Ilker Eren

Modified Latarjet procedure for patients with glenoid bone defect accompanied with anterior shoulder instability

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the effects of coracoid bone block (modified Latarjet) procedure on clinical and functional results in cases with glenoid bone defect accompanied with anterior shoulder instability. METHODS The study included 35 patients (average age: 35 years; range: 20 to 58 years) with glenoid bone defect and recurrent dislocations treated with the modified Latarjet procedure. There were 12 sports injuries, 5 post-epileptic cases and 18 recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation following non-sports-related injuries. Recurrence was reported in 7 patients formerly treated with the Bankart procedure. Average number of preoperative dislocations was 10.8 ± 6.5 and average time range between the first dislocation and surgery was 14.9 ± 13.2 months. All patients underwent preoperative diagnostic arthroscopy. Postoperative isometric exercises in braces were assigned for the first 6 weeks, followed by active strengthening exercises. Pre- and postoperative functional results were evaluated using the ASES (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons) and Rowe scores and pain using the VAS (Visual Analog Scale). RESULTS Osseous union of coracoid graft was achieved in all patients. Average follow-up was 24 ± 12.2 (range: 12 to 74) months. No degenerative arthritis or continuing instability was detected in any of the patients. Average forward flexion was 165° ± 20° and external rotation 59° ± 13°. Mean preoperative ASES and Rowe scores of 49.6 ± 10.6 and 47.9 ± 21.5 increased postoperatively to 91.3 ± 11 and 89.1 ± 9.2, respectively. Mean VAS scores decreased significantly from 6.2 ± 2.4 to 1.8 ± 0.6 postoperatively (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Shoulder functionality and former activity levels can be successfully achieved in terms of increased patient satisfaction through use of the modified Latarjet surgery in the treatment of glenoid bone defect and anterior shoulder instability.

Forequarter amputation as a life-saving procedure

Forequarter amputation is performed for high-grade malignant tumours in the proximal part of the upper extremity with palliative or curative intentions. Two cases are included in this report of patients who presented in need of urgent surgical intervention. Both patients had an actively bleeding, ulcerated or fungating mass and were haemodynamically unstable. The purpose of this report is to highlight the importance of emergency surgical intervention for such selected patients.

Results of surgical management of valgus-impacted proximal humerus fractures with structural allografts

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to clinically and radiologically evaluate patients treated with plate osteosynthesis with structural allografts for severely valgus-impacted fractures of the proximal humerus. METHODS The study included 10 patients (average age: 57 years; range: 34 to 77 years) with valgus-impacted Neer Type 4 proximal humerus fractures. Fractures were classified according to the Robinson classification. Patients were called for an up-to-date examination and evaluated radiologically and clinically with Constant and DASH scores. RESULTS Average follow-up period was 22.5±12.2 (range: 12 to 50) months. Average DASH score at the final follow-up was 7.6±4.5 (range: 2.5 to 16.7) and average Constant score was 87.7±4.4 (range: 83 to 94). None of the cases had early or late head collapse. There was no avascular necrosis. One early screw penetration was observed. CONCLUSION Surgical treatment of valgus-impacted proximal humerus fractures achieved successful results. However, the cavity under the humeral head may lead to failure due to mechanical insufficiency. Plate osteosynthesis with structural allografts warrants initial mechanical support until union, thus avoiding complications related to head collapse.

Idiopathic hypertonicity as a cause of stiffness after surgery for developmental dysplasia of the hip

