Epidemiology and Seasonal Variance of Incidence of Distal Radius Fractures / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Fracture of the distal radius is one of the most common fractures encountered in the emergency room. The incidence of distal radius fracture has increased substantially according to several studies that estimated the overall incidence in various general populations. However, there is a paucity of epidemiological data regarding distal radius fracture in Korea. The aim of this study was to estimate the epidemiology and seasonal variance of incidence of distal radius fractures in the Korean population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records and radiographs of the 432 patients who visited the emergency room for distal radius fractures from January 2012 to December 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. Authors analyzed the epidemiologic parameters including age, gender, injury mechanism, fracture classification, combined fracture, treatment method and monthly incidence. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients at the time of injury was 53 years (41.6 years in 171 men, 64.5 years in 261 women). The highest incidence in age distribution was the sixth and seventh decade (45.2%) and male to female ratio was 1.0:2.5. Most fractures (78.4%) were caused by a lower energy fall and the most common combined fractures were the ulnar styloid fracture (38.6%). According to the AO classification, 54.5% were type A, 14.5% were type B and 31.0% were type C and 39.2% of the patient underwent surgery for treatment. The incidence of fracture began to rise in November (12.1%) and peaked in December (14.2%). CONCLUSION: This study examined the epidemiology and seasonal variance of incidence of distal radius fractures from the patient records of a single University hospital. The epidemiological data gathered in this study could be added to our knowledge of distal radius fractures in the Korean population, thus it enables the Korean surgeon to determine the best management for individual patients.

Lateral Supramalleolar Flap for Reconstruction of Soft Tissue Defect around the Ankle Joint

PURPOSE: Soft tissue defect on foot and ankle is vulnerable and requires a thin flap for improvement of aesthetic and functional results. Lateral supramalleolar flap is a simple and fast procedure, which can preserve and supply reliable constant blood flow, and causes fewer donor site complications. The authors reviewed our cases and report the clinical results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten cases of soft tissue defects on the lower leg, around the ankle were treated with lateral supramalleolar flap. There were seven males and three females with a mean age of 54.8 years. The mean size of flaps was 5.9x6.3 cm and the mean follow-up period was 23 months. Flap survival and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Nine flaps survived completely without loss of flap. There was one case of partial wound dehiscence requiring debridement and repair, and another case of necrotic flap change requiring partial bone resection and closure. All patients were capable of weight bearing ambulation at the last follow up. CONCLUSION: The authors suggest that the lateral supramalleolar flap could be a useful option for treatment of soft tissue defect around the ankle joint.

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for Intraarticular Volar Fractures of the Middle Phalanx in Proximal Interphalangeal Joint

PURPOSE: We report clinical and radiographic outcomes after internal fixation of intraarticular volar fractures of the middle phalanx base. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on 11 patients who had been treated with miniplate or screw for acute proximal interphalangeal joint fracture, after adjusting for the cases excluding severe comminuted or open fractures. The participants consisted of 9 males and 2 females, with average age of 43.7 years and with average follow-up period of 15.2 months. Bony union, change of articular side were examined through radiographs, and functional results were evaluated by means of the total active range of motion (TAM) and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH). RESULTS: Of 11 cases of a finger fracture, 7 cases were fixed by miniplate with screws and 4 cases by screws alone. At the final follow-up retrospection, the average range of proximal interphalangeal joint motion was 95degrees, the average TAM was 243.2degrees, and the average DASH score was 7.4. Average 2.8 months was spent from the finger fracture to bony union. There was no case of degenerative change. CONCLUSION: Open reduction and internal fixation with screws for acute intraarticular fractures of the middle phalanx base showed favorable results in our study and it could be one of recommendable treatment options.