Mehmet Ali Acar

Short-term functional outcomes of first metatarsophalangeal total joint replacement for hallux rigidus.

Background: Although metatarsophalangeal (MTP) arthrodesis has been advocated by many authors, implant arthroplasty appears to be successful option in advanced hallux rigidus (HR). The aim of our study was to evaluate the early results of the ToeFit-Plus prosthesis for the treatment of HR. Methods: Between December 2007 and January 2011, a total of 26 toes of 24 patients with MTP arthritis of the great toe were treated with ToeFit-Plus implant. The average follow-up time was 29.9 (range: 25 to 62) months. All patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically. Postoperative satisfaction and function were scored according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. Pain was assessed with the use of a visual analogue scale. Results: Mean preoperative AOFAS score improved from 42.7 (range: 36 to 59) to 88.5 (range: 59 to 98) at the final follow-up (P < .01). Preoperative average visual analogue scale pain scores improved from 7.4 preoperatively to 1.9 at the final follow-up (P < .01). The average MTP joint range of motion improved from 25.9 degrees preoperatively to 53.8 degrees at the final follow-up. No radiologic loosening was found, but radiolucency was observed in 2 patients with this implant. No revision was required for any of the patients during the follow-up period. Conclusions: This total first MTP joint prosthesis yielded good functional outcome and high patient satisfaction level with low early complication rate. Preservation of joint movement and good pain relief with early mobilization were the advantages of this procedure. Salvage arthrodesis remains an option if future revisions are indicated. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Clinical comparison of hook plate fixation versus extension block pinning for bony mallet finger: a retrospective comparison study.

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine whether traumatic mallet fractures had better outcomes when treated by hook plate fixation (13 patients) or extension block pinning (19 patients). We assessed outcomes using Crawford’s criteria; distal interphalangeal joint range of motion; the DASH score; and a visual analogue scale score for pain. We measured radiological parameters. No significant differences were observed in functional and clinical outcomes and in complications. Whereas the operative time was longer in the hook plate group, intraoperative fluoroscopy use, time to bone union and time to return to work were greater in the extension block group. Although the hook plate method is more technically demanding, it provides good stable reduction, earlier mobilization and an earlier return to work. The extension block pinning technique is easier and as effective but it requires greater peri-operative fluoroscopy. Level of evidence: Level III

Reconstruction of multiple fingertip injuries with reverse flow homodigital flap

AIM Hand trauma may lead to multiple fingertip defects, causing functional restrictions. We evaluated the use of reverse-flow homodigital flap reconstruction of the distal phalanx and pulp defects associated with multiple finger injuries. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated 11 male patients who presented at our emergency department (January 2011-March 2013) with multiple fingertip injuries and who were treated with a reverse-flow homodigital flap. Evaluations included age, sex, defect size, flap survival rate, complications, cold intolerance, two-point discrimination, range of motion (ROM), quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score, and return to work time. RESULTS Completely, 22 reverse-flow homodigital flaps were applied to at least two fingertip injuries at the distal phalanx. Ten flaps survived postoperatively. The exception was partial flap loss on one finger. The mean follow-up was 14.2 months. At the final follow-up, the mean static two-point discrimination value was 10.3mm. Mean ROMs of interphalangeal joints were 65.31° (distal) and 105.77° (proximal). Donor sites were covered with full-thickness skin grafts from the wrist or antecubital area. There were no complications related to the donor site and no development of cold intolerance in any finger. The mean quick DASH score was 4.12. All patients returned to work in an average of 8.3 weeks. CONCLUSIONS The reconstruction of multiple fingertip injuries with reverse-flow homodigital flaps is a safe, effective method that can be combined with other local finger flaps. These flaps can be applied to two consecutive fingers without reducing finger length or function.

Patients with black hip and black knee due to ochronotic arthropathy: case report and review of literature.

Ochronotic arthropathy is a manifestation of longstanding alkaptonuria. With increasing age, an accumulation of pigment deposits of homogentisic acid in the joint cartilage results in ochronotic osteoarthritis. We present a case of a 62-year-old female who underwent staged left uncemented total hip and right cemented total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis secondary to ochronosis.

The need for Achilles tenotomy in the Ponseti method: Is it predictable at the initiation or during the treatment?

The aim of this study was to determine whether the need for tenotomy can be predicted at the initiation or during the treatment of the clubfoot treatment according to the Ponseti method. One hundred and eight feet of 77 babies who required tenotomy and who did not were compared statistically according to the parameters of sex, side, bilaterality, presentation day, number of casts, Pirani scores, and the percentage change in Pirani scores, respectively. The mean number of casts required, the initial Pirani scores, and the percentage change in Pirani scores were significantly different between the groups that required tenotomy and the groups that did not (P=0.0001). Pirani scores at the beginning and the percentage change in Pirani scores during the treatment can be used to estimate the need for Achilles tenotomy.

Triggering of the Digits After Carpal Tunnel Surgery.

IntroductionCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and trigger finger may be seen simultaneously in the same hand. The development of trigger finger in patients undergoing CTS surgery is not rare, but the relationship between these conditions has not been fully established.The aims of this prospective randomized study were to investigate the incidence of trigger finger in patient groups undergoing transverse carpal ligament releasing (TCL) or TCL together with distal forearm fascia releasing and to identify other factors that may have an effect of these conditions. Materials and MethodThis prospective randomized study evaluated 159 hands of 113 patients for whom CTS surgery was planned. The patients were separated into 2 groups: group 1 (79 hands of 57 patients) undergoing TCL releasing only and group 2 (80 hands of 56 patients) undergoing TCL and distal forearm fascia releasing together. The age and gender of the patients, dominant hand, physical examination findings, visual analogue scale (VAS), and electromyography (EMG) results were recorded. Follow-up examinations were made at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months for all patients. We noted development of trigger finger in the surgical groups, and its location and response to treatment. ResultsThe incidence of trigger finger development was statistically significantly different between group 1 and group 2 (13.9% and 31.3%, respectively). The logistic regression analysis of factors affecting the development of trigger finger posttreatment found that the surgical method and severity of EMG were significant, whereas the effects of the other factors studied were not found to have any statistical significance. ConclusionThere was an increased risk of postoperative trigger finger development in patients undergoing TCL and distal forearm fascia releasing surgery for CTS compared to those undergoing CTL only. There is a need for further studies to support this result and further explain the etiology.

