Clinical and Functional Outcomes of Suture Versus Headless Screw Fixation for Tibial Eminence Fractures in Children

BACKGROUND

Suture and screw fixations are widely used to treat tibial eminence fractures (TEFs). Although a few biomechanical and clinical studies have compared suture fixation (SF) and screw fixation in the treatment of TEFs in children, no comparative clinical studies are available regarding headless screw fixation (HSF).

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of children with TEF who underwent SF and HSF.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

The study included 24 patients treated with either SF (11 patients) or HSF (13 patients) within 1 month of TEF (type 2 or 3) without associated ligamentous and bone injury between 2015 and 2020. All patients were evaluated at a minimum 2-year follow-up in terms of Lysholm score, Tegner activity level, International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score, and isometric strength test. Knee stability was compared based on the Lachman test, pivot-shift test, and KT-1000 arthrometer side-to-side difference.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of Lysholm score, Tegner activity level, and International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score at follow-up. All patients were able to resume their daily activities within 6 months after the injury. However, flexion deficits (6°-10°) were found in 2 patients in the SF group and 1 patient in the HSF group, and extension deficits (3°-5°) were found in 3 patients in the SF group and 1 patient in the HSF group, without significant intergroup difference. Stability based on the Lachman test, pivot-shift test, and KT-1000 arthrometer side-to-side difference was also similar between the 2 groups at follow-up. No statistically significant difference was found between the 2 groups in isometric tests performed.

CONCLUSION

The present study is the first to compare the clinical and functional results of SF and HSF techniques. The HSF technique demonstrated comparable clinical and functional outcomes, suggesting its potential as an alternative to the SF technique.

Mean S1 inlet and outlet view angles are not safe for all individuals according to three-dimensional tomographic measurements

Although there are many studies evaluating optimal inlet and outlet angles required for the correct placement of S1 iliosacral screws, there is no study evaluating reliability and feasibility of these angles for all individuals on three-dimensional (3D) anatomical models. A total of 100 women and 100 men were selected randomly. A vertical line was created according to long axis of the tomography device on which patient was lying in supine position. The automatized best-fit planes were created on superior and inferior endplates, anterior cortex including notch region and posterior cortex of first sacral vertebrae using 3D imaging software to measure mean inlet and outlet angles. We observed no statistically significant difference between gender groups in terms of inlet and outlet angles. Mean inlet view is obtained for anterior cortex of S1 in 22.5 ± 9.5° and for posterior cortex in 46.5 ± 9.3°. Mean fluoroscopic view angle of S1 for superior outlet is 40.3 ± 7.6 and for inferior outlet is 46.9 ± 8.8. Mean anterior and posterior S1 inlet view angles do not accurately visualize anterior cortex of 74 (37%) and posterior cortex of 66 (33%) individuals. Mean superior and inferior S1 outlet view angles do not accurately visualize superior endplate of 74 (37%) and inferior endplate of 56 (28%) individuals. Due to individual alterations of spatial position of sacrum, mean inlet and outlet view angles of S1 are not sufficient to visualize the iliosacral screws under fluoroscopy in many individuals.

During Arthroscopic Repair of Medial Meniscal Tears: Do Not Be Afraid to Perform "Pie Crust" Technique

In the absence of effective long-term repair of meniscal injuries, damage to the knee may lead to the development of osteoarthritis. Recent reports have recommended meniscal repair to be undertaken in all cases of meniscal tears. However, the most common complication encountered during repair of the medial meniscus is iatrogenic cartilage and meniscal injury due to its unclear visualization. The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term clinical and radiological results of the pie-crust (PC) technique performed during the repair of medial meniscal tears. This retrospective study included 86 patients who underwent arthroscopic medial meniscus repair. PC technique was performed if the medial joint width was less than 5 mm. The patient population was divided into two groups as who underwent meniscus repair with PC technique (PC + repair group) or not (repair group). All patients were evaluated clinically (Kujala score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, Lysholm score, and Tegner activity score) and radiologically (medial joint width and valgus laxity angle). When the medial joint width measurements before the PC technique and at the postoperative first and sixth months were compared, it was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the preoperative and 12-month postoperative joint width measurements (p > 0.05). At the 12-month follow-up, no statistically significant difference was determined for the valgus laxity angle in the PC group compared with preoperative values (p > 0.05). The follow-up Kujala score, IKDC subjective score, Lysholm score, and Tegner activity score were similar between the groups. The clinical scores in both groups were determined to have statistically significant increase at 12-month postoperatively compared with the preoperative values (p < 0.05). The results of this study showed that performing the PC technique prior to medial meniscal tear repair increase the medial joint visualization safely and effectively without permanent valgus laxity.

