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Our study aimed to evaluate and compare the changes in ulnar nerve tension and strain at different elbow positions radiologically and mechanically before and after applying the medial K-wire on the supracondylar humerus fracture cadaver model. We used ten fresh frozen cadaver upper extremity specimens to measure strain and tension on the ulnar nerve in 3 different elbow positions: elbow full extension, elbow flexion-forearm supination, and elbow flexion-forearm pronation. We employed Shear wave elastography (Siemens Acuson S3000 USG, 9L4 linear probe) and a microstrain gauge (Microstrain, Inc., Burlington) to obtain our measurements. Minimum, maximum and mean stress and strain values on the nerve and its surroundings were measured and compared statistically. The mean values of elbows with full extension are statistically lower than those in elbows with 90° flexion-forearm supination and those with 90° flexion-forearm pronation positions. Statistical evaluations were performed between all of the groups. Elbow 90° flexion-forearm pronation, both minimum and maximum and mean values were statistically higher in the group, including the specimens with Kirschner applied. The mean values in the elbow full extension and elbow 90° flexion-forearm supination positions were statistically similar in the specimens with and without the K-wire applied. Despite the numerous techniques described in the literature, there is no absolute technical method to prevent ulnar nerve damage. K-wire application to the medial epicondyle with the elbow in a slightly extended position is a technique that can be applied to reduce the risk of ulnar nerve paralysis. However, it has been reported that ulnar nerve damage can be observed in cases where a splint is placed in the 90° flexion position. We hypothesize that the position of the elbow joint in the postoperative period may contribute to ulnar nerve paralysis due to soft tissue tension and strain and as a result of changing the balance of the surrounding tissues. Our findings suggest that the long arm splint applied in elbow 90° flexion and forearm pronation position should not be preferred in the postoperative period. The maximum strain values obtained in the elbow full extension were lower, suggesting that it would be appropriate to stabilize the elbow in the extension position as much as possible postoperatively. Level of evidence: Level V., Competing Interests: The authors have no funding and conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

This study aimed to assess the effect of the status of the tendon and patient factors on patient satisfaction after rotator cuff repair. Forty-six patients treated for tears with a minimum of 5-year follow-up were included. Gender, age, and active smoking status were recorded. Pain visual analogue scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form, Simple Shoulder Test, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation were recorded preoperatively and at the last follow-up. Patients were divided into groups of highly satisfied (HS) and vaguely satisfied (VS) patients. Patients were evaluated with MRI both preoperatively and at their last follow-up. Of the 46 patients, 17 were HS and 29 were VS. The HS group had 7 re-ruptures, 4 of which were progressed tears, whereas the VS group had 15 re-ruptures, 4 of which were progressed tears. There was no difference in the rate of re-ruptures or progressed tears between groups. The HS group had a higher frequency of males. However, frequencies of active smoking or osteoarthritis of grade 2 or higher were lower in the HS group. It was shown that patient satisfaction after repair depends on patient-related factors like gender and smoking rather than tendon healing or degeneration., Competing Interests: The authors have no funding and conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Objective: We aimed to investigate the relationship between allergic rhinitis, which is an important reason of nasal obstruction, and maxillary sinus aeration., Patients and Methods: Three hundred fifteen patients who have a complaint of nasal obstruction and scheduled to undergo skin prick test (SPT) with a suspicion of allergic rhinitis (AR) were enrolled for this study. Thirty-two patients with positive SPT result and 30 patients with a negative SPT result were determined as group 1 and 2 (control group), respectively. A 3-dimensional reconstruction of computed tomography images of the 62 patients was used to assess and calculate maxillary sinus volumes (MSVs)., Results: Total maxillary sinus volumes were measured as 21.87 cm(3) and 30.15 cm(3) in group 1 and group 2, respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed between the MSVs of the groups (P < 0.001)., Conclusion: Total maxillary sinus volumes were found to be significantly smaller for patients with a positive SPT compared to patients with a negative SPT. Thus, we may conclude that AR has a negative impact on maxillary sinus aeration.