Ferhat Say

Three-point index in predicting redisplacement of extra-articular distal radial fractures in adults

INTRODUCTION In distal radial fractures in adults, factors affecting instability have been investigated in many studies in an effort to shorten the preoperative waiting period for the fractures requiring surgery. Numerous factors, aside from the alignment-related indices, have been searched to predict redisplacement. Unlike as in paediatric counterparts, the casting technique and casting-related indices have not been appropriately considered in adults. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the various previously investigated factors in addition to casting technique-related indices such as three-point index, cast index, padding index and gap index, in predicting the risk of redisplacement of extra-articular distal radial fractures in adults and the presence of the ulnar deviation of the cast. PATIENTS AND METHODS Seventy-five patients over 18 years who were treated with a cast in our emergency department within 24h after a displaced distal radial fracture, were recruited into the study. Age, alignment-related indices, cast-related indices, extent of the ulnar deviation of the cast, having a non-anatomical reduction, co-existing ulnar fracture, dorsal comminution and obliquity of the fracture line were investigated. Casting technique according to three-point index, obliquity of the fracture line, degree of the ulnar deviation of the cast, and reduction accuracy were the significant factors affecting redisplacement. RESULTS The three-point index had a sensitivity of 95.8%, specificity of 96.1%, positive predictive value of 92%, and negative predictive value of 98% in predicting redisplacement. Logistic regression revealed that having an inadequate cast according to the three-point index (p<0.001), degree of obliquity of the fracture line (p=0.018), decreased ulnar deviation of the cast (p=0.002), and having a non-anatomical reduction (p=0.029) were the significant predictive factors in redisplacement. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the casting technique plays a major role in the success of conservative treatment, which can best be examined with the three-point index. Ulnar deviation of the cast and fracture obliquity are the other dominant factors affecting redisplacement.

Platelet-rich plasma versus steroid injection for subacromial impingement syndrome

Purpose. To compare the 6-week and 6-month outcome in 60 patients who received a single-dose injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or steroid for subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). Methods. 22 men and 38 women (mean age, 49.7 years) opted to receive a single-dose injection of PRP (n=30) or steroid (n=30) for SIS that had not responded to conservative treatment for >3 months. The PRP or a mixture of 1 ml 40 mg methylprednisolone and 8 ml prilocaine was administered via a dorsolateral approach through the interval just beneath the dorsal acromial edge. Both groups were instructed to perform standard rotator cuff stretching and strengthening exercises for 6 weeks. The use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs was prohibited. Patients were evaluated before and 6 weeks and 6 months after treatment using the Constant score, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, and range of motion (ROM) of the shoulder. Results. No local or systemic complication occurred. Improvement in the Constant score and VAS for pain at week 6 and month 6 was significantly better following steroid than PRP injection. The difference in the Constant score was greater than the mean clinically important difference of 10.4. Nonetheless, the 2 groups were comparable for improvement in ROM of the shoulder. Conclusion. Steroid injection was more effective than PRP injection for treatment of SIS in terms of the Constant score and VAS for pain at 6 weeks and 6 months.

Osteoskeletal manifestations of scurvy: MRI and ultrasound findings

Scurvy has become very rare in the modern world. The incidence of scurvy in the pediatric population is extremely low. In the pediatric population, musculoskeletal manifestations are more common and multiple subperiosteal hematomas are an important indicator for the diagnosis of scurvy. Although magnetic resonance imaging findings of scurvy are well described in the literature, to our knowledge, ultrasound findings have not yet been described. In this article, we report a case of scurvy with associated magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound findings.

Myositis ossificans on the forearm in a 10-year-old girl.

Myositis ossificans is a rarely encountered benign lesion characterized by a non-neoplastic heterotopic bone formation in both soft tissue and skeletal muscle. Three subgroups of myositis ossificans are identified: myositis ossificans progressiva, which is hereditary; nontraumatic or pseudomalignant myositis ossificans, which is developed in the absence of any trauma; and myositis ossificans circumscripta, which is related to evident and direct trauma. In this case report, we present a girl with a swelling on the forearm who was finally diagnosed with nontraumatic myositis ossificans.

