Complications of Allograft Reconstruction following Wide Resection of Malignant Bone Tumors in Long Bones / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We evaluated the results of allograft reconstruction following wide resection of malignant bone tumors in long bone, retrospectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven patients were included. The mean age was 44 years old. Male was 4 cases, and female was 3 cases. Mean follow-up period was 38 months. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score at final follow-up was evaluated. Postoperative complications were evaluated via periodic radiologic follow-up. Oncologic results were analyzed at final follow-up. RESULTS: The primary malignancies occurred at femur in 5 cases, humerus in 1 case and tibia in 1 case. Pathologic diagnoses were osteosarcoma in 4 cases, multiple myeloma in 2 cases and adamantinoma in 1 case. Mean length of allograft was 165 mm. Fixations of allograft were intramedullary nailing with additional plate in 4 cases, intramedullary nailing in 2 cases, and screw fixation in 1 case. Mean time to union was 14.5 weeks. Mean MSTS score at final follow-up was 20 (67%). Postoperative complications were nonunion in 3 cases, implant failure in 1 case, and infection in 1 case. Oncologic outcomes were continuous disease free in 5 cases and alive with disease in 2 cases at final follow-up. Autologous bone graft and hemi-cortical onlay graft were performed in 2 cases of nonunion. CONCLUSION: Allograft reconstruction following wide resection of malignant bone tumors in long bone was effective surgical option. However, the possibility of nonunion between host bone and allograft should be considered.

Mycobacterium avium Complex Infection-Related Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome Mimicking Lymphoma in an Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patient / 감염과화학요법

In acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients, immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) due to Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection is one of the most difficult IRIS types to manage. We report an unusual case of MAC-associated IRIS. At first the patient was diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection after he was admitted with pneumocystis pneumonia. After starting antiretroviral therapy he presented unmasked IRIS with MAC infection. Next, he was hospitalized with continuous loose stools and new-onset fever. Investigation included computed tomography (CT), which showed homogeneous enhancement and enlargement of the lymph nodes (LN), elevation of ferritin (>1,650 ng/mL) and lactate dehydrogenase (306 IU/L) levels, and F- fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) scan, which showed increased FDG uptake. These findings were highly indicative of lymphoma. We performed laparoscopic biopsy of the mesenteric LN, and the biopsy culture grew MAC. So we made a diagnosis of MAC-associated. Therefore, IRIS must be considered as a possible diagnosis when AIDS patients develop new symptoms or exhibit exacerbations of existing symptoms. Furthermore the biopsies should be conducted.

Mycobacterium avium Complex Infection-Related Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome Mimicking Lymphoma in an Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patient / 감염과화학요법

In acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients, immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) due to Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection is one of the most difficult IRIS types to manage. We report an unusual case of MAC-associated IRIS. At first the patient was diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection after he was admitted with pneumocystis pneumonia. After starting antiretroviral therapy he presented unmasked IRIS with MAC infection. Next, he was hospitalized with continuous loose stools and new-onset fever. Investigation included computed tomography (CT), which showed homogeneous enhancement and enlargement of the lymph nodes (LN), elevation of ferritin (>1,650 ng/mL) and lactate dehydrogenase (306 IU/L) levels, and F- fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) scan, which showed increased FDG uptake. These findings were highly indicative of lymphoma. We performed laparoscopic biopsy of the mesenteric LN, and the biopsy culture grew MAC. So we made a diagnosis of MAC-associated. Therefore, IRIS must be considered as a possible diagnosis when AIDS patients develop new symptoms or exhibit exacerbations of existing symptoms. Furthermore the biopsies should be conducted.

