İsmail Ağır

Nonunion of capitate due to late diagnosis in a teenager

Patient: Male, 13 Final Diagnosis: Isolated capitate bone fracture Symptoms: — Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: — Objective: Unusual clinical course Background: Carpal fractures often appear in men under the age of 40 years. Isolated fracture of the capitate without dislocation is very rare and comprises 1% of all carpal fractures. Nonunion of capitate mostly resulted from delay in diagnosis and lack of initial treatment. Case Report: We reported the case of a 13-year-old boy who had a late-diagnosed capitate fracture. We put the wrist in a short-arm cast for 3 months. After the immobilization with the cast has been finalized, range of motion and strengthening exercises were started. One year after the trauma, we saw total union of the fracture. Conclusions: Diagnosis of carpal bone fracture may be missed, especially in skeletally immature patients. To prevent late diagnosis in skeletally immature patients, early control radiography should be taken. If further examination is needed, computed tomography should be performed. We can achieve good results with cast immobilization in this age group of patients. As a result, although the author has been advised surgical treatment for nonunion of capitate fracture, conservative treatment should be considered.

Influence of number and orientation of screws on stability in the internal fixation of unstable femoral neck fractures

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to biomechanically compare 3 different cannulated screw configurations used in internal fixation of unstable femoral neck fractures. METHODS The study included 28 synthetic left femurs randomly divided into 4 equal groups. Samples in the first 3 groups were osteotomized in the basicervical region to create Pauwels Type 3 fractures. Fixation was carried out using cannulated screws. In Group 1, four screws were used including 3 in an inverted triangle configuration in parallel with the neck and the fourth screw transversely into the calcar. In Group 2, three screws were used including 2 in parallel with the neck and the third transversely into the calcar. In Group 3, three screws were used in an inverted triangle configuration in parallel with the neck. No osteotomy or fixation was carried out in Group 4. Load test was performed on all the groups and the strength of the screw fixations against axial load and their amount of relocation were measured. RESULTS Average maximum strength was 36.1 ± 3.2 N/mm2 in Group 1, 27.3 ± 4.1 N/mm2 in Group 2 and 21.9 ± 3.2 N/mm2 in Group 3. The average relocation in the line of osteotomy in the moment of average maximum stress (21.9 ± 3.2 N/mm2) was 11.5 ± 2.1 mm in Group 3, 6 ± 1.3 mm in Group 2 and 5.8 ± 1.1 mm in Group 1 (p<0.05). It was also observed that while the relocation in the moment of average maximum stress (27.3 ± 4.1 N/mm2) was 9.1 ± 1.7 mm in Group 2, the deformation under the same stress value was 9 ± 1.7 mm in Group 1 (p>0.05). CONCLUSION The use of a transverse screw in the calcar in addition to cannulated screws parallel to the neck appear to provide stability benefit in the treatment of unstable femoral neck fractures.

Comparison of straight median sternotomy and interlocking sternotomy with respect to biomechanical stability.

AIM To increase the stability of sternotomy and so decrease the complications because of instability. METHODS Tests were performed on 20 fresh sheep sterna which were isolated from the sterno-costal joints of the ribs. Median straight and interlocking sternotomies were performed on 10 sterna each, set as groups 1 and 2, respectively. Both sternotomies were performed with an oscillating saw and closed at three points with a No. 5 straight stainless-steel wiring. Fatigue testing was performed in cranio-caudal, anterio-posterior (AP) and lateral directions by a computerized materials-testing machine cycling between loads of 0 to 400 N per 5 s (0.2 Hz). The amount of displacement in AP, lateral and cranio-caudal directions were measured and also the opposing bone surface at the osteotomy areas were calculated at the two halves of sternum. RESULTS The mean displacement in cranio-caudal direction was 9.66 ± 3.34 mm for median sternotomy and was 1.26 ± 0.97 mm for interlocking sternotomy, P < 0.001. The mean displacement in AP direction was 9.12 ± 2.74 mm for median sternotomy and was 1.20 ± 0.55 mm for interlocking sternotomy, P < 0.001. The mean displacement in lateral direction was 8.95 ± 3.86 mm for median sternotomy and was 7.24 ± 2.43 mm for interlocking sternotomy, P > 0.001. The mean surface area was 10.40 ± 0.49 cm² for median sternotomy and was 16.8 ± 0.78 cm² for interlocking sternotomy, P < 0.001. The displacement in AP and cranio-caudal directions is less in group 2 and it is statistically significant. Displacement in lateral direction in group 2 is less but it is statistically not significant. Surface area in group 2 is significantly wider than group 1. CONCLUSION Our test results demonstrated improved primary stability and wider opposing bone surfaces in interlocking sternotomy compared to median sternotomy. This method may provide better healing and less complication rates in clinical setting, further studies are necessary for its clinical implications.

