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Volume 53, Issue 4, 2025

Online ISSN: 2560-3310

ISSN: 0350-8773

Volume 53 , Issue 4, (2025)

Published: 30.06.2025.

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01.12.2021.

Professional paper

Lower leg fractures treated with an external fixator at the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology of the Clinical Hospital Center of Kosovska Mitrovica

IIntroduction: Fractures of the lower leg are frequent fractures of long bones that are of great importance in traumatology. The role of external fixation (SF) as a type of surgical treatment is significant and widely applied. There are 3 methods of using SF to treat tibial fractures: SF as primary and definitive treatment, SF combined with internal fixation, and conversion of SF to internal fixation. Objective: To show the possibilities of SF as a definitive way of treating lower leg fractures. Methods: In our paper, we analyzed 254 lower leg fractures treated with SF according to Mitković M20, which were treated at the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology of CHC Kosovska Mitrovica. This series included 172 men or 68% of the total number of patients, and 83 or 32% women. Results: The average age of patients treated with this method is between the third and fourth decades of life. Falling on the leg with twisting of the table or the entire lower part of the leg is the most common type and cause of injuries in 69%. A closed lower leg fracture was diagnosed in 220 patients (A AO 59.%, B AO 26% and C AO 15%). Adequate position of the bone fragments was achieved by the closed reposition method in 190 (%), the average healing time was 18.4 weeks. In 93% of patients, we achieved bone union. Conclusion: The simple placement technique, the simplicity of the instrumentation, the wide range of indications where SF can be used, have led to the fact that it is a type of surgical treatment of great importance for lower leg fractures in small areas.

Saša Jovanović, Z. Elek, P. Denović, N. Miljković, J. Tomašević, D. Petrović

01.12.2021.

Professional paper

Assessment of neutrophil-lymphocyte and platelet-lymphocyte ratio in patients with hashimoto's thyroiditis

INTRODUCTION: The ratio of neutrophils-lymphocytes (NLR) and platelet-lymphocytes (PLR) is a new parameter in the assessment of patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of NLR and PLR in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, subjects were subjected to tests of thyroid gland function, antithyroid antibodies, as well as laboratory analyzes of blood count with determination of NLR and PLR. The respondents were grouped into two groups. The first group was patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), while the second group consisted of healthy individuals who represented the control group. RESULTS: NLR was statistically significantly higher in patients with HT compared to the control group (2.62±0.8 and 2.43±0.8, respectively; p=0.02), while PLR was higher in people with HT compared to the control group, but without statistical significance significance (169±42.5; 159±40.3; p=0.08). Among the examined patients with HT, the group with hypothyroidism showed statistically higher NLR values compared to the group of patients with euthyroid status (2.7±0.9 ; 2.31±0.7 p=0.03). Among the examined patients with HT, the group with hypothyroidism showed statistically higher PLR values compared to the group of patients with euthyroid status, as well as the group with subclinical hypothyroidism (177.8±48.2; 148.3±39.3; 155.5±42.5 p=0.04). NLR and PLR show a statistically significant positive correlation with the level of TSH, Anti TPO and TG At in the group with HT. CONCLUSION: NLR and PLR can serve as practical and valuable markers of the clinical course of the disease, but also markers of autoimmune diseases that progress with chronic inflammation.

Sanja Gašić, Milica Perić, Tamara Matić, Teodora Jorgaćević, Slađana Ilić

01.12.2021.

Professional paper

Frequency of depression in patients affected by subclinical and clinical hypothyroidism: A cross-section study

