Relationship between Lumbar Disc Degeneration and Back Muscle Degeneration / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation. OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship between lumbar disc degeneration and back muscle degeneration. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: In the degenerative cascade of the spine described by Kirkaldy-Willis, degeneration of the disc and of the facet joint co-occur with aging. However, the muscles of the back are not included in this model. Several studies have reported significant correlations between back muscle degeneration and facet joint arthritis. The purpose of our study was to evaluate relationships between lumbar disc degeneration and fatty degeneration of the back muscles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 65 patients over the age of 50 years who had undergone lumbar spine MRI in our orthopaedic clinic were recruited. Fatty degeneration of the back muscles was qualitatively graded from I to III by the degree of the fat signal in the muscle layer, including both the multifidus and erector spinae. Lumbar disc degeneration was graded from I to V according to the Pfirrmann grade. Correlations between the back muscle degeneration grade and radiological parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: The degeneration grade of the multifidus correlated positively with age and the grade of disc degeneration. Correlations with other radiologic parameters were not significant. The degeneration grade of the erector spinae correlated positively with age. Other radiologic parameters were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant correlation between lumbar disc degeneration and multifidus degeneration. Erector spinae degeneration was correlated with age, but not with lumbar disc degeneration. The degenerative cascade of the spine was accompanied by fatty changes of the multifidus with aging.

The Effect of Cervical Lordosis on Cervical Disc Degeneration in Patients with a High T1 Slope / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the effect of cervical lordosis on cervical disc degeneration in patients with a high T1 slope. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: The T1 slope is known to be a parameter that may be very useful in evaluating sagittal balance. We previously reported that a low T1 slope was a potential risk factor for cervical spondylosis, especially in the C6–7 cervical segment. However, no study has analyzed the effect of cervical lordosis in patients with a high T1 slope (>25) on cervical disc degeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-seven patients with a high T1 slope who underwent cervical spine MRI in our orthopedic clinic were enrolled. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to cervical compensation. The radiologic parameters obtained from radiography and cervical spine MRI were compared between the uncompensated group (cervical lordosis <25) and the compensated group (cervical lordosis ≥25). RESULTS: In the uncompensated group, the average degeneration grade of each segment was 2.72 (±0.70) in C2–3, 3.00 (±0.76) in C3–4, 3.02 (±0.91) in C4–5, 3.37 (±0.95) in C5–6, and 2.95 (±0.98) in C6–7. The average degeneration grade of each segment in the compensated group was 2.38 (±0.78) in C2–3, 2.38 (±0.60) in C3–4, 2.62 (±0.60) in C4–5, 2.82 (±0.72) in C5–6, and 2.41 (±0.74) in C6–7. The degeneration grade was significantly higher in the uncompensated group than in the compensated group for all cervical segments. The risk of high-grade degeneration of C3–4 was significantly higher in the uncompensated group (odds ratio = 6.268; 95% CI, 2.232–17.601; p<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a high T1 slope without compensation of cervical lordosis had a higher grade of degeneration in all cervical segments.

Relationship between Lumbar Disc Degeneration and Back Muscle Degeneration

OBJECTIVES@#To determine the relationship between lumbar disc degeneration and back muscle degeneration.SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: In the degenerative cascade of the spine described by Kirkaldy-Willis, degeneration of the disc and of the facet joint co-occur with aging. However, the muscles of the back are not included in this model. Several studies have reported significant correlations between back muscle degeneration and facet joint arthritis. The purpose of our study was to evaluate relationships between lumbar disc degeneration and fatty degeneration of the back muscles.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#In this study, 65 patients over the age of 50 years who had undergone lumbar spine MRI in our orthopaedic clinic were recruited. Fatty degeneration of the back muscles was qualitatively graded from I to III by the degree of the fat signal in the muscle layer, including both the multifidus and erector spinae. Lumbar disc degeneration was graded from I to V according to the Pfirrmann grade. Correlations between the back muscle degeneration grade and radiological parameters were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#The degeneration grade of the multifidus correlated positively with age and the grade of disc degeneration. Correlations with other radiologic parameters were not significant. The degeneration grade of the erector spinae correlated positively with age. Other radiologic parameters were not significant.@*CONCLUSIONS@#There was a significant correlation between lumbar disc degeneration and multifidus degeneration. Erector spinae degeneration was correlated with age, but not with lumbar disc degeneration. The degenerative cascade of the spine was accompanied by fatty changes of the multifidus with aging.

