Measurement of Optimal Insertion Angle for Iliosacral Screw Fixation Using Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Scans

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation can provide stable fixation with a minimally invasive surgical technique for unstable posterior pelvic ring injuries. This surgical technique is not limited by cases of difficult fracture patterns, sacral dysplasia, and small sacral pedicles that can occur in Asians. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of the sacral dysplasia in the Korean population and determine the optimal direction of iliosacral screws by analyzing pelvic three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) scans. METHODS: One hundred adult patients who had pelvic 3D-CT scans were evaluated. The upper sacral morphology was classified into three groups, i.e., normal, transitional, and dysplastic groups; the cross-sectional area of the safe zone was measured in each group. S1 pedicle with a short width of more than 11 mm was defined as safe pedicle. The incidences of safe pedicles at different angles ranging from 0° to 15° were investigated in order to determine optimal angle for screw direction. RESULTS: The incidence of normal, transitional, and dysplastic group was 46%, 32%, and 22%, respectively. There were significant increases of the cross-sectional area of the safe zones by increasing the angles from 0° to 15° in all groups. The incidence of safe pedicles increased similar to the changes in cross-sectional area. The overall incidence of safe pedicles was highest at the 10° tilt angle. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of sacral dysplasia in Koreans was 54%, which is higher than previous studies for Western populations. The cross-sectional area of the safe zone can be increased by anteromedial direction of the iliosacral screw. Considering the diversity of sacral morphology present in the Korean population, a tilt angle of 10° may be the safest angle.

Biphasic Calcium Phosphate and Local Autobone Mixed Graft in Lumbar Posterolateral Fusion

STUDY DESIGN: Retroprospective study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of biphasic calcium phosphate and local autobone mixed graft in cases of spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis in posterolateral fusion by examining radiologic union rates and clinical outcomes. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: It can be a practical alternative to the use of tricalcium phosphate in hydroxyapatite as a graft aid since using hydroxyapatite mixture in lumbar spine fusion has been reported to lead to a high rate of bone union. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2011 to February 2013, we followed up 107 patients who had lumbar posterolateral fusion using biphasic calcium phosphate composed of HA/TCP (60:40) and local autobone mixed graft. Of these patients, 64 had spinal stenosis and 43 had spondylolisthesis. The bone fusion rate was determined using Lenke's criteria and clinical outcomes were evaluated using Kim's method. RESULTS: In spinal stenosis, bone union was presented in 53 patients (of 64; 82.8%) and in spondylolisthesis, 35 patients (of 43; 81.4%). In spinal stenosis, the clinical outcomes resulted in 20 excellent, 34 good, 9 fair and 1 poor. (84.4%, excellent or good) In spondylolisthesis, the clinical outcomes resulted in 10 excellent, 25 good, 7 fair and 1 poor. (81.4%, excellent or good). CONCLUSION: Posterolateral fusion using biphasic calcium phosphate and local autobone mixed graft showed high rates of bone union and acceptable clinical outcomes, and is considered a satisfactory bone graft aid.

Ankle Salvage Procedure without Internal Fixation for Large Bone Defect after Failed Total Ankle Arthroplasty: A Case Report / 대한족부족관절학회지

In treatment of failure in ankle joint replacement therapy, talar avascular necrosis with massive bone defect, talus fracture with severe comminution and bone defect and ankle dislocation, treatment of large bone defects is considerably important for ankle joint stability and union, therefore, the choice of treatment for large bone defects is use of femoral head or iliac crest bone graft and rigid internal fixation. Because first generation total ankle arthroplasty performed for the first time using a cemented fixation technique requires a large amount of bone resection during re-surgery and there is some possibility of a larger bone defect after removal of implants, in cases where prosthesis for the defect is needed, performance of palliative femoral head or iliac crest bone graft and rigid internal fixation can be difficult. We report on a case of a 48-year-old woman who had experienced ankle pain for 25 years since undergoing total ankle arthroplasty. Because the patient had little ankle motion and rigid soft tissue despite a large bone defect caused by aseptic loosening, a good outcome was obtained only for the femoral cancellous bone graft using allo femoral head without internal fixation.

Corrigendum: Ankle Salvage Procedure without Internal Fixation for Large Bone Defect after Failed Total Ankle Arthroplasty: A Case Report / 대한족부족관절학회지

This correction is being published to correct the corresponding author's name and e-mail information.

