Follistatin Mitigates Myofibroblast Differentiation and Collagen Synthesis of Fibroblasts from Scar Tissue around Injured Flexor Tendons

Genome Engineering for Osteoarthritis: From Designer Cells to Disease-Modifying Drugs

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent degenerative joint disease involving joint cartilage and its surrounding tissues. OA is the leading cause of pain and disability worldwide. At present, there are no disease-modifying OA drugs, and the primary therapies include exercise and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs until total joint replacement at the end-stage of the disease. METHODS: In this review, we summarized the current state of knowledge in genetic and epigenetic associations and risk factors for OA and their potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications. RESULTS: Genome-wide association studies and analysis of epigenetic modifications (such as miRNA expression, DNA methylation and histone modifications) conducted across various populations support the notion that there is a genetic basis for certain subsets of OA pathogenesis. CONCLUSION: With recent advances in the development of genome editing technologies such as the CRISPR-Cas9 system, these genetic and epigenetic alternations in OA can be used as platforms from which potential biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis, drug response, and development of potential personalized therapeutic targets for OA can be approached. Furthermore, genome editing has allowed the development of “designer” cells, whereby the receptors, gene regulatory networks, or transgenes can be modified as a basis for new cell-based therapies.

Operative Treatment for Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Tendon Dislocation / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) subluxation has a low incidence rate, to date, there has only been a few studies evaluating the operative treatment for type of injury. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyze 11 patients with ECU subluxation who underwent operative treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2005 and February 2015, 11 patients received operative treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging and dynamic ultrasound were used to make the diagnosis. ECU subluxation patterns were classified by the Inoue's classification system. There were two cases of type A, one case of type B, five cases of type C, and three cases unfit for Inoue's classification. We also found two cases of radial subluxation and one case of ulnar locked subluxation. In type A and B cases, ECU tendons were relocated then sheaths repair was performed, and the extensor retinaculum reconstruction was performed. In type C cases, the fibro-osseous sheaths were fixed. In the three unclassified cases, extensor retinaculum reconstruction was performed. In all cases, fibro-osseous sheaths were fixed using the anchor suture technique. We compared the clinical results based on the following: motion range of the wrist joint; grip strength; visual analogue scale (VAS) score; quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (Q-DASH) score; and Mayo wrist score. RESULTS: The median age of patients at the time of the operation was 32 years, and the average follow-up period was 11.2 months. There were five cases of triangular fibrocartilage complex tear, two cases of distal radioulnar joint instability, three cases of ECU split tear as accompanying injury. There were significant differences in the clinical results. The average motion range of the wrist increased compared with the preoperative value (84.7% to 92.4% compared to contralateral normal side). The postoperative VAS score, Q-DASH score and Mayo wrist score showed better results compared with the respective preoperative values (6.0 to 1.1, 40.9 to 12.4, 75.9 to 86.4). CONCLUSION: ECU subluxation is a rare occurrence. Dynamic ultrasound is useful in diagnosing ECU tendon subluxation. Satisfactory results can be obtained with the use of a proper technique, which depends on the type of subluxation.

Preservation of Scaphoid in Scaphoid Nonunion Advanced Collapse Stage II and III / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the outcome of open reduction and internal fixation with a headless screw and auto iliac bone graft for patients of scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) stage II and III. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted for 10 patients diagnosed with stage II or III SNAC, and consequently treated with open reduction and internal fixation with a headless screw and auto iliac bone graft with or without radial styloidectomy between 2010 and 2013. Radiographic results were evaluated by bone union, the scapholunate angle and lateral intrascaphoid angle. Clinical results were evaluated by range of motion, pain, grip strength, Mayo wrist score, and assessment of Maudsley. RESULTS: All patients showed union after the operation. Final follow-up X-rays show smoothening of the articular surface with improvement of sclerotic lesions of the articular surface, cystic lesions and osteopenic lesions. Pain decreased after the operation compared with preoperative status, grip strength and Mayo wrist score showed significant improvement. Scapholunate angle and lateral intrascaphoid angle decreased after the operation, but it was not significant. According to assessment of Maudsley, among 10 cases, there were 4 excellent cases, 4 good cases and 2 fair cases. CONCLUSION: Restoration of stability of scaphoid is important to SNAC stage II and III, open reduction and internal fixation with a headless screw and auto iliac bone graft shows satisfactory clinical and radiologic outcomes. Thus it is considered a recommendable operation.

