Clinical Results of Lateral-Posterior Internal Fixation for the Treatment of Scapular Body Fractures / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE@#Scapular body fractures have generally been treated with non-surgical methods. This study reports the clinical and radiological outcomes after lateral-posterior internal fixation for treating displaced scapular body fractures.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#From March 2007 to May 2017, out of 40 patients who underwent internal fixation for scapular fractures, 13 cases of lateral plate fixation of a scapular body fracture were reviewed retrospectively. Preoperative and postoperative displacement, angulation and glenopolar angle (GPA) were measured. The range of shoulder motion, visual analogue scale (VAS), and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH), and Constant score were assessed at the last follow-up.@*RESULTS@#The mean follow-up period was 17.7 months (range, 6–45 months). The mean preoperative GPA was 23.3°±3.96° (range, 17.8°–28.1°) and the postoperative GPA was 31.1°±4.75° (range, 22.5°–40.1°). Injury to the suprascapular nerve, nonunion, fracture redisplacement, metallic failure, or infection did not occur. At the last follow-up, the mean range of motion was 150.5°±19.3° in forward flexion, 146.6°±2.34° in lateral abduction, 66.6°±19.1° in external rotation, and 61.6°±18.9° in internal rotation. The VAS, DASH, and Constant scores were 1.7±1.3, 6.2±2.4, and 86±7.9 points, respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#A scapular body fracture with severe displacement, angulation and marked decreased GPA can be stabilized by lateralposterior plate fixation using the appropriate surgical technique with good functional and radiological results.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Caused by Lipofibromatous Hamartoma of the Median Nerve

Lipofibromatous hamartoma (LFH) is a rare tumor of the peripheral nerves, which usually involves the median nerve. The authors reported on two rare cases of carpal tunnel syndrome due to LFH of the median nerve. A 49-year-old female patient complained of the mass and symptoms consistent with LFH. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed typical LFH findings. The symptoms were successfully ameliorated with carpal tunnel release and external neurolysis. A 37-year-old female patient complained of weakening thumb abduction and the mass where the MRI showed atypical findings. Opponensplasty and debulking operations were performed after which thumb abduction was improved; however, neurological sequelae remained. LFH of the median nerve is managed on a case-by-case basis as treatment guidelines are not very clearly defined yet. However, the less invasive treatment such as carpal tunnel release and external neurolysis than more aggressive surgical treatment should be recommended as a treatment option.

Granulocytic Sarcoma of the Sciatic Nerve Manifested as Relapse of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Case Report

Granulocytic sarcoma is a form of extramedullary involvement of primitive myeloid cells. A 69-year-old male patient, with history of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in remission state for 4 years, presented numbness, radiating pain and progressive motor weakness in left leg. MRI showed perineural thickening of the left sciatic nerve with increased signal intensity on fat-saturated T2-weighted image. The patient underwent surgical excision and the pathology was confirmed as granulocytic sarcoma. Its involvement of the peripheral nerve is extremely rare and also unusual to be the only evidence of AML relapse. In this case, we figured out the MRI feature of granulocytic sarcoma involving sciatic nerve, emerged as a sole manifestation of AML relapse.

Clinical Results of Subtotal Fasciectomy for Treatment of Dupuytren Contracture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: In the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture, the aim of optical treatment is to lower the recurrence rate and reduce complications. This paper reports the results of subtotal fasciectomy in Dupuytren's contracture, extending the excision of palmar fascial structures from the diseased to normal appearing adjacent fascial structure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2007 to 2017, 45 patients with Dupuytren's contracture treated by subtotal fasciectomy were reviewed retrospectively. The mean follow-up period was 45.9 months. Ninety-two digits were involved (index: 2, middle: 10, ring: 44, little: 36). The predisposing factors and affected joint were reviewed and the preoperative and postoperative contracture was measured. For clinical results, quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (quick DASH) were used. Complications, including wound or skin problems, nerve injuries, hematoma, and complex regional pain syndrome, were assessed. RESULTS: Preoperative flexion contracture was 43.2° in the proximal interphalangeal joint and 32.9° in the metacarpophalangeal joint. In nine cases, patients had residual contracture of 9.7° (range, 5°–20°) on average and if the total number of cases were included, the mean residual contracture was 2.3° on average. The quick DASH score at the 12 months follow-up was 12.4. The overall complication rate was 26.6%. CONCLUSION: Subtotal fasciectomy can be a good surgical treatment option for Dupuytren's contracture with a low recurrence and low complication rate compared to other open procedures.

