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.

Vertebral Recompression after Vertebroplasty or Kyphoplasty

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine incidence of recompression and risk factors in the patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) after vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 179 vertebral bodies of 126 patients who underwent vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty on OVCF from January 2004 to August 2013. RESULTS: When anterior vertebral height of fractured vertebrae declined by more than 3 mm from the height immediately after vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, it was judged that recompression had occurred. Recompression was observed in a total of 58 vertebrae (32.4%). Recompression occurrences were found to be decreasing significantly when fractured vertebrae were the thoracic spine. In addition, osteonecrosis occurred in the preoperative vertebrae and restoration degree of anterior vertebral height immediately after vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty affected recompression occurrences significantly. The other factors (age, sex, bone mineral density, steroid medication history, follow-up duration, cement volume, vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, and approach method) were compared, but no statistical significance was found. CONCLUSION: The risk of vertebral recompression is more common, especially when osteonecrosis occurred in preoperative vertebrae or when vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty achieved remarkable restoration of anterior vertebra height. When performing vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, such conditions should be considered carefully.

Outcome of Surgical Treatment of AO Type C Pelvic Ring Injury / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the radiologic and clinical outcomes of AO type C pelvic ring injury and identify the prognostic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 53 patients who were treated for AO type C pelvic ring injury from January 2002 to February 2010. Mean age and mean follow-up duration were 42.4 years and 14 months, respectively. We had 8 cases of AO type C1-1, 19 cases of C1-2, 11 cases of C1-3, 6 cases of C2 and 9 cases of C3 injury. We analyzed type of fracture, displacement, method of fixation and associated injuries. Radiologic outcome was evaluated with Matta and Saucedo criteria and clinical outcome was evaluated using Majeed score. RESULTS: The average Majeed score was 86.2 distributing as 36 excellent cases, 15 good cases and 2 fair cases. Using radiologic Matta and Saucedo criteria, patients were divided as 31 excellent cases, 17 good cases and 5 fair cases. There was no significant difference between the outcomes of anterior, posterior and antero-posterior fixation. Neurologic injury was the reason for an unsatisfactory functional outcome. We identified two cases with complication, one with postoperative infection and the other with nonunion following anterior-posterior fixation. CONCLUSION: Satisfactory radiologic and clinical outcomes were obtained with open reduction and internal fixation in the management of AO type C pelvic ring injuries. Neurologic injuries affected the clinical outcome.

Primary Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty with a Ceramic Sandwich Liner and a Third Zweymuller Stem: Minimum 8-Year Follow up Results / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the minimum eight-year follow up results of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) performed using an alumina sandwich liner and the third Zweymuller stem. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 86 patients (107 hips) who underwent a THA with alumina sandwich liners and the third Zweymuller stems from July 2001 to December 2003 were analyzed. Mean age of patients at the time of THA was 50.8 years (range, 17-77 years) and the mean follow-up period was 112 months (range, 98-127 months). Clinical evaluation was performed using the Harris hip score and level of thigh pain. The radiographic evaluation was performed in terms of the radiolucent line, subsidence of the stem, migration of the acetabular cup, and proof of loosening. RESULTS: At the final follow-up, mean Harris hip score had improved from 57.8 points to 91.9 points. Radiolucent line was observed at Gruen zone 1 in 40 cases (37%) and at zone 7 in 35 cases (33%); however, no detectable loosening was observed. There were six cases (5.6%) of fracture of the ceramic liner, one case of ceramic liner dissociation, and one case of stem loosening due to infection. CONCLUSION: At the minimum eight-year follow up, survival rate of the third Zweymuller stem was 99.1%. However, owing to the high rate of fractures of the ceramic sandwich liners, the survival rate of the ceramic liner was 93.5%.

Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty Using a Ceramic on Ceramic Bearing Surface: The Clinical Results of a Minimum 10-year Follow-up for Patients with Short Term Follow-up / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to report on the clinical results of more than 10 years of follow-up after ceramic articulation total hip arthroplasty in patients younger than 50 years old who had reported a result of short-term follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 25 patients who underwent cementless THA using ceramic on ceramic articulation between Jan 1998 and Dec 2001. They were followed up for 2-4 years, with good results, and could be followed up for more than 10 years. The evaluation of clinical results included Harris hip score (HHS) and occurrence of thigh pain. Radiologic evaluation was based on osteolysis and the stability of components. RESULTS: The mean HHS improved from 57.7 to 93.3 during the period of 2-4 years of follow-up and 91.0 at more than 10 years of follow-up. Two patients experienced thigh pain during the period of 2-4 years of follow-up and none of the patients had thigh pain at more than 10 years of follow-up. On the last radiographs, stable fixation was observed in all cases, except for one case of ceramic fracture. CONCLUSION: Clinical and radiologic observations of cementless ceramic on ceramic articulation THA in active patients younger than 50 years old who reported a favorable short-term result showed a satisfactory long-term result.

Functional Outcomes of Percutaneous K-Wire Fixation for Distal Radius Fractures with or without Osteoporosis

PURPOSE: To determine the influence of osteoporosis on the results of percutaneous K-wire fixation for distal radius fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2007 and February 2011, Fifty seven patients who underwent fixative surgery with K-wires after closed reduction and those available for follow-up for at least 6 months were reviewed. They were divided into the two groups of T score -3 or more (group 1) and T score less than -3 (group 2). These groups were compared by the range of motion of the wrist and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Radiologic evaluations consisting of radial length, radial inclination and volar tilt were compared. In group 1 with 34 cases, the average age was 65.4 years (50 to 78 years) and T score was -1.97 (-0.1 to -2.93). In group 2 with 23 cases, the average age was 74 years (54 to 89 years) and T score was -4.11 (-3.1 to -6.97). RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between group 1 and group 2 in terms of range of motion, DASH score and radiologic evaluations. CONCLUSION: In the case of no volar side cortical comminution, percutaneous K-wire fixation can be applied for the treatment of distal radius fracture with osteoporosis.

Analysis of Factors That Affect the Outcome of Skin Grafts / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate factors that affect the successful outcome of skin grafts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred and one patients undergoing split-thickness skin grafts were reviewed between March 2000 and March 2008. The mean age of the patients was 39 years (16 to 67 years). The numbers of male and female patients were 63 (62.4%) and 38 (37.6%), respectively. The average follow up period was 8 weeks (2 to 23 weeks). For the analysis, patients were classified by patient factors and wound factors affecting the outcome of skin grafts. The criteria for the successful outcome of skin grafts were as follows: over 80% of skin ingestion rate, no exposure of subcutaneous tissue, no distinct signs of infection, and no need for reoperation. Also, statistical analysis was used to identify the correlation between each factor regarding the outcome of each skin graft. RESULTS: The preoperative serum levels of c-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) were significantly correlated with the success of skin grafts (p<0.05). The cut-off value of WBC and CRP were 10.500x103/microl and 1.02 mg/dl, respectively. Each factor showed 27.6 and 9.5 times of association strength. CONCLUSION: Among the various factors, the preoperative serum levels of CRP and WBC had significant correlations regarding the successful outcome of skin grafts. This result suggests that those levels can be objective indexes to predict the outcome of skin grafts.

