BACKGROUND: Intracompartmental pressure (ICP) monitoring is a widely used modality, particularly after intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures. It was hypothesized that ICP value in fracture fixed with Ilizarov circular fixator (ICF) might be lower than in fracture fixed with intramedullary pin (IMP). The present study is a comparison of ICP value in tibial fractures in a rabbit model fixed with ICF and IMP.
METHODS: Twenty male New Zealand White rabbits were randomly divided into 2 groups of equal size: ICF group (Group 1) and IMP group (Group 2). Under anesthesia, half of proximal part of the right tibia of all rabbits was fractured. Tibial fractures were fixed with ICF in Group 1 and IMP in Group 2. ICP values were monitored at 6-hour intervals for 48 hours.
RESULTS: There was statistically significant difference in ICP value between groups (p<0.001). While there was statistically significant increase in ICP values 24 hours post surgery, there was statistically significant decrease during second 24 hours following surgery. Most importantly, ICP values of ICF group were significantly lower than those of IMP group at 30, 36, and 42 hours post surgery (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION: At 24th hour after fixation, ICP values measured in ICF group were lower compared with those of IMP group. These results indicate that use of ICF in tibial fractures provides additional decompression in the anterior compartment. In light of these findings, ICF may be preferable for treatment of tibial fractures with high risk for compartment syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Delayed union of fractured bone is one of the main problems of orthopedics and traumatology practice. It was hypothesized that the beneficial effects of allogeneic platelet-rich plasma (PRP) would be valuable in the treatment of segmental bone defects. This study is a comparison of the effects of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) and PRP in a segmental bone defect model.
METHODS: Total of 48 Wistar albino rats were separated into 4 groups. Segmental bone defect was created at right radius diaphysis in all specimens using dorsal approach. Four additional rats were used as PRP source. Intracardiac blood was withdrawn before the operation for preparation of allogeneic PRP. Group 1 (n=12) served as control group and defects were left untreated. Group 2 (n=12), was PRP group, and received grafting with PRP. Group 3 (n=12) was PRP+DBM combination group, and was treated with grafting and mixture of DBM and PRP. In Group 4 (n=12), defect area was grafted with DBM only. At the end of 10th week, rats were sacrificed, forearms were dissected, and defect areas were examined with radiological and histopathological parameters.
RESULTS: Radiological evaluation revealed that ossification was best in PRP group, followed by DBM group. According to results of histopathological studies, union quality was better than control group in all treatment groups (Groups 2, 3, and 4), and was best in PRP group (p<0.05). Results were also better in PRP group when examined in terms of cortex development and remodeling (p<0.05). When examined in terms of new osteogenesis, results were comparable in Groups 2, 3, and 4, but all were better than control group.
CONCLUSION: It was concluded that PRP and DBM have comparable effect on recovery of defective bones, but there is no synergistic effect when used together. We believe that PRP can be a cost-effective, readily available alternative to DBM with minimal morbidity.

BACKGROUND: Systemic inflammatory responses and extrapancreatic vital organ impairment are mediated by activated neutrophil functions and products, such as oxygen-derived free radicals, in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP). The present study is an examination of effects of an antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), on local and systemic histopathological changes and neutrophil functions during AP.
METHODS: This experimental study was performed on 24 Wistar albino rats equally divided into 3 groups: Group 1 comprised sham laparotomy, Group 2 had AP induced with taurocholate infusion, and Group 3 consisted of AP with NAC treatment. Histopathological features in pancreas, kidney, and lung tissues were examined for local and systemic changes during AP. Neutrophil functions were evaluated using flow cytometry.
RESULTS: Serum levels of pancreatic enzymes were elevated, and histopathological parameters showed acinar cell damage and pancreatic tissue necrosis in the 2 groups with AP. Severe histopathological changes were found in pulmonary and renal tissues, and flow cytometry results indicated defective neutrophil functions in the group with AP alone. NAC treatment significantly ameliorated phagocytosis, chemotaxis, and opsonization of neutrophils (p<0.05). NAC treatment also ameliorated systemic changes in pulmonary and renal tissue damage in all microscopic parameters (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION: Uncontrolled and defective neutrophil functions could provoke severe systemic inflammatory responses. In addition to local inflammation and necrosis, severe systemic responses and histopathological changes in extrapancreatic vital organs occur during AP. Treatment with antioxidant NAC significantly reverses detrimental systemic responses in extrapancreatic vital organs by significantly ameliorating neutrophil functions despite ongoing AP.

