Do Magnets Have the Potential to Serve as a Stabilizer for the Shoulder Joint in Massive Rotator Cuff Tears?: A Biomechanical Cadaveric Study

Background@#Disruption of the rotator cuff muscles compromises concavity compression force, which leads to superior migration of the humeral head and loss of stability. A novel idea of using the magnetic force to achieve shoulder stabilization in massive rotator cuff tears (MRCTs) was considered because the magnets can stabilize two separate entities with an attraction force. This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical effect of the magnetic force on shoulder stabilization in MRCTs. @*Methods@#Seven fresh frozen cadaveric specimens were used with a customized shoulder testing system. Three testing conditions were set up: condition 1, intact rotator cuff without magnets; condition 2, an MRCT without magnets; condition 3, an MRCT with magnets. For each condition, anterior-posterior translation, superior translation, superior migration, and subacromial contact pressure were measured at 0°, 30°, and 60° of abduction. The abduction capability of condition 2 was compared with that of condition 3. @*Results@#The anterior-posterior and superior translations increased in condition 2; however, they decreased compared to condition 2 when the magnets were applied (condition 3) in multiple test positions and loadings (p <0.05). Abduction capability improved significantly in condition 3 compared with that in condition 2, even for less deltoid loading (p < 0.05). @*Conclusions@#The magnet biomechanically played a positive role in stabilizing the shoulder joint and enabled abduction with less deltoid force in MRCTs. However, to ensure that the magnet is clinically applicable as a stabilizer for the shoulder joint, it is necessary to thoroughly verify its safety in the human body and to conduct further research on technical challenges.

Relationship between Locations of Facial Injury and the Use of Bicycle Helmets: A Systematic Review

The aim of this study is to review the protective effect of a bicycle helmet on each facial location systematically. PubMed was searched for articles published before December 12, 2014. The data were summarized, and the odds ratio (OR) between the locations of facial injury was calculated. A statistical analysis was performed with Review Manager (The Nordic Cochrane Centre). Bicycle helmets protect the upper and middle face from serious facial injury but do not protect the lower face. Non-wearers had significantly increased risks of upper facial injury (OR, 2.07; P<0.001) and of middle facial injury (OR, 1.97; P<0.001) as compared to helmet users. In the case of lower facial injury, however, only a slightly increased risk (OR, 1.42; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.67-3.00, P=0.36) was observed. The abovementioned results can be attributed to the fact that a helmet covers the head and forehead but cannot cover the lower face. However, helmets having a chin cap might decrease the risk of lower facial injury.

Back Muscle Changes after Pedicle Based Dynamic Stabilization

OBJECTIVE: Many studies have investigated paraspinal muscle changes after posterior lumbar surgery, including lumbar fusion. However, no study has been performed to investigate back muscle changes after pedicle based dynamic stabilization in patients with degenerative lumbar spinal diseases. In this study, the authors compared back muscle cross sectional area (MCSA) changes after non-fusion pedicle based dynamic stabilization. METHODS: Thirty-two consecutive patients who underwent non-fusion pedicle based dynamic stabilization (PDS) at the L4-L5 level between February 2005 and January 2008 were included in this retrospective study. In addition, 11 patients who underwent traditional lumbar fusion (LF) during the same period were enrolled for comparative purposes. Preoperative and postoperative MCSAs of the paraspinal (multifidus+longissimus), psoas, and multifidus muscles were measured using computed tomographic axial sections taken at the L4 lower vertebral body level, which best visualize the paraspinal and psoas muscles. Measurements were made preoperatively and at more than 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Overall, back muscles showed decreases in MCSAs in the PDS and LF groups, and the multifidus was most affected in both groups, but more so in the LF group. The PDS group showed better back muscle preservation than the LF group for all measured muscles. The multifidus MCSA was significantly more preserved when the PDS-paraspinal-Wiltse approach was used. CONCLUSION: Pedicle based dynamic stabilization shows better preservation of paraspinal muscles than posterior lumbar fusion. Furthermore, the minimally invasive paraspinal Wiltse approach was found to preserve multifidus muscles better than the conventional posterior midline approach in PDS group.

