Hanifi Ucpunar

Sacral agenesis: evaluation of accompanying pathologies in 38 cases, with analysis of long-term outcomes.

PurposeSacral agenesis (SA), or caudal regression syndrome, is a congenital malformation of the spine of varying degree of severity. The aim of our study was to identify associated impairments in structure and function of the orthopedic, neurological, cardiopulmonary, genitourinary, and gastrointestinal systems, and to evaluate their impact on function.MethodsThis was a retrospective case series analysis of 38 patients with SA. Patients were divided into two groups: SA with myelomeningocele (group 1) and without myelomeningocele (group 2). Between-group comparisons in terms of the features of the SA, impairments in associated systems, impact on gross motor function, need for surgery, and association with prenatal screening and maternal gestational diabetes were evaluated.ResultsThe majority of comorbidities were orthopedic and neurological in nature. Impairments in sphincter control and independent transferring were more prevalent in group 1, resulting in lower function. Scoliosis, kyphosis, and hip dislocation/subluxation were the most common orthopedic problems, with a higher prevalence of kyphosis in group 1. The requirement for neurosurgery was significantly higher in group 1.ConclusionsOrthopedic and neurological comorbidities are commonly associated with SA and are more prevalent in the presence of a myelomeningocele. As the impairments impact a child’s ability for maximum function, early identification and intervention is required to correct or ameliorate the impairment.Level of Evidence: Level IV.

COMPARAÇÃO DE EFICÁCIA DE INJEÇÃO INTRA-ARTICULAR DE METILPREDNISOLONA E TRIANCINOLONA

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the effect of two different corticosteroid types in bilateral and symmetrical knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: One hundred and twenty-six patients received injections of methylprednisolone acetate (MP) in one knee and triamcinolone hexacetonide (TH) in the contralateral knee. Patients were evaluated before injection and 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks after. Results: Mean patient age was 68.5±9 years. Mean BMI was 26.3±2.6 kg/m2. At first admission, mean VAS score was 7.7±1.3 for the right side and 7.5±1.5 for the left side, and mean WOMAC score was 67.6±14.4. After bilateral intra-articular injection, VAS scores for both knees and WOMAC scores decreased significantly when initial scores were compared with 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks after injection (p<0.05). A statistically significant change was seen over time when VAS and WOMAC scores for 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks post-injection were compared to each other (p<0.05). No significant difference was seen between knee sides (p>0.05). Conclusion: MP and TH have similar efficacy in relieving pain and improving function. The efficacy of intra-articular corticosteroid injection peaks 2 weeks after injection and the effect continues until the 24th week. Level of Evidence II, Comparative Prospective Study.

Cerrahi olarak tedavi edilmiş ileri yaş kalça kırığı hastalarında taburculuk sonrası erken dönem hastane başvurusu ve bir yıllık mortalitenin belirleyici faktörleri

BACKGROUND Early hospital readmission after surgically treated hip fracture is a common entity, often involving an adverse event and causing strains on an already overburdened healthcare system. The main purposes of the present study were to determine the 30-day readmission rate, analyze the predictive factors for early hospital readmissions, and assess 1-year mortality following surgical treatment of hip fracture in elderly patients. Retrospective case-control study. METHODS In total, 517 patients with a mean age of 74 years were evaluated. The rate of early readmission, age, gender, body mass index, fracture type, pre-fracture mobility status, preoperative time to surgery, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, implant type, postoperative intensive care unit stay, total length of postoperative hospital stay, comorbidities, and the main reasons for readmission were the criteria for data collection. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the main predictors of early hospital readmission. Mortality within the first year after surgery was also assessed. RESULTS A higher prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiac arrhythmia or ischemic heart disease, diabetes, and dementia or Parkinsons disease was detected in readmitted patients. Advanced age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade ≥3, postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and pre-existing cardiac arrhythmia or ischemic heart disease were identified as the main predictors. The 1-year mortality rate for the readmitted group was 53.9%, whereas it was 24% for those patients who were not readmitted. CONCLUSION The readmission rate following surgical treatment of hip fracture in elder patients was 12%, and its main predictive factors were advanced age, ASA grade ≥3, postoperative ICU stay, and pre-existing cardiac arrhythmia or ischemic heart disease. Hospital readmission within the first 30-day period following initial discharge was significantly correlated with an increased 1-year mortality rate.

