forearm fractures were retrospectively analyzed. Of those, 22 had been treated with the LCP (LCP group) and 20 had been treated with the DCP (DCP group). The AO/ASIF classification was used to classify the fractures. Patients were assessed using the Grace-Eversmann criteria and the Disabilities of the Arm and Shoulder and Hand questionnaire during the final follow-up. Mean follow-up was 21 months (range, 20-24 months) in the LCP group and 23 months (range, 19-26 months) in the DCP group. Union was achieved in all patients. Mean time to union was 15 weeks (range, 12-25 weeks) in the LCP group and 17 weeks (range, 13-24 weeks) in the DCP group. In each group, 1 patient experienced delayed union, which required no additional surgical intervention. No significant difference was found regarding the time to union between the groups (P>.05). No significant difference existed between the 2 groups in terms of Grace-Eversmann criteria and Disabilities of the Arm and Shoulder and Hand scores (both P>.05). The results of these different fixation methods for forearm fractures in adults are similar. As such, the correct selection and application of surgical technique is more important than the type of plate used.

Biomechanical properties of osteoporotic rat femurs after different hormonal treatments: genistein, estradiol, and estradiol/progesterone

Introduction: The purpose of the study is to compare the effects of genistein, estradiol, estradiol/progesterone combination on the bone mineral density and biomechanical properties of ovariectomized rats’ bone. Methods: 50 female adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups. Bilaterally ovaeriectomy were performed in all groups except the sham-operated group. Groups were a sham-operated group and a control group (water was given), estradiol treated group (17-β estradiol 0.015 mg/kg per day), genistein treated group (genistein 10 mg/kg per day), and an estradiol/progesterone combination group (17-β estradiol 0.015 mg/kg plus drosperinone 0.028 mg/kg per day). The water or hormones were implemented in relevant groups for eight weeks by orogasthric catheter. The bone mineral density and biomechanical properties of the femur were analyzed. Results: Genistein, estradiol, and estradiol/progesterone groups increased bone mineral density significantly compared to the control group. In diaphysis and metaphysis bending test, all groups had higher peak load values than the control group. There were statistically significant differences between the estrogen/progesterone group and control group in diaphysis bending with regard to peak load. There were statistically significant differences between the estradiol and control groups in metaphysis bending with regard to peak load. In axial rotation test, all groups had higher peak torque values than the control groups. Conclusions: Genistein, estradiol and estrogen/progesterone combination improved the biomechanical properties of the ovariectomized rat bone. Genistein which has less side effects may be considered as an alternative in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis in Open Pediatric Tibial Fractures.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness and reliability of limited-contact locking plates in minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis (MIPO) of the lateral tibia. Design: A retrospective study. Patients and Methods: The retrospective study included 14 patients who were operatively treated with an MIPO technique due to open tibial fractures between 2006 and 2012. The patients were 11 males and 3 females with a mean age of 13.2 (range, 9 to 16) years. The patients were followed up for a mean period of 2.4 (range, 1 to 5) years. The mechanism of the injuries included a motor vehicle accident (n=11), a shotgun injury (n=2), and a fall from height (n=1). According to the Gustilo-Anderson classification, 10 patients had type I (72%), 2 had type II (14%), and 2 had type III (14%) open fractures. Results: The mean time to radiologic union was 18 (range, 11 to 32) weeks. No infection was detected that would require implant removal. No complications such as early epiphyseal closure, angulation, or limb-length inequality were observed. Conclusions: Limited-contact locking plates in MIPO of the lateral tibia is an effective alternative method in the treatment of open pediatric tibial fractures. Level of Evidence: Level IV—therapeutic.

