Outcome of Nonoperative Treatment for Proximal Plantar Fasciitis: Comparative Analysis According to Plantar Fascia Thickness / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcome of proximal plantar fasciitis after nonoperative treatment, and also to find the correlation of the heel pain with the plantar fascia thickness measured by ultrasonography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is based on 41 patients, 46 feet of the proximal plantar fasciitis that were treated conservatively with at least 12 months follow-up. All were treated with heel pad, Achilles and plantar fascia stretching and pain medications for at least 3 months. Heel ultrasonography was performed at the beginning of the treatment to measure the plantar fascia (PF) thickness and the echogenicity. PF thickness over 4 mm and less were grouped in to group A and B respectively to compare the clinical outcome. RESULTS: Average thickness of the PF at the calcaneal attach was 5.2 mm. Symptom duration before the treatment was average 13.2 month; group A being 14.6 months and group B being 9.0 months with no significant difference (p=0.09). As functional evaluation, Roles-Maudsley score improved from 3.4 initially to 2.3 at final follow-up, while morning heel pain also improved from average VAS pain score of 7.2 to 4.0. However Maudsley and VAS score both didn't show statistical difference between the 2 groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Plantar fasciitis improved substantially with the nonoperative treatments. However, the 2 groups, divided according to 4 mm thickness by ultrasonography, didn't show significant difference in either symptom duration or in the clinical outcomes.

Evaluation of the Radiographic Contributing Factors of Hallux Valgus Interphalangeus / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: To statistically evaluate the contributing role of the 3 radiographic factors (Obliquity, Asymmetry, Joint deviation) of the hallux valgus interphalangeus with comparison to the normal control group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is based on the standing foot AP radiographs of the 77 feet (56 patients) of the hallux valgus interphalangeus out of 119 feet of randomly sampled patients of the age range 20 to 60. Fractures or other foot disorders have been excluded. Obliquity, asymmetry and joint deviation factors formed by proximal and distal phalanges of hallux are measured by one observer and evaluated the statistical significance of the contribution of the 3 factors to the hallux interphalangeal angle (HIA). RESULTS: The average age of the patients were 36.0 years old and average HIA was 14.5 degrees +/- 2.8 degrees. Obliquity was measured 4.8 degrees +/- 2.90 degrees, asymmetry 8.2 degrees +/- 3.28 degrees and joint deviation 2.0 degrees +/- 1.85 degrees. All 3 factors showed the statistical significance as the contributing factors to the HIA and among them, the asymmetry played the biggest role (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Hallux interphalangeal angle is formed by 3 radiographic factors (Obliquity, Asymmetry, Joint deviation), and among them the asymmetry factor plays the biggest role.

Recurred Diffuse Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis of Ankle Joint: Case Report / 대한족부족관절학회지

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) in ankle is relatively uncommon. This disorder results in increased proliferation of synovium causing villous or nodular changes containing histiocytes, fibroblasts, multinucleated giant cell, and hemosiderin. PVNS is classified into two different type : localized and diffuse. Diffuse type of PVNS in ankle is more common than localized type. Also, recurrence of diffuse type is more frequent. We report a case of diffuse type of PVNS which was recurred soon after the excision.