Micro-ct findings of concentrated growth factors (cgf) on bone healing in masquelet's technique-an experimental study in rabbits

INTRODUCTION

A recent histopathological and immunohistochemical study has proved that the addition of concentrated growth factors (CGF) to the Masquelet's technique contributes to the quality of the membrane formed, in respect of inducing inflammation and proliferation, maintaining vascularization on large diaphyseal bone defects, and increasing the number of stem cells. The aim of the study is comparison of radiological results of this combination treatment by micro-CT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was planned on a critical bone defect model in rabbit radius. Group I and Group III were the control groups to which only the Masquelet's technique is applied. Group II and Group IV were CGF groups in addition to the Masquelet's technique. CGF was prepared by centrifugation of rabbit's own blood. For early phase, Groups I and II were evaluated in the 8th week, while for late phase, Group III and Group IV were evaluated in the 12th week. Groups were compared in terms of bony union radiologically by micro-CT(μCT) (New Bone Volume (NBV), Total Bone Volume (TBV) and NBV/TBV) and histopathologically.

RESULTS

The structural parameters, including NBV, TBV, NBV/TBV were higher in the early- (8th week) and late-phase (12th week) CGF group. There was no statistically significant difference between CGF and control groups in early phase, (p = 0.153), while in late phase, CGF group was significantly higher of new bone volume than the control group, 246.3 mm³ (196.1-258) and 169.6 mm³ (154.3-235.9), respectively (p = 0.028). For early phase, control group was significantly lower than late-phase control group, 121.8 mm³ (88.8-144.4) and 169.6 mm3 (154.3-235.9), respectively (p = 0.006). The ratio of New Bone Volume to Total Bone Volume (NBV/TBV ratio) in CGF groups was significantly higher compared to the control groups 27.3% (24.7-29.6), 35.3% (32.1-38.6) (p = 0.032) and 39.7% (36.7-41.6), 55.3% (52-57.5) (p = 0.002), respectively. Histopathologically, Microscopic New Bone Formation had no statistically significant difference between control and CGF groups in early phase (8th week) (p = 0.153), while in late phase (12th week), CGF group had significantly higher amount of new bone formation than the control group, 0.29 µm² (0.27-0.36), 0.51 µm² (0.42-0.59), respectively (p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

The addition of CGF to the Masquelet's technique is an important method for supporting new bone formation in large diaphyseal bone defects.

LEVEL EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic/care management.

Which Fibers of the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Should Be Released in the Pie Crust Technique Applied During Knee Arthroscopy: Superficial MCL or Deep MCL?

Background

Knee arthroscopy is the most common surgery performed to treat meniscal injuries. The pie crust (PC) technique is applied during knee arthroscopy to increase joint vision of the medial femorotibial compartment and reduce the risk of iatrogenic damage. Medial collateral ligament (MCL) release is applied in the PC technique. Currently, there are no studies directly comparing the release of the superficial MCL (sMCL) or deep MCL (dMCL) when applied during the PC technique. In this study, we compared the clinical and functional results of the release of the deep and proximal tibial attachment of the superficial fibers of the MCL.

Methodology

We evaluated the results of 67 (27 women and 40 men) patients who underwent the PC technique during knee arthroscopy due to a medial meniscal tear. The patients who underwent the PC technique were divided into two groups according to the release of the deep and superficial fibers of the MCL. All patients were evaluated for pain, functional capacity, and laxity using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and the Oxford Knee scores. All patients were evaluated with radiographic examinations such as valgus laxity angle and medial tibiofemoral compartment opening height.

Results

The KOOS and Oxford Knee Scores in both groups showed a statistically significant increase at 12 months postoperatively compared with the preoperative values (p = 0.005, 0.002, 0.002, and 0.01, respectively). No statistically significant difference was found between the groups (p > 0.05). When the valgus laxity angle before the PC technique was compared with the 12-month result after the procedure, no statistically significant difference was noted (p > 0.05). There was no evidence of complications such as chondral injury and saphenous nerve or vein injury among patients in either group.

Conclusions

In this study, we did not observe laxity in the long-term follow-up of the groups in which the superficial or deep fibers of the MCL were released. In our view, the PC technique has similar effects on surgical outcomes regardless of sMCL and dMCL release techniques.

Is Proximal Tibia Sufficient for Accurate Measurement of Tibial Slope Angles on Three-dimensional Tomography-based Anatomical Models?

BACKGROUND

Tibial slope measurements performed using only the proximal part of tibia ignore the native tibial anatomical axis. Our first aim is to measure the native medial, lateral and total tibial slope angles of gender groups using the whole tibial anatomical axis on computerized tomography-based three-dimensional anatomical models. The second aim is to determine the correlation between proximal and whole tibial anatomical axis for measurement of medial, lateral, and total tibial slope angles.