Subtalar Distraction Arthrodesis Using Frozen Allobone Graft by Interpositional Structural / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: Subtalar distraction arthrodesis is useful treatment option for restore hindfoot alignment. but, using structural autograft have high risk of donor site morbidity. Recently, by replacing the structural allograft has been reported satisfactory clinical results. Therefore, the authors reviewed the results of subtalar distraction arthrodesis using a structural allograft, retrospectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2008 to May 2010, 12 patients (12 feets; 9 male, 3 female) underwent subtalar distraction arthrodesis using frozen structural allograft. 9 cases were calcaneal malunion, 2 were nonunion or malunion after subtalar arthrodesis, 1 was other cause. Mean age was 38.9 (12~66) years old and follow up period was 16.5 (12~36) months. Surgical was performed with posterolateral approach and tricortical allobone block of frozen femoral neck was used. Analysis was done with retorspective manner to evaluate preoperative, postoperative, and final follow up radiologic measurement and AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale. RESULTS: There was statistically significant increase (p<0.05) of ankle-hindfoot scale from preoperative 27.5 points to postoperative 72.5 points, talocalcaneal height by 6.62 mm, calcaneal pitch angle by 5.73 degrees, lateral talocalcaneal angle by 6.38 degrees and significant decrease (p<0.05) of tali-1st metatarsal angle by 5.23 degrees. 11 feet (91.7%) acquired bony union and it takes average 5.1 months. Final post-operative result revealed talocalcaneal height changed by 2.57 mm, calcaneal pitch anble, lateral talocalcaneal angle, talar-1st metatarsal angle were changed by 2.63 degrees, 1.62 degrees, 1.18 degrees, respectively (p<0.05). 3 cases of partial osteonecrosis of posterior facet of calcaneus were observed in operation field, 4 cases of complication were developed (1 case of nonunion, 1 collapse of allobone graft, 1 screw loosening, 1 superficial skin necrosis). CONCLUSION: Subtalar distraction arthrodesis using frozen structural allobone graft is useful alternative treatment method of arthrodesis with structural autobone graft.

Intraneural Ganglion Cyst in Foot and Ankle / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: Pathogenesis of intraneural ganglion is controversial, however, the synovial theory that the intraarticular region is the origination of disease has come into the spotlight nowadays. But there are a few researches about intraneural ganglion in foot and ankle. We studied 7cases of intraneural ganglion. We are going to prove the synovial theory by indentifying articular branch of intraneural ganglion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From August 2003 to May 2011, we evaluated 7 ouf of 8 patients diagnosed as a intraneural ganglion in foot and ankle. The gender ratio were 4 male and 3 female, and the mean age at the time of surgery was 52.9 years. Clinically, we checked pre and post operative symptom, muscle tone and whether loss of muscle tone and sensation exists. We analyzed surgical records and preoperative MRI and compared those with intra-operative finding. RESULTS: In MRI analysis of 7cases, the connection around the joints were confirmed, and 1 case was confirmed in the retrospective analysis of MRI. Intraneural ganglions occurred in medial plantar nerve 3 cases, lateral plantar nerve 1 case, superficial peroneal nerve 1 case and sural nerve 1 case. We could not found recurrence during the follow up periods. Most patients relieved pain after operation, but recovery of sensation was unsatisfactory. We could find some cases pathological finding of the nerve intraoperatively, and clinical result of that cases was poor. CONCLUSION: Intraneural ganglion can occur in various parts in foot and ankle. We concluded that the intranneural ganglion originated from joint by identifying the artichlar branch of ganglion. Due to its small size, it is difficult to find articular branch in operation field. But we do our best to find and remove articular branch. Currently, considering the small amount of research in foot and ankle, more research about articular brach is needed.

The Treatment of Subtrochanteric Fracture with Cephallomedually Nail: Minimal Incision and Lowman Clamp Assisted Reduction

