Anatomic acetabular reconstruction with femoral head autograft for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) with a minimum follow-up of 10 years

BACKGROUND

DDH with coxarthrosis causes significant deformity and bone deficiency. Various reconstructive techniques have been proposed to treat developmental dysplasia of the hip. However, the existing literature has not yet reached a consensus on the best technique regarding long-term survival.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to evaluate the long-term survival of uncemented hydroxyapatite (HA) coated acetabular components augmented with a femoral head autograft.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 31 hips in 29 patients (24 female, 5 male, mean age 45.06 years) treated with HA-coated cementless components and femoral head autograft between 2000-2008 with a minimum follow-up of 10 years. Graft resorption, cup loosening and the anatomical hip centre were determined. Functional outcomes were calculated using the Harris Hip Scoring system. The survival of the acetabular component was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

In 24 hips (77,4%), we reconstructed the hip centre anatomically. The remaining cups had variable deviations from the anatomical rotation centre. Only one patient required revision due to loosening. Survival analysis revealed 96.8% survival at 10 years. The mean Harris Hip Score was 39.23 preoperatively and 84.77 at final follow-up. There was no statistical correlation between revision and any of the measured parameters.

DISCUSSION

Acetabular reconstruction with a femoral head autograft allows for anatomical cup positioning, early structural support and increases bone stock for future revisions. Although our prior cemented cup study showed that anatomical cup orientation is critical, this study demonstrated the absence of a correlation between implant failure and cup positioning, suggesting that HA-coated cementless cups are more stable and forgiving.

CONCLUSIONS

HA-coated acetabular cups augmented with femoral head autograft provided long-term, reliable and durable cup fixation in dysplastic hips of young adults.

The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on orthopedic surgeries in a tertiary referral center

Objectives

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the novel coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the operational trends in the orthopedic surgery department of a tertiary referral center.

Patients and methods

A total of 305 orthopedic surgical procedures in 245 patients (136 males, 109 females; mean age: 34±26.6 years; range, 0 to 91 years) between March 16^th and June 27^th, 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The same period of the year before including 860 procedures in 783 patients (364 males, 419 females; mean age: 33.6±25.8 years; range, 0 to 95 years) was also reviewed as a pre-pandemic control group. Patient demographics, surgical indications, COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test status, method of anesthesia, surgical subspecialties (trauma, sports, etc.), trauma mechanisms, and surgical priorities were evaluated. The pandemic and the pre- pandemic periods were compared.

Results

The rate of elective surgeries decreased compared to the previous year, and priority C type surgeries had the highest frequency (42.5%). Orthopedic trauma was the leading subspecialty with 91 (29.8%) cases and had a higher share, compared to the pre-pandemic period (17.0%). Hip fractures (18.7%) were the most common cause of trauma surgery, and simple falls (42.3%) composed the largest group of trauma mechanisms, which was similar to the pre-pandemic period (hip fractures, 13.6%; simple falls, 42.5%). The distribution of surgical urgency levels and subspecialties differed significantly between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods (p<0.001). Post- hoc analysis of subspecialty distribution revealed a significant decrease in arthroplasty (p=0.002) and hand surgery (p<0.001), and a significant increase in trauma (p<0.001) and the “other” category (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Our experience in a tertiary referral center illustrated a shift toward performing emergent and urgent surgeries, when the severity of the outbreak increased. Prioritizing surgical urgencies during the outbreak changed the orthopedic surgery practice with an emphasis on trauma and oncology surgeries. Hip fractures were the most common cause of trauma surgery, and simple falls composed the largest group of trauma mechanisms.

Vancomycin prophylaxis for revision hip arthroplasty in penicillin and cephalosporin sensitive patients: Is dose adjustment necessary in accordance with blood loss and fluid replacement?

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were (1) to investigate the changes in the serum concentration of prophylactically administrated vancomycin in the perioperative period of revision hip arthroplasty in penicillin/cephalosporin-allergic patients, (2) to assess whether the postoperative re-administration of vancomycin is needed, and (3) to determine the relationships of vancomycin serum concentration with blood loss, body weight, and fluid replacement in such patients.