Factors Influencing Outcomes after Ulnar Nerve Stability-Based Surgery for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: A Prospective Cohort Study

PURPOSE: Simple decompression of the ulnar nerve has outcomes similar to anterior transposition for cubital tunnel syndrome; however, there is no consensus on the proper technique for patients with an unstable ulnar nerve. We hypothesized that 1) simple decompression or anterior ulnar nerve transposition, depending on nerve stability, would be effective for cubital tunnel syndrome and that 2) there would be determining factors of the clinical outcome at two years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one patients with cubital tunnel syndrome underwent simple decompression (n=30) or anterior transposition (n=11) according to an assessment of intra-operative ulnar nerve stability. Clinical outcome was assessed using grip and pinch strength, two-point discrimination, the mean of the disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) survey, and the modified Bishop Scale. RESULTS: Preoperatively, two patients were rated as mild, another 20 as moderate, and the remaining 19 as severe according to the Dellon Scale. At 2 years after operation, mean grip/pinch strength increased significantly from 19.4/3.2 kg to 31.1/4.1 kg, respectively. Two-point discrimination improved from 6.0 mm to 3.2 mm. The DASH score improved from 31.0 to 14.5. All but one patient scored good or excellent according to the modified Bishop Scale. Correlations were found between the DASH score at two years and age, pre-operative grip strength, and two-point discrimination. CONCLUSION: An ulnar nerve stability-based approach to surgery selection for cubital tunnel syndrome was effective based on 2-year follow-up data. Older age, worse preoperative grip strength, and worse two-point discrimination were associated with worse outcomes at 2 years.

Olecranon Nonunion after Operative Treatment of Fracture

PURPOSE: Olecranon nonunion after surgical management is relatively rare, but it leads to limitation of motion of joint or instability. This retrospective study was conducted in order to analyze the cause and result of treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 11 cases treated for nonunion of olecranon fractures. Nonunion was classified according to the spot of the lesion and the extent of articular surface damage. Evaluation was performed using Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), Oxford elbow score (OES), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores, and the range of motion. RESULTS: According to the spot of the lesion and the extent of articular surface damage, nonunion was categorized as IA (2 cases), IIA (5 cases), and IIIA (4 cases). One case of IA underwent nonunion fragment excision and the remaining cases were treated by bone grafting. A plate was used in seven cases and the other three cases had both plate and tension band wiring fixation. All nonunions finally became union. The 11 patients with one year follow-up had average MEPS of 87.7 points (range: 60-100 points), average OES of 43.2, and average DASH score of 18.8 points. Complications included limitation of motion (2 cases) and ulnar nerve symptoms (3 cases). CONCLUSION: Bone grafting and fixation by plate may be beneficial. In addition, excision can be useful in type I.

Passive Skeletal Muscle Excursion after Tendon Rupture Correlates with Increased Collagen Content in Muscle

PURPOSE: This study was designed to measure time-dependent changes in muscle excursion and collagen content after tenotomy, and to analyze the correlation between muscle excursion and collagen content in a rabbit model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four rabbits underwent tenotomy of the second extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles on the right legs and were randomly assigned to three groups based on the period of time after tenotomy (2, 4, and 6 weeks). The second EDL muscles on left legs were used as controls. At each time after tenotomy, passive muscle excursion and collagen content, determined by hydroxyproline content, were measured bilaterally, and the ratio of each value to the normal one was used. RESULTS: The mean ratio of muscle excursion after tenotomy to the value of the control decreased in a time-dependent fashion: 92.5% at 2 weeks, 78.6% at 4 weeks, and 55.1% at 6 weeks. The mean ratio of hydroxyproline content in muscle to the value of the control increased in a time-dependent fashion: 119.5% at 2 weeks, 157.3% at 4 weeks, and 166.6% at 6 weeks. There was a significant negative correlation between the ratio of hydroxyproline content in muscle after tenotomy to the control values and the ratio of muscle excursion after tenotomy to the control values (r=-0.602, p=0.002). CONCLUSION: The decrease in muscle excursion seems to correlate with the increase in collagen content in the muscle in a time-dependent fashion following tenotomy.

