Comparative Study of Spiral Oblique Retinacular Ligament Reconstruction Techniques Using Either a Lateral Band or a Tendon Graft

BACKGROUND: In the management of mallet deformities, oblique retinacular ligament (ORL) reconstruction provides a mechanism for automatic distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint extension upon active proximal interphalangeal joint extension. The two variants of ORL reconstruction utilize either the lateral band or a free tendon graft. This study aims to compare these two surgical techniques and to assess any differences in functional outcome. As a secondary measure, the Mitek bone anchor and pull-in suture methods are compared. METHODS: A single-institutional retrospective review of ORL reconstruction was performed. The standard patient demographics, injury mechanism, type of ORL reconstruction, and pre/postoperative degree of extension lag were collected for the 27 cases identified. The cases were divided into lateral band (group A, n=15) and free tendon graft groups (group B, n=12). Group B was subdivided into the pull-in suture technique (B-I) and the Mitek bone anchor method (B-II). RESULTS: Overall, ORL reconstructions had improved the mean DIP extension lag by 10degrees (P=0.027). Neither the reconstructive technique choice nor bone fixation method identified any statistically meaningful difference in functional outcome (P=0.51 and P=0.83, respectively). Soft-tissue injury was associated with 30.8degrees of improvement in the extension lag. The most common complications were tendon adhesion and rupture. CONCLUSIONS: The choice of the ORL reconstructive technique or the bone anchor method did not influence the primary functional outcome of extension lag in this study. Both lateral band and free tendon graft ORL reconstructions are valid treatment methods in the management of chronic mallet deformity.

A Modified Technique for Pectus Carinatum Surgery: Partial Costal Cartilage Resection and Pre-sternal Compression with Using a Stainless Steel Bar / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: The surgical treatment of pectus carinatum is usually a modified Ravitch operation that consists of complete costal cartilage resection and sternal wedge osteotomy. We tried a simple and easy technique that is resection of only deformed, protruded costal cartilage and pre-sternal compression with using a stainless steel bar and this is done without sternal osteotomy. Therefore, we performed partial cartilage resection and pre-sternal compression with a stainless steel bar and we observed the effects and the efficiency of treatment. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From July, 2006 to June, 2008, 10 patients with pectus carinatum underwent our modified technique of pectus carinatum surgery. The effects of surgery and the complications were reviewed. RESULT: 5 patients with only pectus carinatum underwent our modified technique of pectus carinatum surgery. 5 patients with pectus carinatum and pectus excavatum underwent our modified technique of pectus carinatum surgery and Nuss surgery. The mean patient age was 13.4+3.3 years old. The mean operation time was 137.6+22.9 minutes for the pectus carinatum patients and 234.0+36.5 minutes for the pectus carinatum and pectus excavatum patients. The mean length of hospitalization was 11.8+1.0 days. The Haller pectus index of pectus carinatum was 2.10+/-0.21 preoperatively and this was increased to 2.53+/-0.07 postoperatively. The only complication was simple partial wound disruption in 1 patient. CONCLUSION: We performed partial cartilage resection and pre-sternal compression with a stainless steel bar in 10 patients with pectus carinatum and its effects were good. Our modified technique of pectus carinatum is easy and simple as compared with the Ravitch operation. But removal of the stainless steel bar has not yet been performed for these patients and long-term follow up is needed to accurately evaluate the effects of this surgery in many surgical cases.

A Forgotten Surgical Gauze after Surgery that Mimicked Aspergilloma: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

A 55-year-old male presented with intermittent cough and blood-tinged sputum. 35 years earlier in the Army Armed Forces, he had undergone lung surgery of the right upper lobe because of tuberculosis. Chest CT showed a mass-like lesion with an internal air-meniscus sign in the right lung. The mass was 5x7 cm in the right upper lobe and it was a well marginated lesion. The resected mass contained a foreign body, that is, a retained surgical gauge. Herein we report on a rare case of retained gauze after surgery that mimicked aspergilloma.

Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome : One case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is a rare disorder and lead to claudication and disturbance of blood flow from the results of an abnormal relationship of the popliteal artery to the gastrocnemius muscle, a fibrous band or the popliteus muscle in a young male population. The specific diagnosis is difficult. In most cases, surgical treatment provides a definitive diagnosis of the lesion and is necessary for the patient's recovery. A 34-years-old male was admitted complaining of claudication and pain on left leg. Ankle-brachial index, vascular sonography, CT-angiogram and MRI revealed an occlusion of proximal popliteal artery of left leg. The patient was confirmed as a popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (type IV) that the popliteal artery was entrapped by a fibrous band around the popliteus muscle in the operative field. Completely occluded fibrotic popliteal artery was removed, and interposition with ipsilateral greater saphenous vein graft was done. After surgery, symptoms of the patient have improved.