Effectiveness of Drain Insertion and Irrigation in the Treatment of Septic Arthritis of the Knee under Local Anesthesia / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Purpose@#Septic arthritis of the knee is an orthopedic emergency that requires early diagnosis and surgical treatment. This study examined the effectiveness of drain insertion and irrigation in the treatment of septic arthritis of the knee under local anesthesia. @*Materials and Methods@#A retrospective study was conducted on nine cases (eight patients) diagnosed with septic arthritis of the knee from September 2017 to February 2020 and treated with drain insertion and irrigation under local anesthesia. After penetrating through the superolateral portal to the superomedial portal and inserting the drain, daily irrigation of approximately 3 L of normal saline was done. The following were investigated: age, sex, underlying disease, cause, degree of osteoarthritis, time from diagnosis to surgery, duration of hospitalization, duration of normalization of C-reactive protein, and smear and culture. @*Results@#The initial white blood cell count of joint fluid was 71,472±51,667/mm3 (32,400–203,904/mm3 ), and polymorphic leukocytes were 91.1%±2.6% (86%–95%). The average time from diagnosis to surgery was 8.3±1.3 hours (6–10 hours), and the irrigation period was 8.2±3.2 days (4–15 days). The average length of hospitalization was 20.8±8.7 days (9–37 days). There was no reoperation or recurrence. Smear and culture tests were not identified. @*Conclusion@#In the treatment of septic arthritis of the knee, the insertion of a drain tube and irrigation under local anesthesia is a relatively fast and simple method to reduce pain by repetitive draining of purulent joint fluid and can be used as an alternative treatment for patients with a risk of general or spinal anesthesia.

Computed Tomography-Based Morphologic Analysis of Osteoarthritis of the Distal Radioulnar Joint Associated with Extensor Tendon Ruptures

Background@#Although the scallop sign is considered the most important risk factor for extensor tendon ruptures (ETRs) in patients with osteoarthritis of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), previous reports provide a limited understanding of the changes at DRUJ, as risk factors were examined in plain radiographs of the wrist. The aim of this study was to assess the changes of DRUJ using axial images of computed tomography (CT) in patients with DRUJ osteoarthritis and associated ETRs and to evaluate the relationship between the changes of DRUJ and ETRs. @*Methods@#Twelve patients with ETRs due to osteoarthritis of the DRUJ were enrolled. The changes of DRUJ were examined on axial images of CT and the following 8 parameters were measured: width of radius, anteroposterior (AP) length of radius, width of sigmoid notch (SN), AP length of SN, AP length of ulnar head, subluxation length of ulnar head, dorsal inclination of SN, and distance from Lister’s tubercle to SN. Radiological parameters of the DRUJ were measured in 60 control wrists without trauma or osteoarthritis, and the patient and control groups were statistically compared. @*Results@#Statistically significant differences were observed between the patient and control groups in all the radiological parameters except for the AP length of SN and AP length of ulnar head. The width of radius, AP length of radius, width of SN, subluxation length of ulnar head, and dorsal inclination of SN were greater and the distance from Lister’s tubercle to SN was smaller in the patient group than in the control group. The width of SN, dorsal inclination of SN, and distance from Lister’s tubercle to SN were statistically significant risk factors among the 8 parameters. @*Conclusions@#ETRs due to osteoarthritis of the DRUJ was related to the changes of DRUJ, especially the changes around SN of the distal radius. In addition to the existing risk factors, a decreased distance from Lister’s tubercle to SN and increased dorsal inclination of SN were identified as new risk factors. Axial images of CT were effective to evaluate degenerative changes at the DRUJ.

Is Hyperabduction Arm Position in Early Cocking Phase Really Dangerous for Baseball Pitchers? / 대한스포츠의학회지

PURPOSE: Certain pitching mechanics is thought to lead pitchers in danger of surgical risk and decrease performance. The objective of this study is to analyze the effect of shoulder hyperabduction position during early cocking phase in association with surgical risk and performance in professional baseball players.METHODS: From 2009 to 2013, total of 93 candidates reached minimum inning qualification. After exclusion criteria (overlapped players, foreign players, age over 31 years, proceed to other league and retirement), 19 players were analyzed with slow-motion pitching video for hyperabduction of the shoulder and hyperpronation of forearm in cocking-phase. Also players were analyzed with innings pitched, earned run average (ERA), walks and hits divided by innings pitched (WHIP) and surgical history with database offered by official Korean Baseball Organization website.RESULTS: Out of total 19 players, nine players had hyperabduction arm movement and 10 players did not. Group with hyperabduction had average age of 24.3 years old, average inning/ERA/WHIP for 5 years were 55 innings/yr, 6.52 ERA/yr and 1.33 WHIP/yr, respectively, and seven players (77%) had surgeries eventually. Group without hyperabduction arm movement had average age of 25.4 years old; average inning, ERA/WHIP for 5 years were 127 1/3 innings/yr, 4.84 ERA/yr, and 1.32 WHIP/yr, respectively and five players (50%) went for surgeries. Player performance (ERA, p=0.66; WHIP, p=0.14) was not statistically influenced by the certain arm position at cocking phase but average inning pitched was statistically affected (p<0.01).CONCLUSION: Hyperabduction of shoulder in early cocking phase of throwing motion does not lead to decrease in performance (ERA, WHIP) but will result in tremendous decline of average IP. Also, risk of surgery is not associated to hyperabduction motion of the shoulder.

Symmetrical Digital Gangrene Resulting from Vasopressor Usage for the Treatment of Septic Shock: Case Reports / 대한족부족관절학회지

Symmetrical Digital Gangrene (SDG) is characterized by the sudden onset of peripheral, symmetrical gangrene in the absence of any major vascular occlusive disease. Catecholamine inotropes are frequently used for the treatment of septic shock combined with an unstable hemodynamic state, and their usage can rarely induce SDG. There is no standard treatment for the SDG. Early recognition and prompt management of sepsis and expeditious process of weaning off of the inotropes are necessary to prevent progression of SDG. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in Korea regarding the treatment of SDG induced by catecholamine inotropes.

Atypical Fracture of the Proximal Shaft of the Ulna Associated with Prolonged Bisphosphonate Therapy

Atypical fractures have been reported as a complication of long-standing bisphosphonate therapy and occur commonly in the subtrochanteric region or shaft of the femur showing typical radiographic features. We encountered a case of atypical fracture of the proximal one-third of the shaft of the ulna. Radiographic findings of this case differed from previously reported cases of ulnar fracture in terms of showing a transverse fracture line with cortical thickening and an oblique fracture line with anterior cortical spike. On the other hand, these findings were similar to radiographic features of atypical femoral fractures. The present case was managed surgically and union of fracture was achieved after 6 months. As there are possibilities of occurrence of atypical fractures in sites other than the femur, the physicians should cautiously examine the patients' history and radiographic findings.

Study on the Orthopedic Characteristics of Bicycle Injury Patients / 대한스포츠의학회지

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate bicycle injury patients who suffered orthopedic injuries. METHODS: From January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2014, 1,664 people visited the emergency room due to a bicycle accident. Among them, 385 patients were found to have orthopedic injuries through physical examination and imaging evaluation. Intending to evaluate whether the number of bicycle injury patients is increasing or decreasing yearly, we investigated the rate of orthopedic injuries among bicycle injury patients, the damaged areas and the extent of damage, and also investigated whether changes in frequency were correlated with sex, age, or season. RESULTS: From January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2014, a total of 237,533 people came to the emergency room. Among them, the number of bicycle injuries was 1,664 (0.7%), and 23% of the bicycle injuries (385 people) were orthopedic injuries. Among these, 77.4% were men, 44.5% were less than 20 years old, and 20% were more than 61 years old. Damage to the forearm (n=82, 21.3%) and the shoulder (n=71, 18.4%) were the most common injuries, and simple fractures affected 274 patients (71.1%), overwhelmingly more common than other patterns of damage. In combination, simple fracture and dislocations occurred in 279 cases (72.5%). CONCLUSION: Most bicycle injuries occur in young and elderly people. Fractures of the forearm and shoulder were the most common orthopedic injuries. We expect that this study will be helpful in providing information about the orthopedic characteristics of bike injuries.

Acute Epidural Hematoma Following Cervical Spinal Fracture in a Patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: To report a case of epidural hematoma following cervical spinal fracture in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: An early surgical intervention for acute epidural hematoma following cervical spinal fracture led to improvements in the patient's neurological deficits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 76-year-old male with ankylosing spondylitis presented with neck pain and motor weakness of both upper and lower extremities after falling. He sustained fractures of the C7 body and the spinous processes of C5 and C6. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an extensive epidural hematoma from C7 to T5. The authors performed decompression from C6 to T2, and posterior instrumentation and fusion from C4 to T3. RESULTS: An urgent surgical intervention was performed, and a good result was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: The authors describe an early surgical intervention in a case of acute epidural hematoma following cervical spinal fracture in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis.

The Relationship between Physical Findings and the Recurrence after Steroid Injection in De Quervain's Disease

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of steroid injection according to the stage of Finkelstein's test and the severity of tenderness on radial styloid in de Quervain's disease. METHODS: Between January 2011 and December 2012, a total of 57 patients (57 wrists) treated with steroid injection in de Quervain's disease were enrolled on this study. The severity of tenderness, the stage of Finkelstein's test and pain score using visual analogue scale (VAS) were assessed before steroid injection. And the effect of steroid injection was assessed until one year after steroid injection. The relationship between the recurrence of de Quervain's disease after steroid injection and pre-injection findings including tenderness, Finkelstein's test and VAS was assessed. RESULTS: The success rate of steroid injection was 71.9% (41/57 patients). The outcome of steroid injection was not significantly related to the severity of tenderness (p=0.648), the stage of Finkelstein's test (p=0.530) and VAS score (p=0.607). CONCLUSION: The tenderness on radial styloid and the Finkelstein's test are important physical findings for the diagnosis of de Quervain's disease. However, the severity of tenderness and the stage of Finkelstein's test were not showed as predictive factors for the outcome.

New Technique for Removal of the Ulnar Intramedullary Nail Failed to Remove: Broken Assembly Piece in the Nail

Methods about removal of intramedullary nail in complicated cases were reported in some literatures but there are no reports about nail removal in the ulna. The authors would like to report such a case and the technique. We removed bone of the inlet site and created another bony window using an osteotome to expose the interlocking screw holes. Only a bony window the size of 2 inter-interlocking holes at the most proximal part of the nail can be used to remove the nail with minimal damage of the triceps brachii tendon and soft tissue.

New Technique for Removal of the Ulnar Intramedullary Nail Failed to Remove: Broken Assembly Piece in the Nail

Methods about removal of intramedullary nail in complicated cases were reported in some literatures but there are no reports about nail removal in the ulna. The authors would like to report such a case and the technique. We removed bone of the inlet site and created another bony window using an osteotome to expose the interlocking screw holes. Only a bony window the size of 2 inter-interlocking holes at the most proximal part of the nail can be used to remove the nail with minimal damage of the triceps brachii tendon and soft tissue.

Evaluation of the Sigmoid Notch Involvement in the Intra-Articular Distal Radius Fractures: The Efficacy of Computed Tomography Compared with Plain X-ray

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of computed tomography (CT) scans compared with plain radiographs on detecting the involvement of the sigmoid notch. METHODS: This study involved 121 cases diagnosed as the intra-articular distal radius fracture and performed post-reduction CT scans. We determined the presence of the sigmoid notch involvement with both plain radiographs and CT scans and compared findings of plain radiographs with CT scans about the incidence and the pattern of injuries. And the differences of results between arbeitsgemeinschaft fur osteosyntheses (AO) type C2 and C3 were compared. RESULTS: The incidences of sigmoid notch involvement detected in plain radiographs were 81 cases (66.9%), whereas CT scans were 99 cases (81.9%). The sensitivity of plain radiographs compared with CT scans was 74.7%, the specificity was 68.2%, the positive predictive value was 91.4%, the negative predictive value was 37.5%, the false negative value was 25.3%, and the false positive value was 31.8%. In comparison between AO type C2 and C3, the incidence of sigmoid notch involvement was not a significant difference, but the displacement of fracture fragment showed a significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: The intra-articular distal radius fracture usually accompanies the sigmoid notch involvement. Considering that the evaluation of sigmoid notch involvement by plain radiography often results in misinterpretation or underestimation, performing CT scan in intra-articular distal radius fracture is thought to be beneficial.

