Fatih Karaaslan

Intralesional curettage and cementation for low-grade chondrosarcoma of long bones: retrospective study and literature review

BackgroundVarious treatment strategies for low-grade chondrosarcomas with variable outcomes have been reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to assess the oncological and functional outcomes associated with intralesional curettage followed by adjuvant therapy comprising high-speed burring, thermal cauterization, and bone cementation with polymethylmethacrylate.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of 21 consecutive patients with intramedullary low-grade chondrosarcoma of long bones treated by intralesional curettage and adjuvant therapy comprising high-speed burring, thermal cauterization, and cementation at our institution from 2007 to 2012.ResultsThe average age of the patients was 48.7 (range, 18–71) years. There were 7 male and 14 female patients. The mean follow-up period was 58.4 (range, 26–85) months after surgery. The treated lesions were located in the proximal humerus (n =10), proximal tibia (n =6), and distal femur (n =5). At the average follow-up time point of 58.4 (range, 26–85) months, no patient had developed local recurrence and no distant metastases were observed. The average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score among all 21 patients was 95% (84–100).ConclusionsThe combination of intralesional curettage, application of high-speed burring, thermal cauterization, and cementation is an effective treatment strategy for low-grade intramedullary chondrosarcoma of long bones. Excellent oncological and functional results can be obtained.

Reducing Intra-articular Hemarthrosis After Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction by the Administration of Intravenous Tranexamic Acid A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: A significant proportion of surgeons use intra-articular drains after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Hemarthrosis and pain adversely affect the functional outcomes of ACL reconstruction in the early postoperative period. Purpose: To evaluate the effects of administering tranexamic acid (TXA) to minimize knee joint hemarthrosis and associated pain. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: A total of 105 patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, double-blind study. The patients who were randomized to the TXA group (n = 53) received intravenous TXA; the control group (n = 52) did not receive TXA. The anesthetist, surgeon, observer, and patients were blinded to the study groups (double-blinded). TXA was administered as a bolus dose of 15 mg/kg 10 minutes before the inflation of the tourniquet, and an intravenous infusion of 10 mg/kg/h was continued for 3 hours after completion of the operation. In the control group, an equal volume of placebo was administered at the same rate and by the same route. The volume of drained blood was measured 24 hours postoperatively. Pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS) at a consistent time in the evening of postoperative day 3 and postoperative weeks 2 and 3. The Lysholm knee scoring scale was used to record patient satisfaction and knee function during postoperative weeks 2 and 4. Results: Significant differences were observed between the volume of fluid drained (60 mL [TXA group] vs 150 mL [control group]; P < .001) (between-group difference [95% CI], −90 [−114.15 to −65.85]) and hemarthrosis grade in postoperative weeks 1 and 2. In addition, the pain outcome improved in the TXA group after day 3 (VAS score, 1.4) compared with that in the control group (VAS score, 2.9) (P < .001) (95% CI, −1.51 to −0.49). The VAS scores of the TXA group at the end of weeks 2 and 3 were also significantly lower than those in the control group (P < .001) (95% CI, −2.00 to −1.00). The median Lysholm score at the end of week 2 was 70 (range, 40-85) in the control group and 75 (range, 50-90) in the TXA group; at the end of week 4, the score was 75 (range, 50-85) in the control group and 80 (range, 70-85) in the TXA group. A significant difference in the Lysholm score was observed between the 2 groups (P < .001) (95% CIs, 0.08-9.92 and 4.00-10.00 for weeks 2 and 4, respectively). Although range of motion was similar between the groups at the end of week 4, the mean was 107.36° ± 8.36° in the TXA group and 103.65° ± 7.68° in the control group on postoperative day 2 (P = .020) (95% CI, 0.60-6.81). The mean hemarthrosis values at the end of weeks 1 and 2 were significantly lower in the TXA group than in the control group (P < .001), and the need for aspiration in the TXA group during the early postoperative period was significantly lower than in the control group (P < .001). There were no infections in either group, and no patient developed deep venous thrombosis by postoperative day 3. Conclusion: The results of this prospective, randomized study show that TXA reduced the amount of postoperative hemarthrosis and decreased the need for aspiration of the knee after arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. Consequently, TXA reduced pain and improved range of motion of the knee in the early postoperative period without side effects.

Femoral Revision Using the Wagner SL Revision Stem: A Single-Surgeon Experience Featuring 11-19 Years of Follow-Up

Seventy-four revisions of the femoral component featuring placement of a Wagner stem in 74 patients operated upon between 1995 and 2003 were reviewed. Clinical evaluation, radiological assessment, and survival analysis of revision stems were conducted. The mean follow-up duration was 14.4 years (range, 11 to 19 years). When failure was defined as stem removal for any reason, 4 of 64 stems had to be further revised during the follow-up period, yielding a cumulative stem survival rate of 93.8% (95% CI: 87.7% to 98.2%) at 18 years. The Wagner revision stem is an effective implant for revision hip surgery when bone stock is lacking. Use of the stem affords mechanical stability even when bone loss is massive.