PURPOSE: To evaluate the radiographic results of patients with subtrochanteric femoral fracture using minimal incision and cephalomedullary nail technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed on 54 patients, 54 cases of hip, recruited among patients who underwent minimal incision and Cephalomedullary nail from September 2005 to August 2008 and were available for 1-year or longer follow up. The gender ratio was 37 males and 17 females, and the mean age at the time of surgery was 57.4 years (range; 16~81 years). According to injury mechanism, traffic accident was 29 cases, fall down form high height was 18 cases, slip down was 7 cases. In classification by Seinsheimer, type II was 23 cases (m/c), type III was 18 cases, type IV was 13 cases. Average follow up period was 14 months (12~18). Radiographic evaluation was performed for time taking union, mal-union and complication. RESULTS: 53 of the 54 cases united. 39 of 54 reductions were anatomic. 19 fractures had a monir varus deformity of proximal fragment (between 2degrees and 5degrees). There was no varus deformity of more than 5degrees. 1 case that had been treated with PFN had nail breakage without trauma. There were no other complications. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of subtrochanteric fractures with minimal incision and Cephalomedullary nail technique can reslut in excellent reduction without complications including inflammation & malunion. Careful attention to detail for using Lowman clamp is demanding to decrease soft tissue injury.

Ceramic on Ceramic Total Hip Arthroplasty: The Results of a Minimum 10-Years Follow up

PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of ceramic on ceramic bearing cementless total hip arthroplasty with a minimum of 10-years follow up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed on 44 patients and 51 hips, and the patients were recruited among the patients who underwent ceramic-ceramic type cementless total hip arthroplasty from August 1998 to February 2000 and they were available for 10-years or longer follow up. The gender ratio was 28 males and 16 females, and the mean age at the time of surgery was 49 years (range: 26~77 years). Regarding the causality of disease, osteonecrosis was noted in 36 cases, degenerative arthritis was noted in 4 cases, acetabular dysplasia was noted in 4 cases and septic or tuberculous hip sequelae was noted in 7 cases. The clinical evaluation was performed according to the Harris hip score, and for the radiological evaluation of the femoral component, we assessed the degree of subsidence and the presence of periprosthetic osteolysis, endosteal new bone formation and cortical hypertrophy, and the final fixation state of the implant. In the cases with an acetabular cup osteoscleostic line in the vicinity of the acetabular cup, endosteal new bone formation, acetabular osteolysis and the vertical migration as well as the horizontal migration of the acetubular cup were assessed. RESULTS: Regarding the clinical outcomes, the Harris hip score was improved from an average 59 points to 93 points at the final follow up. For the radiological results, osteolysis was not detected in the acetabular and femoral components, the subsidence of femoral stem was not beyond 2 mm on average and significant subsidence was not detected. In regard to complications, linear fracture during surgery was noted in 6 cases and postoperative hip dislocation was noted in 1 case. A ceramic head fracture occurred in one case and a ceramic liner fracture occurred in 2 cases. CONCLUSION: This type of articulation is a promising option at a minimum of 10-years follow up of 51 hips that underwent ceramic-ceramic bearing cementless total hip arthroplasty. However, our results demonstrated that surgeons should be aware of the potential risks of ceramic fracture when using ceramic-on-ceramic bearing surfaces. Additional longer-term follow-up is necessary.

Intramedullary Kirschner Wire Fixation for Forearm Fractures in Children

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiological results of intramedullary fixation using Kirschner wires (K-wires) for the treatment of unstable forearm fractures in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-three children who underwent intramedullary fixation using K-wires for the treatment of a forearm bone fracture were evaluated. The rodiological results were based on the time to union and angular deformity at last follow-up. The clinical results were analyzed according to Price criteria. RESULTS: Average union time was 6.9 weeks. Preoperatively, average angular deformity of radius is 11.4 degrees in anteroposterior (AP) view and 15.3 degrees in lateral view. In case of the ulna, arerage angular deformity was 8.3 degrees in AP view and 12.7 degrees in lateral view. At last follow up, average angular deformity of radius was 1.5 degrees in AP view and 1.6 degrees in lateral view. In case of the ulna, arerage angular deformity was 1.3 degrees in AP view and 2.5 degrees in lateral view. According to the criteria of Price et al., 42 patients (97%) were excellent and one patient (3%) was good. No specific complication was observed. CONCLUSION: An intramedullary fixation using K-wires is an attractive treatment option for unstable forearm fractures in children in terms of safety, excellent cosmesis, short hospitalization, easy hardware removal, and providing excellent radiological and clinical results.