Functional Comparison of Immediate and Late Weight Bearing after Ankle Bimalleolar Fracture Surgery

Aim : The aim of the study is to compare immediate weight bearing with below-knee cast or immobilization with plaster splint in 6 weeks in patients after operative treatment for ankle bimalleolar fractures. Methods : Fifty-three patients with ankle bimalleolar fractures were treated operatively in 2005 to 2010 and then were randomly allocated to two groups. Immediately weight bearing in a below-knee cast (26 patients) and immobilization in a plaster splint for the first six postoperative weeks (27 patients). A mean age 37.9 (min 17; max 72). An average follow-up 26.1 months. (min 14; max 55). All fractures were classified with Lauge-Hansen classification. Functional results of both groups were evaluated with AOFAS for the postoperative one year after surgical treatment. Results : According to the AOFAS scoring system, results were excellent and good in 17 patients in group 1. On the other hand, results were excellent and good in 14 patients in group 2. Conclusion : As a result we think that weight bearing protocol should be advantaged for patients with ankle bimalleolar fractures after surgical treatment immediately.

The effect of organic silicon injection on Achilles tendon healing in rats

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a soluble absorbable silicon compound on healing of the Achilles tendon. METHODS The Achilles tendons of 21 Wistar albino rats were cut and repaired. A 0.01 ml organic silicon solution (silanol) was injected peri/intratendinously into the left leg of all rats and the same dose of saline into the right leg postoperatively. Rats were randomly divided into 3 groups for biomechanical testing on Day 10 (7 rats) and Day 20 (7 rats) and histological and immunohistochemical assessment on Day 20 (7 rats). Fibroblast cell count and diameter, tissue vascularity and blood vessel diameter were evaluated by histomorphometry. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) immunoreactivity was analyzed with immunohistochemistry on Day 20. Failure load and stiffness of the repaired tendons were measured on Days 10 and 20. RESULTS The number of fibroblasts per area, average fibroblast diameter, number of vessels parallel to collagen bundles per area and average vessel diameter were significantly higher in the organic silicon group than in the control group (p<0.05). Strong immunoreactivity of bFGF in the silicon group was detected. Failure load was significantly higher in the silicon group than in the control group on Day 10 (p=0.041). On Day 20, while a difference still existed, this difference was not significant. There was no effect of the silicon injection on stiffness of healing tendons. CONCLUSION Organic silicon appears to have a positive effect on tendon healing and is suitable for further studies on host healing response modification.

Olecranon anatomy: Use of a novel proximal interlocking screw for intramedullary nailing, a cadaver study

AIM To define the optimum safe angle of use for an eccentrically aligned proximal interlocking screw (PIS) for intramedullary nailing (IMN). METHODS Thirty-six dry cadaver ulnas were split into two equal pieces sagitally. The following points were identified for each ulna: the deepest point of the incisura olecrani (A), the point where perpendicular lines from A and the ideal IMN entry point (D) are intersected (C) and a point at 3.5 mm (2 mm safety distance from articular surface + 1.5 mm radius of PIS) posterior from point A (B). We calculated the angle of screws inserted from point D through to point B in relation to D-C and B-C. In addition, an eccentrically aligned screw was inserted at a standard 20° through the anterior cortex of the ulna in each bone and the articular surface was observed macroscopically for any damage. RESULTS The mean A-C distance was 9.6 mm (mean ± SD, 9.600 ± 0.763 mm), A-B distance was 3.5 mm, C-D distance was 12.500 mm (12.500 ± 1.371 mm) and the mean angle was 25.9° (25.9° ± 2.0°). Lack of articular damage was confirmed macroscopically in all bones after the 20.0° eccentrically aligned screws were inserted. Intramedullary nail fixation systems have well known biological and biomechanical advantages for osteosynthesis. However, as well as these well-known advantages, IMN fixation of the ulna has some limitations. Some important limitations are related to the proximal interlocking of the ulna nail. The location of the PIS itself limits the indications for which intramedullary systems can be selected as an implant for the ulna. The new PIS design, where the PIS is aligned 20°eccentrically to the nail body, allows fixing of fractures even at the level of the olecranon without disturbing the joint. It also allows the eccentrically aligned screw to be inserted in any direction except through the proximal radio-ulnar joint. Taking into consideration our results, we now use a 20° eccentrically aligned PIS for all ulnas. In our results, the angle required to insert the PIS was less than 20° for only one bone. However, 0.7° difference corresponds to placement of the screw only 0.2 mm closer to the articular surface. As we assume 2.0 mm to be a safe distance, a placement of the screw 0.2 mm closer to the articular surface may not produce any clinical symptoms. CONCLUSION The new PIS may give us the opportunity to interlock IMN without articular damage and confirmation by fluoroscopy if the nail is manufactured with a PIS aligned at a 20.0° fixed angle in relation to the IMN.

