Traumatic Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Injuries and Instability of the Distal Radioulnar Joint / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Traumatic triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries require multidisciplinary approach and plan. Trauma to TFCC can lead to instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Injury to TFCC is classified as a stable type that does not cause unstable lesions for DRUJ or unstable type that can cause instability of DRUJ. According to the location and severity of the injury, arthroscopic debridement or arthroscopic repair may be considered. In the ulnar side avulsion of TFCC, which could cause DRUJ instability, arthroscopic examination should be performed to identify an accurate location of the damaged structures, followed by arthroscopic debridement and repair. In the event of TFCC and DRUJ injuries with ulnar positive variance, arthroscopic TFCC repair or ulnar shortening osteotomy after arthroscopic debridement could be considered to solve the instability and ulnar side pain. However, if peripheral TFCC tear with ulnar impaction syndrome and DRUJ instability, it combined operation of ulnar shortening osteotomy and TFCC foveal fixation could be considered. An accurate classification of TFCC and DRUJ injuries is necessary. It is important to resolve and prevent recurrence of ulnar wrist pain caused by instability.

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.

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.

Postoperative Mortality and the Associated Factors in Elderly Patients with Hip Fracture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the mortality and factors that are related to the mortality in elderly patients with hip fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2006 and December 2009, 304 patients who were 65 years or older underwent surgery for hip fracture. Among them, 261 patients were available and 43 patients excluded from this study, as they were unable to be evaluated for one year mortality. We analyzed the relationship between the postoperative mortality and the associated factors (age, gender, the type of operation, the type of fracture, method of anesthesia, comorbidity, operation delay). RESULTS: The one year mortality rate for elderly patients with hip fracture was 10.7%. There was no relationships between the postoperative mortality and the type of operation, the type of fracture, and method of anesthesia. However, age, gender, the number of comorbidity, operation delay, and dementia of comorbidity were factors associated with the mortality rate for elderly patients with hip fracture. CONCLUSION: The one year mortality rate for elderly patients with hip fracture was 10.7%. Age, gender, the number of comorbidity, operation delay, and dementia of comorbidity were factors associated with the mortality rate in elderly patients with hip fracture.

Radiographic Changes in Conservatively Treated Distal Radius Fractures

PURPOSE: To evaluate the radiographic changes in distal radius fractures treated conservatively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 55 patients with a distal radius fracture treated by conservative treatment. Average age was 57.6 years. According to the AO classification, 17 were A2 fractures followed by C1 (13 cases), C2 (9 cases), C3 (7 cases), B1 (6 cases) and A3 (3 cases). Closed reduction and U-shaped splint were applied as initial treatment. Long arm cast followed by short arm cast were applied for intraarticular or metaphyseal comminuted fractures. Radial inclination angle, radial length and volar tilt angle in each radiograph were measured and evaluated by statistic analysis. Radiographic changes according to ages, comminution of metaphysis and fracture type were also evaluated. RESULTS: Radial inclination, radial length and volar tilt were 22.8degrees, 12.0 mm and 8.5degrees after closed reduction, 22.1degrees, 10.5 mm and 7.7degrees at casting, 20.1degrees, 8.7 mm and 4.5degrees at cast off, and 18.7degrees, 7.4 mm and 4.1degrees at last follow-up. All three values had statistical significances between casting and removal of cast (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.002). Radial inclination angle and radial length in the group over 60 years had statistical significances between casting and removal of cast, comparing with the group under 60 years (p=0.037, p=0.045). CONCLUSION: Loss of reduction was more prominent between 3 to 6 weeks after injury, especially in the group 60 years or older.

Radiographic Changes in Conservatively Treated Distal Radius Fractures

PURPOSE: To evaluate the radiographic changes in distal radius fractures treated conservatively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 55 patients with a distal radius fracture treated by conservative treatment. Average age was 57.6 years. According to the AO classification, 17 were A2 fractures followed by C1 (13 cases), C2 (9 cases), C3 (7 cases), B1 (6 cases) and A3 (3 cases). Closed reduction and U-shaped splint were applied as initial treatment. Long arm cast followed by short arm cast were applied for intraarticular or metaphyseal comminuted fractures. Radial inclination angle, radial length and volar tilt angle in each radiograph were measured and evaluated by statistic analysis. Radiographic changes according to ages, comminution of metaphysis and fracture type were also evaluated. RESULTS: Radial inclination, radial length and volar tilt were 22.8degrees, 12.0 mm and 8.5degrees after closed reduction, 22.1degrees, 10.5 mm and 7.7degrees at casting, 20.1degrees, 8.7 mm and 4.5degrees at cast off, and 18.7degrees, 7.4 mm and 4.1degrees at last follow-up. All three values had statistical significances between casting and removal of cast (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.002). Radial inclination angle and radial length in the group over 60 years had statistical significances between casting and removal of cast, comparing with the group under 60 years (p=0.037, p=0.045). CONCLUSION: Loss of reduction was more prominent between 3 to 6 weeks after injury, especially in the group 60 years or older.

