Mustafa Erkan Inanmaz

Kyphectomy for congenital kyphosis due to meningomyelocele: a case treated with a modified approach to skin healing

This study is a case report of a meningomyelocele patient with congenital kyphosis who was treated with kyphectomy and a special approach to soft tissue healing. The objective of this study is to show a step by step approach to surgical treatment and postoperative care of a meningomyelocele patient with congenital kyphosis. In meningomyelocele the incidence of kyphosis is around 12–20%. It may cause recurrent skin ulcerations, impaired sitting balance and respiratory compromise. Kyphectomy has first been described by Sharrard. This surgery is prone to complications including pseudoarthrosis, skin healing problems, recurrence of deformity and deep infections. A 15‐year‐old male presented with congenital kyphosis due to meningomyelocele. He had back pain, deformity and bedsores at the apex of the deformity. The wound cultures showed Staphylococcus epidermidis colonisation at the apex. He was given appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis. During surgery, the apex of the deformity was exposed through a spindle‐shaped incision. After instrumentation and excision of the apex, correction was carried out by cantilever technique. Two screws were inserted to the bodies of L3 and T11. After the operation, the skin was closed in a reverse cross fashion. He was sent to hyperbaric oxygen treatment for prevention of a subsequent skin infection and for rapid healing of skin flaps post operation. The patients deformity was corrected from a preoperative Cobb angle of 135°–15° postoperative. The skin healed without any problems. Preoperative culture and appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis, spindle‐shaped incision, reverse cross‐skin closure and postoperative hyperbaric oxygen treatment can be useful adjuncts to treatment in congenital kyphosis patients with myelomeningocele to prevent postoperative wound healing and infection problems. Reduction screws and intracorporeal compression screws help to reduce the amount of screws and aid in corection of the deformity.

The use of intralaminar screws in patients with spinal deformity.

Study Design: Retrospective study. Objective: To demonstrate that intralaminar screws (ILS) can be used as supplements in spinal deformity surgery in the thoracic and lumbar levels in pediatric and adult patients. Summary of Background Data: Rigid posterior fixation of the spine is generally accomplished using pedicle screws, hooks, or wires. ILSs are useful tools when other spinal fixation techniques have failed or the bony anatomy precludes hook or screw placement. Materials and Methods: All spinal deformity patients (primary/revision) operated between 2007 and 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients with ILS were included in the study. The anteroposterior and lateral standing x-rays were evaluated in terms of preoperative and postoperative coronal and sagittal deformities. The number and level of ILS, intraoperative complications, and postoperative complications were noted. Results: There were 20 patients (12 male and 8 female). The mean age was 21.75 years. The mean follow-up period was 17.4 months. Fifty-seven ILS were inserted. Seventeen screws were used in the uppermost to lowermost levels. Forty screws were used in the middle. There was 1 lamina fracture and screw pull out (1.75%). There were 3 canal violations (corrected intraoperative) and 2 instrument prominences which required implant removal. The mean preoperative/postoperative cobb angles were 78.5 degrees/27.8 degrees and the mean preoperative/postoperative kyphosis angles were 57.2 degrees/32.5 degrees, respectively. The loss of correction was 1.2 degrees. There were no neurological deficits and no instrument failures. Conclusions: ILS are safe and effective when used in deformity correction. However, biomechanical studies and randomized controlled trials are needed to conclude whether ILS will be considered a first-line technique, or will remain a technique for salvage situations.

Convex short segment instrumentation and hemi-chevron osteotomies for Putti type 1 thoracic hemivertebrae: a simple treatment option for patients under 5 years old.