METHODS

This study consisted of 29 patients (20 females, 9 males; mean age=63.3 years; age range=45-79 years) with a history of penicillin/cephalosporin allergy undergoing revision hip arthroplasty secondary to aseptic loosening or periprosthetic fractures. Serum vancomycin levels were measured (1) before administration of vancomycin, (2) at the time of skin incision, (3) every 1,5 hours thereafter until the end of the operation, (4) during the skin closure, and (5) after three and 12 hours from the initial dosage. Data regarding body weight, amounts of intraoperative blood loss, fluid and blood replacements and postoperative wound drainage were recorded.

RESULTS

The average blood loss, fluid replacement, and drain volume were 1280.3±575.8 (500-2700) mL, 2922.6±768.8 (1700-4600) mL, and 480.2±163.7 (200-850) mL, respectively. The mean levels of serum vancomycin were 46.3±21.8 (14.1-80.7) mg/L at the time of skin incision, 17.9±4.7 (9.4-30.9) and 9.8±2.2 (4.3-13.8) mg/L after 1.5 and 3 hours from the beginning of the surgery and 5.1±1.1 (2.9-6.8)mg/L after 12th hour postoperatively. The measured vancomycin levels were below the effective serum concentrations (< 5 mg/L) for 18 patients at 12 hours the administration of the first dose. A moderate level negative correlation between the blood loss/body weight ratio and vancomycin levels was found (p=0.004, r=-0.493). Predictive ROC curve analysis resulted in determining a blood loss volume higher than 1150 ml and a blood loss/body weight ratio higher than 18,5 is significant to estimate the vancomycin level below the minimum effective serum level at 12th hour postoperatively (AUC=0.793±0.16, p=0.009, AUC=0.753) 26±0.12, p=0.025, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Evidence from this study has indicated vancomycin concentration at 12th hour is below the effective level in most patients. Thus, earlier repetitive infusion of vancomycin seems to be necessary in penicillin/cephalosporin-allergic patients undergoing revision hip arthroplasty, especially in those with high blood loss.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, Therapeutic Study.

Titanium cage reconstruction of acetabular defects in revision hip arthroplasty results in favourable outcomes: up to 17 years follow-up

INTRODUCTION

Titanium cages are valuable implant solutions in management of severe acetabular defects during total hip revisions. We aimed to report clinical and radiological results of our cases in which we used titanium cages for reconstruction of acetabular defects.

METHODS

Patients underwent titanium cage reconstruction and bone grafting for their acetabular defects with minimum 2 year-follow-up are included to the study. Analysis of patient records, modified Hospital for Special Surgery hip score and radiological examinations on plain X-rays were evaluated. Acetabular defects are classified according to Paprosky's classification.Kaplan Meier survival analysis is performed.

RESULTS

Fifty-six hips of 54 patients (2 bilateral) aged between 29-79 (mean 57 years ) are followed up for 7.06 years ±3.72 (2-17 years).Five patients required revision surgeries at a mean of 2.6±2.2 years. Kaplan Meier's analysis revealed a survival rate of 91,5 % and mean revision free duration was 15,66±0,56 years.HSS scores of the patients before revision surgery yielded a mean score of 27,9 ± 4,9 (14-38). HSS scores at final follow up showed a significant improvement at a mean score of 45,9 ± 7 (28-56) differences were statistically significant, p<0,001).

DISCUSSION

Titanium cages are successful for restoring bone stock in severe acetabular defects. It is critical to pay attention on meticulous bone grafting of the presented defects and obtain good hip mechanics during cage insertion. Mechanical reasons are the leading cause of failure in long term but restoration of the bone stock and improvement in defect severity were regularly observed even in failed cages.

Use of proximal humerus plates for the fixation of the subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy during total hip arthroplasty for Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia of the hip patients

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of proximal humerus plate in the fixation of subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy (SFSO) during total hip arthroplasty.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty female patients (mean age 49.8 years; range, 22 to 68 years) who underwent hip arthroplasty with a SFSO and fixed with a proximal humerus plate between January 2014 and June 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. Rate of fracture healing, the number of fixed cortices at both sides of the osteotomy, and complications were documented.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 28 months (range, 12-68 months). The average time to union was 106 days (range, 45-229 days). The mean number of cortices fixed in the proximal segment of the osteotomy was 6.2 (range, 4-9), and the mean number of cortices fixed in the distal segment of the osteotomy was 4.0 (range, 3-7). None of the patients had implant irritation or implant failure at the control visits. We observed only one non-union and our non-union rate was 3.3%.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the use of a proximal humerus plate for the fixation of SFSO can be an alternative procedure for achieving adequate rotational stability until a solid union.

