Distal Femur Fractures Treated with Distal Femoral Locking Plate Fixation:A Retrospective Study of One Year Mortality and Risk Factors

Purpose@#This study examined the one-year mortality after locking plate fixation for distal femur fractures and the risk factors related to death. @*Materials and Methods@#From July 2011 to June 2020, 128 patients who underwent locking plate fixation for distal femur fractures were analyzed retrospectively. Epidemiologic information of the patients, characteristics related to fracture and surgery, and death were investigated. The risk factors related to death were investigated using Cox analysis, and a subgroup analysis was also performed based on the age of 65 years. @*Results@#The one-year mortality rate after locking plate fixation for distal femur fractures was 3.9%, and the mortality rates in patients younger than 65 years and older than 65 years were 0% and 6.7%, respectively. There were no significant risk factors related to death in the total population. On the other hand, in patients aged 65 years or older, however, high-energy fracture and high comorbidity index increased the risk of death after surgery by 6.9-fold and 1.9-fold, respectively. @*Conclusion@#The one-year mortality rate for the total patients was 3.9%, but the mortality rate for patients over 65 years of age increased to 6.7%. High-energy fractures and high comorbidity index were risk factors related to death after surgery for distal femur fractures in patients aged 65 years or older.

A Bibliometric Analysis of the Field of Computer-Assisted Orthopedic Surgery during 2002–2021

Background@#This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of research articles and research trends in computer-assisted orthopedic surgery (CAOS) by conducting bibliometric analyses. @*Methods@#CAOS-related research articles published in international journals from 2002 to 2021 were collected using the PubMed database and analyzed using the bibliometric method. Their publication year, journal name, corresponding author’s country name, and the number of citations of all collected articles were noted. Contents of the articles were analyzed to evaluate the time point and anatomical site at which the digital technique was applied. Further, the 20-year period was divided into two halves of 10 years each to analyze the research trends. @*Results@#A total of 639 CAOS-related articles were identified. An average of 32.0 CAOS-related articles were published annually, with an average of 20.6 and 43.3 published in the first half and second half, respectively. Of all articles, 47.6% were published in the top 10 journals, and 81.2% were written in the top 10 countries. The total numbers of citations were 11.7 and 6.3 in the first and second halves, respectively, but the average annual number of citations was higher in the second half than in the first one.Articles on application of digital techniques during surgery were 62.3% and those on pre-surgery application were 36.9%. Further, articles in the knee (39.0%), spine (28.5%), and hip and pelvis (21.5%) fields accounted for 89.0% of the total publications. But the increase in publications in the said period was highest in the fields of the hand and wrist (+1,300.0%), ankle (+466.7%), and shoulder (+366.7%). @*Conclusions@#Over the last 20 years, the publication of CAOS-related research articles in international journals has grown steadily. Although the knee, spine, hip, and pelvis fields account for most CAOS-related research, research in new fields is also increasing. This study analyzed the types of articles and trends in CAOS-related research and provided useful information for future research in the field of CAOS.

Fracture of the Femoral Component after Total Knee Arthroplasty Using Anterior-Posterior Glide Mobile-Bearing System / 대한정형외과학회잡지

The authors diagnosed femoral component fracture after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using an anterior-posterior glide mobile-bearing system in a 78-year-old female patient who visited with severe pain and flexion limitations in the left knee and performed revision TKA. The fracture of the femoral component after TKA is a rare complication, and various factors cause the fracture of the femoral component. This case is reported along with a literature review.

