Factors Associated with Suicidal Ideation among Community-Dwelling Elderly / 생물치료정신의학

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate factors associated with suicidal ideation among community-dwelling elderly.METHODS: In total, 492 community-dwelling elderly(over 60 years of age) participated in this study. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, medical history and suicidal ideation during the past 12 months were analyzed. Various measures including the Korean Mini Mental Status Exam in the Korean version of the CERAD assessment packet (MMSE-KC), Short form of the Geriatric Depression Scale(SGDS), Korean version of Quality of Life-Alzheimer's Disease (KQOL-AD), and Subjective Successful Aging(SSA) questionnaire were administered.RESULTS: The prevalence rate of suicidal ideation was 26.4%. According to the binary logistic regression, SSA(OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.97–1.00, p=0.020) and SGDS(OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.16–1.41, p <0.001) scores were independently associated with suicidal ideation.CONCLUSION: Among community-dwelling elderly, depressive symptoms increased the risk of suicidal ideation, whereas subjective evaluations of successful aging decreased the risk. Thus, appropriate interventions for depressive symptoms are needed to prevent the elderly individuals from developing suicidal ideation.

Esophageal Perforation after Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case analyses.PURPOSE: To investigate the causes, diagnosis, and management of esophageal perforation, depending on the time of diagnosis.OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: To date, few studies have addressed these issues.METHODS: A total of seven patients were included in this study. The patients were classified into three groups based on esophageal perforation diagnosis time: intraoperative (diagnosed during surgery), perioperative (diagnosed within 30 days postoperatively), and delayed (diagnosed >30 days postoperatively) groups.RESULTS: In the intraoperative group (N=2), infectious spondylitis was the main cause of esophageal perforation. Anterior plate and screw removal, followed by posterior instrumentation, was performed. The injured esophagus was managed by omentum flap repair in one patient and primary repair in one patient. In the perioperative group (N=2), revision surgery for infection and metal failure were the main causes of esophageal perforation. In both cases, food residue was drained on the third postoperative day. The injured esophagus was managed conservatively. In the delayed group (N=3), chronic irritation caused by metal failure was the main cause of esophageal perforation. In all patients, there was no associated infection. The anterior instrumentation was removed, and the two patients were treated by primary repair, and one patient was treated using sternocleidomastoid muscle flap. One patient in intraoperative group died of sepsis.CONCLUSIONS: The main cause of intraoperative esophageal perforation was esophageal adhesions because of infectious spondylitis. However, perioperative and delayed esophageal perforations were caused by chronic irritation because of metal failure. Anterior plate and screw removal was necessary, and posterior instrumentation and fusion may be considered, depending on the fusion status.

An Intratendinous Tophaceous Gout Mistaken for Cellulitis in the Patellar Tendon / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Gout is characterized by recurrent attacks of arthralgia, and deposition of monosodium urate crystals in and around the joints of the extremities and soft tissues. Monosodium urate crystals are observed most frequently at the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint and usually presented in the ankle and wrist joint. However, no case of an intratendinous tophus in the patellar tendon has been reported in Korean literature. In this report, we found monosodium urate crystals in the patellar tendon on magnetic resonance imaging images and intratendinous tophus were visible to the naked eye by excision. We reported on the case of a patient who experienced an unusual intratendinous tophus in the patellar tendon.

A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Bone Union Rate Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Using a Polyetheretherketone Cage: Hydroxyapatite/B-Tricalcium Phosphate Mixture versus Hydroxyapatite/Demineralized Bone Matrix Mixture

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized noninferiority trial. PURPOSE: To evaluate whether the union rate of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage filled with a mixture of hydroxyapatite (HA) and demineralized bone matrix (DBM) is inferior to that of a mixture of beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) and HA. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: There have been no clinical trials investigating the outcomes of a mixture of HA and DBM in a PEEK cage in ACDF. METHODS: Eighty-five eligible patients were randomly assigned to group B (n=43), in which a PEEK cage with a mixture of HA and DBM was used, or group C (n=42), in which a PEEK cage with a mixture of HA and beta-TCP was used. The primary study endpoint was the fusion rate, which was assessed with dynamic radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans. Secondary endpoints included pain intensity using a visual analogue scale, functional outcome using a neck disability index score, laboratory tests of inflammatory profiles, and the infection rate. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients (38 in group B and 39 in group C) were included in the final analysis. One year postoperatively, bone fusion was achieved in 87% of group B patients and 87% of group C patients on dynamic radiographs, and 87% of group B patients and 72% of group C patients on CT scans (p=1.00 and 0.16, respectively). There were also no between-groups differences with respect to the secondary endpoints. CONCLUSIONS: A HA/DBM mixture inside a PEEK cage can provide noninferior outcomes compared to a HA/TCP mixture in ACDF.