Postoperative Survival and Ambulatory Outcome in Metastatic Spinal Tumors : Prognostic Factor Analysis

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study are to estimate postoperative survival and ambulatory outcome and to identify prognostic factors thereafter of metastatic spinal tumors in a single institute. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 182 patients who underwent surgery for a metastatic spinal tumor from January 1987 to January 2009 retrospectively. Twelve potential prognostic factors (age, gender, primary tumor, extent and location of spinal metastases, interval between primary tumor diagnosis and metastatic spinal cord compression, preoperative treatment, surgical approach and extent, preoperative Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, Nurick score, Tokuhashi and Tomita score) were investigated. RESULTS: The median survival of the entire patients was 8 months. Of the 182 patients, 80 (44%) died within 6 months after surgery, 113 (62%) died within 1 year after surgery, 138 (76%) died within 2 years after surgery. Postoperatively 47 (26%) patients had improvement in ambulatory function, 126 (69%) had no change, and 9 (5%) had deterioration. On multivariate analysis, better ambulatory outcome was associated with being ambulatory before surgery (p=0.026) and lower preoperative ECOG score (p=0.016). Survival rate was affected by preoperative ECOG performance status (p<0.001) and Tomita score (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Survival after metastatic spinal tumor surgery was dependent on preoperative ECOG performance status and Tomita score. The ambulatory functional outcomes after surgery were dependent on preoperative ambulatory status and preoperative ECOG performance status. Thus, prompt decompressive surgery may be warranted to improve patient's survival and gait, before general condition and ambulatory function of patient become worse.

Multidirectional Instability Accompanying an Inferior Labral Cyst

Paralabral cyst of the shoulder joint can be observed in 2% to 4% of the general population, particularly in men during the third and fourth decade. On average, these cysts measure 10 mm to 20 mm in diameter and are located preferentially on the postero-superior aspect of the glenoid. The MRI has increased the frequency of the diagnosis of paralabral cysts of the shoulder joint. Paralabral cysts of the shoulder joint usually develop in the proximity of the labrum. The relationship between shoulder instability and labral tears is well known, however, the association of shoulder instability with a paralabral cyst is rare. Shoulder instability may cause labral injury or labral injury may cause shoulder instability, and then injured tear develops paralabral cyst. In our patient, the inferior paralabral cyst may be associated with inferior labral tears and instability MRI.

Ultrasound-Guided Sciatic Nerve Block for the Treatment of Radiation Therapy Induced Sciatic Neuritis: A case report

Sciatic nerve block is frequently used for anesthesia or analgesia during lower leg surgery or chronic lower leg pain syndrome. Recently, a lot of ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block has been reported because there are several benefits compared to blind technique. We performed ultrasound-guided right sciatic nerve block successfully to the patient who has been suffering from right buttock pain after previous radiation therapy.

Comparison with Number and Position of Percutaneous Iliosacral Screws as Treatment of Unstable Pelvic Fracture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: A closed reduction of the posterior arch and percutaneous fixation with S1 and S2 iliosacral (IS) screw was performed on an unstable pelvis fracture with a disruption of the sacroiliac complex. The radiological and clinical results were analyzed according the number of screws and their position. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 31 cases with an unstable pelvis fracture involving the sacral complex, classified as Tile type C (AO/OTA), 16 and 15 cases were treated with one S1 screw fixation and two screws fixation into S1 and S2, respectively, using a percutaneous fixation technique. The patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months and the radiological and clinical outcomes were analyzed statistically using the Majeed score and SF-36. RESULTS: Five cases of screw displacement occurred in the one screw fixation group. On the other hand, there was no screw displacement in the two screws fixation group after a mean follow-up of 40.2 months. In the case of a narrow safe zone (iliac cortical density, ICD), it is impossible to fix with two S1 screws. However, in these patients, good clinical results were achieved with S1 and S2 were achieved with S1 and S2 screw without complications. CONCLUSION: The technique of two screws fixation is an efficient and reliable method for reducing and fixing the unstable pelvic ring disruptions. Additional S2 screw fixation is recommended for patients with a narrow ICD.

