BACKGROUND: This descriptive analysis examines the victims of the February 6, 2023, earthquakes in Kahramanmaras and Elbistan, Turkiye. It aims to detail the injury profiles related to neuro-musculoskeletal trauma, assess the rehabilitation needs of patients, and propose a comprehensive rehabilitation approach. METHODS: The study included patients injured in the Kahramanmaras-centered earthquake on February 6, 2023, who were transported to our hospital based on their rehabilitation needs. Data from patients treated at our hospital were recorded retrospectively. This included demographic information, accompanying pathologies, laboratory findings, rehabilitation programs, and treatments received during their hospital stay. Statistical analyses were conducted to examine the data. RESULTS: A total of 141 patients with musculoskeletal injuries were admitted due to injuries sustained from the earthquake. The mean age of the participants was 39.76 years, with a slight female predominance (56.7%). The majority of patients sustained injuries while trapped under debris (90.1%), with an average duration of 10 hours under rubble. Fractures were the most common form of injury (53.2%), predominantly affecting the lower extremities. Peripheral nerve injuries were present in 41.1% of patients, and amputations were observed in 30.5%. Complications included compartment syndrome (46.1%), crush syndrome (36.2%), and various infections. Pain was prevalent among patients, with somatic pain being the most reported type. Individualized rehabilitation programs were implemented, incorporating physical therapy, wound care, pain management, and psychosocial support. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the critical rehabilitation needs of earthquake survivors and emphasizes the importance of early and comprehensive rehabilitation interventions. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs were crucial in addressing medical issues, functional limitations, and psychological challenges faced by the survivors. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of earthquake-related injuries and underscore the significance of well-coordinated rehabilitation strategies in disaster responses.

Background/aim: The aim of present study was to investigate the treatment efficacy of transfer energy capacitive and resistive (TECAR) therapy, a modern application that has been increasingly used in recent years, compared to conventional physical therapy (CPT) applications in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, according to the evaluation of clinical findings of patients.Materials and methods: A total of 54 patients, aged between 40 and 75 years, were randomly divided into two groups. Both groups received CPT. Group 2 received TECAR therapy in addition to CPT, applied three times a week for two weeks, for a total of 6 sessions. All patient's knee joint range of motion (ROM) was measured goniometrically, isometric quadriceps muscle strength was measured, and pain levels were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and disability levels were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) before treatment, at the end of treatment, at 1 month, and at 3 months.Results: In both groups, significant improvements in VAS, WOMAC and isometric quadriceps strength scores were observed in the post-treatment follow-ups compared to the pre-treatment follow-up. However, there was no significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: TECAR therapy can be a useful therapeutic option for the conservative management of knee osteoarthritis.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the incidence and associated risk factors of clavicle and humerus fractures and brachial plexus injuries (BPIs) secondary to birth trauma. Patients and methods: Between October 2019 and May 2023, a total of 556 newborns (300 males, 256 females; median age: 5 days; range, 0 to 5 days) with clavicle, humerus fractures, and BPIs secondary to birth trauma were retrospectively analyzed. The sex, Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration (APGAR) scores at 1 and 5 min, need for resuscitation, gestational week, mode of delivery, birth weight, birth length, and head circumference of the neonates were recorded. Concomitant BPI, evaluation specialty, and maternal characteristics were also noted. Results: A larger head circumference was associated with an increased risk of clavicle fractures (p<0.001, odds ratio [OR]=1.681). High birth weight (p<0.01, OR=1.001), larger head circumference (p<0.001, OR=1.523), and lower APGAR score at 1 min (p=0.018, OR=0.605) were associated with BPI risk. Fractures were mainly evaluated by orthopedists, while BPI was primarily assessed by physical medicine and rehabilitation and pediatric neurology specialists (p<0.001). Neonatal physicians most frequently requested consultations from orthopedics for fractures and rehabilitation or neurology for BPI (p<0.001). Conclusion: Our study results show that larger head circumference increases the risk of clavicle fractures and BPI. Higher birth weight and lower APGAR scores at 1 min also raise BPI incidence. Newborns with these risk factors should undergo a thorough evaluation.