Bilateral Necrotizing Fasciitis around the Hips Differentiated from Fournier Gangrene: A Case Report / 대한고관절학회지

As an emergency encountered in orthopedic practice requiring prompt diagnosis and aggressive treatment, necrotizing fasciitis around the hip must be discriminated from Fournier gangrene. The current case report describes a patient who suffered from bilateral type I necrotizing fasciitis around the hips, which was alleviated by prompt surgical debridement and intensive postoperative care.

Diagnostic Utility of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Patients with Problems Confined to Cross-Legged Posture / 대한스포츠의학회지

This study was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the patients having problems confined to cross-legged posture. The study subjects were 128 cases (male 87.5%) and 120 patients from October 2008 to June 2013. Average age of male patients was 50 years old (range, 21-72 years old), and female 45 years old (range, 18-76 years old). The rate of positive MRI findings was compared according to abnormal physical findings. The average duration of symptoms was 11.7 months. The most frequent complains was on the back (41.9% at rest, 57% when taking the posture). Patrick test was positive for 33.6% of cases, simple radiography was abnormal only for 20% of cases. Bone scan was normal for all 98 cases. Only 21.9% of 128 cases showed abnormal MRI findings which were managed with conservative treatment. Limitation in the range of hip joint motion was not statistically associated with abnormal findings of MRI (p=0.148). Normal Patrick test was associated with normal MRI finding (p=0.001). Among normal cases on both physical and simple bone X-ray film, 88.6% were normal at MRI. In conclusion, for patients with physical complaints from the cross-legged posture, diagnostic utility of MRI is relatively low when they show normal on both physical examination and simple radiography.

Cement Leakage after Vertebroplasty; Correlation with Patterns of Compression Fractures and Bone Mineral Density (BMD)

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the influence of fracture patterns and the result of bone mineral density on cement leakage after percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Leakage of bone cement after vertebroplasty has known to be related with the direction of cortical disruption of fractured vertebral body and low bone mineral density (BMD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred eighty-two patients with osteoporotic vertebral compressions were studied from January 2009 to August 2013. The patients' fracture levels and patterns were compared. Among them, the cement leakage patterns were analyzed in 105 patients who had undergone vertebroplasty. The findings were compared with fracture patterns including cortical disruption and BMD. RESULTS: Seventy-five cases of cement leakage were observed. Among them, intradiscal leakage was the most common type of leakage. In the patient group with low BMD, there was a high incidence of lower and posterior cortical disruption in the fractures. Patients with posterior cortical disruption demonstrated a higher incidence of leakage into the spinal canal and anterior cortex. No significant correlation was observed between fracture patterns and leakage. CONCLUSIONS: A surgeon should use caution in performing vertebroplasty in patients with low BMD and posterior disruption of the vertebral cortex.

The Short Term Results of Selective Nerve Root Block in Spinal Stenosis by Contrast Pattern

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To observe the short term effect of selective nerve root block (sNRB) depending on the contrast pattern and spinal canal size. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: A number of studies have demonstrated that sNRB is quite effective not only for patients with herniated intervertebral discs but also for those with spinal stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Visual Analog Scale(VAS) score was collected before and after the procedure from 217 subjects with lumbar spinal stenosis and underwent sNRB. Two types were classified after observing the contrast's spreading pattern, Type I contrast reaching the spinal canal and Type II not reaching the spinal canal. Efficacy of the treatment for each type was also compared. In addition, the spinal canal size was classified into three categories. Treatment efficacy depending on the contrast pattern was also compared in each category. RESULTS: When divided into two types based on the contrast pattern, type I showed a more significant reduction in VAS score according to T-test although both types showed a decrease in VAS score after the procedure. In regards to spinal canal dimension, both types showed decreased VAS scores after the procedure in patients with spinal canal size larger than 172.2mm2; however, there were no changes in VAS score before and after the procedure for those with spinal canal size smaller than 73mm2. CONCLUSIONS: There was a short term effect of selective nerve root block (sNRB) in patients with spinal stenosis regardless of their contrast pattern, type I group showing a stronger correlation. In regards to spinal canal dimension, patients with larger spinal canal sizes not only showed a significant decrease in VAS score after selective nerve root block (sNRB) but also showed differences depending on the contrast pattern. On the contrary, there was no significant difference in VAS score before and after selective nerve root block (sNRB) in patients with small spinal canal sizes, and there was also no difference in the outcome depending on the contrast pattern in patients with small spinal canal sizes. Therefore, when performing selective root nerve block (sNRB), the operator should remember to manipulate the angle and position of the spinal needle when injecting the appropriate drug after confirming that the contrast material reached the spinal canal. The operator should also consider surgical management when performing selective nerve root block (sNRB) in patients with severe central spinal stenosis.