A Comparison of the Results between Internal Fixation and External Fixation in AO C Type Distal Radius Fractures

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiological and clinical results of plate fixation and external fixation with additional devices for treating distal radius fracture in AO type C subtypes, and propose a treatment method according to the subtypes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and one AO type C distal radius fracture patients were retrospectively reviewed. Eighty-five patients in group 1 were treated with volar or dorsal plate, and 116 patients in group 2, were treated with external fixation with additional fixation devices. Clinical (range of mtion, Green and O'Brien's score) and radiological outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: At the 12-month follow-up, group 1 showed flexion of 64.4°, extension of 68.3°, ulnar deviation of 30.6°, radial deviation of 20.8°, supination of 76.1°, and pronation of 79.4° in average; group 2 showed flexion of 60.5°, extension of 66.9°, ulnar deviation of 25.5°, radial deviation of 18.6°, supination of 73.5°, and pronation of 75.0° in average. The mean Green and O'Brien score was 92.2 in group 1 and 88.6 in group 2. The radial height of group 1 and group 2 was 11.6/11.4 mm; radial inclination was 23.2°/22.5°; volar tilt was 11.6°/8.7°; and the ulnar displacement was 1.27/0.93 mm. CONCLUSION: Judicious surgical techniques during device application and tips for postoperative management during external fixation can produce similar clinical results compared with internal fixation patients.

Modified Bouquet Technique for Treatment of Metacarpal Neck Fractures

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report the clinical outcome of "modified Bouquet technique", as a simple and effective internal fixation with Kirschner-wire for the metacarpal neck fractures. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients with metacarpal neck fracture treated by modified Bouquet technique were retrospectively reviewed. The operation time and removal time were evaluated. For radiologic evaluation, posterior angulation of fracture and metacarpal shortening were measured pre and postoperatively. For clinical evaluation, range of motion of metacarpophalangeal joint, Green and O'Brien score were evaluated. RESULTS: Preoperative neck shaft angle of metacarpal bone was 46.0° and length of metacarpal bone was 51.2 mm, and postoperative neck shaft angle was 24.4° (p=0.003) and length of metacarpal length was 52.8 mm (p=0.031) in average. The mean range of motion was 86.6° and Green and O'Brien score was 96.1 points at last visit. We had one complicated case with type II complex regional pain syndrome of affected hand with hypertrophic scar formation. CONCLUSION: Modified Bouquet technique for metacarpal neck fracture is a good method using just two K-wires, plier and mallet without electric devices in short operation time. The technique can correct angulation of fracture site, rotation of finger and metacarpal shortening by controlling inserted K-wires with high bone union rate with less joint stiffness.

Trigger Wrist

Trigger wrist is a relatively rare disease compared to trigger finger, which is the most common disorder found in hands. Patients with trigger wrist usually complain about the following symptoms: snapping and clicking or triggering around carpal tunnel with or without mild to moderate median neuropathy. There are a total of five cases of trigger wrist: three cases of anomalous muscle belly of flexor digitorum superficialis and two cases of fibroma around flexor tendon sheath within carpal tunnel. This study reports on two of those cases: one with anomalous muscle and the other with fibroma of flexor tendon sheath. Accurate examination and proper diagnosis are mandatory to obviate improper and time-wasting treatment for patients with trigger wrist.

Flexor Carpi Radialis Brevis: An Unusual Anomalous Muscle of the Wrist

During imaging studies or surgical procedures, anomalous forearm and wrist muscles are occasionally encountered. Among them, the flexor carpi radialis brevis is very rare. Because the trend is growing toward treating distal radius fractures with volar plating, the flexor carpi radialis brevis is worth knowing. Here, we report two cases with a review of the literature.

