PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Laminectomy with fusion (LF) is commonly performed with laminoplasty (LP) for cervical myelopathy. Foraminal stenosis is important in the surgical treatment of cervical myelopathy. LF and LP can aff...PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Laminectomy with fusion (LF) is commonly performed with laminoplasty (LP) for cervical myelopathy. Foraminal stenosis is important in the surgical treatment of cervical myelopathy. LF and LP can affect foraminal size in different ways. This study aimed to compare foraminal dimensions after LF and LP using a medical computer-assisted design (CAD) program. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) scans of the cervical vertebrae of 16 patients with cervical myelopathy were retrospectively viewed in the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine format on a CAD program. CT images were reformatted in an oblique plane perpendicular to the long axis of each foramen from C2-C3 to C6-C7. The narrowest foraminal crosssectional dimension (FCD) was measured and compared between the LF and LP groups at the operated, non-operated, and C4-C5 levels. The difference between the preoperative and postoperative FCDs was also calculated and compared between the operated and C4-C5 levels. Intra- and interobserver reliabilities for FCD measurements were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: At the operated spinal levels, the LF and LP groups showed decreased and increased mean FCDs, respectively. At the adjacent non-operated levels, the mean FCD slightly increased in both the groups. In the LF group, the difference between the preoperative and postoperative FCDs in the C4-C5 levels was larger than that in the other operated levels, but this difference was insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: LF and LP showed contrary results for FCD. Therefore, FCD and kyphosis should be considered for LF and LP. KEY WORDS: three-dimensional, foraminal cross-sectional dimension, laminoplasty, laminectomy fusion, computer-aided design, drafting system, preoperative-postoperative comparison.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This manuscript aims to identify an indication algorithm for the surgical treatment of radial head fractures associated with elbow dislocation. The study compares the mid-term functional outcomes of...PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This manuscript aims to identify an indication algorithm for the surgical treatment of radial head fractures associated with elbow dislocation. The study compares the mid-term functional outcomes of patients with multifragment radial head fracture treated by resection with the outcomes of patients treated with radial head replacement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cohort of 34 patients who sustained a radial head fracture at the mean age of 42.5 years (age range 20-81 years) was broken down into two groups by type of surgery. The EXT group consists of 20 patients with the radial head fracture treated by radial head resection. The END group includes 14 patients treated with the radial head replacement. In all patients, the radial head fracture was associated with elbow dislocation (type IV fracture according to the Mason-Johnston classification). The modified Kocher's surgical approach was used in all patients of both the groups. In the EXT group, resection of the fragmented radial head was performed. In the END group, the ExploR® Modular Radial Head System (Zimmer, Biomet, USA) was used, consisting of a CoCr (cobalt chromium) alloy head and a titanium stem. The pain and the range of motion of the elbow and forearm were evaluated after the completion of the outpatient rehabilitation (the mean follow-up period was 2.4 years). Simultaneously, the elbow joint stability was assessed. Radiographs were taken to detect heterotopic ossifications, proximalization of the radius, and any signs of prosthesis loosening. The frequency of reoperations was followed-up. The MEPS (Mayo Elbow Performance Score) was calculated. RESULTS: In the EXT group, the mean elbow flexion was 117.5° and the mean pronation/supination was 166.9°. In 50% of patients, the MEPS obtained was greater than 90 points, which means an excellent functional outcome. In 1 patient (5%), recurrent elbow dislocation occurred which was the reason for revision surgery (elbow transfixation with the Kirschner wires and medial collateral ligament suture). Revision surgery was also performed in 2 patients (10%) in whom not all the radial head fragments were removed. Moreover, also observed was elbow joint instability (2 patients) and temporary radial nerve paralysis (1 patient). In 1 case discrete proximalization of the radius developed. The patients in the END group showed the mean elbow flexion of 112° and the mean pronation/supination of 135°. The MEPS obtained from 69% of patients was greater than 90 points, which means an excellent outcome. The pain under load was reported by 3 patients (21%). In 5 patients (35%), the X-rays showed radiolucent zone around the stem of the prosthesis. Neither revision surgery, nor prosthesis removal has been performed yet in any patient. No instability, neurological complications or infections have been reported. In both EXT and END group heterotopic ossifications have developed in 4 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Radial head replacement compared to the radial head resection in the management of multifragment fractures associated with elbow dislocations increase the elbow and forearm stability. The group of patients with an implanted radial head prosthesis shows a higher percentage of patients achieving excellent functional outcome than the group of patients with radial head resection. KEY WORDS: radial head, elbow, fracture, dislocation, resection, prosthesis.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Our study aims to compare the results of preoperative radiography and intraoperative visual assessment of the cartilage with histological assessment of joint surfaces of the medial and lateral compa...PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Our study aims to compare the results of preoperative radiography and intraoperative visual assessment of the cartilage with histological assessment of joint surfaces of the medial and lateral compartments resected in patients during the total knee replacement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cohort included 20 patients (9 men and 11 women) with the mean age of 66.6 (±7.0) years who met the inclusion criteria of the study. Degenerative changes of the knee joint seen on a preoperative weight-bearing anteroposterior X-ray were evaluated according to the Kellgren-Lawrence grading system separately for the medial and lateral compartment. Based on the visual appearance, the condition of articular surfaces was assessed using the International Cartilage