Morbidity and Mortality in Jeju Residents over 50-Years of Age with Hip Fracture with Mean 6-Year Follow-Up: A Prospective Cohort Study

This prospective cohort study was performed to estimate the morbidity and mortality with 790 patients over 50-yr of age that sustained a femoral neck or intertrochanteric fracture from 2002 to 2006, followed-up for a mean of 6 yr (range, 4 to 9 yr). Crude and annual standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated; and mortalities in the cohort and the age and sex matched general population were compared. The risk factors on mortality and activities pre- and post-injury were assessed. Accumulated mortality was 16.7% (132 patients) at 1 yr, 45.8% (337 patients) at 5 yr, and 60% (372 patients) at 8 yr. SMR at 5 yr post-injury was 1.3 times that of the general population. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that age (OR, 1.074; 95% CI, 1.050-1.097; P<0.001), woman (OR, 1.893; 95% CI, 1.207-2.968; P=0.005), and medical comorbidity (OR, 1.334; 95% CI, 1.167-1.524 P<0.001) were independently associated with mortality after hip fracture. Only 59 of the 150 patients (39.3%) who were able to ambulate normally outdoors at preinjury retained this ability at final follow-up. Patients with a hip fracture exhibits higher mortality at up to 5 yr than general population. Age and a preinjury comorbidity are associated with mortality.

Evaluation of Femoral Tunnel Positioning Using 3-Dimensional Computed Tomography and Radiographs after Single Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Modified Transtibial Technique

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to report a modified transtibial technique to approach the center of anatomical femoral footprint in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and to investigate the accurate femoral tunnel position with 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) and radiography after reconstruction. METHODS: From December 2010 to October 2011, we evaluated 98 patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction using a modified transtibial technique to approach the center of anatomical femoral footprint in single bundle ACL reconstruction with hamstring autograft. Their femoral tunnel positions were investigated with 3D-CT and radiography postoperatively. Femoral tunnel angle was measured on the postoperative anteroposterior (AP) radiograph and the center of the femoral tunnel aperture on the lateral femoral condyle was assessed with 3D-CT according to the quadrant method by two orthopedic surgeons. RESULTS: According to the quadrant method with 3D-CT, the femoral tunnel was measured at a mean of 32.94% +/- 5.16% from the proximal condylar surface (parallel to the Blumensaat line) and 41.89% +/- 5.58% from the notch roof (perpendicular to the Blumensaat line) with good interobserver (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC], 0.766 and 0.793, respectively) and intraobserver reliability (ICC, 0.875 and 0.893, respectively). According to the radiographic measurement on the AP view, the femoral tunnel angles averaged 50.43degrees +/- 7.04degrees (ICC, 0.783 and 0.911, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our modified transtibial technique is anticipated to provide more anatomical placement of the femoral tunnel during ACL reconstruction than the former traditional transtibial techniques.

Effect of Correction of the Contractured Flexed Osteoarthritic Knee on the Sagittal Alignment by Total Replacement

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective analysis of an adaptive change of the spinopelvic alignment after total knee arthroplasty. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of correction of the contractured knee in flexion on the spinopelvic alignment by total knee arthroplasty. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Flexion contracture of the knee joint may affect the body posture and precipitate the symptoms in the lumbar spine, which is known as the 'knee-spine syndrome'. METHODS: Fifteen patients who could be followed at least over 12 months were used in this study. Neutral whole spine lateral standing radiograms taken at certain intervals were analyzed. The subjects were divided into two groups (group A, the patients who obtained over 10degrees correction; group B, the others). The sacral slope, the pelvic tilt and the pelvic incidence were measured preoperatively and at 12 months and thereafter postoperatively in all the patients. Also, the thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, and lumbosacral angle were measured, including the spinal sagittal balance, S1 overhang and spino-sacral angle. RESULTS: The average correction of the contractured knee in flexion were 13.8degrees in group A and 2.7degrees in group B. The median of changes of the sacral slope were 4.2degrees in group A and -0.4degrees in group B. These results revealed that there was a significant increase of the sacral slope for group A (p=0.001). However, there were no significant differences between the other parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The sacral slope appears to be affected by the change of the flexion contracture after total knee arthroplasty.

