Evaluation of polymerization ability of resin-based materials used for teeth splinting

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the polymerization ability of resin-based materials used for teeth splinting according to the thickness of cure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this study, the Light-Fix and G-FIX developed for resinous splinting materials and the G-aenial Universal Flo, the high-flowable composite resin available as restorative and splinting material, were used. Ten specimens of the thickness of 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm and 5 mm in diameter for each composite resin (total 120) were prepared. The microhardness of top and bottom surfaces for each specimen was measured by the Vickers hardness testing machine. The polymerization ability of the composite resin for each thickness was statistically analyzed using independent T-test at a 0.05 level of significance. RESULTS: There was no difference of polymerization ability regardless of the thickness in the Light-Fix and G-FIX. The G-aenial Universal Flo showed significantly low polymerization ability from the thickness of the 3 mm (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Light-Fix and G-FIX, which are resin-based materials used for teeth splinting, are expected to be suitable for light curing up to 5 mm in thickness.

Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head Treated with Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy: Analysis of Short-term Clinical Outcomes of Treatment with Radiologic Staging / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical results of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) with radiographic staging on patients with avascular necrosis of femoral head (AVNFH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 24 patients diagnosed with AVNFH (32 hip joints) who were treated with ESWT from 1993 to 2012. Average follow-up period was 27 months, and the average age of patients was 47.8 years. The Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) system was used to grade radiographic stage prior to treatment. For this study patients were divided into two groups based on their ARCO stage, group 1 (ARCO stages I and II) and group 2 (ARCO stage III). Comparative analyses were done between the two groups using the visual analogue scale (VAS) score and the Harris hip score (HHS) at pre-treatment and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment. Failure was defined when radiographic stage progressed or arthroplasty surgery was needed due to clinical exacerbation. RESULTS: Both groups showed clinical improvements with VAS scoring at final follow-up (group 1: median 7 to 1.5, P<0.001; group 2: mean 7 to 4, P=0.056). Using HHS, group 1 showed a significant improvement (from 65.5 to 95 [P<0.001]), while no significance was observed for group 2 (P=0.280). At final follow-up, 3 hips from group 1 and one hip from group 2 showed radiographic improvement; however, two patients underwent total hip arthroplasty due to persistent pain and dysfunction. CONCLUSION: ESWT can be considered as an interventional option before surgical treatment in patients with not only early stage AVNFH but also with mid stage.

Effect of Trendelenburg position on right and left internal jugular vein cross-sectional area / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Unlike the right internal jugular vein (RIJV), there is a paucity of data regarding the effect of the Trendelenburg position on the left internal jugular vein (LIJV). The purpose of this study is to investigate the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the LIJV and RIJV and their response to the Trendelenburg position using two-dimensional ultrasound in adult subjects. METHODS: This study enrolled fifty-eight patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status class I-II who were undergoing general anesthesia. CSAs of both the RIJV and LIJV were measured with a two-dimensional ultrasound in the supine position and then in a 10degrees Trendelenburg position. RESULTS: In the supine position, the transverse diameter, anteroposterior diameter, and CSA of the RIJV were significantly larger than those of the LIJV (P < 0.001). Of 58 patients, the RIJV CSA was larger than the LIJV CSA in 43 patients (74.1%), and the LIJV CSA was larger than the RIJV CSA in 15 patients (25.9%). In the Trendelenburg position, CSAs of the RIJV and LIJV increased 39.4 and 25.5%, respectively, compared with the supine position. However, RIJV changed at a rate that was significantly greater than that of the LIJV (P < 0.05). Of 58 patients, the RIJV CSA was larger than the LIJV CSA in 48 patients (82.8%), and the LIJV CSA was larger than the RIJV CSA in 10 patients (17.2%). CONCLUSIONS: In supine position, the RIJV CSA was larger than the LIJV CSA. The increased CSA in the Trendelenburg position was greater in the RIJV than the LIJV.

A Case of Lead Migration Caused by Involuntary Movement in Implanted Spinal Cord Stimulation / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a reliable clinical option for treatment of refractory chronic pain. It is known to be effective method for treating sympathetic pain, failed back surgery syndrome, and complex regional pain syndrome etc. The devices and implantation techniques for SCS are already highly developed and continuously improving, but there are some complications that can not be corrected easily. Lead migration is the most common complication after SCS. It can cause failure of SCS that can make discomfort to patients. Here we describe our experience of lead migration in implanted SCS which was inserted to a patient with complex regional pain syndrome patient.