Pain Control after Total Hip Replacement Arthroplasty Using Periarticular Multimodal Drug Injection

PURPOSE: This study attempted to evaluate the pattern of change of the pain after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and to confirm the effect of periarticular multimodal drug injection (PMDI) on controlling the early postoperative pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the total patients who underwent primary THA at our hospital because of osteonecrosis of the femoral head from March to October 2008, 60 patients were enrolled in this study. The subjects were divided into three groups. Groups 1 & 2 received periarticular injection. Group 1 included the patients who were injected with a combination of opioid, long-acting local anesthetics, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and epinephrine. Group 2 received a combination of morphine and ropivacaine and group 3 was not injected with any analgesics. The visual analogue scale (VAS) at 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, 14 days and 1 month after surgery, the frequency that patients pushed the self-controlled pain medication machine for 2 days after surgery and the amount of clonac that was injected according to the needs of the patients were used as objective measures. RESULTS: The VAS score at postoperative 4 hours to 3 days among the groups showed a significant difference (P0.05). The frequency of pushing the self-controlled pain medication machine among the groups and the amount of clonac according to the needs of the patients among the groups showed that there were significant decreases at the operation day, the postoperative 1, 2 day and the 3 days (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: PMDI has a significant effect on controlling the early postoperative pain after THA.

Arthroscopic Treatment for Cartilage Lesions of the Talus / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To compare clinical results and to evaluate the factors affecting the clinical results after performing arthroscopic chondroplasty, microfracture, and osteochondral autologus transplantation (OAT) due to a chondral defect of the talus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study enrolled 35 patients (36 cases) diagnosed with a chondral defect of the talus and who could be followed over 12 months after arthroscopic chondroplasty, microfracture, or OAT between March 1998 and December 2007. The arthroscopic chondroplasties were carried out in 14 cases (13 patients), the microfractures were carried out in 12 cases (12 patients) and OAT was carried out in 10 cases (10 patients). The lesion staging used Berndt and Harty classification on simple radiographs and Anderson's classification on magnetic resonance images. Clinical results were evaluated and compared by measuring VAS and AOFAS scores at the time of operation, before the operation, and at the time of follow up. Clinical evaluation included location, size, and stage of each lesion as well as the age of individual patient. RESULTS: There were 13 medial and 23 lateral lesions. The average size of the chondral defects were 1.9 cm2 (range: 1-4 cm2). According to the classification of Berndt and Harty and Anderson, there were 8 stage II, 21 stage III, and 7 stage IV cases. The average follow up period was 15 months (range: 12-30 months). VAS and AOFAS scores showed significant improvement in all treatment groups. However, clinical results according to the operative methods did not show any differences. Lesion size, stage and location, as well as of age of patient had no significant impact on clinical results. CONCLUSION: We concluded that all three procedures, arthroscopic chondroplasty, microfracture, and OAT, are useful for treating a chondral defect of talus. Location of lesion, size, stage and age of patient did not make a significant difference.

Tuberculous Osteomyelitis of the Tarsal Bone in an Infant: Case Report / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Osteoarticular tuberculosis is a rare condition and it makes up 1-3% of all cases of tuberculosis. It usually occurs at the vertebra and it is common knowledge that tuberculous osteomyelitis is very rare at the foot. The clinical symptoms are nonspecific, and it can also mimic a wide range of pathologies, so it takes a lot of time to diagnosis and treat this illness. When osteoarticular tuberculosis is diagnosed, it should be gone through side to side with thorough debridement and chemotherapy. The author has experience 2 case of tuberculous osteomyelitis, so I report here on the diagnosis and treatment of this illness.

Concomitant Fracture of the Coracoid Process and the Acromion: A Case Report / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Fractures of the acromial process or the coracoid process of scapula are rare, and this is usually the result of direct trauma to the shoulder. This type of fracture is often neglected, but it can be detected by performing careful evaluation. We report here on an unusual case involving a fracture of the coracoid process along with concomitant acromial fracture.