Late-Onset Infection of a Total Knee Arthroplasty Caused by Monomicrobial Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Patient with a Periprosthetic Fracture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Septic arthritis caused by Klebsiella pneumonia in adults is rare and is rarely observed after total knee arthroplasty. Acute or early onset of septic arthritis caused by K. pneumoniae has been reported after total knee arthroplasty. However, to date the only one overseas case of late K. pneumoniae infection after total knee arthroplasty has been reported, with no such case in Korea. In addition, monomicrobial infections by K. pneumoniae are not frequently found but are found primarily in the form of polymicrobial infections. The purpose of this paper is to report on a case in which an 85-year-old female patient, who had undergone a total joint arthroplasty 11 years ago, developed the late onset of septic arthritis caused by monomicrobial K. pneumonia infection with a periprosthetic fracture through literature reviews.

Union Rates of Local Autobone and beta-Tricalcium Phosphate Mixed Graft in Lumbar Posterolateral Fusion

STUDY DESIGN: A retroprospective study. OBJECTIVES: We used a local autobone and beta-tricalcium phosphate mixed graft with posterolateral fusion in spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis and evaluated union rates to verify the efficacy. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Several reports have shown high union rates of posterolateral fusion using beta-tricalcium phosphate. However, in Korea, only one study reported a low union rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two patients who underwent lumbar posterolateral fusion with a local autobone and beta-tricalcium phosphate mixed graft from September 2010 to July 2011 were followed up. There were 32 cases with spinal stenosis and 10 cases with spondylolisthesis. Bone fusion was determined along with the fusion rates based on Lenke's criteria. Clinical outcomes were determined using Kim's method. RESULTS: In spinal stenosis, bone union was presented in 19 cases(59.4%) out of 32 cases and in spondylolisthesis, bone union was presented in 7 (70.0%) out of 10. In spinal stenosis, 12 cases showed excellent outcome, 16 good, 3 fair and 1 poor, 27 cases(87.5%) were superior to the good. In spondylolisthesis, 2 cases showed excellent outcome, 5 good, 3 fair and 0 poor, 8 cases(70.0%) were superior to the good. CONCLUSIONS: Posterolateral fusion using a local autobone and beta-tricalcium phosphate mixed graft showed lower bone fusion rates. We need further studies to enhance the fusion rate when using local autobone and beta-tricalcium phosphate mixed grafts.

Streptococcus Dysgalactiae Subspecies Dysgalactiae Infection after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Report

Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies dysgalactiae (SDSD), Lancefield group C streptococcus, is an animal pathogen which often causes pyogenic infection in domestic animals. Human infection by SDSD has been reported as a cellulitis on the upper arm, but a prosthetic joint infection caused by SDSD after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has not yet been reported in the literature demonstrating that its clinical manifestation and management have not been well established. In this case report, we aimed to present a case of SDSD prosthetic joint infection after TKA, which was successfully treated by two-stage re-implantation with an application of antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer.

Septic Knee Arthritis Caused by Streptococcus sanguis in a Patient with Osteoarthritis of the Knee / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Streptococcus sanguis (S. sanguis) is a gram positive streptococcus bacteria which is found in the normal bacterial flora of the oral cavity and the upper respiratory tract. It has low virulence, but it can cause bacterial endocarditis through the blood circulation when dental calculus are removed from the teeth or during surgical treatment. Septic arthritis caused by S. sanguis has been reported as infecting the sternoclavicular joint and the knee joint, but it is a quite rare infectious disease that has not been reported in Korea. Therefore, the authors report a case of the septic arthritis in the knee joint caused by S. sanguis in a patient with osteoarthritis of the knee, who has the history of periodontitis.

Treatment of a 3rd Lumbar Vertebra Translational Injury Combined with Incomplete Cauda Equina Syndrome in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Case Report

Ankylosing spondylitis is a rheumatic disease in which mainly the spinal and sacroiliac joints are affected. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis are at significant risk for spinal fracture when exposed to even minor trauma. Most spinal fractures with ankylosing spondylitis occur in the cervical spine, whereas spinal fractures in thoracic or lumbar spine are rare, especially in the lower lumbar spine. Furthermore, neurologic symptoms in cases of lower lumbar spine fracture are rarer than in cases of cervical and thoracic spinal fracture. We have experienced a case of translation injury of the 3rd lumbar vertebra accompanied by incomplete cauda equine syndrome in ankylosing spondylitis and the authors gained good clinical results with surgical treatment. We have reported here on this case and have included a review of the relevant literature.

