Multiple Cholesterol Granulomas Arising on the Sites of Acupuncture Point Injection with Herbal Ingredient

No abstract available.

Nodular Vasculitis Associated with Cefazolin / 대한피부과학회지

No abstract available.

Reference Values for Normal Epidermal Thickness in Koreans: A Histopathologic Investigation / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Epidermal thickness is a useful quantitative histopathological parameter to predict different skin conditions. For accurate diagnosis, the reference values of normal skin histology are essential. Until now, little data regarding epidermal thickness in normal Korean skin have been available. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the thickness of the epidermis, stratum corneum, and cellular epidermis by skin biopsy and to compare their regional, age, and sex variations in Koreans. METHODS: A total of 119 normal human skin tissues from 117 subjects were included. Skin specimens were preserved in sections by formalin-paraffin techniques and measured by performing light microscopy and using a calibrated ruler. RESULTS: The mean thickness of the epidermis was 140.6±32.6 µm (mean±standard deviation). Significant regional variations of epidermal thickness were found (p0.5) or sex (p>0.05, except for the thickness of the stratum corneum of the legs [p=0.007]). CONCLUSION: Regional variations of epidermal thickness were demonstrated. These variations were mostly independent of age or sex, which conflicts somewhat with previous studies. We present this research as a preliminary study, which may provide reference values for skin histopathology and epidermal thickness in normal Korean skin.

Is Anterior Bridge Plating for Mid-Shaft Humeral Fractures a Suitable Option for Patients Predominantly Involved in Overhead Activities? A Functional Outcome Study in Athletes and Manual Laborers

BACKGROUND: To assess the functional and radiological outcomes of minimally invasive anterior bridge plating (ABP) for mid-shaft humerus fractures in patients predominantly involved in overhead activities (athletes and manual laborers). METHODS: Forty-eight patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were treated with ABP at a level-I trauma center using a 4.5-mm dynamic/locking compression plate and followed for a period of 1 year. Functional outcome was assessed using the Constant, Mayo elbow, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores. Range of motion (ROM), subjective strength, and radiographic union were assessed. A general satisfaction questionnaire was also administered. RESULTS: Most patients achieved excellent functional and radiological outcomes. ROM and strength of the shoulder girdle exhibited clinically nonsignificant loss as compared to the opposite side. The mean time for return to the original activities was 64 days (range, 36 to 182 days) and the mean time for confirmed radiographic union was 45 days (range, 34 to 180 days). The mean Constant, Mayo elbow, DASH scores were 95.73 ± 5.76 (range, 79 to 100), 95.94 ± 6.74 (range, 85 to 100), and 1.56 ± 3.15 (range, 0.0 to 14.0), respectively. The majority of patients (43 patients, 89.6%) who fell in the excellent or very good category according to our questionnaire were extremely satisfied. There were 2 cases (4.17%) of nonunion and 3 patients (6.25%) had to change/modify their original occupation. CONCLUSIONS: ABP is fundamentally different from traditional open posterior plating or conventional intramedullary nailing. It gives relative stability with union taking place by callus formation, and a longer plate on the tensile surface ensures that the humerus can withstand greater amount of rotational and bending stresses. The minimally invasive nature causes minimal soft tissue damage and, if done correctly, causes no damage to the vital structures in proximity. ABP for mid-shaft humerus fractures in patients predominantly engaged in overhead activities is a safe and effective treatment modality yielding high rates of union, excellent functional recovery, minimal biological disruption, better cosmesis, and superior satisfaction rates.

Avulsion of the Femoral Attachment of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Associated with Ipsilateral Femoral Shaft Fracture in Skeletally Mature Patient: A Case Report

Avulsion fracture at the femoral attachment of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is very rare and has been reported mostly in skeletally immature patients. Authors experienced a case of avulsion fracture at the femoral attachment of ACL in a skeletally mature, a 21-year-old male associated with ipsilateral femoral shaft fracture. Here, authors report on the case with a literature review. Care should be taken because an avulsion fracture at the femoral attachment of ACL can be accompanied by ipsilateral femoral shaft fracture in skeletally mature patients.

