Functional results are satisfactory in distal humerus fractures treated with stable osteosynthesis and parallel-plate technique that allow early active motion.

Introduction: The periacetabular region is a common location for nonprimary neoplastic tumors. Although these tumors were historically treated with a cemented acetabular implant, we previously reported on the short-term follow-up on the use of a tantalum acetabular shell to reconstruct these defects. This study expands our previous report on longer follow-up, with specific emphasis on patient and implant survivorship, radiographic results, and clinical outcomes. Methods: Fifty-eight patients (32 women and 26 men) were treated using a tantalum acetabular implant and total hip arthroplasty to reconstruct a nonprimary neoplastic process between 2001 and 2014. The mean age and body mass index were 62 years and 28 kg/m2, respectively. The most common diagnosis was metastatic disease (n = 29). The patients' medical records and radiographs were reviewed to assess Harris hip scores and radiographic fixation. The mean follow-up for surviving patients was 8 years. Results: At the most recent follow-up, 41 patients were dead of the disease and 17 were alive with the disease and no cases of acetabular implant revision were reported. Two patients had a progressive radiolucent line; however, they also had radiographic evidence of local disease progression. After reconstruction, patients had a significant (P = 0.0001) increase in their Harris hip score (37 vs. 72). Discussion: In patients with periacetabular metastatic diseases and hematologic malignancies treated with total hip arthroplasty, a highly porous tantalum revision-type shell fixed with multiple screws, and supplemental support with acetabular augments or cup-cage reinforcement, can successfully provide patients with a stable, well-fixed, and durable construct, with no cases of mechanical failure at mid-term follow-up.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the histopathological features of primary extremity myxoid liposarcoma before and after neoadjuvant radiation therapy, and to evaluate the oncological outcomes of the patients.MethodsThe study included 23 patients (16 men and 7 women with a mean age of 43 (24–69) years) with primary myxoid liposarcoma of the extremities, who were treated between January 1998 and December 2015. Inclusion criteria were histopathological confirmation of the diagnosis with both the initial biopsy and the resection specimen, and having undergone neoadjuvant radiotherapy. Demographic, clinical and histopathological data were evaluated.ResultsOver a mean follow-up time of 55.2 (8–139) months, 5 patients (21.7%) died secondary to disease progression, leaving 18 patients (78.3%) still alive at the time of last follow-up. Only one patient (4%) experienced local recurrence and six (26%) patients developed distant metastases. Disease-free survival at 5 and 10 years were 66%; whereas, overall patient survival at 5 and 10 years were 78.1% and 71.0%, respectively. Tumor size (>15 cm) and presence of metastasis were significantly associated with increased overall mortality. On histopathology, necrosis was present in 12/23 resection specimens. Hyalinization/fibrosis and residual viable tumor was present in all specimens. Adipocytic maturation/cytodifferentiation was seen in 8/23 patients.ConclusionNeoadjuvant radiotherapy was effective for myxoid liposarcomas histopathologically, although these histopathological features did not affect the patients' oncological outcomes. Favorable oncological outcomes were obtained with neoadjuvant radiotherapy, surgical resection and chemotherapy.Level of evidenceLevel IV, therapeutic study.

Tensile and knot properties of new generation (polyblend) and traditional suture materials in orthopedic surgery were investigated in standard laboratory conditions. Study focused on Fiberwire No. 5 and 2, Ethibond No. 5, 2 and 00, Orthocord No. 2, MaxBraid No. 2, Prolene No. 0 and 00, PDS No. 0 and 00, and Vicryl No. 2, 0 and 00. A 27-cm suture loop was fastened with 10 knots for ten samples for each type. Test parameters were tensile load to failure, elongation at failure point and knot slippage, and volume of 10-fold knots. Results were compared using ANOVA test. Failure load of No. 5 Fiberwire (625.0 ± 30.0 N) was significantly higher compared to all other suture types. Tensile strengths of MaxBraid No. 2 (287 ± 11 N) was significantly stronger compared to two other No. 2 polyblend sutures types and Ethibond No. 5. Knot slippage of Fiberwire No. 5 (14 ± 1.9 mm) was significantly higher compared to all other suture types. Ethibond No. 2 (0.1 ± 0.3 mm) had the lowest knot slippage. Elongation at the failure point of Fiberwire No. 2 (5%) was significantly lower than all other suture types. Mean calculated knot volume of #5 Fiberwire (73 ± 6.9 mm(3)) was significantly higher compared to #5 Ethibond (53 ± 4.8 mm(3)). Results of the study proved presence of significant differences between tensile and knot properties of various suture types and sizes. Loop security of larger diameter sutures is not always higher than thinner sutures. Suture elongation and knot slippage are important failure modes for high-diameter sutures and short-suture loops.

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Hydatid cyst is a zoonosis affecting any part of the body and presenting difficulty in diagnosis and treatment. Primary bone involvement seen in about 2% of the cases is accompanied by spinal involvement in 50%. A 41-year-old female presented with low back pain radiating to the left leg. After physical examination, radiologic and laboratory investigations, a diagnosis of spinal hydatid cyst was made with intraspinal extradural, vertebral, and paravertebral involvement. The patient was treated with two-staged posterior and anterior surgical resections with addition of pre- and postoperative antihelminthic therapy. No recurrences developed within a follow-up of 5.5 years. Recurrences can be reduced by initiation of antihelminthic therapy preoperatively, perioperative injection of scolicidal agents into the cyst, and careful excision of the cyst without spread to neighboring tissues.

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ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyse the effectiveness of single dose of 20 mg/kg intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA), in reducing the blood loss in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Material and method70 patients (65.5 ± 8.1 years old) that have undergone TKA were divided in two groups. The 20 mg/kg IV TXA was given before the skin incision to one group (study group). On the control group, TKA was performed without TXA. The demographic data, body mass index, amount of bleeding and erythrocyte infusion during the operation, hemoglobin and hematocrit values (preoperative and 48th hour), the amount of drainage after the operation were compared between the groups.ResultsThe total amount of bleeding in the study group was 634.03 ± 182.88 ml and 1166.42 ± 295.92 ml in the control group (p < 0.001). Perioperative bleeding was 252.01 ± 144.13 ml in the study group and 431.33 ± 209.10 ml in the control group (p = 0.018). The drainage after the operation was 311.11 ± 141.64 ml at the 24th hour in the study group, 640.74 ± 279.43 ml at the 24th hour in the control group (p < 0.001). The drainage after 24th hour was 97.96 ± 115.86 ml in the study group and 112.96 ± 64.43 ml in the control group (p = 0.584).ConclusionA high, single dose of TXA intravenously given to the patient prior to the TKA significantly reduces the bleeding during the operation and within the postoperative 24 h. There is no significant change in the bleeding amount after the 24th hour following the operation.