To evaluate the effect of the Hounsfield unit (HU) value, calculated with the aid of non-contrast computed tomography, on the outcome of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Data for 83 patients evaluated in our clinic between November 2011 and February 2014 that had similar stone sizes, localizations, and radio opacities were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were grouped according to their HU value, in a low HU group (HU ≤ 1000) or a high HU group (HU > 1000). The two groups were compared based on their PCNL success rates, complications, duration of surgery, duration of fluoroscopy, and decrease in the hematocrit. There were no significant differences in terms of mean age, female-male ratio, or mean body mass index between the two groups (p > 0.05). The stone size and stone surface area did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.820 and p = 0.394, respectively). The unsuccessful PCNL rate and the prevalence of complications did not differ significantly between the two groups (p > 0.05). The duration of surgery, duration of fluoroscopy, and decrease in the hematocrit were significantly greater in the high HU group compared to the low HU group (p < 0.001). Calculating the HU value using this imaging method may predict cases with longer surgery durations, longer fluoroscopy durations, and greater decreases in hematocrite levels, but this value is not related to the success rate of PCNL.

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BACKGROUND:The purpose of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic value of the appendiceal sphericity index (SI) and appendix diameters in cases of perforated and non-perforated acute appendicitis.METHODS: Eighty-one patients who underwent computed tomography (CT) in our clinic and who were diagnosed with acute appendicitis after histopathological assessment between January 2015 and August 2017 were included in the study. According to their histopathological findings, the patients were divided into two groups: perforated and non-perforated appendicitis. The patients' CT images were re-evaluated with respect to perforation. Long axis and short axis of the appendix and the SI obtained by their proportions were calculated from the appropriate plane on CT. Their parameters and other CT findings as defined in the current literature were analyzed for statistical significance in the detection of perforation. RESULTS:The perforated and non-perforated appendicitis groups consisted of 20 and 61 patients, respectively. For wall defect, abscess, extraluminal air, free fluid, and appendicolith, the sensitivity values were 25%, 15%, 25%, 55%, and 50%, respectively, and the specificity values were 100%, 100%, 100%, 77%, and 70.5%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity for the SI and long axis of the appendix were calculated as 85% and 90% and 85.2% and 73.8%, respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSION:Although there are many findings with high specificity in the diagnosis of perforation, their sensitivity is very low when evaluated separately. We consider that the measurement of long-axis length with high sensitivity and the evaluation of SI with high specificity and sensitivity will contribute significantly to the diagnosis of perforation.

OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between the presence of meniscal injury and the femorotibial angle in the knee joint.METHODS:Patients who underwent knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at our department between January 2015 and March 2015 were included in this study. Knee MR images of these patients were retrospectively re-evaluated for meniscal injury. The anatomic femorotibial angle measurements of the patients were calculated using AP knee radiograms. The relationship between femorotibial angle values and the presence of meniscal injury was analyzed.RESULTS:One hundred and fourteen knee joints of 101 patients were included. The mean age of the patients was 40.6±13.4 years. The number of injured medial menisci was 92 and the average femorotibial angle in these knees was 5.6±1.88; the number of non-injured medial menisci was 22 and the average femorotibial angle value in these knees was 5.8±1.92 (p=0.82); The number of lateral meniscus with injury was 22 and the mean femorotibial angle value in these knees was 6.1±1.50; the number of lateral meniscus without injury was 92 and the average femorotibial angle value in these knees was 5.6±1.96 (p=0.20).CONCLUSION:In our study, there was no statistically significant correlation between femorotibial angle values and the presence of injury in medial and lateral meniscuses. We believe that frontal plane bone alignment disorder of the knee does not have a predisposition to meniscal injury.

C hondromalacia patella is a condition that may involve a wide range of areas from a small fissure in the hyaline cartilage on the surface of the joints to a total loss of cartilage in the subchondral area and results in anterior and anterolateral knee pain [1-4]. Chondromalacia patellae can be seen at both young and advanced ages. In the former, it may develop due to fragmentation of cartilage in joints by instantaneous and torsional forces during high-energy sports, such as cycling, football, jogging, skiing, and gymnastics, while in the latter group. Chondromalacia patellae usually occurs chronically as a result of vascular traumas or micro-traumas [5]. Tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joint incongruence are influential in the development of chondromalacia patellae. The direction and ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: In this study, we evaluated the relationship between patellar volume and chondromalacia patellae. METHODS: A total of 162 patients who underwent knee magnetic resonance imaging (MR) due to knee pain at our department between January 2017 and May 2017 were included in this study. Of the cases, 111 were chondromalacia patellae, and 51 were healthy individuals. The patella volumes of all cases were analyzed using semi-automated software. Staging in cases with chondromalacia was graded according to the Outerbridge classification (stages 1-4). The relationship between patellar volume, presence of chondromalacia, cartilage thickness, age, and sex was analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Of the 162 cases, 67 (41.4%) were male, and 95 (58.6%) were female. The median age of the cases was 44. Patellar volume was a minimum of 12.24, a maximum of 39.44, and a median 21.4 cm 3 , and it was higher in cases with chondromalacia (p=0.026). In patients with chondromalacia patellae, the thickness of cartilage in the medial facet was lower. There was a statistically significant weak positive correlation between chondromalacia grade and patellar volume (p=0.031, r=0.204). CONCLUSION: This study showed that chondromalacia patellae, one of the important causes of chronic frontal knee pain, has a statistically significant relationship with patellar volume. The medial facial cartilage of the patella was thinner than in cases with chondromalacia patellae. Although the mean age of the cases with chondromalacia was higher than the cases without chondromalacia, there was no significant difference between male and female individuals.