Ufuk Nalbantoglu

The use of screw at the fracture level in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures.

Study Design In this prospective randomized study, the results of treating unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures by pedicle instrumentation with and without fracture level screw combination were given. Objective Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of fracture level screw combination in achieving and maintaining correction in the treatment of unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures. Summary of Background Data Most authors reported that intraoperative correction of sagittal deformity is important for the maintenance of fracture reduction and is one of the most consistent predictor of satisfactory functional outcome. Methods Seventy-two patients with unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures were randomized into 4 groups with equal number of patients. In group 1, patients were treated by segmental posterior instrumentation with 2 levels above and 2 levels below the fracture level fixation, in group 2 they were treated as in group 1 with fracture level screw incorporation. In group 3, patients were treated by short-segment posterior instrumentation with 1 level above and 1 level below, in group 4 they were treated by short-segment posterior instrumentation with fracture level screw incorporation. Clinical and radiologic parameters were evaluated before surgery, after surgery, and at follow-up. Results The average follow-up was 50 months. Fracture level screw combination provided better intraoperative correction and maintenance in the treatment of unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures, which was more prevalent in short-segment fixation group. Conclusions Reinforcement with fracture level screw combination can help to provide better kyphosis correction and offers immediate spinal stability in patients with thoracolumbar burst fracture.

Arthroscopic repair of radial lateral menicus tear by double horizontal sutures with inside–outside technique

The purpose of this prospective study is to report the outcome of arthroscopic repair of radial lateral meniscus tears at the junction of the anterior horn and body. Five patients with an average age of 27 years were treated. The repair was performed with double horizontal sutures by inside-out technique, using zone-specific, curved cannulae with no enhancement technique. A mean of 2.4 superior and 2.8 inferior stitches were performed. Reduction was obtained in all cases. Patients were evaluated using Lysholm functional knee scores. All patients were clinically and radiologically examined using MRI to assess meniscus integrity at the repair site, over an average follow-up period of 31 months. All patients were able to return to their former level of activity. In all cases, MRI showed a fully healed meniscus at the repair sites, with no further disruption of the debrided area. The mean Lysholm scores improved from 62 preoperatively to 94 postoperatively. The difference between preoperative and postoperative values was found to be statistically significant (p=0.029). No cases of postoperative extra or intra-articular complications were encountered. We found that repairing rather than resecting radial lateral meniscus tears that extend into capsular zone, improves activity level.

Capitellar cartilage injuries concomitant with radial head fractures.

PURPOSE To evaluate the incidence and types of capitellar cartilage injuries associated with higher-grade radial head fractures. METHODS Fifty-one consecutive patients with operatively treated, unstable, displaced Mason type II to III radial head fractures were identified. Ten of 51 patients had capitellar cartilage injuries concomitant with these fractures. All cartilage injuries were identified at the time of surgery except in 1 patient whose injury was determined via computed tomography. There were 8 men and 2 women with an average age of 33 years (range, 24-39 years). Lesions were seen with direct inspection and recorded by location, size, and thickness. RESULTS The incidence of capitellar chondral lesions concomitant with operatively treated Mason type II to III radial head fractures appeared in 10 of 51 patients. The average size was 5 x 5 mm (range, 2 x 2 mm to 10 x 10 mm). Four patients had Mason type II and 6 had Mason type III radial head fractures. The average surface of the cartilage injury was 6 x 7 mm (range, 3 x 6 mm to 10 x 10 mm) for Mason type II fractures and 4 x 4 mm (range, 2 x 2 mm to 5 x 10 mm) for Mason type III fractures. Two Mason type III fractures had full-thickness cartilage lesions, and 4 Mason type III fractures had partial-thickness cartilage lesions. Two Mason type II fractures had full-thickness cartilage lesions and the other 2 had partial-thickness cartilage lesions. CONCLUSIONS Capitellar cartilage lesions frequently occurred concomitantly with higher-grade radial head fractures. The incidence of these lesions increased with greater severity of radial head fractures. Low-grade radial head fractures created higher-grade cartilage lesions as the intact radial head can cause more damage to the capitellum. Careful evaluation of the joint should be performed for these subtle injuries. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic IV.

