Objective We aim to report our experiences regarding the implementation of the ultrasound-guided combined interscalene-cervical plexus block (CISCB) technique as a sole anesthesia method in clavicular fracture repair surgery. Materials and Methods Charts of patients, who underwent clavicular fracture surgery through this technique, were reviewed retrospectively. We used an in-plane ultrasound-guided single-insertion, double-injection combined interscalene-cervical plexus block technique. During the performance of each block, the block areas were visualized by using a linear transducer, and the needles were advanced by using the in-plane technique. Block success and complication rates were evaluated. Results and Discussion 12 patients underwent clavicular fracture surgery. Surgical regional anesthesia was achieved in 100% of blocks. None of the patients necessitated conversion to general anesthesia during surgery. There were no occurrences of acute complications. Conclusions The ultrasound-guided combined interscalene-cervical plexus block was a successful and effective regional anesthesia method in clavicular fracture repair. Prospective comparative studies would report the superiority of the regional technique over general anesthesia.

Pseudoarthrosis, or nonunion, of the long bones is a challenging medical condition for orthopedic surgeons to treat. Therefore, healing enhancer materials are commonly used. The authors investigated whether platelet-rich fibrin accelerates long bone healing by comparing radiological and histological findings in a rat model of open femoral fracture. Platelet-rich fibrin is a current biomaterial that contains many growth factors and platelets. There are no studies in the literature investigating the effects of platelet-rich fibrin on fracture healing. Sixteen mature male rats were divided into 2 groups. In both groups, an open femoral fracture was created. The platelet-rich fibrin was obtained by centrifuging blood collected from the rats. Rats in the study group were treated with sterile platelet-rich fibrin, and those in the control group were administered saline. The rats were killed at the end of 4 weeks and examined histologically and radiologically. The radiographic and histological scores of the 2 groups differed significantly (P<.05). These results indicate that platelet-rich fibrin is an efficient biomaterial in fracture healing and that it increases the amount of osseous tissue formation. Platelet-rich fibrin does not cause an allergic reaction, is cost-effective, and is easy to obtain. Additional studies are necessary to determine whether platelet-rich fibrin accelerates the fracture healing process or induces a better quality of fracture healing. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(3):e479-e484.].

An injection of bone marrow into the meniscus tear site improves healing in a meniscal tear model as demonstrated by both light and electron microscopic findings.

Background. Bone metabolism is a complex system, and fracture healing is one of its most important functions. Many circumstances can influence this process. Chronic drug use in elderly populations can affect bone healing, and inadequate tissue perfusion, increased free radicals and adverse drug effects can negatively influence fracture healing. Nebivolol, an anti-hypertensive drug that selectively blocks β1 receptors, effectively reduces blood pressure by inducing peripheral vasodilation. Nebivolol also exerts anti-oxidant effects by stimulating nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. Many studies show that NO protects the vascular endothelium and improves fracture healing.

This study compared the effectiveness of the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) versus C-reactive protein (CRP) for evaluating the prognosis and degree of inflammation in patients with amputation for a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). This study enrolled 56 patients with amputations for DFU with gangrene and compared the CRP levels and NLR measured before and after surgery. Overall, 24 patients (42%) died within 2 weeks postoperatively. Mortality increased with a preoperative/postoperative CRP difference ≤1.5 ( P < .001) and age 73 years or older ( P < .001). The postoperative NLR was lower than the preoperative value but was not significant as a prognostic or inflammatory marker ( P = .945). An increasing serum CRP level is a significant predictor of mortality. CRP and old age are reliable prognostic factors in patients with DFU.