Principle and Comprehension of Ultrasound Imaging / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Ultrasound is a sound wave beyond the audible frequency. Owing to technological development, the extent of use of ultrasound in orthopaedics is expanding. Ultrasound is produced by a piezoelectric effect and matter is requires for propagation. According to the characteristics of matter, the velocity of propagation differs and the images are the overall result of the interaction of reflection, refraction, absorption, scattering, transmission, and attenuation. The most important device is the transducer, which differs according to the array of piezoelectric elements and shapes the way it used and where it is used. Mode B is currently the most common image and many images which help to make diagnosis easier, such as doppler flow imaging, extended field of view imaging, compound imaging and three-dimensional imaging, are under developments. Ultrasound produces variable artifacts and during interpretation of ultrasound images, artifacts could interfere with correct diagnosis. In order to avoid creation of artifacts, profound knowledge of each artifact is needed. Therefore, precise understanding and interpretation of the ultrasound image is essential for proper diagnosis and use of ultrasound.

Coracoclavicular Ligaments Reconstruction for Acromioclavicular Dislocation using Two Suture Anchors and Coracoacromial Ligament Transfer

PURPOSE: This study examined the outcomes of reconstruction of the coracoclavicular ligaments with using two suture anchors and performing coracoacromial ligament transfer in patients with acromioclavicular dislocation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty patients with complete acromioclavicular dislocation were included in this study. According to the preoperative radiographs, 5 patients with AC dislocations were diagnosed as type III, 4 patients as type IV and 31 patients as type V. Two 3.5mm suture anchors with four strands of nonabsorbable sutures were separately placed on the anterolateral and posteromedial portion of the base of the coracoid process to stabilize the distal clavicle. The coracoacromial ligament was then transferred to the undersurface of the distal end of the clavicle for augmentation. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 28 months, the average Constant score improved to 97 points. All the patients returned to normal life at an average of 3.2 months postoperatively. At the last follow-up, 37 patients achieved anatomical reduction and three patients showed complete redislocation. However, the clinical results of the patients with redislocation were satisfactory. CONCLUSION: Anatomical coracoclavicular reconstruction using two suture anchors and coracoacromial ligament transfer for treating complete acromioclavicular dislocation is a safe, effective procedure for restoring a physiologically stable acromioclavicular joint.