Surgical Outcomes of Schwannoma Occurring at Major Peripheral Nerves of Extremity: A Single Institution Analysis / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We analyzed the surgical result of schwannoma occurring in the major peripheral nerves of the extremity and factors that influence these surgical results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-one patients, who were followed for more than 1 year, were included. The mean age was 51 years. There were 23 male cases and 28 female cases. There were 27 cases of schwannoma in the upper extremity and 24 cases in the lower extremity. The involved nerves were classified. The maximal diameter of excised tumors was measured. Clinical and neurological symptoms were analyzed at preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up. Risk factors of neurological complications were also analyzed. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 20 months. The average maximal diameter of tumors was 2.9 cm. The most affected nerve in the upper extremity was the ulnar nerve in 10 cases, and tibial nerve in the lower extremity in 10 cases. The most prevalent preoperative symptom was Tinel in 38 cases. Clinical symptoms were improved in more than 90% of patients following the surgery. There were 13 cases with preoperative sensory deficits. Symptom improvement after surgery was observed in 9 cases; and symptoms persisted in 4 cases following surgery. At the final follow-up, sensory deficits disappeared in 2 cases and persisted in 2 cases. There were 2 cases of preoperative motor deficits. There was improvement in 1 case following the surgery and persisted in 1 case until the final follow-up. There was a statistical significance between maximal diameter of schwannoma and postoperative neurological deficits (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Schwannoma at the major peripheral nerves of the extremity can be excised with acceptable risk for neurological deficits. Meticulous dissection is required to avoid injuries of the involved nerves.

Asymptomatic Bone Cement Pulmonary Embolism after Percutaneous Vertebroplasty: A Case Report

Pulmonary embolism is a rare complication after percutaneous vertebroplasty for compression fracture. Embolization is related to cement leakage outside the treated vertebral body into the adjacent venous system. We report on a case of pulmonary embolism with bone cement in the right pulmonary artery in a 75-year-old female who had undergone percutaneous vertebroplasty 2 months before. Her simple X-ray of the spine captured polymethyl metacrylate leakage from the vertebral body, which indicated the pathophysiology of this event.

Surgical Treatment of Pathological Fractures Occurring at the Proximal Femur

PURPOSE: To analyze the results of surgical treatment for pathological fractures at the proximal femur. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients with a pathological fracture were included. The mean age was 65.7 years old. The patients comprised 8 males and 11 females. Primary tumors, types of pathological fractures, surgical procedures, and postoperative complications were recorded. Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) functional score was used for functional evaluation. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to determine survival rate. RESULTS: The primary malignancies were 6 cases of breast cancer, 3 cases of lung cancer, 3 cases of renal cell carcinoma, 2 cases of cholangiocarcinoma, 2 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma, 1 case of esophageal cancer, 1 case of colon cancer, and 1 case of ovarian cancer. Pathological fractures included 8 cases of pertrochanteric fractures and 11 cases of subtrochanteric fractures. Intramedullary nailing was performed in 10 cases, and joint replacement surgery was performed in 9 cases. Postoperative complications included local recurrence in 1 case, infection in 1 case, and nail breakage in 1 case. The mean postoperative MSTS score was 21. The mean survival period was 10.6 months. Patient survival rates were 42.1% after 6 months, 26.3% after 12 months, and 10.5% after 24 months. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of pathological fractures at the proximal femur provided early ambulation, and excellent pain relief. The surgery was well tolerated emotionally. Surgery is necessary for improving the quality of life in such patients; however, more cases of pathological fractures in these regions should be subjected to detailed analysis.

Surgical Treatment of Pathological Fractures Occurring at the Proximal Femur

PURPOSE: To analyze the results of surgical treatment for pathological fractures at the proximal femur. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients with a pathological fracture were included. The mean age was 65.7 years old. The patients comprised 8 males and 11 females. Primary tumors, types of pathological fractures, surgical procedures, and postoperative complications were recorded. Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) functional score was used for functional evaluation. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to determine survival rate. RESULTS: The primary malignancies were 6 cases of breast cancer, 3 cases of lung cancer, 3 cases of renal cell carcinoma, 2 cases of cholangiocarcinoma, 2 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma, 1 case of esophageal cancer, 1 case of colon cancer, and 1 case of ovarian cancer. Pathological fractures included 8 cases of pertrochanteric fractures and 11 cases of subtrochanteric fractures. Intramedullary nailing was performed in 10 cases, and joint replacement surgery was performed in 9 cases. Postoperative complications included local recurrence in 1 case, infection in 1 case, and nail breakage in 1 case. The mean postoperative MSTS score was 21. The mean survival period was 10.6 months. Patient survival rates were 42.1% after 6 months, 26.3% after 12 months, and 10.5% after 24 months. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of pathological fractures at the proximal femur provided early ambulation, and excellent pain relief. The surgery was well tolerated emotionally. Surgery is necessary for improving the quality of life in such patients; however, more cases of pathological fractures in these regions should be subjected to detailed analysis.