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for the Treatment of Nonunion after Posterolateral Lumbar Fusion / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical and radiological results of a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for the treatment of non-union after a posterolateral spinal fusion. LITERATURE REVIEW SUMMARY: In the case of nonunion after a posterolateral spinal fusion, the anterior column should be reconstructed. However, due to epidural scarring and fibrosis, the approach to the anterior column by conventional posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is difficult. The authors have modified the original transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) developed by Dr. Harms, which offers potential advantages and provides a surgical alternative to the traditional methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2002 and August 2003, 10 cases of TLIF for the treatment of non-unions after a posterolateral spinal fusion were performed. There were 8 male and 2 female cases. The mean age of the patient was 63.3 years, ranging from 53 to 75 years. The levels of the TLIF were the L4-5 and L5-S1 in 9 and 1 cases, respectively. The mean interval between the revision and previous operations was 21.3 months, ranging 12 to 48 months. In the preoperative radiography, bony defect in posterolateral fusion mass, halos around screws and abnormal motions in the stress view were observed. Using the previous midline approach, exposure of the bilateral articular and transverse processes were performed. With a small osteotome, the superior articular process was removed along a line parallel to the superior margins of the pedicular screw head, to allow access to the neural foramen and lateral aspect of the disc space. The TLIF was performed through this space by inserting cages. The loosened screw was replaced by one that was thicker, coupled with a cancellous bone graft in the foramen. RESULTS: The average operation time and blood loss were 224 min. and 727 cc, respectively. Using Kirkaldy-Willis categories, the results were excellent in 1 case, good in 7, fair in 1 and poor in a further 1 case, with 1 case of nonunion was observed postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for the treatment of nonunion after a posterolateral spinal fusion is a reliable and safe technique, which seems to have the merit of less morbidity.

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for the Treatment of Nonunion after Posterolateral Lumbar Fusion / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical and radiological results of a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for the treatment of non-union after a posterolateral spinal fusion. LITERATURE REVIEW SUMMARY: In the case of nonunion after a posterolateral spinal fusion, the anterior column should be reconstructed. However, due to epidural scarring and fibrosis, the approach to the anterior column by conventional posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is difficult. The authors have modified the original transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) developed by Dr. Harms, which offers potential advantages and provides a surgical alternative to the traditional methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2002 and August 2003, 10 cases of TLIF for the treatment of non-unions after a posterolateral spinal fusion were performed. There were 8 male and 2 female cases. The mean age of the patient was 63.3 years, ranging from 53 to 75 years. The levels of the TLIF were the L4-5 and L5-S1 in 9 and 1 cases, respectively. The mean interval between the revision and previous operations was 21.3 months, ranging 12 to 48 months. In the preoperative radiography, bony defect in posterolateral fusion mass, halos around screws and abnormal motions in the stress view were observed. Using the previous midline approach, exposure of the bilateral articular and transverse processes were performed. With a small osteotome, the superior articular process was removed along a line parallel to the superior margins of the pedicular screw head, to allow access to the neural foramen and lateral aspect of the disc space. The TLIF was performed through this space by inserting cages. The loosened screw was replaced by one that was thicker, coupled with a cancellous bone graft in the foramen. RESULTS: The average operation time and blood loss were 224 min. and 727 cc, respectively. Using Kirkaldy-Willis categories, the results were excellent in 1 case, good in 7, fair in 1 and poor in a further 1 case, with 1 case of nonunion was observed postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for the treatment of nonunion after a posterolateral spinal fusion is a reliable and safe technique, which seems to have the merit of less morbidity.

Arthroscopic Ankle Fusion Using Two Medial Cannulated Screws / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: We evaluated the clinical and radiological results of arthroscopic ankle fusion using 2 medial screws which had advantages of less morbidity, early weight-bearing and high union rate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From April, 2002 to March, 2004, 8 patients who had ankle osteoarthritis were treated by ankle fusion using 2 medial screws under arthroscopy; five patients with post-traumatic osteoarthritis, two with post-infectious arthritis and one with paralytic foot. There were 5 male and 3 female. Average age was 67 years old ranging from 57 to 71 years. We evaluated them clinically preoperative and postoperative using AOFAS score, VAS pain scale and patient's satisfaction. In regard to radiological fusion, we checked them by simple AP, lateral and mortise view. Follow up period was average 11 months (range, 6~24 months). RESULTS: All ankles were successfully fused with 2 medial screws under arthroscopy. The mean time of fusion was 10.5 weeks (range, 8~14 weeks). Patient's satisfaction checked at 6 months after operation had favorable results (excellent and good 75%). One case had pain on medial malleolar area because of screw's protrusion. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic ankle fusion using 2 medial screws was good modality of ankle fusion with less morbidity and early weight-bearing in some cases of ankle arthritis.