Introduction. Hypothyroidism can be accompanied by various neuropsychiatric manifestations ranging from mild depression and anxiety to psychosis. Objective. The study aimed to determine the presence of depression in patients with hypothyroidism (clinical and subclinical). Methods. The survey was conducted over twenty-four months, from 01. 07. 2017. to 01. 07. 2019., at the Health Center Krupa na Uni. The cross-sectional study included 160 persons, two groups of 80 persons each. The first group included those with newly diagnosed hypothyroidism, while the control group consisted of people with neat, thyroid function. In addition to the general questionnaire, the study used Beck's Depression Inventory and laboratory analyzes (enzymatic assays to determine thyroid stimulating hormone and thyroxine). The chi-square test was used in the statistical analysis. Results. The first group consisted of 62 (38.7%) subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism and 18 (11.3%) with clinical hypothyroidism, 51 (63.7%) women and 29 (36.3%) men with a mean age of 52±6.9 years. The control group consisted of 42 (52.5%) women and 38 (47.5%) men, with a mean age of 51±4.3 years. Mild depression was verified in 50 (31.2%), moderately severe in 43 (26.9%), and severe depression in 3 (1.9%). The study found the existence of statistically significantly moderate-severe depression in participants with subclinical hypothyroidism (p<0.05). Conclusion. The results of our study indicate a statistically significantly presence of moderately severe depression in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. Early detection and adequate therapeutic intervention of thyroid gland disorders in patients with depression. Our findings favor the need for early and routine screening for hypothyroidism and depression.

Marijana Jandrić-Kočić, Snežana Knežević

01.12.2021.

Professional paper

Operative treatment of supracondylar elbow fracture in a child using the percutaneous method

Supracondylar fractures are the most common elbow injuries in children and are associated with prolonged morbidity due to possible complications that can lead to deformity. The decision on the treatment method is made based on Gartland's classification (I, II, III and IV types) and the treatment can be non-operative (I and II type) and operative (III and IV type). When it comes to the percutaneous method, the main dilemma for its implementation is related to pinning from the medial side of the elbow because there is a high possibility of injury to the n. ulnaris which, according to data from the literature, occurs in some 15% of cases. The aim of treatment is pain relief and maintenance of the patient's functional status. The case presented in this paper represents a patient with whom the clinician is most likely to encounter and shows the clinical assessment of the patient's condition, the way of deciding on the treatment method and the outcome of the treatment undertaken. Agirl, 8 years old, was injured when she fell while playing. At the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology, Clinical Hospital Center Kosovska Mitrovica, the patient was clinically and radiographically examined, and the injury was defined as a supracondylar fracture type III according to Gartland. After adequate preoperative preparation under general anesthesia, without the use of a drape - Turniquet, with the use of a C-bow, repositioning is performed and after obtaining a satisfactory position of the fragments, they are fixed percutaneously with 3 Kirschner needles, two medially and one laterally. The patient was discharged 3 days after admission with controls performed for 7 days. The Kirschner pins were removed on the 5th week after the operation and physical treatment was started, after which the movements of flexion and extension as well as pronation and supination were fully restored. Similar results are found in the literature. This information can be helpful in advising parents about what to expect after their child's injury. Also, they represent evidence of good clinical practice for orthopedic doctors and physiotherapists.

Đorđe Kadić, A. Bozović, G. Radojević, Lj. Jakšić, M. Milić

01.12.2021.

Professional paper

Ellis-van Creveld syndrome

Introduction: Ellis-van Creveld syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by short limb dwarfism, additional fingers and/or toes (polydactyly), abnormal development of fingernails and, in over half of the cases, congenital heart defects. Motor development and intelligence are normal. This disorder is inherited as an autosomal recessive condition. Some boys with this condition have been described with undescended testicles (cryptorchidism) or an abnormally located opening of the urine canal in the penis (epispadias). Abnormalities in the chest wall, spine and respiratory system have also been reported. Case report: The boy, aged two (2) years and eight (8) months, lives with parents and two brothers, in good living conditions. From the perinatal anamnesis, we can see that it is the third child from the third monitored pregnancy, delivered naturally at 39.gestational weeks, with normal birth parameters (3980/51/36), Apgar score 9. Immediately after birth, has been spotted complete postaxial polydactyly on both hands and postaxial poly-syndactyly (3,4,5,6) on the left foot, and ultrasound of the hips in early infancy indicated their unusual morphology and delayed bone maturation, which led to further medical investigation and treatment. Conclusion: Ellis-van Creveld syndrome is an extremely rare disease (this is the first registered case in our country). On the basis of this case, we want to express the importance of early diagnosis in order to improve the prognosis of the disease, and necessity of careful monitoring of these patients.

