Changes of the Muscle-tendon Lengths in a Three-dimensional Musculoskeletal Model according to the Hip Transverse Angle in Cerebral Palsy Patients with Crouch Gait / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Crouch gait is one of the common pathologic gaits in children with cerebral palsy. Hamstring lengthening for alleviation of knee flexion is often considered as a first choice for the treatment of crouch gait. However, there have been a variety of reports about the lengths of the hamstring muscle. The purpose of this study was to classify the crouch gait on the transverse plane and to suggest a guide line for hamstring lengthening by analyzing the length of these muscles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subjects for this study were selected in ambulatory spastic diplegia patients with crouch gait. A total of sixty-two patients (124 cases) were included. The gait parameters and the muscle lengths were compared. The range of +/-1 standard deviation of the normal middle stance hip rotation was considered as the normal range. The subjects were divided into three groups as hip external rotated (group I), normal (group II) and hip internal rotated (group III) according to the hip rotation. RESULTS: The flexion of the knee and hip was the greatest in group III and dorsiflexion of the ankle was the least in group I. On comparison of moment and power on the sagittal plane, there was no significant difference among the groups. In group III, the percent lengths of the adductor, biceps femoris and gracilis muscles were increased the most, whereas the percent length of the semimembranosus was decreased the most. There was no statistical difference between groups I and II and the normal control group. CONCLUSION: Irrespective of the hip rotation, the length of the hamstring muscle in patients with crouch gait did not differ compared to that of the normal control. But if rotational osteotomy is done for the correction of the increased femoral anteversion in group III, then we should consider lengthening the semimembranosus muscle.

One-Bone Forearm Procedure for Acquired Pseudoarthrosis of the Ulna Combined with Radial Head Dislocation in a Child: A Case with 20 Years Follow-Up

This report describes a 6 year-old boy who was treated with one-bone forearm procedure for acquired pseudoarthrosis of the ulna combined with radial head dislocation after radical ulna debridement for osteomyelitis. At more than 20 years of follow-up, the patient had a nearly full range of elbow movements with a few additional surgical procedures. Pronation and supination was restricted by 45degrees, but the patient had near-normal elbow and hand functions without the restriction of any daily living activity. This case shows that one-bone forearm formation is a reasonable option for forearm stability in longstanding pseudoarthrosis of the ulna with radial head dislocation in a child.

One-Bone Forearm Procedure for Acquired Pseudoarthrosis of the Ulna Combined with Radial Head Dislocation in a Child: A Case with 20 Years Follow-Up

This report describes a 6 year-old boy who was treated with one-bone forearm procedure for acquired pseudoarthrosis of the ulna combined with radial head dislocation after radical ulna debridement for osteomyelitis. At more than 20 years of follow-up, the patient had a nearly full range of elbow movements with a few additional surgical procedures. Pronation and supination was restricted by 45degrees, but the patient had near-normal elbow and hand functions without the restriction of any daily living activity. This case shows that one-bone forearm formation is a reasonable option for forearm stability in longstanding pseudoarthrosis of the ulna with radial head dislocation in a child.

Surgical Treatment of Pathologic Humeral Fracture

PURPOSE: To evaluate and analyze the radiographic and clinical outcomes after the surgical treatments of pathologic humeral fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 1993 to September 2007, a retrospective investigation was conducted with a total of 13 patients who underwent operations for pathologic humeral fractures. The methods of surgical treatment were as follows-four cases of open reduction and internal fixation; eight cases of closed reduction and internal fixation with intramedullary nailing; and one of radical excision and hemiarthroplasty. RESULTS: Of nine patients with metastatic bone lesions, three were diagnosed with primary cancer after the incidence of pathologic humeral fracture. The mean period between the diagnosis of primary cancer and pathologic fracture in the latter six cases was 36.7 (2~144) months and the mean survival period after the surgical treatments was 22.8 (12~35) weeks in all patients with bone metastasis. Fracture unions were noted in all four cases of primary humeral bone lesion but none in metastatic cases. Pain relief and functional recovery were noted in eleven patients of this study. CONCLUSION: Satisfactory clinical outcomes with sustained pain relief and functional recovery were observed after the surgical treatments of pathologic humeral fracture. Benign bone lesions require more active and early treatments in order to facilitate the functional recovery of upper extremities and fracture union. With pathologic humeral fractures originated from metastasis, palliative treatments were preferred to fracture union method for planning long-term pain relief and functional recovery.