The Stability Score of the Intramedullary Nailed Intertrochanteric Fractures: Stability of Nailed Fracture and Postoperative Patient Mobilization

BACKGROUND: Intertrochanteric fractures of the femur are the most common type of fracture, and are an increasing occurrence due to the aging of the population. The objectives of our study are to predict the fate of intertrochanteric fractures treated with intramedullary hip nails by assessing the postoperative fracture stability utilizing the newly developed scoring system, and to help rehabilitate these patients. METHODS: Eighty-two patients with intertrochanteric fractures that were treated with intramedullary hip nails between December, 2004 and January, 2011 were subjected to this study. The patients who could be followed for a minimum of one year postoperatively were enrolled. The immediate postoperative conditions were determined by radiograms: reduction status (3 parameters/4 points: contact accuracy of posteromedial cortex, severity of angulation, and distraction), fixation status (3 parameters/3 points: tip-apex distance, location of tip of the lag screw, entry point of the intramedullary nail), and fracture type (1 parameter/1 point: stable or unstable type by the Kyle's classification). Postoperative reduction loss and fixation failure were checked by radiograms taken at a minimum 3 months postoperative. RESULTS: Reduction loss and fixation failure were observed in 14 consecutive patients (17%). The fixation failure rate was 100% (2 patients) in score 1, 60% (3 out of the 5 patients) in score 2, 39% (3 out of the 8 patients) in score 3, and 50% (4 out of the 8 patients) in score 4 groups. There were fixation failures only in 1 out of 13 patients with score 5, and in 1 out of 18 patients with score 6. There was no fixation failure in 17 patients with score 7 and 11 patients with score 8. CONCLUSIONS: Maintenance of the fracture reduction by the stable fixation in the patient scores over 5 could be predicted by the postoperative radiograms.

Comparing the Efficacy of Aquatic Physiotherapy and Land-based Physiotherapy for Patients after Total Knee Replacement Surgery / 대한정형외과연구학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the rehabilitation effects between aquatic physiotherapy and land-based physiotherapy after total knee arthroplasty. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: The study was performed by patients with TKA caused by knee OA. The participants were divided into two groups based on random sampling method. One group received aquatic physiotherapy while the other received land-base physiotherapy. Each physiotherapy program lasted 40 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 1 week starting a week after the operation. Pertinent indicators, knee extensor strength, knee flexor strength, walking speed, knee circumference, WOMAC index and Visual analogue scale were recorded before and after the physiotherapy programs, 1 week, 2weeks and 6 weeks after the operation. RESULTS: The aquatic physiotherapy group showed statistically significant improvements in knees circumference and VAS scores, compared to the land-based physiotherapy group between 1week and 2 weeks after the operation, whereas no statistical differences were found in Knee extensor strength, knee flexor strength, walking speed and WOMAC index. CONCLUSION: The aquatic physiotherapy group showed statistically significant improvements in knee circumference and VAS scores compared to the land-based physiotherapy group between 1 and 2 weeks after the operation. Further studies are required to confirm these findings. We were able to conclude that aquatic physiotherapy is an alternative rehabilitation program for patients with TKA.

