Our findings show that although the radiation exposure during orthopaedic operations is below the recommendations of the European Committee on Radiation Protection, there is a higher risk of exposure for the assistant surgeon. It has to be kept in mind that there could be morphological and functional damage in cells exposed to radiation. Therefore, we should continue to use appropriate shielding precautions in view of the unknown long-term risks.

No abstract

Abstract:In this study, a novel antibiotic carrier system for use in the treatment of implant-related and chronic osteomyelitis was developed. Sulbactam-cefoperazone was introduced to rods of polyhydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate (22 mol % HV, w/w), a member of a family of microbialorigin polymer that is biodegradable, biocompatible, and osteoconductive due to its piezoelectric property. The antibiotic-loaded carrier was implanted into the infection site that was induced by Staphylococcus aureus inoculation into the rabbit tibia. The effectiveness of this was assessed macroscopically, radiographically, bacteriologically, and histopathologically. Findings of infection subsided on day 15 and almost complete remission was observed on day 30. The control side that contained antibiotic-free rods, however, worsened. These findings prompted us to conclude that the novel biodegradable antibiotic carrier developed in the present study seems to be a promising candidate for use in the treatment of severe bone infection.

We treated 22 children with a supracondylar fracture of the humerus and an ipsilateral fracture of the forearm by closed reduction and percutaneous fixation. There were four Gartland type-II and 18 Gartland type-III supracondylar fractures of the humerus. There were fractures of both bones of the forearm in 16 and of the radius in six. Both the supracondylar and the distal forearm fractures were treated by closed reduction and percutaneous fixation. The mean follow-up time was 38.6 months. At the latest follow-up there were 21 excellent or good results and one fair result. There were no cases of delayed union, nonunion or malunion. Five nerve injuries were diagnosed on admission and all recovered spontaneously within eight weeks. No patient developed a compartment syndrome.

The Ponseti method is effective in correcting deformities of clubfoot, even after walking age, but affectivity may decrease with age.

No abstract

In order to assess interobserver and intraobserver reliability of an evaluation system of the International Clubfoot Study Group, 30 children treated for unilateral clubfoot and their radiographs were examined by three different observers. The mean intraobserver kappa value was found to be 0.62. The mean interobserver kappa value was 0.73. These kappa values correlated with a substantial degree of agreement. Interobserver reliability for all subgroup evaluations (morphologic, functional and radiological) and total scores was 90% or over. This also indicates a good interobserver reliability. In conclusion, the Bensahel et al. and International Clubfoot Study Group outcome evaluation system may be used reliably for the assessment of outcome of the treatment of clubfoot.

Study findings underline the importance of understanding social aspects of disability, and the positive association between playing sports and an individuals positive beliefs about oneself.