Comparison of palmar locking plate and K-wire augmented external fixation for intra-articular and comminuted distal radius fractures

OBJECTIVES This study was designed to compare the results of palmar locking plate and K-wire augmented external fixation in the treatment of intra-articular comminuted distal radius fractures. METHODS The study included 30 patients with intra-articular comminuted distal radius fractures. Sixteen patients (11 men, 5 women; mean age 49 ± 16 years) underwent open reduction and palmar locking plate fixation, and 14 patients (11 men, 3 women; mean age 35 ± 10 years) underwent closed reduction and K-wire augmented external fixation. In both groups, eight patients had accompanying injuries. According to the AO/ASIF classification, there were four C1, 10 C2, and two C3 fractures in the locking plate group, and three C1, eight C2, and three C3 fractures in the external fixation group. For functional assessment, joint range of motion and grip strength were measured. The patients were assessed using the Gartland-Werley scale. Subjective functional assessment was made using the QuickDASH scale. On final radiographs, the presence of osteoarthrosis in the radiocarpal joint was assessed according to the Broberg-Morrey criteria. The follow-up period was at least 12 months (26.1 ± 6.1 months in the locking plate group, and 62.7 ± 16.8 months in the external fixation group). RESULTS Wrist flexion (p=0.012) and supination (p=0.003) degrees at final follow-up were significantly greater in the locking plate group. Other range of motion parameters were similar in the two groups. On final radiographic measurements, there were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to losses in palmar angulation, radial length, and radial inclination, and change in ulnar variance. The mean Gartland-Werley scores did not differ significantly (2.4 ± 2.4 with plate fixation, and 2.0 ± 2.8 with external fixation; p>0.05). The results were excellent in 11 patients (68.8%) and good in five patients (31.3%) with plate fixation. The results of external fixation were excellent in 11 patients (78.6%), good in two patients (14.3%), and moderate in one patient (7.1%). The mean QuickDASH scores and time to return to work were similar in patients treated with a locking plate and external fixator (QuickDASH score 2.4 ± 3.0 and 2.9 ± 5.4; 1.9 ± 0.5 months and 2.1 ± 0.7 months, respectively; p>0.05). The mean loss of strength compared to the healthy side at final follow-up was 3% in the locking plate group, and 5% in the external fixation group. Radiographic findings of stage 1 osteoarthrosis were observed in four patients (25%) in the plate group, and in 11 patients (78.6%) in the external fixation group. There were no complications in the locking plate group. In the external fixation group, two patients (14.3%) had regional pain syndrome, three patients (21.4%) had superficial pin and wire tract infections, and one patient complained of adherence at entry sites of the fixator. Overall, nine patients (64.3%) expressed dissatisfaction with the external fixator. CONCLUSION Our results showed no superiority between the two treatment methods with respect to objective and subjective tools of evaluation. Palmar locking plate fixation was associated with full patient satisfaction. K-wire augmented external fixation can be used as a safe method in selected cases in which the severity of distal radius fracture would not allow palmar locking plate fixation.

Effect of mitomycin-C on post-operative adhesions in tendon surgery: an experimental study in rats.

We investigated the effect of mitomycin-C on the reduction of the formation of peritendinous fibrous adhesions after tendon repair. In 20 Wistar albino rats the tendo Achillis was cut and repaired using a modified Kessler technique. The rats were divided into two equal groups. In group 1, an injection of mitomycin-C was placed between the tendon and skin of the right leg. In group 2, an identical volume of sterile normal saline was injected on the left side in a similar fashion. All the rats received mitomycin-C or saline for four weeks starting from the day of operation. The animals were killed after 30 days. The formation of peritendinous fibrous tissue, the inflammatory reaction and tendon healing were evaluated. The tensile strength of the repaired tendons was measured biomechanically. Microscopic evidence of the formation of adhesions and inflammation was less in group 1. There was no significant difference in the tensile load required to rupture the repaired tendons in the two groups. Mitomycin-C may therefore provide a simple and inexpensive means of preventing of post-operative adhesions.

[Open reduction and low-profile plate and/or screw fixation in the treatment of phalangeal fractures].

OBJECTIVES We evaluated the functional results and the effectiveness of open reduction and low-profile plate and/or screw fixation in the treatment of phalangeal fractures. METHODS The study included 17 patients (5 women, 12 men; mean age 33 + or - 10 years; range 17 to 48 years) with closed, nonarticular phalangeal fractures. One patient had two phalangeal fractures. There were 14 proximal and four mid phalangeal fractures, including seven oblique, four spiral, one transverse, and six comminuted fractures. The mean duration from injury to surgery was 2.6 + or - 2.9 days (range 0 to 11 days). Following open reduction, seven fractures were treated with a mini plate and screws, and 11 fractures with mini screws. For functional evaluations, total active motion (TARM) and grip strength were measured and the Q-DASH (Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) questionnaire was administered. The mean follow-up was 35 + or - 20 months (range 12 to 75 months). RESULTS Union was obtained in all the patients in a mean of 4.5 months. At final assessments, TARM ranged from 160 degrees to 260 degrees (mean 200 + or - 39.5 degrees ), showing excellent, good, and moderate results in six fingers (33.3%), five fingers (27.8%), and seven fingers (38.9%), respectively. An excellent or good TARM was obtained in eight fingers (72.2%) treated with mini screws, and in three fingers (42.9%) treated with plate-screw fixation. The mean grip strength decreased by 7.5% (range 0 to 20%) on the affected side. The mean Q-DASH score was 3.4 + or - 4.4. According to the classification of complications proposed by Page and Stern, seven major (38.9%) and six minor (33.3%) complications were seen. Two patients (11.1%) had delayed union. CONCLUSION Our findings do not justify open reduction and low-profile plate and/or screw fixation as the first choice in the treatment of phalangeal fractures. If plate and screw fixation is necessary, the most minimally invasive method such as screw fixation should be preferred.