Dorsal Plate Fixation for Dorsally Displaced Distal Radius Fractures

PURPOSE: The object of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of two different kinds of dorsal plating for dorsally displaced distal radius fractures. METHODS: Forty-three patients with dorsal plate fixation for distal radius fracture were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-four patients were treated with nonlocking dorsal plate (group I) and nineteen patients with locking dorsal plate (group II). Range of motion and Green and O'Brien score were evaluated as clinical results, and radial inclination, radial length, volar tilt at postoperative and last follow up were evaluated as radiographic results. RESULTS: According to AO classification system, there were 18 type A fractures, 4 type B fractures, 21 type C fractures. In group I, the mean flexion and extension were 65.0degrees and 65.3degrees, respectively; ulnar and radial deviation were 25.5degrees and 20.8degrees; pronation and supination were 80.0degrees and 80.4degrees. In group II, the mean flexion and extension were 64.5degrees and 67.3degrees, respectively; ulnar and radial deviation were 30.6degrees and 20.6degrees; pronation and supination were 81.4degrees and 78.6degrees. The mean Green and O'Brien score was 94.4 in group I and 92.2 in group II, and 41 patients had satisfactory result. There was no statistical significant difference in clinical results between the groups. Results of postoperative and last follow-up radiographic analyses for mean radial inclination were 23.9degrees and 24.1degrees in group I, respectively, and 24.2degrees and 24.9degrees in group II; radial length were 9.9 mm and 9.7 mm in group I, and 10.1 mm and 9.2 mm in group II; mean volar tilt were 12.2degrees and 13.1degrees in group I, and 14.8degrees and 13.7degrees in group II. There were no statistical significant changes within radiographic parameters. No extensor tendon rupture was reported. CONCLUSION: Dorsal plate fixation for dorsally displaced distal radius fracture showed satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes with low complication rate, regardless of the type of plate.

Relationship between the Length of Distal Locking Screws and Diaphyseal Screws in Volar Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between the length of distal locking screws and diaphyseal screws in volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 169 patients who underwent volar locking plate fixation for treatment of distal radius fractures. All patients received 2.4 mm LCP volar extra-articular distal radius plate (DePuySynthes). The length of the diaphyseal screw which was placed in the elongated hole was correlated with the length of a distal locking screw from radial most (D1) to ulnar most (D4). We also evaluated distal screw penetration of the dorsal cortex and plate removal rate. RESULTS: The length of the diaphyseal screw which was placed in the elongated hole strongly correlated with the length of a distal locking screw. Average D1 screw length was 2 mm longer than the diaphyseal screw, and average D2 screw length was 4 mm longer than the diaphyseal screw. D3 and D4 screw were 6 mm longer than the diaphyseal screw. Plate removal was necessary in 13 patients (8%) due to screw irritation. These patients had significantly longer screws than average. Flexor or extensor tendon ruptures did not occur in this cohort. CONCLUSION: The length of the distal locking screws can be estimated with the length of the diaphyseal screw. This information may help surgeons to select the adequate length of distal locking screws during volar plating of distal radius fractures.

Posterior-Posterior Dual Plates Fixation for the Distal Humerus Fractures

PURPOSE: Fractures of the distal humerus are one of the challenging injuries due to its complex anatomy and accompanied comminution. For dual plate fixation, orthogonal or parallel plating is widely used, but the better of the two is debatable. The purpose of this study was to report another fixation technique that yielded good clinical results with early bone union of distal humerus fracture, namely, posterior-posterior plate fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2003 to March 2012, 20 patients with distal humerus fractures were treated by posterior-posterior plate fixation. The triceps reflecting approach was used with anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve. The mean age at the time of injury was 45 years (range, 26 to 78 years). By AO classification of distal humerus fractures, there were one case of A2 and B3 respectively, two cases of each A3, C1 and C3, and twelve cases of C2. RESULTS: The mean period of complete bone union was 7.1 weeks (range, 4 to 11 weeks). The mean flexion-extension range of motion of the elbow joint at last follow-up was 116.2 degrees. The mean pronation was 81.2 degrees and supination was 83.1 degrees. Plates and screws were removed at about nine months after the initial surgery. No cases showed complications or required additional operation. CONCLUSION: Posterior-posterior dual plates fixation resulted in stable bicortical screw fixation, and insertion of lag screws were possible without interference. Posterior-posterior plating could be an easy and stable fixation method that provides good clinical results.

Treatment of Humeral Shaft Fracture with Retrograde Intramedullary Nail

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report the outcome of treatment of humeral shaft fracture with retrograde intramedullary nail of advanced insertion opening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 2005 and August 2012, 22 patients with a humeral shaft fracture were treated by a single surgeon using the technique of retrograde intramedullary nail at Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital (Seoul, Korea). To avoid causing fractures at the insertion site, the entry point was more distally located than conventionally, and was extended proximally to include the proximal marginal cortex of the olecranon fossa. The outcome was evaluated clinically and radiologically. RESULTS: The mean period of achievement of bony was 5.8 months (4-11 months). Additional fixations were needed in one patient with intraoperative lateral condylar fracture and 2 patients with postoperative nonunion. There were no limitations of movement or pain in the shoulder joint, and 8 cases had a 6.5degrees flexion contracture on average. CONCLUSION: This retrograde intramedullary fixation technique using a distal entry portal near the olecranon fossa is particularly useful in humeral shaft fractures without a neurovascular injury. The risk of an intraoperative fracture (supracondylar fracture or fracture around the entry portal) can be decreased using this treatment. We recommend this technique because of the safety and the satisfactory outcome.