BACKGROUND: Stab wounds in the left thoracoabdominal region may cause diaphragmatic injury. The aim of the present study was to determine incidence of diaphragmatic injury and role of diagnostic laparoscopy in detection of injury in patients with left thoracoabdominal stab wound.
METHODS: Total of 81 patients (75 male, 6 female; mean age 27.5±9.8 years; range 14 to 60 years) who presented with left thoracoabdominal stab wound between April 2009 and September 2014 were evaluated. Laparotomy was performed on patients who had hemodynamic instability, signs of peritonitis, or organ evisceration. Remaining patients were followed conservatively. After 48 hours, diagnostic laparoscopy was performed on patients without laparotomy indication to examine the left diaphragm for injury. Follow-up and treatment findings were prospectively evaluated.
RESULTS: Thirteen patients underwent laparotomy while diagnostic laparoscopy was performed on remaining 68 patients. Left diaphragmatic injury was observed in 19 patients (23.5%) in the study group. Four injuries were diagnosed by laparotomy and 15 were diagnosed by laparoscopy. Presence of hemopneumothorax did not yield difference in incidence of diaphragmatic injury (p=0.131). No significant difference was detected in terms of diaphragmatic injury with respect to entry site of stab wound in the thoracoabdominal region (p=0.929).
CONCLUSION: It is important to evaluate the diaphragm in left thoracoabdominal stab injuries, and diagnostic laparoscopy is still the safest and most feasible method.

BACKGROUND: Ranson’s criteria are widely used to evaluate severity of acute pancreatitis (AP). Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) has been demonstrated to be useful marker to predict mortality in these patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate correlation between Ranson score and RDW in patients with AP.
METHODS: Total of 202 patients with AP were included in the study. Patients were classified as mild or severe AP, based on presence of organ failure for more than 48 hours and/or local complications.
RESULTS: Forty patients (19.8%) were diagnosed as severe AP. High sensitivity and specificity values were obtained from receiver operating characteristic curve for initial RDW and Ranson score in predicting severe AP. Ranson ≥4 was selected cut-off value for Ranson score and 14% was limit for RDW. RDW at time of admission was correlated with 48-hour Ranson score (r=0.22; p<0.002). However, at day 0, there was no correlation between RDW and 0-hour Ranson score (r=0.07; p=0.600).
CONCLUSION: Although there is no single, ideal method to assess severity of AP, RDW level at admission can be helpful in earlier prediction of AP severity, especially in first-line centers, taking into consideration disadvantages of multifactorial scoring systems.

BACKGROUND: There are few studies of single forearm arterial injury repair that compare long-term results of intact and obliterated forearm arterial repair. Aim of the present study was to compare long-term results of forearm arterial repair using Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score and color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS).
METHODS: Records of
166 consecutive patients with forearm arterial injury were reviewed, and 30 patients with same injury (ulnar artery, ulnar nerve, and tendon injuries at flexor zone V) were called back for CDUS and QuickDASH scoring. Patients evaluated with CDUS were divided into 2 groups according to results: patent vessels (Group 1) and obliterated vessels (Group 2), and statistical analysis was performed to compare QuickDASH scores of groups.
RESULTS: Difference in QuickDASH scores was statistically significant: Group 1 had lower score (24.27) than Group 2 (36.34), indicating better outcome in patients with patent vessels.
CONCLUSION: Vascular repair that achieved vessel patency led to better functional outcome with lower QuickDASH score and less cold intolerance.