A Comparison of the Recovery Characteristics between Propofol-remifentil and Sevoflurane-remifentail Anesthesia for Total Thyroidectomy / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

OBJECTIVES: This study was investigated the recovery characteristics of propofol-remifentanil and sevoflurane-remifentanil anesthesia for total thyroidectomy. METHODS: Eighty patients in ASA physical status 1 and 2 scheduled for total thyroidectomy were allocated randomly to either group P (n = 40) or group S (n = 40). Anesthesia was maintained with remifentanil effect site concentration (Ce) 1-3 ng/mL and propofol Ce 2-4 microg/mL in the group P, and was maintained with remifentanil Ce 1-3 ng/mL and sevoflurane 1.5-2% in the group S. Blood pressure, heart rate, and bispectral (BIS) index were measured during perioperative period. The times from discontinuance of anesthetic agent to eye opening, to extubation, and to stating name were measured. Postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between group P and S on the blood pressure, heart rate, and recovery time. BIS index of group P showed lower than that of group S during operation (P < 0.05). The incidences of side effects were similar in the two groups, though the incidence of nausea was higher in the group S (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Propofol-remifentanil anesthesia was more advantageous than sevoflurane-remifentanil anesthesia for thyroidectomy in view of side effect incidences.

Experience of Arthroscopy of Ankle Joint with Manual Traction / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: Number of arthroscopic surgery is gradually increasing with development of its equipment and technique. Arthroscopic ankle surgery performed with the traction device has various complications and need more time for preparation. We investigated whether the complication rate increased when surgery was performed without the traction device, and compared the complication rate of arthroscopic surgery with the traction device. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2009 to June 2012, arthroscopic ankle surgery was performed without the traction device in four hundred eleven cases. There were two hundred sixty-one males and one hundred fifty females. The average age at operation was 35 years (range, 17-56), and the average follow up period was 28 months (range, 12-41). Postoperative symptoms and complications were checked. RESULTS: There were difficulties performing arthroscopic surgery without the traction device in five cases with severe traumatic osteoarthritis. However, after burring and shaving, we had enough space to work on. Superficial peroneal nerve symptom was found in two cases, grooving of talus was found in 11, and saphenous vein injury was found in five. Since preparing for the traction device was unnecessary, we were able to save time with the mean duration of surgery of 50 minutes (range, 30-120). CONCLUSION: With only manual traction, we could explore the entire ankle joint without damage on cartilage. Yet, skilled arthroscopic technique will be necessary for arthroscopic surgery without the traction device.

Effect of Axial loading on Lumbar spine MRI: Comparative Study of Effect between a Patient Group with Claudication and a Patient Group without Claudication

STUDY DESIGN: This study intended to find out differences of effects by axial loading in MRI examination in a patient group with neurologic claudication and a group without neurologic claudication. OBJECTIVES: It was intended to understand in which group the effects of axial loading can be expected when taking MRI on the lumbar spine. SUMMARY OF THE LITERATURE REVIEW: The study of Willen and Danielson found spinal canal stenosis, which cannot be found by existing methods comparing an MRI taken in bended posture of lumbar without axial loading implementation by MRI taken with axial loading implementation. Hiwatashi et al. also reported that there was a change of treatment direction by laminectomy after axial loading in patients who were intended to take a conservational treatment before the axial loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 39 patients and 54 intervertebral discs were compared. The distances from a sagittal plane before and after intervertebral discs were compared by measuring a sectional area of dura mater in a horizontal plane image and two groups were compared by existence of patients' neurologic claudication. RESULTS: The AP diameter before and after a intervertebral discs increased into 41.98 mm from 41.1 mm on the average and the sectional area of dura mater showed 137.47mm2 before loading and 119.86mm2 after loading on the average. There was not a significant difference in the distances before and after axial loading implementation, but a significant difference was found in the sectional area of dura mater. CONCLUSION: Axial loading would contribute to diagnose spinal disease, and especially, spinal canal stenosis in a patient group with claudication.