Trends in knee surgery research in the official journal of the Korean Knee Society during the period 1999–2018: a bibliometric review

Background@#We applied bibliometric tools to original articles published in the official journal of the Korean Knee Society between 1999 and 2018 to identify their characteristics related to knee surgery and to examine the changes in research trends in the last 20 years. @*Methods@#Over a 20-year period, 579 original articles were published in the journal Knee Surgery and Related Research (KSRR). We analyzed the title, keywords, and abstract of the article to analyze the research topics and assigned original articles to seven surgical categories as follows: total knee arthroplasty (TKA), unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), high tibial osteotomy (HTO), arthroscopy, surgery for cruciate ligament, revision surgery, and other surgery. To analyze the trends in research, we divided the study period into two equal parts of 10 years each, examined the percentage of articles in each decade, and analyzed topic trends using the growth rate. @*Results@#Among the original articles, 86 on the topic of non-surgery were excluded, and 493 original articles related surgical research were included. Articles related to surgery accounted for 85.2% of the total original articles published annually. By period, this was 85.6% in the first half and 84.8% in the late half (p = 0.76). A total of 493 original articles related to surgery, with the largest number of TKA-related research at 52.1%. In the study period, the largest increase in the percentage of articles was on the topic of HTO surgery, by 149%. The topics of UKA and revision surgery increased by 95.3% and 33.9%. The topic of TKA increased by 5.9% and the topic of surgery for cruciate ligament decreased by 18.7%. The topic of arthroscopy showed the largest decrease, by 47.6%. @*Conclusions@#The bibliometric findings of this study suggest that the majority of surgery-related original articles published in KSRR during the last 20 years involved research about TKA surgery, and the greatest relative increase over the study period involved research about HTO surgery. The authors expect that the analysis of characteristics and research trends of original articles published in KSRR will provide useful information about KSRR for future researchers.

Incidence and Characteristics of Immediate Substitutions of Injured Players in Korean Professional Football League Matches / 대한스포츠의학회지

Purpose@#To identify the incidence and characteristics of immediate substitutions of injured players that occurred during Korean professional football league matches. @*Methods@#This study included injuries that resulted in immediate substitutions of injured players during Korean professional football league matches. The match broadcasting records were used to check the date of the match, home-away matches, the team to which players belong, the position on the field of play, and the time of injury.The match recording videos were used to evaluate the injury mechanism and the injured area. @*Results@#In 228 matches, 66 immediate substitutions of injured players occurred, with an incidence rate of 0.3 per match. Total number of substitutions due to injuries most frequently occurred in May, with 15 substitutions in 30 matches; however, after considering the number of substitutions per match in each month, November was the most severe month with 0.53 substitutions after injuries per match. Most frequently injured players were defenders (36.4%), followed by midfielders, forwards, and goalkeepers. Immediate substitutions of injured players took place 32 times in the first half and 34 times in the second half. 51.5% of all injuries were related to collisions, and injuries to the knee and thigh accounted for 45.5% of all injuries. @*Conclusion@#There were 66 immediate substitutions of injured players during a single season of the Korean professional football league, with 0.3 substitutions after injuries per match. To prevent and manage serious injuries that can occur during a football match, a thorough analysis of risk factors of injuries that lead to immediate substitution is required.

The Timing of Femur Fracture Fixation is an Important Factor for Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation

PURPOSE@#Mechanical ventilation (MV) is an essential life-saving modality for severely injured patients. However, the long-term use of MV is a major risk factor for late mortality. The surgical correction of long bone fractures plays a critical role not only in improving functional outcomes, but also in reducing physiological derangements, including MV duration. This study investigated the factors affecting prolonged MV (PMV) in severely injured patients with femur fractures.@*METHODS@#We retrospectively evaluated all severely injured patients (injury severity score >15) with femur fractures who were taken to the emergency department within 12 hours of the causative accidents between January 2016 and December 2018. PMV was defined as MV lasting for ≥7 days. We analyzed the factors affecting PMV.@*RESULTS@#In total, 35 patients were enrolled and 21 (33.3%) were included in the PMV group. The PMV group required more red blood cell (RBC) transfusions within 7 days RBC (7dRBC) (12.8 vs. 6.8 units; p=0.03) and the time to femur fracture fixation (TFFF) was longer (7.9 vs. 2.7 days; p=0.018). The area under the curve (AUC) for TFFF was 0.740 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.572–0.908; p=0.018) and the AUC for 7dRBC was 0.718 (95% CI: 0.546–0.889; p=0.031).@*CONCLUSIONS@#This study indicates that TFFF is an independent risk factor for PMV. Early fixation of femur fractures might prevent PMV and its associated complications.