Effects of Smoking Cessation on Gene Expression in Human Leukocytes of Chronic Smoker

OBJECTIVE: The risks of cigarette smoking concerning higher systemic disease mortality are lessened by smoking cessation. METHODS: Microarray analysis compared the expression profiles of smokers who were successful and not successful at smoking cessation, with the goal of identifying genes that might serve as potential biomarkers or that might be valuable in elucidating distinct biological mechanisms. The mRNAs were isolated and compared from peripheral leukocytes of six smokers who were successful in cessation and six smokers who failed in smoking cessation. RESULTS: Two hundred ninety nine genes displayed significantly different expression; 196 genes were up-regulated and 103 genes were down-regulated in the success group compared to the failure group. Twenty four of these genes were identified with biological processes including immunity, cytoskeleton and cell growth/cycle. Real-time PCR confirmed the differential gene expression. The mRNA levels of HEPACAM family member 2 (HEPACAM2) and tropomodulin 1 (TMOD1) were significantly more expressed in the success group, while the mRNA ubiquitin specific peptides 18 (USP18) were significantly less expressed in the success group compared to the failure group. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that smoking cessation can modulate cell adhesion and immune response by regulating expression levels of genes, especially HEPACAM2, TMOD1 and USP18, which have an important relationship with smoking cessation.

Genetic Association of CHRNB3 and CHRNA6 Gene Polymorphisms with Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale in Korean Population

OBJECTIVE: Cholinergic nicotinic receptor (CHRN) gene family has been known to mediate the highly additive effects of nicotine in the body, and implicated nicotine dependence (ND) and related phenotypes. Previous studies have found that CHRNA6-CHRNB3 cluster polymorphisms were significantly associated with the risk of ND and various tobacco behaviors. The aim of study was to evaluate the genetic association of CHRNB3 and CHRNA6 polymorphisms with the risk of ND based on the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) score and five subscales of nicotine dependence syndrome scale (NDSS) in Korean population. METHODS: Six SNPs in CHRNA6-CHRNB3 cluster were analyzed in 576 Korean subjects. Association analysis using logistic models and regression analysis with NDSS were performed. RESULTS: There was no association in the case-control analysis, whereas all six SNPs were significantly associated with drive factor among NDSS in subgroup based on the FTND score. CHRNB3 rs4954 and CHRNA6 rs16891604 showed significant associations with NDSSF1 (drive) in dominant models among moderate to severe ND among smokers after correction (p(corr)=0.02 and 0.001, respectively), whereas other four SNPs showed significant associations among mild ND after correction (p(corr)=0.03-0.02 in dominant model). CONCLUSION: This study showed that the genetic influence of CHRNB3-CHRNA6 cluster polymorphisms are found in a ND endophenotype (drive) using NDSS subscales, rather than the risk of ND in Korean population. Our findings might be the first report for the association of CHRNB3-CHRNA6 cluster with ND-related phenotypes in Korean and might offer an approach to elucidating the molecular mechanisms of ND and ND-related phenotypes.

Anterior Tibial Muscle Hernia Treated with Local Periosteal Rotational Flap: A Case Report

Tibialis anterior muscle hernia is the most common hernia among lower extremity muscles. This condition can be diagnosed by physical examination and radiologic findings, especially by dynamic ultrasonography. There are surgical methods of treatment for muscle hernia, including direct repair, fasciotomy, fascial patch grafting using autologous fascia lata or synthetic mesh. We report a case of tibialis anterior muscle hernia treated with local periosteal rotational flap. Because there are several advantages to the local periosteal rotational flap, such as lack of donor site morbidity, lack of skin irritation, low cost, simplicity, and an easy approach, this technique could be an option for tibialis anterior muscle hernia.

