Serdar Yilmaz

Clinical and radiological outcomes of conservative treatment after stable post-traumatic thoracolumbar fractures in elderly: Is it really best option for all elderly patients?

Objective The purpose of this study was to research the effectiveness of conservative treatment of stable post-traumatic thoracolumbar vertebral fractures in elderly patients. Methods The study included 21 elderly patients (13 females, 8 males) with post-traumatic thoracolumbar compression fracture who were treated with a brace. Fractures without any trauma history, pathological fractures, patients younger than 60 years old and patients with no malignancy history were excluded from study. Neurological examination and posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) were intact in all patients. Radiological parameters and pain scores were recorded in regular follow-up. Results The mean age and follow-up were 71.3 years (range, 60–84 years) and 20.1 months (range, 12–26 months) respectively. During follow-up, 4 patients had significant height loss resulting in kyphotic deformity and intractable pain. There was a significant increase in the local kyphosis angle (p = 0.001) and height loss percentage (p = 0.017). At the final follow-up, the mean Denis Score of pain was 1.62 ± 0.74. Conclusion Although there is wide acceptance of conservative treatment of post-traumatic stable thoracolumbar fracture with intact PCL according to the Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score (TLICS), elderly female patients with a post-traumatic compression fracture in the junctional region are at great risk of conservative treatment failure. These patients should be well-informed about the possible complications and poor results of conservative treatment, and surgical treatment should be considered in selective cases with the informed consent of the patients.

The impact of joint line restoration on functional results after hinged knee prosthesis.

Background: Hinged knee prosthesis is an effective treatment method as a salvage procedure in marked ligamentous insufficiency and severe bone defects. Joint line determination and restoration are difficult due to large bone defects and distorted anatomy. We evaluated the impact of joint line alteration on the outcome in rotating hinge knee arthroplasty (RHKA). Materials and Methods: 35 patients who had rotating hinged knee prosthesis applied between 2008 and 2013 were evaluated in this retrospective study. The patients were studied radiologically and clinically. Five patients were lost to followup and two patients died, leaving a total of 28 (7 male, 21 female) patients for final evaluation. The average age of the patients was 66.19 ± 8.35 years (range 52–83 years). The patients were evaluated clinically with Knee Society knee and functional score and patellar score. The joint line positions were evaluated radiographically with femoral epicondylar ratio method. The outcomes were also evaluated according to age, body weight and gender. Students t-test, independent t-test, and the Wilcoxon signed rank test were used in the statistical analysis. Results: The mean Knee Society knee and functional score significantly improved from preoperative 19.52 ± 11.77 and 12.5 ± 15.66 respectively to 72.46 ± 14.01 and 70.36 ± 9.22 respectively postoperatively (P < 0.001). The mean range of motion of the knee improved from 55.95° ± 25.08° preoperatively to 92.14° ± 13.47° postoperatively (P < 0.001). Joint line position was restored in 20 patients (71.4%). Joint line alteration did not affect Knee Society Scores (KSSs) in contrast to patellar scores. Additionally, KSS was better in the patients with body mass index ≤30 at followup (P = 0.022 and P = 0.045). Conclusion: RHKA is an effective salvage procedure for serious instability and large bone defects. Restoration of the joint line improves the patellar score although it had no effect on the clinical outcome.

COMBINED INSIDE-OUT AND ALL-INSIDE TECHNIQUE IN BUCKET-HANDLE MENISCUS TEARS

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the outcomes after combined inside-out and all-inside repair technique of bucket-handle meniscus tears. Methods: A retrospective review was made of patients with bucket-handle meniscus tears repaired with combined techniques, using the all-inside technique in posterior meniscal tears and the inside-out technique in the middle part of the meniscal tears. Meniscal healing was assessed clinically using Barretts criteria and MRI. Results: The study comprised 52 patients with a mean age of 28.4 years old (range, 19-52 years old). The mean follow-up period was 31.3 months (range, 24-59 months). Two patients had ACL re-rupture, and complete meniscal healing was achieved in all but one patient. Although improved from preoperative status, Tegner and Lysholm scores were lower in the ACL reconstructed patients than in the intact ACL patients. Conclusion: Combined inside-out and all-inside meniscal repair technique is a successful and cost-effective treatment method in bucket-handle meniscus tears. Level of Evidence IV, Therapeutic Study.