Repair Society Score (ICRS Grade). The histological assessment of degenerative changes was conducted by a pathologist with the use of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International Osteoarthritis Cartilage Histopathology Assessment System based on six grades of articular cartilage degeneration. RESULTS: The mean degree of degenerative changes based on the radiological classification was assessed as 3.5 (±0.6) for the medial compartment and 2.1 (±0.4) for the lateral compartment. The visually assessed chondropathy according to the ICRS Grade was 3.7 (±0.6) for the medial femoral condyle and 1.8 (±1.0) for the lateral femoral condyle. The histological score obtained using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International Osteoarthritis Cartilage Histopathology Assessment was 4.9 (±1.1) for the medial femoral condyle and 2.4 (±0.7) for the lateral femoral condyle. In respect of the medial compartment, there was no statistically significant parametric correlation between the intraoperative visual assessment of the cartilage degeneration and the preoperative radiological grade r = 0.45. The histological assessment showed a statistically significant concordance both with the degree of chondropathy r = 0.76 and the radiological grade r = 0.64. In the lateral compartment, the parametric test showed a statistically significant concordance only between the radiological grade and the histological score r = 0.72. The correlation between the visual assessment of chondropathy and the radiological grade r = 0.27 as well as the histological score r = 0.24 was very low. DISCUSSION: In our cohort assessing the early degenerative changes of the lateral compartment as well as the more advanced degenerative changes of the medial compartment, the correlation between the intraoperative assessment of cartilage degeneration as a diagnostic method to examine the lateral compartment and the preoperative radiological grade was not confirmed. Our results failed to confirm a better reporting value of the visual cartilage degeneration assessment of the lateral compartment as against the preoperative X-ray. The space width without narrowing on an X-ray has no reporting value for this compartment in case of varus deformity. CONCLUSIONS: The results clearly indicate that the assessment of macroscopic appearance of the cartilage degeneration during arthroscopy does not necessarily guarantee good long-term clinical outcomes after high tibial osteotomy. The respective degrees of cartilage degeneration identified during the intraoperative visual assessment and the radiological grading of osteoarthritic changes did not correlate in either compartment. In the lateral compartment, the initial radiological and histological findings preceded the visually detectable cartilage changes. KEY WORDS: knee, cartilage, osteoarthritis, radiology, histology, arthroscopy, osteotomy.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Managing bone tumours is complex, relying on limited evidence, expert opinions, and retrospective reviews. Multidisciplinary approaches and early diagnosis are crucial for better outcomes, especiall...PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Managing bone tumours is complex, relying on limited evidence, expert opinions, and retrospective reviews. Multidisciplinary approaches and early diagnosis are crucial for better outcomes, especially in young patients with growing skeletons. The aim of this systemic review and meta-analysis is to give a comprehensive review of common malignant tumors affecting long bones in children and adolescents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A PubMed/Medline search for "primary malignant long bone tumours in children" initially retrieved 1120 papers, which were subsequently narrowed down to 110 articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. These articles were reviewed, focusing on clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, treatment options, surgical planning, and variations in presentation, including rare tumours. The two most commonly reported tumours were osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma, leading to the division of studies into five groups. The inclusion criteria encompassed malignancies in patients aged 2-25 years, work-up, imaging, surgical treatment, rare tumour case reports, and surgical management principles, resulting in a heterogeneous group of articles. To enhance categorisation, it was clarified that studies with 10 or more cases were considered retrospective reviews. RESULTS: Reviewing of results thus demonstrate that the two likely tumours in children under consideration were osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma. Their presentation findings and clinical features were discussed in detail in the review. It is worth noting here that in case of differential diagnosis this should be the first on the list. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Although focus of literature is more on the two most common tumours. However, rare tumours should be considered as they can mimic these common tumors. KEY WORDS: primary, malignant, bone tumors, children, adolescent.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Simple bone cysts (SBCs) are the most common benign bone lesions in childhood. There are many different methods in the treatment of SBCs. There is no consensus on which method to use in the treatmen...PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Simple bone cysts (SBCs) are the most common benign bone lesions in childhood. There are many different methods in the treatment of SBCs. There is no consensus on which method to use in the treatment. In this study, we compared the results of allogeneic bone graft or synthetic bone graft in addition to fl exible intramedullary nail (FIN) for SBC located in the humerus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study comparing the data of 19 (group 1: 8 curettage, allograft and FIN; group 2: 11 curettage, synthetic graft and FIN) patients with a mean age of 11.4 (6 to 26; seven female, twelve male) who were surgically treated in our hospital for humeral SBC between April 2014 and January 2020. Patient data included age, sex, anatomical side, stage of the cyst, pathological fracture, previous treatments and complications. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 33.7 months (12 to 61). The average last follow-up Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional scores for groups 1 and 2 were 27.8 (20 to 30) and 28.6 (21 to 30) (P > 0.05). Complete or signifi cant partial radiographic healing rates were achieved in group 1 (75%) compared with group 2 (81.9%). The reoperation rates for groups 1 and 2 were 62.5% (5/8; three for nails removed, two for recurrence) and 36.3% (4/11; two for nails removed, two for recurrence). One patient in group 2 had a 15° varus deformity due to recurrence. No other complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of curettage-grafonage FIN is a common treatment method in recent years, as it provides early cyst healing and limb mobilization in SBCs located in the upper extremity. For defects after curettage of the bone cysts, allogeneic or synthetic grafts (granule b-tricalcium phospate) which have similar results in terms of healing can be used as an alternative to each other. KEY WORDS: allografts, bone cysts, bone nails, synthetic grafts, humerus.