Surgical Treatment for Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures in Elderly Patients: Comparison of the Minimally Invasive Approach and Extensile Lateral Approach

PURPOSE: As the functional demands for activities in elderly patients are increasing according to their life extension, the need for surgical treatment is also increasing in elderly patients with displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. In addition to the extensile lateral approach (ELA), which is a surgical procedure that showed good results on intra-articular calcaneal fractures, the minimally invasive approach (MIA) also showed an outstanding result. This study compared the radiological and clinical results of intraarticular calcaneus fractures in elderly patients in two groups: ELA and MIA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients aged over 65 years with intra-articular calcaneus fractures, who could be followed-up more than 14 months, were included in this study. Thirteen patients of the MIA group and 17 patients of the ELA group were analyzed retrospectively using radiological and clinical assessments. RESULTS: No significant difference in union time, posterior facet reduction accuracy, subtalar osteoarthritis frequency, Bohler angle, calcaneal width, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score, visual analogue scale score, 36-item short form survey, and foot function index was observed between the two groups. The p-value of the average height of the calcaneus correction, average length of calcaneal correction, and average loss of correction length were <0.001, 0.005, and 0.015, respectively. The incidence of complications, including soft tissue necrosis and bone infection, were 23.1% in the ELA group and none in the MIA group. CONCLUSION: The clinical outcomes were similar in the two groups. The degree of reduction of fracture showed a better result in the MIA group than the ELA group. Furthermore, there were no complications in the MIA group, whereas the ELA group showed some complications.

Analysis of Mechanical Loading after Anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Combined Single-Photon Emission Computerized Tomography and Conventional Computerized Tomography

PURPOSE: This study was to evaluate changes of the mechanical loading pattern after anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction by analyzing uptake patterns using combined single-photon emission computerized tomography and conventional computerized tomography (SPECT/CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: On SPECT/CT, high signal intensity of the articular surface which shows biological activity and mean increase of mechanical loading was compared with that of the tibiofemoral shaft as a comparative signal. The proportion of positive signals was evaluated in all compartments of the operated knee. Analysis was performed according to combined injury. RESULTS: A relatively high proportion of positive signals was detected in the posterior zone of the lateral tibial plateau (23.5%) and trochlear groove (23.5%) although increased signal intensity was detected in all compartments. There was no statistical difference depending on the presence of combined injury and between single-bundle and double-bundle ACL reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Following anatomic ACL reconstruction, higher signal intensity was detected, particularly in the posterior part of the lateral tibial plateau and trochlear groove. Close observation for further signal changes or osteoarthritic changes would be required even if there was no combined injury and anatomic reconstruction was performed.

The Efficacy of Nerve Conduction Study on Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: Nerve conduction study (NCS) test is a standard diagnostic study of the tarsal tunnel syndrome. The purpose of this study was to determine the relation between the results of the NCS and postoperative clinical results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 2004 to July 2015, 104 patients were diagnosed with tarsal tunnel syndrome and treated surgically. Of 104 patients diagnosed through NCS preoperatively and postoperatively, 41 patients were included in this study. There were 23 male and 18 female patients with mean age of 49.2 years old and the average follow-up period was 15.5 months. NCS, pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and subjective satisfaction were examined preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: On the preoperative NCS, 32 patients (78.0%) were positive and 9 patients (22.0%) were negative, and 32 positive NCS patients consisted of 9 positive (28.1%), 16 improved (50.0%), and 7 negative (21.9%) postoperatively. VAS score was 7.4 preoperatively and 4.4 postoperatively. According to satisfaction, there were 8 excellent (19.5%), 21 good (51.2%), 6 fair (14.6%), and 6 poor (14.6%) patients. For 32 patients who were positive on the preoperative NCS, the postoperative VAS score was 4.87 and there were 7 excellent (21.9%), 16 good (50.0%), 4 fair (12.5%), and 5 poor (15.6%) patients. Sixteen patients were negative on the postoperative NCS, with a VAS score of 3.75, 1 excellent (6.3%), 11 good (68.8%), 2 fair (12.5%), and 2 poor (12.5%). There was no statistical correlation between the preoperative NCS and postoperative VAS score (p=0.10), between preoperative NCS and postoperative satisfaction (p=0.799), between preoperative NCS and postoperative VAS score (p=0.487), and between postoperative NCS and postoperative satisfaction (p=0.251). CONCLUSION: For patients diagnosed with tarsal tunnel syndrome and treated surgically, NCS showed little correlation with postoperative result.