Remote Cerebellar Hemorrhage due to Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage or Meningitis after Spinal Surgery: Case Report

STUDY DESIGN: A case report. OBJECTIVES: To report a rare case of remote cerebellar hemorrhage (RCH) as a complication of spinal surgery. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Remote cerebellar hemorrhage is rare but lethal as a complication of spinal surgery. Interestingly, dural tears and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage are reported in all published cases of RCH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 67-year-old man had posterior lumbar decompression and posterolateral fusion for spinal stenosis at L4/5/S1. Intraoperatively, the dura was torn and there was a loss of CSF. The dural tear was sutured immediately in a water-tight manner. After surgery, the patient complained of headache and dizziness. On postoperative day 44, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed meningeal enhancement suggesting meningitis. On postoperative day 54, brain computed tomography (CT) showed cerebellar edema and hemorrhage, and external ventricular derivation was performed. RESULTS: The patient died. CONCLUSIONS: Special attention should be paid to prevent dural damage during spinal surgery or minimize CSF leakage in the case of dural damage and tears during spinal surgery, and CT and MRI should be promptly performed for symptomatic patients.

Intradural Extramedullary Epidermoid Cyst: A Case Report

STUDY DESIGN: A case report. OBJECTIVES: To report a rare case of epidermoid cyst in the spinal canal. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Epidermoid cyst in the spinal canal is rare. Idiopathic epidermoid cyst in the spinal canal not associated with a trauma or infection is even rarer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 73 year-old female presented with a 1 year history of progressive paresthesia and motor weakness of both lower extremeties. MRI showed a cystic mass on the 7th thoracic canal. We performed total laminectomy at the T6-T8 level. The cystic mass was excised after durotomy using a posterior approach. RESULTS: We confirmed the presence of an epidermoid cyst for histopathology. CONCLUSION: Idiopathic epidermoid cyst in the spine is very rare and requires accurate differential diagnosis. Preoperative MRI scans are necessary to differentiatie epidermoid cysts from other intradural masses. Confirmative diagnosis can be done by histopatholoty.

Arthroscopic Stabilization Using Remplissage Technique In Recurrent Shoulder Instability with Large Hill-Sachs Lesion: Minimum Six Months Follow-Up Results

PURPOSE: To evaluate shoulder stability, clinical, and functional results more than 6 months after utilizing the 'Remplissage' technique, consisting of an arthroscopic posterior capsulodesis and infraspinatus tenodesis, to fill Hill-Sachs lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven patients were followed-up more than 6 months after the 'Remplissage' procedures performed in our hospital from August 2008 to August 2009. The mean age of the patients was 28.6 years and the mean follow-up time was 10 months. Evaluations included ROM, ASES score, KSSI score, ROWE score, and postoperative MRI. RESULTS: In a functional evaluation of the patients with an average postoperative time of 10 months, the ASES score improved from 51.4 preoperatively to 76.8 postoperatively, the KSSI score improved from 46.5 preoperatively to 76 postoperatively, and the ROWE score improved from 43.5 preoperatively to 76.3 postoperatively. After an average postoperative time of 10 months, the range of motion was nearly normal (>170 degrees in further flexion, and >45 degrees in external rotation). CONCLUSION: In recurrent shoulder instabilities with large Hill-Sachs lesions, the 'Remplissage' technique resulted in good outcomes in terms of shoulder stability, clinical, and functional results after postoperative times of more than 6 months.