Comparing the Efficacy of Aquatic Physiotherapy and Land-based Physiotherapy for Patients after Total Knee Replacement Surgery / 대한정형외과연구학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the rehabilitation effects between aquatic physiotherapy and land-based physiotherapy after total knee arthroplasty. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: The study was performed by patients with TKA caused by knee OA. The participants were divided into two groups based on random sampling method. One group received aquatic physiotherapy while the other received land-base physiotherapy. Each physiotherapy program lasted 40 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 1 week starting a week after the operation. Pertinent indicators, knee extensor strength, knee flexor strength, walking speed, knee circumference, WOMAC index and Visual analogue scale were recorded before and after the physiotherapy programs, 1 week, 2weeks and 6 weeks after the operation. RESULTS: The aquatic physiotherapy group showed statistically significant improvements in knees circumference and VAS scores, compared to the land-based physiotherapy group between 1week and 2 weeks after the operation, whereas no statistical differences were found in Knee extensor strength, knee flexor strength, walking speed and WOMAC index. CONCLUSION: The aquatic physiotherapy group showed statistically significant improvements in knee circumference and VAS scores compared to the land-based physiotherapy group between 1 and 2 weeks after the operation. Further studies are required to confirm these findings. We were able to conclude that aquatic physiotherapy is an alternative rehabilitation program for patients with TKA.

The Tips and Pitfalls of Meniscus Allograft Transplantation

When faced with an irrepairable meniscus or a patient who has had a total or subtotal meniscectomy, meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT) is the preferred modality to restore biomechanical function of the meniscus. The indications for meniscus allograft transplantation are yet to be established. However, currently, MAT has previously been indicated for symptomatic patients who have mild or early osteoarthritis, are younger than 50 years of age, and present with an Outerbridge grade II or lower. The short- to intermediate-term results confirmed noteworthy clinical improvements and consistent objective findings. On the other hand, the successful outcome would be reduced by various complications. Therefore, long-term observation required to evaluate the longevity of these results. The purpose of this article is to review the current research of concerns on the results of MAT, and to describe the technical tips and pitfalls so as to successful clinical results.

The Efficacy and Safety of Postoperative Autologous Transfusion of Filtered Shed Blood and Anticoagulant Prophylaxis in Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy and safety of autologous transfusion of filtered shed blood in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 42 patients with TKA (group A; without autologous transfusion in 15 patients, group B; with autologous transfusion in 27 patients) were evaluated retrospectively. The influence of autologous reinfusion of filtered blood, bleeding tendency, amount of blood drainage, rate of allogenic transfusion, and the postoperative changes of hemoglobin were analyzed. RESULTS: Allogenic transfusion was needed in 26.7% (4/15) of group A and none of group B till postoperative 48 hours. Till postoperative 14 days, 46.7% (7/15) of group A needed allogenic transfusion while 7.4% (2/27) in group B. The average drained blood volume was 1,197+/-400 mL in group A and 975+/-422 mL in group B. The average decrease of hemoglobin at postoperative 1, 7, and 14 days was 2.9+/-1.5, 2.9+/-1.6, and 2.3+/-1.5 g/dL respectively in group A and 2.7+/-0.8, 4.0+/-1.0, and 2.9+/-1.3 g/dL respectively in group B. CONCLUSIONS: An autotransfusion system lowered the allogenic transfusion rate, while anticoagulants did not increase the amount of drained blood. An autotransfusion system with anticoagulants was effective and safe to save the shed blood in TKA.

Flexor Weakness and Clinical Outcomes after Hamstring Harvest in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Comparison of Single- and Double-Tendon Harvesting Techniques / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To compare of the flexion weakness and clinical outcomes of patients who underwent an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction between semitendinosus (ST) group and semitendinosus and gracilis (ST & G) group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients who underwent ACL reconstruction by autologous hamstring tendon and were followed up for more than 2 years; for more than 2 years were studied. We excluded females; Thus, 41 of ST group and 30 of ST & G group, retrospectively, were evaluated. Outcomes were assessed by the Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity score, KT-2000 side-to-side difference and functional performance tests. The flexion deficit and isokinetic peak torque for knee flexion were measured in the sitting position, and the flexion torque at deep flexion was measured in the prone position using a Biodex System III dynamometer. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of clinical and functional performance tests. In operated limb, significant knee flexion weakness at the isokinetic peak torque for knee flexion was observed, but no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups. Especially, a significantly smaller deep knee flexion deficit was observed in the ST group than in the ST & G group (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: After ACL reconstruction by hamstring autograft, a greater knee flexion weakness was observed. Especially a significantly greater deep knee flexion deficit was observed in the ST & G group than in the ST group.