The effects of lidocaine and procaine on microRNA expression of adipocyte-derived adult stem cells / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The microRNA (miRNA) pathway has emerged as one of the biologic pathways implicated in stem cell regulation. miRNA is a noncoding, single-stranded RNA consisting of 20-25 nucleotides that inhibits the protein production at the step of translation. The molecular effects of lidocaine and procaine on adipose stem cells were investigated by examining RNA expression array. METHODS: Adipose stem cells were isolated from a prior abdominal liposuction procedure. The human adipose stem cells were cultured and then added to a mixture of 1 ml of culture medium plus 1 ml of 2% lidocaine or 2% procaine for the duration of 30 minutes. The expression levels of miRNAs were estimated by using peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-miRNA array analysis throughout the denaturation and hybridization processes after the isolation of miRNA. The miRNAs detected by microarray that either decreased by half fold or increased by 1.5 fold from the control level were interpreted as significant. RESULTS: According to microarray analysis there were 61 miRNAs in total, and no miRNA had decreased expression levels. The stem cells treatment with lidocaine showed 4 alteration of expression with miR-9a* (1.53 fold), miR-29a (1.64 fold), miR-296-5p (1.64 fold) and miR-373 (1.94 fold). The stem cells treated with procaine showed 32 miRNAs that were significantly up-regulated with a range of 1.5 to 2.06 fold. They were stem cell differentiation-related miRNAs, apoptosis and cell cycle-associated miRNAs, immunity-associated miRNAs and hormonal response-related miRNAs. CONCLUSIONS: Lidocaine and procaine affect the miRNA expression on adipose stem cells and the effect of procaine is more marked than that of lidocaine.

The effects of lidocaine and procaine on microRNA expression of adipocyte-derived adult stem cells / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The microRNA (miRNA) pathway has emerged as one of the biologic pathways implicated in stem cell regulation. miRNA is a noncoding, single-stranded RNA consisting of 20-25 nucleotides that inhibits the protein production at the step of translation. The molecular effects of lidocaine and procaine on adipose stem cells were investigated by examining RNA expression array. METHODS: Adipose stem cells were isolated from a prior abdominal liposuction procedure. The human adipose stem cells were cultured and then added to a mixture of 1 ml of culture medium plus 1 ml of 2% lidocaine or 2% procaine for the duration of 30 minutes. The expression levels of miRNAs were estimated by using peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-miRNA array analysis throughout the denaturation and hybridization processes after the isolation of miRNA. The miRNAs detected by microarray that either decreased by half fold or increased by 1.5 fold from the control level were interpreted as significant. RESULTS: According to microarray analysis there were 61 miRNAs in total, and no miRNA had decreased expression levels. The stem cells treatment with lidocaine showed 4 alteration of expression with miR-9a* (1.53 fold), miR-29a (1.64 fold), miR-296-5p (1.64 fold) and miR-373 (1.94 fold). The stem cells treated with procaine showed 32 miRNAs that were significantly up-regulated with a range of 1.5 to 2.06 fold. They were stem cell differentiation-related miRNAs, apoptosis and cell cycle-associated miRNAs, immunity-associated miRNAs and hormonal response-related miRNAs. CONCLUSIONS: Lidocaine and procaine affect the miRNA expression on adipose stem cells and the effect of procaine is more marked than that of lidocaine.

Clinical and Radiological Results of Treatment in Bilateral Calcaneal Fracture / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to find out clinical and radiological outcomes in 70 patients of both calcaneal fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 1993 to March 2011, 70 patients underwent non-operative management or operative management at our hospital. Conservative management was performed in 15 cases of undisplaced fracture (Group A). Operative management was performed in 125 cases including 32 cases of undisplaced fracture (Group B), 60 cases of joint depression type fracture (Group C), 33 cases of tongue type fracture (Group D). Results were evaluated by VAS score, AOFAS score, circle draw test, Bohler angle (BA), Gissane angle, width & height of calcaneus. RESULTS: VAS scores were 2.0 in group A, 2.0 in group B, 2.2 in group C, 2.7 in group D. AOFAS scores were 90.4 in group A, 91.9 in group B, 72.2 in group C, 79.2 in group D. Circle draw tests were 8.4 cm in group A, 10.1 cm in group B, 7.6 cm in group C, 7.9 cm in group D. Bohler angles (BA) and Gissane angles were 19.1degrees, 96.7degrees in group A, 21.8degrees, 119.1degrees in group B, 26.3degrees, 121.2degrees in group C, 19.7degrees, 119.7degrees in group D. Calcaneal widths and heights were 39.5 mm, 31.6 mm in group A, 32.7 mm, 37.0 mm in group B, 34.4 mm, 39.2 mm in group C, 35.2 mm, 38.7 mm in group D. CONCLUSION: The main cause of bilateral calcaneal fracture is an injury from a fall, and the cases were more frequently occurred in men than women. Also the fracture in the right side tend to occur more severely compared to the left side. The surgical treatment shows better results than conservative treatment in bilateral calcaneal fracture.

