Cadaveric Study of Thread Carpal Tunnel Release Using Newly Developed Thread, With a Histologic Perspective

Objective@#To examine the usefulness and feasibility of modified thread carpal tunnel release (TCTR) by comparing the results of using pre-existing commercial thread with those of a newly developed thread (Smartwire-01). @*Methods@#A total of 17 cadaveric wrists were used in the study. The modified TCTR method was practiced by two different experts. Pre-existing commercial surgical dissecting thread (Loop&ShearTM) was used for five wrists and the newly developed Smartwire-01 was used for twelve wrists. The gross and microanatomy of the specimens were evaluated by a blinded anatomist. @*Results@#Both types of thread were able to cut the TCL similarly. Gross anatomy and histologic findings showed that there was no significant difference between the two types of threads. However, the practitioners felt that it was easier to cut the TCL using the newly-developed thread. @*Conclusion@#TCTR using Smartwire-01 was as effective as pre-existing Loop&ShearTM, with better user experiences.

A Cadaveric Study of Thread Cubital Tunnel Release with Newly Developed Threads

Objective@#: The percutaneous thread transection technique is a surgical dissecting method using a dissecting thread inserted through a needle under ultrasound guidance without skin incision. As the new dissecting threads were developed domestically, this cadaver study was conducted to compare the effectiveness and safety between the new threads (ultra V sswire and smartwire-01) and a pre-existing commercial dissecting thread (loop & shear) by demonstrating a modified looped thread cubital tunnel release. @*Methods@#: The percutaneous cubital tunnel release procedure was performed on 29 fresh cadaveric upper extremities. The preexisting commercial thread was used in 5 upper extremities. The two newly developed threads were used in 24 upper extremities. Two practitioners performed the procedures separately. After the modified looped thread cubital release, anatomical and histological analyses were performed by a blinded anatomist. The presence of the dissected cubital tunnel and damaged adjacent soft tissue was assessed. @*Results@#: Out of the 29 cadaveric upper extremities, 27 specimens showed complete dissection of the Osborne ligament and the proximal fascia of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. One specimen was incompletely dissected in each of the ultra V sswire and smartwire-01 groups. There were no injuries of adjacent structures including the ulnar nerve, ulnar artery, medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve, or flexor tendon with either the commercial thread or the newly developed threads. The anatomical analysis revealed clear and sharp incisional margins of the cubital tunnel in the Smartwire-01 and loop & shear groups. All three kinds of threads maintained proper linear elasticity for easy handling during the procedure. The smartwire-01 provided higher visibility in ultrasound than the other threads. @*Conclusion@#: The newly developed threads were effective and safe for use in the thread cubital tunnel release procedure.

Unusual Lower Back Pain on the Non-Articulated Side in Patient with Bertolotti’s Syndrome

Bertolotti’s syndrome (BS) refers to chronic low back pain (LBP) associated with lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV). Many studies suggest that the anomalous articulation alters biomechanics, resulting in discomfort on the ipsilateral side. Herein, we present an unusual case of BS presenting pain on the non-articulated side. A 46-year-old man visited our clinic with history of chronic LBP, refractory to treatment of analgesics, modalities and manual therapies. Electrodiagnostic studies showed no evidence of lumbosacral radiculopathy. Radiographies noted unilateral pseudoarticulation of L5∼S1 vertebrae, on the contralateral side of his pain. The pain improved dramatically after sacroiliac joint block and facet joint block with iliolumbar ligament infiltration on the non-articulated side. Clinicians should be cautious that the unaffected joint in BS may serve an important role in altered lumbopelvic biomechanism, since it might eventually lead to intractable chronic LBP when overlooked.

Unusual Lower Back Pain on the Non-Articulated Side in Patient with Bertolotti’s Syndrome

Bertolotti’s syndrome (BS) refers to chronic low back pain (LBP) associated with lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV). Many studies suggest that the anomalous articulation alters biomechanics, resulting in discomfort on the ipsilateral side. Herein, we present an unusual case of BS presenting pain on the non-articulated side. A 46-year-old man visited our clinic with history of chronic LBP, refractory to treatment of analgesics, modalities and manual therapies. Electrodiagnostic studies showed no evidence of lumbosacral radiculopathy. Radiographies noted unilateral pseudoarticulation of L5∼S1 vertebrae, on the contralateral side of his pain. The pain improved dramatically after sacroiliac joint block and facet joint block with iliolumbar ligament infiltration on the non-articulated side. Clinicians should be cautious that the unaffected joint in BS may serve an important role in altered lumbopelvic biomechanism, since it might eventually lead to intractable chronic LBP when overlooked.

