Comparison of Wound Healing Between Conventional Tie-over Dressing and Silicone Sheeting after Skin Grafting

PURPOSE: We compared wound healing between the conventional tie-over dressing and silicone sheeting after skin grafting in patients with skin defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of a total of 30 cases of skin defects, 15 underwent conventional tie-over dressing and the remaining 15 underwent silicone sheeting skin grafting, we compared hematoma formation and infection status between the 2 techniques 1 and 2 weeks after operation. RESULTS: Hematoma was not observed in all cases. The wound infection rate decreased in silicone group. CONCLUSIONS: Silicone sheeting skin graft may be helpful in reducing wound infection.

Modified Extension Block Technique Using Conjoined Kirschner Wires for Bony Mallet Fingers

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical results of the modified extension block fixation method using conjoined K-wires for bony mallet fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2006 to March 2009, we performed conjoined K-wire fixation as a modification of extension block technique in 9 patients with a bony mallet finger. After the average follow-up of 4.8 months, range of motion, pain, nail deformity, and bony union were evaluated. RESULTS: The average range of motion was 3.3degrees (range, 0-20degrees)of extension lag and 76.7degrees (range, 45-90degrees) of flexion. Bony union was obtained in all patients. No nail deformity was observed. One patient complained of distal interphalangeal joint pain. CONCLUSION: The extension block fixation method using conjoined K-wires can be an acceptable treatment option which provides stable fixation in bony mallet fractures.

Lateral Plate Fixation of Distal Tibial Metaphyseal Fracture Using Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis Technique

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficiency of lateral plate fixation using minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique as a treatment of distal tibial metaphyseal fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among the patient who were treated from March, 2002 to September, 2004, the cases of twenty patients with distal tibial metaphyseal fracture treated by lateral plate fixation using MIPO technique who were able to be followed up for at least one-year period were reviewed in this study. According to AO/OTA classification, five were type A1, twelve cases were type A2 and other three cases were type A3, and among them two cases were open fracture type I according to the Gustillo-Anderson classification. Radiologic studies and clinical assessment described by Daniel et al and complication following the treatment were evaluated. RESULTS: At a mean of 16.4 weeks (range 11 to 23), all fractures united without secondary procedures. According to clinical assessment, all cases had good and excellent result, and there were no complications. CONCLUSION: The lateral plate fixation using MIPO technique of distal tibial metaphyseal fracture is an efficient method of treatment with high functional recovery rate which minimize soft tissue damage, decreases the risk of infection and incidence of nonunion at the same time as the classic MIPO technique does, and it is a useful alternative method when there is a anteromedial soft tissue damage.

Two Stage Reimplantation in Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty Using an Articulating Antibiotics Impregnated Cement Spacer: Surgical Technique

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical result of two stage reimplantation of infected total knee arthroplasties, using an antibiotics impregnated articulating cement spacer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Out of total 7 cases with infected total knee arthroplasties, 4 cases treated with two stage reimplantation, using an antibiotics impregnated articulating cement spacer were included in this study. After the treatment of infected total knee arthroplasties, the treatment of infection was evaluated by physical examination, radiologic studies, and hematologic studies. The results were evaluated using the Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Score (HSS). RESULTS: As results, 4 infected knee cases treated with two stage reimplantation did not have reinfection at the time of the follow up, and physical, laboratory, and radiologic studies were all within normal range. The range of motion of the reimplanted knees were from -5degrees in extension to 130 degrees in flexion, with an average of 117 degrees. The average score of the Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Score was 87. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, two stage arthroplasties, using antibiotics impregnated articulating cement spacer was an effective therapy not only for the treatment of the infection after the total knee arthroplasty but also effectiveness for recovery of the knee function.

Treatment of Fractures of the Lateral Malleolus using Locking Compression Plate / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate usefulness of locking compression plate (LCP) as an open reduction technique by evaluating clinical results obtained from the patients with lateral malleolar fracture treated by internal fixation using LCP after open reduction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among the patients with lateral malleolar fracture, the 28 patients who were treated by internal fixation using Locking compression plate after an open reduction and were able to be followed up for more than 6 months were included in this study. Final postoperative evaluation was done based on the Meyer's clinical and radiologic evaluation system. RESULTS: All cases achieved anatomical reduction and fixation of the reduction postoperatively. 28 minutes were taken meaningly from the incision to the fixation of LCP plate after the anatomical reduction. Everage bony union time was 8.2 weaks, and the result was excellent in 23 cases (82%), good in 5 cases (17%) and poor result was abscent according to the criteria of Meyer et al. One case of post traumatic arthritis and one case of superficial infection on the operation site were found, but non-union, delayed union and malunion were not occurred. CONCLUSION: The internal fixation after open reduction using LCP is an effective treatment method in treating lateral malleolar fracture of the ankle since it offers advantages including easy application and a greater stability due to its capability of maintaining exact anatomical reduction even though the screw does not penetrate the medial cortex of fibular to add the stability and rigidity of the fixation.