The Effect of Cervical Lordosis on Cervical Disc Degeneration in Patients with a High T1 Slope

OBJECTIVES@#To analyze the effect of cervical lordosis on cervical disc degeneration in patients with a high T1 slope.SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: The T1 slope is known to be a parameter that may be very useful in evaluating sagittal balance. We previously reported that a low T1 slope was a potential risk factor for cervical spondylosis, especially in the C6–7 cervical segment. However, no study has analyzed the effect of cervical lordosis in patients with a high T1 slope (>25) on cervical disc degeneration.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#Seventy-seven patients with a high T1 slope who underwent cervical spine MRI in our orthopedic clinic were enrolled. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to cervical compensation. The radiologic parameters obtained from radiography and cervical spine MRI were compared between the uncompensated group (cervical lordosis <25) and the compensated group (cervical lordosis ≥25).@*RESULTS@#In the uncompensated group, the average degeneration grade of each segment was 2.72 (±0.70) in C2–3, 3.00 (±0.76) in C3–4, 3.02 (±0.91) in C4–5, 3.37 (±0.95) in C5–6, and 2.95 (±0.98) in C6–7. The average degeneration grade of each segment in the compensated group was 2.38 (±0.78) in C2–3, 2.38 (±0.60) in C3–4, 2.62 (±0.60) in C4–5, 2.82 (±0.72) in C5–6, and 2.41 (±0.74) in C6–7. The degeneration grade was significantly higher in the uncompensated group than in the compensated group for all cervical segments. The risk of high-grade degeneration of C3–4 was significantly higher in the uncompensated group (odds ratio = 6.268; 95% CI, 2.232–17.601; p<.001).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Patients with a high T1 slope without compensation of cervical lordosis had a higher grade of degeneration in all cervical segments.

Relationship Between Pelvic Tilt and Lumbar Disc Degeneration

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship between pelvic tilt and lumbar disc degeneration. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: The shape and the spatial orientation of the pelvis determine the organization of the lumbothoracic spine. The purpose of our study was to determine the relationship between pelvic tilt and lumbar disc degeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients over 50 years of age who had undergone lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging were recruited. In individuals between 41 and 60 years of age, the normal pelvic tilt is 14°. Patients were divided into a low pelvic tilt (PT) group (<14°) and a high pelvic tilt (PT) group (≥14°). Lumbar disc degeneration was graded from I to V according to the Pfirrmann grade. We defined grades IV and V as high-grade degeneration and the others as low-grade degeneration. Radiologic parameters and lumbar disc degeneration were compared between these 2 groups. RESULTS: In the low PT group, the average degeneration grade of each lumbar segment was 2.61 in L1-L2, 2.61 in L2-L3, 3.00 in L3-L4, 3.39 in L4-L5, and 3.84 in L5-S1. The corresponding grades in the high PT group were 2.34 in L1-L2, 2.62 in L2-L3, 3.07 in L3-L4, 3.76 in L4-L5, and 3.55 in L5-S1. The grade of degeneration of the high PT group was significantly higher than that of the low PT group for L4-L5 (p=0.031). High-grade degeneration of the L4-L5 segment was significantly more common in the high PT group (odds ratio=4.65; 95% CI, 1.406-15.381; p=0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with high pelvic tilt had a higher grade of lumbar disc degeneration in the L4-L5 segment regardless of age or gender.

Risk Factors for Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture in Cushing Syndrome

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to evaluate the risk factors of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) in patients with Cushing syndrome. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: In most reports, vertebral fractures in Cushing syndrome have been found to be related to osteoporosis. However, few studies have analyzed the clinical risk factors for OVFs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients with Cushing syndrome who visited the orthopaedic department complaining of back pain were included in this study. Standing lateral X-rays were performed to evaluate the presence of vertebral fractures, and bone mineral density (BMD) was measured. RESULTS: Of the 32 patients with Cushing syndrome with back pain, 8 (25%) were diagnosed with OVFs using morphometric criteria. The average weight and body mass index of the vertebral fracture group (VF group) were significantly higher than the values observed in the non-vertebral fracture group (non-VF group) (p=0.004, p=0.018). Lumbar BMD was significantly lower in the VF group (p=0.006). A risk factor for OVFs in Cushing syndrome was osteoporosis (odds ratio=18.56, 95% confidence interval=1.72-200.21, p=0.016) regardless of gender, obesity, menopause, or urine free cortisol levels. CONCLUSIONS: OVFs in Cushing syndrome have been associated with overweight, and overweight is an indicator of compliance in the treatment of Cushing syndrome. Therefore, weight reduction and the prevention of osteoporosis should be emphasized in patients with Cushing syndrome to prevent OVFs.