Ultrasound-Guided Minimally Invasive Procedure Using Thread

A minimally invasive procedure refers to a procedure that minimizes tissue damage due to incision. By limiting the size of the incision, it can be expected to reduce the time taken for wound healing, reduce pain, and reduce the risk of infection.Recently, studies have been attempted to dissect the structures of the neuromusculoskeletal system using ultrasound-guided minimally invasive technique. Among those, dissecting thread may be utilized in several musculoskeletal diseases, including carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, and selective crural fasciectomy. In this brief review, the use of dissecting thread in treating neuromusculoskeletal diseases are described.

Reconstruction of congenital microtia after ear canaloplasty using V-Y advancement of a temporal triangular flap

Background@#Reconstruction of congenital microtia remains challenging, particularly in patients with a history of ear canaloplasty due to insufficient regional soft tissue. The insertion of a tissue expander prior to implantation of the cartilage framework has traditionally been employed. However, this procedure could induce additional morbidity. Herein, we present a method using V-Y advancement of a temporal triangular flap to gain additional soft tissue in these challenging cases. @*Methods@#Congenital microtia patients with a history of ear canaloplasty who underwent auricular reconstruction using the Nagata technique between 2016 and 2020 were reviewed. To obtain additional soft tissue, V-Y advancement of a temporal triangular flap was performed concurrently with implantation of the costal cartilage framework, without prior insertion of a tissue expander. The outcomes of these patients with respect to postoperative complications and esthetics were evaluated. @*Results@#Eight patients with bilateral lesions were included. No specific complications developed after the first-stage surgery. However, one patient experienced complications after the second stage (auricular elevation). An analysis of the esthetic results showed most patients had excellent outcomes, achieving a satisfactory convolution. The median number of operations needed to complete reconstruction was 2, which was fewer than required using the conventional method with prior insertion of a tissue expander. @*Conclusions@#In patients with a history of previous canaloplasty, V-Y advancement of a temporal triangular flap could serve as an alternative to tissue expansion for microtia reconstruction. This technique provided reliable and satisfactory results with a reduced number of surgical stages.

Sinking Skin Flap Syndrome or Syndrome of the Trephined: A Report of Two Cases

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is commonly performed in patients with intracranial hypertension or brain edema due to traumatic brain injury. Infrequently, neurologic deteriorations accompanied by sunken scalp may occur after DC. We report two patients with traumatic subdural hemorrhage who had neurologic deteriorations accompanied by sunken scalp after DC. Neurologic function improved dramatically in both patients after cranioplasty. Monitoring for neurologic deterioration after craniectomy is advised. For patients showing neurologic deficit with a sunken scalp, early cranioplasty should be considered.

Phenotype of a Patient With a 1p36.11-p35.3 Interstitial Deletion Encompassing the AHDC1

No abstract available.

Acute Sheehan's syndrome with hyponatremia and hypoglycemia / 대한산부인과학회지

We report two cases of acute Sheehan's syndrome with a brief review of literature: A 28-year-old woman who had been performed cesarean section delivery complicated by hemorrhage due to uterine atony. And a 29-year-old woman who had vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC) complicated by hemorrhage due to birth canal laceration. On 8th day after delivery, both patient visited emergency room in critical condition with nausea, vomiting and general weakness. Although clinically significant Sheehan's syndrome is an uncommon consequence of obstetric hemorrhage, Sheehan's syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hyponatremia and suggestive hypoglycemia in early postpartum period women with history of massive obstetric hemorrhage.

Two cases of cesarean section after laparoscopic radiofrequency myolysis / 대한산부인과학회지

Radiofrequency myolysis is a method for preserving uterus and fecundity, and due to its more non-invasive and simpler operation, it is now carried out to cure the uterine myomas. However, not long time has passed since this operation started, and little studies were conducted on this complications and side effects. Therefore, since the authors experienced the pregnancy after radiofrequency myolysis of uterine myoma, we hereby report the cases.

A Case of Advanced Gastric Cancer in Third trimester / 대한산부인과학회지

Gastric cancer associated with pregnancy is extremely rare and the information on this particular subject is limited. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite are common during pregnancy but also can be the only symptoms in stomach cancer until the late stage. Clinicians' reluctance to pursue diagnostic studies appears to be a major contributing factor of delayed diagnosis and poor outcome. A 33-year-old-women at 30 weeks gestation with advanced gastric cancer died sixteen days after emergency cesarean delivery. We report this case to alert clinicians to this rare possibility.