Comparison of Floating Knee according to Presence of Knee Joint Injury

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcomes of floating knee according to the presence of knee joint injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2004 and March 2009, we investigated 36 patients, who underwent surgical treatment for floating knee injuries. We classified the floating knee into two groups as type I (12 cases) has no knee joint injury and type II (24 cases) has knee joint injury. We compared two groups about combined injury (orthopedics or other part), open fracture or not, neurovascular injury,union time, range of motion, and complication rate. RESULTS: There is statistically no significant difference between two groups as type I (6 cases, 50%) and type II (13 cases, 54.2%) in orthopedic combined injury (p=0.813), and also same as type I (3 cases, 25%) and type II (12 cases, 50%) in combined injury on the other department (p=0.151), and in floating knee with open fracture as 4 type I (33%) and 12 type II (50%) of 16 cases (44%), and Gustilo-Anderson 3 type I, 4 type II, 1 IIIA, 4 IIIB, and 4 IIIC (p=0.423). There is statistically no significant difference between two groups in neurovascular injury as 1 type I (8.3%), and 3 type II (12.5%) (p=0.708). There is a statistically significant difference between two groups in the mean bone union time as 18.2+/-5.37 weeks (12~24 weeks) for type I and 24.95+/-9.85 weeks (16~33 weeks) for type II (p=0.045), and in the mean range of knee joint motion as 133+/-12.74 degree (120~150 degree) for type I and 105+/-19.00 degree (80~135 degree) for type II (p=0.012). CONCLUSION: Floating knee with knee joint injury is severe itself and related with severe combined injuries, subsequent range of knee joint motion limitation, the delay of union time, and high complication rate. Therefore, we should take care in surgical treatment for this trauma entity.

The Accuracy of Lower Extremity Alignment in Total Knee Arthroplasty Using Navigation System: Data Analysis of 661 Cases / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate the accuracy of the alignment of the lower extremity in 661 cases of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with using a navigation system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 661 cases (431 patients) that underwent TKA using a navigation system from June 2006 to September 2008. To analyze the mechanical axis, the weight bearing full length lower extremity radiographs were taken preoperatively and the again at3 weeks after the operation. The results from a well- experienced surgeon (423 cases) were compared with those from a less-experienced surgeon (238 cases), and they both used the navigation system. RESULTS: The mean of the mechanical axis was -13.3degrees (range: -33.3degrees-10.6degrees) preoperatively, but it was corrected to -2.0degrees (range: -14.3degrees-7.5degrees) after TKA using a navigation system. There was no significant difference between the mean of, -1.8degrees (range: -13.4degrees-6.8degrees) by a well-experienced surgeon and the mean of, -2.2degrees (range: -14.3degrees-7.5degrees) by a less-experienced one. CONCLUSION: According to the radiologic results, the navigation system is beneficial for the accuracy of the mechanical axis in TKA. The navigation system helps a less-experienced surgeon increase the accuracy of the lower extremity alignment.

Correction of Lower Face Asymmetry using Dermofat Graft

PURPOSE: To correct the facial asymmetry and to achieve symmetry and balance, not only the soft tissue restoration of deficits but also creation and facial contour line such as mandible border and angle is important. Micro fat graft has limitation such as high resorption rate and somewhat limited ability to emphasize the rigid bony characteristics of the mandible angle due to its innate soft consistency. We have investigated the advantages of dermal fat graft over micro fat graft to correct asymmetry of the lower face in patients who had undergone mandibular reconstruction or distraction, using comparative analysis. METHODS: Total of 12 patients were enrolled in our study: 6 micro fat graft and 6 dermal fat graft. Postoperative results were compared and analyzed at immediate postoperative period and more than 1 year later in each group with photographs, and analysised with image J program. RESULTS: No complications were noted both in the micro fat type and the dermal fat type of procedures such as fat necrosis or micro calcifications. All of the patients who received micro fat graft, however had considerable amount of fat resorption after the procedure which led to two additional fat graft procedures. Although minor contour obliteration due to contracture was seen in patients who had undergone dermal fat graft procedure, no definite resorption was found even after more than one year follow-up. Results of dermal fat graft patients were satisfactory in terms of mandible angle symmetry. Secondary revision was necessary in one case due to overcorrection using dermal fat graft. CONCLUSION: The dermal fat graft has many advantages over the conventionally more popular micro fat graft to correct asymmetry of the lower face following mandible reconstruction owing to its lower resoption rate, more effective in emphasizing the natural curvilinear anatomical contours of the mandible angle and body and lower complication rates such as fat necrosis or micro calcifications.