Chemical Pleurodesis Using Doxycycline and Viscum album Extract

BACKGROUND: In chemical pleurodesis for managing pulmonary air leak, tetracycline derivatives are commonly used, and their effectiveness has been established in many studies. Recently, a Viscum album extract was used in chemical pleurodesis. We compared the effects of V. album with those of a tetracycline derivative (doxycycline) to demonstrate the therapeutic effectiveness of the V. album extract in chemical pleurodesis for managing pulmonary air leak. METHODS: Between October 2010 and October 2016, chemical pleurodesis was performed using doxycycline in 40 patients and the V. album extract in 37 patients. Thirty-three patients were in the postoperative state after pulmonary resection, and 44 patients suffered from spontaneous pneumothorax. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference in the success rate was observed between the 2 groups (V. album extract and doxycycline). In both groups, chest pain was the most common complication. More patients in the doxycycline group complained of severe chest pain (42.1% vs. 13.5%, p=0.006). In the V. album extract group, 24.3% of the patients required a chest tube to drain the pleural effusion after cessation of the air leak (doxycycline group: 5%, p=0.022). Further, the amount of pleural effusion drained on the day after the last chemical pleurodesis in the V. album extract group was greater than that in the doxycycline group (162.2±170.2 mL vs. 97.0±77.2 mL, p=0.032). All patients were discharged from the hospital without complications after pleural effusion drainage. CONCLUSION: Considering that treatment using the V. album extract was less painful, V. album might be a feasible option for chemical pleurodesis. However, pleural effusion should be monitored carefully when using V. album extract for treating patients suffering from air leak.

Efficacy of Single-Port Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery Lobectomy Compared with Triple-Port VATS by Propensity Score Matching

BACKGROUND: In recent years, single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for lobectomy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients has become increasingly common. The objective of this study was to compare the feasibility and safety of single-port and triple-port VATS lobectomy. METHODS: A total of 73 patients with NSCLC who underwent VATS lobectomy from December 2011 to August 2016 were retrospectively reviewed, including 47 in the triple-port group and 26 in the single-port group. Statistical analysis was performed after propensity score matching. Patients were matched on a 1-to-1 basis. RESULTS: Operative time and intraoperative blood loss in the triple-port group and the single-port group were similar (189.4±50.8 minutes vs. 205.4±50.6 minutes, p=0.259; 286.5±531.0 mL vs. 314.6±513.1 mL, p=0.813). There were no cases of morbidity or mortality. No significant differences in complications or the total number of dissected lymph nodes were found between the 2 groups. In the single-port group, more mediastinal lymph nodes were dissected than in the triple-port group (1.7±0.6 vs. 1.2±0.5, p=0.011). Both groups had 1 patient with bronchopleural fistula. Chest tube duration and postoperative hospital stay were shorter in the single-port group than in the triple-port group (8.7±5.1 days vs. 6.2±6.6 days, p=0.130; 11.7±6.1 days vs. 9.5±6.4 days, p=0.226). However, the differences were not statistically significant. In the single-port group, the rate of conversion to multi-port VATS lobectomy was 11.5% (3 of 26). The rates of conversion to open thoracotomy in the triple-port and single-port groups were 7.7% and 3.8%, respectively (p=1.000). CONCLUSION: In comparison with the triple-port group, single-port VATS lobectomy showed similar results in safety and efficacy, indicating that single-port VATS lobectomy is a feasible and safe option for lung cancer patients.

The Results of Proximal Femoral Nail for Intertrochanteric Fracture in Hemodialysis Patient / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: Hip fractures in hemodialysis patients are accompanied by high rates of complications and morbidities. Previous studies have mainly reported on nonunion and avascular necrosis of femoral neck fractures in this patient group. In this study the complication and clinical results of hemodialysis patients with intertrochanteric fractures treated with proximal femoral intramedullary nailing have been investigated through comparison with patients with normal kidney function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven patients were included; the hemodialysis group (n=17) and the control group with normal kidney function (n=30). The medical history and clinical findings including preoperative and postoperative blood examinations, radiological examinations and ambulatory status (measured using the Koval score). The rate of complications and morbidities were also investigated and compared. RESULTS: Preoperative hemoglobin/hematocrit was lower but a significant increase in partial thromboplastin time was observed in the hemodialysis group. The amount of bleeding/transfusions were higher and operative time was longer in the hemodialysis group. Upon radiologic examination, there was no significant difference in rate of unstable fracture and nonunion between the two groups. However the postoperative Koval score was significantly worse and the odds ratio of inability to walk after surgery was 13.5 times higher in the hemodialysis group. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in radiological results, but the risk of inability to walk after surgery was 13.5 times higher in the hemodialysis group. Hemodialysis patients have more morbidities and are hemodynamically unstable therefore require special attention. Accurate reduction and firm fixation is required and attentive postoperative rehabilitation is needed.