Arthroscopic Treatment for Septic Arthritis of the Shoulder in Neonates / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Septic arthritis of the shoulder joint in a neonate is very rare. Damage to the growth plate and ossification center of the proximal humerus may lead to disability of the shoulder joint. Therefore, early diagnosis and proper treatment are very important. We treated septic arthritis of the shoulder joint in a 9-day old newborn baby by arthroscopic irrigation and debridement using a 2.4 mm wrist arthroscope instrument. We could achieve a satisfactory result by inspecting the inside condition of the joint directly, removing granulation tissues and debris and washing out the joint by arthroscopy.

Modified Extension Block Technique for Large Mallet Fracture

PURPOSE: To evaluate retrospectively the clinical results of modified extension block technique for large mallet fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2006 to August 2007, we reviewed 16 patients who got surgery with large mallet fracture. Surgical indications included fractures involving more than 33% of the articular surface or fractures associated with subluxation of the distal interphalangeal joint. The average age was 32.6 years old. The average time from injury to surgery was 10days. We performed modified extension block technique in all patients. The pins were removed between 5 to 6 weeks when we confirmed bone union by radiology. Function outcomes were determined by using the Crawford criteria. RESULTS: The average fracture fragment size was 52% of the joint surface. Average time to fracture union was 5.4weeks(4.5~7.5weeks). At a mean follow-up of 8.2months(5-13months) average extension loss was 3degrees (0-10degrees )and average flexion was 77degrees (60-85degrees ). According to Crawford classification, 81.3% of paitents had excellent or good results. There were 2 nail deformity. CONCLUSION: Modified extension block technique can make up for the weak points of traditional techique in the treatment for large mallet fracture.

Operative Treatment for Nonunions of Distal Radial Fracture: A Report of 7 Cases / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To report the treatment results of 7 cases of distal radius nonunion with a review of the relevant literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven patients treated with an autoiliac bone graft and rigid internal fixation for nonunion of the distal radius were analyzed retrospectively for the cause of injury, the factors affecting nonunion, radiological findings, treatment method and complications. The results were analyzed radiologically using Kreder's method and functionally using the Anderson' protocols. RESULTS: Union was achieved in all cases after a mean period of 19 weeks. The functional result of treatment at the last follow-up was excellent in 4 cases and satisfactory in 3 cases. The probable factors of nonunion were instability of the fracture site in three cases, type II or III open fracture in 2 cases, postoperative infection in one case and idiopathic in one case. CONCLUSION: Infection control using a stepwise operation, rigid internal fixation and autogenous iliac bone graft showed satisfactory results in distal radius nonunion, which had developed in those with severe open fractures, postoperative infection, instability on the fracture site and associated distal ulnar fracture.

Polarus Intramedullary Nail for Nonunion of Humerus neck

Purpose: Evaluate the clinical results of humerus neck nonunion treated with Polarus intramedullary nail. Materials and Methods: 8 patients who underwent surgery for nonunion of humerus surgical neck fracture were included. All patients were female, the average age was 65 years. 5 out the total 8 cases initially received surgery, open reduction and internal fixation with metal plate in 1 case, Ender nail insertion in 2 cases, external fixator in 1 case and closed reduction and percutaneous pinning in 1 case. The other 3 non union cases initial received conservative managemnent. The average period of nonunion was 9 months in the operated group and 6.2 months in the conservative group. All 8 cases received closed reduction with intrameedullary Polarus nail and auto iliac bone graft. Union was confirmed radiologically, and functional evaluation was done with the UCLA functional criteria. Results: All 8 cases showed union on radiologic evaluation. Average time to union was 3.5 months, average follow up period was 27 months. Average UCLA shoulder evaluation score was 7.6 points preoperatively which improved to 26.3 points after surgery. Active shoulder flexion was 40.7 degrees preoperatiely which increased to 104 degrees after surgery. Shoulder abduction improved from 32.9 degrees preoperatively to 96.3 degrees after surgery. UCLA functional criteria was good in 5 cases and fair in 3 cases, which no poor cases. Conclusion: Polarus IM nailing and AIBG is a useful method for treating nonunion of humerus neck fracture with improvement in union and function.