Technique of Kirschner wire reduction and fixation of displaced two-part valgus angulated proximal humerus fractures at the surgical neck.

Summary: This article describes the technique of closed reduction with percutaneous fixation using Kirschner wires in helping the reduction of two-part valgus angulated and displaced proximal humerus fractures at the surgical neck. Traditional open reduction may lead to more accurate anatomic reduction; however, extensive tissue dissection increases the risk of avascular necrosis. Thus, closed reduction of unstable fracture mostly required forceful reduction maneuvers, which can harm the vascular supply and increase hematoma formation. Reduction of the fractured sides can easily be performed by engaging Kirschner -wires with a joystick method and fixation can be secured by using threaded pins. Thirty-six consecutive patients with displaced, two-part, valgus-angulated proximal humerus fractures at the surgical neck were treated by this method. The patients were followed for an average of 38 months. All fractures healed. According to the Constant scoring system, 21 patients (58%) had excellent, 9 patients (25%) had good, and 6 patients (17%) had fair results. The technique of closed reduction with a joystick method and percutaneous fixation is regarded as a reasonable treatment alternative in displaced two-part valgus angulated proximal humerus fracture.

Fibro-Osseous Pseudotumor of the Digits: A Rare Tumor in an Unusual Location

Fibro-osseous pseudotumor of the digits (FOPT) is a rare benign lesion of the hand. When FOPT originates in an unusual anatomic region (other than the digits), it can imitate a malignant neoplasm, and consequently surgical treatment can be improper. This report describes a case of FOPT that developed in an unusual anatomic region: the first dorsal-extensor compartment of the wrist.

[Treatment of metacarpal fractures with open reduction and low-profile plate and screw fixation].

OBJECTIVES We evaluated functional results and effectiveness of open reduction and low-profile plate fixation for the treatment of low-severity metacarpal fractures. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 50 metacarpal fractures of 43 patients (37 men, 6 women; mean age 31+/-9 years; range 17 to 52 years) who were treated with open reduction and low-profile plate fixation. Fractures of the first metacarpal were excluded. There were 26 oblique, 12 transverse, and 12 comminuted fractures. Three fractures were open. Objective assessment included total active motion (TARM) and grip strength. Subjective assessment was made using the Turkish version of the Quick-DASH scale. Radiographic evaluations were made on anteroposterior/lateral and oblique roentgenograms. Complications were classified as major or minor according to the Page-Stern system. The mean follow-up was 62.2+/-24.8 months (range 12 to 96 months). RESULTS At final evaluations, the mean TARM was 220.5+/-43.9 degrees (range 30 degrees to 260 degrees ). The results were excellent in 25 patients (58.1%), good in 12 patients (27.9%), fair in five patients (11.6%), and poor in one patient (2.3%). The mean loss of grip strength was 5.2+/-7.3%. The mean Quick-DASH score was 2.0+/-2.8 (range 0 to 11). All fractures were united. Ten patients had major complications (23.2%), which included extensor tenosynovitis and plate-related discomfort requiring plate removal in four patients (9.3%), and less than 180 degrees of TARM in six patients (14%). CONCLUSION Low-severity metacarpal fractures can be treated successfully with open reduction and low-profile plate fixation, allowing early and safe functional use.

A positioning technique for closed intramedullar nailing of tibia fractures.

BACKGROUND We described a method of positioning the patient on the standard operation table that enables manual traction and equipment that is available in almost all operating theaters and compared it with regular positioning technique. METHODS Eighty two patients with unstable unilateral tibia fractures were evaluated and treated in the authors clinic between July 2002 and June 2006. The average age of the patients was 40.6 (29-65) years. The surgical indications included uncomplicated closed fractures, fractures in patients with multiple injuries, and inability to maintain a satisfactory closed reduction. Forty-two fractures that were operated with the new technique and meet these criterias were included in the study. All operations were performed on normal operation tables. RESULTS There was not any case of failure related with the nailing and the presented positioning technique. Intraoperative reduction was achieved with closed method in all patients. In 10 patients, satisfactory reduction was achieved with the help of polar screws in 2 patients and cable system in 8 patients. Anatomic reduction was obtained in the rest of 32 patients. There were no cases of compartment syndrome diagnosed postoperatively in both injured and uninjured side. There were also no neurologic complications and postoperative infection formation related to surgery. CONCLUSION The advantages of this technique is that, it allows precise reduction, control of rotation, and easy imaging access, without increasing operating or screening time and complication.