Arthroscopic Direct Repair for a Complete Radial Tear of the Posterior Root of the Medial Meniscus

We report here on a new arthroscopic direct repair technique for a radial tear of the posterior root of the medial meniscus (PRMM) using a posterior trans-septal portal. Radial tears of the PRMM are commonly observed in the elderly population of Korea and Japan, and the life style of these people requires squatting and kneeling down in daily life. A radial tear of the PRMM results in the loss of hoop tension and this accelerates degenerative changes in the knee joint and causes early osteoarthritis. Several reports in the medical literature have focused on various repair techniques for these tears by using pull out sutures. These techniques result in nonanatomic fixation of the meniscus, which may lead to disturbed meniscal excursion and failure to restore hoop tension. Arthroscopic direct repair may contribute to restoring hoop tension and preventing accelerated degenerative changes in the knee joint of these patients.

Surgical Treatment of Posterior Wall Fractures of the Acetabulum

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of surgical treatment of posterior wall fractures of the acetabulum and to determine the factors affecting the results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one posterior wall fractures were reviewed; 7 type A1-1, 19 type A1-2 and 5 type A1-3 by AO classification. Postoperatively, the accuracy of the reduction was evaluated. At the final follow-up, clinical and radiographic results were evaluated with medical records and radiographs. The factors affecting the results were determined. RESULTS: The reduction was graded as anatomical in 22 patients, imperfect in seven and poor in two. The clinical result was excellent in 21 hips, good in six, fair in three and poor in one. The quality of the reduction was strongly associated with the clinical result. The radiographic result was excellent in 22 hips, good in five, fair in two and poor in two. The clinical result was related closely to the radiographic result. Complications were osteoarthritis in three patients, osteonecrosis of the femoral head in one, heterotopic ossification in one, penetration of a screw into the joint in one and iatrogenic sciatic nerve injury in one. The factors affecting the clinical results were fracture patterns, the surgeon's experience, the accuracy of the reduction and late complications. CONCLUSION: In this present series of posterior wall fractures, as their prognosis depends on the severity of the injury and the accuracy of the reduction, satisfactory result can be obtained by anatomical reduction with thorough preoperative planning and the surgeon's experience.

Separation of the Symphysis Pubis during Childbirth

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical features and incidence of separation of the symphysis pubis during childbirth, and to evaluate the risk factors of the lesion and the outcome of treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy two cases of separation of symphysis pubis among 66,721 delivery between January 1992 and December 2004 was selected. The control group was composed of 498 cases without separation of symphysis pubis during childbirth. Several factors increasing the risk of this lesion were assessed using χ

Iatrogenic Spinal Infection after Injection Therapy in Spine / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGNS: A retrospective study of clinical experience. OBJECTIVES: To investigate and report the iatrogenic form of spinal infections that occur after injection therapy in the spine. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: An iatrogenic infection after injection therapy in the spine is rarely reported to be a serious complication. However, an increase in the number of immunocompromised patients, the aging of the population, and particularly an increase in spinal procedureshave precipitated a rise in the incidence of spinal infections. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Iatrogenic spinal infections occurred in 8 patients after various injection therapy in the spine, which included an epidural steroid injection or trigger point injection for various spinal conditions. The medical records and images of these patients regarding the clinical findings, risk factors, and treatments were analyzed. RESULTS: The pathologic conditions of the spinal infection were discitis in four patients with a concomitant infection in the epidural space and paraspinal muscles, an epidural abscess, and solitary muscular abscess or myositis in the other 3 patients. The systemic risk factors contributing to the infections were diabetes mellitus, metastatic cancer, and chronic liver disease in four patients. For treatment, intensive antibiotic therapy was applied to all patients. Six of the 8 patients underwent surgical drainage for abscesses and/or fusion to stabilize the infected segments. The infections were eventually controlled in all patients. CONCLUSION: Iatrogenic pyogenic infections of the spine after injection therapy in the spine is a serious complication with regard morbidity and treatment. To avoid these serious complications, a specialist experienced in aseptic techniques should perform these spinal procedures, particularly in those patients with the risk factors.

T-Plate Fixation for Two- and Three-Part Fractures of the Proximal Humerus

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results and complications of treatment using T-plate fixation for two- and three-part fractures of the proximal humerus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1996 and July 2003, thirty-three patients with two-part and three-part fractures of the proximal humerus were treated by T-plate fixation. There were 21 two-part fractures and 12 three-part fractures including three shoulder dislocations. The reduction was qualified and complications were assessed with final radiographs. The functional outcome was evaluated by Neer's rating system. RESULTS: Thirty-two cases (96.7%) were united, twenty-nine cases (87.9%) were reduced as good, and twenty-three cases (70%) had excellent or satisfactory results. There were four cases of loss of reduction, three cases of stiff joint, one case of nonunion, and one case of avascular necrosis of the humeral head, but no infection. No correlation was found between the final result and the type of fracture, age, gender, or quality of reduction. CONCLUSION: T-plate fixation for proximal humeral fractures is a reliable method to obtain good results through satisfactory reduction, rigid fixation, and early movement. Additional tension band wiring can provide stable fixation for osteoporotic or comminuted fractures difficult to obtain stable fixation.