Extension Type Locked Metacarpophalangeal Joint of the Little Finger due to Hyperextension Injury / 대한정형외과학회잡지

The extension type locked metacarpophalangeal joint of the little finger is an extremely rare condition characterized by loss of flexion with little or no loss of extension. The most common cause for locking is entrapment of a strap of the ruptured palmar plate. We treated a locked metacarpophalangeal joint of the little finger due to a hyperextension injury. The mechanism of locking was a torn part of the palmar ligament that forcefully rides across the prominence of the radial condyle of the metacarpal bone together with the accessory collateral ligament. These dislocated parts of the ligament formed a constricting bundle that prevented closed reduction. Locking was released successfully by an open reduction using the dorsal approach of the metacarpophalangeal joint without complication.

Relationship between Change of Median Nerve Cross-Sectional Area Measured by Ultrasonography and Prognosis after Carpal Tunnel Release / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate cross-sectional area of the median nerve using ultrasound in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome before and after endoscopic intervention, and to verify the level at which it can be used in prediction of outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in 21 patients who underwent endoscopic carpal tunnel release from March 2011 to March 2012. Median nerve cross-sectional area was measured before the operation and three months after the operation at the level of lunate, pisiform and hamate. The Boston questionnaire was evaluated before the operation and three months after the operation, and then allocated as two groups (group I: symptom improvement of more than 25%, group II: symptom improvement less than 25%). Then, differences of cross-sectional area between preoperative measurement and postoperative measurement on three levels were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were females and two were males ranging in age between 35-79 years (mean, 55.4 years). Significant differences were observed between the two groups at the lunate level. However, at the level of pisiform and hamate, no differences were observed between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Measurement of median nerve cross-sectional area at the lunate level showed significant correlation with outcome of carpal tunnel release.

Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia with Eosinophilia of Distal Arm / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) and Kimura's disease were classified as same disease in the past. Since there are many different clinical and histopathological characteristics that warranted their distinction, they are classified as different disease now. Six cases of Kimura's disease in upper extremity have been reported in Korean literature but ALHE in upper extremity has not been reported yet. We experienced a case of surgically treated ALHE in the upper arm and report this case with review of literature.

Headless Autocompression Screw Fixation of Scaphoid Fractures Using Open Dorsal Approach

PURPOSE: We present the clinical and radiological results of open reduction and internal fixation for scaphoid fracture with retrograde headless screw fixation via dorsal approach. METHODS: This study carried out a survey targeting 15 patients who have a retrograde headless screw fixation on nonunion of scaphoid fracture without previous operation, 2 patients who have a retrograde headless screw fixation on nonunion of scaphoid fracture with previous operation and 8 patients who have a trans-scaphoid perilunate dislocation. We figured out a mechanism of injury, and clinical symptom, radiologic findings. The surgery was done with open dorsal approach which is retrograde headless screw fixation internally, with or without bone graft. We analyzed the result by Maudsley method, in terms of bone union, duration for union, radiologic finding, clinical outcomes. RESULTS: After surgery, 22 of 25 patients had union result on fracture and other 3 patients had nonunion result. It took 12 weeks to achieve bone union on average. Based on radiograhs, we had one case of partial avascular necrosis of proximal fragment without clinical symptoms. We had one case of each scaphoid nonunion without previous operation, with operation and trans-scaphoid perilunate dislocation had arthritic change and non-symptomatic nonunion result. In terms of clinical outcome, 22 patients showed satisfactory results and 3 patients had slight limitation of range of motion. CONCLUSION: Retrograde headless screw fixation with or without bone graft for the treatment of scaphoid fracture is recommendable.

Surgical Removal of Calcific Lesions in the Hand

PURPOSE: Calcific lesion of the hand is infrequently recognized, presenting with severe pain and swelling of the affected joint. The purpose of this study is to describe clinical features associated with this condition by reviewing surgically treated patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out in 11 patients who had operation clinical and radiographic data were collected by medical records. RESULTS: Eight patients were females and three were males with age ranging between 27-75 years (mean: 48 years). By location, five cases of interphalangeal joint, three cases of metacarpophalangeal joint of thumb, two cases of carpal tunnel and one case of distal ulna area were noted. Interval between symptom presentation and operation was 9.4 month (range: 6-18 month). During 10 month follow-up (range: 6-12 month), recurrence had not occurred. CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence of calcific lesion of hand and wrist is low, it may cause severe pain and swelling. If conservative treatment fails or any nerve compression symptom develops, surgical removal of the calcific lesion is recommended.