Results of two different surgical techniques in the treatment of advanced-stage Freiberg's disease

Background: Freibergs disease is an osteochondrosis most commonly seen in adolescent women and characterized by pain, swelling and motion restriction in the second metatarsal. The early stages of this disease can be managed with semirigid orthoses, metatarsal bars and short leg walking cast. Number of operative methods are suggested which can be used depending on the pathophysiology of the disease, including abnormal biomechanics, joint congruence and degenerative process. We evaluated the outcomes of the patients with Freibergs disease who were treated with dorsal closing-wedge osteotomy and resection of the metatarsal head. Patients and Methods: 16 patients (11 female, 5 male) with a mean age of 24.5 (range 13–49 years) years who underwent dorsal closing wedge osteotomy or resection of the metatarsal head were included in this retrospective study. Second metatarsal was affected in 13 and third metatarsal in three patients. According to the Smillies classification system, ten patients had type IV osteonecrosis and six patients had type V. The results of the patients were evaluated using the lesser metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal (LMPI) scale. Results: According to the LMPI scale, the postoperative scores for the osteotomy and excision groups were 86 (range 64–100) and 72.6 (range 60–85), respectively. In the osteotomy group, mean passive flexion restriction was 18° (range 0°–35°) and mean passive extension restriction was 12° (range 0°–25°). Mean metatarsal shortening was 2.2 mm (range 2–4 mm) in the osteotomy group as opposed to 9.8 mm (range 7–14 mm) in the excision group. Significant pain relief was obtained in both groups following the surgery. Conclusions: The decision of performing osteotomy or resection arthroplasty in the patients with advanced-stage Freibergs disease should be based on the joint injury and the patients should be informed about the cosmetic problems like shortening which may arise from resection.

The comparison of triceps-reflecting anconeus pedicle and olecranon osteotomy approaches in the treatment of intercondylar fractures of the humerus.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes of patients with intra-articular distal humerus fractures treated with triceps-reflecting anconeus pedicle (TRAP) and olecranon osteotomy. METHODS Forty patients with intra-articular distal humerus fractures were retrospectively analyzed. TRAP approach was used in 22 patients (12 males, 10 females; mean age 37.8 years, range 17-70), and olecranon osteotomy in 18 patients (11 males, 7 females; mean age 35.4 years, range 18-62). Fractures were classified using the AO/ASIF classification. Functional results were evaluated with the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) and the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire score. RESULTS The overall mean arc of elbow motion was 108° (range 70°-140°) in the TRAP group, whereas that of the olecranon osteotomy group was 98° (range 70°-115°). A significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of overall mean arc of elbow motion (p=0.038). There were no significant differences noted between the two groups in terms of mean MEPS and DASH scores (p=0.412, p=201, respectively). The overall complication rate was 27.2% in the TRAP group and 55% in the olecranon osteotomy group. CONCLUSION TRAP is a succesful approach in the treatmet of intra-articular distal humerus fractures that provides better arc of elbow motion, reduces complications and reoperation rates.

Segmental bone loss in pediatric lower extremity fractures: indications and results of bone transport.

Background: In this study, we evaluated the results of external bone transport, which was applied to 11 patients with traumatic bone loss who had not completed their bone development. Methods: The average age of the 9 male and 2 female patients was 10.6 (range, 8 to 16) years. Eight of the defects were located in the tibia, whereas the other 3 were in the femur. The average defect was 5.4 (range, 4.5 to 8.5) cm. External bone transport was applied in the early period in 7 patients, whereas in 4 patients it was performed due to nonunion. Bifocal osteosynthesis and single osteotomy were performed in 2 patients with type B2 nonunion. Compression to the nonunion region and lengthening in the osteotomy region were applied. In 2 patients with type B1 nonunion, and the other 9 patients who had external bone transport, the gap was eliminated by bifocal osteosynthesis, single osteotomy, and bone transport to the osteotomy line. Results: The mean follow-up period was 21 (range, 13 to 48) months. Complete union was achieved in all patients without any bone operation or graft application. No refracture was observed after the removal of the external fixator, and the average hospitalization time was 16 (range, 7 to 65) days. The average external fixation time was 4.2 (range, 3.5 to 5.5) months, and the mean external fixator index was 0.8 months (23 d/cm). The mean bone healing time was 5.1 (range, 4.6 to 6) months. Conclusions: To initially consider the open fractures with true or in situ bone loss in children as “anticipated nonunion,” and determine the treatment strategies regarding this fact, may prevent nonunion and shorten the healing period. Bone transport in the treatment of traumatic bone defects in children is an easy biological procedure, with lower complications but higher success ratios. Level of Evidence: Level IV—therapeutic.