Joint-preserving procedures for osteonecrosis of the femoral head

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a poorly understood condition that may lead to progressive destruction of the hip joint. Its incidence is common between the third and fifth decades of life and it is the diagnosis behind 5–18% of annually performed total hip arthroplasties (THAs) in the USA.

Regarding the high rate of complications of THA in that age group, authors have agreed on the importance of joint-preservation techniques for this disease but techniques vary to establish a generally accepted algorithmic approach.

Surgical head-preserving procedures, core decompression with or without graft, stem cell augmentation, or biologic adjuncts, vascularized bone grafting, and proximal femoral osteotomies have all been published on with heterogeneous results and with limited evidence to date.

Consensus states that the prognosis of patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head can be significantly improved with early diagnosis and timely intervention.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2019;4:647-658. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.180073

Musculoskeletal treatment in haemophilia

Haemophilia is a group of coagulation disorders inherited in an X-linked recessive pattern.

Nearly three-quarters of all haemorrhages in haemophilia occur in the musculoskeletal system, usually in the large muscles and joints of the lower extremity.

While prevention of bleeding with active prophylaxis is the recommended optimal therapy for severe haemophilia, there are many patients suffering from musculoskeletal system complications subsequent to uncontrolled bleeding.

Recombinant clotting factor concentrates led to home treatment of acute bleeding episodes as well as allowing for minor and major surgical interventions.

Avoiding of further complications by radiosynoviorthesis is the first-line recommendation, and arthroplasty is regarded as the effective salvage procedure for patients presenting with severe disability.

Physiotherapy and rehabilitation in haemophilia patients are important to return the normal status of joint motion, to regain the muscle strength, to obtain the optimal functional levels and to improve patients’ quality of life.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2019;4 DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.180068

Does kinesiophobia affect the early functional outcomes following total knee arthroplasty?

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of kinesiophobia on early functional outcomes in patients following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and how kinesiophobia is related to functional outcomes and pain. The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), 2-minute walk test (2-MWT), and the timed up and go test (TUG) were used to assess 46 TKA patients on discharge day. The pain levels and active knee flexion range of motion (ROM) were recorded. Patients were divided into two groups as high kinesiophobia (Group I, n = 22) and low kinesiophobia (Group II, n = 24) based on the TSK levels. The TUG results were similar between groups (p = 0.826). 2-MWT results (p < 0.001), pain levels (p = 0.003), and knee flexion ROM (p = 0.025) scores were better in Group II when compared to Group I. The TSK scores were significantly correlated with 2-MWT results (r = -0.40; p = 0.003), pain levels (r = 0.80; p < 0.001), and knee flexion ROM (r = -0.47; p = 0.001). The regression analysis revealed that 41% of 2-MWT score, 47% of knee flexion ROM, and 60% of pain level changes could be explained by kinesiophobia level. The results suggest that early outcomes following TKA were affected by the pain-related fear of movement. The clinicians need to consider the interrelationships between fear of movement and functional outcomes when designing, implementing, and monitoring daily therapeutic exercise programs.

Reconstruction of neglected developmental dysplasia by total hip arthroplasty with subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy

Patients with neglected developmental dysplasia (DDH) face with early osteoarthritis of the hip, limb length inequality and marked disability while total hip reconstruction is the only available choice.

DDH has severe morphologic consequences, with distorted bony anatomy and soft tissue contractures around the hip. It is critical to evaluate patients thoroughly before surgery.

Anatomic reconstruction at the level of true acetabulum with uncemented implant is the mainstay of treatment. This requires a subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy, which can be realised using different osteotomy and fixation options.

Although a demanding technique with a high rate of related complications, once anatomic reconstruction of the hip is achieved, patients have a remarkably good functional capacity and implant survival during long follow-up periods.

Cite this article: Atilla B. Reconstruction of neglected developmental dysplasia by total hip arthroplasty with subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy. EFORT Open Rev 2016;1:65–71. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.1.000026.