Controversies related to electromagnetic field exposure on peripheral nerves.

Electromagnetic field (EMF) is a pervasive environmental presence in modern society. In recent years, mobile phone usage has increased rapidly throughout the world. As mobile phones are generally held close to the head while talking, studies have mostly focused on the central and peripheral nervous system. There is a need for further research to ascertain the real effect of EMF exposure on the nervous system. Several studies have clearly demonstrated that EMF emitted by cell phones could affect the systems of the body as well as functions. However, the adverse effects of EMF emitted by mobile phones on the peripheral nerves are still controversial. Therefore, this review summarizes current knowledge on the possible positive or negative effects of electromagnetic field on peripheral nerves.

Comparison Of Medial Arch-Supporting Insoles And Heel Pads In The Treatment Of Plantar Fasciitis

ABSTRACT Plantar fasciitis is a disorder caused by inflammation of the insertion point of the plantar fascia over the medial tubercle of the calcaneus. Foot orthotics are used to treat plantar fasciitis. Heel pads medialise the centre of force, whereas medial arch supporting insoles lateralise the force. We assessed the clinical results of the treatment of plantar fasciitis with silicone heel pads and medial arch-supported silicone insoles. We retrospectively reviewed 75 patients with heel pain. A total of 35 patients in the first group were treated with medial arch supporting insoles, and 40 patients in the second group were treated with heel pads. The patients were evaluated with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) at the first and last examinations. The mean VAS score in the first group was 8.6±1,2 (6-10); the FAAM daily activity score was 66.2±16 (41.2-95.0), and the sporting activity score was 45.4±24,4 (0.1-81) before treatment. At the last follow-up in this group, the mean VAS score was 5.3±1,5 (0-9); the FAAM daily activity score was 83,0±15,1 (55,9-100), and the sporting activity score was 73,5±26,2 (25-100). The mean VAS score in the second group was 8,6±0,9 (7-10); the FAAM daily activity score was 66.4±17 (41.4-95.2), and the sporting activity score was 45.8±24,2 (0.8-81, 3) before the treatment. At the last follow-up in this group, the mean VAS score was 5.5±1,2 (0-9); the FAAM daily activity score was 83.4±14,9 (60, 2-100), and the sporting activity score was 73.8±26 (28-100). There was no significant difference in the clinical results of both groups. The force distribution by the use of silicone heel pads and medial arch-supported silicone insoles had no effect on the clinical results of the treatment of plantar fasciitis.

Minimally Invasive Stabilisation with Posterior Transiliac Plate of Pelvic Ring Fractures

Aim: Transiliac posterior plate osteosynthesis is one of the surgical option for treating instable pelvic fractures. In this report, we aimed to evaluate clinical results of patients with pelvic fractures treated with transiliac plate osteosynthesis by minimally invasive methods. Material and Method: Patients with instable pelvic fractures treated with minimally invasive transiliac plate osteosynthesis were evaluated retrospectively. Radiographic assessments were made on pelvic x-rays using Tornetta and Matta methods. Functional results were evaluated using Hannover pelvic outcome score. Results: This study included 21 patients with a mean age of 37.8 years (range 17-62yrs). The mean follow-up period was 21.2 (6-38) months. According to AO classification, 14 patients had a C1 and 6 patients had a C2 and 1 patients had a C3 type pelvic fractures. Clinical results were excellent (4 point) in 12 patients, good (3 point) in 4 patients, fair (2 point) in 5 patients according to Hannover pelvic outcome score. According to radiological assessments, the results were excellent (< 5 mm) in 13 patients, good (5-10 mm dislocation) in 6 patients and fair (10-20 mm dislocation) in 2 patients. Superficial infection was detected in two patients. Loss of reduction occurred in two patients. Discussion: Minimally invasive transiliac plate osteosynthesis for treating pelvic fractures is a method with good clinical results and low neurovascular complication risks.