Prognostic Factors of the Extension Block Technique for the Bony Mallet Finger / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results and prognostic factors of the extension block technique for treating a bony mallet finger. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 2002 and January 2009, forty-nine patients who underwent the extension block technique for a bony mallet finger were evaluated. The minimum period of follow up was 6 months. The type of fracture was classified by the Wehbe and Schneider method. The results were evaluated by the Crawford classification. The prognostic factors were analyzed according to age, gender, the timing of the surgery, the mallet fragment angle and the residual displacement. RESULTS: According the Crawford classification, there were 22 excellent, 20 good, 6 fair and 1 poor results. The poor prognostic factors were an older patient age, subluxation, a smaller mallet fragment angle and smaller postoperative displacement (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The prognostic factors of the extension block technique for bony mallet finger were the patient age, subluxation, the mallet fragment angle (more than 30 degrees) and the postoperative displacement.

Correction of Long Standing Proximal Interphalangeal Flexion Contractures with Cross Finger Flaps and Vigorous Postoperative Exercises

PURPOSE: We reviewed the results of cross finger flaps after surgical release and vigorous postoperative exercises for long-standing, severe flexion contractures of the Proximal Interphalangeal (PIP) joints of fingers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 9 patients, all contracted tissue was sequentially released and the resultant skin defect was covered with a cross-finger flap. The cause of the contracture was contact burn in 4, skin graft in 3, and a previous operation in 2. The mean follow-up period was 41.2 months. RESULTS: The mean flexion contracture/further flexion in the joints were improved from 73.4/87.8degrees to 8.4/95.4degrees at the last follow-up. A mean of 19.5degrees of extension was achieved with vigorous extension exercise after the operation. The mean gain in range of motion (ROM) was 79.4degrees. Near full ROM was achieved in 3 cases. There were no major complications. CONCLUSIONS: In severe flexion contractures with scarring of the PIP joints of fingers, cross finger flaps after sufficient release and vigorous postoperative exercise seems to be a reasonable option to obtain satisfactory ROM of the joints.

The Results of Radial Shortening Osteotomy for Kienbock Disease Stage III

PURPOSE: Radial shortening osteotomy and ulnar lengthening osteotomy for decreasing axial loading have been known to treatment for avascular necrosis of lunate bone. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of radial shortening osteotomy for Lichtman stage III Kienbock disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between December 2001 and October 2008, thirteen patients with Kienbock disease underwent a radial shortening osteotomy at our institution. On the basis of Lichtman classification, six had stage IIIA and seven had stage IIIB. Radiographic measurement of the ulnar variance and the carpal height ratio were assessed preoperatively and at the follow-up. Patients were examined for wrist pain, range of motion at flexion and extension and grip strength both preoperatively and postoperatively. The clinical outcomes was evaluated through the modification of Evans scoring system. RESULTS: All thirteen had maintained the preoperative stage at the follow-up. In ulnar variance, negative variance was seven. The carpal height ratio was increased mean 0.018 at the follw-up. Pain in VAS was improved mean 3.6 at the follow-up. In range of motion of wrist flexion-extension, in the eleven which had limitation of motion preoperatively, all eleven showed improvement. In grip strength, among the ten which had decreased preoperatively, eight showed improvement and two showed no change at the follw-up. The clinical outcomes were good in eight, fair in three and poor in two. Among the five, negative ulnar variance of stage IIIB, three had good, two had fair clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: We found that radial shortening osteotomy can prevent disease progression, also show good clinical results for stage IIIB Kienbock disease as well as stage IIIA.

Operative Treatment of Capitellar Fractures Associated with/without Other Injury Around the Elbow

PURPOSE: We wanted to assess the radiological and clinical results and the prognostic factors after an operation for capitellar fractures associated with/without other injury around the elbow. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among the 25 patients (mean age: 49 years-old) who underwent open reduction and internal fixation for capitellar fractures, there were nineteen type 1 fractures and six type 3 fractures. The mean follow up period was 14.8 months. We assessed the factors affecting the radiological and functional results, such as the fracture pattern, the patient age and the surgical approaches. RESULTS: In 24 of 25 patients, bony union was achieved at postoperative 1 year. There were eighteen excellent, four good, two fair and one poor functional results according to the Broberg and Morrey elbow score. The most common type was type 1 and the most common associated injury was lateral condylar fracture. The patients with type 1 fracture rather than the patients with type 3 fracture and the patients who had an extraarticular associated fracture rather than an intraarticular associated fracture had better clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: 22 (88%) of the patients were satisfied at the result. The type of capitellar fracture and an associated intraarticular elbow fracture were shown to be important prognostic factors in this study.