BACKGROUND: Elderly patients are more prone to have inguinal hernia due to weakened abdominal musculature. However, surgical repair of inguinal hernia (SRIH) may not be performed or may be delayed due to greater risk in presence of comorbidities. Present study is investigation of outcome of elective and emergency SRIH in geriatric patients.
METHODS: Records of total of 384 high-risk (American Society of Anesthesiology classification III-IV) patients aged >65 years who underwent SRIH between January 2010 and December 2014 were reviewed. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to procedure type: elective (Group EL) or emergency (Group EM). Demographic features and surgical and postoperative period data of 2 groups were recorded and compared.
RESULTS: Demographic data were similar, but number of ASA IV patients was greater in Group EM. Frequency of intestinal resection was significantly greater in emergency surgery group (1% vs 21%; p<0.01). Length of hospital stay (1.3 days vs 7.9 days; p<0.01) and intensive care unit stay (0.17 days vs 4.04 days; p<0.01) were also greater in Group EM. Morbidity (1% vs 24%; p<0.01) and mortality (0.3% vs 11%; p<0.01) were also significantly higher in Group EM compared to elective SRIH group.
CONCLUSION: Emergency inguinal hernia surgery is associated with significantly higher morbidity and mortality compared with elective SRIH in high-risk geriatric patients. Elective hernia repair in these patients should be considered to reduce risk of need for intestinal resection as well as length of hospital stay.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate clinical manifestation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of patients with primary gastrointestinal non-Hodgkin lymphoma (PGI NHL), whose initial presentation was bowel obstruction or perforation.
METHODS: Data of patients who underwent surgical intervention due to radiological evidence of perforation or intestinal obstruction and were subsequently diagnosed with intestinal lymphoma at Baskent University hospitals between January 2007 and November 2014 were examined retrospectively. Medical records, clinical history, symptoms, pathological reports, and treatment modalities were analyzed.
RESULTS: Study population comprised 17 patients (8 male, 9 female) with PGI NHL and mean age of 52±20.2 years. Symptoms reported by the patients were abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and loss of appetite. All 17 patients underwent surgical treatment; 12 also received postoperative chemotherapy. Most common pathological subtype was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (70.5%). Mean follow-up time was 26 months (range: 1–69 months) and 5-year survival rate was 64.3%.
CONCLUSION: Initial presentation of PGI NHL may be obstruction with or without perforation; clinicians and surgeons should keep this in mind while assessing patient with bowel obstruction, and particularly patient in fifth decade of life.

BACKGROUND: Clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis is based primarily on symptoms and physical findings. However, diagnosis of appendicitis is not always straightforward. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the diagnostic effectiveness of ultrasonography (US) in these cases in combination with white blood cell count (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) level.
METHODS: Retrospective analysis of data collected on 470 consecutive patients who underwent appendectomy at the same institution between January 2014 and January 2016 was conducted. Data included demographic features, preoperative WBC and CRP levels, and US measurement of diameter of appendix. Patients were divided into 3 groups: lymphoid hyperplasia (LH), non-complicated acute appendicitis (NCAA), and complicated acute appendicitis (CAA), according to postoperative histopathological examination results.
RESULTS: There were 331 male and 139 female patients with mean age of 32.29±11.44 years included in the study. Mean WBC level was 12.31103/μL (±4.47 103/μL), 13.3 103/μL (±3.87 103/μL) and 14.08 103/μL (±4.11 103/μL) in LH, NCAA, and CAA groups, respectively (p=0.016). Mean CRP level was 14.2±19 mg/L, 36.9±59 mg/L, and 40.8±66 mg/L in LH, NCAA, and CAA groups, respectively (p=0.008). Mean outer diameter of the vermiform appendix on US was 4.8 mm (±3.9 mm), 6.9 mm (±4.08 mm) and 7.6 mm (±3.92 mm) in LH, NCAA, and CAA groups, respectively (p<0.01). When all variables were compared with each other, there were statistically significant differences in US findings according to group.
CONCLUSION: WBC count and CRP level were higher in patients with acute appendicitis, but these findings alone were insufficient for definitive diagnosis. US findings were effectual both in diagnosis and demonstration of severe inflammation. US should be combined with laboratory tests and used as standard initial imaging in diagnostic pathway of patients with clinically suspected appendicitis. The authors of this study believe that this diagnostic pathway will reduce negative appendectomy rate.