Predictors of difficult intubation defined by the intubation difficulty scale (IDS): predictive value of 7 airway assessment factors / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: The intubation difficulty scale (IDS) has been used as a validated difficulty score to define difficult intubation (DI). The purpose of this study is to identify airway assessment factors and total airway score (TAS) for predicting DI defined by the IDS. METHODS: There were 305 ASA physical status 1-2 patients, aged 19-70 years, who underwent elective surgery with endotracheal intubation. During the pre-anesthetic visit, we evaluated patients by 7 preoperative airway assessment factors, including the following: Mallampati classification, thyromental distance, head & neck movement, body mass index (BMI), buck teeth, inter-incisor gap, and upper lip bite test (ULBT). After endotracheal intubation, patients were divided into 2 groups based on their IDS score estimated with 7 variables: normal (IDS or = 5) groups. The incidence of TAS (> 6) and high score of each airway assessment factor was compared in two groups: odds ratio, confidence interval (CI) of 95%, with a significant P value 6), ULBT (class III), head & neck movement ( or = 25 kg/m2) and Mallampati classification (> or = class III) were respectively 13.57 (95% CI = 2.99-61.54, P 6) and ULBT (class III) are the most useful factors predicting DI.

Comparative Study of Clinical and Radiologic Outcomes of Unstable Distal Radius Fractures in Patients 70 Years or Older: Nonoperative Versus Operative Treatment

PURPOSE: Clinical and radiologic results of operative versus nonoperative treatment were compared in patients 70 years or older who had an unstable distal radius fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2007 to April 2009, 49 patients who had an unstable distal radius fracture treated nonoperatively (22 patients) or operatively (27 patients) were investigated. The radiologic results between the two patient groups were compared based on bone union, dorsal tilt, radial inclination and radial shortening. The clinical results were compared based on disabilities of arm, shoulder & hand (DASH) score, the patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) score, the grip strength and the motion range of the wrist joint. RESULTS: At the last follow-up examination, DASH score, PRWE score, the flexion, supination and radial deviation of wrist joint and the grip strength did not showed significant difference. Among the patients who received non-operative treatments, 18 of 22 showed radiologically recognizable deformation; average dorsal tilt of 11.9degrees, the average radial inclination of 18.9degrees, and average radial shortening of 3.8 mm. The patients who received operative treatments showed average volar tilt of 3.3degrees, radial inclination of 18.8degrees+/-3.7degrees, and radial shortening of 1.5 mm. Three patients showed radiologically recognizable deformation. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that nonoperative treatment is initially recommended in patients with the age of 70 years or older who have an unstable distal radius fracture in terms of functional results.

Comparative Study of Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion with Posterolateral Fusion in Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Disorders