Operative Treatement of Snapping Triceps Syndrome and Ulnar Nerve Dislocation

PURPOSE: Snapping triceps syndrome is dynamic condition in which medial head of triceps snaps (dislocates) over the medial epicondyle as the elbow is flexed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The symptoms are pain or snapping at the medial aspect of the elbow and/or symptoms from coexisting ulnar nerve irritation. The diagnosis can be made by dynamic ultrasonography. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: And successful outcome can be archived by operative treatment, which are ulnar nerve anterior transposition and tenotomy of medial head of triceps.

Sural Artery Flap for the Treatment of Osteomyelitis of the Lower Leg / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We report our experiences with a sural artery flap for the treatment of soft tissue defects in the lower leg with osteomyelitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1998 to December 2004, 35 patients underwent sural artery flap surgery for soft tissue coverage in the lower leg. Among them, 13 cases also had osteomyelitis. The defects were located at the proximal 1/3 of the lower leg in 2 cases, middle 1/3 in 2 cases, and around the ankle in 9 cases. A distally based sural artery flap was performed in 11 cases, and 2 cases were treated with a proximally based sural artery flap. RESULTS: The size of the defects ranged from 3x3 cm to 15x10 cm. Two cases showed marginal superficial necrosis that required debridement and secondary closure. After an average follow-up period of 33 months, the osteomyelitis was cured in all cases without recurrence. CONCLUSION: A sural arteriolized flap is useful for the treatment of osteomyelitis in the lower leg accompanied by a soft tissue defect.

Prognostic Factors of Modified Thompson Quadricepsplasty for the Stiff Knee / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the prognostic factors of modified Thompson quadricepsplasty for a stiff knee. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 1987 to February 2007, 38 knees of 38 patients were managed with modified Thompson quadricepsplasty for a stiff knee. Thirty three males and 5 females were enrolled with a mean age of 36 years. The average follow-up duration was 92 months (range, 18 to 133 months). The most common cause of the stiff knee was a fracture around the knee in 33 cases. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the prognostic factors. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis showed that the gain of ROM after surgery was negatively correlated with the ROM before surgery (p<0.0001), and flexion contracture at the last follow up was positively correlated with the initial flexion contracture (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: In a stiff knee, modified Thompson quadricepsplasty should be considered as soon as possible if the patient cannot gain an acceptable ROM through conservative management. More improvement in the ROM can be obtained in those with a more severe limitation of motion.

The Treatment of Nonunion of the Scaphoid with a Horse-Shoe Bone Graft and Fixation with Two Screws / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Three dimensional anatomical reconstruction of an old scaphoid nonunion injury with a humpback deformity is not an easy procedure. The single interpositional bone graft technique has its limitation for accurate anatomic reconstruction. We report here on the effect of a cortical interpositional horse-shoe graft using two screws and a volar cancellous chip bone graft for the treatment of scaphoid nonunion with a humpback deformity or a miss-match fracture surface in scaphoid nonunion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed nineteen patients who were treated for scaphoid nonunion using a cancellous chip bone graft and a cortical interpositional horse-shoe graft with 2 screws (a Herbert's screw and a mini screw). The mean follow up period was 24 months (range: 14-36 months). The mean age was 30.5 years (range: 17-52 years) and 18 patients were male and 1 patient was female. The mean period between injury and operation was 6.7 years (range: 1 to 30 years). The nonunion sites were located in the waist in 15 wrists and in the distal third in 4 wrists. The volar approach was used in 18 cases and the dorsal approach was used in 1 case. In 2 cases, one additional kirschner's wire was used due to the instability of fixation. The clinical results were assessed by the criteria of Maudesley and Chen at the last follow-up. RESULTS: Bony union was obtained in 18 (95%) cases. The average time for union was 13 weeks. There were improvements in the scapholunate angle (from 65.2 degrees to 49.5 degrees) and the intrascaphoid angle (from 43.5 degrees to 29.6 degrees). There are 3 cases with excellent results, 10 cases with good results and 6 cases with fair results. There was one complication. In 1 case, a nonunion gap was seen at 7 months after operation, but there were no clinical symptoms. CONCLUSION: A cortical interpositional horse-shoe graft using two screws and a cancellous chip bone graft for treating scaphoid nonunion with a humpback deformity or a large defect seems to be an encouraging procedure for regaining the normal anatomy of the scaphoid.