Effect of insulin-like growth factor-1 and hyaluronic acid in experimentally produced osteochondral defects in rats

Background: The common purpose of almost all methods used to treat the osteochondral injuries is to produce a normal cartilage matrix. However current methods are not sufficient to provide a normal cartilage matrix. For that reason, researchers have studied to increase the effectiveness of this methods using chondrogenic and chondroprotective molecules in recent experimental studies. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and hyaluronic acid (HA) are two important agents used in this field. This study compared the effects of IGF-1 and HA in an experimental osteochondral defect in rat femora. Materials and Methods: The rats were divided into three groups (n = 15 per group) as follows: The IGF-1 group, HA group, and control group. An osteochondral defect of a diameter of 1.5 mm and a depth of 2 mm was created on the patellar joint side of femoral condyles. The IGF-1 group received an absorbable gelatin sponge soaked with 15 μg/15 μl of IGF-1, and the HA group received an absorbable gelatin sponge soaked with 80 μg HA. The control group received only an absorbable gelatin sponge. Rats were sacrificed at the 6th week, and the femur condyles were evaluated histologically. Results: According to the total Mankin scale, there was a statistically significant difference between IGF-1 and HA groups and between IGF-1 and control groups. There was also a significant statistical difference between HA and control groups. Conclusion: It was shown histopathologically that IGF-1 is an effective molecule for osteochondral lesions. Although it is weaker than IGF-1, HA also strengthened the repair tissue.

Femur boyun kırıklarının tedavisinde kanüllü vida ile dinamik kalça vidasının karşılaştırılması

Objective: We aimed to compare the results of surgeries for intracapsular femoral neck fractures with cannulated screws(CS) and dynamic hip screw(DHS), due to lack of evidence which implant for internal fixation of femoral neck fractures is better .Methods: In our clinic between September 2005 and November 2009, 38 patients were operated with intracapsular transcervical fracture of collum femoris between17 to 65 years of age. Eighteen were operated with DHS(47.4%) and 20 were operated with CS fixation(52.6%).Results: 16 patients (42.1%) were female and 22 (57.9%) were male and the mean age was 37.13 years. The mean duration of follow-up was 18.05 months. 26 patients were operated in 1st -3rd day (68.4%), 9 patients were operated in 4 to 7 day (23.7%), 3 patients were operated in after 7th day (7.9%). In the DHS group, 9 (50%) patients had avascular necrosis (AVN), 6 (33.3%) patients had implant failure, 3 (16.7%) patients had delayed union, 5 (27.8%) patients had nonunion, 1 (5.6%) patient had infection, and 1 (5.6%) patient had myositis ossificans. According to the criteria of Salvati Wilson hip joint assessment, in the DHS group 8 patients (44.4%) were very good, 5 patients (27.8%) were good, 5 patients (27.8%) were moderate. Salvati score was evaluated as average of 28 points . In the CS group, 8 (40%) patients had AVN, 1 (5%) had delayed union, 3 (15%) of the cases had nonunion and 1 (5%) patients infection was detected. According to the criteria of the Salvati-Wilson, in the CS group13 (65%) of them are very good, 5 (25%) were good, 2 (10%) were assessed as moderate. Salvati score was evaluated as average of 33 points . In the CS group none of the patients had implant failure, in the DHS group 6 patients had implant failure (33.3%) (p<0,05).Conclusion: Except for the high rate of implant failure detection in the DHS group method, no significant difference between complications and functional results between two groups. J Clin Exp Invest 2015; 6 (3): 256-262

Gorham-Stout’s disease in the metatarsus: a case report

Gorham-Stout disease (GSD) is a rare disease occurring in the bone tissue and is characterized by spontaneous, progressive resorption. The etiology and treatment of the disease remains unclear. This article presents a 53-year-old male patient diagnosed with GSD in the 3rd and 4th metatarsal of his right foot.