A Case of an Epidural Extension of Vertebral Hemangioma Treated by Intraoperative Vertebroplasty and Laminectomy

Vertebral hemangioma is relatively common, but rarely extends into the epidural space and causes neurological deficits. This case report describes a 69-year-old woman with vertebral hemangioma extending into the epidural space causing spinal cord compression. The patient presented with low back pain and progressive weakness of the left lower extremity over a period of 1 year. Radiologic findings revealed a dural encasing vertebral hemangioma with spinal cord compression at the T11 level. After T11 vertebroplasty, the lesion was subtotally removed by T10-11 total laminectomy. The patient regained motor power of the left lower extremity postoperatively. And no further tumor growth was observed at last follow-up. This combination of intraoperative vertebroplasty and decompressive laminectomy offers a viable treatment modality for a dural encasing vertebral hemangioma with epidural extension causing cord compression.

Modified Double Tension Band Wiring for Reattaching the Greater Trochanter When Performing Hemiarthroplasty for Intertrochanteric Fracture in Elderly Patients

PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate the clinical and radiological results after performing arthroplasty for an intertrochanteric fracture in patients 70 years of age or older, and we used a new fixation technique of the greater trochanter. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January, 2004 to August 2007, we treated 21 cases (M/F: 3/18) of intertrochanteric fracture with hemiarthroplasty with modified double tension band wiring. All the cases were above type 2 (AO/OTA A1.3) according to the Jensen modification of the Evans classification, and all the patients were elderly. The fractures were evaluated for the fracture pattern by using simple radiography and 3D computed tomography. We analyzed the clinical and radiological results at a minimum of 12 months (range: 12~36 months). RESULTS: We performed hemiarthroplasty with modified double tension band wiring. Two cases (9.5%) among the 21 cases developed loss of reduction due to an additional injury and one of them underwent reoperation using a greater trochanter reattachment device (GTRD). The greater trochanters were well maintained without displacement and excellent union was seen at the fracture site of 19 cases. CONCLUSION: The modified double tension band wiring technique, along with several other fixation methods, should be considered to easily obtain rigid fixation in an unstable intertrochanteric fracture.

A pitfall for short external rotator preserving THA : A Case Report

The posterior and posterolateral surgical approach has been frequently used for total hip replacement arthroplasty (THA). But there is a risk of dislocation with this method and so several other methods for preventing dislocation have been presented. The short external rotator preserving technique is currently under the limelight and the reported clinical outcomes have been good. But we report here on one case of disruption of the piriformis muscle from the origin site due to excessive tension during total hip arthroplasty with using the short external rotator preserving technique. We think the conventional approach is safer than the short external preserving approach if excessive tension has to be loaded on the short external rotator for obtaining an appropriate intraoperative field for the patient with a large skeletal structure or the obese patient.