Indications and Prognostic Factors of Groin Flap for Reconstruction of the Extremities

There are several advantages for groin flap, but its small and unpredictable vessels of pedicle have made it to lose its initial popularity. Although it would be ideal flap when it is focused on its useful advantages such as relative larger size, low donor site morbidity and possible bone graft, there have been few studies for prognostic factors for successful groin flap. Authors intended to determine prognostic factors which are relative with success of free groin flap. From January 1985 to December 2007, 107 patients who underwent groin flap for reconstruction of extremities were selected consecutively. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to determine prognostic factors which were related with success of groin flap. Eighty of 107 (74.8%) flaps survived. There was significant difference in success rate according to the recipient site. Nineteen of 20 cases (95%) survived in upper extremities, but 61 of 87 cases (70.1%) survived in lower extremities, which was statistically significant (p=0.022). Univariate analysis showed that mean diameter of donor veins was significantly larger in success group (p=0.021). Groin flap is recommended for reconstruction of upper extremities than lower extremities. It is thought to be critical that surgeons try to match vessel diameters between donor and recipient site.

Hibernoma of Right Shoulder :A Case Report

PURPOSE: Hibernoma is a very rare benign soft tissue tumor of the hypervascularized brown fat tissue with no malignant potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: However, it is difficult to differentiate a hibernoma from other malignant tumors, such as liposarcoma using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, and a surgical resection with histological confirmation is the treatment of choice. RESULTS: Histopathologically, hibernoma is composed of brown adipose cells that are polygonal and multivacuolated with a centrally located nucleus and granular cytoplasm, unlike white adipose cells. CONCLUSION: This article describes a patient with a histologically-confirmed hibernoma of the right shoulder.

Operative Treatment of Trapezium Fractures

PURPOSE: Fractures of trapezium are uncommon carpal bone fractures and often unrecognized lesions. We investigated about operative treatment of trapezium fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven patients with fractures of trapezium were evaluated after surgical treatment with a mean follow up time of 18 months (12 months~3 years). Functional assessment (pain, limitation in activities of daily living, satisfaction), physical examination (range of motion, grip strength), and radiographic evaluation were performed. Traumatic arthritis and carpometacarpal joint subluxation were confirmed by radiograph. RESULTS: During study period, 122 cases were carpal bone fractures, and seven of 122 cases were fractures of trapezium. All cases were intra-articular fractures of trapezium. 1st carpometacarpal joint dislocation at 4 patients, Bennett's fracture at 1 patient, hamate hook fracture at 1 patient, and base of 4th proximal phalanx fracture at 1 patient were associated with fracture of trapezium. Open reduction and internal fixation were performed at 6 cases and 1st carpometacarpal joint arthrodesis was performed at 1 case because of neglected fracture. One of 6 cases which were performed to open reduction and internal fixation was reoperated to external fixation due to reduction loss. Clinically 6 patients revealed good results. one of 7 patients experienced limitation of thumb opposition. CONCLUSION: Based on the good results obtained with surgical intervention, we advocated open reduction and internal fixation for fractures with intraarticular depressed more than 2 mm or combined with Bennett's fracture or carpometacarpal subluxation.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Caused by Space Occupying Lesions

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnosis and treatment of the carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) due to space occupying lesions (SOL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven patients and 12 cases that underwent surgery for CTS due to SOL were studied retrospectively. We excluded SOL caused by bony lesions, such as malunion of distal radius fracture, volar lunate dislocation, etc. The average age was 51 years. There were 3 men and 8 women. Follow-up period was 12 to 40 months with an average of 18 months. The diagnosis of CTS was made clinically and electrophysiologically. In patients with swelling or tenderness on the area of wrist flexion creases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or computed tomogram (CT) were additionally taken as well as the carpal tunnel view. We performed conventional open transverse carpal ligament release and removal of SOL. RESULTS: The types of lesion confirmed by pathologic examination were; tuberculosis tenosynovitis in 3 cases, nonspecific tenosynovitis in 2 cases, and gout in one case. Other SOLs were tumorous condition in five cases, and abnormal palmaris longus hypertrophy in 1 case. Tumorous conditions were due to calcifying mass in 4 cases and ganglion in 1 case. Following surgery, all cases showed alleviation of symptom without recurrence or complications. CONCLUSION: In cases with swelling or tenderness on the area of wrist flexion creases, it is important to obtain a carpal tunnel view, and MRI and/or CT should be supplemented in order to rule out SOLs around the carpal tunnel, if necessary.

