Due to well-known disadvantages of the autologous bone graft, many alternatives have been studied for a reliable spinal fusion. Herein, we aimed to investigate the effects of human recombinant epidermal growth factor (EGF) on posterolateral lumbar fusion in a rat model. 36 male SD rats underwent posterolateral fusion at L4-5 level. They were randomly assigned to 3 groups: Sham control group, Hydoxyapatite β-tricalcium phosphate (HA/β-TCP) group and HA/β-TCP + EGF group. Rats were euthanized at 8 weeks post-surgery. 6 rats from each group were selected for manual palpation examination, micro-computed tomography analysis and histologic analysis; and the rest was used for biomechanical analysis. Based on manual palpation, there was no fusion in the sham control group. Fusion rate was 33.3% in the HA/β-TCP group and 66.7% in the HA/β-TCP + EGF group (p=0.085). Micro-CT results revealed that new bone formation was higher in the HA/β-TCP + EGF group (BV/TV: 40% vs. 65%) (p=0.004). Histologically newly formed bone tissue was more pronounced in the EGF group and compacted and bridging bone spicules were observed. The median maximum bending moment values were 0.51 Nmm (0.42– 0.59), 0.73 Nmm (0.49– 0.88) and 0.91 Nmm (0.66– 1.03) in the sham control, HA/β-TCP and HA/β-TCP + EGF groups, respectively (p=0.013). The median stiffness values were 1.69 N/mm (1.12–2.18), 1.68 N/mm (1.13–2.74) and 3.10 N/mm (1.66–4.40) as in the previous order (p=0.087). This study demonstrates that EGF enhances posterolateral lumbar fusion in the rat model. EGF in combination with ceramic grafts increased the fusion rates.

During in vitro sub-culturing, tenocytes lose their phenotype which ultimately affects their functioning. As spindle-shaped fibroblasts, tenocytes have a unique thin elongated phenotype and they possess more spread-out shape through phenomena named dedifferentiation1. Given the link between cell shape and cell function, in this study, we first aimed to dedifferentiate tenocytes through in vitro sub-culturing in order to have a model system for dedifferentiation. For this, we isolated human flexor tendon cells from healthy female flexor digitorum longus and seeded at 5000 cells/cm² cell density, passaged every two days for six passages. In order to assess cell phenotype, we fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde and stained with phalloidin and DAPI to visualize the actin cytoskeleton and DNA respectively. We noted that in each passage, cells lost their spindle-shaped phenotype and became more pancake-shaped. At passage 1 and 2, the main cell phenotype is spindle-shaped. However, as the cells are further passaged, the phenotype of the cell population becomes more heterogeneous and at passage 5 and 6, they already display a more spread-out shape. Based on these results, we further hypothesized that they can be re-differentiated through matrix-mediated mechano-transduction and regain their morphology and function. For this aim, we generated decellularized tendon from porcine Achilles tendon and setup a mechanical loading system where we can provide mechanical loadings at physiological levels. This system will provide a new approach on in vitro tenocyte culturing.

Background context

Fusion is a fundamental procedure in spine surgery. Although autogenous grafts have ideal bone graft characteristics, their use may remain limited due to various morbidities. Even though ceramic based synthetic bone grafts are used commonly at present, in order to enhance their efficacy, their combined use with other materials has been investigated. The use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) together with synthetic bone grafts such as hydroxyapatite (HA) has contributed to positive developments in bone tissue engineering.

Background: In this retrospective study our purpose was to compare two treatment alternatives clinically.

Methods: Forty-five patients having grade I or II open tibia fractures were consisted in this study. Twenty-five of them, treated via minimal invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO), comprised group I. The latter 20 cases, treated via partial reamed intramedullary nailing (PR-IMN), called as group II. Aggressive debridement of all necrotic soft tissue and bone was performed primarily for all cases in the emergency room at admission to hospital. Definitive fixation was performed on average 3rd days (0 – 5) for group I and 2.5th days (0 – 4) for group II. Clinical evaluation was made on the basis of modified Ketenjian’s criteria.