Ipsilateral Distal Radius and Scaphoid Fractures Associated with Posteromedial Dislocation of the Elbow Joint: A Case Report

Arm injuries occurring from high energy injuries such as falls or traffic accidents can be accompanied by wrist and elbow injuries. Monteggia fracture, Galeazzi fracture, and Essex-Lopresti fracture-dislocation are known some examples of such injuries. However, there are no reports on the dislocation of the elbow occurring from a distal radius fracture accompanied by scaphoid fracture, and there is nothing published about its prognosis. The authors report on the treatment and outcomes of a case of a 42-year-old male who had a distal radius and scaphoid fracture associated with posteromedial dislocation of the elbow on the same side of his arm along with a literature review.

Treatment of Triple Fracture of the Superior Shoulder Suspensory Complex / 대한정형외과학회잡지

The Superior Shoulder Suspensory Complex (SSSC) is a bony and soft tissue ring comprising the glenoid process, the coracoid process, the coracoclavicular ligaments, the distal clavicle, the acromioclavicular joint, and the acromion. The SSSC maintains a normal stable relationship between the upper extremity and the axial skeleton. High-energy injury, such as traffic accident or a fall, can cause disruption of the SSSC. Single traumatic disruption of the SSSC is common. However, double disruption of the SSSC is infrequent and surgical management is generally necessary. We have experienced a case of triple fracture involving the coracoid process, the acromion, and the distal end of the clavicle. Such disruption of the SSSC has not been previously reported in our country and only one case has been reported in the Western literature; the authors obtained positive clinical results with surgical treatment. We report here on this case and include a review of the relevant literature.

Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty Using the Greater Trochanter Reattachment Device (GTRD) for Comminuted Intertrochanteric Femur Fracture in Elderly Patients

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome of the greater trochanter reattachment device (GTRD) as firm fixation method for displaced greater trochanter fragment in bipolar hemiarthroplasty for comminuted intertrochanteric femur fracture in elderly patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2006 to January 2008, 32 patients above 70 years old treated with bipolar hemiarthroplasty using the GTRD as fixation method for comminuted intertrochanteric femur fracture with greater trochanter bone fragment displaced above 1 cm. They were followed up for more than one year. Clinically, the postoperative Harris hip score (HHS) and daily activities of life of Johnston et al were evaluated, and radiological, any displacement of greater trocharter bone fragments and/or GTRD. RESULTS: The mean postoperative HHS was 71.6 (range, 53~82) points. In rating the daily activity of life, twenty seven (84.4%) patients` postoperative results were above fair. Two patients (6.3%) had displacement of the greater trochanter bone fragment above 1 cm. One patient had a deep infection, so we removed the bipolar head and inserted antibiotics-loaded cement block instead, and after the infection was controlled, conversion to total hip arthroplasty was done. CONCLUSION: In bipolar hemiarthroplasty for comminuted intertrochanteric femur fracture with displaced greater trochanter bone fragment, GTRD produced satisfactory results and early rehabilitation.

Operative Treatment of Nonunion after Intra-articular Calcaneal Fracture / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: Nonunion of intra-articular fractures of calcaneus is rarely reported complication. We present our experiences with 4 patients (5 cases) treated operatively for nonunion after intra-articular fracture of calcaneus. MATERIALS AND METHODS:4 patients (5 cases) with nonunion of intra-articular fracture of calcaneus after operative treatment were followed for 4 years (from 2002 to 2006). For assessment, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were assessed for clinical outcome and the union of fracture site, the talocalcaneal height and the angle of talar declination were determined for radiologic outcome. RESULTS:The mean talocalcaneal height was 6.94 cm (range, 5.9~7.6 cm) preoperatively and 7.34 cm (range, 6.0~8.3 cm) at last follow-up. The mean angle of talar declination was 5.68 degrees (range, 4.6~8 degrees) preoperatively and 13.1 degrees (range, 5.7~21 degrees) at last follow-up. The mean preoperative AOFAS score and VAS were 20.4 (range, 14~36) and 4 (range, 3~6), respectively. At last follow-up, these scores improved to a mean of 59.6 (range, 54~68) and 3 (range, 2~4), respectively. Unions of previous nonunion site of intra-articular fracture of calcaneus were achieved in all 4 patients (5 cases). CONCLUSION: The reconstructive procedure for nonunion of intra-articular fracture of calcaneus showed good results in terms of bone union, radiologic results and functional improvement than preoperative state. Because the plantar pain for the inferior angular formation in nonunion site may happen, we will pay attention to reduction of fragment.