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: The authors found that problems such as axial pain, donor site pain, loss of reduction, loosening or failure of fixation materials occurred relatively frequently after posterolateral fusion. For this, we had views on the ideas that the problems could be improved by an operation that fused vertebral bodies. Furthermore, we performed posterior lumbar interbody fusion and wanted to know the results. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: We performed posterior lumbar inter-body fusion as an alternative, due to complications of autoiliac bone graft that has complications, such as donor site pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients with single segment degenerative lumbar disease were treated with decompression, pedicle screws fixation, and spinal fusion. The patients were followed-up for more than 2 years. Thirty patients, who had undergone posterolateral fusion with autologous iliac bone graft, were classified as the "group 1". The second 30 patients, who underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion with cage and local bone graft, were classified as the "group 2". The operation time, blood loss, fusion rate, lumbar lordotic angle, segmental angle were compared between the 2 groups. The clinical outcomes were evaluated by Kim's functional evaluation scale. RESULTS: The operation time was shorter in group 2 (142.74 minutes vs 171.64 minutes), there was a statistical difference between the 2 groups. Intraoperative blood loss was more in group 2 (563.40 vs 551.78 mL), but total blood loss, including postoperative drained blood was less in group 2. The bony fusion rate was 90% in group 1, 97% in group 2. For the lumbar lordotic angle, the last outcome was less than the preoperative value. There was no statistical difference between the 2 groups. The segmental angle in group 1, the last outcome was less than the preoperative value. The segmental angle in group 2 was maintained the value through pre-operation to post-operation. Clinical outcomes were satisfactory in group 1 (96.67%) & in group 2 (100%). In group 1, 7 patients experienced pain at the iliac graft donor site. In group 2, there were 2 cases of retroposition of the cage. CONCLUSIONS: In the posterior lumbar interbody fusion group, operation time was shorter, total blood loss was less than in the posterolateral fusion group. Restoration and maintenance of the segmental angle in sagittal and coronal radiographs showed better outcomes, axial pain and iliac donor site pain were less. It is the authors' position that posterior lumbar interbody fusion is an alternative operation to supplement the faults of posterolateral fusion.

Usefulness of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test in Screening for Problem Drinkers among College Students / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is effective in identifying problem drinking. This study purposed to evaluate the usefulness of AUDIT in identifying problem drinking among Korean university students whose drinking characteristic is different from adults. METHODS: The subjects were 235 students who had visited the Health Service Center of Chungnam National University. All subjects had a diagnostic interview for the presence of at-risk drinking and alcohol use disorder. At-risk drinking was defined according to the criteria of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Alcohol use disorder was diagnosed by the criteria of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV TR). At-risk drinking or alcohol use disorder was classified into problem drinking. At the same time, a survey was conducted using three screening tools: AUDIT, cut down, annoyed, guilty feelings, eye opener (CAGE), and cut down, under influence, guilty feelings, eye opener (CUGE). Area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the questionnaires to the results of interviews were compared. RESULTS: Seventy one students were at-risk drinkers and 46 had alcohol use disorder, and 75 were classified into problem drinkers. For identification of problem drinking, AUROC of AUDIT was 0.970 in men and 0.989 in women. For CAGE, it was 0.650 in men and 0.747 in women. For CUGE, it was 0.689 in men and 0.745 in women. CONCLUSION: Above results suggest that AUDIT is most effective in identifying university students' problem drinking.

Effects of Insight Level on the Sensitivity of Alcoholism Screening Tests in Alcohol Dependent Patients / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: Alcoholism screening tests are commonly used in primary medical care. This study examined how much the level of insight of alcohol-dependent patients would impact on the sensitivity of alcoholism screening tests. METHODS: The sample consisted of 122 subjects who had been diagnosed with alcohol dependence and who completed Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and CAGE questionnaire. AUDIT positive was defined as a score of 20 points or above and CAGE positive, 3 points or above. Insight level was classified as poor, fair, and good using the Hanil Alcohol Insight Scale (HAIS). Positive rates on the AUDIT and CAGE were analyzed according to the level of insight. RESULTS: In good insight group, the sensitivity of AUDIT and CAGE identified 96.9% and 96.9% of the participants as alcohol dependence, respectively. In fair insight group, those were 92.7% and 96.4%, respectively. However, in poor insight group, these decreased substantially to 62.9% and 65.7%, respectively. After adjusting for general characteristics on the basis of good insight group, we found that the possibility of positive on the AUDIT was significantly lower in poor insight group (Odd ratios [OR], 0.025; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.002 to 0.411). Also, the possibility of positive on the CAGE was significantly lower in poor insight group (OR, 0.016; 95% CI, 0.001 to 0.358). CONCLUSION: Alcohol-dependent patients with poor insight showed a high rate of false negatives in alcoholism screening tests. These suggest that primary care physicians should be careful in interpreting the results of alcoholism screening tests.

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.

