Comparison of the Effect of Intratympanic Steroid Injection Medications in Patients with Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study is aimed to investigate the efficacy of dexamethasone and methylprednisolone when used for Intratympanic steroid injection (ITSI) concurrent with systemic steroid as primary therapy. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We undertook a retrospective study of 106 patients diagnosed with Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss at our institution. These patients were divided into the following groups based on their intratympanic steroid medications: Group 1 (which received dexamethasone for ITSI) and Group 2 (which received methylprednisolone for ITSI). The severity of pain after ITSI was also compared using Visual Analogue Scale. RESULTS: The therapeutic results of both groups showed no significant difference. The improvement of pure tone audiometry average threshold were 18.3±19.5 dB for Group 1 and 22.4±25.8 dB for Group 2, with no significant differences (p=0.402). The recovery rate according to Siegel's criteria were 34/70 (48.6%) and 18/36 (50.0%) respectively, with no significant differences (p=0.889). The degree of pain after ITSI were 1.51±1.06 and 3.92±1.63 for Group 1 and 2, respectively, showing significant differences (p<0.001). Again, there were no significant differences even when accompanying symptoms or severity of initial hearing loss were considered. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference between efficacy of dexamethasone and methylprednisolone when used as primary therapy. Methylprednisolne caused more severe pain after ITSI, suggesting the choice of dexamethasone. Further studies are needed about the concentration of injected steroid.

A Comparison between Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Plate Osteosynthesis and Plate Fixation in the Treatment of Clavicle Midshaft Fracture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To retrospectively compare minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) with open plate fixation for the treatment of clavicle midshaft fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between November 2011 to May 2014, 40 cases that were followed for more than 1 year–among all cases of MIPPO and open plate fixation–were analyzed. The study population was divided into two groups: group A included 20 cases of MIPPO and group B included 20 open plate fixation cases. The comparative analysis between the two groups was based on the operative time, bone union, functional evaluation (American Shoulder and Elbow Society score), incision length, pain relief (visual analogue scale, VAS), and complication. RESULTS: The bone union was successful for all the cases, and the functional evaluation scores of the shoulder joint were satisfactory for both groups (p>0.05). The operative time was 47.5 minutes and 58.7 minutes for group A and B, respectively (p<0.05). The incision length for group A was 6.2 cm and that for group B was 10.7 cm with statistical significance (p<0.05). Pain relief (VAS) after surgery for group A showed a quick recuperation in the early stages. For complications, there were 2 cases of dysesthesia and 1 case of malunion due to metal fixation failure in group A. There were 6 cases of dysesthesia and 2 cases of cosmetic problem due to hypertrophic scar in group B. CONCLUSION: Surgical results of clavicle shaft fracture were satisfactory for both groups, but group A had advantages of shorter operative time, minimal incision length, and better pain relief in the early stages compared with group B. However, we need further evaluations with long-term follow-up results and complications, such as malunion and exposure on radiation.

The Effect of Second Toe Valgus on Correction Loss of Hallux Valgus Angle in Surgical Treatment / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine the correlation between the correction loss of hallux valgus angle and the severity of valgus angle of the second toe. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected 312 cases from 268 surgical patients with hallux valgus deformity receiving distal chevron osteotomy. For a radiological evaluation, we analyzed the changes in the hallux valgus angles, first to second intermetatarsal angles, and valgus angle of the second toe post index operations. All patients were women; the mean age was 46 years. The mean follow-up period was 17 months. RESULTS: The mean hallux valgus angle was 33.6° preoperatively (range, 25.7°~44.8°), 13.1° (range, 8.4°~16.4°) after 4 weeks of postoperative period, and 17.1° (range, 9.4°~28.5°) at their final follow-up. The mean valgus angle of the second toe was 8.4° preoperatively (range, 2.0°~25.8°) and 8.3° (range, 1.7°~24.9°) at the final follow-up. Preoperatively, there was a positive correlation between the valgus angle of the second toe and hallux valgus angle (r=0.747, p=0.001). The correction loss of hallux valgus angle had a significant correlation with the severity of valgus angle of the second toe (r=0.802, p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The existence of the second toe valgus deformity may present itself as a cause of correction loss of hallux valgus angle. The preoperative measurement of the second toe valgus angle may be a good predictor of correction loss; therefore, thorough preoperative warning on the possibility of correction loss should be conducted to maximize patient satisfaction after the procedure.