Malignant Transformation of Pulmonary Benign Metastasizing Leiomyoma

Pulmonary benign metastasizing leiomyoma (PBML) is defined as metastasis of a leiomyoma to lung tissue. It was first reported in 1937. P BML is known as a benign disease, but can undergo malignant transformation. Only 1 case of the malignant transformation of PBML to leiomyosarcoma has been reported previously. In this report, we present a case of malignant transformation of PBML.

Catastrophic Bronchial Spasm Due to a Severe Anaphylactic Reaction to Protamine

Fatal anaphylactic reactions to protamine sulfate during cardiac surgery are very rare. We report a case of catastrophic bronchial spasm due to an anaphylactic reaction to protamine. The patient was managed successfully using a bronchodilator, steroid treatment, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Lumbar Lordosis of Spinal Stenosis Patients during Intraoperative Prone Positioning

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effect of spondylolisthesis on lumbar lordosis on the OSI (Jackson; Orthopaedic Systems Inc.) frame. Restoration of lumbar lordosis is important for maintaining sagittal balance. Physiologic lumbar lordosis has to be gained by intraoperative prone positioning with a hip extension and posterior instrumentation technique. There are some debates about changing lumbar lordosis on the OSI frame after an intraoperative prone position. We evaluated the effect of spondylolisthesis on lumbar lordosis after an intraoperative prone position. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients, who underwent spinal fusion at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery of Gwangmyeong Sungae Hospital between May 2007 and February 2012, were included in this study. The study compared lumbar lordosis on preoperative upright, intraoperative prone and postoperative upright lateral X-rays between the simple stenosis (SS) group and spondylolisthesis group. The average age of patients was 67.86 years old. The average preoperative lordosis was 43.5degrees (+/- 14.9degrees), average intraoperative lordosis was 48.8degrees (+/- 13.2degrees), average postoperative lordosis was 46.5degrees (+/- 16.1degrees) and the average change on the frame was 5.3degrees (+/- 10.6degrees). RESULTS: Among all patients, 24 patients were diagnosed with simple spinal stenosis, 43 patients with spondylolisthesis (29 degenerative spondylolisthesis and 14 isthmic spondylolisthesis). Between the SS group and spondylolisthesis group, preoperative lordosis, intraoperative lordosis and postoperative lordosis were significantly larger in the spondylolisthesis group. The ratio of patients with increased lordosis on the OSI frame compared to preoperative lordosis was significantly higher in the spondylolisthesis group. The risk of increased lordosis on frame was significantly higher in the spondylolisthesis group (odds ratio, 3.325; 95% confidence interval, 1.101 to 10.039; p = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative lumbar lordosis on the OSI frame with a prone position was larger in the SS patients than the spondylolisthesis patients, which also produced a larger postoperative lordosis angle after posterior spinal fusion surgery. An increase in lumbar lordosis on the OSI frame should be considered during posterior spinal fusion surgery, especially in spondylolisthesis patients.

Effect of Smoking on Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture in Postmenopausal Women

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between smoking and osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) in postmenopausal women. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Several studies have examined the relationship of smoking with hip fractures, but few studies have analyzed the relationship of smoking with spine fractures in women thus far. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study considered 1255 postmenopausal women aged 50 years and older (enrollment from April 2008 to January 2009) from 62 study sites in a nationwide hospital. The amount of smoking was calculated in pack-years. Further, OVFs were diagnosed using a semi-quantitative method. To analyze the relationship between smoking and OVFs, we used a paired t-test, a χ2-test, and a binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The past history of smoking was 7.2% in the patient group and 4.3% in the control group (p=0.025). The mean pack-years of smoking was 0.34 in the control group and 0.62 in the patient group (p=130). The mean T-score in the lumbar bone mass density (BMD) was –1.64 in the control group and –2.19 in the patient group (p=0.409). Smoking was a risk factor of vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women (odd's ratio=1.68, 95% confidence interval=1.020–2.759, p=0.042) irrespective of the lumbar BMD and the medical treatment for osteoporosis and obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking is a risk factor for osteoporotic vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women independently without regard to lumbar BMD. Therefore, cessation of smoking is important for the prevention of OVFs in postmenopausal women.

