Results of Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty in Osteoarthritis with Varus Thrust Knee and Severe Varus Deformity / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Purpose@#Varus thrust is an posterolateral rotatory knee motion observed with severe varus patients. It shows a dynamic worsening of varus in the loading response (LR), while returning to a more neutral alignment during the initial contact (IC) of gait. This study examined the results of primary total knee arthroplasty in varus thrust osteoarthritis, including varus thrust motion, gait analysis. @*Materials and Methods@#From March 2009 to March 2019, among 2,391 total knee arthroplasty who underwent total knee arthroplasty, 84 knees from 68 patients with varus thrust and more than a 20° varus deformity were enrolled in this study. The pre-operative and postoperative varus thrust amount (VTA), proximal tibiofibular overlap (PTFOL), and implant position (α, β, γ, and δ) were examined. The gait pattern was analyzed before and after surgery using the footscan ® (RSscan International, Olen, Belgium), evaluating the foot axis-center of pressure angle (FCA) of the ipsilateral foot at the IC and at the LR. The clinical outcomes were evaluated with Hospital for special surgery (HSS). @*Results@#The changes in the VTA were from a pre-operative mean of 5.1° (3.1–7.2) to a mean of 1.9° (0.3–2.8) at the last follow-up (p=0.017). PTFOL changed from pre-operative mean of 18.1 mm (9.0–29.1) to post-operative mean of 11.0 mm (4.2–20.7) (p=0.029). The mean α, β, γ, and δ angle in the last follow-up was 94.6°, 90.3°, 3.86°, and 89.7°, respectively. The FCA in IC was corrected from a pre-operative mean of -1.8° (-1.0 to -4.4) to a post-operative mean of 2.3° (-1.1 to 4.1) (p=0.013). FCA in LR was similar from a pre-operative mean of 5.2° (1.0–7.2) to a post-operative mean of 6.0° (1.1–7.4) (p=0.823). The HSS was changed from a pre-operative mean of 45.7 to a post-operative mean of 86.2 in the last follow-up (p=0.011). @*Conclusion@#Standard total knee arthroplasty in the varus thrust knee showed satisfactory correction of the varus thrust amount and gait pattern, without recurrence of the varus thrust gait. Better clinical results were achieved in total knee arthroplasty of osteoarthritis with a varus thrust without using a constraining implant.

External Tibial Torsion with Proximal Tibia Vara in Total Knee Arthroplasty of Advanced Osteoarthritis with Severe Varus Deformed Knees / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE@#External tibia torsion and proximal tibial vara have been reported in severe varus deformed osteoarthritis, which is a tibio-femoral angle of more than 20°. The radiology measurements were compared with those of control group and the preoperative and follow-up radiology and clinical results were examined.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#From January 2007 to March 2016, 43 knees from 37 persons, who underwent total knee arthroplasty for a severe varus deformity of more than 20° on the tibio-femoral angle on the standing radiographs and had a follow-up period more than two years, were examined. The mean follow-up period was 45.7 months. The control group, who underwent conservative treatments, had Kellgren-Lawrence grade three osteoarthritis and a tibio-femoral angle of less than 3° varus. The external tibial torsion of enrolled patients and control group were estimated using the proximal tibio-fibular overlap length and the tibial torsion values on computed tomography. The proximal tibia vara was measured using the proximal tibial tilt angle. The preoperative and postoperative proximal tibio-fibular overlap length, tibial torsion value, proximal tibial tilt angle, and hospital for special surgery (HSS) score were evaluated.@*RESULTS@#The mean proximal tibio-fibular overlap length was 18.6 mm preoperatively and 11.2 mm (p=0.031) at the follow-up. The control group had a mean proximal tibio-fibular overlap length of 8.7 mm (p=0.024). The mean tibial torsion value was 13.8° preoperatively and 14.0° (p=0.489) at the follow-up. The control group had a mean tibial torsion value of 21.9° (p=0.012). The mean proximal tibial tilt angle was 12.2° preoperatively and 0° (p<0.01) at the follow-up. The control group had a mean proximal tilt angle of 1.2° (p<0.01). The preoperative tibiofemoral angle and mechanical axis deviation were corrected from preoperative 28.3° and medial 68.4 mm to postoperative 0.7° and medial 3.5 mm (p<0.01, p<0.01), respectively. The HSS scores increased from 34 points of preoperatively to 87 points at the last follow-up (p=0.028).@*CONCLUSION@#Patients with advanced osteoarthritis with a severe varus deformity of more than 20° had significant increases in the external tibial torsion and varus of the proximal tibia. The tibial torsion value before and after surgery in the enrolled patients was not changed statistically, but good clinical results without complications were obtained.

Conversion of Failed Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty to Hemiarthroplasty: Three Cases of Instability and Three Cases of Glenoid Loosening

BACKGROUND: Glenoid loosening and postoperative instability are common causes of failed reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). When soft-tissue problems or large glenoid bone defect interferes with reimplantation in revision RTSA, conversion to hemiarthroplasty can be considered. We present a case series of patients who underwent conversion to hemiarthroplasty due to glenoid loosening and early instability after RTSAs, along with clinical results. METHODS: A total of 72 primary RTSAs using the Aequalis prosthesis were performed at our institution from May 2009 to December 2016. Of these, five patients, including one with humeral neck fracture and absent rotator cuff and four with cuff tear arthropathy, underwent conversion to hemiarthroplasty. Another patient who had RTSA at a local clinic underwent hemiarthroplasty at our institution for unresolved postoperative anterior dislocation. The mean age of the six patients was 71.7 years (range, 62 to 76 years), and the mean follow-up period was 24.4 months (range, 18 to 30 months). Clinical assessments were conducted by using the visual analog scale (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (ASES) score, and University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score at the last follow-up. RESULTS: The conversion to hemiarthroplasty in the six patients dramatically improved the mean VAS score (preoperative, 8.1; postoperative, 2.5), ASES score (preoperative, 22.1; postoperative, 56.5), and UCLA score (preoperative, 12; postoperative, 18.1). However, the range of motion was almost unchanged after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Conversion to hemiarthroplasty can be a good alternative to revision RTSA in patients with serious complications (such as unresolved instability and glenoid loosening) difficult to treat with revision RTSA.

Humeral Head Decentralization of Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Images and the Treatment of Shoulder Dislocations in Large to Massive Rotator Cuff Tears in Elderly over 65 Years Old / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: This study analyzed the features of humeral head decentralization in large to massive rotator cuff tears with a shoulder dislocation in the elderly. Moreover, shoulder instability and treatment were reviewed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2005 to February 2017, Group A containing 45 cases (45 patients) over 65 years old accompanied by a large or massive rotator cuff tear with a shoulder dislocation and Group B containing 45 cases (45 patients) without a shoulder dislocation were enrolled. The mean ages in Groups A and B were 73.2 and 72.1 years old, and the mean follow-up periods were 30.7 and 31.3 months, respectively. Twenty-one cases (46.7%) in Group A underwent rotator cuff repair, and 8 cases (17.8%) underwent concomitant rotator cuff repair with Bankart repair. Sixteen cases (35.6%) underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for cuff tear arthropathy. 45 cases (100%) in Group B underwent rotator cuff repair. The off-the center and head elevation were measured in the preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of Groups A and B. The preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score in Groups A and B were compared. RESULTS: In Groups A and B, the mean off-the centers were posterior 7.41 mm and posterior 2.02 mm (p=0.03), and the mean head elevations were superior 6.66 mm and superior 2.44 mm (p=0.02), respectively. The mean ASES scores of Groups A and B were 32.8 and 33.4 before surgery, and 77.1 (p=0.02) and 78.1 (p=0.02) after surgery (p=0.18), respectively. The mean UCLA scores of Groups A and B were 13.1 and 12.8 before surgery, and 28.9 (p=0.02) and 29.5 (p=0.01) after surgery (p=0.15), respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients over 65 years old with a shoulder dislocation in large to massive rotator cuff tears had higher off-the center and head elevation on the preoperative MRI than those without a shoulder dislocation. This measurement can help predict preceding shoulder instability. Early rotator cuff repairs should be performed and other treatments, such as Bankart repair and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, should also be considered.

