Mustafa Karakaplan

Clinical Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Hyaluronic Acid as an Additional Therapy for Talar Osteochondral Lesions Treated with Microfracture Surgery A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Osteochondral ankle injuries commonly affect the dome of the talus, and these injuries are a common cause of athletic disability. Various treatment options are available for these injuries including intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of HA and PRP as adjunct therapies after arthroscopic microfracture in osteochondral lesions (OCLs) of the talus. Methods: In this prospective, randomized blinded study, 40 patients with talar OCLs in their ankle joints were treated with arthroscopic debridement and a microfracture technique. Thirteen randomly selected patients received PRP, 14 patients received HA, and the remaining 13 patients received saline as a control group. The participants were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) and visual analog pain scale (VAS) scores after a 15.3-month (range, 11-25 months) follow-up. Results: Postoperatively, all the groups exhibited significantly increased AOFAS scores and decreased VAS scores compared with their preoperative results (P < .005). The AOFAS scores were significantly increased in the PRP group versus the HA and control groups (P < .005), although the increased AOFAS scores in the HA group versus the control group were also significant (P < .005). Similar to the AOFAS scores, the decrease in the VAS scores was significantly lower in the PRP group versus the HA and control groups (P < .005). In addition, the HA group had significantly lower VAS scores than the control group (P < .005). Conclusion: Both PRP and HA injections improved the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent operation for talar OCLs in the midterm period and can be used as adjunct therapies for these patients. Because a single dose of PRP provided better results, we recommend PRP as the primary adjunct treatment option in the talar OCL postoperative period. Level of Evidence: Level I, prospective randomized study.

Outcomes of trochanteric femoral fractures treated with proximal femoral nail: an analysis of 100 consecutive cases

Purpose In this study, we aimed to report the results of a retrospective study carried out at our institute regarding cases of patients who had suffered proximal femoral fractures between January 2002 and February 2007, and who were treated with a proximal femoral nail. Materials and methods One hundred consecutive cases were included in the study. A case documentation form was used to obtain intraoperative data including age, sex, mechanism of injury, type of fracture according to Association for Osteosynthesis/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO/ASIF) classification and the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ (ASA) physical status classification (ASA grade). Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed at the time of admission and at the 6th week; subsequent visits were organized on the 3rd month, 6th month, and 12th month, and in patients with longer follow-up and annually postoperatively. The Harris score of hip function was used, and any change in the position of the implants and the progress of the fracture union, which was determined radiologically, was noted. Results The mean age of the patients was 77.66 years (range: 37–98 years), and the sex distribution was 32 males and 68 females. Seventy-three fractures were reduced by closed means, whereas 27 needed limited open reduction. The mean follow-up time for the study group was 31.3 months (range: 12–75 months). Postoperative radiographs showed a near-anatomical fracture reduction in 78% of patients. The Harris hip score was negatively correlated with the ASA score and patient age. No cases of implant failure were observed. Three patients died before discharge (one due to pulmonary embolism, two due to cardiac arrest), and five patients died due to unrelated medical conditions within the first 3 months of the follow-up. Conclusion Our study showed that proximal femoral nail is a reliable fixation with good fracture union, and it is not associated with major complications in any type of trochanteric femoral fracture.

Vascular pedicled iliac bone grafting is effective in patients with an early stage of femoral head avascular necrosis.

OBJECTIVES This study aims to evaluate clinical and radiological findings of a series of patients with avascular necrosis of the femur head (ANFH) treated by core decompression and vascular pedicled iliac crest grafting. PATIENTS AND METHODS This retrospective study included 26 hips of 22 patients (14 males, 8 females; mean age 36 years; range 16 to 48 years) with ANFH using the vascularized iliac bone grafting between March 2003 and July 2010 in our clinic. The main predisposing factor was steroid use in 13 patients. All patients were assessed clinically according to the Harris hip score and by radiographs by the Association Internationale de Recherche sur la Circulation Osseuse (ARCO) staging system. RESULTS The mean follow-up was 36 (range 14 to 62) months. Eleven hips (42%) had stage II and 15 hips (58%) had stage III ANFH. The mean Harris scores increased from 52 (range 31 to 63) to 82.8 (range 62 to 90) after surgery. Based on clinical outcomes, 18 hips (69%) were presented as excellent and good, while eight hips presented fair and poor. According to the ARCO staging system, satisfactory results were provided in 17 (65%) of the 26 hips. Two of four hips at preoperatively stage II progressed to stage III, two other hips to stage IV. Five hips at stage III preoperatively progressed to stage IV and these hips had to undergo hip replacement. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that core decompression and the vascular pedicled iliac bone grafting are effective in early stages of ANFH.

Posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction via tibial inlay technique in multiligament knee injuries

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to report our institutions experience regarding the use of open tibial inlay technique in patients undergoing single-stage combined posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. METHODS Records of 17 patients who underwent PCL reconstruction with tibial inlay technique were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with ipsilateral femoral or tibial osteochondral avulsion fractures or ipsilateral concomitant tibia and femur shaft fractures were excluded. Out of these 17 patients, six cases underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) + PCL reconstruction, nine cases underwent ACL+ PCL + posterolateral corner reconstruction, one case underwent ACL + PCL + MCL reconstruction and one case underwent ACL+ PCL + posterolateral corner + MCL reconstruction. Mean follow-up was 14.27±6.77 (range: 6-30) months. RESULTS In preoperative assessments, all patients had 3+ posterior laxity in posterior drawer test; at final follow-up, 6 patients had 0 laxity, 7 patients had 1+ laxity, and 4 patients had 2+ laxity (p<0.001). International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) objective evaluation showed severe disability in all patients preoperatively, whereas 5 knees were grade A, 8 knees were grade B, 3 knees were grade C, and 1 knee was grade D at final follow-up. Mean IKDC subjective score was 75.22±7.53 at final follow-up. Postoperatively, mean side-to-side difference in KT-1000 arthrometer measurement was 2.45±1.80 mm. At final follow-up, mean range of motion (ROM) was 0º on extension and 123.56±6.31º on flexion. CONCLUSION Open tibial inlay approach is beneficial during PCL reconstruction. Further study is warranted to establish its effectiveness on functional outcomes and prevention of complications.