The Use of T1 Sagittal Angle in Predicting Cervical Disc Degeneration

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation. PURPOSE: To analyze the effect of T1 slope on degree of degeneration in patients with cervical disc degeneration. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: The T1 slope is well known parameter that may be very useful in evaluating sagittal balance. There are no reports on the analysis of the relationship between T1 slope and cervical disc degeneration. We hypothesized that T1 slope has an effect on the degree of cervical degeneration. METHODS: Sixty patients who had cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in our orthopedic clinic were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups according to T1 slope. Radiologic parameters obtained from radiography and cervical spine MRI were compared between low T1 slope group (25). RESULTS: Among low T1 slope group, average degeneration grade of each cervical segment was 2.65 in C2-3, 2.50 in C3-4, 2.62 in C4-5, 3.23 in C5-6, and 2.81 in C6-7. And that of high T1 group was 2.35 in C2-3, 2.32 in C3-4, 2.59 in C4-5, 2.79 in C5-6, and 2.32 in C6-7. Grade of degeneration of low T1 group was significantly higher, as compared with high T1 group in C5-6 (p=0.028) and C6-7 (p=0.009). Percentage of high grade degeneration of more than grand III was 65.4% in low T1 group and 32.4% in high T1 group (p=0.018). Risk of high grade degeneration of C6-7 was significantly higher in low T1 group (odds ratio, 5.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.665-19.057; p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with low T1 slope had higher grade of degeneration regardless of age and gender. Low T1 slope is a potential risk factor of cervical spondylosis especially in the C6-7 cervical segment.

Efficacy of External Fixation and Transfixation Pinning of Distal Radioulnar Joint in Distal Radius Fracture

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate efficacy of percutaneous pinning of distal radioulnar joint in patient with distal radius fracture. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients who underwent percutaneous pinning and external fixation for distal radius fracture were included in this study. Radiologic and clinical outcomes were compared between the patients who underwent percutaneous pinning on the radius only (PD group) and the patients with supplementary pinning on distal radioulnar joint (DRU group) after percutaneous pinning on the radius. External fixation was performed in all patients. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were PD group and fifteen patients were DRU group. Radial height and radial inclination was significantly higher in DRU group. There was no significant difference in ulnar variance, volar tilt and articular step off between two groups. Among the clinical outcome, there was no significant difference in range of motion between two groups but grip strength was significantly larger in DRU group. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous pinning with K-wires on distal radioulnar joint in distal radius fracture can be a useful procedure for prevention of radial shortening without loss of range of motion of the wrist.

Unstable Intertrochanteric Fracture Treated with ITST: A Comparative Study between Groups with and without Comminution of Greater Trochanter

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether the radiological and clinical results of treatment with intertrochanteric/subtrochanteric (ITST) nail on unstable intertrochanteric fractures are combined with comminution of the greater trochanter or not. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the results on 210 cases of unstable intertrochanteric fractures (grouped 88 patients with comminution of greater trochanter [GT] and 122 patients without comminution of GT) treated with ITST nail from January 2007 to October 2011, which was to be followed-up for more than 12 months. RESULTS: The mean union time was 15.2 weeks in the study group (combined with comminution of GT). The mean union time was 14.7 weeks in control group (no comminution of GT). The lag screw sliding was 8.7 mm in the study group and 7.2 mm in the control group. Changes of neck-shaft angle was 4.2degrees in study group and 4.1degrees in control group. Tip-apex distance was 17.4 mm in study group and 16.4 mm in control group. The complications were 4 cases in each study group and control group. The clinical results checked by Skovron recovery scores decreased similarly in both groups, 73.7% in study group and 76.5% in control group. There were no significant differences in both groups according to radiological and clinical results. CONCLUSION: The comminution of great trochanter does not affect on the radiological and clinical results when using the ITST nail of unstable intertrochanteric fractures.