Reconstruction of the Defect in Perineum using Local Perforator Based Flap

PURPOSE: Numerous techniques have been introduced to reconstruct the perineal area in order to preserve function of both the recipient and the donor site while satisfying aesthetic results. There are several advantages of using the pudendal aretery perforator based flap in that it provides thin coverage of defect area and a relatively excellent circulation through perforators. The perineal region can be divided into two areas : the urogenital triangle and the anal triangle. Since each area differs in structure and function so does its reconstructive plan. The authors of this article report clinical results obtained from pudendal artery perforator based reconstructed cases according to each different triangles. METHODS: A total of 15 patients who underwent perineal reconstruction were enrolled in our study from 2002 to 2006. There were 4 cases of vaginal cancer, 4 cases of extramammary Paget's disease, 1 case of rectovaginal fistula in females and 2 cases of Paget's disease and 4 cases of Fournier's gangrene in male cases. The follow up period was on average 6 month. In female, superficial pudendal artery perforator based local flap were used to reconstruct the urogenital triangle defects, while internal pudendal artery perforator based local flaps were used to reconstruct the anal traingle defects. In males the gracilis myocutaneous flap and internal pudendal artery perforator based local flaps were used in reconstruction of the scrotum and perineal defect. RESULTS: In females, there was 1 case of partial flap necrosis that employed the superficial pudendal artery perforator but secondary repair through the internal pudendal artery perforator based local flap was done. In addition, there were 4 wound dehiscence cases in females and 2 cases in males. CONCLUSION: We believe that a better aesthetic and functional outcome can be achieved in perineal reconstruction if discrete surgical planning is carried out systematically categorizing the choice of flap employed acccording to distinct anatomical regions : the urogenital and the anal triangle.

Effects of the Amount of Proximal Tibia Resection on the Bone Strength of Prepared Bone Surface: A FEM Study / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate the mechanical strength of proximal tibia as resection distance increased from the joint surface. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We obtained the CT images of twenty knee osteoarthritis patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. The finite element models were created based on the computed tomography images. The 8-node hexahedron element was made from BIONIX(TM) (CANTIBio. Co, Suwon, Korea), which is automatic mesh generation software program. The finite element model of the proximal tibia was resected at 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, 15 mm and 18 mm from the lateral joint surface. A 1% strain rate was applied to a model by using HyperMesh(TM) software (Altair Engineering. Inc, Seattle, USA). The ultimate stress was calculated from the finite element analysis with using ANSYS 9.0 (ANSYS. Inc, Orlando, USA). RESULTS: The mean ultimate stress was 906.84 MPa, 877.22 MPa, 895.93 Mpa, 852.70 MPa, 742.90 Mpa and 585.51 Mpa at the 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, 15 mm and 18 mm resection levels. As compare to the 6 mm resection level, the bone strengths at 15 mm and 18 mm were decreased with statistical significance (15 mm: p=0.005, 18 mm: p=0.000). CONCLUSION: The ultimate stress was decreased as the resection distance increased from the joint surface. But within a 12 mm resection distance from the lateral condyle articular surface of the tibia, the ultimate stress was not significantly decreased (p>0.05).

Fatal Hemothorax Following Percutaneous Vertebroplasty: A Case Report

Overall, the percutaneous vertebroplasty has low complication rate. Nevertheless, severe complications can occur. The majority of these are related to cement leakage. The cement migration through perivertebral venous system can lead to fatal complication. We present a case of death by hemothorax due to cement leakage following percutaneous vertebroplasty with literature review.

Comminuted Pilon Fractures: Comparative Outcome Analysis according to Surgical Techniques

PURPOSE: To evaluate the overall surgical outcome of the tibial pilon comminuted fractures and perform the comparative analysis between the limited internal fixation-external fixation group and the delayed open reduction-internal fixation (ORIF) group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 1997 to June 2004, 17 tibial pilon comminuted fractures were treated with the limited internal fixation-external fixation (6 cases) or the delayed open reduction-internal fixation (11 cases). The average age of the patients was 47.7 years (range: 41~63 years), male was fourteen patients, female was three. Follow-up period was average 33.6 months (range: 12~84 months). The clinical outcomes were evaluated by using AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score and patient satisfaction was also evaluated. RESULTS: AOFAS score at final follow-up was 80.4 points, and 88% of the patients were satisfied with the results. AOFAS scores of the external fixation group and the delayed ORIF group were average 77.0 points and 82.2 points respectively, which did not show the statistical difference (p>0.05). Bony union was achieved at average 16.0 weeks. There were 18 complications such as skin necrosis. CONCLUSION: We have achieved relatively encouraging functional results and high patient satisfaction for pilon comminuted fractures, without significant result difference between the two surgical techniques.