Orthopedic Surgeon's Awareness Can Improve Osteoporosis Treatment Following Hip Fracture: A Prospective Cohort Study

Through retrospective Jeju-cohort study at 2005, we found low rates of detection of osteoporosis (20.1%) and medication for osteoporosis (15.5%) in those who experienced hip fracture. This study was to determine the orthopedic surgeons' awareness could increase the osteoporosis treatment rate after a hip fracture and the patient barriers to osteoporosis management. We prospectively followed 208 patients older than 50 yr who were enrolled for hip fractures during 2007 in Jeju-cohort. Thirty four fractures in men and 174 in women were treated at the eight hospitals. During the study period, orthopedic surgeons who worked at these hospitals attended two education sessions and were provided with posters and brochures. Patients were interviewed 6 months after discharge using an evaluation questionnaire regarding their perceptions of barriers to osteoporosis treatment. The patients were followed for a minimum of one year. Ninety-four patients (45.2%) underwent detection of osteoporosis by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and 67 (32.2%) were prescribed medication for osteoporosis at the time of discharge. According to the questionnaire, the most common barrier to treatment for osteoporosis after a hip fracture was patients reluctance. The detection and medication rate for osteoporosis after hip fracture increased twofold after orthopedic surgeons had attended the intervention program. Nevertheless, the osteoporosis treatment rate remains inadequate.

Synoivial Chondromatosis of the Ankle Joint and Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon Sheath / 대한족부족관절학회지

Synovial chondromatosis is a benign lesion forming multiple round cartilagenous nodules or osseous loose bodies in joint cavity. Predilection sites are known as knee, hip and elbow joints. However, the involvement of ankle joint was rarely reported in the literature. Moreover, extraarticular chondromatosis in synovial sheath or bursa of extremities is extremely rare. We present a case of synovial chondromatosis of the left ankle joint and flexor hallucis longus tendon sheath.

Hemiarthroplasty Using a Modular Hip Segment in a Patient with a Long Stem Total Knee Prosthesis

Femoral neck fractures frequently occur in elderly patients and the treatment strategies for this are well documented. Revision knee arthroplasty using a long intra-medullary stem has recently been increasingly used for treating complications such as infection, aseptic loosening or instability. The current case had a femoral neck fracture with a well-fixed, long stem knee prosthesis, which reached to near the lesser trochanter of the femur. The authors performed the surgery using impaction of the modular hip segment; its inner diameter was fit to the outer diameter of the femoral stem of the knee prosthesis. At two years postoperative follow-up, the result was excellent without loosening or osteolysis.

Spinal Epidural Abscess with Pyogenic Arthritis of Facet Joint Treated with Antibiotic-Bone Cement Beads: A Case Report

Most epidural abscesses are a secondary lesion of pyogenic spondylodiscitis. An epidural abscess associated with pyogenic arthritis of the facet joint is quite rare. To the best of our knowledge, there is no report of the use of antibiotic-cement beads in the surgical treatment of an epidural abscess. This paper reports a 63-year-old male who sustained a 1-week history of radiating pain to both lower extremities combined with lower back pain. MRI revealed space-occupying lesions, which were located in both sides of the anterior epidural space of L4, and CT scans showed irregular widening and bony erosion of the facet joints of L4-5. A staphylococcal infection was identified after a posterior decompression and an open drainage. Antibiotic- bone cement beads were used as a local controller of the infection and as a spacer or an indicator for the second operation. An intravenous injection of anti-staphylococcal antibiotics resolved the back pain and radicular pain and normalized the laboratory findings. We point out not only the association of an epidural abscess with facet joint infection, but also the possible indication of antibiotic-bone cement beads in the treatment of epidural abscesses.

