Introduction Distal radius fractures are the most common type of all extremity fractures. It is generally accepted that fractures with more than 2 mm step-off in the radiocarpal joint and greater than 10 degrees dorsal tilt should be treated surgically. However, the ideal technique for surgical management is still a point of debate. We performed cross-sectional data analysis to compare the results of three treatments methods-volar locking plate (VLP), external fixation (EF), Kirschner wire (K-wire)-in patients with distal radius fractures, and compared the clinical, functional, and radiological results Materials and methods Forty-four patients with distal radius fractures who underwent fixation with VLP, K-wire or EF between 2011 and 2013 were included in the study. All fractures were classified according to the Müller's Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) and Frykman's classifications. Routine radiographs were taken at the postoperative three weeks, six weeks, and three months. Radial inclination, volar tilt, radial length and ulnar variance were assessed on the follow-up visits and additionally at the follow-up for the study. The patient-based Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score system and the physician-based MAYO scale were used to evaluate functional outcomes. Radiological and functional outcomes between three surgical modalities were compared and statistically analyzed. Results The average age at the time of surgery was 52 years (range = 35-69 years). Of a total of 44 patients, 28 were operated with VLP, 11 were with K-wire and five with EF. Satisfactory reduction was achieved in all fractures, and all of the fractures healed. DASH and MAYO scores were similar in all groups. Regarding radiographic parameters, there was no significant difference in radial inclination, volar tilt, radial length and ulnar variance between the treatment modality groups. When evaluated based on fracture geometry, the DASH score was significantly higher in the patients with AO23A type fracture compared to the patients with AO23B and AO23C type fractures. As for MAYO score, all AO23 groups had similar outcomes. Conclusions Surgical treatment options VLP, EF, and K-wire provide adequate fixation, satisfactory radiological, and functional results for the management of distal radius fractures of various 1 2 3 4 5 6

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate how fatty atrophy (FA) of the hip abductors in operated and non-operated hips affected the functional outcome following arthroplasty.MethodsForty-four hips of 22 patients (8 males and 14 females; mean age: 60 ± 14.4 (range: 24–84)) who matched the inclusion criteria and willing to participate in the study were retrospectively evaluated. The mean follow-up was 13.8 ± 2.3 (range: 10–18) months Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Harris Hip Score (HHS) were used to evaluate muscle degeneration and functional outcome after unilateral THA through a posterolateral approach. The FA grade was evaluated using Goutallier grading system. Non-operated hips of subjects were used as the control. Age, duration after the operation, gluteal muscle FA, and the relationships with HHS were evaluated.ResultsFA was more evident in the operated hip (p < 0.05), and was more in the gluteus minimus than in the gluteus medius in both hips (p < 0.05). Patients' age was not correlated with gluteal muscle FA in the operated hip (p > 0.05), whereas there was a positive correlation with the contra-lateral hip (p < 0.05). Duration after surgery did not affect gluteal muscle FA in the operated hip. Older age and FA of either the operated or healthy hip resulted in poorer HHS (p < 0.05). HHS had the strongest correlations with patient age (p < 0.001) and FA (p = 0.026) of the gluteus minimus of contralateral hip.ConclusionFollowing THA, there was marked FA in the operated hip compared to that in the contralateral hip. In these cases, degree of FA in the replaced hip did not correlate with patients' age. Fatty atrophy of the gluteus minimus precedes that of gluteus medius. FA of the contralateral gluteus minimus and patient age are strongly correlated with lower HHS. Level of evidence: Level IV, diagnostic study.Level of evidenceLevel IV, diagnostic study.

Although a single subacromial lornoxicam injection provides rapid functional recovery, which partially extends into the intermediate term, its results are inferior to betamethasone and it may be an alternative only in patients where corticosteroids are contraindicated.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to define a quantitative parameter to indicate which cases of plantar fasciitis will benefit from local corticosteroid injection or ESWT and to compare the efficacy of two different treatment modalities.MethodsSeventy patients (mean age: 49.10; range: 41–58) with chronic plantar fasciitis unresponsive to conservative treatment for 3 months were treated with either betamethasone injection or extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT). Correlation between AOFAS scores, fascia thickness, duration of symptoms, age and calcaneal spur length were assessed.ResultsDegree of fascial thickening (mean 4.6 mm for all patients) did not influence baseline AOFAS scores (r = −0.054). Plantar fascia thickness significantly decreased in both groups after treatment (1.2 mm for steroid, 1.2 mm for ESWT) (p < 0.01 for both groups). Percentage of change in AOFAS scores (68% for steroid and 79% for ESWT, p = 0.069) and fascial thickness (24% for steroid and 26% for ESWT, p = 0.344) were similar between two groups. Functional recovery was not correlated with baseline fascial thickness (r = 0.047) or degree of fascial thinning after treatment (r = −0.099). Percentage of change in AOFAS scores was correlated only with baseline AOFAS scores (r = −0.943).ConclusionsPlantar fascia thickness increases significantly in plantar fasciitis and responds to treatment. Both ESWT and betamethasone injection are effective in alleviating symptoms and reducing plantar fascia thickness in chronic plantar fasciitis. However, the only predictive factor for functional recovery in terms of AOFAS scores is patients' functional status prior to treatment. Measuring of plantar fascia is not helpful as a diagnostic or prognostic tool and MRI imaging should be reserved for differential diagnosis.Level of evidenceLevel III, Therapeutic study.

Even though PFLCP is not the first choice in management of unstable pertrochanteric fractures, it must be kept in mind as an alternative to the other conventional plates and intramedullary implants with the properties of an increased stability by multiaxial screw locking and the results are satisfactory when appropriate settlement achieved.