Autogenous Osteochondral Grafting for Treating Osteochondral Defect of the Femoral Condyle of the Knee Joint / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate the outcomes of an autologous osteochondral graft (Mosaicplasty) for treating chondral defects of the femoral condyle and We assessed the factors affecting the clinical results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study enrolled 18 patients (19 cases) who underwent an autogenous osteochondral graft to treat a osteochondral defect in the femoral condyle from July 2000 to June 2006. The average age was 26.2 years old (age range: 16-48 years old). Among the patients, 17 cases were men. In 14 cases, the osteochondral defects were localized in the medial femoral condyle and only 5 cases showed a defect in the lateral femoral condyle. The average size of the osteochondral defects was 4.2 cm2 (1-13 cm2). The Lysholm knee scoring scale and the Tegner's activity score were applied for clinical evaluation. Further, we carried out simple X-ray for all the cases and we performed MRI in 5 cases for the radiological evaluation. Tthe factors affecting the clinical results were also analyzed and the complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 22 months (range: 6-55 months). Eighten out of 19 cases (94.7%) were able to return to ordinary life. The Lysholm knee scoring scale and the Tegner's activity score indicated much better clinical results for small lesions and for young patients. For the radiological results, all the cases displayed a decrease in the size of radiolucent zones on the follow up X-ray. Among the 5 cases for which an MRI was performed, graft unions were observed in 3 cases, but 2 cases displayed continuous peri-graft edema. Any other complications involving the donor and recipient site were not observed. CONCLUSION: We conclude that autogenous osteochondral grafting is useful for specific patients depending on the size of the lesion and the patient's age. It is a valuable treatment option for osteochondral defects in the knee joint.

Biocompatibility Evaluation of Heat-treated Mineralized Porcine Cancellous Bone : Using Animal & Clinical Study / 대한정형외과연구학회지

PURPOSE: In our previous study, the authors developed high heat-treated mineralized porcine cancellous bone(TS-GBB, TaeSan Green Bone Block) as bone-substitute. So we projected that this experiments about TSGBB would prove its safety about problems after transplants, and its stability in mechanical strength as the human bone-substitute. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Highly heat-treated mineralized porcine cancellous bone was made. The chemical, mechanical, and morphological properties were evaluated through various tests. Animal study Total 31 New Zealand White rabbits were randomly selected. Bony defect on medial side of the proximal tibia was made. TS-GBB was implanted into the defect area in experimental group, while it was not inserted in control group. For stable fixation self-designed plate of stainless steel was used in both groups. At 2, 8, and 24 weeks, radiological evaluation was performed to measure new bone formation. At 4 and 16 weeks, clinical laboratory tests were performed. Mechanical shear tests were performed for control and experimental groups at 2, 8, and 16 weeks after operation. Also, histological observations were performed by H & E staining at 2 and 16 weeks after operation. Clinical experiments With the approval of IRB in Pusan Paik Hospital of Inje University and Hwasoon Hospital of Chunnam National University, the clinical trials were processed. After harvesting iliac bone for auto grafts from the 40 patients, 20 for each hospital, the TS-GBB were inserted to the donor site. ESR, CRP, WBC count were performed at postoperative time immediately, 1 week, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks to examine possible infection. At 12 weeks after operation, additional X-ray and CT observation were performed. RESULTS: Animal study At all laboratory finding, two group did not indicate a significant difference. At radiologic evaluation, we could comfirm that bone defect size was small gradually by new bone formation in the control group but new bone formation degree was more smaller and slower compared to the TS-GBB group. And at result of biological dynamic stiffness experiments, at postoperative 16 weeks, maximum load at breakage of control group showed to approximately 70% in normal tibia's that. But, maximum load at breakage or yield of TS-GBB group showed to more than 95% in normal tibia's that. In histologic examination, at postoperative 16 weeks, we comfirmed that in control group atypical bony tissue existed in defect site. On the other side, in TS-GBB group new bone formation formed in uniform. Clinical experiments In 20 cases of Inje University, absorption rate was slow a little at 1 case, but the others absorbed normally. In 17 cases of Hwasun Hospital of Chunnam National University, we comfirmed in grade 3 about TS-GBB's absorption and new bone formation at 16 case. At only 1 case, degree of TS-GBB's absorption and new bone formation was poor. In clinical chemistry tests to evaluate the safety, 19 of 20 patients who participated in the experiment in Pusan Paik hospital showed no specific abnormality and showed similar result to preoperative laboratory. In 1 case at postoperative 12 weeks, CRP was elevated, at 16 weeks this patient showed in normal value in ESR, CRP, and WBC count. In 20 patients of Hwasun Hospital all showed similar results to preoperative laboratory in clinical chemistry tests. CONCLUSION: We think that TS-GBB is the suitable material for regeneration of bone defect site as xenograft of clinical bone substitute.