INTRODUCTION There are various complications reported with surgical treatment of DDH. Most studied complication is avascular necrosis of the femoral head and hip stiffness. The purpose of this report was to describe a case with severe stiffness of the hip due to hypertonicity in periarticular muscles after it was treated for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). PRESENTATION OF CASE Three-year-old patient referred to our institution with bilateral DDH. Two hips were operated separately in one year with anterior open reduction, femoral shortening osteotomy. Third month after last surgery, limited right hip range of motion and limb length discrepency identified. Clinical examination revealed that patient had limited range of motion (ROM) in the right hip and compensated this with pelvis obliquity. Gluteus medius, sartorius and iliofemoral band release performed after examination under general anesthesia. Symptoms were persisted at 3rd week control and examination of the patient in general anesthesia revealed full ROM without increased tension. For the identified hypertonicity, ultrasound guided 100IU botulinum toxin A injection performed to abductor group and iliopsoas muscles. Fifth month later, no flexor or abductor tension observed, and there was no pelvic obliquity. DISCUSSION Stiffness as a complication is rare and is usually resolved without treatment or simple physical therapy. Usually it is related with immobilization or surgery associated joint contracture, and spontaneous recovery reported. Presented case is diagnosed as hip stiffness due to underlying local hypertonicity. That is resolved with anesthesia and it was treated after using botulinum toxin A injection. CONCLUSION Hypertonicity with hip stiffness after surgical treatment of DDH differ from spontaneous recovering hip range of motion limitation and treatment can only be achieved by reduction of the muscle hypertonicity by neuromuscular junction blockage.

Cystic transphyseal bone tuberculosis: a report of two cases

We present two cases of tuberculosis osteomyelitis mimicking subacute osteomyelitis and treated without extensive debridement. Tuberculous osteomyelitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of proximal tibial infections in children and early diagnosis and treatment is possible without extensive debridement.

Bilateral First-Ray Amputation of the Foot Due to Severe Tophaceous Gout Complicated by Infection and Discharged Sinus

BACKGROUND Gout is a purine metabolism disease. Tophaceous gout may cause joint destruction and other systemic problems and sometimes may be complicated by infection. Infection and sinus with discharge associated with tophaceous gout are serious complications, and treatment is difficult. We present a patient with tophaceous gout complicated by infection and discharging sinus treated by bilateral amputation at the level of the first metatarsus. METHODS A 43-year-old man previously diagnosed as having gout, and noncompliant with treatment, presented with tophaceous gout associated with discharging sinus and infection on his left first metatarsophalangeal joint. Because of the discharging sinus associated with the tophaceous deposits, the soft-tissue and bony defects, and the noncompliance of the patient, amputation of the first ray was undertaken, and a local plantar fasciocutaneous flap was used to close the defect. After 8 months, the patient was admitted to the emergency department with similar symptoms in his right foot, and the same surgical procedure was performed. RESULTS One year after the second surgery, the patient had no symptoms, there was no local inflammatory reaction over the surgical areas, and laboratory test results were normal. CONCLUSIONS Gout disease with small tophi often can be managed conservatively. However, in patients with extensive lesions, risk of superinfection justifies surgical treatment. Results of complicated cases are not without morbidity; therefore, early surgical treatment may prevent extremity loss and further complications. In severe cases, especially with compliance issues, amputation provides acceptable results.

A facioscapulohumeralis muscularis dystrophia kezelésének multidiszciplináris megközelítése

Background and purpose Impaired shoulder function is the most disabling problem for daily life of Fascioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) patients. Scapulothoracic arthrodesis can give a high impact to the functionality of patients. Here we report our experience with scapulothoracic arthrodesis and spinal stenosis surgery in FSHD patients. Methods 32 FSHD patients were collected between 2015-2016. Demographical and clinical features were documented. All the patients were neurologically examined. The Medical Research Council (MRC) and the FSHD evaluation scale was used to assess muscle involvement1. Scapulothoracic arthrodesis and spinal stenosis surgeries were performed in eligible patients. Results There were 16 male and 16 female (mean age 34.4 years; range 12-73) patients. 6 shoulders of 4 patients aged between 2132 years underwent scapulothoracic arthrodesis (two bilateral, one left and one right sided). Only one 63 years old female patient with severe hyperlordosis had spinal fusion surgery. All of the patients undergoing these corrective surgeries have better functionality in daily life, as well as superior shoulder elevation. Conclusion Until the emergence and clinical use of novel therapeutics, surgical interventions are indicated in carefully selected patients with FSHD to improve arm movements, the posture and the quality of life of patients in general. Scapulothorosic arthrodesis is a management with good clinical results and patient satisfaction. In selected cases other corrective orthopedic surgeries like spinal fusion may also be considered.