The Proximal Approach in an Ultrasound-Guided Suprascapular Nerve Block / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze any effectiveness, advantages, and the procedure of an ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block via the proximal approach in patients suffering from shoulder pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 51 patients treated with nerve block between November 2015 and November 2016 were analyzed. We identified the suprascapular nerve that branches off the superior trunk of the brachial plexus, and found the suprascapular nerve, which is located in the fascial layer between the inferior belly of the omohyoid muscle and the serratus anterior muscle. We then performed a nerve block. We evaluated the visual analogue scale (VAS) of pre- and post-nerve block, and the visualization of the nerve, depth from the skin to the nerve, angle of needle entry, as well as complications. Moreover, we measured the visualization of the nerve, depth from the skin to the nerve in a classic approach, and compared it with the proximal approach. RESULTS: There was significant improvement (p < 0.05) in the mean VAS, from 7.1 to 3.4, without any major complications. Compared with the classic approach, we were able to identify the suprascapular nerve much better (classic 25.5%/proximal 96.1%), and the mean distance from the skin to the nerve (classic 38 mm/proximal 12 mm) was significantly short (p < 0.05), and the mean angle of needle entry was 19 degrees in the proximal approach. CONCLUSION: In an ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block by proximal approach, the nerve and needle tip can be more easily identified, which increases accuracy; with a small amount of local anesthetic, more effective pain control can be achieved. Hence, this approach is an effective alternative pain control method for patients suffering from shoulder pain.

Comparison between Radiological and Clinical Outcomes of Laminoplasties with Titanium Miniplates for Cervical Myelopathy

BACKGROUND: Laminoplasty is a surgical procedure frequently performed for cervical myelopathy. We investigated correlations between changes in the anteroposterior diameter (APD) of the spinal canal, spinal canal area (SCA), and laminar angle (LA) and clinical outcomes of laminoplasty. METHODS: Of the 204 cervical myelopathy patients who underwent laminoplasty from July 2010 to May 2015, 49 patients who were evaluated with pre- and postoperative computed tomography of the cervical vertebrae were included. The average age of the patients was 60.4 years (range, 31 to 82 years), and the average duration of follow-up was 31.6 months (range, 9 to 68 months). Changes in the APD and SCA were measured at the middle of the vertebral body. Changes in LA were measured where both pedicles were clearly visible. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and visual analog scale score for pain preoperatively (1 day before surgery) and postoperatively (last outpatient visit) and examining postoperative complications. RESULTS: The APD showed an average of 54.7% increase from 11.5 to 17.8 mm. The SCA showed an average of 57.7% increase from 225.9 to 356.3 mm². The LA increased from 34.2° preoperatively to 71.9° postoperatively. The JOA score increased from an average of 9.1 preoperatively to 13.4 postoperatively. Three patients were found to have hinge fractures during surgery. Postoperative complications, including two cases of C5 palsy, were recorded. The correlation coefficient between the LA change and JOA score improvement was −0.449 (p < 0.05). Patients with a < 33° (25%) increase in the LA showed the most significant clinical improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a < 33° (25%) change in the LA after laminoplasty with a titanium miniplate showed the most significant clinical improvement. Thus, LA changes can be useful in predicting the clinical outcome of laminoplasty.

Treatment of Achilles Tendon Rupture with Absorbable Suture / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to report on the result of repairing Achilles tendon using absorbable suture under nerve block. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 20 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture who were followed up for at least six months after the operation. We repaired Achilles tendon using two absorbable sutures using the Krackow technique for the proximal stump and the Kessler technique for the distal stump. A programmed postoperative management including non-weight bearing with a short leg cast for four weeks after the operation was applied for all patients. We evaluated clinical results using American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, visual analogue scale (VAS) for satisfaction, range of motion of ankle, functional recovery rate, and the starting time of single heel raise. RESULTS: The mean VAS score for satisfaction and AOFAS score was 9.2 and 93.0, respectively. The affected ankle showed a mean dorsiflexion rate of 90% and plantar-flexion rate of 94% compared to the uninjured side. The single heel raise could start at a mean of 3.5 months after the operation. CONCLUSION: Treatment of Achilles tendon rupture with absorbable suture material using the hybrid suture technique of proximal Krackow and distal Kessler showed sufficient stability and minimal chronic inflammatory reaction.

Comparison of Clinical Results according to the Complications after or during Open Door Laminoplasty Surgery for Cervical Myelopathy / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare and analyze the clinical results according to the complications occurring after laminoplasty for cervical myelopathy patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among patients diagnosed as cervical myelopathy, 152 cases in which patients underwent cervical laminoplasty from March 2006 to March 2011 from Chungnam National University Hospital and had follow-up for at least two years were selected for the study, and the mean follow-up period was 39.7 months. The cases were divided into two groups; cases that underwent plate fixation for hinge fracture during cervical laminoplasty or showed postoperative spontaneous interlamina fusion were included in group A and cases that did not show such complications were included in group B. Clinical results were measured using visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Neck Disability Index (NDI) preoperatively, postoperatively, and on the final follow-up. RESULTS: Among 152 cases, 31 cases were included in group A and 121 cases in group B. Group A consisted of 11 cases of fixation due to intraoperative hinge fracture and 20 cases of postoperative spontaneous interlamina fusion. Mean preoperative VAS score was 7.52 in group A and 7.26 in group B, and mean postoperative VAS score was 2.87 in group A and 3.03 in group B. Mean NDI improved from 74.32% preoperatively to 43.84% postoperatively in group A and 75.74% preoperatively to 45.36% postoperatively in group B. In both groups, on postoperative follow-up, no significant difference of VAS score and NDI was found and both showed improvement compared to before surgery. CONCLUSION: The clinical results of cases that underwent plate fixation for hinge fracture that occurred during cervical laminoplasty and postoperative spontaneous interlamina fusion showed no significant difference compared to cases that did not show any complications.