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The critical shoulder angle (CSA) is formed by the combination of glenoid inclination and acromial index and has been shown related to rotator cuff tears and glenohumeral osteoarthritis. SLAP lesion...PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The critical shoulder angle (CSA) is formed by the combination of glenoid inclination and acromial index and has been shown related to rotator cuff tears and glenohumeral osteoarthritis. SLAP lesions today have an important place among bicipitolabral pathologies that cause intensive shoulder pain. We aimed to investigate the relationship between CSA and glenoid depth and SLAP lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between March 2017 and January 2022, 279 consecutive shoulder arthroscopy patients' MRI images were retrospectively examined. After the exclusion criteria, 191 patients were eligible. Patients with SLAP lesions (n=37) were assembled as the study group (Group 1), and patients with intact superior labrum (n=154) were named as the control group (Group 2). Critical shoulder angle (CSA) and glenoid depth measurements were performed using the preoperative MRI images. RESULTS: A total of 191 patients, of whom 84 were male (44%) were included. The mean age was 49.9±14.96 (range 18-79). There was a statistically signifi cant difference between the SLAP group (Group 1) and the control group (Group 2) in terms of CSA (p=0.032). The mean CSA was 31.66°±3.51° in Group 1 and 33.57° ±5.01° in Group 2. The cut-off value for CSA in patients with SLAP lesions was calculated as 32.85° and the area under the curve was 0.61, therefore a satisfactory association was observed between the groups. The mean glenoid depth was 4.32 ±1.25 mm in Group 1, and 4.39 ±0.32 mm in Group 2. There was no statistically signifi cant difference between the groups in terms of glenoid depth (p=0.136) and also no association between the glenoid depth and SLAP lesions was observed (cut-off=4.45 mm, AUC=0.32). CONCLUSIONS: Low CSA is associated with SLAP lesions, just as in glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Further prospective clinical studies are needed to enlighten the predisposing effect of CSA to SLAP lesions and the success of superior labral repairs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective comparative study, Level III.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the clinical results and safety of fungal periprosthetic joint Infections (fPJIs) using two-stage treatment protocol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 8 patients with fPJIs (3 hips and 5 knees) usi...PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the clinical results and safety of fungal periprosthetic joint Infections (fPJIs) using two-stage treatment protocol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 8 patients with fPJIs (3 hips and 5 knees) using two-stage revision were reviewed retrospectively and followed up at least 2 years. The preoperative demographic data, two-stage treatment protocol, results of microbiology and histologic workup and postoperative follow-up results (reimplantation success rate and infection free time) were recorded. RESULTS: 7 patients got successful reimplantation, with a 75% reimplantation success rate. Two patients got knee arthrodesis eventually. All patients were infection free with a median follow-up of 4.0 ± 2.0 years (range, 2-7 years). Of them, Candida species were found in 7 patients, while non-Candida specimen was only isolated in 1 patient with Aspergillus. Only 2 patients had coexisting bacterial infection (Methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococci and Proteus mirabilis respectively). The average interval between the initial surgery and diagnosis of fPJIs was 21.50±34.79 months (range, 4-104 months). The mean time of spacer implantation was 7.75±2.77 months (range, 6-14 months). None serious complication or above knee amputation was found. DISCUSSION: fPJIs are very rare and considerable challenge after total hip or knee arthroplasty. The goal of therapy is to eradicate local infection and maintain function. Candida species were the most common pathogen. The duration between spacer placement and staged reimplantation was highly variable, and generally dependent upon the results of joint aspirates and infl ammatory markers. The current study shows that the two-stage treatment protocol is recommended for fungal periprosthetic hip and knee joint infections. CONCLUSIONS: The two-stage treatment protocol is recommended for fungal periprosthetic hip and knee joint infections. The safety and effi cacy of biantibiotical impregnated (antifungal + antibiotics) cement spacer is confi rmed. Further evidence-based work is needed to determine the optimal drug dose and reimplantation time. KEY WORDS: two-stage treatment protocol, fungal periprosthetic infections, hip spacer, knee spacer.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Surgical options for paediatric femoral fractures include fl exible intramedullary nailing (FIN), plating, and external fi xators. Length unstable fractures are usually spiral, long oblique, or comm...PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Surgical options for paediatric femoral fractures include fl exible intramedullary nailing (FIN), plating, and external fi xators. Length unstable fractures are usually spiral, long oblique, or comminuted and are often associated with > 2 cm of shortening. The purpose of this study was to see whether FIN is effective for managing unstable femur fractures in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic literature search was performed up to 25 February 2022 in Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases using a combination of MeSH search terms and keywords related to the population (e.g., "child" AND "diaphyses" AND "femur"), and intervention (e.g., "nail" OR "ESIN"). The data extracted included the study details, Demographic data, surgical details, postoperative immobilization, complications, and outcome. RESULTS: Eight studies with a total sample size of 369 patients were reviewed. The mean operative time, blood loss, and length of stay in the hospital were 67.62±12.32 minutes, 33.82±16.82 ml, and 4.9±1.27 days, respectively. The results were excellent in 61.92% of the patients, satisfactory in 32.61%, and poor in 5.43%. 