Can Teicoplanin Be an Effective Choice for Antibiotic-Impregnated Cement Spacer in Two-Stage Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty?

Abstract The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of two‐stage revision total knee arthroplasty using a teicoplanin‐impregnated cement spacer for infected primary total knee replacements. Twenty‐five patients operated between 2005 and 2012 were included in this study. At the clinical status analysis, rate of infection eradication was assessed, physical examination was performed, Knee Society Score (KSS) was noted, isolated microorganisms were recorded, and the radiographic evaluation was performed. The mean KSS improved from 40 (range, 25‐69) preoperatively to 77 (range, 32‐96) at the latest follow‐up (p < 0.05). Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis was isolated in 9 of 25 patients as the most frequently isolated pathogen, and the other isolated pathogens were methicillin‐susceptible S. epidermidis, methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin‐susceptible S. aureus. Infection was successfully eradicated in 24 of 25 patients. Two‐stage revision of the infected primary knee replacement is a time‐consuming but a reliable procedure with high rates of success. Teicoplanin was found to be an effective choice for antibiotic‐impregnated cement spacer applied for the eradication of the infection.

A Retrospective Study of Congenital Cardiac Abnormality Associated with Scoliosis

Study Design Retrospective study. Purpose To identify the incidence of congenital cardiac abnormalities in patients who had scoliosis and underwent surgical treatment for scoliosis. Overview of Literature Congenital and idiopathic scoliosis (IS) are associated with cardiac abnormalities. We sought to establish and compare the incidence of congenital cardiac abnormalities in patients with idiopathic and congenital scoliosis (CS) who underwent surgical treatment for scoliosis. Methods Ninety consecutive scoliosis patients, who underwent surgical correction of scoliosis, were classified as CS (55 patients, 28 female [51%]) and IS (35 patients, 21 female [60%]). The complete data of the patients, including medical records, plain radiograph and transthoracic echocardiography were retrospectively assessed. Results We found that mitral valve prolapse was the most common cardiac abnormality in both patients with IS (nine patients, 26%) and CS (13 patients, 24%). Other congenital cardiac abnormalities were atrial septal aneurysm (23% of IS patients, 18% of CS patients), pulmonary insufficiency (20% of IS patients, 4% of CS patients), aortic insufficiency (17% of IS patients), atrial septal defect (11% of IS patients, 13% of CS patients), patent foramen ovale (15% of CS patients), dextrocardia (4% of CS patients), bicuspid aortic valve (3% of IS patients), aortic stenosis (2% of CS patients), ventricular septal defect (2% of CS patients), and cardiomyopathy (2% of CS patients). Conclusions We determined the increased incidence of congenital cardiac abnormalities among patients with congenital and IS. Mitral valve prolapse appeared to be the most prevalent congenital cardiac abnormality in both groups.

Can flexor tenosynovectomy and microsurgical epineurectomy improve clinical outcomes following open carpal tunnel release

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to comparatively evaluate the clinical outcomes of open carpal tunnel release with or without flexor tenosynovectomy and epineurectomy for the treatment of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods: In this prospective single-blinded study, 61 wrists of 47 patients randomized to open carpal tunnel release without (Group-1) or with (Group-2) flexor tenosynovectomy and microsurgical epineurectomy. Physical examination including Phalen and Tinel’s signs, visible thenar atrophy, two-point discrimination, and grip strength measurement was performed. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Quick Disability of Arm Shoulder Hand (DASH) Questionnaire, Symptoms Severity Scale, Functional Status Scale, and electrophysiological study were assessed. Results: The increase in the grip strength and Quick Disability of Arm Shoulder Hand Questionnaire score were significantly better in flexor tenosynovectomy and microsurgical epineurectomy group. The average pre-operative two-point discrimination was 6.3 ± 2 mm in Group-1 and 5.8 ± 1.7 mm in Group-2. Post-operatively at the end of 12 months, the mean two-point discrimination was measured as 5.9 ± 1.6 mm in Group-1 and 5.6 ± 1.3 mm in Group-2. When we compare the two groups according to the changes in VAS, Quick-DASH, symptoms severity scale, and functional status scale, only Quick-DASH score improvement was significantly better in Group-2 (p < 0.05). Improvements in VAS, symptoms severity scale, and functional status scale did not differ significantly. Conclusion: We do not recommend routine flexor tenosynovectomy and microsurgical epineurectomy during open carpal tunnel release in patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome.