Reconstruction of the Posterolateral Instability of the Knee / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: This study reports the results of a treatment for posterolateral instability of the knee with a modified Muller's method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients (3 acute and 11 chronic cases) with a modified Muller's method and with a follow-up period of more than 12 months, average follow-up period of 15 months (range, 12 to 22 months) was included. We recorded and analysed the physical findings (reverse Lachmann test and varus stress test at 30 degree knee flexion), stress roentgenograms at preoperative 8 postoperative 12 months, magnetic resonance imagings and Lysholm score at preoperative, postoperative 3, 12 months and the last follow-up. RESULTS: Average Lysholm score was 65A preoperatively and 90.0 at postoperative 12 months. The posterolateral stabilities of the knee were improved in all cases postoperatively, according to the clinical stability tests (reverse Lachmann test and varus stress test at 30 degree knee flexion) and stress roentgenograms. CONCLUSIONS: Modified Muller's technique-the reconstruction of the popliteus tendon using iliotibial band-represents an excellent method to restore tension in the posterolateral complex of the acutely and chronically injured knee.

The Role of Simple Radiography in the Evaluation of Intraarticular Calcaneal Fracture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Since CT scanning was introduced in the diagnosis of calcaneal fracture, we became to understand more clearly the pathoanatomy of the injury. However we have to determine if we would or would not take CT scanning by simple radiography in the acute setting and most of the surgeons still use simple radiography in evaluating postoperative result. And also we have to determine the accuracy of reduction and position of screws by simple radiography intraoperatively. The purpose of this report is to determine the accuracy of simple radiography in assessing the pathological anatomy of the intraarticular calcaneal fracture by experimental and clinical studies. This is a combined experimental and clinical studies using four below knee amputation specimens and 15 patients with 19 displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures treated at Hanil General Hospital between Jan. 1996 and May 1997. The lateral view of the foot was the best radiographic view for visualizing the degree of depression of the posterior facet. With regard to the location of a fracture line, findings of Broden views correlated well with findings on CT in 17 of 19 fractures. With regard to gapping between fragments, the axial view was not satisfactory in the majority of cases(15 of 19 cases). There was no case which showed more than 2 mm of discrepancy between the findings on Broden view and CT. We conclude that we may obtain most of the important informations about the pathological anatomy of the intraarticular calcaneal fracture by simple radiography.

Conservative Treatment of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Between August 1994 and June 1995, seventeen patients diagnosed as having partial or complete ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament on MRI were managed by non-operative methods. Among them four patients were excluded due to operation during follow-up and the results were evaluated at a one year follow-up. We selected the patients prospectively for non-operative care using the selection criteria of age, degree of instability, activity level and patient compliance. The average age of them was 37.7 years. Initially knee stress test and MRI were checked, and Cybex study and Lysholm knee scoring were done at post-trauma one year follow-up. They were managed conservatively by ROM and muscle strengthening exercises and a brace fitting schedule for three months. Among them, six cases had partial tears and seven had a complete tear initially. At the one year follow-up, five of six cases who had shown partial ruptures, and two of seven cases with complete tears, recovered continuity of the ruptured ACL on MRI. Their Lysholm knee score was 84.4, and the Cybex test showed no difference in muscle power between the injured and uninjuried side. Those patients who had loss of continuity on follow-up MRI showed Lysholm score of 57.4 and decreased muscle power on Cybex study. Although there are still controversies about the adequate management of ACL injuries, our study suggests that conservative management is a viable alternative to surgery as long as the patients are selected prudently. For more concrete results, however, careful analysis based on a longer follow up period is necessary.

