Mehmet Demirhan

Comparison of simple arm sling and figure of eight clavicular bandage for midshaft clavicular fractures: a randomised controlled study

Only a few randomised, controlled studies have compared different non-operative methods of treatment of mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle. In this prospective, randomised controlled study of 60 participants (mean age 31.6 years; 15 to 75) we compared the broad arm sling with the figure of eight bandage for the treatment of mid-shaft clavicle fractures. Our outcome measures were pain, Constant and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores and radiological union. The mean visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score on the first day after treatment was significantly higher (VAS 1 6.8; 4 to 9) in the figure of eight bandage group than the broad arm sling group (VAS 1 5.6; 3 to 8, p = 0.034). A mean shortening of 9 mm (3 to 17) was measured in the figure of eight bandage group, versus 7.5 mm (0 to 24) in the broad arm sling group (p = 0.30). The application of the figure of eight bandage is more difficult than of the broad arm sling, and patients experience more pain during the first day when treated with this option. We suggest the broad arm sling is preferable because of the reduction of early pain and ease of application.

Biomechanical comparison of orthogonal versus parallel double plating systems in intraarticular distal humerus fractures

Objectives In intraarticular distal humerus fractures, internal fixation with double plates is the gold standard treatment. However the optimal plate configuration is not clear in the literature. The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical stability of the parallel and the orthogonal anatomical locking plating systems in intraarticular distal humerus fractures in artificial humerus models. Methods Intraarticular distal humerus fracture (AO13-C2) with 5 mm metaphyseal defect was created in sixteen artificial humeral models. Models were fixed with either orthogonal or parallel plating systems with locking screws (Acumed elbow plating systems). Both systems were tested for their stiffness with loads in axial compression, varus, valgus, anterior and posterior bending. Then plastic deformation after cyclic loading in posterior bending and load to failure in posterior bending were tested. The failure mechanisms of all the samples were observed. Results Stiffness values in every direction were not significantly different among the orthogonal and the parallel plating groups. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in plastic deformation values (0.31 mm–0.29 mm) and load to failure tests in posterior bending (372.4 N–379.7 N). In the orthogonal plating system most of the failures occurred due to the proximal shaft fracture, whereas in the parallel plating system failure occurred due to the shift of the most distal screw in proximal fragment. Conclusion Our study showed that both plating systems had similar biomechanical stabilities when anatomic plates with distal locking screws were used in intraarticular distal humerus fractures in artificial humerus models.

Distal triceps ruptures

Distal triceps ruptures are rare injuries due to the special anatomical features of the muscle and tendon–bone junction. This injury typically occurs at the tendon–bone junction due to an eccentric contraction of the muscle. The treatment is controversial, especially in partial ruptures; surgical repair is indicated for complete ruptures of the distal triceps tendon. Several repair techniques have been described for acute complete ruptures. Chronic ruptures often require reconstruction rather than direct repair. Cite this article: Demirhan M, Ersen A. Distal triceps ruptures. EFORT Open Rev 2016;1:255-259. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.1.000038.

Latarjet procedure using subscapularis split approach offers better rotational endurance than partial tenotomy for anterior shoulder instability

PurposeLatarjet, which is a coracoid bone block procedure, is an effective treatment for anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss. During this reconstructive procedure the subscapularis may be tenotomized or be split to expose the glenoid neck. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of subscapularis management on functional outcomes and internal and external rotation durability and strength. Hypothesis is that the subscapularis split approach will result in better functional results and superior internal rotation strength and endurance.MethodsThe study included 48 patients [median age 30 (range 16–69); 42 males, 6 females], who underwent a modified Latarjet procedure for anterior shoulder instability. There were 20 patients in the subscapularis tenotomy group and 28 patients in the subscapularis split group. The groups were compared isokinetically using a computerized dynamometer for internal and external rotation durability and strength. At the latest follow-up, the patients were evaluated with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and ROWE scores for functional outcomes.ResultsAt a median follow-up period of 25 (range 12–73) months after the Latarjet procedure, the internal rotation durability was significantly higher in the split group (p = 0.045). However, a statistically significant difference could not be found for internal and external rotational strengths (n.s.). There was also no significant difference between the final ASES and ROWE scores (n.s.).ConclusionAlthough both approaches offer promising results, the subscapularis split approach appears to provide better internal rotation durability compared to subscapularis tenotomy. Therefore, the subscapularis split approach may be more preferable for the management of the subscapularis muscle during Latarjet procedure.Level of evidence Retrospective cohort study, Level III.