4.54% of patients had major complications requiring reoperation and 32.46% of patients had minor complications. the most common complication was nail prominence seen in 26.30% of patients. Locked Ender's nail was associated with the least reoperation, malunion, and LLD rate compared to other types of FIN. CONCLUSIONS: FIN along with a single walking spica cast is a good choice in all forms of paediatric femoral fracture patterns allowing proper alignment and rotation. Locked Ender's nail is safe and effective for managing unstable paediatric femur fracture. KEY WORDS: pediatric femur fracture, length unstable, fl exible intramedullary nailing, submuscular plating, Flynn criterion.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This manuscript aims to present the method of arthroscopic assisted subtalar arthrodesis and to evaluate the benefi ts of this surgery on our study population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the period fr...PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This manuscript aims to present the method of arthroscopic assisted subtalar arthrodesis and to evaluate the benefi ts of this surgery on our study population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the period from 9/2007 to 1/2020, a total of 33 subtalar arthrodesis were performed in 31 patients aged 19-66 years (mean 48 years, median 50 years). The indication for arthrodesis was subtalar arthritis causing pain and gait disorders, or hindfoot deformities (most commonly after a calcaneus bone fracture). The arthroscopic assisted subtalar arthrodesis was performed with autologous tricortical bone block graft harvesting from the pelvis, supplemented by autologous cancellous bone graft. Stabilization was achieved by cannulated screws inserted in neutral ankle position. Patients in our retrospective study were followed up for a mean of 48 months (range, 24-130 months). The patients were evaluated preoperatively and at 2 years after surgery. The hindfoot angles and height (TCA - talocalcaneal angle, CIA - calcaneal inclination angle, TCH - talocalcaneal height) were evaluated on radiographs, bone union was assessed on radiographs and CT scans. The clinical assessment was performed using the ankle-hindfoot scale (AHS) of AOFAS (AOFAS score). RESULTS: The preoperative AOFAS score was 35-68 points (mean 52, median 54), the postoperative AOFAS score at 2 years after arthrodesis was 58-94 points (mean 82, median 82). Both the mean and median values of AOFAS score showed a signifi - cant progress from the poor result to the good and excellent result. After 2 years the TCA value decreased in 18 patients (56%) by no more than 3°. The CIA decrease observed in 21 patients (64%) was by 1° on average. The TCH decrease of 1-5 mm after 2 years since the surgery was seen in 16 patients. In 2 patients incomplete healing of arthrodesis was observed, manifested as a clinically asymptomatic non-union. No deep infection was reported. DISCUSSION: In agreement with the current literature, the arthroscopic subtalar arthrodesis has been confi rmed to be a safe method for the management of consequences of hindfoot fractures, with minimum complications and leading to accelerated bone fusion. Differences can be found in the approach, position, use of cancellous bone graft and surgical techniques. In recent years, prone position, posterior approaches, use of cancellous bone graft, distraction and fi xation with 2-3 screws divergently inserted into the bone prevail. The degree of healing of the bone fusion is generally an important factor. In our study population, non-healing was recorded in 2 patients, namely in the form of a clinically silent non-union. Neurological or early complications and/or osteosynthesis material failure occurred in up to a maximum of 10% of cases. The conclusive results of minimally invasive arthrodesis based on the AOFAS score have been confi rmed by us as well as by most authors. CONCLUSSIONS: Our study confi rmed that the arthroscopic assisted subtalar arthrodesis is a successful, reliable and safe minimally invasive method, with minimum complications, leading to stable arthrodesis. KEY WORDS: subtalar arthrodesis, subtalar arthroscopy.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This manuscript aims to introduce our surgical technique, with an emphasis on the latest recommendations. The AMIS technique is discussed in more detail in patients with Class II and Class III obesi...PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This manuscript aims to introduce our surgical technique, with an emphasis on the latest recommendations. The AMIS technique is discussed in more detail in patients with Class II and Class III obesity. We seek to prove the premise claiming that the anteversion and inclination values observed in this group of patients do not differ signifi cantly from those observed in patients with the recommended BMI index. We will also compare the risk of neurovascular bundle injury and postoperative complication rate regarding the surgical wound. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery using the AMIS method in the period between 1/2020 and 4/2023 were assessed retrospectively. The study included 1150 implantations. The entire study population was assessed for neurovascular bundle injury and surgical wound healing complications. For this purpose, the patients were divided into two groups based on the BMI, namely BMI < 35 kg/m2 (n=1042) and BMI > 35 kg/m2 (n=108). In patients with the BMI ≤ 25 kg/m2 (n=280) and BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 (n=108), the inclination and anteversion values were compared. Standard centered AP view X-rays of their operated joints were assessed. The Liaw's method was used to calculate the anteversion and inclination. RESULTS: In group one of patients with BMI ≤ 25 kg/m2 (208 women and 72 men), the arithmetic mean of acetabular anteversion was 25.4° (median 25°) and inclination was 38.3° (median 38°). In group two, which consisted of patients with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 (59 women and 49 men), the total arithmetic mean of acetabular anteversion was 25.1° (median 25) and inclination was 37.6° (median 37.5°). The anteversion and inclination were assessed using the Mann-Whitney test for equality of medians. The value of 0.05 was chosen as the level of signifi cance. The resulting p-value was 0.5359 in anteversion and 0.3763 in inclination. Since the p-value of both anteversion and inclination was greater than the chosen level of signifi cance, their medians have not been confi rmed to differ signifi cantly. A total of 6 cases of femoral nerve injury was reported, i.e. 0.5% out of 1150. Therefore, the risk of injury was 0.4% in the group with BMI < 35 kg/m2 (n=1042). On the contrary, in the group of patients with BMI > 35 kg/m2 (n=108), the risk was 2%. No injury to femoral artery was reported. The surgical wound healing complications were seen in a total of 87 cases (7.6%). In the group with BMI < 35 kg/m2 , healing complications of the surgical wound were observed in 7.4% of cases, with the need for revision surgery in 7 patients. In the group with BMI > 35 kg/ m2 , healing complications occurred in 13% of patients and wound revision was necessary in 4 cases. DISCUSSION: Our results are consistent with those in the published studies that also show no signifi cant difference in anteversion and inclination of components in the compared groups of obese patients. We also agree with the other authors that the rate of complications regarding surgical wound healing is higher in these patients. The risk of neurovascular bundle injury in this study population is not higher than the standard. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained in our study population show that this method can also be used in patients with higher BMI, with no concern about the implantation of components in malposition or a higher risk of neurovascular injury. Nonetheless, potentially higher risk of surgical wound healing should be considered when this approach is opted for. With the appropriate surgical technique, AMIS is a safe method and, in our view, the fi rst choice especially for obese patients. KEY WORDS: AMIS, anteversion, inclination, hip joint, obesity, BMI, implantation, total joint replacement.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Spine stabilization surgery is nowadays one of the most common spinal surgical procedures. Spinopelvic alignment is considered to be an important factor impacting the patients' preoperative diffi cu...PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Spine stabilization surgery is nowadays one of the most common spinal surgical procedures. Spinopelvic alignment is considered to be an important factor impacting the patients' preoperative diffi culties as well as the outcome of surgery. In our study, the outcomes of stabilization surgeries in patients with lumbar spine disorders were evaluated - especially in those with stenosis and spondylolisthesis, in whom the importance of sagittal parameters were assessed with respect to the patients' clinical outcomes and diffi culties. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 50 patients with lumbar spine disorders who had undergone a spine stabilization surgery for a degenerative disease - lumbar spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis between 2015 and 2017. Spino-pelvic radiological parameters and clinical parameters were evaluated using the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxon tests. RESULTS: In 38 of 50 patients, who at the end of the follow-up period did not have the PI-LL (pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis) mismatch, i.e. PI-LL was ≤10°, a statistically signifi cant difference in pelvic tilt (p=0.049) and sagittal vertical axis (p<0.001) was reported, which was not the case in the remaining patients of the study population. Claudication and OSWESTRY (ODI) showed no statistically signifi cant difference. We have also compared the differences in the number of fused vertebrae and type of stabilization. A signifi cant change was seen in the claudication parameter at 12 and 24 months after surgery (p=0.007, p=0.005), with better outcomes achieved by 360° lumbar fusion compared to posterior lumbar fusion. The improvement of VAS and ODI scores in both the groups over time (from 6.1 to 3.6 or from 6.3 to 3.5 in VAS and from 62 to 32, or from 62 to 30 in ODI) was also statistically signifi cant (p<0.001 in both groups), while when comparing the groups against each other it was statistically insignifi cant. DISCUSSION: The authors confi rmed signifi cant improvement in the studied clinical parameters in all groups of patients (VAS, ODI, claudication), which is consistent with the results of recently published papers. The authors also established the correlation between different radiological parameters in the studied groups. The results do not confi rm the importance of the length or type of instrumentation for the clinical outcomes. This is consistent with the fi ndings of other published manuscripts. The authors failed to confi rm a signifi cant change in clinical parameters in dependence on the matching relationship between the pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis. CONCLUSIONS: Proper spinopelvic balance in patients after spinal surgery is a very important indicator of postoperative development and condition, but our cohort showed no statistically signifi cant difference in the clinical outcomes of patients whose postoperative sagittal parameters were unsatisfactory. KEY WORDS: sagittal profi le, spine stabilization, pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, sagittal vertical axis, SVA.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Pelvic reconstructions after massive bone resections are among the most challenging practices in orthopedic surgery. Whether the bone gap results after a trauma, a tumor resection, or it is due to a...PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Pelvic reconstructions after massive bone resections are among the most challenging practices in orthopedic surgery. Whether the bone gap results after a trauma, a tumor resection, or it is due to a prosthetic revision, it is mandatory to reconstruct pelvic bone continuity and rebuild the functional thread that connects spine and hip joint. Several different approaches have been described in literature through the decades to achieve those goals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To this date, 3D-printed implants represent one of the most promising surgical technologies in orthopedic oncology and complex reconstructive surgery. We present our experience with 3D-printed custom-made pelvic prostheses to fulfi ll bone gaps resulting from massive bone loss due to tumor resections. We retrospectively evaluated 17 cases treated with pelvic bone reconstruction using 3D-printed prostheses. Cases were evaluated in terms of both oncological and functional outcomes. RESULTS: At the last follow-up, local complications were found in 6 cases (36%): in 4 (23.5%) of them the cause was a local recurrence of the disease, whereas only 2 (12.5%) had non-oncologic issues. The mean MSTS score in our population increased from 8.2 before surgery to 22.3 at the latest clinical control after surgery. DISCUSSION: 3D-printing technology, used to produce cutting jigs and prosthetic implants, can lead to good clinical and functional outcomes. These encouraging results are comparable with the ones obtained with other more frequently used reconstructive approaches and support custom-made implants as a promising reconstructive approach. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confi rm 3D-printing and custom-made implants as promising technologies that could shape the next future of orthopedic oncology and reconstructive surgery. KEY WORDS: custom made prosthesis, pelvic reconstruction, orthopedic oncology, cutting jigs, 3D-printing.