Discal Cyst of Lumbar Spine: A Case Report

STUDY DESIGN: This is a case report. OBJECTIVE: We present here a patient who had a discal cyst of the lumbar spine along with neurological symptoms. SUMMARY OF THE LITERATURE REVIEW: Discal cysts are intraspinal cysts that communicate with an adjacent intervertebral disc, and these are rare lesions that can cause lumbar radiculopathy. Because they are very rare, their natural history and the details of the therapeutic guidelines for the treatment of these cysts are still unknown. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The patient complained of moderate lumbar pain and right lower extremity radiculopathy and he was administered conservative treatment for 5 months. But the radiculopathy became aggravated and he then underwent a hemilaminectomy, cyst decompression and discectomy. RESULTS: The radiculopathy disappeared and any signs of recurrence were not found on the follow up performed at 1 year. CONCLUSION: Discal cyst is rare, but it can be treated successfully.

All Arthroscopic Repairs with Massive Cuff Stitch in Medium-sized Full Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate the usefulness of arthroscopic repair using the modified Mason-Allen Massive Cuff Stitch for medium sized full thickness rotator cuff tear. We verified the clinical results and evaluated the repair integrity after short term follow up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three cases of arthroscopically repaired full thickness tear of the rotator cuff of an estimated medium size were evaluated between December 2004 to May 2005. The average patient age was 54 years old (range: 43-69 years old), and the mean follow-up was 14 months (range: 12-17 months). We analyzed the results by paired t-test. The follow up MRIs were checked in 11 cases. RESULTS: The VAS pain score was improved from a preoperative average of 7.0 to a postoperative average of 0.9, the ADL was improved from 11.1 to 26.0 and the UCLA score was improved from 13.6 to 32.5 (all p<0.05). 91.3% showed an excellent or good result at the final follow-up. The satisfied rate was 95.7% (22 cases). There was re-rupture of the repaired rotator cuff in one out of 11 cases (9.1%). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic repairs using a modified Mason-Allen Massive Cuff Stitch for full thickness rotator cuff tear of an estimated medium size showed good clinical outcomes.

Correlation between VEGF and Total WBC Count in the Synovial Fluid and Acute Phase Reactants in the Blood in Osteoarthritis / 대한정형외과연구학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate correlations between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which is associated with tissue remodeling and bone repair and systemic and tissue inflammation in osteoarthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients who were above grade 2 in Kellgren-Lawrence radiologic classification of osteoarthritis were classified into group 1 (grade 2, 16 patients), group 2 (grade 3, 18 patients) and group 3 (grade 4, 26 patients). All patients were checked C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and total WBC count in the blood and VEGF and total WBC count in the synovial fluid by ELISA. RESULTS: The severe in osteoarthritic change in radiographs, the more VEGF in the synovial fluid (mean value; group 1 82.7 pg/ml, group 2 111.6 pg/ml, group 3 152.6 pg/ml). VEGF in the synovial fluid were related with total WBC count in the blood and in the synovial fluid (p=0.012, p=0.028 respectively), but not related with CRP and ESR in the blood. CONCLUSION: The severe in osteoarthritic change in radiographs, the more VEGF in the synovial fluid. This facts suggested that there were much neovascularization and bone repair in the synovium of advanced osteoarthritis. Therefore further study elucidating mechanisms of tissue remodeling and its associated factors will be needed.

The Crowned Dens Syndrome: A Case Report / 대한척추외과학회지

Patients with Crowned dens syndrome typically present with severe neck pain and have calcification around the axial odontoid process on radiographs. To our knowledge, Crowned dens syndrome is unreported in the Korean literature and the clinical features remain unclear. We present Crowned dens syndrome as a cause of acute cervical pain and review the literature.

Early Results of Mini-incision vs Conventional Total Knee Arthroplasties

PURPOSE: To compare the radiographic and early clinical results of mini-incision total knee arthroplasty(TKA) with those of conventional TKA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was made for 40 primary TKAs(20 mini-incision TKAs; group I and 20 conventional TKAs; group II) done by one surgeon between Dec. 2005 and Feb. 2006, followed up more than 1 year. There were no significant differences between the two groups in all the preoperative evaluations, including age, sex, body mass index, range of knee motion, knee society score(KSS) and radiographic alignments. Postoperative evaluations included length of skin incision, operative time, blood loss, immediate postoperative course, range of knee motion, KSS and radiographic results. RESULTS: Except for the shorter skin incision in mini-incision TKAs(group I), no significant difference was noted between the two groups in all the postoperative evaluations. There were no significant complications in both groups. CONCLUSION: Mini-incision TKA had the advantage of a shorter skin incision and could give us the similar early clinical and radiographic results as conventional TKA.