METHODS

We randomly selected 100 females and 100 males between 18-60 years of age. Three-dimensional anatomical models of right and left tibia were created. The gender-specific differences of medial, lateral, and total tibial slope angles according to proximal and whole tibial anatomical axis were measured. Correlation coefficients (r) of medial, lateral, and total tibial slope angles measured with proximal and whole tibial anatomical axis were calculated.

RESULTS

The mean age was 47.1 years. A statistically significant difference was observed between female (7.1 ± 3) and male (8.2 ± 2.5) groups in terms of mean lateral tibial slope angles according to the whole tibial anatomical axis (p=0.008). A strong correlation between proximal and whole tibial anatomical axis for all tibial slope angle measurements was detected.

CONCLUSION

The method we determined for 3D measurement of medial, lateral and total tibial slope angles using proximal tibial anatomical axis has a strong correlation with slope angles measured in accordance with the whole tibial anatomical axis. Our 3D tibial slope angle measurement method on the proximal tibia has high reliability and could be used in the daily practice.

Should We Prefer Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Physical Examination in Meniscal Tears

The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and clinical examination in the diagnosis of meniscus tears with the findings obtained from the knee joint arthroscopy. A retrospective study was made of 452 patients who underwent knee arthroscopy due to meniscus tears between 2012 and 2017. Physical examination was performed using the Thessaly's, McMurray's, and Joint line tenderness tests (JLTT). On preoperative MRI, medial meniscal tears were observed in 292 patients, lateral meniscal tears in 96 patients, and medial and lateral meniscal tears in 64 patients. According to the arthroscopy results, 284 patients had medial meniscal tears, 108 patients had lateral meniscal tears, and 60 patients had medial and lateral meniscal tears. Sensitivity and specificity of the JLTT was determined as 93 and 86% respectively for medial meniscal tears and 94 and 89% for lateral meniscal tears. The McMurray's test was 60% sensitive, 68% specific for medial meniscal tears (MMT), and 73% sensitive and 68% specific for lateral meniscus tears (LMT). The Thessaly's test was 93% sensitive and 87% specific for medial meniscal tears; and 94% sensitive and 88% specific for LMT. Compared with the arthroscopic findings, MRI was observed to have sensitivity of 94% for MMT and 84% for LMT. For specificity, the values were 89% for MMT and 91% for LMT. Accuracy was 89% for MMT and 86% for LMT. In comparison with the arthroscopic findings, the triple test was determined to have sensitivity of 92% for MMT and 89% for LMT. The specificity was 88% for MMT and 91% for LMT. The results of this study showed that a combination of selected physical examination methods is as sensitive as MRI in the diagnosis of meniscus tears.

Monitoring the Prognosis of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Predictive Value of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Red Blood Cell Distribution Width

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic values of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and red blood cell distribution width in diabetic foot ulcers treatment. A total of 250 adult patients who were treated in our clinic between 2007 and 2018 for diabetic foot ulcers were evaluated retrospectively. Diabetic foot ulcers were divided into 4 groups: major amputation, minor amputation, chronic wound, and complete healing. The mean age of our study groups was 60 years (range = 55-65 years). The mean follow-up period was 28 ± 4.3 months. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and red blood cell distribution width cutoff values were determined as 4.3 and 12.1, respectively, for patients in complete recovery group (C sig. = .995 and .871, respectively; P < .05). Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and red blood cell distribution width cutoff values for patients in the major amputation group were 6.73 and 13.4 (C sig. = .864 and .951, respectively; P < .05), respectively. According to the χ2 comparison of the groups, major amputation was seen in patients with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio >6.3, and complete recovery was seen in patients with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio <4.3. In patients with red blood cell distribution width >13.4, major amputation was found to be significant ( P < .05). According to these results, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and red blood cell distribution width are inexpensive and easy to access predictive parameters in the diagnosis and follow-up of diabetic foot ulcers.

Calcaneal Avulsion of an Ochronotic Achilles Tendon: A Case Report

Alkaptonuria is a hereditary disorder of phenylalanine and tyrosine, with an incidence of approximately 1/200,000 to 1/1,000,000. Ochronosis is the accumulation of homogentisic acid and its metabolites in connective tissues such as the tendons, cartilage, and skin. In the present case study, a 50-year-old male presented with a nontraumatic calcaneal avulsion without a previous diagnosis of ochronosis. To the best of our knowledge, little information has been reported of this pathology in the Achilles tendon and the surgical management.