Comparison of Radiologic and Clinical Results between Locking Compression Plate and Unlocked Plate in Proximal Humerus Fractures

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the results of using a locking compression plate and an unlocked plate for treating proximal humeral fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was based on 20 patients who underwent plate fixation for proximal humeral fractures out of the 87 patients with proximal humeral fractures and who were admitted from 2003 to 2007 in our hospital. Of the 20 patients, 10 were treated with a locking compression plate and the other 10 were treated with an unlocked plate. Each group was evaluated according to the humeral neck shaft angle, the period until bony union, the complications and the Constant score. The humeral neck shaft angle was based on plain x-rays taken immediately after the operation and at 6 months postoperatively. The Constant score was evaluated on the last visit to our clinic. RESULTS: There was no significant statistical difference between the two groups in terms of the neck shaft angle, the period until bony union and the Constant score. Yet, there were three cases of screw migration in the unlocked plate group. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the neck shaft angle, the period until bony union and the Constant score. The locking compression plate is considered to achieve more effective fixation for proximal humerus fractures because there were less complications such as screw migration.

Physical Examination of Shoulder Instability

Shoulder instability is generally diagnosed from a detailed history, physical examination and various radiological studies. Although, a physical examination is essential for making a diagnosis, it is quite difficult. For a precise physical examination, a thorough anatomical knowledge and a great deal of experience is needed. In addition, normal translation and pathologic laxity should be differentiated. An anatomical and biomechanical understanding of a stable and unstable shoulder joint and a precise physical examination are needed to determine the direction and extent of the instability as well as to diagnose the associated lesions and improve the surgical results.

Comparison of Influenceon Displaced Femoral Neck Fractures in Young Adults : Fracture Level and Comminution, Time to Operation and Reduction / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To analyze the influences of fracture level and comminution, time to operation and reduction quality on the results of displaced femoral neck fractures in young adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1996 to January 2003, 39 of 51 cases of displaced femoral neck fractures that were treated with closed reduction and percutaneous internal fixation using cannulated screws, were evaluated after at least two years of follow-up with respect to the fracture level, comminution, time to operation, and reduction quality. RESULTS: The incidence of AVN and non-union were 6/39 (15.4%) and 3/39 (7.7%), respectively. The differences in the incidences of complications among subcapital, transcapital, and subcapital fractures was not significant (p=1 & p=1). There was a higher incidence of AVN (p=0.0066) and non-union (p=0.0219) with posterior comminutions than anterior ones. The time to operation was not an important factor in influencing the development of complications (p=0.4984 & p=1). Between acceptable and poor reductions, the differences in the incidences of AVN was significant (p=0.0105), but not in the incidences of non-unions (p=0.1011). CONCLUSION: We concluded that good quality of reduction is more important than the time to operation for achieving good results, and that comminution is a more important prognostic factor than is the fracture level.

Salmonella Pyomyositisina Multiple Myeloma Patient: A Case Report / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Pyomyositis is a bacterial infection of the skeletal muscle with Staphylococcus aureus being the most common pathogen. Pyomyositis by salmonella is quite rare accounting for less than 1% of the total pyomyositis, and has some different characteristics and a poor prognosis compared with those of the typical pyomyositis caused by other bacteria. Among these differences, an older age, other combined diseases, and an immune deficient condition are factors predisposing a patient to pyomyositis by salmonella. We experienced a very rare case of pyomyositis by salmonella at the inguinal area in a multiple myeloma patient. This is the first case reported in South Korea.