Diffuse Skeletal Hemangiomatosis Mimicking Sacroiliitis

Hemangiomatosis of the skeletal system is a rare disease without specific symptoms and signs. We describe a 20-year-old patient with low back pain, whose plain radiographs of sacroiliac (SI) joint showed irregular sclerotic lesions. The patient was finally confirmed with skeletal hemangiomatosis by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and excisional biopsy of the lesion. The present case suggests that if patients with abnormal lesions of the SI joint in the plain radiographs do not have typical inflammatory back pain, advanced imaging is required to make an accurate diagnosis. Our case also emphasizes the importance of MRI and biopsy in establishing the diagnosis.

Idiopathic Phlebosclerotic Colitis: A Rare Entity of Chronic Ischemic Colitis / 대한소화기학회지

Colonic wall thickening is frequently encountered in various conditions, from acute or chronic inflammatory disease to colorectal carcinoma. Colonic wall thickening may be accompanied by calcifications in mucinous adenocarcinoma of the colon, leiomyosarcoma of the colon, schistosomiasis japonica, and phlebosclerotic colitis. Phlebosclerotic colitis is a rare entity of chronic ischemic colitis associated with sclerosis and fibrosis of mesenteric veins. Although its development is usually insidious, and, thus its diagnosis can be delayed, characteristic findings in phlebosclerotic colitis are calcifications of mesenteric veins as well as colonic wall thickening with calcifications. We report on a 71-year-old woman who presented with chronic diarrhea and intermittent hematochezia, who was first misdiagnosed as mucinous adenocarcinoma of the colon, but finally diagnosed as a rare entity of chronic ischemic colitis, phlebosclerotic colitis. Differential points of phlebosclerotic colitis from other diseases, including leiomyosarcoma and schistosomiasis japonica, are also described.

IgG4-related Sclerosing Cholangitis Presented as a Mass in the Liver / 대한췌담도학회지

Autoimmune pancreatitis or IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis often involves the liver. Most common lesion involving the liver is shown as mass or masses often referred as inflammatory pseudotumor. Inflammatory pseudotumor usually needs to be discriminated with malignancy. Here we report a case of IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis with liver involvement presented as a mass. It was proven by biopsy and did not show any evidence of autoimmune pancreatitis. The mass infiltrated around the portal tract and portal vein thrombosis was also present.

Splenic Hemorrhage with Hemoperitoneum Caused by a Snakebite / 대한구급학회지

In Asia, snakebites are estimated to affect 4 million people every year, and of these, 100,000 people are estimated to die. In Korea, snakebites occur frequently from the spring to the fall, but their importance is often overlooked. Fatal complications, including acute respiratory distress and acute kidney injury, can occur, and in some cases, severe hemorrhage results from coagulopathy. There have been only a few cases of snakebite-induced liver or intestinal bleeding, but to our knowledge, spontaneous bleeding from the spleen has not been previously reported. Here, we report the case of a 61-year-old male who visited the emergency room with abrupt abdominal pain due to hemoperitoneum associated with splenic hemorrhage after a snakebite.

A Case of Ischemic Steal Syndrome in a Renal Transplantation Recipient / 대한이식학회지

Ischemic steal syndrome (ISS) is one of the serious complications that can occur after construction of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) for hemodialysis (HD). Because AVF-related ISS symptoms are usually aggravated during HD sessions, a few cases of ISS in kidney transplantation (KT) recipients have been reported in the literature. We describe a 63-year-old male with diabetic nephropathy who created AVF for maintenance HD and presented with pain at rest and tissue necrosis of the left distal fingers at 10 years post-KT. Brachial angiography revealed the presence of attenuated blood flow through the distal ulnar artery. He underwent finger amputation and AVF ligation, leading to complete relief of ischemic symptoms. The aim of this case report is to help clinicians to diagnosis a steal syndrome in kidney transplantation with a careless AVF for a long period of time.