Atraumatic Spinal Interdural Hamatoma: A Case Report

STUDY DESIGN: A case report. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the outcomes of recapping laminoplasty for the treatment of atraumatic spinal interdural hematoma. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: There are several causes for a spinal hematoma. The occurrence of spinal hematoma is rare; in particular, the ones arising atraumaticaly are considered extremely rare. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied a 33 year old male patient without any known risk factor. Magnetic resonance image has revealed an intraspinal epidural cyst compressing on the spinal nerve. After performing recapping laminoplasty, followed by partial excision of dura mater and resection of hematoma, we were able to observe another layer of dura mater, confirming the location of hematoma within two epidural layers, i.e., an interdural hematoma. RESULTS: Performing recapping laminoplasty is a more effective and less invasive procedure for removing cyst than conventionally used laminectomy. Patients were found to have synostosis after three months post-op, and they have exhibited neither lumbosacral pain nor lower limb motor weakness after six months follow-up. There were no recurrences or complications reported on our study. CONCLUSION: There are a few reported cases of atraumatic spinal interdural hematoma. Our study shows that performing pars osteotomy with recapping laminoplasty yield good clinical outcome for the treatment of atraumatic spinal interdural hematoma.

The Treatment of Transverse Fracture of The Upper Sacrum According to Roy-Camille Classification (Suicidal Jumper's Fracture): 4 Cases Report

STUDY DESIGN: A Case report. OBJECTIVES: We report 4 cases of transverse fracture of upper sacrum with good clinical results. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: There is no clear guideline for the treatment of transverse fracture of upper sacrum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four patients, who visited our institute for transverse fracture of upper sacrum, were reviewed from January 2006 to July 2009. RESULTS: All patients had good clinical results after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In all cases, patients were managed conservatively without reduction or internal fixation. Only for Roy-Camille type 2 and 3 transverse fracture of the upper sacrum with neurologic deficit, decompression was performed, yielding good clinical results.

Surgical Treatment of Snapping Hip by Modified Z-plasty of the Iliotibial Band / 대한스포츠의학회지

We performed modified Z-plasty (N-plasty) in the patients with snapping hip syndrome arising from the iliotibial band whose pain and clicking sensation persisted despite conservative treatments. We analyzed clinical results to evaluate the effectiveness of this new technique. Among 51 patients (65 cases) who still felt pain and reported clicking sensation during daily life despite hospitalization for at least 2 months from January 1999 to November 2011, we evaluated a total of 32 patients (37 cases) who underwent N-plasty and followed up for more than 6 months. All patients were male whose average age was 24 years. Initial symptoms developed an average of 10 months before hospital visit. Surgery was defined success by postoperative 6 months at which time the patient could be able to carry on with daily life and to exercise without clicking sensation and pain, and defined failure when either clicking sensation or pain was present. We observed that the posterior portion of the iliotibial band was thickened by an average of 8.4 mm. Tenotomy of the iliotibial band lengthened the band by an average of 23mm and narrowed the width of the iliotibial band anterior to posterior. Success was in 33 cases (89%) after surgery. Failure was observed in 4 cases. Three were improved after resurgery and 1 was treated conservatively. We found that N-plasty performed in external type snapping hip patients was an effective method yielding a high success rate.

Incomplete Anterior Interosseous Nerve Palsy That Accompanied a Monteggia Fracture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

The anterior interosseous nerve innervates the flexor pollicis longus, the flexor digitorum profundus and the pronator quadratus. There are no sensory fibers from the anterior interosseous nerve leading to the skin. Paralysis of the anterior interosseous nerve that accompanies a Monteggia fracture has rarely been reported, and incomplete paralysis of the anterior interosseous nerve has almost not been reported. We experienced a patient with incomplete anterior interosseous nerve palsy involving the flexor pollicis longus as a complication of a Monteggia fracture. The paralysis of the flexor pollicis longus recovered 4 months after the surgery for the Monteggia fracture.