Results: There were no significant differences between groups for demographic data (age, gender) and fracture type (p> 0.05). Full weight bearing periods of the group I and II were 21 and 22.4 weeks respectively. Non-union in one case of group I was revised by using circular external fixator. In another case implant removal was performed due to chronic osteomyelitis. Mal-union was detected in another case.

In group II, two cases needed implant revision with intramedullary nail in one and circular external fixator in another for non-union. Mal-union in one case and chronic osteomyelitis in another were late complications of group II. At the last follow up satisfaction rates were as; 21/25 in group I and 18/20 in group II clinically. There was no significant difference between both groups with regard to clinical evaluation (p> 0.05).

Conclusion: The clinical results of both groups were similar to each other. Although intramedullary nailing is the first choice, MIPO can be an alternative method for open tibia fractures.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a possible correlation between DDH and lumbosacral spina bifida occulta (LSSBO).

Patients and Methods: This multicentric study included the assessment of anteroposterior pelvic radiographs of 415 adolescents and adults without any bilateral clinical and radiological hip joint abnormality and of latest radiographs of 291 adolescent and adult patients who had treated or untreated DDH which had occured unilaterally or bilaterally. Control group included 332 females and 83 males and mean age was 38±17 (12-70) years. DDH group included 246 females and 45 males and mean age was 30±17 (12-80) years.

Results: Female/male ratio of both groups was statistically similar (p=0.124). Rate of LSSBO was 12% and 23% in the control and DDH groups, respectively (p< 0.001). S1 and L5 vertebrae were the two most common involved sites in both groups. There wasn’t any significant correlation between the rate of LSSBO and the involved hip side in the DDH group (p=0.336). In females, rate of LSSBO was 9% and 23% in the control and DDH groups, respectively (p< 0.001). In males, rate of LSSBO was 22% and 24% in the control and DDH groups, respectively (p=0.893).

Conclusion: In females, DDH is significantly accompanied by LSSBO and LSSBO may be considered as a risk factor for DDH. Further intrauterine studies are needed for better understanding of this fact. It may be better to perfom ultrasonographic hip screening for the newborns who has an evident posterior vertebral arch defect without any intraspinal anomaly which has been seen during fetal ultrasonography.

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the necessity of blood transfusions in operations for neglected DDH. It is generally known that blood transfusion is necessary in neglected DDH operations. Because of transfusion complications, Erythropoetin and autologous blood donation are proposed for blood replacement. However, these two methods are expensive and not useful in children.

We evaluated Hb-Hct levels in 48 children (52hips) operated on from 1992 to 1997. Mean age was 5.7 years (range 1.5 to14). Open reduction and pelvic osteotomy was performed in 40 hips, and open reduction, femoral shortening, and pelvic osteotomy in 12 hips.

The authors performed all of the operations. We approached the surgical technique and haemostasis carefully by using a curved ostetom instead of a gigly saw and left the medial apophisis and periosteum intact until the roof surgery. Dissection of the posterior-superior part of the ischiadic notch was avoided, and without using a drain. Oral supplemental ferrum (5 mg/kg) was prescribed to all patients until the Hb value increased to 12mg/dl. There was close clinical status follow-up of the patients for ten days after surgery and Hb–Hct levels were recorded periodically.

In the open reduction and modified Salter osteotomy group there were 4/40 hips respectively (10%). In the combined surgery group (open reduction, femoral shortening, pelvic osteotomy) there were 16 hips (33%) that required transfusion. We preferred packed red blood cell transfusion for blood substitution. Transfusions were made within one to five days. Mean loss of Hb was 4.7g/dl. Up to 7g/dl Hb level was well-tolerated by the patients. Digitalisation was required for one patient. There were no mortalities or infections in our patients up to the time of follow-up.

The process requires experienced surgeons, a meticulous surgical technique, a shortened operation time by modification of the pelvic osteotomy, and without using a drain. This is one of the most effective and less expensive ways to perform an operation for neglected DDH with a minimal loss of blood.