Cemented Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty for the Femoal Neckor Intertrochanteric Fracture in Elderly Patients: Multicenter Study / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Purpose: This multicenter study was carried out to estimate the clinical and radiological results of cemented bipolar endoprosthesis replacement arthroplasty of a hip fracture in patients aged over 50 years in Jeju Island. Materials and Methods: Eighty-eight hips underwent bipolar endoprosthesis in 2002. Thirty-two patients died during the follow-up period and 7 patients refused a radiological evaluation or an interview. Two patients who underwent cementless bipolar endoprosthesis were excluded. Forty- nine hips (48 patients) completed the average 27 months follow-up. A neck fracture was involved in 40 hips (39 patient) and an intertrochanteric fracture was involved in 9 hips (9 patients). The average age was 77.7 years. The results were evaluated using clinical and radiological methods. Results: At the last follow-up, the average Harris hip score was 70.1 and 22 hips (45%), which indicated excellent and good results, respectively. Among the 42 patients with normal activity at the preoperative period, 28 patients were still active at the final follow-up. The number of medical illnesses and the severity of mental deterioration were also associated with the poor Harris hip scores. The pressurization cementing technique was found to be excellent at the radiological evaluation. One femoral stem appeared to have loosened and subsided but there was no revision surgery. Conclusion: The clinical result of the cemented bipolar endoprosthesis in multicenter study showed that the only 45% of patients showed results >good. The major factors influencing the results were the postoperative activity, the number of medical illnesses, and the severity of the mental changes.

LumbarWedgeResectionOsteotomyforCongenitalScoliosis duetoaSacralMalformation: A CaseReport / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Congenital scoliosis due to a sacral malformation is quite rare. To the best of our knowledge, most wedge resection osteotomies have been performed to correct a kyphotic deformity in ankylosing spondylitis. However, there is no report of a trapezoidal lumbar wedge resection osteotomy of the vertebral body in the surgical treatment of congenital scoliosis due to a sacral malformation. This paper reports a 41-year-old female with a 25-year history of lower back and buttock pain combined with radiating pain to the lower extremities. The coronal imbalance was 3.8 cm and the scoliosis angle using the Cobb method was 22 degrees. A trapezoidal wedge resection osteotomy of the L5 body was performed, and the scoliosis was corrected. We detail this modification of a vertebral osteotomy technique and show that a fixed coronal deformity could be corrected effectively using this technique.

Treatment of Osteoporosis after Hip Fractures in Patients Older than 50 Years

PURPOSE: This study examined the rate in which a diagnostic workup and treatment for osteoporosis are performed on patients with a hip fracture in Jeju Island, South Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study reviewed the medical records and radiographs of 174 patients (141 women and 33 men) older than 50 years and diagnosed with femoral neck or intertrochanteric fractures at 8 hospitals in Jeju Island during 2005. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 78.3 years (range, 50-104 years). The number of patients examined with bone densitometry and treated for osteoporosis after the hip fracture was calculated. RESULTS: DXA was performed on 35 patients (20.1%) diagnosed with osteoporosis (T-score < -2.5). Of these 35 patients, 27 patients were treated for osteoporosis after a hip fracture. Among the 174 patients, only 27 patients (15.5%) had received medication for osteoporosis. CONCLUSION: The detection and treatment of osteoporosis are essential for reducing the incidence of another fracture after a hip fracture. However, a diagnostic study and the treatment for osteoporosis were performed only in a small portion of hip fracture patients.