Study Design: A case series depicting the results of a novel surgical technique. Objective: To prove that a minimally invasive surgical technique can effectively control and even correct congenital scoliosis caused by a fully segmented hemivertebra. Summary of Background Data: Congenital hemivertebrae have been treated by anterior and posterior growth arrest with/without fusion, anterior and posterior hemivertebrectomy, transpedicular hemivertebra excision, and transpedicular hemiepiphysiodesis. These approaches are complex and require experience. There is a need for a simple treatment method to treat these deformities. Methods: Twelve patients under 5 years of age with Putti type1 hemivertebrae were treated by posterior convex short segment instrumentation, partial chevron osteotomies, and fusion. Scoliosis, segmental scoliosis, kyphosis, segmental kyphosis, trunk shift were measured both preoperatively and postoperatively. Results: The mean correction of the segmental curve was 6 degrees (21%) which was maintained at the latest follow-up. The average final correction of the main curve was 23%. The trunk shift was 1.8 cm (range, 1–3 cm) preoperative and 1.4 cm (range, 0–2.5 cm) at the latest follow-up. The segmental angle of kyphosis averaged 11 degrees (range, −12 to 20 degrees) preoperative, and 14 degrees (range, 0–29 degrees) at the latest follow-up assessment. The values of the total thoracic kyphosis (T2–T12) were 29.5 degrees (range, 10–46 degrees) preoperative, 31 degrees (range, 10–44 degrees) postoperative, and 32 degrees (range, 16–45 degrees) at the last follow-up resulting in a mean improvement of 2 degrees. This improvement continued at the latest follow-up with a mean increase of 3 degrees. Conclusions: Transpedicular instrumentation is ideal for early correction in young children. The new posterior approach is much less invasive than the combined approaches or other posterior vertebrectomies and is well tolerated even in very young patients. The fusion segment is kept short. The deformities seem to stop progressing and this can avoid development of severe local deformities and secondary curves.

Cohesive Taping and Short-Leg Casting in Acute Low-Type Ankle Sprains in Physically Active Patients

BACKGROUND Cohesive taping is commonly used for the prevention or treatment of ankle sprain injuries. Short-leg cast immobilization or splinting is another treatment option in such cases. To determine the clinical efficacy and antiedema effects of cohesive taping and short-leg cast immobilization in acute low-type ankle sprains of physically active patients, we performed a preliminary clinical study to assess objective evidence for edema and functional patient American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores with these alternative treatments. METHODS Fifty-nine physically active patients were included: 32 in the taping group and 27 in the short-leg cast group within a year. If a sprain was moderate (grade II) or mild (grade I), we used functional taping or short-leg cast immobilization for 10 days. We evaluated the edema and the functional scores of the injured ankle using the AOFAS Clinical Rating System on days 1, 10, and 100. RESULTS In each group, edema significantly decreased and AOFAS scores increased indicating that both treatment methods were effective. With the numbers available, no statistically significant difference could be detected. CONCLUSIONS Each treatment method was effective in decreasing the edema and increasing the functional scores of the ankle. At the beginning of treatment, not only the level of edema but also the initial functional scores of the ankle and examinations are important in making decisions regarding the optimal treatment option.

The Mechanisms of Medial Pedicle Wall Violation: Insertion Method Is as Important as Correct Cannulation of the Pedicle

A cadaver study aims to determine the mechanisms of medial pedicle wall violation after a correct cannulation of the pedicle. The study presents finding out the effect of insertion angle and insertion force on medial wall violation. We used 100 lumbar pedicles of cadavers. Special wooden blocks were produced to simulate a fixed angle fault after a correct pedicle cannulation. Pedicles were divided into 4 groups: 10-degree free drive (group 10), 15-degree free drive (group 15), 10-degree push drive (group 10P), and 15-degree push drive (group 15P). After insertion of pedicle screws, laminectomies were done and the pedicles were evaluated from the inside. Pedicle complications were more in group 10P than group 10 (P = 0.009). Medial wall fracture (P = 0.002) and canal penetration were more in group 15P than group 15 (P = 0.001). Groups 10P and 15P were similar regarding medial wall fractures but canal penetration was significantly higher in group 15P (P = 0.001). Medial wall breaches can happen after correct cannulation of pedicles. Change in insertion angle is one factor but the most important factor is the use of a pushing force while inserting a screw. The pedicle seems to be extremely tolerant to insertion angulation mistakes up to 10 degrees and tends to lead the screw into the correct path spontaneously.

Isolated dorsal approach for the treatment of neglected volar metacarpophalangeal joint dislocations

Here, we present the clinical and radiological results of three neglected volar metacarpophalangeal dislocations in 2 patients, which were treated with open reductions 10 and 24 mo after the dislocations. There was a mean of a 20° (range 10°-30°) limitation of extension and a 53.3° (range 30°-70°) limitation of flexion preoperatively. Postoperatively, there was no limitation of extension (at 8 and 12 mo) in any of the fingers. In terms of flexion, one finger had full function, one had a 10° and the last one had a 30° limitation of flexion. Two of the fingers presented anesthesia preoperatively, which improved to hypesthesia postoperatively. One finger had hypesthesia, which improved postoperatively. During surgery, a ruptured dorsal capsule was found to have interposed into the joint, making closed reduction impossible. Our experience with these two patients demonstrated that, even in neglected cases, open reduction using an isolated dorsal approach may result in satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes.