Operative Treatement of Snapping Triceps Syndrome and Ulnar Nerve Dislocation

PURPOSE: Snapping triceps syndrome is dynamic condition in which medial head of triceps snaps (dislocates) over the medial epicondyle as the elbow is flexed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The symptoms are pain or snapping at the medial aspect of the elbow and/or symptoms from coexisting ulnar nerve irritation. The diagnosis can be made by dynamic ultrasonography. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: And successful outcome can be archived by operative treatment, which are ulnar nerve anterior transposition and tenotomy of medial head of triceps.

Effects of Group Education by Primary Care Physicians on the Readiness to Change in Heavy Drinkers / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: Patient education can play an important role in motivating patients to change their problematic behavior. This study purposed to evaluate the effects of brief group education, which was performed by primary care physicians, on the improvement of the readiness to change in problem drinkers after a year from the education. METHODS: A total of 34 male were followed up as the subjects who had been problem drinkers and at the stage of precontemplation or contemplation before group education. The readiness to change in the subjects was re-evaluated again 12 weeks and a year after the brief group education. RESULTS: Before the education, 11 patients among the subjects were at the stage of precontemplation and 23 at the contemplation. The distribution was significantly changed into 2 at the stage of precontemplation, 14 at the contemplation and 18 at the action 12 weeks after the group education (P < 0.001), and into 2 at the precontemplation, 16 at the contemplation, and 16 at the action a year after the group education (P < 0.001). The most influential factor associated with the improvement of the status of readiness to change was the family function score (after 12 weeks odds ratio 1.99, 95% CI 1.10-3.62; after a year odds ratio 2.31, 95% CI 1.10-4.85). CONCLUSION: Problem drinkers who had participated in the brief group education by primary care physicians showed continuous improvement in the readiness to change even after a year from the education.

Mass of the Distal Phalanx of the Finger with Bony Lesion

PURPOSE: Previous study revealed that 90% of benign bone tumor of hand is enchondroma. In soft tissue tumor, 36% of glomus tumor and less than 5% of giant cell tumor of tendon sheath are revealed as bone involving lesions. However, primary bone tumor and soft tissue tumor are not reported frequently at the distal phalanx. We aimed to assess the specific characters of the distal phalangeal mass. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen cases of distal phalangeal masses with bony lesions were included, and clinical and radiologic review were done. RESULTS: Fourteen cases out of eighteen distal phalangeal mass cases were bony lesions of the distal phalanx. Chief complaints of patients were pain (ten cases), palpable mass (four cases), and both (one case). Six cases were benign bone tumor, eight were soft tissue tumor involving the bone. In eight soft tissue mass, four glomus tumors, two epidermoid cysts, two giant cell tumors of tendon sheath were diagnosed. Nail involvement was found in four cases, and three of them were diagnosed as glomus tumor. CONCLUSIONS: The high rates of bone involvement and nail deformity of the distal phalangeal mass must be considered.

The Results of Radial Shortening Osteotomy for Kienbock Disease Stage III

PURPOSE: Radial shortening osteotomy and ulnar lengthening osteotomy for decreasing axial loading have been known to treatment for avascular necrosis of lunate bone. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of radial shortening osteotomy for Lichtman stage III Kienbock disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between December 2001 and October 2008, thirteen patients with Kienbock disease underwent a radial shortening osteotomy at our institution. On the basis of Lichtman classification, six had stage IIIA and seven had stage IIIB. Radiographic measurement of the ulnar variance and the carpal height ratio were assessed preoperatively and at the follow-up. Patients were examined for wrist pain, range of motion at flexion and extension and grip strength both preoperatively and postoperatively. The clinical outcomes was evaluated through the modification of Evans scoring system. RESULTS: All thirteen had maintained the preoperative stage at the follow-up. In ulnar variance, negative variance was seven. The carpal height ratio was increased mean 0.018 at the follw-up. Pain in VAS was improved mean 3.6 at the follow-up. In range of motion of wrist flexion-extension, in the eleven which had limitation of motion preoperatively, all eleven showed improvement. In grip strength, among the ten which had decreased preoperatively, eight showed improvement and two showed no change at the follw-up. The clinical outcomes were good in eight, fair in three and poor in two. Among the five, negative ulnar variance of stage IIIB, three had good, two had fair clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: We found that radial shortening osteotomy can prevent disease progression, also show good clinical results for stage IIIB Kienbock disease as well as stage IIIA.