Ceramic-on-Ceramic Total Hip Arthroplasty: Minimum of Six-Year Follow-up Study

BACKGROUND: This study examines the clinical and radiologic results of ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasties with regard to wear, osteolysis, and fracture of the ceramic after a minimum follow-up of six years. METHODS: We evaluated the results of a consecutive series of 148 primary ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasties that had been performed between May 2001 and October 2005 in 142 patients. The mean age was 57.2 years (range, 23 to 81 years). The mean follow-up period was 7.8 years (range, 6.1 to 10.1 years). Preoperative diagnosis was avascular necrosis in 77 hips (52%), degenerative arthritis in 36 hips (24.3%), femur neck fracture in 18 hips (12.2%), rheumatoid arthritis in 15 hips (10.1%), and septic hip sequelae in 2 hips (1.4%). Clinical results were evaluated with the Harris hip score, and the presence of postoperative groin or thigh pain. Radiologic analysis was done with special attention in terms of wear, periprosthetic osteolysis, and ceramic failures. RESULTS: The mean Harris hip score improved from 58.3 (range, 10 to 73) to 92.5 (range, 79 to 100) on the latest follow-up evaluation. At final follow-up, groin pain was found in 4 hips (2.7%), and thigh pain was found in 6 hips (4.1%). Radiologically, all femoral stems demonstrated stable fixations without loosening. Radiolucent lines were observed around the stem in 25 hips (16.9%), and around the cup in 4 hips (2.7%). Endosteal new bone formation was observed around the stem in 95 hips (64.2%) and around the cup in 88 hips (59.5%). No osteolysis was observed around the stem and cup. There were 2 hips (1.4%) of inclination changes of acetabular cup, 2 hips (1.4%) of hip dislocation, 1 hip (0.7%) of ceramic head fracture, and 1 hip (0.7%) of squeaking. The Kaplan-Meier survival rate of the prostheses was 98.1% at postoperative 7.8 years. CONCLUSIONS: The ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty produced excellent clinical results and implant survival rates with no detectable osteolysis on a minimum six-year follow-up study. The ceramic-on-ceramic couplings could be a reasonable option of primary total hip arthroplasty for variable indications.

Disseminated Cryptococcosis with Cutaneous Manifestation in a Renal Transplant Recipient: A Case Report / 대한이식학회지

Cryptococcosis commonly affects patients with immune dysfunction, as in the case of immunosuppression in organ transplant patients or as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in patients afflicted with human immunodeficiency virus. The varied appearance of cryptococcal skin lesion makes clinical diagnosis of cutaneous cryptococcosis difficult. Cryptococcosis proves to be a fatal fungal infection in the immunocompromised patient. Therefore, diagnosis and early treatment of cryptococcosis become vital. A 56-year-old renal transplant recipient, with an ongoing immunosuppression regimen of cyclosporine, prednisolone, and mycophenolate mofetil, was admitted with a 2-week history of pain and edema of right arm without respiratory symptoms. Despite empiric antibiotic therapy, the patient continued to complain of severe tenderness of the involved arm and fever persisted as well. On the third day of hospital stay, a biopsy of the erythematous skin lesion was acquired. On the eighth day of hospital stay, results of both skin biopsy and blood cultures showed the presence of Cryptococcus neoformans. The treatment was begun with intravenous fluconazole (400 mg/day). After 4 days of antifungal treatment, the patient developed fever along with cough with purulent sputum. As the new developing symptoms were suggestive of pneumonia, especially of pulmonary cryptococcosis, the antifungal agent was changed from fluconazole to amphotericin B treatment (0.8 mg/kg, 50 mg/day). Chest computer tomography showed improvement in the pneumonic infiltration and consolidation after 4 weeks of amphotericin B treatment. In conclusion, cellulitis in immunocompromised patients should be suspected in case of highly atypical infectious etiology, and skin biopsy should not be delayed if empiric antibiotic therapy does not control the inflammatory response. Additionally, the patient should be treated with intravenous amphotericin B treatment in case of severe cryptococcosis.

