In this study we aimed to identify infection rates in arhroplasty patients which were operated bilaterally with single anesthesia and to discuss the reasons of infections in these patients.

We evaluated 163 knees of 82 patients (Follow up: 12 to 60 months). Mean age was 66.8. Right knees were operated first followed by left knees. 16 of the patients had diabetes mellitus, 4 of them had rheumatoid arthritis, and 1 of them had systemic lupus erithmatosus. All patients were evaluated according to operation time, wound healing, laboratory findings, clinical presentation and X rays. We had 7 infections (6 deep, 1 superficial infection). When we evaluate operation times, no statistically significant difference was obtained between the infected knees and non infected knees (p=0,275). Two of the infected knees had urinary track infection and dental abscess after the opertaion. Five of seven infected knees were left sided. Six of the infected knees were treated with debridement irrigation and antibiotics successfully. But one had two staged revision.

Bilaterally operated knee arthroplasty increases operation time significantly. This increase of operation time decreases the sterility of surgical field, and may increase infection rates. The increased infection rates in left sided knees may explain this. Postoperative dental and urinary tract infections may also increase infection rates. There is no correlation between infection and other systemic diseases like diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erithematosus or rheumatoid arthritis

Aims: We aimed to compare conventional rigid cast immobilization with the semi-rigid functional treatment method with respect to calf muscle atrophy, ankle range of motion (ROM) and patient satisfaction in patients who had acute lateral ligament injury of the ankle. Methods: Sixty patients were randomized into the functional immobilization group (Group SC) or conventional belowthe- knee walking cast (Group R). Muscle atrophy was evaluated by axial Computerized Tomography and ankle ROM were recorded before and after treatment. A brief questionnaire for the evaluation of patient satisfaction was applied after the casts were removed. Results: A reduction in muscle area indicating atrophy was detected for both groups (p< 0.001). However, the atrophy was more pronounced in Group R for anterior and superþcial posterior muscle groups. There was also a reduction in ankle ROM for both groups. The loss of ROM for Group R was more evident and differences between the groups were statistically signiþcant. The patients who were treated with functional immobilization techniques were more satisþed. Mean score for Group SC was 67±12 where as it was 28±7 for Group R (p< 0.001). Conclusions: Functional immobilization has shown better results on patient satisfaction and ankle ROM. Although not statistically signiþcant, functional group also showed better results with respect to muscle atrophy for all muscle groups except the lateral. Regarding the previous literature on the effectiveness of functional immobilisation on ankle stability, this technique additionally brings advantages to the treatment of ankle ligamentous lesions with regard to patient satisfaction and facilitation in rehabilitation.