Treatment of Clubfoot With Ponseti Method Using Semirigid Synthetic Softcast.

AbstractRandomized controlled clinical trial.The main purpose of the present study was to comparatively analyze the effectiveness, advantages, and the complications of using semirigid synthetic softcast with respect to plaster of Paris (POP) during the treatment of clubfoot deformity.The study group consisted of 196 babies (249 feet). A total of 133 feet treated by an orthopedic referral center using semirigid synthetic softcast were included in group A whereas the other 116 feet treated by another orthopedic clinic using POP cast were included in group B. The Pirani scores, number of cast applications, time period until Achilles tenotomy, any skin problems due to the cast itself, and/or cast removal were recorded. A final parent satisfaction score was also obtained.The mean Pirani sores were significantly improved from the first administration to the time before Achilles tenotomy in both groups. There was no significant difference according to the number of casts applied until tenotomy. The slippage of the cast and skin lesions was significantly more common in group B. Higher parent satisfaction levels were detected in group A.Semirigid softcast has been found as superior to POP in the aspects of parent satisfaction and cast-related complication rates.

Treatment of posttraumatic cubitus varus with corrective supracondylar humeral osteotomies using the methyl methacrylate external fixator.

Background: In upper and lower extremity fractures and osteotomy fixation, the use of methyl methacrylate (MM) as an external fixator presents an alternative method. The primary aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the midterm outcome of pediatric patients who underwent corrective humeral supracondylar lateral closing-wedge osteotomy, with the external fixation system composed of MM and multiplane K-wires. Methods: Fourteen consecutive cases with cubitus varus, who underwent corrective osteotomy with a limited lateral approach stabilized with MM and the multiplane K-wires external fixator system between January 2006 and May 2010, were retrospectively evaluated. Time of union, preoperative and postoperative elbow range of motion, and humeroulnar angle were measured. Results were rated as excellent, good, or poor, according to Bellemore criteria. Results: There were a total of 6 female patients and 8 male patients with a mean age of 5.7 years (range, 3 to 9 y). The mean follow-up period was 28.2 months (range, 24 to 48 mo). The mean humeroulnar angle was (−) 18.6 degrees preoperatively, and (+) 16.3 degrees at the final follow-up. Thirteen patients were evaluated as excellent and 1 patient as good, according to Bellemore criteria. Union was seen in all patients at mean 7 weeks (range, 6 to 8 wk). Pin tract infection was observed in 1 patient and treated with oral antibiotics. Loss of correction was not observed in any patient during follow-up. Conclusions: External fixation of corrective supracondylar humeral osteotomy with MM and multiplane K-wires is a practical, effective, reliable, and cheap alternative method that can be applied. Level of Evidence: Level IV. Retrospective study.

A modified stoppa (technique) approach for treatment of pediatric acetabular fractures.

Pediatric acetabular fractures are rare, and anterior column fractures are even rarer. Generally, conservative treatment is applied. If there is displacement of more than 2 mm or findings of instability or fragments within the joint, then surgical treatment is applied. Anterior and posterior approaches may be used in surgical treatment. With pediatric patients, even greater care should be taken in the choice of surgery to be performed according to the fracture pattern to avoid postoperative triradiate cartilage damage. Therefore, minimally invasive surgery is more appropriate. We herein present a case of an acetabulum anterior column posterior hemitransverse fracture following a traffic accident, which was treated surgically using a modified Stoppa (technique) approach.

Percutaneous Release of the First Dorsal Extensor Compartment: A Cadaver Study.

Background: To evaluate the efficiency of the percutaneous 18-G needle technique in releasing the fibro-osseous sheath over the first dorsal extensor compartment of the hand. Methods: Using anatomic landmarks, percutaneous release was performed with an 18-G needle on 48 wrists of 24 cadavers. The specimens were then dissected and examined for the completeness of the first dorsal extensor compartment release and any tendon or neurovascular injuries. The tunnel length, number of abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons, presence of an intertendinous septum, and the effects of these parameters on percutaneous release were evaluated. Results: Percutaneous release was performed on all of the wrists, and the evaluation of the adequacy of release revealed 25 complete releases, 21 partial releases, and 2 missed releases. There were 19 cases of tendon complications. No neurovascular injuries were noted. The mean tunnel length was 2.66 ± 30 cm, and the mean number of tendons was 2.75 ± 0.86. A septum was present in 33.3% of cases. Tunnel length and tendon number had no statistically significant effect on release, whereas the presence of a septum was significantly associated with inadequate tunnel release and the development of tendon complications. Conclusions: Percutaneous release of the first dorsal extensor compartment using an 18-G needle was associated with high rates of incomplete release and tendon damage in the presence of an intertendinous septum. Further study is required under ultrasound guidance to determine the usefulness of percutaneous release in the first dorsal extensor compartment. Clinical Relevance: Release with a percutaneous needle tip in De Quervain’s syndrome may provide the advantages of better cosmetic results with less scar formation and an early return to work.