Treatment of Distal Radioulnar Joint Injuries Associated with a Distal Radius Fracture

PURPOSE: Distal radius fractures involving distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) are common. After the fracture treatment, pain on the ulnar side of wrist, limitation of forearm rotation and instabilities can be remained. The purpose of this study was to address the importance of anatomical reduction for DRUJ injuries. METHODS: Of 115 cases with a distal radius fracture involving DRUJ, 61 cases involving sigmoid notch of the radius or having a ulnar styloid process base fracture were evaluated. At an average of six months follow-up, their final outcomes were investigated using radiologic findings, functional disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores and wrist motion of pronation/supination. RESULTS: Satisfied radiologic reduction rate was 73.8%(45/61) in average, which was most favorable in external fixator group (82.4%, 28/34). The mean functional DASH score was 29.0 points and mean VAS for pain was 5.0. The mean range of wrist motions for pronation/supination was 59.5degrees/55.7degrees. CONCLUSION: Distal radius fractures involving DRUJ should be classified into the basic categories of unstable distal radius fracture, and immediate anatomical reduction is needed by operative treatment to avoid painful forearm rotation.

Compartment Syndrome of Forearm Caused by Extravasation of CT Contrast Media: A Case Report

A contrast media is essential for the diagnostic accuracy of vascular structure or soft tissue imaging study. The incidence of extravasation of contrast media is very low (0.03% to 0.17%), but higher (0.25% to 0.9%) when using mechanical infuser. We report a case of 64-year-old female patient suffered from acute compartment syndrome, such as pain, skin discoloration in forearm and limitation of finger movement associated with extravasation of contrast media during the coronary angio-computed tomography.

Malignant Tumors of the Hand

PURPOSE: Malignant tumors of the hand occurred very rarely and optical surgical treatment and prognosis are not clearly established. We report the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of primary and metastatic bone and soft tissue tumors during last twenty years with a review of literatures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 20 cases of malignant tumors in the hand (7 cases of acrometastasis, 9 cases of malignant melanoma, 2 cases of chondrosarcoma and 2 cases of squamous cell carcinoma) retrospectively. RESULTS: Patients of early Clark stage (I to III) of malignant melanoma survived after wide resection or ray amputation. But patients with late Clark stage (IV to V) expired associated with distant metastasis. All seven patients with acrometastasis expired in 6.3 months after diagnosis of metastasis. Two patients with chondrosarcoma survived without recurrence. Among patients with squamous cell carcinoma, one patient is free of disease after wide resection, but the other was dead due to metastasis. CONCLUSION: Good results might be attained after surgical treatment of malignant tumors of the hand by proper surgical technique to minimize loss of hand function and systemic evaluation of metastasis.

Risk Factors of Nonunion after Surgical Fixation of Acute Scaphoid Fractures

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors of nonunion after surgical treatment of acute scaphoid fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Predictable risk factors were investigated retrospectively in 70 patients with an acute scaphoid fracture. The risk factors involved sex, age, profession, smoking, fracture location, fracture gap distance, type of lunate, ulnar variance, fixation method, and surgical approach. At twelve months after surgery, analysis was conducted to identify the factors for prognosis toward bone healing or failure. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients (91%) demonstrated radiological union after a mean time of 2.8 months. The average scapholunate angle was 52degrees at the final follow up. Professional heavy work, smoking, fracture of proximal pole were associated with a significantly decreased likelihood of healing. CONCLUSION: The patients who have the risk factors of nonunion such as heave work, smoking and fracture of proximal pole should be treated carefully.

Reconstruction of Wrist Joint Using Vascularized Free Fibular Head Graft After the Wide Tumor Excision of Distal Radius

Vascularized free fibula head transfer is an established method for reconstruction of long bone defects of the upper limb involving the distal radius or the proximal humerus. For the wrist following tumor resection, in cases of resection of the radial articular surface, three reconstructive options are possible: 1. fibular head transfer to replace the radial joint surface, 2. fixation of the fibula to the scaphoid and lunate, 3. complete wrist fusion. The decision on the type of the operation depends on the amount of the resection and the remained normal anatomical structures, and also the necessity of function of the wrist in the future. The authors believe that the vascularized free fibula head graft is a safe and reliable method for reconstructing the upper limb, especially for patients with a defect of the distal radius, and report the operative methods, donor vascular consideration, complications, and functional result after this operation.