Zengi N EC, Ertem H, Saruhan S
… +2 more, Öztürk T, Sener M
Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech
· 2023 · PMID 38191544
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The basic aim of the treatment of cystic nonunion is to provide stable fi xation and mechanical compression to increase union, but there is no consensus on whether to perform bone grafting in the cy...PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The basic aim of the treatment of cystic nonunion is to provide stable fi xation and mechanical compression to increase union, but there is no consensus on whether to perform bone grafting in the cystic area or not. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological results of patients with cystic scaphoid non-union who received open grafting, and internal fi xation and those treated with percutaneous fi xation without grafting. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective evaluation was made of patients included those determined radiologically with Slade and Dodds grade IV scaphoid cystic non-union. Two different surgical procedures were performed. Percutaneous screw fi xation was carried out on the patients in group 1. Open curettage-grafting and screw fi xation were performed on the patients in group 2. Group 1 was comprised of 16 patients treated with percutaneous screw fi xation, and group 2 was comprised of 17 patients who had open curettage-grafting and screw fi xation. RESULTS In the radiological evaluation at the fi nal follow-up examination, union was determined in 12 of the 16 (75%) patients in group 1 and 15 of the 17 (88%) patients in group 2. There was no statistically signifi cant difference between the two groups in terms of union, functional outcomes and complication rates. DISCUSSION In the current study, the union rate was higher in the patients who had open curettage-grafting and fi xation with a headless screw (88%) than in those with percutaneous screw without grafting (75%), but the difference was not determined to be statistically signifi cant. The union rate of the group that received grafting was similar to the rates reported in the literature. CONCLUSIONS We think that both of these techniques may be successfully used for cystic scaphoid nonunions but percutaneous technique should be preferred as it is minimally invasive. Nevertheless, there is a need for further prospective, randomised studies with larger series to have better comparisons. KEY WORDS: scaphoid bone, nonunion, fracture fi xation, internal, bone grafting, bone screws.
Akben S, Tuncel G, Argun G
… +2 more, Askin T, Kaya I
Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech
· 2023 · PMID 38191543
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is severe because of bone and soft tissue trauma during the surgery and is diffi cult to control with oral analgesics. The primary aim of the s...PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is severe because of bone and soft tissue trauma during the surgery and is diffi cult to control with oral analgesics. The primary aim of the study was to investigate the effects of the local infi ltration anesthesia (LIA) method on postoperative analgesia quality and opioid consumption in patients undergoing TKA. The secondary aims were to evaluate knee fl exion angle, side effects, and patient satisfaction. MATERIAL AND METHODS Total 40 patients, who underwent unilateral TKA surgery under spinal anesthesia were included in the prospective randomized study. Patients who underwent patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCA) (Group A) or LIA + PCA (Group B), were divided into two groups, randomly. For LIA application, 0.25% bupivacaine solution 150 mg in 60 ml volume was used. The postoperative pain was evaluated in 48th hour after the recovery of motor block, and during exercise at 24, 36, and 48 hours by using the visual analogue scale (VAS). An additional morphine was administered with the PCA device when VAS ≥ 4. The total amount of morphine consumption and the side effects were recorded. The knee fl exion joint angles at the 48th hour and the patients' satisfaction was recorded. RESULTS Resting VAS values were lower in Group B in the fi rst 24 hours (p<0.05). However, the 36 th and 48th hour measurements were not different in groups. The exercises VAS values and the total morphine consumption were signifi cantly higher in Group A at 24, 36 and 48 hours. The knee fl exion joint angles in Group B were higher than Group A in terms of 48th hour. The incidence of side effects was not different in the two groups. Patients' satisfaction was higher in the PCA+ILA group (p<0.05). DISCUSSION In many studies the periarticular injection with multimodal drugs has been shown to reduce the requirements for analgesia, with no apparent risks, following TKA, similar to our results. LIA reduced postoperative opioid use and increased exercise tolerance. CONCLUSIONS In our study, we found that LIA reduced pain scores and opioid consumption during rest and exercise after TKA operation. For TKA patients where post-operative exercise is particularly important, we recommend the easy-to-use LIA method for a pain-free and unrestricted postoperative period. KEY WORDS: total knee arthroplasty, local infi ltration analgesia, postoperative analgesia, knee fl exion angle, opioid consumption.