Chronic Tibialis Anterior Tendon Rupture Treated with Semitendinosus Autograft: A Report of Two Cases / 대한족부족관절학회지

The tibialis anterior tendon functions as a major dorsiflexor of the ankle. A rupture in this tendon can cause serious problems in the ambulatory function. A closed traumatic rupture without open wound or an atraumatic rupture can delay diagnosis and treatment. There are not enough guidelines for an effective surgical treatment on this chronic condition. Herein, we report two cases of chronic tibialis anterior disruption successfully treated by semitendinosus autograft.

The Significance of Calcaneal Posterior Tuberosity Fragment Reduction When Treated with Open Reduction in Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures

PURPOSE: We attempt to evaluate the significance of calcaneal posterior tuberosity fragment reduction when treated with surgical open reduction in displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 90 patients with displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture, between January 2010 and December 2015, treated with open reduction and internal fixation were enrolled in this study. At postoperative 3 months, we evaluated the reduction state of calcaneal posterior tuberosity fragment by measuring the degree of lateral displacement of the posterior tuberosity fragment on the calcaneal axial view. Moreover, we also evaluated the difference in the calcaneal length and height with the uninjured side on the lateral view of both sides. In addition, we estimated the reduction state of the posterior facet by measuring the degree of gap and step-off on the semi-coronal view of postoperative computed tomography and estimated the restoration of calcaneal angle by measuring the difference in Böhler's and Gissane angle with the uninjured side on the lateral view of both sides. RESULTS: The correlation coefficient with 3 components for evaluating the reduction state of posterior tuberosity fragment and gap and step-off of posterior facet was r=0.538, 0.467, r=0.505, 0.456, r=0.518, and 0.493, respectively, and restoration of Böhler's and Gissane angle was r=0.647, 0.579, r=0.684, 0.630, r=0.670, and 0.628, respectively. The relationship of each component shows a significant correlation as all p-values were <0.01. CONCLUSION: The precise reduction of calcaneal posterior tuberosity fragment developed by the primary fracture line was considered as an important process of anatomical reduction of calcaneal body, including the posterior facet and calcaneal angle restoration.

The Value of Local Flaps in Lower Extrimity Reconstruction

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome and the effectiveness of local flaps in lower extremity reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have performed lower extremity reconstruction with local flap in 14 cases (10 males and 4 females) from May 2006 to February 2008. The mean age was 40.1 years (range, 16~67). The defect site was the tibia in 5 cases, the ankle in 1 case and the foot in 8 cases. The local flaps were reverse flow sural artery flap in 7 cases, gastrocnemius flap in 3 cases, lateral supramalleolar flap in 2 cases, dorsalis pedis flap in 1 case and medial hemisoleus flap in 1 case. RESULTS: All flaps were survived. Venous congestion was developed in 1 case of the rerverse flow sural artery flap but healed with secondary rotational flap. Other flaps were good without any complications. CONCLUSION: If we choose precisely indicated local flap in lower extremity reconstruction, the resultant coverage of defect would be excellent.

Pseudoaneurysm of the Anterior Tibial Artery: A Case Report / 대한족부족관절학회지

Pseudoaneurysm of the anterior tibial artery is a rare cause of pain and swelling of the lower leg and the foot following minor sports injuries. When there is no definite musculoskeletal cause of pain, it is important to consider pseudoaneurysm. Early diagnosis and management are essential for the successful outcome. MRI and angiogram are useful for early diagnosis. We report a case of pseudoaneurysm of the anterior tibial artery following minor sports injury. The patient experienced complete relief of the symptoms after resection of the pseudoaneurysm.

Analysis of the Calcaneocuboid Joint Involvement in Intraarticular Calcaneal Fractures / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: This study was performed to analyze the characteristics of calcaneocuboid joint involvement in intraarticular calcaneal fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total number of 92 patients (111 cases) who underwent operation for intraarticular calcaneal fractures between Jan. 2000 and Oct. 2005 were included in this study. The preoperative computed tomographs of the subjects were retrospectively reviewed to analyze calcaneocuboid joint involvement. RESULTS: It was revealed that 63 cases (56.8%) involved calcaneocuboid joint; 29cases (46.0%) showed type 1 (undisplaced or minimally displaced type, articular gap or =2 mm), 7 cases (11.1%) were included in type 3 (comminuted type) and 11 cases (17.5%) belonged to type 4 (fracture and dislocation). 48 out of 63 cases belonged to Sanders classification II and III that involved calcaneocuboid joint and included 25 cases (52.1%) of type 1 and 14 cases (29.2%) of type 2. Among 15 out of 63 cases included in Sanders classification IV, 4 (26.7%) showed type 1 and 6 (40.0%) belonged to type 4. According to our results, Sanders classification allowed to predict pattern of the involvement of calcaneocuboid joint (P0.05). CONCLUSION: Calcaneocuboid joint involvement in intraarticular calcaneal fractures was common and more than half showed severe injuries. We concluded that further studies on the involvement of calcaneocuboid joint should be performed prior to surgical treatment of intraarticular calcaneal fractures.