Oxford Knee Score: cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Turkish version in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee

OBJECTIVE

The Oxford Knee Score (OKS) is a valid, short, self-administered, and site- specific outcome measure specifically developed for patients with knee arthroplasty. This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt and validate the OKS to be used in Turkish-speaking patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

METHODS

The OKS was translated and culturally adapted according to the guidelines in the literature. Ninety-one patients (mean age: 55.89±7.85 years) with knee osteoarthritis participated in the study. Patients completed the Turkish version of the Oxford Knee Score (OKS-TR), Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index (WOMAC) questionnaires. Internal consistency was tested using Cronbach's α coefficient. Patients completed the OKS-TR questionnaire twice in 7 days to determine the reproducibility. Correlation between the total results of both tests was determined by Spearman's correlation coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Validity was assessed by calculating Spearman's correlation coefficient between the OKS, WOMAC, and SF-36 scores. Floor and ceiling effects were analyzed.

RESULTS

Internal consistency was high (Cronbach's α: 0.90). The reproducibility tested by 2 different methods showed no significant difference (p>0.05). The construct validity analyses showed a significant correlation between the OKS and the other scores (p<0.05). There was no floor or ceiling effect in total OKS score.

CONCLUSION

The OKS-TR is a reliable and valid measure for the self-assessment of pain and function in Turkish-speaking patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

In vitro evaluation of effects of sustained anti-TNF release from MPEG-PCL-MPEG and PCL microspheres on human rheumatoid arthritis synoviocytes

Anti-tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) drugs such as etanercept (ETN) have been mostly used in systemic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. To eliminate the side effects in long-term treatments and to achieve a local sustained anti-inflammatory effect, a controlled drug delivery system is needed for anti-TNFα drugs. This study aims to develop novel injectable microcarriers of ETN that can provide long-term controlled release of this protein drug upon intra-articular application. In this study, poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and its copolymer with poly(ethylene glycol), methoxypoly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone)-methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) microspheres (MPEG-PCL-MPEG) were compared for their prospective success in rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Microspheres with smooth surface of a mean particle diameter of approximately 5 μm were prepared with both polymers. MPEG-PCL-MPEG microspheres had higher encapsulation efficiency than PCL microspheres. The activity of encapsulated ETN within MPEG-PCL-MPEG microspheres also retained while 90% of the activity of ETN within PCL microspheres could retain during 90-day release. MPEG-PCL-MPEG microspheres showed faster ETN release compared to PCL microspheres in various release media. Cumulative amounts of ETN released from both types of microspheres were significantly lower in cell culture medium and in synovial fluids than in phosphate buffered saline. This was mainly due to protein adsorption onto microspheres. Hydrophilic MPEG segment enhanced ETN release while preventing protein adsorption on microspheres compared to PCL. Sustained ETN release from microspheres resulted with a significant decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IFNγ, IL-6, IL-17) and MMP levels (MMP-3, MMP-13), while conserving viability of fibroblast-like synoviocytes compared to the free drug. Results suggest that MPEG-PCL-MPEG is a potential copolymer of PCL that can be used in development of biomedical materials for effective local treatment purposes in chronic inflammatory arthritis owing to enhanced hydrophilicity. Yet, PCL microspheres are also promising systems having good compatibility to synoviocytes and would be especially the choice for treatment approach requiring longer term and slower release.

Pre-operative flexion contracture determines the functional outcome of haemophilic arthropathy treated with total knee arthroplasty

End-stage haemophiliac arthropathy can be successfully treated with total knee arthroplasty. However, the functional results may not be as good as anticipated and certain pre-op knee characteristics may alter the functional results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome of TKA in haemophilic patients with specific attention to final range of motion and residual flexion contracture of the joint. Twenty-one consecutive patients were retrospectively reviewed. The average age was 34 years with an average follow-up of 5.7 years. Functional status was evaluated with Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Score. Receiving Operating Characteristics analysis was used to determine the threshold of pre-operative flexion contracture degree to avoid residual knee contracture. The range of motion was increased in 16 joints and unchanged in three joints and decreased in the remaining two. Preoperative average range of motion was 37.6°, improved to 57.1° post-operatively. The average knee score increased from 27.85 (15-30) points pre-operatively to 79.42 (12-94) points at the last follow-up. The degree of pre-operative flexion contracture was found to be a good predictor for residual flexion contracture. (Specificity: 85.7%, sensitivity: 100%, cut-off: 27.5°). Total knee replacement improves the quality of life in patients with advanced haemophilic arthropathy. Statistical analysis revealed that pre-op flexion contracture of 27.5° is an important threshold. Patients should be operated before that stage to gain maximum benefit with minimal gait abnormalities.