The Treatment of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

PURPOSE: As clinical manifestations of thoracic outlet syndrome are vague pain or symptoms in upper extremity, the diagnosis of the disease is delayed or misdiagnosed as cervical HNP, shoulder pathologies, or peripheral neuropathies. In that reason, many patients spend time for unnecessary or ineffective treatments. We report the results of our thoracic outlet syndrome cases, which were treated by conservative care or surgical treatment. MATERIALS & METHODS: Twenty five cases, diagnosed as thoracic outlet syndrome since 1999, were reviewed retrospectively. Physical examinations including Adson's and reverse Adson's test, hyperabduction test, costoclavicular maneuver, and Roo's test, plain radiography of shoulder and cervical spine, MRI of neck or brachial plexus, and EMG were checked. If subjective symptoms were not improved after conservative treatments over three months, surgical treatment were performed. Nine patients were performed operative treatment and the others had conservative treatment in outpatient clinic. Postoperative improvement of symptoms and the follow up period, and the results of conservative care were reviewed. RESULTS: Among five physical examinations, mean 1.75 tests were positive, and EMG has little diagnostic value. MRI were performed in twenty cases and compression of brachial plexus were found in 6 cases (30%). Ten patients out of 16 conservative treatment group had excellent improvement of symptoms, and 5 had good results. Eight patients out of 9 operative treatment group had excellent improvement with mean 5.1 months of follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome is difficult due to bizarre and vague symptoms. However if the diagnosis is suspected by careful physical examinations, radiologic studies, or nerve conduction studies, conservative care should be done as initial treatment and at least after three months, reassess the patient's condition. If the results of conservative treatment is not satisfactory and still the thoracic outlet syndrome is suspected, surgical treatment should be considered. Conservative treatment and operative technique are the valuable for the treatment of this disease.

Periprosthetic Fractures after Total Elbow Replacement

PURPOSE: To analyze clinical presentation and results of the treatment of periprosthetic fractures occurring after total elbow replacement (TER). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven patients who had periprosthetic fractures after TER were examined. The locations and the causes of periprosthetic fractures were evaluated. The periprosthetic fractures were classified using Mayo classification. Stable fractures were treated conservatively, and unstable fractures were treated by open reduction and internal fixation. Revision operation was conducted if implant loosening was observed. End results after treatment were evaluated based on Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) and radiologic examinations. RESULTS: Most fractures occurred at the humeral site(82%), and Type B2 periprosthetic fracture was most frequently observed(64%). Radiographic union was observed at a mean of 26 weeks after the treatment. No statistically significant differences were observed between preoperative and postoperative elbow active motions. According to the MEPS, the results were rated as excellent in three patients, good in five, fair in one and poor in two. CONCLUSION: A periprosthetic fracture after TER likely occurrs at humeral site and it is highly related with loosening of the implant. Although union tends to be delayed and complications occur frequently, relatively fair results can be obtained with appropriate treatment.

Effect of Zoledronic Acid on Early Osseointegration of Porous Implant in Rabbit / 대한정형외과연구학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether intravenous injection of the zoledronic acid could promote osseointegration of the porous implant inserted into the rabbit medullary cavity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A rabbit intramedullary osseointegration model was used. A specially designed porous nitinol implant (Bio-Smart, Sungnam, Gyeonggi-do, Korea) was inserted in the right distal femur of twenty six rabbits. They were randomized into the control or the experimental groups. In the control group, an intravenous injection of normal saline 2 ml/kg (Daihan Pharm, Seoul, Korea) was given at the end of the operation. In the experimental group, an intravenous injection of zoledronic acid 0.1 mg/kg (AclastaG(R) 2 ml/kg, Norvatis, Stein, Switzerland) was given at the end of the operation. Six weeks later, all animals were sacrificed and undecalcified histologic sections were prepared. Then, histomorphometric measurement of bone affinity index (%) and bone ingrowth area rate (%) was carried out. RESULTS: Six rabbits were excluded due to death and wound infection. Nine rabbits in the control group and eleven rabbits in the experimental group were included for the analysis. The bone affinity indices were 19.9+/-7.9% in the control group, and 28.4+/-7.2% in the experimental group. Although there was no statistical significance (p=0.056), the bone affinity index of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group. The bone ingrowth area rates were 8.7+/-3.7% in the control group, and 12.1+/-4.1% in the experimental group (p=0.046), indicating zoledronic acid had an positive effect on the promotion of bone ingrowth into the porous implant. CONCLUSION: In our rabbit intramedullary osseointegration model, intravenous injection of the zoledronic acid promoted early osseointegration of the porous implant. Zoledronic acid might be useful to promote the early osseointegration of the joint replacement implants.