Danijela Jovanović, Snežana Marković-Jovanović, Ljiljana Vukadinović

01.12.2021.

Professional paper

Anatomical and morphological characteristics of the appendix in acute appendicitis

Introduction: Echosonography of the appendix is the primary method in the diagnostic algorithm of acute appendicitis, after clinical and laboratory examination. Non-invasiveness, availability and easy performance are the advantages of this method in detecting acute appendicitis. Aim: The research aimed to determine the morphological characteristics of the appendix, as well as to evaluate the role of echo sonography in the exploration and visualization of pathological changes in the appendix in acute appendicitis. Material and methods: The cross-sectional study included 59 people who underwent appendectomy and echosonographic examination of the abdomen and pelvis within the Department of Radiological Diagnostics of UHC "Dr Dragisa Misovic-Dedinje" in Belgrade. Results: In 48 out of a total of 59 people (81.4%), there were echosonographic signs of acute appendicitis, of which incompressibility of the wall was present in 40 people (83%), diameter of the appendix over 6mm in 38 (79%), wall thickness over 3mm in 45 (94%), target sign in 33 (69%), hypervascularization of the wall in 28 (58%), as well as the presence of fecoliths with nonhomogeneous content intraluminally in 15 (31.2%) persons. The sensitivity of echosonographic examination for obtaining positive results in persons with acute appendicitis was 86.5%. The specificity of the echosonographic examination to obtain negative results in persons who do not have acute inflammation of the appendix was 57.1%. The positive predictive value (PPV) was 93.7%. The negative predictive value (NPV) was 36.4%. The accuracy of the method was 83.1%. Conclusion: Based on the high sensitivity values of the tests tested in this cross-sectional study, we estimate that echosonographic examination has a primary role in the diagnostic algorithm of a person with suspected acute appendicitis.

Milica Perić, Sava Stajić, Tatjana Filipović, Sanja Gašić, Teodora Jorgaćević, Marko Stalević

01.12.2021.

Professional paper

Prevention of micronutrient deficiencies in the elderly

The ageing process is characterized by numerous changes in the body that negatively affect the health, lifestyle and diet of the elderly. An adequate and balanced diet plays a vital role in the quality of life of the elderly, including physical, mental and social health. Physiological decline in food intake in the elderly is a risk factor for certain micronutrient deficiencies such as osteoporosis, anaemia and decreased immunity. To prevent these public health diseases, it is suggested to promote the intake of foods of animal origin (offal, meat) to prevent iron and vitamin B group deficiency. An adequate intake of anthocyanidins, fruits and vegetables with blue-purple pigments is recommended for the prevention of anaemia. Adequate intake is also important, i.e. intake of at least two portions of dairy products per day and fish products per week in combination with physical activity can provide adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D for the prevention of osteoporosis. The intake of fresh or minimally processed foods has played a significant role in ensuring an adequate intake of vitamin C, which, in addition to improving iron absorption and preventing anaemia, also affects the proper functioning of the immune system. For the same reason, it is recommended to take vitamin A from offals or beta-carotene from yellow-brown and orange fruits and vegetables. In general, appropriate nutritional interventions can be effective and financially effective forms of preventing and treating micronutrient deficits, thus improving the overall quality of life of the elderly

Dora Serenče, Hajnalka Požar

01.12.2021.