Natural History of the Calcaneal Avulsion Fracture in Neuropathic Arthropathy in a Young Diabetic Patient (A Case Report) / 대한족부족관절학회지

The avulsion fracture of the calcaneal tuberosity is rare injury. Usually, it occurs from indirect trauma in old patients with osteoporosis or in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Especially, the bone and joint damage occurred in active patient with severe sensory loss or arthropathy related to nerve damage regardless of the cause is referred to neuropathic arthropathy. Generally, a patient with nondisplacement or minimally displacement is treated by conservative therapy and a patient with severe displacement is treated by open reduction and internal fixation. We experienced a 33 years-old woman with diabetes mellitus who had the displaced avulsion fracture of the calcaneal tuberosity without significant trauma and did not treat. We report upon this case at the 2 years follow-up.

Upper Sacral Morphology Related to Iliosacral Screw Fixation in Korean

PURPOSE: To evaluate upper sacral morphology and anatomy of safe zone related to iliosacral screw fixation in Korean. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 100 patients performed pelvis 3D CT scan were evaluated. We used 16 channel CT and analyzed reconstructed image (shaded-surface display, transparent image and reformat image). RESULT: The angle between superior aspect of S1 body and iliac cortical density is 27.3°, between anterior cortical line of S1,2 body and horizontal plane 24.6°, and between superior aspect of S1 body and horizontal plane is 39.7°. The axis of S1, S2 pedicle is 32.5° and 15.6° toward anteromedial. The area of S1 pedicle according to sagittal plane and sagittal-oblique axis is 310.7 mm2 and 384.8 mm2. Also, S2 pedicle area is increased 163.1 mm2 to 188.4 mm2. The average depth of ala indentation is 5.1 mm and the maximal value is 9.5 mm. Distinct upper sacral dysplasia is 22%, transitional form is 32%. CONCLUSION: We measured Korean upper sacrum with 3D-CT, found out dysplasia come up to 54%. Considering the frequency of dysplasia, the investigation of anatomy and technique is essential to sacroiliac screw insertion.

The Relationship between Fat Embolism and Intramedullary Reaming / 대한정형외과학회잡지

To evaluate leading mechanisms of fat embolism, we investigated patients who received femoral procedures prospectively. Forty patients were classified into three groups according to reaming procedures. Group A (10 cases) was the control group who operated with open reduction and internal fixation for peritrochanteric fractures. Group B (18 cases) was composed of hip arthroplasty patients and group C (12 cases) patients received intramedullary nailing procedures due to femoral shaft fracture. Pulmonary function test and chest X-ray were taken to evaluate pulmonary condition. Perfusion and inhalation radionuclide scan proved pulmonary embolism and fat embolism. Arterial blood gas analysis, lipid metabolites (cholesterol, triglyceride and NEFA (Non-esterified Fatty Acid)) and coagulation battery (PT, aPTT, TAT-III (Thrombin anti-thrombin III complex) and D-dimer) were measured in preoperative, intraoperative (reaming and post-reaming) and postoperative period, individually. Although two cases of fat embolism were verified only in group C preoperatively, there was no difference with the incidence of pulmonary embolism between reaming and non-reaming group (P<0.05). Blood gas analysis revealed no difference between control group and reaming one in each stage. NEFA in lipid metabolism was abruptly increased in group C only during reaming procedure. The titer of D-dimer and TAT-III were elevated specifically in fat embolism patients by reaming procedure. We suggest that D-dimer and TAT-III may be preliminary screening tools for the early diagnosis of fat embolism. And the coagulation system seems to be more related to fat embolism rather than lipid metabolism.

Cardiac Effect of Pulse Dexamethasone Therapy in Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia / 대한주산의학회잡지

PURPOSE: To examine the cardiac function, incidence and natural history of cardiac hypertrophy (CH) and the association of side effects with CH after pulse dexamethasone therapy in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. METHODS: Twelve infants, gestational age 28.6+/-1.6(26-31)weeks, birth weight 1243+/-186 (1010- 1620)g, received a pulse course of dexamethasone, starting at 0.5mg/kg/d for three days and readministered ten days thereafter at a median of 19 days of age. Serial echocardiographic measurement of septal thickness(ST), left ventricular(LV) posterior wall thickness(PWT), LV diameter(LVD), LV length(LVL), LV mass, ejection fraction(EF) and acceleration time to right ventricular ejection time ratio(AT/RVET) were taken before, and 4, 11 days after starting dexamethasone. For infants diagnosed as CH, echocardiography was performed weekly until the parameters were normalized. Side effects of dexamethasone such as leukocytosis, hypertension, hyperglycemia and insulin therapy were recorded and compared. RESULTS: CH occurred in 5 of 12 infants(47%). ST, PWD, and AT/RVET increased significantly at 4 days and 11 days after starting dexamethasone than baseline. LVD decreased significantly at 4 days and 11 days after the administration of dexamethasone than before. Other parameter such as LVL, LV mass and EF were not changed and the evidence of left ventricular outflow obstruction was not observed. The incidence of hyperglycemia and insulin therapy were higher in CH group than in no CH group(p<0.05). Five infants with CH recovered until five weeks after starting dexamethasone on serial echocardiography, CONCLUSION: Infants receiving a pulse course of dexamethasone developed evidence of septal hypertrophy, thickened left ventricular wall and impaired filling of left ventricle immediately after starting dexamethasone but always resolved within five weeks Serial echocardiography is not probably routinely required in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia receiving pulse dexamethasone therapy.