BACKGROUND: The present study was conducted to examine topic of issuing early do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order at first diagnosis of patients with severe burn injuries in light of current law in Turkey and the medical literature. DNR requires withholding cardiopulmonary resuscitation in event of respiratory or cardiac arrest and allowing natural death to occur. It is frequently enacted for terminal cancer patients and elderly patients with irreversible neurological disorders.
METHODS: Between January 2009 and December 2014, 29 patients (3.44%) with very severe burns were admitted to burn unit. Average total burn surface area (TBSA) was 94.24% (range: 85–100%), and in 10 patients, TBSA was 100%. Additional inhalation burns were present in 26 of the patients (89.65%). All of the patients died, despite every medical intervention. Mean survival was 4.75 days (range: 1–24 days). Total of 17 patients died within 72 hours. Lethal dose 50 (% TBSA at which certain group has 50% chance of survival) rate of our burn center is 62%. Baux indices were used for prognostic evaluation of the patients; mean total Baux score of the patients was 154.13 (range: 117–183).
RESULTS: It is well known that numerous problems may be encountered during triage of severely burned patients in Turkey. These patients are referred to burn centers and are frequently transferred via air ambulance between cities, and even countries. They are intubated and mechanical ventilation is initiated at burn center. Many interventions are performed to treat these patients, such as escharotomy, fasciotomy, tangential or fascial excision, central venous catheterization and tracheostomy, or hemodialysis. Yet despite such interventions, these patients die, typically within 48 to 96 hours. Integrity of the body is often lost as result of aggressive intervention with no real benefit, and there are also economic costs to hospital related to use of materials, bed occupancy, and distribution of workforce. For these reasons, as well as patient comfort, early do-not-resuscitate or do-not-intubate protocol for these patients is suggested. Resources could then be directed to other patients with high expectancy of life and patients with burns that are beyond treatment can experience more comfortable end of life.
CONCLUSION: At present in Turkey, it is not possible to give DNR order for patient with severe burns that are incompatible with survival due to legal interdiction. This subject should be discussed at high-level meetings with participation of doctors, legal experts, economists, and theologians.

BACKGROUND: Tibial torsion is rotation of the proximal versus the distal articular axis in the transverse plane. This study used computed tomography (CT) to examine rotational malalignment in the crus following use of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique in distal tibial fractures and evaluated effect of rotational difference on clinical outcomes and VAS scores.
METHODS: Analysis of 24 patients who were operated on for closed distal tibial fracture with MIPO technique between 2010 and 2012 was conducted. Malrotation was defined as rotational difference >10°. Operated knees were evaluated with 0.5-mm, fine-cut, 3-dimensional CT scan performed in cooperation with radiology department. Side-to-side difference in tibial torsion angle >10° was considered significant degree of malrotation. All patients were assessed clinically (visual analogue scale [VAS] and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society [AOFAS] scores) and radiologically at final visit.
RESULTS: Mean follow-up period was 20.00±9.46 months (range: 18-51 months). Mean VAS score was 2.58±0.83 (range: 1–4) and mean AOFAS score was 87.50±4.05 (range: 78–93). Mean tibial rotation angle was 31.54±6.00° (range: 18–45°) on healthy side and 32.00±6.24° (range: 10–43°) on the operated side. No statistically significant difference was determined (p>0.05).
CONCLUSION: Use of intraoperative fluoroscopy, cable technique, and uninjured extremity as reference, can reduce incidence of rotational malalignment of distal tibial fractures treated with MIPO.