Factors Influencing Angular Deformity of Tibia Fracture below Isthmus Treated with Interlocking Nails / 대한정형외과학회잡지

This study analyzed the factors causing the angular deformity as the tibia fracture below isthmus were treated with interlocking nails. For this purpose, we observed 70 cases of tibia fractures in the Gil General Hospital as subjects. Of the 70 cases under the treatment, 32(45.7%) showed the angulation of over one degree, and 11(15.7%) showed that of 5-10 degrees in any plane. According to the outcomes of this studies, the degree of angulation seemed to have close relation to the length of fracture line. Also, if the fracture line reached to the isthmus, angulation was apt to be caused. Even though most angulated cases had concomitant fibular fracture, fibular fracture, itself, seemed to have no direct relation to angulation. In consequence, the intramedullary interlocking nailing needs special carefulness in the case of breakage of cortical buttress such as long fracture line, butterfly fragment and fracture including isthmus.

The Effect of Knee Joint Function after ACL Reconstruction with Accelerated Rehabilitation / 대한정형외과학회잡지

We studied 30 patients who participated in accelerated rehabilitation program after ACL reconstruction to evaluate the effects on knee joint function prospectively. This program emphasizes early full hyperextension, early weight bearing as tolerated, and closed-chain quadriceps functional activities with rapid return to sports. Timing of the return to occupation, activity level, manual knee test, range of motion, thigh circumference, Lysholm knee score and KT-2000 arthrometer measurement were checked at the latest follow-up which is at least more than 1 year. The result were as follows: 1. The mean time for patients to return to occupation was 7.5 weeks (2 weeks-6 months). 2. Range of motion of the knee were not limited in 25 cases (83%) at 1 year after reconstruction. 3. The mean Lysholm score was 92.7. 4. The mean manual maximum KT-2000 arthrometer score was 2.0mm. The results of this study show that patients who had an ACL reconstruction with an autogenous central 1/3 patellar tendon graft and followed an accelerated rehabilitation program obtained longterm stability, achieved full range of motion, had a low complication rate, and were able to return to full sporting activities predictably.

Modulation of ATP-induced activation of the muscarinic K+ channel activity by protein kinase C

The atrial acetylcholine-activated K+ (KACh) channel is gated by the pertussis toxin-sensitive inhibitory G (GK) protein. Earlier studies revealed that ATP alone can activate the KACh channel via transphosphorylation mediated by nucleoside-diphosphate kinase (NDPK) in atrial cells of rabbit and guinea pig. This channel can be activated by various agonists and also modulated its function by phosphorylation. ATP-induced KACh channel activation (AIKA) was maintained in the presence of the NDPK inhibitor, suggesting the existence of a mechanism other than NDPK-mediated process. Here we hypothesized the phosphorylation process as another mechanism underlying AIKA and was undertaken to examine what kinase is involved in atrial cells isolated from the rat heart. Single application of 1 mM ATP gradually increased the activity of KACh channels and reached its maximum 40 ~ 50 sec later following adding ATP. AIKA was not completely reduced but maintained by half even in the presence of NDPK inhibitor. Neither ADP nor a non-hydrolyzable ATP analogue, AMP-PNP can cause AIKA, while a non-specific phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase blocked completely AIKA. PKC antagonists such as sphingosine or tamoxifen, completely blocked AIKA, whereas PKC catalytic domain increased AIKA. Taken together, it is suggested that the PKC-mediated phosphorylation is partly involved in AIKA.

MRI Measurement of the Intercondylar Notch and Correlation to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Notch stenosis had been thought to be related with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the possible relationship between notch stenosis and ACL injury. We measured the notch seen on the axial section in MRI at popliteal groove. We have retrospectively analyzed 116 cases of knee MRI. All cases were divided into three groups ; Group I were fifty six normal knee. Group II were thirty knee with contact ACL injuries. Group III were thirty knee with non contact ACL injuries. The result were as follows; 1. Statistically significant difference was found in the notch width index (NWI) between group I and group III but no significant differences was found in the NWI between group I and group II. 2. Statistically significant correlation to non-contact ACL injuries was found in the NWI at both anterior and posterior outlet of the notch. 3. An unique shape of the notch was found in the majority of group III.There seemed to be an obvious relationship between notch stenosis and non-contact ACL injuries.