Mid-Term Results of Oxford Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty in Young Asian Patients Less than 60 Years of Age: A Minimum 5-Year Follow-up

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) in young active Asian patients by analyzing clinical outcomes, complications and survival rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-two knees were evaluated with a minimum follow-up of 5 years after Oxford phase 3 UKA in patients less than 60 years of age at the time of surgery. Their mean age was 54.7 years (range, 44 to 59 years). The mean follow-up period was 8.9 years (range, 5.3 to 12 years). Kaplan–Meier survivorship analysis was used to estimate implant survival. RESULTS: Including 3 bearing dislocations, 1 medial tibial collapse and 1 lateral osteoarthritis, the total complication rate was 6.1% (5/82). Of the 3 cases of bearing dislocation, 2 cases were resolved by replacing with a thicker bearing and 1 case was converted to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) due to repeated dislocation. The two knees with a medial tibial collapse and a lateral osteoarthritis were converted to TKA. The 10-year cumulative survival rate using Kaplan-Meier survival method was 94.7% (95% confidence interval: 88.7%–100%). CONCLUSIONS: Oxford medial UKA was reliable and effective in young active Asian patients providing good clinical results and survival rate in the mid-term follow-up.

Correction of Post-Traumatic Enophthalmos and Temporal Depression Using Rib Cartilage and Fat / 대한이비인후과학회지

Posttraumatic enophthalmos is one of the common complications of facial bone fracture, leading to serious functional and esthetic sequele. However, the correction of this complication is a challenging procedure. A 62-year old patient was injured in a traffic accident, resulting in enophthalmos of the right orbit, which had been uncorrected by a previous correction surgery. The patient showed prominent enophthalmos, ptosis of right orbit, and temporal area depression without complaining diplopia. Under general anesthesia, the correction of enophthalmos of right orbit was done using diced coastal cartilage and an absorbable mesh plate. The depressed right temporal and the frontal area were reinforced using harvested abdominal fat. Three months after the surgery, additional fat injection was introduced to supplement under local anesthesia. Currently, 12 months after the surgery, the patient is in stable state without any complications.

Errata to "Coronal Alignment of the Lower Limb and the Incidence of Constitutional Varus Knee in Korean Females"

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Coronal Alignment of the Lower Limb and the Incidence of Constitutional Varus Knee in Korean Females

PURPOSE: In total knee arthroplasty (TKA), it is important to restore neutral mechanical alignment. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the lower limb alignment is neutral in healthy Korean females and investigate the incidence of constitutional varus knees among them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Weight-bearing full-leg standing radiographs were obtained from 118 healthy females between the ages of 20 to 39 years. One radiologist and two orthopaedic surgeons measured the hip-knee-ankle angle (HKAA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), and femoral anatomic mechanical angle (FAMA) on the radiographs and compared with the traditional gold standard HKAA of 0degrees, MPTA of 3degrees varus, and FAMA of 6degrees. RESULTS: The interobserver reliability of the three independent observers was high (p<0.001). The HKAA of the study subjects (1.35degrees+/-2.04degrees) was significantly different from the standard HKAA of 0degrees (p<0.001), but no statistically significant difference was observed in the MPTA (-3.18degrees+/-1.61degrees) and FAMA (5.99degrees+/-0.70degrees) from the standard values (p=0.083 and p=0.887, respectively). The incidence of constitutional varus alignment was 20.34%. CONCLUSIONS: In Korean females, the mechanical axis of the lower limb was not neutral and the incidence of constitutional varus alignment was slightly higher than that in Western females. We believe that these findings should be taken into consideration in planning reconstructive surgery of the knee, such as TKA, unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, and high tibial osteotomy.

Risk Factors of Saddle Nose Deformity after Septoplasty / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Surgeons operate carefully to prevent nasal deformity during septoplasty, however, rarely unfavorable esthetic outcomes such as saddle nose deformity may occur. This study was designed to investigate patient factors associated with post-septoplasty saddle deformity. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Of 588 patients who underwent endonasal conservative septoplasty from Jan. 2011 to Dec. 2014, a total of 183 patients were enrolled in this study group after exclusion. Patients were divided into two groups: 12 patients who developed saddle deformity of nasal dorsum after septoplasty belonged to the 'deformity group', and the remaining 171 patients were enrolled in the 'non-deformity group'. We investigated preoperative external nose status, patterns of septal deformity, dorsal septal thickness, the angle of axial and coronal deviation of caudal sepum on CT scan. RESULTS: The postoperative saddle deformity was not found to correlate with the location of the most deviated septum and the thickness of dorsal septum (p>0.05). 50% of patients in the deformity group had saddle nose preoperatively, showing statistical differences between the two groups (p=0.000). 75% of patients in the deformity group had severe deviation at the most deviated site, also showing a significant difference compared with the non-deformity group (p=0.011). The axial and coronal deviation angle of caudal septum in the deformity group were significantly increased compared with the non-deformity group (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The preoperative saddle nose, severity of deviation, and angle of axial and coronal deviation of caudal septum are all possible risk factors of postoperative saddle deformity. We recommend that the surgeon should check these factors before septoplasty to prevent postoperative saddle nose deformity.