The estimation of bone cyst volume using the Cavalieri principle on computed tomography images

Purpose: To evaluate the volume of bone cyst using the planimetry method of the Cavalieri principle. Methods: A retrospective analysis was carried out on data from 25 computed tomography (CT) images of patients with bone cyst. The volume of the cysts was calculated by two independent observers using the planimetry method. The procedures were repeated 1 month later by each observer. Results: The overall mean volume of the bone cyst was 29.25 ± 25.86 cm3. The mean bone cyst volumes calculated by the first observer for the first and second sessions were 29.18 ± 26.14 and 29.27 ± 26.19 cm3, respectively. The mean bone cyst volumes calculated by the second observer for the first and second sessions were 29.32 ± 26.36 and 29.23 ± 26.36 cm3, respectively. Statistical analysis showed no difference and high agreement between the first and second measurements of both observers. The Bland–Altman plots showed strong intraobserver and interobserver concordance in the measurement of the bone cyst volume. The mean total time necessary to obtain the cyst volume by the two observers was 5.27 ± 2.30 min. Conclusion: The bone cyst of the patients can be objectively evaluated using the planimetry method of the Cavalieri principle on CT. This method showed high interobserver and intraobserver agreement. This volume measurement can be used to evaluate cyst remodeling, including complete healing and cyst recurrence.

Causes of open fractures: orthopaedic injuries related to home-made agricultural vehicles in the eastern Black Sea region of Turkey

BACKGROUND/AIM Small vehicles known locally as pat-pats, which are used in agricultural work, are forbidden in traffic. The inherent instability of the vehicle may result in accidents, both on farmland and in traffic. The aim of this study was to evaluate orthopaedic injuries related to pat-pats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients hospitalised for pat-pat accidents in two central hospitals in Samsun between December 2006 and October 2013 were scanned using ICD codes. A total of 46 patients with orthopaedic injuries (43 male, 3 female) with a mean age of 36 ± 13.3 years were evaluated. RESULTS The most injured age group was between 10 and 49 years (n = 40, 87%), and accidents occurred most in summer (n = 30, 65%). Open fractures were determined in 42 (91%) patients. Amputation was necessary in 4 (8%) patients. The hospitalisation period was a mean of 17.1 ± 14 days. A statistically significant relationship was determined between open fracture type and the hospitalisation period (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION As most of the orthopaedic injuries related to home-made agricultural machines are open fractures, it is important to guard against these types of injuries. The regulations that these machines are not used in traffic should be enforced and safer practices should be applied for use in agriculture.

Hybrid external fixation via a minimally invasive method for tibial pilon fractures – Technical note

Introduction We aimed to present the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients with tibial pilon fractures who were treated with hybrid external fixators. Shanz screws were applied synchronously and used as joysticks for fracture reduction. Radiological evaluations were conducted on roentgenograms at the second week, sixth week, third month and first year. Material and methods The study group included 42 patients with tibial pilon fractures that were classified as 43C according to the AO/OTA classification system. We used 2-hydroxyapatite-coated Schanz screws for the tibial pilon reduction. Schanz screws fixated to two separate motors were synchronously passed through the fracture fragments. An external fixator was applied after the fracture was stabilized with Schanz screws. Results and discussion The mean operation duration was 45 min Fracture healing was observed in all patients, and the mean fracture healing time was 17 (range, 12–32 weeks) weeks. The mean lateral distal tibial angle was 89°. Joint surface irregularity was not observed in any patient. All of the patients had 0–15° of ankle dorsiflexion. None of the patients had restricted ankle plantar flexion. No wound complications were observed. According to the AOFAS scoring system, the clinical evaluation was excellent in 26 patients, good in 14 patients and fair in 2 patients. Malunion and nonunion may necessitate additional surgical procedures, delay the return to activities of daily living, and increase treatment costs. Good alignment was achieved, with a mean lateral distal tibial angle of 89 (range, 84–92) degrees. Conclusion Permanent hybrid external fixator applied using Schanz screws via a mini open technique is a fast, easily applied alternative with low morbidity and satisfying results.