Gait analysis in adults with severe hip dysplasia before and after total hip arthroplasty

Anatomical reconstruction of high riding hips by total hip arthroplasty (THA) and subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy aims to normalise gait pattern and improve functional hip scores. We present the medium-term clinical results of a group of patients with high riding dislocated hips in whom a cementless THA and subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy had been performed. We compared them with their preoperative status, with patients who had undergone a cementless THA for primary osteoarthritis, and also with a group of healthy gender and age-matched controls. Prospective computerized, three-dimensional gait analyses were performed in 8 female patients with uni-/ or bilateral severe developmental dysplasia of the hip (Group I). Gait analysis was performed preoperatively and at a mean of 12.5 months postoperatively. A group of 8 individuals who received cementless hip replacement for primary osteoarthritis (Group II), and a control group of 8 able-bodied individuals (Group III) were recruited for comparison. Patients in Group I improved and approached the values of Group II. However both were behind Group III. Limb length discrepancy was reduced from a mean of 4.3 cm (range, 1 - 8 cm) to a mean of 0.8 cm (range, 0 - 2 cm) at the latest follow-up. Pain was reliably relieved and activities of daily living were improved in patients with high riding developmental dysplasia of the hip, but they were still behind the normal population average. Nevertheless, the results can be as satisfactory as those in patients who undergo a THA for primary osteoarthritis.

Implantation of vancomycin microspheres in blend with human/rabbit bone grafts to infected bone defects

In orthopaedic applications, allografts are used for restoration of bone defects. In order to combine the effects of bone repair and to prevent the infection, antibiotic-impregnated bone grafts are under current investigation with promising early results. In this study, to preserve the stability of antibiotics and to provide appropriate release profiles for 4-6 weeks, antibiotic-loaded microspheres were administered in combination with allografts and vancomycin was the antibiotic loaded to microspheres. Particle size, surface characteristics, loading capacity and in vitro release characteristics of the microspheres with and without allografts were determined. In vivo studies were performed on rabbits and antibiotic amount was determined by a fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA) method from synovial fluid sample aspirated. According to the results, although the in vitro study demonstrated effective antibiotic release of vancomycin from antibiotic-impregnated allografts for 5 weeks, in vivo conditions led to an early instability of the antibiotic (in powder form) and contrary to the high initial loading dose an effective release could not be obtained from the allografts after the first week. Following these studies, it was determined that antibiotic release over a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for 6 weeks was realized from vancomycin-loaded microspheres which were implanted in a blend with allografts in bone defects. In conclusion, preservation of the antibiotic in microspheres maintained the bioactivity and provided the controlled antibiotic release, thus implantation of microspheres in a blend with allografts seemed to be a promising carrier system for the orthopaedic applications.

Late recurrence in primary region of parosteal osteosarcoma: a case report

Recurrence in patients with osteosarcoma after 5 years is a rare condition and has been infrequently reported. Here, the authors present a case of conventional parosteal osteosarcoma that had relapsed 17 years after diagnosis. To their knowledge, this is one of the latest recurrence times in the primary region of osteosarcoma.