Total Knee Arthroplasty with NexGen(R) System: 3-8 Year Follow-up Results / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the 3 to 8 year follow-up clinical and radiological results after NexGen(R) total knee arthroplasty (TKA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-six knees in 75 patients, who could be followed up more than 3 years after NexGen(R) TKA [cruciate retaining (CR) type:34, posterior cruciate substituting (PS) type:62] from March 1997 to May 2002, were evaluated retrospectively. The evaluations included the preoperative and postoperative range of motion (ROM), Knee Society Score (KSS), knee functional score, tibiofemoral angle and postoperative complications. RESULTS: The ROM increased from preoperative mean flexion contracture of 9.3 degrees and further flexion of 116.4 degrees to a postoperative mean flexion contracture of 2.1 degrees and further flexion of 126.3 degrees (ROM: 124.2 degrees). The ROM of CR type improved from 112.7 degrees to 123.1 degrees, and the PS type improved from 105.3 degrees to 124.9 degrees (p>0.05). The KSS and knee function score improved from 54 and 41 before surgery to 94 and 87 after surgery, respectively (p>0.05). The tibiofemoral angle changed from preoperative varus 5.7 degrees to postoperative valgus 5.2 degrees. The complications were two cases of infection and two cases of early loosening. CONCLUSION: The 3 to 8 year follow-up results after NexGen(R) TKA were satisfactory in both the CR and PS types. However, a longer term follow-up evaluation will be necessary.

Results of Total Knee Arthroplasty using NexGen(R) System / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Purpose: To prospectively evaluate the survival rate, follow-up rate, clinical and radiographic results of NexGen(R) total knee replacement arthroplasty (TKRA). Materials and Methods: Between June 1998 and March 2002, 434 knees in 278 patients after TKRA performed by a single-surgeon using the same implant were evaluated prospectively. The preoperative diagnosis was primary osteoarthritis in 399 knees, osteonecrosis in 17 knees, rheumatoid arthritis in 12 knees and post-traumatic arthritis in 6 knees. Data collection, physical examination and radiographic evaluation were carried out at postoperative 1, 2, 3 and 5 years. A telephone survey was carried out for the patients who could not visit the outpatient clinic, and the mean follow-up duration was 4.3 years (3-7 years). The follow-up rate and survival rate was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method with the reimplantation cases being counted as a failure. The clinical results were evaluated by the Knee Society Score, and the range of motion and status of the implants were assessed by a radiographic evaluation. Results: The total follow up rate was 91.0% (395/434). The survival rate was 98.3% at 5 years after surgery and the survival rate excluding the infection cases was 99.0% 5 years after surgery. The Knee Society Total Score improved to 96.8 in the cruciate retaining (CR) type and to 95.2 in the Legacy posterior stabilized (LPS) type. The Knee Society Function Score improved to 82.6 in the CR type and to 73.8 in the LPS type on the final follow up. The average preoperative further flexion was 122.6, which improved to 125.4. The radiographic evaluation revealed 6 cases (1.5%) of osteolysis with reimplantation being performed in 2 cases. Conclusion: In this prospective study, with a high follow-up rate (91.0%), the survival rate of TKRA using the NexGen(R) implant was relatively high and satisfactory in terms of the functional improvement. However, a long-term follow-up evaluation will be needed.