Evaluation of the Sigmoid Notch Involvement in the Intra-Articular Distal Radius Fractures: The Efficacy of Computed Tomography Compared with Plain X-ray

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of computed tomography (CT) scans compared with plain radiographs on detecting the involvement of the sigmoid notch. METHODS: This study involved 121 cases diagnosed as the intra-articular distal radius fracture and performed post-reduction CT scans. We determined the presence of the sigmoid notch involvement with both plain radiographs and CT scans and compared findings of plain radiographs with CT scans about the incidence and the pattern of injuries. And the differences of results between arbeitsgemeinschaft fur osteosyntheses (AO) type C2 and C3 were compared. RESULTS: The incidences of sigmoid notch involvement detected in plain radiographs were 81 cases (66.9%), whereas CT scans were 99 cases (81.9%). The sensitivity of plain radiographs compared with CT scans was 74.7%, the specificity was 68.2%, the positive predictive value was 91.4%, the negative predictive value was 37.5%, the false negative value was 25.3%, and the false positive value was 31.8%. In comparison between AO type C2 and C3, the incidence of sigmoid notch involvement was not a significant difference, but the displacement of fracture fragment showed a significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: The intra-articular distal radius fracture usually accompanies the sigmoid notch involvement. Considering that the evaluation of sigmoid notch involvement by plain radiography often results in misinterpretation or underestimation, performing CT scan in intra-articular distal radius fracture is thought to be beneficial.

Delayed Diagnosed Stage 1, 2 Distractive Flexion Injury of the Cervical Spine

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: To examine the clinical and radiologic characteristics of patients with stage 1 and 2 distractive flexion injury according to Allen's classification and who were not diagnosed immediately after injury, and to analyze the outcomes of surgical treatments. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: For the diagnosis of stage 1 and 2 distractive flexion injury in the lower cervical spine, attention should be paid when performing radiographs as well as when interpreting the radiographs. METHODS: The study was conducted on 10 patients (group 1) with stage 1 or 2 distractive flexion injury and who were not diagnosed immediately after injury from January 2003 to January 2009. The control group (group 2), 16 distractive flexion injury patients who were diagnosed immediately were selected. The simple radiographs, the degree of soft tissue swelling and the magnetic resonance imaging findings of the two groups were compared, and the clinical and radiologic results were examined. RESULTS: The degree of the prevertebral soft tissue swelling of group 1 was lower in group 1, and it was statistically significant (p = 0.046). The fusion was achieved in all cases (100%) in group 1, however, re-displacement as well as the loss of reduction occurred in one case, despite of delayed fusion and good clinical result. In group 2, bone fusion was achieved in 15 cases of 16 cases (94%). CONCLUSIONS: For the diagnosis of stage 1 and 2 distractive flexion injury in the lower cervical spine, it is desirable to perform computed tomography if diagnosis is not clear. Even if the diagnosis is delayed, stage 1 and 2 distractive flexion injury could be readily reduced by traction, and the treatment outcomes are considered to be comparable to those of the patients diagnosed immediately after injury.

Intramedullary Spinal Cord Metastasis (ISCM) Arising from Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Intramedullary spinal cord metastases occurring from any malignant tumor are usually accompanied by frequent metastases in the intracranium. The clinical features of this disease have been described as the rapid progression of neurologic deficit that can lead to complete paraplegia. In this case, the authors treated a 76-year-old woman, who was diagnosed with an intramedullary spinal cord metastasis arising from a small cell lung cancer without an invasion of the brain, with decompressive surgery and posterior instrumentation. The patient suffered from weakness of her legs, walking difficulties, and urinary and fecal incontinence. Her preoperative neurologic symptoms were improved significantly after surgery. The patient did not want to have further treatment for the primary cancer, and she died from pneumonia caused by aggravation of the underlying disease 3 months after surgery. We report this rare case, which was diagnosed as a metastasis of a small cell lung cancer postoperatively, with a review of the relevant literature.

Isolated Anterior Dislocation of the Radial Head in Adult: A Case Report

We report an isolated anterior dislocation of the radial head in a 23-year-old man after a fall on the outstretched arm. At the time of the injury, the patient's elbow was in a position of mild flexion and pronation which was suddenly further pronated as he fell down. The radial head was incarcerated by the lateral portion of brachialis muscle, and annular ligament was interposed between capitellum and radial head. Open reduction was performed. During 12 months follow-up, reduction of radial head was well maintained without a limitation of range of motion.