The effectiveness of the Latarjet procedure for shoulder instability in patients with epilepsy

INTRODUCTION Powerful contractions during epileptic seizures may cause shoulder dislocation and instability. The aim of the study is to evaluate the functional and radiographic results of the Latarjet procedure for anterior shoulder dislocation in patients with epilepsy and compare the functional results of these patients with the results of patients without epilepsy. HYPOTHESIS Is latarjet procedure effective in epileptic patients as non-epileptic patients with anterior shoulder instability? MATERIAL AND METHOD Eleven shoulders of 9 patients with epileptic seizures causing anterior shoulder instability were evaluated retrospectively. All patients had a Latarjet procedure after neurologic evaluation and treatment arrangement. Epileptic seizures after the operation and shoulder dislocation after a seizure were investigated. For functional evaluation, ROWE, ASES and Constant scores were utilized whereas standard X-ray views were used for radiologic evaluation. The results of epileptic patients with Latarjet procedure were compared with non-epileptic patients (53 patients, 54 shoulders) for anterior shoulder instability. RESULTS Three (33%) of the 9 epileptic patients had recurrent seizures after Latarjet procedure, whereas 1 of the 11 shoulders (9%) had dislocation after an epileptic seizure. Functional scores were found to be significantly improved in epileptic (P<0.001) and non-epileptic patients (P<0.001). No significant differences for functional results were found between epileptic and non-epileptic patients after Latarjet procedure for anterior instability (P>0.05). One shoulder of 11 in the patients with epilepsy group (9%) and one shoulder of the 54 shoulders non-epileptic patients group (1.8%) had a redislocation. The rate of postoperative redislocation was significantly higher in patients with epilepsy (P=0.008). DISCUSSION Epileptic patients have a high rate of recurrent seizures even with proper medical treatment. Significant functional improvements and shoulder stability may be achieved after Latarjet procedure in epileptic patients. These functional results were comparable with those of non-epileptic patients with Latarjet procedure for anterior shoulder instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III (case-control study).

Association of Medial Meniscus Extrusion With the Prominence of a Fascicular Capsulofemoral Band Subjacent to the Deep Medial Collateral Ligament

OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to test our hypothesis that a transverse oblique fascicular anteromedial capsulofemoral band partially subjacent to the deep medial collateral ligament (MCL) is more prominent in knees with medial meniscal extrusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed all knee MRI examinations from a 6-month period for the presence and dimensions of the anteromedial capsulofemoral band on coronal proton-density fat-saturated images and also for medial meniscus extrusion, which was defined as extrusion of 3 mm or greater. Edemalike signal intensity within or in the vicinity of the anteromedial capsulofemoral band, partial or complete tears of the MCL, a history of MCL surgery, or a neoplastic mass lesion violating the medial supporting structures were exclusion criteria. We reviewed procedural videos of patients who subsequently underwent knee arthroscopy. MRI of a cadaveric knee was performed and was followed by dissection and histologic examination. RESULTS MRI examinations of 346 knees of 312 patients met the inclusion criteria; of these knees, 50 had medial meniscus extrusion. The anteromedial capsulofemoral band was discernible on MRI in all knees except five (98.6%), and it was visible in six of the arthroscopy videos of 17 knees. The anteromedial capsulofemoral band was thicker on MRI of patients with medial meniscus extrusion (p < 0.0001). The anteromedial capsulofemoral band was identified on MRI and at dissection of the cadaveric knee, and histologic examination revealed that the anteromedial capsulofemoral band was a capsuloligamentous structure. CONCLUSION A transverse oblique anteromedial capsulofemoral band subjacent to the deep MCL is thicker in knees with medial meniscus extrusion.