A Case of Multiple Sialolithiasis in the Parotid Gland with Sjogren's Syndrome / 대한이비인후과학회지

Multiple calcification in the major salivary glands is very rare. Sjogren's syndrome is characterized by tissue damage due to chronic lymphocyte infiltration of exocrine glands, and the involvement of the major salivary glands is followed by typical symptoms such as multiple formation of sialolith, blockage of salivary duct, and edema of the parenchyme. When multiple calcification is found in the parenchyme of parotid gland on the computed tomography imaging, Sjogren syndrome should be considered, where the primary solution is conservative treatment and preventing recurrent inflammation.

A Case of Cerebellar Metastasis Mimicking Vestibular Neuritis / 대한평형의학회지

Vestibular neuritis is characterized by rapid onset of vertigo, nausea and vomiting without neurological symptoms or signs, but central vestibular lesions can cause similar symptoms and signs. A 66-year-old woman previously diagnosed with ovarian cancer initially presented with vertigo. The patient had typical symptoms and signs of vestibular neuritis. As time proceeded, the patient presented with bilateral catch-up saccade and the symptoms and signs of cerebellar dysfunction. Magnetic resonance image and computed tomography scan showed brain metastasis surrounded by edematous lesion. We report an ovarian cancer patient with metastasis mimicking vestibular neuritis with a review of related literature.

Comparison of Hematologic Changes between Rivaroxaban and Aspirin for Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis after Total Knee Arthroplasty / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To compare the hematologic changes and the rates of transfusion of patients using rivaroxaban or aspirin for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after a total knee arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among patients with total knee arthroplasty from July 2010 to March 2011, two groups of 100 consecutive cases were enrolled in this study, 50 patients with Rivaroxaban group and 50 patients with Aspirin group for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after a total knee arthoplasty. Hematologic changes and transfusion rates were calculated in each group. RESULTS: The mean of decreased hemoglobin was 4.7 (3.1-6.6) in the Rivaroxaban group and 3.6 (2.0-5.1) in the Aspirin group (p<0.05). The number of patients with decreased hemoglobin of less than 8 g/dl was observed in 23 cases (46%) in the Rivaroxaban group, and 9 cases (18%) in the Aspirin group. The numbers of patients who needed transfusion were 12 in the Rivaroxaban group, and 2 in the Aspirin group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Rivaroxaban group revealed more significant decrease of hemoglobin and needed more transfusion than the Aspirin group did. For the prevention of venous thromboembolism after total knee arthroplasty, we should be careful using Rivaroxaban for the standard risk patients of venous thromboembolism.

The Diagnosis of Osteoporotic Occult Vertebral Fracture and Vertebroplasty

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis and usefulness of vertebroplasty in osteoporotic occult vertebral fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 472 osteoporotic vertebral fractures treated from May 2003 to July 2009, 45 patients were diagnosed with occult osteoporotic vertebral fracture. Their medical charts and radiographs were reviewed. The degree of vertebral body collapse was graded by a semiquantitative method. In order to increase the reliability, interpretation was based on radiographic diagnoses from 3 orthopedic surgeons. Vertebroplasty was performed at 31 of the 45 patients, for whom conservative treatment failed. Pre-operatively and post-operatively, pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: We observed 55 occult fractures in 45 patients. Forty vertebrae (72.7%) among the 55 vertebrae were just adjacent to an old vertebral fracture with deformation of the vertebral body. The rediagnosis rate of occult fracture attempted without MRI was only 21.8%. The average pre-operative VAS score of 8.07 (6~9) was improved to 2.43 after surgery and showed no delayed vertebral body collapse. CONCLUSION: Gadolinium enhancement of MRI is critical to the diagnosis of occult vertebral fractures, which are 9% of whole osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Seventy-two point seven percent of occult vertebral fractures were just adjacent to an old vertebral fracture with collapse of the vertebral body. This means that if vertebroplasty is performed without thorough MRI examination, it may fail.