The effect of platelet-rich plasma in bone-tendon integration

BACKGROUND The operative reconstruction of a torn or insufficient anterior cruciate ligament has become a routine surgical procedure in orthopedics. The long-term success of an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction depends on the ability of the graft to heal adequately in a bone tunnel. Investigators studying reconstructions described healing within a tunnel as osseous ingrowth and incorporation. In particular, helping the healing using autologous material for the best integration process was a new idea that helped us to set up this study. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study is to show the effect of platelet-rich plasma on bone-tendon healing. MATERIAL AND METHODS Ten New Zealand rabbits were used. The study had 2 groups: (1) a study group including the right extremities of rabbits in which tendon-bone integration was strengthened by plateletrich plasma and (2) a control group including the left extremities of rabbits in which tendon-bone integration was without platelet-rich plasma. On the 56th day postoperatively, the portion of the distal femur containing the tunnel was amputated following the euthanization process for histological evaluation. RESULTS In the histological evaluation of the tendon-integrated bone segments with platelet-rich plasma, the integration of tendon in the bone was successful without any necrosis formation in most of the tissues. However, in the control group without platelet-rich plasma, the integration was distorted in many zones and some cystic morphologies were present. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study showed that using platelet-rich plasma during tendon-to-bone implantation has positive effects histologically. In the literature, many studies are available that have investigated the effect of platelet-rich plasma on anterior cruciate surgery radiologically. However, the histological findings are more reliable than radiological findings because bone-tendon integration is a biological process.

Tibial Lengthening Using a Fixator-Assisted Lengthening Plate: A New Technique

Background There are many techniques that are used for limb lengthening. Lengthening a limb over a plate is an alternative choice used in children or when using an intramedullary nail is difficult. Objectives In this study, we presented a new technique for tibial lengthening using a monolateral external fixator over a lengthening plate. Materials and Methods For tibial lengthening, a monolateral external fixator was attached to the composite bone model medially. After a corticotomy was performed, the lengthening plate was placed laterally. Three locking screws were inserted proximally, and two cortical screws were inserted into a lengthening hole that was 1 cm below the osteotomy site. We avoided contact between the screws of the lengthening plate and the pins of the external fixator. During bone lengthening with the monolateral external fixator, the screws at the lengthening hole were able to slide distally with the distal segment of the tibia to allow for tibial elongation. Two locking screws were fixed at the distal locking holes of the plate when the bone elongation was complete. The external fixator was then removed. Results The fixator-assisted lengthening plate allowed bone lengthening without malalignment. There were no mechanical problems associated with the external fixator during the lengthening process. Plate osteosynthesis was stable after the fixator was removed. There was no contact between the screws of plate and the Schanz pins of the external fixator under C-arm fluoroscopy. Conclusions The fixator-assisted lengthening plate technique helps to maintain the stability and alignment at both sides of an osteotomy during tibial elongation. It allows the early removal of the external fixator immediately after lengthening is completed. This technique can be applied in children with open physes and in patients with a narrow medullary canal who are unsuitable for limb lengthening over an intramedullary nail.

Closure of round cutaneous defects progressively with the purse string suture technique

Introduction There are many closure techniques available to cutaneous surgeons. One of them is the purse-string suture which is used to provide complete or partial closure of round skin defects. In our animal study; we closed skin defects with using subcuticular purse string suture technique by progressively cinching wound and we aim to more rapidly healing according to secondary healing. Methods After anaesthetize, we created a 4 cm diameter circular full thickness skin defect on dorsal area of rats. In group 1, subcuticular purse string suture was applied by using a nonabsorbable and monofilament suture and a sliding arthroscopic knot was applied to both ends. Arthroscopic suture was shift 1 cm forward every day. In group 2 skin defect was leaved open and daily dressing was made and in both group defect diameters were measured every day and noted. Results The skin defects were closed totally after 15 days in group 1 but in group 2 defects were reduced but still had a mean 1,5-cm diameter sircular defect. Conclusion Closing large circular wound with purse string suture and gradual tightening decreases the healing time and expand the skin tissue without using any tissue expander.

Tendon-Holding Capacities of Two Newly Designed Implants for Tendon Repair: An Experimental Study on the Flexor Digitorum Profundus Tendon of Sheep

Background: Two main factors determine the strength of tendon repair; the tensile strength of material and the gripping capacity of a suture configuration. Different repair techniques and suture materials were developed to increase the strength of repairs but none of techniques and suture materials seem to provide enough tensile strength with safety margins for early active mobilization. In order to overcome this problem tendon suturing implants are being developed. We designed two different suturing implants. The aim of this study was to measure tendon-holding capacities of these implants biomechanically and to compare them with frequently used suture techniques Materials and Methods: In this study we used 64 sheep flexor digitorum profundus tendons. Four study groups were formed and each group had 16 tendons. We applied model 1 and model 2 implant to the first 2 groups and Bunnell and locking-loop techniques to the 3rd and 4th groups respectively by using 5 Ticron sutures. Results: In 13 tendons in group 1 and 15 tendons in group 2 and in all tendons in group 3 and 4, implants and sutures pulled out of the tendon in longitudinal axis at the point of maximum load. The mean tensile strengths were the largest in group 1 and smallest in group 3. Conclusion: In conclusion, the new stainless steel tendon suturing implants applied from outside the tendons using steel wires enable a biomechanically stronger repair with less tendon trauma when compared to previously developed tendon repair implants and the traditional suturing techniques.