Duman, Serda; Sahin, Vedat; Sofu, Hakan; Camurcu, Yalkin; Ucpunar, Hanifi

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to comparatively evaluate the clinical outcomes of open carpal tunnel release with or without flexor tenosynovectomy and epineurectomy for the treatment of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods: In this prospective single-blinded study, 61 wrists of 47 patients randomized to open carpal tunnel release without (Group-1) or with (Group-2) flexor tenosynovectomy and microsurgical epineurectomy. Physical examination including Phalen and Tinel's signs, visible thenar atrophy, two-point discrimination, and grip strength measurement was performed. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Quick Disability of Arm Shoulder Hand (DASH) Questionnaire, Symptoms Severity Scale, Functional Status Scale, and electrophysiological study were assessed. Results: The increase in the grip strength and Quick Disability of Arm Shoulder Hand Questionnaire score were significantly better in flexor tenosynovectomy and microsurgical epineurectomy group. The average pre-operative two-point discrimination was 6.3 ± 2 mm in Group-1 and 5.8 ± 1.7 mm in Group-2. Post-operatively at the end of 12 months, the mean two-point discrimination was measured as 5.9 ± 1.6 mm in Group-1 and 5.6 ± 1.3 mm in Group-2. When we compare the two groups according to the changes in VAS, Quick-DASH, symptoms severity scale, and functional status scale, only Quick-DASH score improvement was significantly better in Group-2 (p < 0.05). Improvements in VAS, symptoms severity scale, and functional status scale did not differ significantly. Conclusion: We do not recommend routine flexor tenosynovectomy and microsurgical epineurectomy during open carpal tunnel release in patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome.

Sofu, Hakan; Kockara, Nizamettin; Aydin, Bahattin Kerem; Suleyman, Bahadir; Tayfur, Mahir; Malkoc, Ismail

Objective: The main purpose of the present study was to assess the radiographic, histological, and mechanical effects of gabapentin on fracture healing in a rat model of femur fracture. Materials and methods: A standard transverse fracture of the mid-diaphysis was created. A total of 60 female Wistar-Albino rats with the mean age of 13.5 ± 1.2 weeks were used for this experimental trial. The rats were randomized into four groups with 15 animals included in each group. Group A and B were the control groups whereas C and D were the treatment groups. Drugs were delivered by oral gavage twice a day with the daily dosage calculated according to body surface area conversion to the human equivalent dosing regimen of 1200 mg/day. Radiographic, histological, and biomechanical evaluation was performed. Results: We could not detect any statistically significant difference between the control and gabapentin treatment groups according to the comparative assessment of radiographic scores on the 15th and 30th days. Although no significant differences were found between the groups on the 15th day, histological scores were better in the control group on the 30th day. According to the results of biomechanical testing, the fractured femurs resected from the control group exhibited significantly more strength on the 30th day. Conclusions: According to the data we acquired during the present study, administration of gabapentin negatively affects the fracture healing process especially in the aspects of histological progression as well as the biomechanical strength of the callus in a rat model.

Duman, Serda; Sofu, Hakan; Camurcu, Yalkin; Gursu, Sarper; Oke, Ramadan

Giant cell tumor of the small bones, particularly the carpal bones of the hand, is exceedingly rare. We present a case report of giant cell tumor of the capitate in a 24 year-old female with 10 years postoperative follow-up. Although carpal bones are extremely unusual location, orthopedic surgeons should always keep in mind that differential diagnosis must include giant cell tumor of bone whenever an expansile osteolytic lesion with well-defined but nonsclerotic margins is identified in a young adult with closed physes.