Position of the acetabular component determines the fate of femoral head autografts in total hip replacement for acetabular dysplasia

We have reviewed 54 patients who had undergone 61 total hip replacements using bulk femoral autografts to augment a congenitally dysplastic acetabulum. There were 52 women and two men with a mean age of 42.4 years (29 to 76) at the time of the index operation. A variety of different prostheses was used: 28 (45.9%) were cemented and 33 (54.1%) uncemented. The graft technique remained unchanged throughout the series. Follow-up was at a mean of 8.3 years (3 to 20). The Hospital for Special Surgery hip score improved from a mean of 10.7 (4 to 18) pre-operatively to a mean of 35 (28 to 38) at follow-up. The position of the acetabular component was anatomical in 37 hips (60.7%), displaced less than 1 cm in 20 (32.7%) and displaced more than 1 cm in four (6.6%). Its cover was between 50% and 75% in 34 hips (55.7%) and less than 50% in 25 (41%). In two cases (3.3%), it was more than 75%. There was no graft resorption in 36 hips (59%), mild resorption in 21 (34%) and severe resorption in four (6%). Six hips (9.8%) were revised for aseptic loosening. The overall rate of loosening and revision was 14.8%. Overall survival at 8.3 years was 93.4%. The only significant factor which predicted failure was the implantation of the acetabular component more than 1 cm from the anatomical centre of rotation of the hip.

[Osteometry of the femora in Turkish individuals: a morphometric study in 114 cadaveric femora as an anatomic basis of femoral component design]

OBJECTIVES

Clinical and experimental studies of total hip arthroplasty have demonstrated that a close geometric fit between the femoral component and supporting bone is essential for durable implant fixation. Long-term success of total hip prostheses depends on appreciation of the proximal femur anatomy and identification of mean reference values of critical landmarks. Current data on dimensions of prostheses and implantation are based on osteometric measurements of the femora in Western populations. This study was designed to evaluate osteometric features of femora in Turkish individuals and to establish a national database for future studies.

METHODS

We conducted morphometric measurements of proximal femoral anatomy and its angular configuration on conventional radiograms of 114 cadaveric adult femora of Turkish individuals who did not have any developmental bone abnormality. Measurements were made according to the parameters defined by Noble et al. For comparison, we used morphometric data reported on Western populations by the same investigators.

RESULTS

Several femoral features were found to be different in Turkish individuals. Although femur head size and offset were similar to Western values, Turkish subjects had a higher femoral head due to valgus position of the femoral head-neck angle, a narrower proximal femoral metaphysis, and a narrower medullary canal with a longer isthmic segment.

CONCLUSION

Our data revealed diverse features of femoral geometry in Turkish individuals compared to Western populations. These differences should be taken into account in the design and development of hip prostheses.

Comparison of extraarticular leakage values of radiopharmaceuticals used for radionuclide synovectomy

OBJECTIVES

Radionuclide synovectomy is a reliable therapy in patients with chronic synovitis. However, radiation doses delivered to non-target organ systems due to leakage of radioactive material from the articular cavity are an important disadvantage of this procedure. In this study we compared extraarticular leakage values of the 3 commonly used radiopharmaceuticals; 90Y-citrate, 90Y-silicate and 186Re-sulfide colloid.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-five patients with persistent synovitis were enrolled in the study. Twenty-two hemophilic, 8 rheumatoid arthritis and 5 patients with pigmented villonodular synovitis were studied. 90Y labeled silicate and citrate were used for knee joints and 186Re-sulfide for intermediate sized joints. Radiocolloid leakage values were evaluated using a gamma camera with 20% window centered over the bremsstrahlung photopeak of 90Y and a respective window over the 137 keV photopeak of 186Re. Regions of interest were drawn over the injection site, the regional lymph nodes and the background areas. Leakage of radiocolloid was calculated by dividing the counts/pixel in the regional lymph node area to the counts/pixel in the injection site.

RESULTS

No visible leakage was observed. The median leakage values calculated for 90Y-citrate, 90Y-silicate and 186Re-sulfide were found as 1.9%, 2.4% and 2.7%, respectively. The difference between the variability of leakage values was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

There was no significant difference in terms of extraarticular leakage between 9Y-citrate, 9Y-silicate and 186Re-sulfide radiocolloids.

Is corticosteroid coinjection necessary for radiosynoviorthesis of patients with hemophilia?