BACKGROUND: Comminuted fracture of the lower patellar pole has characteristics of both patellar fracture and avulsion of the patellar tendon. Therefore, components of both injury types should be considered during treatment. None of the traditional techniques has proven sufficient alone. Currently described is technique that incorporates principles of osteosynthesis as well as repair of the patellar tendon.
METHODS: Total of 23 patients with comminuted fracture of the lower patellar pole were treated surgically and prospectively followed for 24 months.
RESULTS: All patients returned to pre-injury level of activities of daily living at average of fourth postoperative month. Average score on scale described by Böstman et al. was 28.1 points. All fractures united within average of 10 weeks. Patellar height was preserved. Only 4 patients, all post-menopausal, demonstrated increase in degenerative changes in patellofemoral joint.
CONCLUSION: Successful osteosynthesis of the comminuted lower patellar pole using the present technique reduces potential need for partial patellectomy, and preserves original length of the extensor mechanism. Present technique allows for immediate full weight-bearing and early, extensive rehabilitation program.

BACKGROUND: In the German population, the percentage of elderly patients is increasing, and consequently there are more elderly patients among trauma cases, and particularly cases of polytrauma. The aim of this study was to present clinical results and a risk profile for geriatric polytrauma patients.
METHODS: Review of 140 geriatric (over 65 years of age) polytrauma patients who received prehospital treatment was performed. Severity of trauma was retrospectively assessed with Hannover Polytrauma Score (HPTS). Age, hemoglobin (Hb) level, systolic blood pressure (BP), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, timing of and necessity for intubation were analyzed in relation to mortality and in comparison with younger patients.
RESULTS: Geriatric polytrauma patients (n=140) had overall mortality rate of 65%, whereas younger patients (n=1468) had mortality rate of 15.9%. Despite equivalent severity of injury (HPTS less age points) in geriatric and non-geriatric groups, mortality rate was 4 times higher in geriatric group. Major blood loss with Hb <8 g/dL was revealed to be 3 times more fatal than moderate or minor blood loss (Hb ≥8 g/dL). GCS score <12 corresponded to double mortality rate (39% vs 83%).
CONCLUSION: Age by itself is significant risk factor and predictor of increased mortality in polytrauma patients. Additional risk factors include very low GCS score and systolic BP <80 mm Hg, for instance, as potential clinical indicators of massive bleeding and traumatic brain injury. Such parameters demand early and rapid treatment at prehospital stage and on admission.

Lightning strike can cause fatal or nonfatal injuries. Some nonfatal injuries are associated with otological symptoms and findings. Conductive hearing loss due to rupture of the tympanic membrane is the most common audiovestibular lesion of lightning strike. Various forms of sensorineural hearing loss and dizziness have also been reported. Presently described are 3 cases of lightning strike injury. First patient had mid-frequency hearing loss in right ear and high frequency sensorineural hearing loss in left ear. Second patient had high frequency sensorineural hearing loss in left ear, and the third had peripheral facial palsy with perilymphatic fistula on same side. This is the first documented case of mid-frequency hearing loss occurring after lightning strike.

Presently described is case of a 42-year-old woman with eye injury that was result of gunshot fired by a man at a wedding celebration. Bullet penetrated inferior quadrant of nasal sclera of left eye 7–12 mm behind limbus. Choroid and vitreous were prolapsed around bullet. Hemorrhage, vitreous prolapse and lens subluxation were present in anterior chamber. Presenting visual acuity (VA) was hand motion. Bullet 14x5 mm in size was carefully extracted from the eye. Fifteen days later, argon laser photocoagulation was performed on retina in area of bullet entry point. VA was 20/25 (Snellen) at final visit. In this case, although foreign body was large, area of penetration was Zone III, and initial VA was poor, early and appropriate surgical repair achieved integrity of the globe and good vision prognosis.

Obstruction of the superior vena cava (SVC) due to any cause results in development of venous collaterals in the upper part of the esophagus, known as “downhill” varices. Although rare, bleeding can be life-threatening. Presently described is case of Behçet’s disease-related SVC occlusion in a patient who presented with gastrointestinal bleeding from upper esophageal varices.