Bozoğlan M, Kumbaraci M, Özer A
… +1 more, Turgut A
Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech
· 2023 · PMID 38191542
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study is to compare the stability of different fi xation methods in high pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures with a fi nite element analysis method. MATERIAL AND METHODS Tr...PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study is to compare the stability of different fi xation methods in high pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures with a fi nite element analysis method. MATERIAL AND METHODS Transverse, lateral oblique, and medial oblique fracture models were created in a ten years old boy's distal humerus. Eight different fi xation methods were applied to each fracture model. Displacement of the fracture models was measured under the translational and torsional forces. RESULTS In the transverse fracture model; the 6th method provided the best stability in internal rotation, external rotation, and extension loading. In varus 7th method, valgus 8th, and fl exion the 5th and 2nd methods had the best stability. In the lateral oblique fracture model; the 7th method had the best stability in all loading directions except fl exion and the 6th method had the best stability in fl exion and had acceptable values in all other directions except valgus and external rotation. In the medial oblique fracture model; the 6th method had the best stability in all directions except varus. 3rd method was the best fi xation type against varus and the second stable fi xation type in all other directions. CONCLUSIONS Combining lateral antegrade with lateral retrograde wire and lateral condylomedullary wire provides strong stability in the lateral oblique fracture. Two condylomedullary Kirchner wires and one antegrade lateral wire results in a strong stability in the medial oblique fracture. Medial-lateral condylomedullary and lateral antegrade wires provided the best stability against varus in transverse and lateral oblique fractures. KEY WORDS: high pediatric supracondylar humerus fracture, percutaneous fi xation method, metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction, fi nite element analysis.
Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech
· 2023 · PMID 38191541
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of arthroscopic Bankart repair is restoration of the anterior block mechanism and regaining stability. There are few studies that have tested the adequacy of the angle made with the glenoid...PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of arthroscopic Bankart repair is restoration of the anterior block mechanism and regaining stability. There are few studies that have tested the adequacy of the angle made with the glenoid and the height from the glenoid level of the repaired labral tissue, but the correlation with the clinical results is not clear. The aim of this study was to defi ne the correlation of the height and slope of the repaired labral tissue in the glenoid anterior with the clinical results. MATERIAL AND METHODS This prospective study included 20 patients who underwent an arthroscopic Bankart repair. To evaluate the labrum anatomy of the affected shoulder, 4 measurement parameters were defi ned as axial height (Ah), axial slope (As), oblique coronal height (Ch), and oblique coronal slope (Cs) on non-contrast T2 MRI. The measurements were taken preoperatively of the affected shoulder and at 1 year postoperatively of both the affected shoulder and the contralateral asymptomatic shoulder. The measured values were compared with each other and with the contralateral shoulder. Correlations of the anatomic values with the Constant-Murley scores recorded at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively were examined with the Wilcoxon test. RESULTS The mean preoperative Constant score of the patients was 57.7 (32-77) and postoperative scores at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were 63.6 (44-79), 77.8 (61-90), 89.6 (77-100), and 95.2 (79-100), respectively (p=0.001). There was a statistically signifi cant difference in the preoperative MRI measurements of the axial and oblique coronal plane labral height and slope values compared to the postoperative values and those of the asymptomatic contralateral shoulder (p< 0.05 for all). There was no statistically signifi cant difference between the labral height and slope values of both planes postoperatively compared to the asymptomatic contralateral shoulder (p= 0.776, p= 0.910, p= 0.132, p= 0.589, respectively). These increases in the radiological data were not found to be statistically signifi cant in the correlation analysis with the increases in the Constant-Murley scores (Ah p=0.935, As p=0.587, Ch p=0.078, Cs p=0.105). CONCLUSIONS This prospective study was conducted using conventional T2 magnetic resonance imaging, which was suffi cient for the measurement of labral height and slope. This study results showed no signifi cant correlation between the radiological and clinical outcomes. KEY WORDS: Bankart repair, labrum height, labrum slope, functional result.
Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech
· 2023 · PMID 38191540
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Superior Capsule Reconstruction (SCR) of the shoulder joint has recently been included in the portfolio of interventions as a solution to irreparable rotator cuff tears. One of the options is to use...PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Superior Capsule Reconstruction (SCR) of the shoulder joint has recently been included in the portfolio of interventions as a solution to irreparable rotator cuff tears. One of the options is to use a long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) autograft. This paper presents the fi rst clinical outcomes of the SCR of the shoulder joint using the LHBT autograft. MATERIAL AND METHODS It is a prospective non-randomised study in which 14 patients were included, namely 7 men and 7 women. The patients were evaluated using the pain VAS, UCLA (The University of California at Los Angeles) Shoulder Rating Scale and ASES (The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons) Shoulder Score. The minimum follow-up was 12 months after surgery. The measured values were analysed using the standard statistical methods. RESULTS From August 2020 to January 2022, a total of 14 SCR with biceps tendon autograph were performed at our department. The mean age of the patients was 62 years (40-72). The mean value of the UCLA Shoulder Score was 12.36 ± 2.92 points preoperatively, while after surgery the obtained values increased to the mean value of 28.86 ± 3.08 points. The ASES score was 25.48 ± 3.89 points preoperatively and 82.41 ± 7.95 points at one year after surgery. The preoperative mean VAS score was 6.14 ± 1.10 points and 1.36 ± 0.93 points at one year after surgery. The mean active shoulder fl exion measured preoperatively was 140 degrees, whereas at one year after surgery it was 171 degrees. The mean active abduction reached 123 degrees before surgery and 169 degrees after surgery. The mean active external rotation of the shoulder joint was 59 degrees preoperatively and 52 degrees postoperatively. The mean active external rotation at 90 degrees of abduction was 52 degrees preoperatively and 60 degrees postoperatively. Whereas the improvement as against the preoperative status measured by the UCLA, ASES and pain VAS was signifi cant, the differences in the range of motion were signifi cant in the case of active fl exion and abduction only. DISCUSSION Painful irreparable rotator cuff tear constitutes an indication for SCR. The reconstruction is performed using autografts, allografts and xenografts. In literature, several SCR surgical techniques using a long head of the biceps tendon have been presented. In most of these techniques the supraglenoid insertion of the LHBT was left intact. Our study showed a signifi - cant relief from problems and good functional outcomes at 1 year after surgery when the biceps tendon had been used. Similar results are reported also by other studies using the biceps tendon for SCR. When comparing this study and the other study we published earlier on SCR with xenografts, there is no signifi cant difference in the clinical outcomes between these two techniques. On the very contrary, they are slightly better in some parameters. CONCLUSIONS Arthroscopic SCR of the shoulder joint with the biceps tendon reports good clinical outcomes at one year after surgery both with regard to the relief from problems and range of motion. Due to low morbidity of graft harvesting, low cost, and easy surgical technique, it appears to be the fi rst-choice method for superior capsule reconstruction of an irreparable tear of supraspinatus or infraspinatus if the long head of the biceps tendon is preserved. A longer follow-up period and evaluation of a larger study population would be necessary to defi nitely confi rm the success rate of the described procedure. KEY WORDS: massive rotator cuff tears, irreparable rotator cuff tears, superior capsular reconstruction, autograft, long head of the biceps tendon.
Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech
· 2023 · PMID 38191539
OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to investigate facet tropism and its impact on the development of lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSCS) in patients with LSCS. MATERIALS AND METHODS Bilateral facet joint angles at the...OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to investigate facet tropism and its impact on the development of lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSCS) in patients with LSCS. MATERIALS AND METHODS Bilateral facet joint angles at the L3-4, L4-5, and L5-S1 levels were measured on axial plane in the lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of 82 patients aged between 32 and 75 with LSCS, and 82 healthy individuals aged between 30 and 66 without LSCS, who were considered as the normal group. RESULTS Both groups in our study consisted of both males and females. The mean age was 51.4 for patients with LSCS and 44.7 for the healthy group, with no signifi cant difference (p>0.05). A total of 984 facet joint angles were measured, with 164 patients at three intervertebral disc levels each. The presence of facet tropism was found to be a signifi cant risk factor in the LSCS group compared to the healthy group, with an increased risk of 2.125 times at L3-4, 3.389 times at L4-5, and 2.496 times at L5-S1 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS In our study, we determined that facet joint tropism is statistically signifi cant in patients with LSCS compared to the control group (p<0.05). We believe that facet tropism plays a predisposing role as a contributing factor in the etiology of LSCS. KEY WORDS: lumbar spinal stenosis, facet tropism, magnetic resonance ımaging.
Popelová E, Svatková M, Přidal J
… +3 more, Kotaška J, Kynčl M, Havlas V
Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech
· 2023 · PMID 38191538
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The primary aim is to assess the proportion of children younger than two years with a femoral fracture who underwent a skeletal survey. The secondary aim of the study is to evaluate the patients' de...PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The primary aim is to assess the proportion of children younger than two years with a femoral fracture who underwent a skeletal survey. The secondary aim of the study is to evaluate the patients' demographics, reported trauma mechanism, type of fracture, type of treatment and complication rate. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a retrospective study of children younger than two years examined at the Department of Imaging Methods for a femoral fracture between 2015-2022. The type and site of the fracture were assessed on radiographs. The patients' medical records were used to assess which steps had been taken to evaluate for possible abusive etiology of the fracture. The data were correlated with the published guidelines for performing skeletal survey in young children with fractures. The patients' demographics, medical history, time interval from trauma or symptoms onset to medical examination, type of treatment, duration of orthopaedic follow-up in addition to the clinical fi ndings at the last orthopaedic follow-up visit were also retrieved from the patients' medical records. RESULTS A total of 40 children were included in the study, 21 of whom were girls (52.5%). The mean age was 13.8 months. 5 children (12.5 %) were younger than 6 months. 36 children (90%) had a history of trauma, the vast majority of whom suffered a fall. 21 patients (52.5%) sustained a distal metaphyseal fracture, 19 patients (47.5%) suffered a diaphyseal fracture. A spica cast was used in 12 patients (30%), which was applied under general anaesthesia in most cases. 28 patients (70%) received a long leg cast. A certain degree of stiffness following cast removal was the only documented complication. Based on the published guidelines, it was estimated that in 23 patients (57.5%) a skeletal survey should have been performed. However, this investigation was performed in 2 patients (5%) of the study population only. DISCUSSION Femoral fractures in young children are rare, especially in those younger than six months of age. The fractures were located in femoral diaphysis and in distal femoral metaphysis. Surgical treatment was not required, and no signifi cant complications were observed. Nonetheless, the study showed that the rate of child abuse screening was low. The skeletal survey was performed in two cases only, both children were younger than six months and had no history of trauma. Based on the published guidelines, however, it may be assumed that the skeletal survey should have been performed in more than half of the patients in the study. The failure to perform this investigation might have led to the abuse not being detected and the child being returned to the abusive environment. CONCLUSIONS Management of femoral fractures in patients younger than two years does not usually require hospitalisation and is not associated with the risk of complications. However, potential further harm may be caused if abusive etiology of the femoral fracture fails to be discovered. This study has shown that the rate of abuse evaluation is low. It is essential to initiate a multidisciplinary discussion on this topic to raise the physicians' awareness and to implement the screening for child abuse among young children with femoral fractures. This scientifi c paper also includes a summary of necessary steps to be taken in the evaluation of a young child with a femoral fracture. KEY WORDS: fractures, femur, children, infant, child abuse, radiography.