NLR may be seen as a useful marker for demonstrating inflammation together with acute phase reactants such as CRP and in evaluating the effectiveness of anti-TNF-α therapy.

Platelet functions are related to the bone mineralization. PDW and MPV have a significant role in the development of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

II.

Hypertrophy of the sciatic nerve after lower-limb amputation in patients with sarcomas has been previously reported by magnetic resonance imaging; however, sonographic evaluation of the sciatic nerve after lower-limb amputation due to nonmalignant causes has not been done before. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform imaging of the sciatic nerve in lower-limb amputees and to find out whether sonographic findings were related to clinical characteristics. Twenty-three males with lower-limb amputations due to traumatic injuries were enrolled. Sonographic evaluations were performed using a linear array probe (Aloka UST-5524-7.5 MHZ). Sciatic nerve diameters were measured bilaterally at the same level, and the values of the normal limbs were taken as controls. Sciatic nerve width and thickness values were found to be greater on the amputated sides than the normal sides (P = 0.001). The thickness values were greater in above-knee amputees than below-knee amputees (P = 0.05). Subjects with a neuroma also had thicker sciatic nerves (P = 0.04). The diameters were found not to change between subjects with different liners (P > 0.05), but they were correlated with time after amputation (r = 0.6, P = 0.006; r = 0.4, P = 0.05, respectively). Our results clearly show that the sciatic nerves were wider and thicker on the amputated sides. Amputation level, duration, and the presence of a neuroma seem to affect the eventual diameters of the nerves.

Purpose. Surgical procedures are likely to be stressful for patients and their families. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a major surgical procedure used in the treatment of osteoarthritis. During this procedure the sounds of the saw and hammer may irritate the patient and adversely affect mood. The present study examines the effect of these intraoperative sounds during TKA on postoperative mood and anxiety, by comparing two different anesthetic procedures. Methods. A total of 40 patients who underwent TKA for grade IV gonarthrosis participated in the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: 20 patients in the general anesthesia group and 20 patients in the spinal anesthesia group. Mood and anxiety changes were evaluated using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) instruments, respectively. Results. The postoperative POMS value in the spinal anesthesia group was definitively higher than the general anesthesia group, though the difference in preoperative and postoperative POMS and STAI scores between the two groups was not significant. Conclusion. It would seem that sounds of hammer and saw have no evident negative effect on patient's mood. Regional anesthesia is advisable for TKA patients and appropriate sedation can be administered during the operation if needed.

Boric acid (BA) has positive effects on bone tissue. In this study, the effects of BA on fracture healing were evaluated in an animal model. Standard closed femoral shaft fractures were created in 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats under general anesthesia. The rats were allocated into five groups (n = 8 each): group 1, control with no BA; groups 2 and 3, oral BA at doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg/day, respectively; group 4, local BA (8 mg/kg); and group 5, both oral and local BA (8 mg/kg/day orally and 8 mg/kg locally). After closed fracture creation, the fracture line was opened with a mini-incision, and BA was locally administered to the fracture area in groups 4 and 5. In groups 2, 3, and 5, BA was administered by gastric gavage daily until sacrifice. The rats were evaluated by clinical, radiological, and histological examinations. The control group (group 1) significantly differed from the local BA-exposed groups (groups 4 and 5) in the clinical evaluation. Front-rear and lateral radiographs revealed significant differences between the local BA-exposed groups and the control and other groups (p < 0.05). Clinical and radiological evaluations demonstrated adequate agreement between observers. The average histological scores significantly differed across groups (p = 0.007) and were significantly higher in groups 4 and 5 which were the local BA (8 mg/kg) and both oral and local BA (8 mg/kg/day orally and 8 mg/kg locally), respectively, compared to the controls. This study suggests that BA may be useful in fracture healing. Further research is required to demonstrate the most effective local dosage and possible use of BA-coated implants.

N/L ratio may give us information about the natural course of LCPD and may be used as independent predictor of prognosis in patients with LCPD.

As boric acid is safe and toxicity even after very high doses is unusual, oral boric acid may be used as an agent to improve the healing process of tendon injuries. However, biomechanical tests should also be performed to show the effect of boric acid on strength and endurance of the tendon before it can be used in clinical practice.