Treatment of Intercondylar Fractures of Humerus with Y-plate

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of the treatment of intercondylar fractures of the humerus using Y-plate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects were 17 patients with intercondylar fracture of humerus who were treated using the Y-plate. Nine cases were C1 type, 4 were C2 type, and the remaining 4 were C3 type. 11 subjects had accompanying fractures of another part of the body. The average age was 48.8. The average follow up period was 33 months. We used Mayo Elbow Performance Score and Risborough-Radin's rating score for each patient as the methods of rating. RESULTS: The average range of motion of the elbow was 105 degrees (50~150 degrees). According to Cassebaum's classification for elbow range of motion, 7 cases were rated very good, 1 cases were good, 4 cases were fair, and 1 cases were poor. According to Mayo Elbow Performance Score, 7 were excellent, 7 were good, 2 fair, and 1 poor. Of the 3 patients who were fair or poor in Mayo Elbow Performance Score, 2 were type C3 fractures, and all 3 had major accompanying fractures. No significant postoperative complications developed in all cases. CONCLUSION: The fixation with Y-plate can still be a relatively good modality of treatment for interconylar fractures of the humerus in selected cases, in spite of the known mechanical weakness of the Y-plate. The patients with severe intra-articular comminution showed relatively poor results. And we think that the age of the patient and the energy of the injury have more or less influence on the results of treatment.

Results of Surgical Treatment in Schatzker Type VI Tibial Plateau Fracture

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors influencing the results for the treatment of the Schatzker type VI tibial plateau fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two cases of the 21 patients in Schatzker type VI tibial plateau fractures were analyzed. Treatment results were analyzed according to the type of fracture (open vs closed), method of operative treatment, angulation more than 5 degree and status of infection. The functional results was evaluated by Hohl's functional criteria. Student t-test was used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Functional outcome demonstrated 5 excellent, 8 good, 6 fair and 3 poor results. There was no significant difference in the treatment results between type of fracture, method of operative treatment and status of infection. Among 9 cases with angular deformity of more than 5 degree, 2 showed excellent or good result and 7 showed fair or poor result (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between rate of postoperative infection and the mean period of the clinical bone union (p=0.66). CONCLUSION: Accurate anatomical reduction and rigid fixation is essential for the treatment of Schatzker type VI tibial plateau fractures for the prevention of the angular deformity. And early weight bearing exercise should be controlled for the prevention of loss of reduction and loss of alignment leading to angular deformity.

A Case of Recurrent Peripartum Cardiomyopathy / 대한주산의학회잡지

Peripartum cardiomyopahty(PPCM) is an uncommon myocardial disease arising in the last month of pregnancy or within 5 months after delivery, in the absence of obvious cause and without prior evidence of heart disease. The risk of recurrence of PPCM is considered low when left ventricular size and function return to normal. But we experienced a case of peripartum cardiomyopathy recurred in subsequent pregnancy despite the return to normal heart size and function. This case was summarized here with a brief review of the related literatures.

Stomal Complications in Children

This is a 20 year analysis of the problems associated with enterostomy formation, and closure. Forty-three stomas were established in 43 patients: 23 for anorectal malformations, 11 for Hirschsprung's diseases, 4 for necrotizing enterocolitis, 3 for multiple ileal atresias, 1 for volvulus neonatorum with perforation, and 1 for diaphragmatic hernia with colon perforation. Thirty boys and 13 girls were included (mean age 4.8 months). Stoma complications were encountered in 13 patients (30.2 %): stomal prolapse, stenosis, obstruction, paracolic hernia, retraction, dysfunction, and skin excoriation. Four patients (9.3 %) required stomal revision. Occurrence of complications was not related to age and primary disease, but sigmoid colostomy showed lower complication rate than transverse colostomy (20.0 % vs 42.9 %, p<0.05). There were five deaths but, only one (2.3 %) was directly related to the enterostomy complication. Twenty-one stomas were closed in our hospital and complications occurred in seven patients (33.3 %). The most common complication was wound sepsis in 5 children. In conclusion, because the significant morbidity of stomal formation still exists, refinements of the surgical technique seem to be required. Sigmoid loop colostomy is preferred whenever possible.

Axillary Lymph-Node Metastases in Patients with T1 Breast Cancer

PURPOSE: In T1 tumors, the reported incidence of lymph-node metastases ranges from 21% to 35%. We analyzed the pathological parameters of T1 tumors for their association with the likelihood of axillary lymph-node metastases. Our objectives were to determine if standard pathologic factors can predict lymph-node metastases in T1 tumors and to provide a basis for patient selection for nonradical surgery. METHODS: Sixty-five patients with T1 unilateral invasive breast cancer were studied. All patients underwent axillary dissection from 1990 to 1999 at Masan Samsung Hospital, and the pathologic status of the nodes was reviewed. The associations between the incidence of axillary lymph-node metastases and pathologic factors, including age, size, histologic subtype, nuclear grade, hormone receptor status, and lymphatic/vascular invasion, were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 65 patients, 21 (32.3%) had nodes that were positive for metastases. The independent predictor of lymph-node metastases in the multivariate logistic regression analyses was a tumor size larger than 1 cm (p<0.05). However, other predictors showed nonspecific findings. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the characteristics of the primary tumor can help assess the risk for axillary lymph-node metastases. Axillary lymph-node dissection should be performed routinely for all patients with lesions with a tumor more than 1 cm in size. Although a routine axillary dissection or radiation therapy to the axilla might be spared in selected patients who are assessed to be at minimal risk, new prognostic factors for providing reliable assurance of the absences of axillary lymph-node metastases must be investigated.