Effects of Mechanical Stimulation and Scaffolds for Nucleus Pulposus Replacement of Intervertebral Disc / 대한정형외과연구학회지

PURPOSE: In this study, we investigated the potential of injectable hydrogel scaffolds for the regeneration of nucleus pulposus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prepared injectable hydrogels [Chitosan-Pluronic (CP), CP/Osteogenic Protein-1 (CP/OP-1), CP/Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (CP/GRGDS), CP/GRGDS/OP-1] for this study. One of the four potential materials was selected through the cell viability tests. For each material, primary cultured nucleus pulposus (NP) cells from New Zealand rabbits were seeded onto each material. For the investigation of the effects of mechanical stimulation, the commercially available bioreactor was used. 0.2 MPa of intermittent hydrostatic pressure was imposed for 3 days after 7th day of seeding with the pattern of 2 min and 15 min for stimulating and resting, respectively. The specimens were harvested at 1, 10, 14 day after seeding for analyses. RESULTS: The MTT assay for 5 days revealed that CP/OP-1 group showed significant increase. The other two groups (CP/GRGDS and CP/GRGDS/OP-1) showed that the proliferation rate increased until 3 days after culture, while it decreased on day 5. The mechanical stimuli induced higher amounts of DNA measured in CP/OP- 1 on day 5 after culture. However, no significant difference was observed between two groups. CONCLUSION: We came to the conclusions that the biochemical environment as well as mechanical stimulation may play an important role in regenerating nucleus pulposus matrix, especially in CP/OP-1 in this study. However, further study are recommended in relation to mechanical effects as well as biochemical conditions.

Tuberculosis in Foot and Ankle / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: To emphasize the importance of considering tuberculosis in atypical cases of foot and ankle by reporting clinical results of those cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven cases which were diagnosed as tuberculosis around foot and ankle from March 1996 to June 2007 were included. We reviewed initial impressions, the time to be diagnosed, clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, radiological findings and the clinical results and complications. RESULTS: We followed up at least 6 months (6~24 months) after surgery in all cases. Initially 2 cases had been diagnosed as cellulitis, 4 cases as chronic osteomyelitis, and 1 case as an ankle instability. Tuberculosis was diagnosed after biopsy in all cases. Mean duration of symptom was 15 months (6~36 months) except in infants. There were various radiologic manifestations such as osteopenia, bony erosion or destruction and cystic changes. Symptoms were relieved in all cases within 4 months with chemotherapy followed by surgical biopsy, except one ankle which had been misdiagnosed as ankle instability and joint destruction was developed after modified Brostrom surgery. CONCLUSION: It is important to perform a surgical biopsy for diagnosis and proper management even with a faint suspicion on tuberculosis in foot and ankle. And in case of need, when surgical biopsy is performed, curettage procedure may help to improve clinical result.