Background: The decision of fasciotomy or amputation in crush syndrome is controversial and challenging for surgeons. We aimed to share our experiences after the Kahramanmaraş earthquake, to predict the severity of crush syndrome and mortality, and to guide the surgical decision. Methods: The clinical data of patients during their first week of hospitalization were analyzed retrospectively. Totally, 233 crush syndrome patients were included. Demographic data, physical and laboratory findings, surgical treatments, and outcomes were recorded. Results: The mean time under the rubble was 41.89 ± 29.75 h. Fasciotomy and amputation were performed in 41 (17.6%) and 72 (30.9%) patients. One hundred and two patients (56.7%) underwent hemodialysis. Fifteen patients (6.4%) died. Lower extremity injury, abdominal trauma, and thoracic trauma were associated with mortality. Mortality was significantly increased in patients with thigh injuries (p = 0.028). The mean peak CK concentration was 69.817.69 ± 134.812.04 U/L. Peak CK concentration increased substantially with amputation (p = 0.002), lower limb injury (p < 0.001), abdominal trauma (p = 0.011), and thoracic trauma (p = 0.048). Conclusions: Thigh injury is associated with the severity of crush syndrome and mortality. Late fasciotomy should not be preferred in crush syndrome. Amputation is life-saving, especially in desperate lower extremity injuries.

Background and Objectives: The incidence of hip fractures in people of advanced ages is increasing due to our aging society. Patient positioning for the intertrochanteric fractures of the femur can be performed in various ways. The aim of this study is to clinically and radiologically compare the use of the supine hemilithotomy position, the lateral decubitus position, and the traction table when performing proximal femoral nail (PFN) surgery for femoral intertrochanteric fractures in the geriatric age group. Materials and Methods: A total of 170 elderly patients with femoral intertrochanteric fractures were included in this cross-sectional study. The patients were divided into three groups (the supine hemilithotomy group, the lateral decubitus group, and the fracture table group). For the postoperative period, complications, length of stay in the intensive care unit, and length of stay in hospital were examined, while in postoperative radiographs, tip–apex distances (TADs), collodiaphyseal angles (CDAs), and Cleveland–Bosworth quadrants were examined to evaluate the placement of the lag screw in the femoral head. The quality of fracture reduction was evaluated according to the modified Baumgaertner criteria. Results: The mean age of the patients was 77.8 ± 8.8; 57.6% of patients were female. According to the modified Baumgaertner criteria, it was determined that patients with ‘poor’ reduction quality had an approximately ten times higher risk of cut-out than those with ‘good’ reduction quality (OR = 10.111, p = 0.002, 95% confidence interval; 2.313–44.207). The operative time for patients in the fracture table group was longer than that of the other groups Additionally, the CDA in the supine hemilithotomy position group was longer. Conclusions: Although PFN surgery using the traction table is longer in terms of surgical time compared to surgery performed in the lateral decubitus position and the supine hemilitotomy position, it is advantageous in terms of better TAD and CDA values and lower complication rates.

Earthquakes frequently cause injuries to the musculoskeletal system. Studies conducted after earthquakes often report on injured limbs, fractures, and surgeries. This study aimed to enhance preparedness for future earthquakes by acquiring knowledge about the prevalence of fractures and the relationship between fracture types and injury mechanisms. A retrospective analysis was conducted on medical records of patients with fractures admitted to our hospital following the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquake. Patients with fractures resulting from traffic accidents or other causes unrelated to earthquakes were excluded. The recorded data included age, gender, fracture site, fracture type, mechanism of injury, date, duration of surgery, and peak creatine kinase (CK) level. The injury mechanisms were classified into four main categories: injured by falling objects, falling while running, falling from height, and being trapped under rubble. The study investigated the relationship between fractures and other factors. The study included 185 patients with a mean age of 39.62 ± 20.83 years. The most frequent mechanism of injury was being trapped under rubble. In total, there were 214 fractures, with pelvic fractures being the most common (21.50% of all fractures). Tibia fractures were the most common fractures in the lower extremities (15.89%). Women had a significantly higher occurrence of pelvic fractures (33.3%) compared to men (14.5%) (p = 0.003). The frequency of pelvic fractures significantly increased as age decreased (p = 0.007). Patients with pelvic fractures had a significantly greater peak CK concentration (p = 0.006). Open fractures were more common in the first few days, and Kirschner wires were the first treatment applied at a mean of 74 h and external fixators at a mean of 94.3 h. Injuries from falling objects from roofs and jumping from heights are important in earthquakes. In addition to lower extremity fractures, pelvic fractures are common in earthquake disasters. Most pelvic fractures are simple lateral compression fractures and it is important to follow the patients for crush syndrome in the first days instead of focusing on definitive fracture treatment. Open fractures should be prioritized for fracture surgery within the first few days. External fixators and Kirschner wires are recommended. Closed fractures should be treated conservatively and definitive surgical procedures should be postponed to the following weeks.

Purpose: The aim of our study was to compare the absorbable and non-absorbable suture materials used in hand extensor tendon repairs in terms of reoperations related to suture reaction-irritation. Materials and Methods: Patients who admitted to our institute with extensor tendon injury of the hand and underwent surgical repair were evaluated retrospectively. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were divided into two groups according to the suture materials as absorbable suture (AS) (polydioxanone) group and non-absorbable suture (NAS) (polypropylene) group. Age, gender, side, and necessity of suture reaction related surgery were compared between groups. Repaired tendons and injury levels were enrolled for both groups. Cases with reoperation due to the suture reactions were assessed. Results: There were 250 tendons of 172 patients met the inclusion criteria. One hundred and three (59.9%) patients were in NAS group and 69 (40.1%) were in AS group. Distribution of age, gender, and side were similar in both groups. There were 31 cases required suture related reoperation during follow-up. 29 (93.5 %) patients were in NAS group and 2 (%6.5) were in AS group. %74.2 of the cases were seen at zone 5 and 6 level, and frequently after the repair of extensor tendons of 2nd and 3rd digits. Conclusion: We have found that NAS (polypropylene) suture use for extensor tendon repair increased the suture related reoperation risk. Hence, we thought that AS use for extensor tendon repair can be more appropriate since the soft tissue coverage is relatively weaker than the flexor site.