Alper DUNKI

Orthoses

Purpose: Support function, control deformity, reduce pain Types: Static: Stabilize joint Dynamic: Facilitate movement Design principles: Simplicity, lightness, durability, aesthetics; consider rigidity/flexibility and tissue tolerance

Biomaterials

Biomaterials are synthetic substances, derived from organic or inorganic components, designed to interact with biological systems. Their properties are determined by their structure (elemental composition, atomic bonding, crystalline configuration) and their processing methods (casting, forging, extrusion, sintering, etc.).

Bone Grafts, BMP, and Bone Substitutes

Clinical Research, Statistical Concepts, and Tests

Anticoagulants

Musculoskeletal Infections and Microbiology

Cellular and Molecular Biology, Immunology and Genetics Terminology

Biomechanics

Articular Cartilage: Structure, Components, and Clinical Relevance

Spot Knowledge – Articular Cartilage Composition: 95% ECM (water, collagen, proteoglycans), 5% chondrocytes Water: 65–80%, enables load-bearing, nutrient transport Collagen: >50% dry weight, mainly type II (90–95%); tensile strength Proteoglycans: 10–15% dry weight; aggrecan + GAGs provide compressive resilience Zones: Superficial (parallel collagen, friction reduction) Transitional (irregular, load distribution) Deep (vertical, compressive strength) Calcified (anchors to bone) Functions: Low-friction motion, load distribution, joint stability, resistance to forces Clinical relevance: Limited healing (avascular) Water/collagen/PG imbalance → osteoarthritis Collagen II & X defects → chondrodysplasias PG loss → elasticity ↓, cartilage breakdown

Peripheral Nerve Structure and Function

Articular Cartilage

Skeletal Muscle

Bone and Joint Biology

Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis

Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis (PVNS), also known as tenosynovial giant cell tumor (diffuse type), is a benign but locally aggressive proliferative disorder of the synovium, tendon sheaths, and bursae. It is characterized by hemosiderin deposition, multinucleated giant cells, and synovial villous nodular overgrowth. Although histologically benign, PVNS can cause significant joint destruction if untreated.

Chondroblastoma

Chondroblastoma is a rare, epiphyseal, benign bone tumor that exhibits locally aggressive behavior. It primarily affects skeletally immature individuals, most commonly males in their second decade of life. Most frequent locations include the distal femur, proximal tibia, proximal humerus, and less commonly the hip or calcaneus.

Imaging Principles

Plain radiography remains the first-line and often diagnostic in most bone tumors, while CT provides detailed cortical and 3D anatomical evaluation. MRI offers superior soft-tissue and marrow contrast, essential for assessing intramedullary extension and surgical margins. PET/CT assist in detecting metastases and evaluating treatment response.