The Treatment of Traumatic Atlantoaxial Rotatory Subluxation (Fielding Type I) and the Correlation between the Clinical Progress and Radiological Reduction Parameter

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: We will discuss clinical outcomes of adult traumatic atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation (Fielding type I) and verify the correlation between the clinical outcomes and radiological reduction rate. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation which usually occur in children by non-traumatic sources or minor trauma has been discussed persistently. However, studies of atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation which occur in adults over 20 years old, especially by traumatic injury is rare. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 2004 to April 2011, thirty patients diagnosed of traumatic atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation with 6 months follow-up period were enrolled in the study. After diagnosis, we started treating Halter traction with 5 lbs. We discontinued traction when the patient recovered over 90% of ROM and applied Philadelphia collar to the patient. We measured visual analogue scale (VAS) for cervical pain and ROM. We measured atlanto-dens interval (ADI) and lateral mass-dens interval (LDI) difference using three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) to validate radiological reduction rate. RESULTS: At the end of follow-up, none of the patients complained over pain and all recovered to full ROM. ADI was in normal range during the whole treatment period. LDI difference gradually decreased during treatment period, however, only 8 cases (26.7%) came back to normal range. CONCLUSIONS: In traumatic atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation (Fielding type I), satisfactory clinical outcomes such as pain relief or ROM improvement using traction and the radiological reduction rate was also improved but it failed to achieve a complete reduction of LDI difference in radiography.

Delayed Diagnosis of Muculocutaneous Nerve Injury Associated with a Humerus Shaft Fracture: A Case Report

Injury of the musculocutanous nerve can be associated with a proximal humeral fracture or shoulder dislocation, and injury of the brachial plexus. However, injury of this nerve associated with a humeral shaft fracture has rarely been reported. Diagnosis of the musculocutaneous nerve injury is difficult because its sensory loss is ill-defined, and examination of elbow flexion is difficult when it is associated with fractures. We report an unusual case of musculocutaneous nerve injury in a 27 years old woman who had multiple injuries including a humerus shaft fracture, an ipsilateral radius shaft fracture, and an associated radial nerve laceration. Diagnosis of the musculocutaneous nerve injury was delayed because combined fractures of the humerus and radius prevented proper examination of the elbow motion and nerve grafting of the radial nerve delayed early elbow motion exercise. Delayed exploration of the musculocutaneous nerve 6 months after trauma showed complete rupture of the nerve at its entry into the coracobrachialis muscle and the defect was successfully managed by sural nerve graft.

Inter- and Intra-observer Reliability of MRI for Lumbar Lateral Disc Herniation

BACKGROUND: The authors analyzed inter- and intra-observer agreement with respect to interpretation of simple magnetic resonance T1- and T2-weighted axial and sagittal images for the diagnosis of lumbar lateral disc herniation, including foraminal and extraforaminal disc herniations. METHODS: Forty-two patients in whom lumbar lateral disc herniation was suspected or confirmed by simple magnetic resonance imaging at one institute between May 2003 and December 2004 were included. The magnetic resonance images consisting of T1- and T2-weighted axial and sagittal images, and these were reviewed blindly and independently by three orthopaedic spine surgeons in a random manner. The images were interpreted as positive or negative for lateral disc herniation on 2 different occasions 3 months apart. Results were analyzed using Cohen's kappa statistic, and strengths of agreements were determined using the Landis and Koch criteria. RESULTS: The kappa values for inter-observer agreement averaged 0.234 (0.282, 0.111, and 0.308 respectively) on the first occasion, and 0.166 (0.249, 0.111, and 0.137 respectively) on the second occasion, with an overall mean value of 0.200. Thus, the strength of agreement was only slight-to-fair according to the Landis and Koch criteria. Kappa values for intra-observer agreement averaged 0.479 (0.488, 0.491, and 0.459 respectively), indicating moderate agreement. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that simple magnetic resonance imaging is not a reliable imaging modality for diagnosing lumbar lateral disc herniation. Another imaging study with improved diagnostic values should be developed to diagnose this pathologic finding.