Fixation of Olecranon Fractures Using Plating System

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of plate fixation for olecranon fractures which was difficult to be fixed firmly with tension band wiring alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1995 through 2008, 20 patients who underwent plate fixation of an olecranon fracture were included in this retrospective study. According to the Mayo classification, there were 3 type IIA fracture, 7 type IIB, and 10 type IIIB fractures. Clinical evaluation was done based on radiographic union of olecranon and measurements of range of motion at last follow-up. Disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score and Mayo Elbow Performance score was used for evaluation of functional recovery. RESULTS: Union was achieved in 18 (90%) at an average of 5.6 months. The mean arc of elbow motion was 123degrees and the mean rotation arc was 81degrees. According to the MEPS, sixteen of twenty patients had a good or excellent outcome. The mean DASH score was 16.3. Most common complication was hardware irritation in 3 patients. CONCLUSION: Plate fixation is an effective treatment option for severe olecranon fracture pattern like comminuted fractures, Monteggia equivalent with unstable elbows and nonunions.

Treatment of Non-union Distal Humerus Fractures after Operation

PURPOSE: This study is a retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone surgical treatment for non-union of distal humerus fracture. We evaluated them in terms of causes of injury, radiologic findings, and clinical outcomes such as prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven consecutive radiologic patients who were confirmed to have nonunion of a distal humerus fracture underwent reoperations. These patients had already undergone operations for distal humerus fractures. This survey was held from 2005 to 2010. The average period up to diagnosis of non-union after the first operation was 7.4 months (4 to 16 months). The mean follow-up period was 24.6 months (12 to 65 months). Each patient was graded functionally according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Score and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score. RESULTS: Osteosynthesis was performed by internal fixation with plates and screws and then a bone graft for non-union of the distal humerus fracture. The average range of motion within the elbow joints was found to be a flexion contracture of 18.8 degrees (0~30 degrees) and further flexion of 120.2 degrees (102~140 degrees). Among postoperative complications, three cases of medium-degree stiffness, two cases of medial column nonunion, and one case of dissociation of the internal fixator were reported. CONCLUSION: Stable internal fixation for maintenance reduction status is essential after accurate initial anatomical reduction. We concluded that nonunion could be prevented by additional surgical treatment such as autogenous bone graft, if it is necessary.

One-Bone Forearm Procedure for Acquired Pseudoarthrosis of the Ulna Combined with Radial Head Dislocation in a Child: A Case with 20 Years Follow-Up

This report describes a 6 year-old boy who was treated with one-bone forearm procedure for acquired pseudoarthrosis of the ulna combined with radial head dislocation after radical ulna debridement for osteomyelitis. At more than 20 years of follow-up, the patient had a nearly full range of elbow movements with a few additional surgical procedures. Pronation and supination was restricted by 45degrees, but the patient had near-normal elbow and hand functions without the restriction of any daily living activity. This case shows that one-bone forearm formation is a reasonable option for forearm stability in longstanding pseudoarthrosis of the ulna with radial head dislocation in a child.

One-Bone Forearm Procedure for Acquired Pseudoarthrosis of the Ulna Combined with Radial Head Dislocation in a Child: A Case with 20 Years Follow-Up

This report describes a 6 year-old boy who was treated with one-bone forearm procedure for acquired pseudoarthrosis of the ulna combined with radial head dislocation after radical ulna debridement for osteomyelitis. At more than 20 years of follow-up, the patient had a nearly full range of elbow movements with a few additional surgical procedures. Pronation and supination was restricted by 45degrees, but the patient had near-normal elbow and hand functions without the restriction of any daily living activity. This case shows that one-bone forearm formation is a reasonable option for forearm stability in longstanding pseudoarthrosis of the ulna with radial head dislocation in a child.