A Case of Deep Vein Thrombosis Following Ultrasound-Guided Compression of a Pseudoaneurysm / 대한내과학회지

Femoral artery pseudoaneurysm (FAP) is one of the most troublesome groin complications related to femoral arterial access during invasive cardiovascular procedures. Ultrasound-guided compression is the initial treatment for FAP. Here, we describe the case of a 65 year-old female who developed significant deep vein thrombosis (DVT) following ultrasound-guided compression of FAP after percutaneous coronary intervention. She was successfully treated with anti-coagulation medications. This case, along with a brief review of the literature, should remind physicians of the possible occurrence of delayed vascular complications, such as DVT, after ultrasound-guided compression of FAP.

Tat-Mediated p66shc Transduction Decreased Phosphorylation of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase in Endothelial Cells

We evaluated the role of Tat-mediated p66shc transduction on the activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in cultured mouse endothelial cells. To construct the Tat-p66shc fusion protein, human full length p66shc cDNA was fused with the Tat-protein transduction domain. Transduction of TAT-p66shc showed a concentration- and time-dependent manner in endothelial cells. Tat-mediated p66shc transduction showed increased hydrogen peroxide and superoxide production, compared with Tat-p66shc (S/A), serine 36 residue mutant of p66shc. Tat-mediated p66shc transduction decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation in endothelial cells. Furthermore, Tat-mediated p66shc transduction augmented TNF-alpha-induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation in endothelial cells. These results suggest that Tat-mediated p66shc transduction efficiently inhibited endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation in endothelial cells.

Measurement of the Shoulder Motion Using 3-D Motion Capture Technique / 대한정형외과연구학회지

PURPOSE: Measurement of scapular motion as a component of shoulder motion is clinically limited. The purpose of this study was to measure the scapulothoracic motion and glenohumeral motion separately using the 3-D motion capture technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve healthy adult male volunteers (Mean age: 28 years) without any history of shoulder pathologies were included for the study. Shoulder motions in 3 planes -forward flexion, abduction in scapular plane and abduction in coronal plane- were measured in 3-dimensions. And we estimated skin slippage of optical markers according to the flexion of the shoulder using ultrasonography. RESULTS: During forward flexion, abduction in scapular plane and abduction on coronal plane, scapula showed upward rotation, external rotation and posterior tilting. Especially, during abduction on coronal or scapula plane, scapula was upwardly rotated and posteriorly tilted in linear fashion. The scapulo-humeral rhythm was 6.7:1 in whole range of abduction on the coronal and scapular plane. Estimated skin slippage of the marker on the inferior angle of scapula was 4.3+/-1.7 cm and bigger than those of other markers. CONCLUSION: This study failed to get a useful data of shoulder motion due to marker position which did not reflect scapula motion actually. But this trial could be a help for the future study, as this study suggested the possibilities of 3-D motion capture technique for the measurement of shoulder motion.

Cyanide Poisoning Deaths Detected at the National Forensic Service Headquarters in Seoul of Korea: A Six Year Survey (2005~2010)

The records of 255 cyanide poisoning deaths obtained from National Forensic Service (NFS) headquarters, located in Seoul of Korea, from 2005 to 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. The mean age was 41.88 +/- 13.09 and range was 6~80 years (unknown in seven cases). The number of deaths of males and females were 200 and 53, respectively (unknown in two cases). The largest number of cases occurred in people aged 40-49 years (81 cases, 31.8%), followed by the age groups 30~39 years (51 cases, 20%), 50~59 years (44 cases, 17.2%) and 20~29 years (43 cases, 16.9%). The total number of deaths among other age groups (below 10, 10~19, 60~69, 70~79, over 80 years and unknown) were 36, representing only 14.1%. Of all cyanide poisoning deaths, 97.3% were due to suicide, and 14.5% of the total number who died received medical treatment. The most frequent site for ingestion was the person's own residence (120 cases, 47.1%) and the route of administration was mainly oral (252, 98.8%). From the total of 255 cyanide poisoning cases, white powders were submitted for analysis in 92 cases. Potassium cyanide and sodium cyanide occupied 51 and 41 cases, respectively. This study showed that poisoning deaths due to cyanide are one of the continuously reported public health problems in Korea. Enforcement of regulations and safety education to prevent cyanide poisoning should be carried out by the government.