Is cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty a safe treatment for femoral neck fracture in elderly patients

Objectives Controversy exists regarding the use of cement in hemiarthroplasty when treating a displaced femoral neck fracture in elderly patients. The primary hypothesis of this study was that the use of cement would afford better visual analog pain and activity scores in elderly patients. Methods This study included 133 patients over 65 years of age admitted to our clinics from 2006 to 2012 for the surgical treatment of a displaced femoral neck fracture. All patients were treated via hemiarthroplasty. The patients (66 males, 67 females; mean age: 78.16 years; range: 60–110 years) were followed-up regularly. All patients were divided into one of two groups: group A was treated with cement; and group B without. Both groups were compared in terms of preoperative features (demographics and associated diseases), pre- and postoperative complications, mortality rates, pain and activity levels, and hip scores. Hospitalization time, average surgical duration, and time from fracture to operation were also recorded. Mean follow-up duration was 30.9 (range: 5–51) months. Results We found no significant between-groups differences in terms of length of hospital stay, Harris Hip Score, complications, or follow-up mortality rates. Walking ability and pain scores were better in the cemented group in the early follow-up period. Duration of surgery and perioperative mortality rates were somewhat lower in the cementless group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion The use of cement during hip hemiarthroplasty in patients over 65 years of age had no negative impact on mortality or morbidity. Hemodynamic changes during cement application are important, but it is noteworthy that patients fitted with cemented endoprostheses had increased levels of activity and lower pain levels.

Bilateral spontaneous atraumatic rupture of the Achilles tendon in an athlete

We report a case of spontaneous, bilateral Achilles rupture in a 33-year-old man with no specific risk factors. The rupture occurred after a heavy impact during a sports activity, and although the rupture was painful, he was able to mobilize slowly. After a clinical examination confirmed the diagnosis, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of the Achilles tendons revealed bilateral ruptures. The patient underwent bilateral conservative treatment and subsequently embarked on a comprehensive rehabilitation program with a good functional outcome at follow-up. The patients return to premorbid work and social life was uneventful. A spontaneous rupture in a patient without any predisposing risk factors is uncommon, and for it to occur bilaterally is notably rare.

Wound management with vacuum-assisted closure in postoperative infections after surgery for spinal stenosis

Objective To evaluate the results of negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the treatment of surgical spinal site infections. Materials and methods The use of NPWT in postoperative infections after dorsal spinal surgery (transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion plus posterior instrumentation) was studied retrospectively. From February 2011 to January 2012, six patients (females) out of 317 (209 females; 108 males) were readmitted to our clinic with surgical site infections on postoperative day 14 (range 9–19) and were treated with debridement, NPWT, and antibiotics. We evaluated the clinical and laboratory data, including the ability to retain the spinal hardware and recurrent infections. Results The incidence of deep postoperative surgical site infection was six (1.89%) patients (females) out of 317 patients (209 females; 108 males) at 1 year. All patients completed their wound NPWT regimen successfully. An average of 5.1 (range 3–8) irrigation and debridement sessions was performed before definitive wound closure. The mean follow-up period was 13 (range 12–16) months. No patient had a persistent infection requiring partial or total hardware removal. The hospital stay infection parameters normalized within an average of 4.6 weeks. Conclusion The study illustrates the usefulness of NPWT as an effective adjuvant treatment option for managing complicated deep spinal surgical wound infections.

Surgical versus conservative treatment following acute rupture of the Achilles tendon: is there a pedobarographic difference?

Introduction Controversy remains regarding the optimal treatment method and postoperative rehabilitation of acute Achilles tendon ruptures. In this study, pedobarographic assessments of surgical and conservative treatments were compared. Material and methods A prospective assessment was made of 16 patients (eight surgical, eight conservative) and eight healthy controls using a plantar pressure measurement system. Biomechanical gait parameters were obtained using the Footscan dynamic gait analysis system. Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U-tests were used for the evaluation of data. Results Nineteen males and five females were assessed, with an average age of 42.0±11.9 years. Follow-up was completed in 16 patients. No statistically significant difference was determined between the two treatment groups with regard to the gait analysis, but a difference was observed with the control group (P<0.001). All patients were able to resume their prior activities after 6 months and regained normal ranges of motion, with a high rate of satisfaction. Most of the patients (75%) were able to return to their pre-injury level of activities. Conclusion Satisfactory results were obtained through conservative treatment of acute ruptures of the Achilles tendon. No significant differences or complications were observed in the group managed conservatively versus the group treated surgically. Further studies including 3D gait analyses and tendon biomechanical research are required to further investigate this issue.

Bilateral septic knee arthritis after treatment of an ectopic pregnancy with methotrexate

We describe a case of bilateral septic knee arthritis that followed the administration of methotrexate for nonsurgical termination of an ectopic pregnancy. We believe that methotrexate is a relatively effective alternative to surgery in patients with early unruptured tubal pregnancies, but suggest that it be used with caution in view of possible septic events.

A mechanically locked knee joint due to free-floating flake-shaped rice bodies: a case report

Originating from the synovium, multiple free-floating intra-articular particles, called rice bodies, typically resemble cartilage and have a fibrin structure. While the etiology of rice body formation is unclear, they often occur in rheumatoid arthritis and other seronegative arthropathies; they also occur in tuberculosis, though the incidence is much lower. They are often encountered by rheumatologists or clinical orthopedists. A 33-year-old female who suffered from occasional swelling and pain of her left knee for 3 months was admitted with a mechanically locked knee. Free-floating rice bodies were identified on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and arthroscopic intervention was performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. After the removal of all bodies and effusion with mechanical irrigation, an arthroscopic subtotal synovectomy was performed.

Long-term result of arthroplasty in the treatment of a case of ochronotic arthropathy

Alkaptonuria is a rare metabolic disease caused by a partial or total deficiency of homogentisic acid oxidase, which results in excess homogentisic acid (HGA) levels. Homogentisic acid and its oxidation products can accumulate in hyaline cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. A 55-year-old male was admitted complaining of worsening chronic pain in his left knee. A radiographic evaluation showed tricompartmental end- stage osteoarthritis. A cemented total knee replacement was performed. At the 10-year follow-up, he had returned to full activity, had no knee pain, and was very satisfied with the outcome. No abnormality was observed in the femoral, tibial, or patellar components on radiography. We believe that total knee replacement is a good option in a patient with marked degenerative arthritis secondary to ochronotic arthritis.