Revision Osteosynthesis after Failed Surgery for Scaphoid Nonunion

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of revision osteosynthesis using Herbert screw fixation combined with autogenous cancellous bone grafting for scaphoid nonunions after failed primary surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients who underwent revision osteosynthesis for a scaphoid nonunion after a mean of 13.6 months following primary surgical failure were studied. There were 9 waist fractures and 3 proximal fractures. The revision osteosynthesis was performed using autogenous iliac cancellous bone grafting combined with Herbert screw fixation. RESULTS: Union was achieved in 11 of 12 cases. The results of eleven united cases were clinically satisfactory at the mean follow up of 16.9 months after revision. The motion range of wrist joint improved: average flexion was 51degrees, average extension was 65degrees, average radial deviation 15degrees, and average ulnar deviation was 21degrees. CONCLUSION: Herbert screw fixation and autogenous iliac cancellous bone grafting was proved to be a useful method as a revisional operation for a scaphoid nonunion after failed primary surgery.

Surgical Treatment of Pathologic Humeral Fracture

PURPOSE: To evaluate and analyze the radiographic and clinical outcomes after the surgical treatments of pathologic humeral fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 1993 to September 2007, a retrospective investigation was conducted with a total of 13 patients who underwent operations for pathologic humeral fractures. The methods of surgical treatment were as follows-four cases of open reduction and internal fixation; eight cases of closed reduction and internal fixation with intramedullary nailing; and one of radical excision and hemiarthroplasty. RESULTS: Of nine patients with metastatic bone lesions, three were diagnosed with primary cancer after the incidence of pathologic humeral fracture. The mean period between the diagnosis of primary cancer and pathologic fracture in the latter six cases was 36.7 (2~144) months and the mean survival period after the surgical treatments was 22.8 (12~35) weeks in all patients with bone metastasis. Fracture unions were noted in all four cases of primary humeral bone lesion but none in metastatic cases. Pain relief and functional recovery were noted in eleven patients of this study. CONCLUSION: Satisfactory clinical outcomes with sustained pain relief and functional recovery were observed after the surgical treatments of pathologic humeral fracture. Benign bone lesions require more active and early treatments in order to facilitate the functional recovery of upper extremities and fracture union. With pathologic humeral fractures originated from metastasis, palliative treatments were preferred to fracture union method for planning long-term pain relief and functional recovery.

Single Portal Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release in Patients Older than 65 Years

PURPOSE: There have been few reports about the endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) in elderly patients and its efficacy and safety are not well-known. We evaluated the clinical outcomes of ECTR using Agee technique in patients older than 65 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 2000 to January 2007, thirty-five patients (42 hands) who underwent ECTR using Agee technique were enrolled. The average age of the patients was 67.2 years (range, 65-71 years). The duration of symptoms averaged 10 months (range, 6-33 months). For evaluation of the clinical outcomes, physical examination and subjective assessment of the hand function using the Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire were performed at postoperative 1-year follow-up and compared with those obtained at preoperative evaluation. The mean follow-up period was 18 months (range, 12-24 months). RESULTS: There were no neurovascular injury and scar tenderness. At postoperative 1-year follow-up, paresthesia, numbness, Phalen's sign, tinel sign, two point discrimation, and grip power were significantly improved compared with those obtained at preoperation. According to the Boston questionnaire, symptom severity score improved from 3.43 preoperatively to 1.89 postoperatively, and functional status score improved from 3.18 preoperatively to 2.21 postoperatively (p<0.05). Thenar atrophy still remained in 32 hands (76.2%). CONCLUSION: Although thenar atrophy did not improve in many cases, symptom severity and functional status scores improved in most patients treated with ECTR. The single portal ECTR is a safe and efficacious treatment option in elderly patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Prognostic Factors of the Extension Block Technique for the Bony Mallet Finger / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results and prognostic factors of the extension block technique for treating a bony mallet finger. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 2002 and January 2009, forty-nine patients who underwent the extension block technique for a bony mallet finger were evaluated. The minimum period of follow up was 6 months. The type of fracture was classified by the Wehbe and Schneider method. The results were evaluated by the Crawford classification. The prognostic factors were analyzed according to age, gender, the timing of the surgery, the mallet fragment angle and the residual displacement. RESULTS: According the Crawford classification, there were 22 excellent, 20 good, 6 fair and 1 poor results. The poor prognostic factors were an older patient age, subluxation, a smaller mallet fragment angle and smaller postoperative displacement (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The prognostic factors of the extension block technique for bony mallet finger were the patient age, subluxation, the mallet fragment angle (more than 30 degrees) and the postoperative displacement.