Palmar Fasciitis and Polyarthritis Syndrome Associated with Ovarian Carcinoma : A Case Report

Palmar fasciitis and polyarthritis syndrome (PFPAS) is an uncommon paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by rapidly progressive flexion contracture of both hands, inflammatory fasciitis, fibrosis and generalized inflammatory arthritis. We report a case of PFPAS associated with ovarian carcinoma, which was initially misdiagnosed as seronegative rheumatoid arthritis. A correct diagnosis was made after the patient underwent surgery for a pelvic tumor, which was incidentally found on a CT scan that she had taken after sustaining a traffic accident. PFPAS is one of differential diagnoses for progressive flexion contracture of both hands presenting to hand surgeons, and a careful oncologic examination should be considered in a female patient with unexplained hand pain, digital contracture and generalized arthritis

Quetiapine Therapy for Visual Hallucinations Caused by Charles Bonnet Syndrome / 대한정신약물학회지

The case of a 77-year-old man with Charles Bonnet syndrome was presented. This patient lost his vision due to glaucoma, and he subsequently developed complex visual hallucinations. No other psychotic symptoms (e.g., delusions, perceptual disturbances) and no evidence of cognitive impairment or neurological diseases were reported. The visual hallucinations disappeared after treatment with quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic, without any side effects. The visual hallucinations reappeared after quetiapine was discontinued. Treatment with a small dose of quetiapine has been maintained to prevent the exacerbation of symptoms.

Risk of Vertebral Artery Injury: A Comparison between C2 Subarticular Segmental and C1-2 Transarticular Screws / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We compared the risk of vertebral artery injury associated with the insertion of C1-2 transarticular screws and C2 subarticular segmental screws using a computer simulation of computed tomography (CT) scans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We simulated the placement of C1-2 transarticular screws and C2 subarticular segmental screws using 1-mm interval CT scan images in 166 patients, along with simulation software. We then determined the incidence of violation of the C2 vertebral artery groove. The same determination was performed for high-riding vertebral arteries found among those patients. RESULTS: Among the 332 C2 vertebral artery grooves (166 patients), C1-2 transarticular screws violated the groove in 33 (9.9%) instances, while C2 subarticular segmental screws violated the groove in 19 (5.7%) instances. The difference in incidence between the two screw types was statistically significant (p=0.001, McNemar test). In the 48 high-riding vertebral arteries, C1-2 transarticular screws led to violation of the C2 vertebral artery groove in 30 (62.5%) instances, while C2 subarticular segmental screws led to violation of the groove in 18 (37.5%) instances. The difference in incidence between the two screw types was statistically significant (p=0.002, McNemar test). CONCLUSION: Use of C2 subarticular segmental screws is associated with a lower risk of vertebral artery injury than is the use of C1-2 transarticular screws, even for high-riding vertebral arteries.

Synovial Osteochondroid Metaplasia of the Elbow Joint Mimicking a Fracture: A Case Report / 대한정형외과학회잡지

We present here a case of synovial osteochondroid metaplasia of the elbow joint that was almost mistaken for a fracture. A 21-year-old military recruit complained of pain at the elbow after a minor direct injury. Since the imaging studies, including simple radiographs and CT scans, showed a small bony fragment, an operation was performed under the impression of fracture of the elbow joint. There was no evidence of acute injury such as bleeding or swelling, and excisional biopsy was done. The histopathological findings of osteochondroid metaplasia surrounded by fibrous tissue and synovium led to the pathologic diagnosis of synovial osteochondroid metaplasia. Clinicians should include this tumorous entity in differential diagnosis when a bony fragment is seen on the radiographs of an acutely injured subject.

A case of recurrent respiratory infection resulting from a congenital anomaly of the bronchial tree tracheal bronchus / 소아과

The term tracheal bronchus refers to an abnormal bronchus that comes directly off of the lateral wall of the trachea (above the carina) and supplies ventilation to the upper lobe. Tracheal bronchi occur almost exclusively on the right trachea and are associated with other congenital anomalies. In addition, tracheai bronchus may be related to other inflammatory conditions with persistent wheezing, such as recurrent pneumonia, chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis, which is a result of the relatively poor local drainage of the involved bronchi. An infant with recurrent wheezing is likely to be a challenge for a clinician in the evaluation of the etiology of airway obstruction and in the differential diagnosis of wheezy breathing. The authors report a case of an 8-month-old female infant with a ventricular septal defect, who presented with stridor and recurrent respiratory infection and finally was finally diagnosed with a tracheal bronchus using computed tomography and a bronchoscopy. Therefore, tracheal bronchus should be included in the differential diagnosis of any child who presents with chronic or recurrent respiratory tract symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, stridor and recurrent respiratory infection, particularly in children with other congenital deformities.