Clinical and Functional Result after Internal Fixation of Severely Displaced Floating Shoulder

PURPOSE: To evaluate the follow-up result of 11 cases that were operated with internal fixation of scapular neck and internal fixation of clavicle or acromioclavicular dislocation for severely displaced floating shoulder which was high energy injury and unstable. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined the scapular neck fracture with clavicle fracture or acromioclavicular joint dislocation by multidisciplinary research from August 1997 to July 2004. The scapular neck fractures were operated in the case of translational displacement of more than 25 mm and angular displacement of more than 45 degrees with 3.5 mm reconstruction plate fixation and internal fixation for clavicle fracture or acromioclavicular joint perpormed simultaneously. And we evaluated 11 cases that can be followed up for more than 9 months. RESULTS: We achieved bony union in all cases. In ASES functional score, we got average 89.2 (75~95) points. In Rowe functional score, we got average 89.1 (75~100) points. In complication, there was external rotation weakness in 1 case. CONCLUSION: In severely displaced floating shoulder due to high energy injury, we got good clinical and functional result after internal fixation for scapular neck and clavicle or acromioclavicular joint.

Early Loosening of Femoral Component after Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty : Report of 4 Cases

The mechanism of the loosening after arthroplasty is considered that micromotion makes a gap between implant and bone, the subsidence of implant and osteolysis around the implant. The loosening of femoral component after total knee arthroplasty(TKA) might be related to the improper support of posterior condylar area, the causes of which may be inaccurate osteotomy, improper cementing technique and poor bone quality, etc. The authors found four cases of flexed displacement and osteolysis around the femoral component after TKA. The types of implant were one case of PS type and three cases of High Flex PS type. Revision arthroplasty was done in three patients who had severe clinical symptoms with diffuse bone loss around the distal femur. We evaluated the mechanism of the early loosening by clinical and radiologic assessment of four patients.

Early Results of Primary High Flex Total Knee Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: We retrospectively evaluated the early results after total knee arthroplasty(TKA) using the Nexgen LPS-Flex fixed bearing knee system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-five knees(71 patients) which used the LPS-Flex system for primary TKA and followed-up for a minimum 2 years were evaluated. Evaluation included preoperative and postoperative range of motion(ROM), factors affecting the postoperative ROM, Knee Society Score(KSS), knee function score, tibio-femoral angle and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Knee ROM was increased from preoperative 9.7 degrees - 123.6 degrees to postoperative 1.7 degrees - 130.7 degrees. The mean KSS and function score were improved from preoperative 53, 55 to postoperative 85 and 90 respectively. The tibio-femoral angle was changed from preoperative 5.5 degrees varus to a postoperative 5.3 degrees valgus. Two cases of early loosening of the femoral components occurred. One case underwent revision surgery while the other was closely followed up. There was no deep infection. CONCLUSION: Primary total knee arthroplasty with Nexgen LPS-flex system showed satisfactory early results including excellent ROM, except 2 cases of early loosening of femoral component. The etiology of this loosening requires further evaluation and study.

Degeneration of the Cruciate Ligaments in Osteoarthritic Knee

PURPOSE: To assess the histological degeneration of the cruciate ligaments and it's correlation with gross appearance of the cruciate ligaments and functional status of the knee. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Macroscopic and microscopic evaluations of cruciate ligaments were made in 80 osteoarthritic knees undergoing cruciate-substituting total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Gross appearance was classified into "normal", "abnormal" and "tear". A scoring system was made to represent the degree of histological degeneration, and correlation with the gross appearance and functional status by knee society score (KSS) was statistically analysed. RESULT: Gross appearance of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was "normal" in 24 cases, "abnormal" in 50 and "tear" in 6 with average histological score 3.7, 4.5 and 8.0 respectively. Gross appearance of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) was "normal" in 70, "abnormal" in 10 with average histological score 3.8 and 6.4 respectively. There was no "tear" of the PCL. Gross appearance of the ACL was correlated with histological score of ACL and PCL (p<0.05) and KSS (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Gross appearance of the ACL was related to the degree of histological degeneration of the PCL as well as the ACL and functional loss of the knee. Therefore intraoperative gross appearance of the ACL can be one of the factors to decide if the PCL would be sacrificed or not during TKA.