The Antero-medial Cortex Overlapped Reduction of Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to evaluate the result of treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures by lateralization of distal fragment and antero-medial cortex contact of the distal shaft piece. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted an analysis of 20 cases of unstable intertrochanteric fractures treated using a gamma-3 nail from August 2011 to August 2012 and followed up for more than one year. Using postoperative and last follow-up radiographs, we measured NSA, TAD, Cleveland index, sliding length of the lag screw, and union time. Adequacy of reduction was assessed by a modification in the criteria of Baumgaertner and classified as good, acceptable, or poor. RESULTS: The mean NSA was 140degrees postoperative and 135degrees at last follow-up. The mean TAD was 11.3 mm. The position of the lag screw was in center-center in 12 cases, center-inferior in eight cases. The mean distance of lag screw sliding was 5.5 mm at last follow-up. The mean union time was 3.7 months. The state of reduction postoperatively was good in 15 cases, and acceptable in five cases. There was no failure of reduction, lag screw cut-out, or other complications at last follow-up. CONCLUSION: The reduction method for lateralization of distal fragment and antero-medial cortex contact of the distal shaft piece in an unstable intertrochanteric fracture is very useful for prevention of collapse of the fracture site, lag screw cut-out, and mechanical failure.

Usefulness of Ultrasound-guided Facet Joint Block in the Out Patient Clinics

STUDY DESIGN: Level III, retrospective studies. OBJECTIVES: This study is conducted to evaluate the effect and usefulness of ultrasound guided facet block for the outpatients who complained of chronic lower back pain. SUMMARY OF THE LITERATURE REVIEW: Facet joint syndrome was introduced in 1976, by Mooney V. It was considered to be one of the major causes of low back pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 2009 to March 2011, 98 cases were selected from the outpatients who complained of chronic lower back pain for more than 3 months. The patients had no surgery history and did not complain of neuromuscular symptoms, and they had more than three times outpatient care at least and could be followed up for 1 year. The patients were divided into three groups; first was the ultrasound guided facet block group (27 cases), second was the Fluoroscopy guided facet block group (39cases) and third was the conservative group (32 cases).The clinical results were analyzed using Kim's criteria and the Visual Analog Scale score, ODI score, Physician's global assessment (subjective), Patient's global assessment (Objective). RESULTS: The VAS score was improved from an average of 7.75+/-1.5 to 4.47+/-2.4 in the ultrasound guided facet block group, and from 7.81+/-1.4 to 4.39+/-2.6 in the Fluoroscopy guided facet block group, and from 7.87+/-1.3 to 6.24+/-2.1 in the conservative group. The VAS score, Kim's criteria, ODI score, Physician's global assessment (subjective), and Patient's global assessment (Objective) showed statistically significant improvement in the ultrasound guided facet block group and Fluoroscopy guided facet block group. CONCLUSION: In the outpatient clinics, comparing with the group that underwent conservative treatment with medication, the group treated with ultrasound for block could have better results in clinical improvement.