Alteration of the Patella Tendon Length after Intramedullary Nail in Tibial Shaft Fractures

PURPOSE: To compare and analyze length change of patella tendon after intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fracture using transtendinous approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two cases were analyzed from December, 1999 to December, 2005. Insall Salvati ratios were estimated. Severity of initial trauma, duration of nail retension, knee function and pain on change of length of patellar tendon was evaluated. RESULTS: Mean duration of nail retention was twenty-two months. The shortening of patella tendon was observed in 25 cases (p0.05, p=0.778). Lysholom score decrease to 89.5. There was no significant difference between the shortening of patellar tendon length and knee pain (p=0.058). CONCLUSION: After intramedullary nailing for closed tibia fracture, shortening of patellar tendon length is observed. That is irrelevant to the fracture type and the duration of nail retension. The shortening of patella tendon length may contribute to decreasing of knee function, but it was no significance of knee pain after intramedullary nailing.

Analysis of Grip and Pinch Strength in Korean People / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We wanted to investigate the grip and pinch strength of hands and establish the clinical normative data for Korean people. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of 234 Korean males and 281 Korean females (age: 10 to 84) were tested. Grip strength and pinch strength were tested twice with 5 minute interval between tests. RESULTS: Generally, hand strength peaked at 30 to 39 of age for both males and females. The average grip strength was 48.8 kg for males and 28.23 kg for females and they were 11% stronger than 12 years before in both groups. Tip pinch strength peaked in the forties, but key pinch and tripod pinch peaked in the thirties. All the peak hand strength was obtained in the 30 to 39 age group of females. Among the pinch strengths, key pinch was the strongest. For the right-handed people, the grip and pinch strengths of the right hand were stronger than those of the left hand. However, for the left-handed people, the left hand was stronger than the right hand only for the tripod pinch (p<0.005). CONCLUSION: The hand strength of Koreans peaked in the 30 to 39 age group. Key pinch was the strongest among the three pinch strengths. Right-handed people have a stronger right hand than the left hand, but the left-handed people have almost the same hand strength in both hands, except for the tripod pinch.

Short Term Results of Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty with Using a Accolade TMZF Femoral Stem

PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate the short term clinical and radiological results and the complications of primary total hip arthroplasty with using a Accolade TMZF femoral stem. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 66 cases among 80 cases underwent total hip arthroplasty by one surgeon with using an Accolade TMZF femur stem from January 2002 to August 2006. The minimum follow-up was 30 months and we retrospectively analyzed these 66 patients. RESULTS: The mean Harris Hip Score improved from 54 to 92 at the last follow up. On the last follow-up X-ray, all the femoral stems (100%) showed stable fixation and there was no osteolysis or loosening, but there were 34 cases of stress shields and 20 cases of cortical hypertrophy. The acetabular component revealed stable fixation in 65 cases (98.5%) and loosening in one case (1.5%). There was no acetabular osteolysis, but 22 cases of radiolucency were observed in the Dee Lee and Charnley zone II. As complications, there were 5 cases of heterotrophic ossification, 1 case of greater trochanteric bursitis, 2 cases of thigh pain and 1 case with a squeaking sound. CONCLUSION: Primary total hip arthroplasty using a cementless Accolade TMZF femoral stem showed good results in the short term, but long term follow up is needed.

The Shortening and Rotational Deformity after Closed Intramedullary Nailing of Femur Shaft Fracture: According to Winquist-Hansen classification

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the shortening and rotational deformity after closed intramedullary nailing of femur shaft fracture according to Winquist-Hansen classification type. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was based on 98 cases who received cloased intramedullary fixation about their femur shaft fractures between January 2000 and October 2005 with minimum 12 months follow up. The rotational deformity was analysed by Yang's method (45 cases) preoperatively and postoperatively, and the shortening by orthoradiogram (55 cases). Furthermore we analysed other complications, for example nonunion, infection, and metal failure. RESULTS: We found more than 15 degrees anteversion difference of both femurs in 10 cases. Among them, 9 cases were classified to type 3, 4. According to Winquist-Hansen classification, rotational deformity ranged from 3.7° (Type 1) to 8.9° (Type 4). More than 2 cm leg length discrepancy (LLD) was found in 9 cases, all of them were classified as Winquist-Hansen classification type 3, 4. In the type 1, LLD was checked as 3.2 mm and type 4, 14.2 mm. CONCLUSION: To prevent the shortening and rotational deformity after intramedullary fixation of Winquist-Hansen classification type 3, 4 femur shaft fracture, intraoperatively the exact contralateral femoral anteversion and length should be checked.