The Comparison between ITST(TM) (Intertrochanteric/Subtrochanteric) & DHS (Dynamic Hip Screw) in Unstable Femur Intertrochanteric Fracture

PURPOSE: To evaluate between DHS and ITST nail (2nd generation) on the treatment of unstable femur intertrochanteric fracture in patients over 70 years old. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 61 cases of unstable intertrochanteric fracture (grouped 37 patients with DHS and 24 patients with ITST) who were taken the operation from Mar. 2003 to Sep. 2007 were analysed regarding to union time, sliding length of lag screws, operation time, blood loss, postoperative complications and functional recovery score by Skovron. RESULTS: The mean union time was 14.7 weeks in study group (ITST). The mean union time was 16.2 weeks in control group (DHS). The lag screw slidings were 7.2 mm in study group and 8.7 mm in control group. The operation times were 57.9 min in study group and 76.9 min in control group. The amount of blood loss were 67.7 ml in study group and 227.4 ml in control group. The complications were 4 cases in study group and 4 cases in control group. The Skovron recovery scores were 76.5% in study group and 73.7% in control group. CONCLUSION: From a practical point of short operation time, less amount of bleeding and less complication, author think that the ITST nail is useful implant for treatment of unstable femur intertrochanteric fracture in patient of old age.

99mTc-HDP Pinhole SPECT Findings of Foot Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy: Radiographic and MRI Correlation and a Speculation about Subperiosteal Bone Resorption

Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) is a common rheumatic disorder manifesting painful swelling, discoloration, stiffening and atrophy of the skin. Radiographic alterations include small, spotty subperiosteal bone resorption (SBR) and diffuse porosis, and MR imaging shows bone and soft-tissue edema. The purposes of current investigation were to assess 99mTc HDP pinhole SPECT (pSPECT) findings of RSD, to correlate them with those of radiography and MRI and to speculate about causative mechanism of SBR which characterizes RSD. pSPECT was performed in five patients with RSD of the foot. pSPECT showed small, discrete, spotty hot areas in the subperiosteal zones of ankle bones in all five patients. Diffusely increased tracer uptake was seen in the retrocalcaneal surface where the calcaneal tendon inserts in two patients with atrophic RSD. pSPECT and radiographic correlation showed spotty hot areas, that reflect focally activated bone turnover, to closely match with SBR. Further correlation with MRI showed both spotty hot areas and SBR to coincide in location with the insertions of ligaments and tendons, onto which pulling strain is constantly exerted. In contrast, the disuse osteoporosis in unstrained bones did not show any more significantly increased tracer uptake than normal cancellous bones.

Lumbar Spinal Epidural Abscess Combined with Cauda Equina Syndrome: A Case Report / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Spinal epidural abscess is an uncommon, but a significant disease due to its high morbidity and mortality rate if not diagnosed in time. Although early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention is needed for better prognosis of this disease, the diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess is often elusive despite modern medical advances, and depends on a high index of suspicion. we report a case of lumbar spinal epidural abscess of unknown origin complicated by cauda equina syndrome.

A Case of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 / 대한내분비학회지

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1) is the association of neoplastic transformation of parathyroid, pituitary, and pancreatic islet cells. This syndrome is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. A 38-year-old woman presented with general weakness and mental changes. She had experienced same symptoms 7 years ago, after then her weight gradually increased. Insulinoma was suspected by markedly decreased blood glucose level (20mg/dL) and the increased insulin/glucose ratio (0.43) that sampled in emergency room at the time of mental change. Unusually large pancreatic tail mass and Lt, adrenal gland mass were detected by abdominal CT. Percutaneous transhepatic portal vein catheterization with insulin sampling showed sudden step up of insulin/glucose ratio at the middle portion of pancreas. Measuring of basal pituitary hormones as a screening procedure of MEN showed increased basal prolactin level. Combined pituitary stimulation test showed blunted response of prolactin to TRH and sellar magnetic resonance imaging showed intrasellar mass. Thyroid nodule was palpated on her anterior neck. Thyroid scintigram showed cold nodule, and there was no lymphadenopathy around the nodule by the thyroid sonogram. Fine needle aspiration cytology showed benign hyperplastic follicular cells only. Serum ionized calcium and parathyroid hormone level were normal. Under the impression of MEN type I, the distal pancreatectomy, splenectomy, Lt. thyroid lobectomy and Lt. adrenalectomy was performed at the same time. Histologic examination of the surgically removed tissues revealed pancreas islet cell tumor, adrenal cortical adenoma and thyroid adenoma. Transient hyperglycemia was developed after surgical intervention, but thereafter she never felt any symptoms of hypoglycemia till now and her blood glucose showed completely normal level with oral glucose tolerance tests. We present this case with a review of literature.