Yavuz Saglam

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.

Total hip arthroplasty in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: Midterm radiologic and functional results

Introduction The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). Patients and methods One hundred five hips of 61 AS patients (mean age: 41.3 ± 10.2 years) who underwent THA between 1997 and 2012 were included into the study. Dorrs classification of proximal femoral geometry, acetabular protrusio, bone ankylosis, acetabular protrusion, Brooker classification of heterotopic ossification (HO), Gruen and Charnley classifications of implant loosening were used in radiographic assessments. Patients were called back to return for an additional long-term follow-up for functional assessment. Results Cementless total hip arthroplasty was used in 83 hips (79%) and cemented TKA was used in 22 hips (21%). The overall rate of aseptic loosening was 7.6% at a mean follow-up of 5.4 years. Femoral loosening was statistically similar in cemented and cementless femoral components (14% vs. 8%, p = 0.089). Acetabular component loosening was statistically higher in patients with any degree of HO (p = 0.04). Regardless of the type of femoral implant (cemented or cementless), femoral component loosening was higher in Dorrs type C patients (p = 0.005). The average pre-operative HSS was 46.6 ± 16.3, and it improved to 80.7 ± 18.7 at last follow-up (p < 0.01). Conclusion Revision incidence was similar in between ankylosed and non-ankylosed hips. While complication rates are high, significant functional improvement can be achieved after THA in patients with AS.

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.

Analysis of the cause, classification, treatment, outcome and associated injuries of pediatric pelvic ring fractures.

BACKGROUND Although pediatric pelvis fractures are relatively uncommon, long-term consequences and associated life-treating injuries often have a substantial impact for the rest of a childs life. The prognosis of pediatric pelvic fractures is better than that of the adults because of their greater elasticity, healing capacity and re-modelling. Fractures through the physis may lead to growth disturbance and/or acetabular dysplasia. Non-union is rare and mal-union is usually well-tolerated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of a single trauma center and review the literature approach to pediatric pelvic fractures. METHODS Medical records were analyzed for diagnosis, the mechanism of injury, additional injuries, treatment methods, and complications. The types of fractures were classified according to Torode and Zieg classification. Patients were called back and seen at the clinic as a last follow up visit. RESULTS Twenty eight skeletally immature patients, under the age of 12, were treated for pelvic fracture from 1997 to 2012. Mean age was 6.8±2.4 years. Three children with an unstable pelvic ring injury required pelvic external fixation. One patient died due to pelvic hemorrhage postoperatively. Mean follow up was 5.3±3.6 years. CONCLUSION Pediatric pelvic fractures are rare but life-threating injuries. Overall good or excellent long-term results can be expected in most cases with appropriate timing and treatment.

Preliminary report on amputation versus reconstruction in treatment of tibial hemimelia

OBJECTIVE Tibial hemimelia is a rare disorder characterized by the absence or hypoplasia of the tibia with associated rigidity. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the affectivity of reconstructive surgeries including centralization of the knee-ankle joints and lengthening with Ilizarov principles, as well as physical and functional results of amputation and reconstruction. METHODS This is an IRB-approved retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with tibial hemimelia who required surgery at a single institution between 1998 and 2011. Charts were analyzed for clinical and radiographical findings. At final follow-up, patients underwent physical and radiographic examination. Patients and their parents were asked to complete the SF-10™ health survey (QualityMetric Inc., Lincoln, RI, USA). RESULTS Twenty-one patients (12 male, 9 female) with 30 affected extremities were included. Mean age was 4.8±3.1 years at initial surgery. Knee level disarticulation was performed in 6 extremities of 4 patients. One patient with type III underwent transtibial amputation. Mean number of surgeries for each patient was 6.4±3.3, and mean duration of external fixator and casting was 17±6 months. Mean lengthening was 4.9±1.3 cm, and mean limb length discrepancy was 3.1±1.7 cm at 5.8±3.7 years at follow-up. SF-10™ scores were similar in disarticulated and reconstructed patients (p=0.63). All scores were significantly higher when disarticulation was performed in cases of knee instability (p<0.01). CONCLUSION When stability of the knee joint is present, treatment modality should be chosen according to the existence of the proximal tibia. Amputation should be preferred in cases of knee joint instability.