Effects of Parenteral Carnitine Supplemantation in Very Low Birth Weight Infants Receiving Totla Parentareal Nutrition / 대한주산의학회잡지

PURPOSE: Carnitine plays a key role in the oxidation of fatty acids by facilitating their transport. As very low birth weight(VLBW) infants receiving total parenteral nutrition(TPN) with limited oral intake are likely to be carnitine-deficient state, they require exogenous supplementation of carnitine, however, effects of it remains controversial. To demonstrate effects of parenteral camitine supplementation on fat metabolism, weight gain and clinical outcome. We analyzed plasma levels of biochemical markers, changes of weight, and incidence of complications in 23 VLBW infants receiving TPN. METHOD: We randomly assigned 23 VLBW infants(32.3umol/l) than control group(46.3umol/l->25.2umol/l)(p<0.05). Changes of FC and AC were similar in both groups. Levels of cholesterol and triglyreride were similar in both groups. Days of regaining birth weight were faster in carnitine group than control group(15.3+/-3.4 vs 20. 8+/-11.1 days)(p<0.05). Rate of weight gain for two weeks were significantly faster than carnitine group than control group(p<0.05). No significant differences in clinical outcome were found. CONCLUSIONS: Carnitine supplementation in VLBW infants receiving TPN has an supportive nutritional regimen in that it reduces decrement in carnitine level and facilitate weight gain.

Incomplete Brchial Plexus Palsy as a Neglected Caused of Painful Stiff Shoulder / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Painful stiff shoulder after trauma may be one of the difficult situation. Incomplete brachial plexus palsy may cause painful stiff shoulder. Symptoms and signs of this entity are vague. It is not rare to miss detecting subtle damage of the brachial plexus. We analysed these cases to identify specific clues on history and physical examination that help making the diagnosis of this entity. We have experienced 14 cases of incomplete brachial plexus palsy that showed painful stiff shoulder in Asan Medical Center from March 1995 to February 1996. All the charts and letters from primary care hospitals were reviewed. Initial diagnosis of the primary hospital, duration of delay of diagnosis after initial trauma, clues for the diagnosis in history and physical findings, patterns of the nerve injuries were analyzed. Average age was 48 years (from 25 to 84). Nine cases were male, and five cases were female. The most common primary diagnosis was proximal humerus fracture. Delayed diagnosis was the most remarkable feature. Average duration of delayed diagnosis was about three months (from one to thirteen months). Tentative diagnosis was made on the base of history and physical examination. The most frequent clue on the history was long standing painful stiff shoulder inappropriate to the initial diagnosis. The most common physical finding was tenderness at the brachial plexus area. Definite diagnosis was confirmed with electromyography. Careful history taking and thorough physical examination are essential for every shoulder injury. Incomplete brachial plexus palsy is one of the cause of painful stiff shoulder. It is important to keep in mind this entity to arrive correct diagnosis. Eletromyography should be done for the suspected cases.

A Case of Chylous Ascites Secondary to Congenital Ileal Atresia / 대한주산의학회잡지

Chylous ascites in neonates is an unusual and etiologically poor understood entity. We report a male newborn who suffered from abdominal distension and respiratory distress after birth. Paracentesis was performed and ascitic fluid was obstained. Analysis of the fluid revealed cell count (RBC 10,000/mm3, WBC 800/mm3: segmented form-72%, lymphocyte form- 28%), protein 4,100 mg/dl, glucose 57 mg/dl, cholesterol 53 mg/dl, triglyceride 28 mg/dl. Culture of ascitic fluid grew no bacteria. A plain film of abdomen and abdominal sonogram showed massive ascites. On the 4th hospital day, gastrografin enema showed microcolon and ileal atresia. On the 6th hospital day, ileocolostomy has been performed and operative findings sho- wed blind pouch in terminal ileum, massive inflammation and extensive adhesion on peritoneum. After operation, he gained weight by continuous gavage feeding. He discharged on the 36th hospital day.