An Overlooked Deformity in Patients with Hallux Valgus Tailor's Bunion.

BACKGROUND Tailors bunion is a deformity of the fifth toe, and its concomitance with hallux valgus (HV) is defined as splayfoot deformity. Treatment is focused on the HV deformity in splayfoot, and the tailors bunion deformity can be overlooked. The frequency of HV concomitant with tailors bunion in splayfoot has not been reported in the literature. METHODS A retrospective evaluation was performed to detect the existence of tailors bunion deformity in 203 patients (376 feet) treated for HV. Standing anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were used in the radiologic evaluation. Fallats classification was used to grade tailors bunion. Surgery for HV was applied to 86 patients (136 feet), and conservative treatment was applied to 117 patients (240 feet). Mean follow-up was 28.3 months (range, 18-42 months). Clinical evaluation was by American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. RESULTS Of the 376 feet with HV, 28 (7.4%) had tailors bunion, of which 17 (60.7%) were overlooked according to the surgery criteria for tailors bunion. In the HV surgery group, there were no differences in preoperative mean AOFAS scores according to concurrence with tailors bunion, but postoperative AOFAS scores were low in patients with accompanying tailors bunion (P < .001). In the conservative group, no differences were determined in mean AOFAS scores according to tailors bunion. CONCLUSIONS Tailors bunion deformity sometimes goes undiagnosed in patients with treated HV. This deformity must be kept in mind for patients with HV to improve clinical results.

Tibial baseplate fracture associated with polyethylene wear and osteolysis after total knee arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION Fracture of the tibial baseplate following total knee arthroplasty is very rare given the developments in modern prosthesis design. Tibial baseplate fracture secondary to polyethylene wear, osteolysis and component malalignment in an elderly obese patient is reported in the present article. PRESENTATION OF CASE A 69-year-old woman had undergone total knee arthroplasty eleven years prior to presentation and reported nine months of chronic pain, which was caused by a neglected fracture of the baseplate. DISCUSSION We discuss the prevention of implant fracture after total knee arthroplasty and address the risk factors associated with this complication. CONCLUSION The present case emphasizes the importance of properly informing patients and encouraging them to report such complaints immediately to allow for early revision and prevention of component fracture, especially in patients with risk factors such as obesity and component, malalignment.

Chronic Expanding Hematoma in the Popliteal Fossa after Pseudoaneurysm Surgery because of Nail Puncture

Hematomas caused by surgery or trauma that persist and expand slowly for more than a month are defined as chronic expanding hematomas (CEH). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful for the diagnosis. Total excision with the pseudocapsule is the treatment method. Pseudoaneurysms result from arterial wall disruptions and can be mistaken for CEH. We present a rare case report of a 45-year-old man with a large, painful swelling in his left popliteal fossa. He had a puncture wound by a nail 11 years ago and a gradually expanding mass occurred in his popliteal fossa. A pseudoaneurysm was detected and operated a year later. After surgery, a gradually expanding mass recurred in his popliteal fossa. On the arteriography, the popliteal artery was occluded and the blood flow was maintained with collateral vessels. On MRI, an enormous swelling of 115 × 107 × 196 cm in diameter was seen. It was diagnosed as CEH and was excised completely protecting the collateral vessels and there was no recurrence after a year from the surgery.

Acromioclavicular reconstruction using hook plate and anterior tibial tendon allograft with triple tunnel: The early results of revision surgery using a novel surgical technique.