Anterior Pelvic Plating and Sacroiliac Joint Fixation in Unstable Pelvic Ring Injuries

PURPOSE: To analyze the effectiveness of anterior pelvic plating and subsequent percutaneous sacroiliac joint screw fixation in patients with unstable pelvic ring injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients were included with twenty-one males and eleven females. The mean age was 41 years (range, 19-76). The mean follow-up period was 51 months (range, 36-73). According to AO-OTA classification, there were 11 cases of B2 injuries, 8 cases of B3 injuries, 9 cases of C1 injuries, 2 cases of C2 injuries and 2 cases of C3 injuries. In the posterior lesions, there were 20 cases of sacral fractures and 12 cases of sacroiliac joint disruptions or dislocations. Anterior pelvic plating and subsequent percutaneous sacroiliac joint fixation were performed. RESULTS: The clinical results were 16 cases of excellent, 10 cases of good, 4 cases of moderate and 2 cases of poor functional results. The 2 cases out of 7 moderate reductions had poor functional results with residual neurologic symptoms. The radiological results were 16 cases of anatomic, 9 cases of nearly anatomic and 7 cases of moderate reduction. All patients were healed except 3 cases of nonunion at the pubic ramus. The complications encountered were 3 cases of screw loosening, 2 cases of anterior plate breakage and 1 case of postoperative infection. CONCLUSION: In patients with unstable pelvic ring injuries, anterior pelvic plating and subsequent percutaneous sacroiliac joint screw fixation may be a useful surgical option. The radiological results and residual neurologic symptoms had effects on its functional results.

Mid-Term Results of Oxford Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: This study examined the clinical and radiologic mid-term results of patients treated by Oxford minimally invasive unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. METHODS: One hundred and eighty-eight knees of unicompartmental knee arthroplasties with Oxford Uni(R) in 166 patients (16 males and 150 females), which were performed between 2002 and 2005, were reviewed. The mean age was 65.3 years (range, 44 to 82 years) and the mean follow-up period was 79.8 months (range, 56 to 103 months). The preoperative diagnosis was osteoarthritis in 166 patients, osteonecrosis of the medial femoral condyle in 20 and chondrocalcinosis in 2. RESULTS: The mean Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score was 67.5 (range, 52 to 75) preoperatively and 89.9 (range, 85 to 100) at the final follow-up. The mean preoperative flexion contracture was 6.5degrees (range, 0 to 15degrees) and 0.8degrees (range, 0 to 5degrees) at the final follow-up. The mean full flexion increased from 135degrees (range, 90 to 150degrees) preoperatively to 150degrees (range, 140 to 165degrees) at the final follow-up. Active full flexion was possible within 2 postoperative months. The squatting and cross-leg postures were possible in 133 patients (80.1%) and 152 patients (91.6%) at the final follow-up. The mean tibiofemoral angle was improved from varus 1.5degrees to valgus 4.8degrees. Complications were encountered in 18 cases (9.5%). A bearing dislocation occurred in 10 cases (5.3%), tibial component loosening in 4 cases (2.1%), femoral loosening in 3 cases (1.6%) and lateral translation in 1 case (0.5%). The mean time for a bearing dislocation was 22.6 months (range, 3 to 70 months) postoperatively. Seven cases returned to the predislocation level of activity with the insertion of a thicker bearing and 3 cases converted to total knee arthroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive unicompartmental knee arthroplasty with Oxford Uni(R) provided rapid recovery, good pain relief and excellent function suitable for the Korean lifestyle. In contrast, the high complication rates of Oxford Uni(R) encountered in the mid-term results suggested less reliability than total knee arthroplasty.