PURPOSE

Radiation synovectomy is frequently combined with intraarticular corticosteroid injection in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis to reduce local inflammation and lymphatic clearance of radiocolloid. However, this practice is not universally accepted because corticosteroids have local and systemic toxicity such as osteonecrosis and cartilage damage and whether simultaneous corticosteroid injection together with radiocolloids is necessary in other forms of chronic synovitis like patients with hemophilia remains to be determined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we performed radiosynoviorthesis in 14 joints of 12 patients with hemophilia with chronic knee synovitis without corticosteroid coadministration and measured radiocolloid leakage from the joint space. Five mCi Y-90 radiocolloid was injected under local anesthesia and the needle was flushed with additional lidocaine injection instead of corticosteroid. The joint was then manipulated through a full range of extension and flexion to distribute the particles homogeneously throughout the joint space. The joint was then splinted for 48 hours to minimize leakage from the joint space. After the immobilization period, radiocolloid leakage was evaluated using a gamma camera with a 20% window centered over the maximum Bremsstrahlung photopeak of Y-90. Regions of interest were drawn to the injection site on the knee joint and to the ipsilateral inguinal lymph node area. Leakage of radiocolloid was calculated by dividing the background-corrected counts/pixel at the inguinal region by the counts/pixel at the injection site.

RESULTS

One of 12 patients who had knee arthroplasty was previously found to have a high amount of leakage. In this patient, 70% of radiocolloid at the injection site drained into the pelvic lymph nodes. In the remaining 11 patients, no lymph nodes were visualized in the groin area and the measured average leakage for these patients was 2.3% (range, 0-13).

CONCLUSION

We concluded that in cases of appropriate particle size and strict immobilization of knee joints, leakage of radiocolloid was minimal and steroid coinjection might not be necessary for radiosynoviorthesis of patients with hemophilia with chronic knee synovitis.

In vitro/in vivo evaluation of the efficiency of teicoplanin-loaded biodegradable microparticles formulated for implantation to infected bone defects

Chronic osteomyelitis is still the cause of many problems in orthopaedics in terms of therapy and infection persistence. Four-to-six week systemic antibiotic therapy is required along with bone and soft tissue debridement in the therapy of chronic osteomyelitis. Prolonged-release local antibiotic therapy has been taken into consideration due to the side effects encountered in long-term high dose antibiotic use and the duration of hospitalization of the patients. Although local antibiotic therapy has been achieved by bone cement, a second surgical operation is needed for the removal of the system. On the other hand, heat generation during cement curing limits the use of heat-sensitive active ingredients. The most frequent osteomyelitis inducing micro-organism is gram (+) Staphylococcus aureus. In this study, teicoplanin, a glycopeptide antibiotic, active on gram (+) bacteria, was incorporated in a synthetic polymer in order to prepare a microsphere formulation for implantation to bone defects. Particle size, surface characteristics, loading capacity and in vitro release characteristics of the microspheres were determined as well as stability assessment of teicoplanin under accelerated conditions. In vivo studies were performed on rabbits and the microparticles were implanted intra-articularly to the lateral condylus of the femur. Antibiotic presence was detected by a microbiological assay from synovial fluid sample aspirated throughout 5 weeks. In the light of these evaluations, microspheres prepared from PLGA (75:25) (Mw 136,000) polymer were determined to be effective, and promising for obtaining prolonged local antibiotic release.

Unilateral late-onset tibia vara associated with bilateral proximal femoral growth disturbance in monozygotic twins: case report

Clinical and histopathological similarities and rare association of Blount's disease with various proximal femoral physeal affections (i.e. adolescent coxa vara and slipped capital femoral epiphysis) are well known. Association of tibia vara with another epiphyseal disease of the proximal femur has not been reported previously. In this paper, a monozygotic set of twins with concordant bilateral epiphyseal growth disturbance of the proximal femur and unilateral late-onset tibia vara is presented. Radiological characteristics of the affected knees revealed a wedging in the proximal tibial epiphysis, depression of the medial joint surface and varus deformity of the tibia. Proximal femurs of both cases showed aspheric congruity, coxa magna, shortness of the femoral neck, and subchondral cystic changes. The presented cases support the genetic etiology of tibia vara, and association of the two conditions is unique.

Scintigraphic evaluation of impaction grafting for total hip arthroplasty revision

To determine the fate of an impacted allograft after a minimum follow-up of 1 year, we examined 9 of 40 patients who underwent revision arthroplasty with the impaction grafting technique. The allograft used in this study was morselized cancellous freeze-dried allograft. We examined these 9 patients with technetium-99 m methylene diphosphonate bone scintigraphy at an average of 14 (range 12-20) months after surgery. All of them had a good clinical outcome, with an average postoperative Hip Society Score of 89 (range 65-98) and no evidence of radiolucency or subsidence on direct radiography. Scintigraphic examination demonstrated that the area corresponding to the allograft had a remarkable radioactivity accumulation suggesting new bone formation. The allograft in total hip revision using the impaction grafting technique undergoes a significant neovascularization and new bone formation. This study suggests than when vigorous impaction is used, freeze-dried cancellous allograft can be used for impaction grafting.