Reconstruction of Iliac Crest Donor Site Using 1/3 Tubular Plate / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective study OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to describe the technique for reconstruction of the iliac crest graft donor site and to determine the clinical results of its application. Summary of literature REVIEW: An iliac crest tricortical bone graft is frequently used for anterior interbody fusion of the spine. For preventing iliac crest graft donor site morbidity (pain, skin dimpling, etc), various graft materials have been used, for example, rib, cement, ceramic and so on. However, the rib needs another incision for lumbar or cervical fusion, the cement sometimes causes the wound infection, and the bioactive ceramic spacer has not had its long term results confirmed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively analyzed 28 patients who underwent iliac crest reconstruction with a 1/3 tubular plate after bone harvesting between 1998 and 2004. Pain at postoperative 1 month, 6 months and 1 year was checked by the visual analogue scale (VAS). The cosmetic appearance, foreign body sense, overall satisfaction (according to the methods of Ito et al), complications and the radiologic evaluations were all analyzed as indicators of the outcome. RESULTS: The mean visual analogue scale was 3.5 and 0.1 at postoperative 1 and 12 months, respectively. For the cosmetic appearance, among the 28 patients, 24 patients felt a smooth and satisfactory outline (Excellent). 25 patients couldn't feel any foreign body sense. One patient experienced wound infection. No plate breakage or screw loosening were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction of the iliac crest with a one-third tubular plate after tricortical bone graft harvest could be a favorable method. the screws during the consolidation of PMMA.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma in the mandible : review of a case

Combined Arthroscopic Gross Total Synovectomy and Radiotherapy for Diffuse Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis of the Knee: A Report of 2 Cases / 대한방사선종양학회지

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare proliferative disease involving synovial membranes. Natural history and etiology of PVNS are not well known. PVNS presents as localized or diffuse tumor like nodular lesion of the synovial lining of the joint and the synovial spaces adjacent to the joints. Though histologically benign, it is a very aggressive lesion, capable of bone destruction and widespread infiltration of surrounding tissues. Standard therapy is surgical resection, but due to the infiltrative growth, the recurrence rate is significantly high. After several relapses surgical treatment of diffuse PVNS becomes difficult and may require amputation of the involved limb. Radiotherapy can provide an effective treatment option for patients with large lesions or lesions which are not suitable for surgery, after incomplete resection to prevent relapses or to avoid amputation. We report 2 cases of diffuse PVNS in the knee joint treated with arthroscopic gross total synovectomy and radiotherapy.

Relationships Between Canal Occlusion and Neurologic Deficits, and Between Kyphotic Deformities and Fracture Types in Unstable Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationships between spinal canal occlusion and neurologic deficits, and between spinal canal decompression and neurologic recovery in thoracolumbar burst fractures. Kyphotic deformities, based on the fracture types in short-segment instrumentation and fusion, were evaluated to determine effective operative methods. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: In thoracolumbar burst fractures, the relationship between spinal canal occlusion and neurologic deficits remains controversial; and definitive guidelines for short-segment instrumentation and fusion have not been established . MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surgically treated thoracolumbar burst fractures (N=112) were analyzed retrospectively. Spinal canal occlusion in both neurologically intact and deficient groups, and neurologic recovery as a result of spinal canal decompression, were evaluated based on Frankel's grades. Kyphotic deformities based on the Denis classification and McCormack's load sharing classification were evaluated in 86 short-segment instrumentation patients. RESULTS: Spinal canal occlusion in the neurologically deficient group (51.8%) was significantly higher than that in the neurologically intact group (31.4%) (p 0.05). Kyphotic deformities were increased significantly in Denis type A, B and groups with more than 7 points in the load sharing classification (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In thoracolumbar burst fractures, the degree of initial spinal canal occlusion was more significantly related with neurologic deficits than with postoperative spinal canal decompression. Extended instrumentation and fusion is recommended for reducing postoperative kyphotic deformities in Denis type A, B and groups with more than 7 points in the load sharing classification.

