Spontaneous Osteonecrosis of the Knee in the Elderly over 60 Years Old / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: This study examined the results of treatment according to the stage and size of a spontaneous osteonecrosis lesion of the knee (SONK) in the patients over 60 years of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two knees from 19 patients over 60 years of age were treated for spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee at our institution between January, 2000, and June, 2004. The mean follow time was 20.7 months. The condylar ratios, proportion of the lesion size to the condyle were measured. The size was obtained by multiplying the values from the anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. The stages were classified radiographically, and the treatment results were analyzed according to the size and stage. Conservative treatment was performed if the ratio and size were 40% or 5.0 cm2. A paired T-test, Spearman correlation test and Wilcoxon test were used for the statistical evaluation. RESULTS: There was a higher prevalence in females (15 patients, 79%), and the mean age was 65 years (46-77 years). Bilateral involvement was observed in 3 patients. The lesions involved mainly the medial femoral condyle (21 cases, 95%). Seven cases (31%) had a condylar ratio 40%. Conservative treatments were performed in 5 cases staged radiographically as I or II and there were no significant changes in the knee scores (p=0.931). Of the 17 cases staged III and IV radiographically, conservative treatment and arthroplasty were performed in 7 and 10 cases, respectively. Seven cases, in whom conservative treatments had been performed, showed a decreased in the knee scores compared with the increased knee scores in 10 patients treated with arthroplasty (p=0.943). CONCLUSION: An accurate diagnosis and measurement of the size and staging of spontaneous osteonecrosis of knee in patients over 60 years of age is important for proper treatment. Clinically, no further progression of symptoms is visible on grade I and II spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee after conservative treatment. However, arthroplasty improves the clinical results in patients with radiological grade III and IV osteonecrosis compared with conservative treatment.

Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome caused by a Anomalous Origin of the Gastrocnemius Muscle: Case Report

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) occurs when an abnormal anatomic relationship between the popliteal artery and the surrounding musculotendinous structures causes repeated arterial compression with exercise. The most commonly reported causes of this syndrome have been anomalies of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle as it relates to the course of the popliteal artery. PAES can result in calf claudication, aneurysm formation, distal arterial emboli, or popliteal vessel thrombosis. This syndrome is a rare but potentially limb threatening anatomical anomaly occurring predominently in young adults. We experienced two cases who have suffered from a coldness and pain of lower leg. Angiogram and MRI were performed and we diagnosed as a popliteal artery entrapment syndrome. We report two cases of rare anomalous origin of the gastrocnemius muscle in intraoperative findings.

Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Pinning in Fracture-Dislocations of Carpometacarpal Joints / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: There is little information about the treatment of carpometacarpal (CMC) fracture-dislocations. The purpose of this study was to investigate treatment methods and times between diagnosis and surgery in CMC fracture-dislocations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 18 cases treated by surgery, the 4, 5th CMC joints were found to be the most frequently involved in 13 cases. Comminution of the carpal or metacarpal bone was present in 8 cases. The time to surgery was within 3 days in 10 patients, within 5 days in 6, within 9 days in one patient and more than 4 weeks in one. All the injuries were managed by closed reduction and K-wire fixation except for one which was detected after 4 weeks since initial trauma. RESULTS: A painless full hand function was restored in 13 cases. Intermittent pain was present in 5 cases in which there was comminution in 4. However, clinically full hand function was restored in 4 cases except for one in whom the treatment was delayed. CONCLUSION: If the treatment of CMC fracture-dislocation is not delayed a successful result can be gained using the closed method even though comminution occurs.