Rotational profile of lower extremities in bladder exstrophy patients with unapproximated pelvis: a clinical and radiologic study in children older than 7 years

Fourteen patients (nine boys, five girls) with bladder exstrophy were analyzed radiologically and clinically. All were older than 7 years and had a pubic diastasis >2 cm. Anteroposterior and lateral center-edge angles were measured by direct radiography. Acetabular version, femoral anteversion, tibial torsion angles, and patellofemoral congruency angle were measured by computed tomography imaging. All were active with regard to their daily life and sports activities. The average foot-progression angle was +8 degrees . Spherical congruency was present in all hips, and none showed dysplasia. The average angle of acetabular version was apparently less than normal, but femoral anteversion angles were found to be increased. Increased external tibial torsion was observed in all patients. Twelve (71%) of 14 patients had positive congruence angles, the average being +6.1 degrees . Two patients had subjective complaints of patellofemoral instability. Increased femoral anteversion and external tibial torsion may lead to patellofemoral instability, and the bladder exstrophy patients should be followed up regarding this problem as well.

Bilateral peroneal tubercle osteochondroma of the calcaneus: case report

A case of bilateral symmetric osteochondroma of the peroneal tubercle in a 24-year-old woman is presented. This lesion is discussed along with its etiology and related findings.

The shape of the lumbar vertebral canal in newborns

STUDY DESIGN

This study used geometric measurement criteria to assess the incidence of a trefoil spinal canal configuration in neonates.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the shape of the neonatal lumbar vertebral canal with regard to its shape and the incidence of trefoilness.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Many studies consider the trefoil canal to be a developmental feature. Because of a lack of neonatal samples it is still unknown whether some individuals are prone to develop a trefoil spinal canal because of genetically determined factors.

METHODS

The last two lumbar vertebrae of 31 term neonatal cadavers from the collection of the Anatomy Department of Ondokuz Mayis University were examined. After removal, the vertebrae were processed and embedded in paraffin blocks to enable accurate sectioning at the pedicle level. Subsequently, unmagnified images were obtained through a color photocopy machine. These two-dimensional images were digitalized, and accurate measurements were made to determine the circularity and the trefoilness.

RESULTS

Trefoilness assessment indicated that the trefoil-shaped spinal canal does not exist in newborns. The spinal canal at this age is mostly dome-shaped.

CONCLUSIONS

In accordance with the previous hypotheses made by other authors, the authors of this study found that the trefoil shape of the lumbar vertebra does not occur at the end of the intrauterine period.

Risk factors associated with corrective surgery in congenital scoliosis with tethered cord

Severe neglected congenital scoliosis with tethered cord presents major difficulties in management. The primary objective of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with corrective scoliosis surgery in neglected cases presenting with severe deformity. Six patients who presented with such problems draw attention to the importance of a staged anterior and posterior approach in order to obtain satisfactory functional results. However, corrective surgery is associated with major neurologic and systemic complications, and every effort should be made to intervene with the progression of the deformity before corrective measures becomes necessary.

Spinal canal remodeling in burst fractures of the thoracolumbar spine: a computerized tomographic comparison between operative and nonoperative treatment

Operative and nonoperative treatment methods of burst fractures were compared regarding canal remodeling. The entire series consisted of 18 patients, with seven in the operative treatment group and 11 in the nonoperative treatment group. All fractures were studied with computed tomography (CT) at the postoperative (operative treatment group) or postinjury (nonoperative treatment group) and the latest follow-up. All patients were followed up for > or = 18 months. There was no statistical difference between postoperative and postinjury canal areas (p = 0.0859). However, a significant difference was found between the rates of remodeling (p = 0.0059). Although spinal canal remodeling occurred in both groups, the resorption of retropulsed fragments was less favorable in nonoperative treatment group.