Professional paper

Coronary sinus, microanatomical study

INTRODUCTION: Complete appreciation of the cardiac venous system requires an understanding of its embryological basis, its usual patterns of distribution, and its common variations. AIM: The aim of our study was to improve our understanding of the coronary sinus morphometrical and topographical anatomy. METHODS: The investigations were carried out on 25 human hearts (from 11 male and 14 female persons of mean age 59.5; range: 40 to 75 years). The classic anatomical technique of microdissection (using neurosurgical microinstruments) was performed under the stereoscopic microscope on 10 specimens injected with a 10% formaldehyde solution. The arteries and veins of an additional 15 hearts were injected with methylmethacrylate and immersed in a 40% solution of NaOH for corrosion. Following washing out and drying, the obtained vascular casts were examined and measured. RESULTS: Coronary sinus (CS) extends from the opening of the oblique vein of the left atrium into the great cardiac vein, to its empty orifice into the right atrium. The length of CS varied between 22.4 and 41.4 mm (mean 33.0 ± 6.1 mm). The diameter of CS at its beginning was 5.0 - 9.6 mm (mean 6.6 ± 1.3 mm), and its diameter at its atrial mouth varied from 6.6 - 12.0 mm (mean 8.4 ± 1.6 mm). The CS had varied relationships to the branches of the left or right coronary arteries. It extended superficial and above the artery in 16 (64%) hearts, and close superficial to the artery in 9 (36%) cases. Duplication of the superior vena cava associated with an aberrant left hepatic vein was found in one case. The persistent left superior vena cava, which drained into the right atrium via the enlarged coronary sinus, was formed by the persistence of the left anterior cardinal vein. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that the coronary sinus, created in an early stage of embryological development, is an important collecting vessel receiving the main veins of the heart.

Ema Bexheti, Emilija Novaković, Zdravko Vitošević, Milan Milisavljević

01.12.2021.

Professional paper

Case report of Parkinson's disease and orthostatic hypotension

Introduction: Parkinson's disease is an idiopathic, slow progressive neurodegenerative condition with the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra compacta of the midbrain. Due to cardiovascular dysautonomia and impaired baroreflex function in Parkinson's disease, the development of orthostatic hypotension is most common, along with increased blood pressure variability, supine hypertension, nocturnal hypertension, etc. Orthostatic hypotension in Parkinson's disease increases the risk of developing coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and the risk of overall, and cardiovascular mortality. Case report: Orthostatic hypotension in Parkinson's disease is associated with an increased risk of gait disturbances, loss of balance, falls resulting in injuries and limb fractures, and mortality. In this paper, we presented a patient who had previously been treated for arterial hypertension, with the current clinical presentation of symptomatic orthostatic hypotension in Parkinson's disease. After neurological evaluation and the implementation of pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy for orthostatic hypotension, gradual improvement and stabilization of blood pressure values are achieved, along with a reduction in orthostatic hypotension symptoms and a decrease in subjective discomfort. Conclusion: In the presence of orthostatic hypotension in Parkinson's disease, in addition to pharmacological therapy, nonpharmacological treatment measures are very important for stabilizing blood pressure values and reducing the symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.

Miloš Mijalković, Nikola Vukašinović

01.12.2021.

Professional paper

Students' attitudes about the quality and effectiveness of online compared to traditional teaching of histology and embryology during the COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUCTION: The corona virus desease has led to numerous changes in all aspects of our lives. The educational system through numerous innovative learning methods managed the smooth conduct of distance learning. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study is to examine the attitudes of medical and dental students about quality and effectiveness of online versus traditional teaching, in the course of Hystology and Embriology during the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The research was conducted online, with the help of a questionnaire designed on the Google Forms platform. The cross-sectional study included second-year students of medicine and dentistry at the Faculty of Medicine in Priština -Kosovska Mitrovica, who during the 2020/21 academic year followed online and classical classes in the subject Histology and Embryology. The results were processed using descriptive statistical methods and appropriate tests for testing the hypothesis about the significance of the difference between two, three or more samples. RESULTS: Out of the total number of surveyed students (n=60), 95% of students attended traditional classes, 88.3% of students attended classes via Zoom platform, while 85% of respondents used Moodle platform. The highest percentage of very satisfied (38.3%) and satisfied (51.6%) students was with traditional teaching. The percentage of available lecturers during online classes is 73.3%, and 76.7% during tradicional teaching. 75% of students believe that tradicional teaching can not be replaced by online teaching method. 68% of students used the literature and available presentations on the Moodle platform to prepare for the exam. A significant correlation was found in the case of satisfaction with the grade and the achieved success in the exam (p=0,001). CONCLUSION: The results of our research show that students preferred traditional over online teaching, which makes traditional teaching a primary and irreplaceable form of education.

Teodora Jorgaćević, Slađana Savić, Jelena Tomašević, Erdin Mehmedi, Milica Perić, Sanja Gašić

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