Sciatic Nerve Compression due to Ganglion

Compression neuropathy can take place when the sciatic nerves come out from the sciatic notch and they are pressed by the nearby structure while traveling to their terminus. The common causes are the pyriformis syndrome that is caused by spasm of the pyrifomis muscle, lesions around the nerves and pressures from outside the spine. It has been occasionally reported that an intraneural ganglion develops within the sciatic nerve and this causes sciatic nerve compression. However, it has never been reported that the ganglion that developed around the nerves caused sciatic nerve compression. This case is about a 49-year-old man who underwent surgery due to the ganglion around the sciatic nerves, which had been found via a magnetic resonance image.

T Plate Fixation for Unstable Fracture of Distal Clavicle

PURPOSE: To review clinical and radiological results after open reduction and internal fixation with T plate for unstable distal clavicle fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July. 1999 to December 2002, nine patients with distal clavicle Neer type II fractures were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with T plate. The bony union was confirmed by plain radiography. The clinical results were analyzed according to the classification by Kona et al. RESULTS: Average time to fracture union was 8 weeks in all cases. The functional results were as follows: excellent in 7 cases and good in 2 cases. Screw loosening occurred in one case, but bony union was achieved. CONCLUSION: We recommend T plate fixation as another treatment method for unstable distal clavicle fractures.

Idiopathic Avascular Necrosis of the Capitate: A Case Report / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Idiopathic avascular necrosis of the capitate is a very rare condition. Only 7 cases have been reported until 2002 in the literature since the lesion was originally described by Jonsson in 1942. The incidence of the injury has not been documented and no report has been issued in Korea. The author experienced one case of idiopathic capitate avascular necrosis which was treated by curettage and autoiliac bone graft.

Silicone Prosthesis Replacement for the Treatment of Radial Head Fractures / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcome of silicone radial head prosthesis for treatment of comminuted radial head fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven patients who had taken a radial head replacement with a silicone prosthesis from November 2001 to April 2004 were enrolled in the study. Mean age was 49.1 years old when they sustained a fracture of the radial head or neck. There were two Mason type III fractures and five Mason type IV fractures. Associtated injuries were a variant of Monteggia fracture, Essex-Lopresti injuries and a capitellum fracture. Mean follow-up was 20.3 months. The clinical outcome was analized by Mayo Elbow Performance Index. RESULTS: Overall outcome was that two cases were excellent, four cases were good and one case was fair. There were complications which included limitation of motion, radioulnar synostosis and proximal migration of radius. CONCLUSION: The silicone radial head prosthesis was found to be recommendable treatment option for patients with Mason type III and IV radial head fractures which were difficult to be reconstructed.

Cannulated Screw Fixation for 4 Part Fractures of the Neck of Humerus

PURPOSE: To analyze radiological and functional results after open reduction and internal fixation for fractures of the neck of humerus (4-part) using cannulated screws. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 1997 and April 2004, 11 patients with neck of humerus fracture (4-part) were treated operatively by open reduction and internal fixation with cannulated screws. Two surgical approaches (deltopectoral for 9 cases and deltoid splitting for 2 cases) were used. The mean age was 36 years old and the mean duration of follow-up was 56 months. ASES (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons) score was checked to evaluate the function in shoulder joint. We used 2 cannulated screws in 2 cases, 3~4 screws in 6 cases and over 5 screws in 3 cases for fixation. In 2 cases, K-wires were used additionally and autoiliac bone graft was done in 1 cases which had poor bone mass. RESULTS: All cases got bony union at 5.6 months on average. In functional assessment of shoulder, eight patients got excellent, one got good points. There were complications including shoulder stiffness in 2 cases, avascular necrosis of humeral head in 1 case and subacromial impingement syndrome in 1 case. CONCLUSION: Internal fixation using cannulated screws for fractures of humerus neck (4 part) showed good bony union and functional results in patients under 50 years old who had average bone quality.

Operative Treatment for Proximal Phalangeal Neck Fractures of the Finger in Children

Displacement and inappropriate treatment of a proximal phalangeal neck fracture may result in malunion of the fracture with consequent loss of motion and gross deformity, especially in children. We performed a retrospective study of twenty-four patients who had undergone operative treatment for a proximal phalangeal neck fracture, with a mean follow-up evaluation of 14 months (range: 12-30 months). We analyzed the types of fractures, their causes, operative treatments, complications, and functional outcomes. The age of the patients ranged from 2 to 14 years (average: 4.8 years). Twenty of the 24 patients had open reduction and internal fixation, and fourteen of these 20 patients had criss-cross pin fixation. Four of the 24 patients had closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. The average length of immobilization was 3.5 weeks. Excellent or good results were seen in 18 patients (75%). Two patients had complications, which included volar angular deformity and mild button-hole deformity. We recommend that careful initial radiography, particularly, true lateral view radiographs, be required for proper diagnosis. The best results can only be obtained with accurate anatomical reduction of the fracture and early active motion exercise.