Protruded and nonprotruded subungual exostosis: Differences in surgical approach.

Background: In subungual exostosis surgery, repair of the damaged nail bed and surgical excision of the mass without damaging the nail bed is important. The ideal method of surgery is still unclear. This study is done to qualify the effects of different surgical methods on outcome measures in different types of subungual exostosis. Materials and Methods: Fifteen patients, operated with a diagnosis of subungual exostosis between January 2008 and June 2012, were evaluated. Protruded masses were excised with a dorsal surgical approach after the removal of the nail bed and nonprotruded masses were excised through a“fish-mouth” type of incision. Results: The mean age of the patients in protruded subungual exostosis group was 17.3 years (range 13-22 years) and this group consisting of seven female and two male patients. The patients were followed up for a mean of 14.1 ± 4.8 months. The mean age of the patients in the nonprotruded subungual exostosis group was 14.6 years (range 13-16 years) and consisting of six female patients. The patients were followed up for a mean of 11.6 ± 2.9 months. The results were positively affected by changing the surgical approach depending on whether or not the exostosis is protruded from the nail bed. All patients had healthy toe nails in the postoperative period without any signs of recurrence. Conclusions: In patients with a protruded subungual exostosis, the mass should be removed by a dorsal approach with the removal of the nail and injury to the nail bed should be repaired. In patients with a nonprotruded subungual exostosis, the mass should be excised through a “fish-mouth” type incision at the toe tip without an iatrogenic damage.

Using a Combination of Intralaminar and Pedicular Screw Constructs for Enhancement of Spinal Stability and Maintenance of Correction in Patients With Sagittal Imbalance: Clinical Applications and Finite Element Analysis.

Study Design:Case series and finite element analysis. Objective:To report the clinical results of using intralaminar screw-rod (ILS) constructs as supplements to regular pedicle screw (PS) constructs in “high risk for implant failure” patients and to report the results of a finite element analysis (FEA) of this new instrumentation technique. Summary of Background Data:Despite advances in surgery and implantation techniques, osteoporosis, obesity, revision surgeries, and neuromuscular conditions (such as the Parkinson disease) are challenges against achieving solid arthrodesis and maintaining correction. Additional fixation strategies must be considered in these patients. There is only one study in the literature suggesting that ILS can be used as alternative anchor points and/or to increase fixation strength in conjunction with the PSs. Materials and Methods:Five patients (3 male and 2 female) with mechanical comorbidities underwent PS+ILS to treat sagittal imbalance. In radiologic analysis, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, and sagittal vertical axis were analyzed. FEA of ILS augmentation technique were carried out.Four different models were created: (1) the full-construct model with ILS+PS 2 levels above and below the osteotomy of T10; (2) only PS 2 levels above and below T10; (3) ILS+PS 1 level above and below the osteotomy; and (4) short-segment PS with only PSs 1 level above and below the osteotomy. The stress/load distributions on the implants in vertebrae were analyzed. Results:The mean age of the patients included in this study was 41 years and the mean follow-up was 28.2 months. A total of 87 PSs and 39 ILSs were used. Both sagittal vertical axis and kyphosis angles showed significant improvements maintained at the latest follow-up. No pseudarthrosis or instrumentation failures were observed. FEA indicated that addition of ILS construct to a PS construct enabled decreased load bearing and increased implant life. Conclusions:Addition of an ILS construct to PS construct decreases osteotomy line deformation and reduces stress on pedicle fixation points, and the combination improves fixation stability over the conventional PS-rod technique.

The Comparison of The Effects Of Biomechanical Simulation in Orthesis Desing and Standard Technique on The Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: First Result

Mustafa Erkan İnanmaz, Hakan Sarman, İbrahim Engin Şimşek, Hakan Başar, Mustafa Uslu, Kamil Çağrı Köse Sakarya Tıp Fakültesi Ortopedi Ve Travmatoloji Ana Bilim Dalı, Sakarya, Türkiye Gölcük Devlet Hastanesi Ortopedi Ve Travmatoloji Kliniği, Kocaeli, Türkiye Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Fizik Tedavi Ve Rehabilitasyon Ana Bilim Dalı, İzmir, Türkiye Sakarya Eğitim Ve Araştırma Hastanesi Ortopedi Ve Travmatoloji Ana Bilim Dalı, Sakarya, Türkiye Düzce Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Ortopedi Ve Travmatoloji Ana Bilim Dalı, Düzce, Türkiye