Preventing neurovascular invasion in desmoid tumors

Desmoid tumors or aggressive fibromatoses are rare, non-encapsulated, infiltrative and locally aggressive tumors originating from deep musculo-aponeurotic structures. Traditionally, preferred treatment method for desmoid tumors is wide local excision. Depending on the side and type of resection, the reported local recurrence rates range from 15 to 77%. Similarly, in our institution there is a significant recurrence rate (24%) in patients who underwent surgery for desmoid tumor. After several recurrences, amputation may be inevitable following repeating vascular and nerve reconstructions. There is a need for a nonviable barrier in order to prevent the invasion of the viable tumor to the neurovascular structures which are also viable tissues. Depending on this need, we present two cases that we used synthetic vascular graft in their operations to cover neurovascular structures in order to prevent tumor invasion. For patients who are not suitable for radiotherapy and the neurovascular structures need to be secured because of the risk of local recurrence, this method can prevent possible future invasion of vessels and nerves.

Mid-term results of pediatric vascular injured supracondylar humerus fractures and surgical approach.

The purpose of this study was to describe our experience with poorly perfused hands after supracondylar fracture of the humerus (SFH) in children and to present mid-term outcomes of a single trauma center. This is a retrospective analysis of SFH patients with vascular injuries, conducted from 2003 to 2012. Nine patients (2.1% of all SFH patients) underwent vascular reconstruction with no hand perfusion after adequate reduction and fixation at a mean age of 8.3 years (±1.8, range 4–12 years). No amputation was needed, and satisfactory elbow and hand functions were obtained. Immediate close anatomic reduction and pinning with re-evaluation of hand perfusion is mandatory for SFH patients with suspected vascular injury before vascular exploration.

Unusual localization of an aneurysmal bone cyst in ulnar coronoid process

Aneurysmal bone cysts are non-neoplastic, expansile, osteolytic tumor-like conditions. All bones may be involved, but the most commonly affected is the metaphysis of the long bones, especially the tibia, humerus and femur. We present a 13-year-old female patient with a cystic lesion with cortical continuity and a large bone cyst in the coronoid process of the ulna. The bone cyst was treated with curettage, phenol application and cement implantation following cyst debulking. Aneurysmal bone tumors are rare tumor-like conditions and localization at the coronoid process of the ulna with mechanical block of the elbow motion has yet to be reported. Debulking and curettage of the lesion and bone cement implantation are useful methods for local control of aneurysmal bone cysts.

Concomitant rhomboid-shaped tibiae and fibulae, finger-like projections, and orthopedic management in a new variant of nievergelt syndrome: A case report

Highlights • The rare Nievergelt syndrome (NS) is the most severe form of mesomelic dysplasia and is characterized by disproportionate shortness of the limbs.• The primary phenotypic characteristics include a rhomboid-shaped tibia and overgrown fibula with bony protuberances and skin dimples.• These finger-like projections and concomitant rhomboid-shaped tibiae and fibulae should be kept in mind for the NS.• The limb lengthening and deformity corrections using an external fixator could be considered in the orthopedic treatment of the NS.• A preoperative evaluation of the vascular status could prevent several postoperative complications.

Treatment of Graf Type IIa Hip Dysplasia: A Cutoff Value for Decision Making

Background: The rate of spontaneous normalization in type IIa hips is reported to be high, whereas dysplsia persists or worsens in 5%-10% of cases. Aims: To evaluate the natural course of type IIa hips using Graf’s own perspective of physiological immaturity and maturational deficit. Study Design: A single center, retrospective cohort study. Methods: This was an institutional review board-approved retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with type IIa hip dysplasia at a single institution from 2012 to 2014. All patients included in the study had hip ultrasonography at about 6 weeks and 3 months of age. To assess reliability in α and β angles, ultrasonography measurements were carried out on the same image individually by all observers. The α and β angles were used as the main outcome measurements to evaluate hip maturation at the last follow-up. A receiver operating characteristics curve was drawn at the 3 month ultrasonography to evaluate the cut-off values for α and β angles for persistent dysplasia. Results: Sixty-four patients and 88 affected hips (63% unilateral and 37% bilateral) were included. The mean age at diagnosis was 6.4±2.7 weeks. Fifty-four hips were type IIa(+) (physiologically immature) and 34 hips were type IIa(-) (maturational deficit) at the initial ultrasonography evaluation. Improvement to type I was seen in 52 type IIa(+) and 17 type IIa(-) hips. Receiver operating characteristic analyses showed that patients do well if the α angle was >55° (area under the curve: 0.86; p<0.001 for the left hip and area under the curve: 0.72; p=0.008 for the right hip). Conclusion: The cut-off α angle value of 55° on initial ultrasonography should be considered to prevent future dysplasia. An α angle <55° on the initial ultrasonography was an independent predictor of worsening sonographic findings.