In this study, a new modified surgical technique is presented for anatomic acromioclavicular (AC) joint reconstruction made by the application of anterior tibialis tendon autograft, three-way tunnel (two clavicular and one coracoid) and hook plate. The study is aimed to evaluate the post-operative short-term results of patients who underwent this treatment. A total of 11 patients underwent AC joint reconstruction because of persistent AC subluxation. In this reconstruction, a triple tunnel was made between the coracoid and the clavicle to anatomically restore the coracoclavicular (CC) ligament and an allograft was passed through the tunnels resembling conoid and trapezoid ligaments. The tendon had to be non-weight bearing at the appropriate tension to provide rapid and appropriate integration of the tendon in the tunnel. This was maintained by applying a hook plate. The hook plate method was used to protect the reconstructed ligament during the healing process as it has a similar hardness to that of the natural AC joint and provides rigid fixation. For a more comprehensive description of the technique, a cadaver demonstration was also performed. The mean follow-up period was 25.3 months (range: 18-34 month). None of the patients had a loss of reduction at the final follow-up. When the constant scores were examined, of the total 11 patients, 2 (18.2%) 38,39 had excellent results, 6 (54.5%) had good results and 3 (27.3%) had fair results. It can be seen that this newly described reconstruction technique has successful short-term results as an anatomic method and can be used effectively in revision cases. However, there is a need for further biomechanical and clinical studies to make comparisons with other techniques.

Are metric parameters sufficient alone in evaluation of the patellar instability? New angular measuring parameters: The trochlear groove–patellar tendon angle and the trochlear groove–dome angle

Purposes: When the evaluation of patellar instability is examined from the aspect of the conical-cylindrical anatomy of the tibia, metric measurement parameters such as the tuberositas tibia (TT)–trochlear groove (TG) and patellar tendon (PT) insertion–trochlear groove (TG) distances are not sufficient. We asked whether defined angular parameters reveal the rotational movement of the tuberositas tibia on the tibia shaft, additional to the metric parameters and there is a correlation between the metric and angular parameters. Methods: 19 patients with patellar instability and 22 patients without patellar instability were evaluated. For all patients, two angle and three length parameters were evaluated on the slices taken. Evaluations were made of the TT-TG, the midpoint of the PT insertion-TG distances, the anatomic midpoint of the dome of the TT-TG, the TG-PT angle, and the TG-dome angle (DA). The Pearson correlation test was used for the statistical analysis of correlations between groups. Results: A statistically significant increase was determined in the patellar instability group in the TG-DA and TG-PT angle values compared to the group without patellar instability (p < 0.05). In both groups, a positive and strong correlation was determined between the TT-TG and the TG-PT and dome of the TT-TG distances, but no statistically significant correlation was determined between the tuberositas TT-TG and TG-PT angle and TG-DA. Conclusion: Metric parameters may not be sufficient alone in the evaluation of patellar instability. Metric parameters should be supported by additional angular parameters which reveal the rotational movement of the TT on the tibia shaft.

Fracture of the cemented femoral component following hemiarthroplasty in physically active patient: A case report

Introduction: Fracture of the femoral stem following hip arthroplasty has become very rare since the developments in modern prosthetic designs. Prevention by identifying the risk factors is the best way to overcome these complex problems, as treatment is difficult. Case Report: Femoral component fracture after cemented hemiarthroplasty in a physically active 64-year-old, male patient is reported in this present article. Conclusion: The present case emphasizes the importance of preserving the joint after hip fracture and avoidance of using mono block prosthesis in younger patients. If the patient is physically active, he/she should be advised to limit her/his daily activities to moderate intensity after hemiarthroplasty surgery.

An Unexpected Complication of Hip Arthroplasty: Knee Dislocation

An increasing number of patients with hip fracture have been seen with osteoporosis associated with osteoarthritis. Although knee dislocation is related to high-energy trauma, low-grade injuries can also lead to knee dislocation which is defined as “ultra-low velocity dislocation.” The case reported here is of an 82-year-old patient who presented with a left intertrochanteric hip fracture. Partial arthroplasty was planned because of osteoporosis. In the course of surgery, degenerative arthritic knee was dislocated during the hip reduction maneuver with the application of long traction. The neurovascular examination was intact, but the knee was grossly unstable and was dislocated even in a brace; thus a hinged knee prosthesis was applied nine days after surgery. The patient was mobilized with crutches after the knee prosthesis but exercise tolerance was diminished. In conclusion, it should be emphasized that overtraction must be avoided during the hip reduction maneuver in patients with advanced osteoarthritic knee.