Functional Knee Braces for Control of Hyperextension

The functional knee hrace has been used to provide or to assist knee stahility in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficient knee, Nowadays, it is more indicated in the postoperative care of ACL injury to protect the reconstructed or repaired ligament, but eontroversies still exist regarding the effectiveness and the selection of an appropriate model. For successful application, it must restrict the knee motion within the range of certain arc, especially hyperextension, during weight bearing together with convenience and comfort.. The six commercial functional knee braces, which were introduced in Korea, were ehecked to detect the angle discrepancy between angle of brace and knee joint motion. The purpose of this study was to guide correct application of the functional knee brace in preventing hyperextension of the knee joint. Each brace was grouped into small, medium and large by size, and fixed with the arc of motion 30 to 90. The brace was applied to 3 healthy volunteers whose size was just fit mth the brace size small, rnedium and large, respectively. True lateral X-ray of the knee joint was taken in active flexion and extension state under the fluoroscopic control and measured the lateral intershaft angle of femur and tibia. Average angle discrepancy between the brace and the intershaft ang]e of femur and tibia in active extension was 22 and 3 in acTive flexion. In active extension at 30, angle discrepancy of Denzo brace was the large:st recording 26, that of Sentry hrace was the smallest recording 17. In active flexion at 90', angle discrcyancy of Sentry hrace was the largest recording 13, that of ACL brace (custom made modified Sentry brace) was the smallest recording 2. There was no statistically significant difference of the angle discrepancy among each size of brace. This study suggests that, at least 20 of angle discrepancy must be considered in appling the knee brace for prevention of hyperextension of the knee joint and careful selection of the brace, which may be affected by the design of hrace and the soft tissue compliance, is mandatory.

Tendon Transfer for Radial Nerve Paralysis and Multiple Extensors Rupture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Loss of radial nerve function in the hand results in a significant disability and so cannot extend the wrist, thumb & fingers according to the injury levels. Therefore the patient has great difficulty in grasping objects, especially power grip. Tendon transfers to restore function of extension of wrist and fingers are among the the best − most predictable transfers in the upper extremity. We performed 13 cases of tendon transfers for radial nerve palsy and extensive extensor ruptures from 1987 to 1993. The results were evaluated according to Arbitrary Value Method. Among 13 cases 30% of excellent, 46% of good, 24% of fair and no poor result were obtained and the better results were obtatined in low radial nerve lesion.

Clinical comparative Study Between Uncemented Anatomic Stem with and Without Lateral Porous Pad / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Authors performed a retrospective clinical and radiologic comparative study for 43 uncemented primary total hip arthroplasty which include 20 hips without lateral porous pad and 23 hips with lateral porous pad in same kinds of implant(Zimmer Anatomic") to investigate the role and significance of the lateral porous pad. The average follow up was 35 months and 38 months for without and with lateral porous pad respectively. The results were as followings: 1. Clinical and radiological results of group with and without lateral pad were similar together except incidence of radiolucency at zone 1 on anteroposterior radiograph in group without lateral pad was markedly higher compare to that in group with lateral pad. 2. The extent of lateral porous pad was not sufficiently enough to make better clinical and radiological results in stem with lateral pad compare to stem without lateral pad. 3. Stems without lateral porous pad had no evidence of bone ingrowth on lateral pad while stems with lateral pad had bone ingrowth on lateral pad with more than 50% in incidence. So, we think that presence and increase of extent of porous pad would have better clinical and radiological results.

Clinical use of Ender Flexible Intramedullary Nail for the Proximal or Distal third Fracture of Tibia / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Authors reviewed 39 cases of proximal or distal fracture which had been managed with Ender flexible intramedullary nails to identify the proper region of tibial fracture for the nail and acceptable indication of retrograde nailing relevant to our clinical experiences. The results were as followings; l. Incidence of malunion with more than 10° of angulation was higher in the fracture of proximal 1/3 tibia than that of distal 1/3. Especially this phenomenon was more significant in case of combination with segmental fracture. 2. As all segmental fractures combined with proximal tibial fracture within 9cm from the plateau were malunited with angulation of 10° or more, another method of internal fixation should be considered. 3. Although degree of angulation was relatively larger in distal tibial fracture within 10cm from the plafond than that beyond 10cm and 2 cases of malunion with angulation of 10° or more were also found within 10cm from tibial plafond, there was no statistically significant difference. 4. Retrograde nailings were performed for 5 cases of proximal 1/3 fractures and 1 case of poor skin condition on the proximal entry. Clinical relevance: Suitable region of tivial fracture managed with Ender-flexible intreamedullary nail was fracture which occurred from 9cm distal to tibial plateau to 10cm proximal to tibial plafond.