Atmospheric Distribution of Some Trace Metals in Malatya

Air pollution is one of the greatest risks to human health and the environment world wide. As a term “Air Pollution”, readily reminds health problems associated with atmospheric sulfur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide and NOX gases, acid rain and airborne particulate material. Lead also is added to this list as it is still widely used in gasoline as an anti-knock agent and its adverse effects on human health and vegetation are well known and of continuing concern. However, several metals other than lead can also be found in ambient air and the types and concentrations of these metals are determined by the nature and position of their emission sources, as well as climatic conditions and transport characteristics of the respective metals. Notably among these are mercury and beryllium, which are considered to contribute to an increase in mortality and serious illness and thus, their presence in ambient air is monitored by the EPA (USEPA).

Endoscopic assisted retrograde release of posterior interosseous nerve: Preliminary results of a new technique

PURPOSE Open surgical release of posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) has been well defined in literature with different surgical approaches. In this retrospective study, we aimed to present outcomes of endoscopic assisted retrograde release of posterior interosseous nerve. METHODS From 2015 to 2017, 10 patients with radial tunnel syndrome and concomitant lateral epicondylitis treated endoscopic assisted retrograde posterior interosseous nerve release. RESULTS Mean follow-up time was 24,6 months. Eighty percent of the patients had excellent and good results in final follow-up using the Roles and Maudsley criteria. All of patients but one were satisfied from the surgery in terms of the symptom relief and improved functional state. CONCLUSION Our study showed that our endoscopic assisted technique could be a good alternative to open techniques. Complication rate of this new technique was similar to open techniques.

Bilateral Achilles Tendon Xanthomas in a Patient with Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis is a rare, autosomal recessive, lipid storage disease with accumulation of cholestanol in most tissues, particularly in the Achilles tendons. We described a 23-year-old female patient who had progressive painfull swelling of both Achilles tendons due to cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis. We performed surgery on both-side Achilles tendon tumors. Wide degenerative areas of the tendons were resected, and the flexor hallucis longus tendon was harvested and transferred to reconstruct motion function.

Isolated Tuberculosis of Capitate and Triquetrum

Musculoskeletal system is involved in about 20% of the patients diagnosed with tuberculosis. Although musculoskeletal tuberculosis generally affects spine and large joints (hip and knee), hand involvement of the tuberculosis is seen in 10% of the patients with musculoskeletal involvement and also isolated tuberculosis of hand or wrist is much rarer. In the following report, we discuss the case of a 23-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with isolated tuberculosis of the capitate and triquetrum bone. The patient presented with a nonhealing sinus on the left wrist joint. Imaging revealed lytic lesions of the capitate and triquetrum. The diagnosis of tuberculosis was confirmed by histopathological examination on the bone specimen obtained from the debridement and curettage. Antituberculosis therapy was started postoperatively and 1 month later, healing of the sinus was observed. There was no sign of reactivation seen at follow-up 22 months after treatment.

Comparison of lateral deltoid splitting and deltopectoral approaches in the treatment of proximal humerus fractures

BACKGROUND Fractures of the proximal humerus that limit function are quite common. The objective of this retrospective study was to compare deltoid splitting and deltopectoral approaches by using the same fixation method. METHODS Eighty-six patients who underwent surgical treatment between September 2005 and July 2011 were included into the study group. Deltoid splitting approach was used by exploring the axillary nerve on Group A patients as described by Codman, and deltopectoral approach was used on Group B patients. Group A consisted of a total of fifty-six patients of whom twenty-two were male and thirty-four were female patients, with a mean age of 62.5 years (range, 26 to 90 years). Group B consisted of a total of thirty patients of whom fourteen were male and sixteen were female patients, with a mean age of 54.8 years (range, 24 to 84 years). PHILOS plate system was utilized as an internal fixation tool in all patients. Functional results and complications of the two groups were compared using Constant scores. RESULTS It was observed that humeral head and tubercular fragment reduction were better with lateral deltoid splitting approach, and Constant shoulder scores were higher in the early stages (66.8-57.4 consecutively; p>0.05). DISCUSSION Deltoid splitting approach, especially with AO/ASIF B and C type fractures, enables reduction and plate fixing under 270 degree control of the proximal humerus without forceful retraction and soft tissue damage, providing easy access to posterior tubercular fragment. Compared to deltopectoral approach, patients treated with deltoid splitting approach achieved higher Constant scores at an earlier stage. Lateral deltoid splitting approach, by exploring the axillary nerve, is a useful surgical technique which provides an expansive and multi-dimensional control without risking the deltoid muscle function and the axillary nerve.

Early Results of Anatomic Double Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

1 Demet Pepele1, Mustafa Karakaplan2, Nurzat Elmali2, Haldun Topgul2, Metehan Ozen2 1Malatya Devlet Hastanesi Ortopedi ve Travamatoloji Klinigi, 2Inonu Universitesi Tip Fakultesi, Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji Anabilim Dali, Malatya, Turkiye Cift Demet On Capraz Bag Rekonstruksiyonu / Double Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Early Results of Anatomic Double Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction