Acute Arterial Occlusion Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

Acute arterial occlusion is a rare complication following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This is a report of a case of acute femoral artery occlusion and its sequelae following TKA in a patient with a history of atrial fibrillation. Arterial circulation of the lower limb could not be restored by thrombectomy treatments, and above-knee amputation had to be carried out.

Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement for an Enchondroma with Concomitant Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy: A Case Report

Enchondromas generally occur in the hand and uncommonly in the long bones. Because enchondromas are usually asymptomatic, most are discovered during diagnostic radiology for another disease. Here, we describe a case of enchondroma in the right humerus in a 79-year-old female patient with concomitant rotator cuff tear arthropathy. The patient was initially hospitalized for prolonged pain and pseudoparalysis of the right shoulder. The condition, which was histologically confirmed as an enchondroma in the proximal humerus, was treated with curettage and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. In this case report, we present a rare case of an enchondroma with combined rotator cuff tear arthropathy.

Arthroscopic Assisted Bioabsorbable Screw Fixation for Radial Head Fractures: A Report of Two Cases

Most radial head fractures occur as the result of low-energy mechanisms, such as a trip or fall on the outstretched hand. These fractures typically occur when an axial load is applied to the forearm, causing the radial head to hit the capitellum of the humerus. Good results are shown with nonsurgical treatments for Mason type 2 fractures. However, if there is a limitation of elbow joint exercise or displacement of more than 2 mm, an operative treatment should be considered. We treated two patients with arthroscopic assisted bioabsorbable screw (K-MET™; U&I Corporation, Uijeongbu, Korea) fixation for radial head fractures to prevent complications of open reduction and minimize radiation exposure.

Arthroscopic Assisted Bioabsorbable Screw Fixation for Radial Head Fractures: A Report of Two Cases

Most radial head fractures occur as the result of low-energy mechanisms, such as a trip or fall on the outstretched hand. These fractures typically occur when an axial load is applied to the forearm, causing the radial head to hit the capitellum of the humerus. Good results are shown with nonsurgical treatments for Mason type 2 fractures. However, if there is a limitation of elbow joint exercise or displacement of more than 2 mm, an operative treatment should be considered. We treated two patients with arthroscopic assisted bioabsorbable screw (K-MET™; U&I Corporation, Uijeongbu, Korea) fixation for radial head fractures to prevent complications of open reduction and minimize radiation exposure.

Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement for an Enchondroma with Concomitant Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy: A Case Report

Enchondromas generally occur in the hand and uncommonly in the long bones. Because enchondromas are usually asymptomatic, most are discovered during diagnostic radiology for another disease. Here, we describe a case of enchondroma in the right humerus in a 79-year-old female patient with concomitant rotator cuff tear arthropathy. The patient was initially hospitalized for prolonged pain and pseudoparalysis of the right shoulder. The condition, which was histologically confirmed as an enchondroma in the proximal humerus, was treated with curettage and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. In this case report, we present a rare case of an enchondroma with combined rotator cuff tear arthropathy.

What Is Important in Selecting a Designated Hospital for the Korean Veterans with Hip Fractures? / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: The Korea Veterans Health Service (KVHS) implemented the ‘designated hospital system’ so that veterans can receive prompt medical attention at hospitals near their residences when experience medical emergencies, including hip fractures. We analyzed the hospital-selection process of Korean veterans following a hip fracture. We then evaluated (the validity and considerations) for choosing designated hospitals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 183 veteran patients (84 treated at a single veterans hospital and the remaining 99 treated at 39 designated hospitals) who underwent hip fracture between January 2010 and February 2015 in the Honam region of South Korea. The subjects were divided into the ‘nearest group’ (those who chose the hospital closest to their residences) and the ‘non-nearest group’ (those who did not choose the hospital closest to their residences). We compared the age, ambulatory status, combined disease and fracture type, factors that we speculated may impact hospital choice. RESULTS: Although the patients had difficulty moving due to hip fractures, 116 (63.4%) patients choose hospitals that were not closest to their residences. Patients with three or more comorbidities (P=0.028) and older ages (P=0.046) were statistically more likely to fall into the non-nearest group. Ambulatory status and fracture type were shown not to significantly impact choice between nearest and non-nearest hospital. Patients in the non-nearest group tended to seek care at larger hospitals. CONCLUSION: Korean veterans with hip fractures tended to seek care at larger hospitals, regardless of distance. We must therefore consider the number of beds and departments when choosing designated hospitals.

Surgical Treatment of Gouty Tophi in Bilateral Popliteal Cysts / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Gout often occurs in the first metatarsophalyngeal joint, and also in the ankle joint and posterior foot. Knee joint gouty arthritis is commonly reported, but gouty tophi in bilateral popliteal cysts, such as this case, are rare. We report on a case treated by cystectomy of gouty tophi in bilateral popliteal cysts and review.

A Comparison of Internal Fixation and Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty for the Treatment of Reverse Oblique Intertrochanteric Femoral Fractures in Elderly Patients / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical and radiological results between internal fixation using the proximal femoral nail system and bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BHA) in reverse oblique intertrochanteric hip fractures in elderly patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2005 to July 2012, we reviewed the medical records of 53 patients who had been treated surgically for reverse oblique intertrochanteric fracture and had been followed-up on for a minimum of two years. All patients were > or =70 years of age, and divided into two groups for retrospective evaluation. One group was treated with internal fixation using the proximal femoral nail system (31 cases), and the other group was treated with BHA (22 cases). RESULTS: Early ambulation postoperatively and less pain at postoperative three month were significantly superior in the BHA group. However, by 24 months postoperatively, the internal fixation group exhibited higher Harris scores and correspondingly less pain than the BHA group. There were no significant differences in union rate, duration of hospitalization or lateral wall fracture healing between the two groups. Four patients in the internal fixation group underwent reoperation. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture of the reverse oblique type, open reduction and internal fixation should be considered to be the better choice for patients with good health and bone quality. However, in cases of severe comminition of fracture and poor bone quality, BHA is an alternative offering advantages including early ambulation, less pain at early stages, and a lower risk of reoperation.

Surgical Treatment of Undisplaced Femur Neck Fractures in Dementia Patients Using Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: People with dementia have poor mobility and discharge outcomes following hip fractures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of internal fixation of undisplaced femur neck fractures (Garden types 1 and 2) by proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) in dementia patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied retrospectively 19 patients with undisplaced femur neck fracture. All patients were over 70 years of age, walked independently with a cane or crutches and suffered moderate-to-severe dementia. Patients were treated with PFNA and followed-up for more than 2 years. Revision, loss of fixation, complications, and walking ability outcomes were measured. RESULTS: In walking-ability evaluation, patients showed an average decrease of just 0.2 points at the final follow-up. Walking ability was evaluated from before injury to 4 weeks after surgery and decreased by less than 0.5 points. Radiological bone union was achieved in 17 cases; the average time to bone union was 4.14 months (range, 2.5-7 months). Complications included non-union in two cases and femoral head avascular necrosis in one case of non-union. CONCLUSION: We found that for patients with osteoporotic bone tissues in their femoral heads or patients (e.g., those suffering dementia) for whom cooperating with medical workers for postoperative walking control or rehabilitation exercises is difficult, implanting a mechanically stable spiral blade for fixation of femoral neck fractures could facilitate walking after surgery.

Removal Methods for Broken Proximal Femoral Nails Using Ball Tip Guide Wire: Technical Note and Two Cases Report

Recently, the use of intramedullary nailing for proximal femoral fractures has increased. Breakage of the nail usually occurs at the un-united fracture site, and it is a rare complication of intramedullary nailing of the femur. However, removal of the distal fragment of a broken nail is a challenging problem. Herein, the authors describe the methods used for removal of relatively fixed or strongly fixed broken intramedullary nails in two different cases.

Excessive Sliding of the Helical Blade and the Femoral Neck Fracture after Insertion of Proximal Femoral Nail Anti-Rotation for Type A2 Intertrochanteric Fractures - A Case Report -

Proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) with a lag screw that is shaped like a spiral blade shape is an orthopedic implant to fix trochanteric fractures of the proximal femur. In addition the reason of the biomechanical advantages, PFNA widely been used recently. We report an 83-year-old man with excessive sliding of the helical blade and a femoral neck fracture after AO/OTA type A2 intertrochanteric fracture, which was fixed with a PFNA.

Cementless Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty Using a Rectangular Cross-section Stem for Type A2 or above Intertrochanteric Fractures / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the treatment outcome for Type A2 or above intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients using cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasties incorporating a standard (tapered, rectangular) stem. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 37 patients who had undergone bipolar hemiarthroplasty between February 2006 and February 2010 in our hospital, and who had received follow up evaluation for more than two years after the surgery. The mean patient age was 73.5 years (range 65-88 years), and 16 patients were male and 21 were female. We evaluated the the results of their treatment by analyzing the operation duration, volume of bleeding, measured results for the recovery of walking capability, and any complications and radiologic findings. RESULTS: The mean operation duration was 75.3 minutes(50-185 minutes). The average total volume of bleeding was of 755.5 cc(75-1,400 cc). Upon the final follow-up visit, 27 patients(72.9%) had recovered more than 80% of their pre-injury Barthel index values(72.8+/-15.1). Complications included one case of deep infection, one case of acetabular erosion, and 3 cases of greater trochanter non-union. There were no cases of revisions due to prosthesis loosening or for other reasons. CONCLUSION: Cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty using a tapered, rectangular stem is a viable alternative treatment for type A2 intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients which supports rapid patient mobilization ability.

Traumatic Disassembly of a Bipolar Hip Prosthesis: A Case Report

We report a rare case of a complete disassembly of the inner head from the bipolar cup without polyethylene wear and locking system failure. An 84-year-old man who had a femur neck fracture of the right hip underwent a replacement of the bipolar prosthesis 4 months ago. He fell down from a height of a chair and felt a sudden sharp pain in the right hip. Roentgenograms revealed that the inner head was dislocated from the outer cup; subsequently, a revision surgery was carried out. When the outer head was removed from the acetabulum, the bearing insert and locking ring were not deformed. Because there was no evidence of loosening of the femoral stem, identicallysized bipolar cup and metal head replacement was performed. At a 6 months follow-up, he had mild hip pain but had returned fully to daily living.

The Results of Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty for Primary Osteoarthritis Compared with Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head

PURPOSE: Cementless total hip arthroplasty was performed to treat primary osteoarthritis of the hip and avascular necrosis of the femoral head. The clinical and radiological results of the acetabular cups and femoral stems were compared. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects were 84 cases who underwent primary cementless total hip arthroplasty from March 1992 to May 2001. The 84 cases were followed up for at least eight years. The patients were divided into the following two groups: group (A), 38 cases of degenerative osteoarthritis of the hip; and group (B), 46 cases of avascular necrosis of the hip. The clinical evaluation was conducted based on the Harris Hip Score (HHS). A radiological assessment was performed to determine if osteolysis or acetabular loosening had occurred. The results were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The postoperative HHS of groups A and B at the final follow-up were 92.1 and 91.2, respectively (p=0.483). The radiological results revealed 9 and 15 cases of acetabular osteolysis (p=0.671) and 1 and 3 cases of vertical migration of the acetabular cups in the group A and B, respectively. Eight and 7 complications (p=0.572) were encountered in group A and B, respectively. Among these, 4 and 5 cases of revisional total hip arthroplasty were performed in group A and B, respectively. The results of survival analysis were similar in the two groups (p=0.969). CONCLUSION: The clinical and radiological features of the acetabular cups and stems were similar in the two groups. Nevertheless, further studies will be needed due to the high rate of polyethylene liner wear and osteolysis around the acetabular cups or femoral stems.

Treatment of Infected Hip Arthroplasty with Antibiotic-Impregnated Calcium Sulfate Cement

PURPOSE: To analyze the effectiveness of inserting beads made of calcium sulfate cement that were also impregnated with Vancomycin after debridement of an acute-immediate stage infected hip arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2002 and 2008, the cases of 13 patients with documented acute-immediate stage infections of hip arthroplasty were reviewed and followed for at least two years postoperatively (average 4.3 years). The preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiologic findings and blood laboratory work of the cases were checked. All cases were performed through retention of the implant and massive debridement and saline irrigation. Next, vancomycin-impregnated calcium sulfate cement beads were inserted. RESULTS: After the first operation, the average interval to wait before performing a second operation was 27.7 days (17~37 days). During the second operation, the erythrocyte sediment rate and C-reactive protein were 150.97 mm/hr (34.6~339.7 mm/hr) and 76.4 mg/L (41~132 mg/L), respectively. Infectious organisms were cultured and isolated. There were 5 cases of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In addition, the results of an antibiotics sensitivity test revealed 8 cases of Vancomycin and 5 cases of 3rd generation Cephalosporin. Radiologic results showed 10 cases with a stable fixation on the last follow-up (femoral stem), and 1 case of hip joint space narrowing, called acetabular erosion. CONCLUSION: Inserting beads made of calcium sulfate cement that were also impregnated with Vancomycin proved to be a useful treatment for an acute immediate infection of hip arthroplasty.

Usefulness of Diagnostic Tools in Determining the Operation Level in Multi-level Cervical Radiculopathy: Comparison between Physical Findings, MRI, and EMG / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to verify the usefulness of each diagnostic tool by comparing physical examination, MRI, and EMG findings with operative findings in multilevel cervical radiculopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six (n=36) multilevel cervical radiculopathy patients with a total of 180 levels were included in this study. The findings of preoperative diagnostic tests, including physical examination, EMG and MRI, were analyzed for sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value by comparing with the operative findings, which was regarded as the gold standard. Correlation between each diagnostic tools were also analyzed. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of each item in sensory deficiency were 37%, 86%, 60%, and 72%, motor weakness 62%, 88%, 78%, and 78%, EMG 47%, 87%, 70%, and 71%, and MRI 91%, 86%, 81%, and 93% respectively. Each element showed statistically significant correlation with each diagnostic modality. Correlation between the operative findings and MRI was highest, at 0.766. CONCLUSION: MRI was the most useful diagnostic modality in multi-level cervical radiculopathy. EMG showed relatively low sensitivity and should be considered in conjunction with its clinical application.

Treatment of Candida Infection after TKA

PURPOSE: We wanted to review the clinical results of staged reimplantation in patients who had candidal infection after total knee arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed five patients who had a candidal prosthetic knee infection, as was assessed by synovial fluid culture. Amphotericin B was intravenously administrated to all five patients during the postoperative period for six weeks and followed for at least twelve months. We carried out two-stage re-implantations with using antifungal agent-impregnated bone cement. Whether or not infection recurred was evaluated according to the symptoms and radiologic and hematologic studies. The clinical results were analyzed on the basis of the range of motion and hospital for special surgery (HSS) score. RESULTS: The final review showed that all of the symptoms disappeared. We could not find any loosening on the radiologic studies and all five patients had normal C-reactive protein values on serological exams. The mean postoperative range of motion was 1degrees (range: 0~5)~99degrees (range: 70~130) and the mean HSS score improved from 49.4 (range: 44~64) points to 73 (range: 65~90) after the re-implantation. CONCLUSION: We successfully controlled five candidal prosthetic knee infections by removing the components in conjunction with using an antifungal- impregnated bone cement and staged re-implantation after a 6 week course of intravenous antifungal drugs.

Validity of Repeated MRI in Degenerative Lumbar Disease with Conservative Management / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: This study examined the value and indications of repeated MRI in degenerative lumbar diseases under conservative management by comparing the primary MR and repeated MR images with respect to the symptomatic and radiological changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy patients with degenerative lumbar disease under conservative management underwent repeat MRI. Five MRI findings, including disc, foramen, facet joint, nerve root, and ligamentum flavum, were used to examine the difference between the initial and repeat MRI. The severity was graded using a four-point scale for each item. The patients were divided into 3 groups in order to compare the radiological changes and symptomatic changes, as follows; Group I no change from the initial symptoms (38 cases), Group II aggravation of the initial pain (18 cases), and Group III aggravation of the initial neurology or the development of a new neurology (14 cases). RESULTS: The mean scores of each item the disc, foramen, facet joint, nerve root and ligamentum flavum increased from 1.76, 1.31-1.79, 1.71, and 1.47, respectively, to 1.90, 1.47, 1.80, 1.79, and 1.53, respectively. Group III showed the greatest proportion of cases with an increasing grading score (78%, 11 cases) only the disc was significant. CONCLUSION: Repeat MRI in degenerative lumbar disease under conservative management was found to be valuable only in cases with aggravated neurological symptoms, and was not relevant in cases with persistent symptoms or aggravated pain alone.

Airway Obstruction Caused by Soft Tissue Edema during an Anterior Cervical Approach: A Case Report / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Anterior approaches to the cervical spine for performing decompression, fusion and/or instrumentation are common and useful methods for treating many conditions, including degenerative diseases. One of the rare, but serious complications of an anterior cervical approach is respiratory insufficiency as a result of upper airway obstruction, which is due to airway narrowing and prevertebral soft tissue swelling. We experienced a case of serious airway obstruction that was caused by soft tissue edema combined with postoperative hematoma after an anterior cervical spine approach. We report here on this case and include a review of the relevant literature.

The Factors associated with Postural Control after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

PURPOSE: We analyzed the correlation of the Lysholm score, anterior displacement of tibia on stress radiography and muscle strength around the knee with postural control after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and also compared them with the normal subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients after ACL reconstruction were evaluated with Lysholm knee score, anterior displacement on stress radiography with Telos, muscle strength around the knee with Biodex dynamometer and postural control with posturography. RESULTS: The postural control had significant correlation with the Lysholm knee score & anterior displacement on stress radiography(r=0.565, r=0.783, p0.05). Patients group with 5mm instability under anterior displacement on stress radiography showed no significance compared with normal control group, while the group with instability more than 6mm showed significant differences in some conditions com- pared with control group. CONCLUSION: Postural control after ACL reconstruction have significant correlation with Lysholm score and we presumed that the acquisition of mechanical stability of the knee after ACL reconstruction may be one of the important factors associated with the recovery of postural control by improvement of the proprioception.