Arthroscopic Treatment of Popliteal Cysts using the Trans-Septal Approach

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of the trans-septal approach for treating popliteal cyst, to determine the frequency and types of the associated pathologies and to assess the follow up ultrasound evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February, 2002 to February, 2007, 44 patients with popliteal cyst were treated by arthroscopy only. Fourteen patients were male and 30 patients were female. Their average age was 50 years (range: 20~77 years). We used the trans-septal portal approach. We evaluated the satisfaction of the patients and the recurrence of the popliteal cyst by performing ultrasound exams at an average follow up of 36 months after surgery. At the final follow up, we evaluated the clinical results by the criteria of Rauschning and Lindgren. RESULTS: We found no communication between the knee joint and the popliteal cyst by CT or MRI in 4 cases (8%), but we found a communication by arthroscopy in all the cases. Thirty-four cases had intra-articular pathologies and 9 cases didn't. The total intra-articular pathologies included 17 articular cartilage defects or chondral lesion (38%) and 15 meniscus tears (34%). In 1 case, open excision was performed for the revision surgery because the patient had recurrence of the popliteal cyst, which caused compressive neuropathy of the common peroneal and tibial nerve. At the last follow up, the clinical outcome of surgery according to the criteria of Rauschning and Lindgren was grade 0 (28 cases), grade1 (12 cases), grade 2 (3 cases) and grade 3 (1 case). CONCLUSION: We can approach the orifice of a popliteal cyst directly with using the trans-septal portal and easily decompress the orifice of the cyst. We propose that the arthroscopic decompression using the trans-septal portal is an excellent treatment modality for popliteal cysts.

Comparison of the Clinical Outcomes between Internal Fixation and Primary Hemiarthroplasty for Treating Unstable Intertrochanteric Fracture in the Elderly

PURPOSE: We wanted to analyze the clinical outcomes of prospectively randomized surgeries between internal fixation and hemiarthroplasty for treating unstable intertrochanteric hip fracture in elderly patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January, 2004 to December, 2007, 62 cases of unstable intertrochanteric fracture that underwent internal fixation or hemiarthroplasty were analyzed retrospectively for the clinical outcomes with using the SF-36. Thirty cases were treated with internal fixation and 32 cases were treated with hemiarthroplasty. The clinical outcomes, as assessed by using the SF-36, were statistically analyzed with using SPSS for Windows. RESULTS: Hemiarthroplasty show a better result than internal fixation for pain, limping and the support scales in the 70~79 years old group, and the limping scale was also better in the over 80 years old group (P<0.05). There were no differences between the two groups according to age. Four cases of internal fixation failed due to loss of fixation (3)and nonunion (1), and 4 cases of hemiarthroplasty failed due to infection (2) and revision for dislocation (2). CONCLUSION: Primary hemiarthroplasty should be more beneficial than osteosynthesis, such as performing internal fixation, for treating unstable intertrochanteric fracture in elderly patients because of the reduced pain and early ambulation that are due to the early stabilization.

Mid-term Results of Biceps Incorporating Suture Without Deteaching the Biceps Tendon from the Flenoid in the Large or Massive Cuff Tear

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical results of using the technique of rotator cuff repair without parting the biceps long head from the glenoid for large or massive tear of the rotator cuff. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Form January 2005 to January 2007, we performed the arthroscopic biceps repair with incorporating suture to the rotator cuff for 21 patients with large or massive rotator cuff tear. The mean follow up period was 23 months (range: 6-48months). The number of males and females was 9 and 13, respectively. The age distribution ranged from 47 to 73 years with a mean age of 60.3 years. We compared the preoperative score with the postoperative scores using the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score, the shoulder index of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and a simple shoulder test (SST). RESULTS: The improvement in the VAS, ASES and the UCLA and SST scores was statistically significant at the final follow up (average follow-up 23 months) (p>0.05). Two of nine cases were found to have partial tear with continuity but seven cases were found to have complete tear according to the ultrasonography and MRI. CONCLUSION: The technique of rotator cuff repair without parting the biceps long head from the glenoid for large or massive tear of the rotator cuff is considered to be recommendable.

Operative Treatment of Symptomatic Os Acromiale

Os acromiale is the rare shoulder disease and its treatment is controversial. Despite conservative treatments for 6 months include medication, exercise, physical therapy and subacromial steroid injections, operative treatment for uncontrolled symptomatic Os acromiale is considered the treatment of choice. Operative treatment includes excision, arthroscopic or open reduction and internal fixation with a bone graft. Open reduction with tension band wiring and a bone graft is now the preferred treatment. We experienced 8 patients with symptomatic Os acromiale from March, 2001 to March, 2006. The average patient's age was 45 years and the man and women ratio were 2: 6. All 8 cases of symptomatic Os acromiale of the mesoacromion were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using tension-band wiring. The preoperative ASES(47.3+/-24.4) and UCLA (16.6+/-5.8)scores were improved to 88.8+/-7.3 and 31.5+/-1.9, respectively, at the 2 year follow up. The overall UCLA score showed 1 excellent result and 7 good results. We think that symptomatic Os acromiale is a specific disease entity, and open reduction and internal fixation using tension-band wiring with K-wire is a good treatment modality.

The Limitation in Measurement of Carotid Intima Media Thickness in Type 2 Diabetics with or without Coronary Artery Disease

BACKGROUND: The measurement of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is useful for detection of early atherosclerotic disease. But, IMT are influenced by various factors including hypertension, age, diabetes, etc. We tried to estimate the correlation between carotid IMT and coronary artery disease in diabetics. METHODS: The B-mode ultrasonography and coronary angiography was perfomed in 50 as type 2 diabetes and 226 as nondiabetes. Carotid IMT was measured at around carotid bulb. Coronary artery lesions was evaluated based on quantitative coronary analysis (QCA) from coronary angiogram. RESULTS: Type 2 diabetic group (mean age 64.5+/-8.9 years old) included 21 patients without coronary artery disease and 29 patients with coronary artery disease. Non-diabetic group (mean age 61.0+/-10.1) included 138 patients without coronary artery disease and 88 patients with coronary artery disease. In type 2 diabetic group, the mean value of measured max IMT of subjects with coronary artery disease was similar to that of subjects without coronary disease (mean Rt. IMT, 1.26+/-0.62 mm vs. 1.03+/-0.29 mm, respectively, p=0.11, mean Lt IMT, 1.30+/-0.70 mm vs. 1.17+/-0.43 mm, respectively, p=0.46). But in non-diabetic group, the mean value of measured max IMT of subjects with coronary artery disease was more than that of subjects without coronary disease, and it is statistically significant (mean Rt. IMT, 1.09+/-0.32 mm vs. 0.96+/-0.25 mm, respectively, p=0.01, mean Lt IMT, 1.19+/-0.47 mm vs. 1.01+/-0.32 mm, respectively, p=0.01). CONCLUSION: This study shows weak correlation power between carotid IMT and coronary artery diseases in diabetics, contrast to non-diabetes.

Arthroscopic Removal of the Intraarticular Fracture Fragment after Internal Fixation of Acetabular Fracture: A Case Report

Osteochondral fragements incarcerated in the hip joint during fracture-dislocation have been reported to be the cause of posttraumatic arthritis, and open reduction of the fracture or removal of the fragments during surgery is recommended. Locking symptoms developed during hip joint movement in a patient with a history of hip joint fracture-dislocation (Thompson and Epstein (T-E) type III) after undergoing internal fixation of the acetabular fracture. Computer tomographic (CT) scan revealed a bony fragment impinging on the acetabular weight-bearing portion. This bony fragment was removed using hip arthroscopy. We recommend that CT evaluation be performed after surgery for acetabular fractures. We also recommend arthroscopic removal as a treatment option for posttraumatic loose bodies in the hip joint.