Comparison of the Clinical Results of HILT Versus ESWT in the Lateral Epicondylitis

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical results of High intensity laser therapy (HILT) versus Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in the lateral epicondylitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients who suffer from lateral epicondylitis for more than six month duration were randomly assigned two treatment groups. Group 1 (n=25) was treated with HILT using a HIRO 3.0 laser(ASA srl, Arcugnano, Italy) and total energy was administered approximately 1200J following a standard protocol for each session; Group 2 (n=25) recieved with ESWT treatment using an EvoTron(Switech Medical AG, Kreuzlingen, Switzerland) for a total of 1000 shocks for each session. The patients were evaluated by assessment of pain using visual analog scale (VAS) and simple elbow test (SET). Comparision of overall clinical outcomes were evaluated by Roles and Maudsley score at 9 months. RESULTS: Average VAS and SET scores were significantly improved in two groups, also achieved significant improvement of symptoms at 9 months follow up according to Roles and Maudesley scores(P<0.05). The success rate in the HILT group was 76 % and in the ESWT group was 72 %. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that HILT could be considered as effective and noninvasive treatment modality for lateral epicondylitis.

Mass of the Distal Phalanx of the Finger with Bony Lesion

PURPOSE: Previous study revealed that 90% of benign bone tumor of hand is enchondroma. In soft tissue tumor, 36% of glomus tumor and less than 5% of giant cell tumor of tendon sheath are revealed as bone involving lesions. However, primary bone tumor and soft tissue tumor are not reported frequently at the distal phalanx. We aimed to assess the specific characters of the distal phalangeal mass. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen cases of distal phalangeal masses with bony lesions were included, and clinical and radiologic review were done. RESULTS: Fourteen cases out of eighteen distal phalangeal mass cases were bony lesions of the distal phalanx. Chief complaints of patients were pain (ten cases), palpable mass (four cases), and both (one case). Six cases were benign bone tumor, eight were soft tissue tumor involving the bone. In eight soft tissue mass, four glomus tumors, two epidermoid cysts, two giant cell tumors of tendon sheath were diagnosed. Nail involvement was found in four cases, and three of them were diagnosed as glomus tumor. CONCLUSIONS: The high rates of bone involvement and nail deformity of the distal phalangeal mass must be considered.

Proteomic Analysis of DJ-1 Expression in the Muscles of Spastic Cerebral Palsy Patients / 대한정형외과연구학회지

PURPOSE: Using proteomic analysis, this study was performed to see the characteristics of proteins expression in the muscles of spastic cerebral palsy patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied twelve specimens from six patients with spastic cerebral palsy, three patients with myelomeningocele, and three normal people who underwent orthopaedic surgeries due to trauma. We studied the extracted proteins showing differences in the two-dimensional electrophoresis, and the prominent thirteen proteins were re-evaluated by proteomics and the reverse transcriptional polymerase chain reaction, which was to clarify the relationship between gene and protein expression. RESULTS: Among fifteen proteins, six proteins were found to be higher in normal people, and nine were found to be higher in the groups of patients by spot histogram. The results of proteomic analysis with MALDI-TOF for fifteen proteins showed that the expression of DJ-1 was related to cerebral palsy. CONCLUSION: This study shows that strong expression of DJ-1 is related to spasticity and cerebral palsy. We showed for the first time the possibility of any relationship between spastic condition and DJ-1 expression.

Fragment Excision for the Treatment of Hamate Hook Nonunion / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the treatment results of fragment excision of the hamate hook nonunion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine patients operated for hamate hook nonunion were reviewed retrospectively, and were clinically assessed for pain, range of motion, tingling sensation, and grip strength postoperatively. RESULTS: The initial symptoms were pain (3 cases), tingling sensation (3 cases), 5th DIP joint flexion LOM (2 cases), and pain and accompanying LOM in 5th DIP joint flexion (1 case). The causes of injuries seemed to be mainly associated with sports activities. Time from initial symptom to diagnosis was averaged 15 months (2 months-5 years), and confirmative image was plain x-ray (one case), carpal tunnel view (six cases), and CT scan (two cases). All patients underwent fragment excision, and in three patients with accompanying carpal tunnel syndrome, transverse carpal ligament release was performed accordingly. In three other patients complicated with 5th FDP rupture, tenorrhaphy was performed in two cases, and tendon transfer was performed in the other case. Eight patients showed excellent clinical results one year postoperatively, but one patient complained of transient tingling sensation on the 4th and 5th fingers. CONCLUSION: Hamate hook excision after nonunion showed excellent clinical results in one year postoperative follow-up.