The Significance of Arthrocentesis on Transient Synovitis of the Hip in Children / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the significance of arthrocentesis on transient synovitis of hip in children with a moderate degree of limping and large joint effusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 119 cases of transient synovitis of the hip were evaluated retrospectively between January 1999 and December 2003, with respect to age (mean age: 5.6 years), sex (M: F=89: 30), location (Right: Left=68: 51), chief complaints (limping: 72; hip pain: 39; knee pain: 37), physical examination (limited internal rotation: 98), sonography of capsule neck distance (mean 5.9 mm), duration of hospitalization and morbidity. Among them, 47 cases with greater than 8 mm in capsule neck distance on sonography were compared, based on the duration of hospitalization, morbidity, and the change of capsule bulging between 18 cases in the arthrocentesis group and 29 cases in the non-arthrocentesis group. RESULTS: The mean duration of hospitalization and morbidity were 1.7 days, 4.7 days in the arthrocentesis group and 2.1 days, 6.6 days in the non-arthrocentesis group, the distance of the capsule bulging decreased from 9.2 mm to 4.5 mm in the arthrocentesis group and from 9.0 mm to 7.6 mm in the non-arthrocentesis group. The duration of hospitalization, morbidity, clinical course and decrease in capsule bulging were more effective, statistically in the arthrocentesis group than in the non-arthrocentesis group. CONCLUSION: Arthrocentesis for transient synovitis can be effective method of treatment in cases of moderate degrees of limping and large joint effusions, in spite of the disadvantage of the invasiveness of the procedure.

N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and Non-NMDA Receptors are Involved in the Production and Maintenance of Nociceptive Responses by Intraplantar Injection of Bee Venom and Melittin in the Rat

Whole bee venom (WBV) and its major component, melittin, have been reported to induce long-lasting spontaneous flinchings and hyperalgesia. The current study was designed to elucidate the peripheral and spinal mechanisms of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and non-NMDA receptors by which intraplantar (i.pl.) injection of WBV and melittin induced nociceptive responses. Changes in mechanical threshold and flinching behaviors were measured after the injection of WBV (0.04 mg or 0.1 mg/paw) and melittin (0.02 mg or 0.05 mg/paw) into the mid-plantar area of a rat hindpaw. MK-801 and CNQX (6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2, 3-dione disodium) were administered intrathecally (i.t. 10microgram) or i.pl. (15microgram) 15 min before or i.t. 60 min after i.pl. WBV and melittin injection. Intrathecal pre- and post- administration of MK-801 and CNQX significantly attenuated the ability of high dose WBV and melittin to reduce paw withdrawal threshold (PWT). In the rat injected with low dose, but not high dose, of WBV and melittin, i.pl. injection of MK-801 effectively suppressed the decrease of PWTs only at the later time-points, but the inhibitory effect of CNQX (i.pl.) was significant at all time-point after the injection of low dose melittin. High dose WBV- and melittin-induced spontaneous flinchings were significantly suppressed by i.t. administration of MK-801 and CNQX, and low dose WBV- and melittin-induced flinchings were significantly reduced only by intraplantarly administered CNQX, but not by MK-801. These experimental flinchings suggest that spinal, and partial peripheral mechanisms of NMDA and non-NMDA receptors are involved in the development and maintenance of WBV- and melittin-induced nociceptive responses.

Interlocking Intramedullary Nailing in the Distal Metaphyseal Fractures of the Tibia

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of interlocking intramedullary nailing for the distal metaphyseal fractures of the tibia and to identify the usefulness of the interlocking intramedullary nailing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty four patients who underwent interlocking intramedullary nailing for distal metaphyseal fractures of the tibia were reviewed with a follow-up period of more than 2 years. Clinical result was assessed using the Olerud score and this score was marked as percentage of prefracture state. Radiographic results were assessed with varus-valgus angle, anterior-posterior angle, and bone union time. We checked the cases of complication and need for additional surgery after interlocking intramedullary nailing. RESULTS: Clinically, Olerud score averaged 92.1% (76~100%). Radiographically, average varus-valgus angle was 1.6+/-2.9 degrees and average antero-posterior angle was 0.8+/-3.3 degrees. Bone union time averaged 18.7 weeks. As complications, there were one deep infection and two breakages of distal interlocking screw. In additional surgery, there were 1 debridement and soft tissue flap, and one dynamization of nail at postoperative 12 weeks. CONCLUSION: Interlocking intramedullary nailing is one of safe and reliable method for distal metaphyseal fractures of the tibia, considering less soft tissue injury, possibility of early range of motion exercise, high bone union rate, and low complications rate.

Remodelling changes of the chin advanced by genioplasty