Increased Inflammatory Markers and Endothelial Dysfunction are Associated with Variant Angina

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Endothelial dysfunction and increased vascular inflammation may be associated with variant angina (VA). However, their exact roles remain to be clarified. The aim of the presents study is to investigate whether the level of inflammation markers and the flow-mediated dilation (FMD) are related to VA. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study included 46 patients (VA group: 53.9+/-12.0 years, 20 males) with positive spasm provocation tests and they were without significant coronary stenosis, and 14 patients (control group: 46.6+/-13.5 years, 7 males) with negative spasm provocation tests and they were without significant coronary stenosis. The clinical characteristics and inflammatory markers, including the high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) level, the monocyte count and the von Willebrand factor (vWF) level, and the FMD were compared between the two groups. The FMD and inflammatory markers were measured in the morning before performing the ergonovine provocation coronary angiogram. RESULTS: The level of vWF was significantly higher in the VA group than in the control group (166.5+/-41.9% vs. 118.0+/-65.3%, respectively, p=0.029). The FMD was significantly decreased in the VA group compared with the control group (9.2+/-4.3% vs. 12.4+/-4.2%, respectively, p=0.021). Nitrate-mediated dilation did not differ between the two groups. The levels of the monocyte count, hs-CRP and homocysteine were higher in the VA group than in the control group (554.7+/-261.0/mm3 vs. 440.7+/-136.0/mm3, respectively, p=0.039; 0.3+/-0.4 mg/dL vs. 0.1+/-0.1 mg/dL, respectively, p=0.029; 7.54+/-4.0micronmol/L vs. 5.92+/-1.6micronmol/L, respectively, p=0.033). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggested that increased inflammatory markers and endothelial dysfunction may be associated with variant angina.

A Case of Multiple Myeloma with Pulmonary Thromboembolism Diagnosed by Transthoracic Echocardiography

Cancer is a major risk factor for pulmonary thromboembolism. Occasionally, the thromboembolic event occurs before the diagnosis of cancer. We report a rare case of massive pulmonary thromboembolism with multiple myeloma diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography.

Effects of Closure of the Arteriovenous Fistula on Left Ventricular Mass and Function in Kidney Transplantation Patients

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in kidney transplantion recipients. Enhanced cardiac load by the persistence of functioning AVF in posttransplant period is associated with LV hypertrophy and may adversely influence cardiac outcome. METHODS: To investigate the impact of AVF on LV mass and function in kidney transplant recipients, 46 patients with functioning AVF were randomly assigned to surgical closure of AVF (fistular closing group, FC, n=23) or maintenance of fistula (fistular maintenance group, FM, n=23). Serum creatinine of all participants was stable(1.4+/-0.3). Mean age was 46+/-11. Mean posttransplant month was 78+/-53 (12-161). Echocardiography and determination of N-terminal pro-BNP, cTnT and CRP were done at 0, 1 and 6 months in group 1 (FC), and at 0 and 6 months in group 2 (FM). RESULTS: Baseline echocardiographic indices of systolic and diastolic LV function such as EF, E/A, E/E' and Tei index were not significantly different between groups. In patients whose AVF was surgically closed, LV mass (247.7+/-76.8 to 235.2+/-66.5, p=0.015) and LV mass index (144.0+/-10.1 to 137.1+/-8.6, p=0.02) significantly reduced at one month after closure, and no further significant change was observed at 6 months. In two groups no significant change in LV systolic and diastolic performance indices were observed. BNP, cTnT and CRP did not differ between groups in baseline value and did not change after closure. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the persistence of functioning AVF in kidney transplantation recipients is associated with LVH, and which can be reduced by closure of fistula. As LVH is one of major determinants of cardiovascular outcome in transplant patients as well as in general population, it would be prudent to close the fistula in patients with stable graft function.

Spontaneous Intracerebral Hematoma from Transient Occult Carotid-cavernous Fistula: A Case Report

After the spontaneous relief of initial symptoms by traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF), paradoxical worsening of patient's condition can be followed. We present a case of a 60-yr-old man whose audible bruit from a traumatic CCF had completely disappeared. A few days later, however, the patient had spontaneous intracerebral hematoma with cortical venous drainage. Complete obliteration of the fistula was achieved after embolization. When initial audible bruit in traumatic CCF disappears suddenly, cerebral angiography should be performed to differentiate venous hypertension by the hemodynamic changes of the cavernous sinus channels from spontaneous resolution of CCF.