Surgical Treatment of Posterior Wall Fractures of the Acetabulum

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of surgical treatment of posterior wall fractures of the acetabulum and to determine the factors affecting the results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one posterior wall fractures were reviewed; 7 type A1-1, 19 type A1-2 and 5 type A1-3 by AO classification. Postoperatively, the accuracy of the reduction was evaluated. At the final follow-up, clinical and radiographic results were evaluated with medical records and radiographs. The factors affecting the results were determined. RESULTS: The reduction was graded as anatomical in 22 patients, imperfect in seven and poor in two. The clinical result was excellent in 21 hips, good in six, fair in three and poor in one. The quality of the reduction was strongly associated with the clinical result. The radiographic result was excellent in 22 hips, good in five, fair in two and poor in two. The clinical result was related closely to the radiographic result. Complications were osteoarthritis in three patients, osteonecrosis of the femoral head in one, heterotopic ossification in one, penetration of a screw into the joint in one and iatrogenic sciatic nerve injury in one. The factors affecting the clinical results were fracture patterns, the surgeon's experience, the accuracy of the reduction and late complications. CONCLUSION: In this present series of posterior wall fractures, as their prognosis depends on the severity of the injury and the accuracy of the reduction, satisfactory result can be obtained by anatomical reduction with thorough preoperative planning and the surgeon's experience.

Iatrogenic Spinal Infection after Injection Therapy in Spine / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGNS: A retrospective study of clinical experience. OBJECTIVES: To investigate and report the iatrogenic form of spinal infections that occur after injection therapy in the spine. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: An iatrogenic infection after injection therapy in the spine is rarely reported to be a serious complication. However, an increase in the number of immunocompromised patients, the aging of the population, and particularly an increase in spinal procedureshave precipitated a rise in the incidence of spinal infections. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Iatrogenic spinal infections occurred in 8 patients after various injection therapy in the spine, which included an epidural steroid injection or trigger point injection for various spinal conditions. The medical records and images of these patients regarding the clinical findings, risk factors, and treatments were analyzed. RESULTS: The pathologic conditions of the spinal infection were discitis in four patients with a concomitant infection in the epidural space and paraspinal muscles, an epidural abscess, and solitary muscular abscess or myositis in the other 3 patients. The systemic risk factors contributing to the infections were diabetes mellitus, metastatic cancer, and chronic liver disease in four patients. For treatment, intensive antibiotic therapy was applied to all patients. Six of the 8 patients underwent surgical drainage for abscesses and/or fusion to stabilize the infected segments. The infections were eventually controlled in all patients. CONCLUSION: Iatrogenic pyogenic infections of the spine after injection therapy in the spine is a serious complication with regard morbidity and treatment. To avoid these serious complications, a specialist experienced in aseptic techniques should perform these spinal procedures, particularly in those patients with the risk factors.

Separation of the Symphysis Pubis during Childbirth

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical features and incidence of separation of the symphysis pubis during childbirth, and to evaluate the risk factors of the lesion and the outcome of treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy two cases of separation of symphysis pubis among 66,721 delivery between January 1992 and December 2004 was selected. The control group was composed of 498 cases without separation of symphysis pubis during childbirth. Several factors increasing the risk of this lesion were assessed using χ

T-Plate Fixation for Two- and Three-Part Fractures of the Proximal Humerus

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results and complications of treatment using T-plate fixation for two- and three-part fractures of the proximal humerus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1996 and July 2003, thirty-three patients with two-part and three-part fractures of the proximal humerus were treated by T-plate fixation. There were 21 two-part fractures and 12 three-part fractures including three shoulder dislocations. The reduction was qualified and complications were assessed with final radiographs. The functional outcome was evaluated by Neer's rating system. RESULTS: Thirty-two cases (96.7%) were united, twenty-nine cases (87.9%) were reduced as good, and twenty-three cases (70%) had excellent or satisfactory results. There were four cases of loss of reduction, three cases of stiff joint, one case of nonunion, and one case of avascular necrosis of the humeral head, but no infection. No correlation was found between the final result and the type of fracture, age, gender, or quality of reduction. CONCLUSION: T-plate fixation for proximal humeral fractures is a reliable method to obtain good results through satisfactory reduction, rigid fixation, and early movement. Additional tension band wiring can provide stable fixation for osteoporotic or comminuted fractures difficult to obtain stable fixation.