The Effects of Autologous Structural Bone Graft without Internal Fixation on Posteromedial Tibial Bone Defect in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the radiological and clinical outcomes of the standard total knee arthroplasty without internal fixation or extended long stem in tibial bone defect with severe varus deformity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between July 2012 and April 2014, 32 patients (45 cases; 4 men and 41 women with a mean age of 74.2 years) who underwent total knee arthroplasty with autologous bone grafting were enrolled for analysis. The mean follow-up period was 34.4 months. The cancellous bone defect site was exposed, and a longitudinal sulcus was made. Subsequently, a premolded bone graft was inserted in the sulcus at 45°. The defect size was measured, and the radiological and clinical results were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean defect size according to the radiograph was found to be 15.31×30.36 mm in the frontal view and 15.46×45.98 mm in the sagittal view. The mean defect size of depth during the operation was found to be 8.38 mm. The preoperative mean varus angle was 14.1° (4.0°–26.9°), and the follow-up mean valgus angle was 5.4° (0.5°–10.5°). The implant position was α=95.7°, β=90.4°, γ=2.1°, δ=89.1° on the follow-up. No implant loosening was observed, and the mean bone union period was 4.3 months. The Hospital for Special Surgery score was improved from a preoperative mean of 50.1 to a postoperative mean of 90.4. CONCLUSION: Standard total knee arthroplasty using autologous structural bone grafting without internal fixation in a tibial bone defect demonstrated a rapid, stable bone healing and excellent radiological and clinical results. Thus the index procedure was considered to be simple, and effective for bone grafting.

Discoid Medial Meniscus Tear, with a Literature Review of Treatments

The present study reports our experience of treating four cases of symptomatic discoid medial meniscus, three of which were bilateral. We performed partial meniscectomy with a four-portal technique using a knife leaving a 6 mm peripheral margin after confirmation of magnetic resonance imaging findings. Clinical results were assessed at the end of 2-year follow-up using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and a visual analogue scale. We obtained satisfactory clinical results without recurrence of the symptoms in all cases.

Diffuse-Type Giant Cell Tumor Arising from a Pretibial Lesion: Extra-Articular Pigmented Villonodular Tenosynovitis / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare, benign, soft tissue neoplasm affecting the synovium of joints, classified as localized and diffused type. Localized type is more common, arising from synovium of joints, bursae, and tendon sheaths. Diffused type is relatively rare, frequently arising from an extra-articular lesion, and sometimes from an intramuscular or subcutaneous lesion. Although the cause of occurrence is not yet clear, recently it has been known as a benign neoplasm rather than an inflammatory or reactive process. We performed a total excision of the PVNS in a pretibial lesion and achieved a good result. We report on the case with a review of the literature.

Clinical Outcomes of Arthroscopic Treatment of Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder

BACKGROUND: Our study aimed to make a comparative analysis of clinical outcomes of arthroscopic decompression for rotator cuff calcific tendinitis by location of calcific deposits and by its size. METHODS: We enrolled a total of 38 patients, comprising 39 affected shoulders, who underwent arthroscopic decompression for calcific tendinitis. As our clinical scores, we evaluated the UCLA, the ASES, and the VAS scores and analyzed them by calcific location, by calcific deposit size, by the presence or absence of calcific remnants, and by whether concomitant cuff repair was performed. RESULTS: The clinical scores of those whose calcific deposit had an area greater than 77.0 mm2 and of those whose calcific deposit had an area smaller than 77.0 mm2 did not significantly differ (p=0.21 in ASES; p=0.19 in UCLA; p=0.17 in VAS). Nor did the clinical scores significantly differ with respect to the location of calcification (p=0.23). Further, the clinical scores did not significantly differ between those who had calcific remnants and those who did not and between those who received additional cuff repair and those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the clinical outcomes after arthroscopic decompression of calcific tendinitis were not significantly associated with the cuff tendon in which the calcium deposits are found; the location of the calcium deposits in the supraspinatus tendon (if found in this tendon); the size of calcific deposits; the presence of calcific remnants; and concomitant cuff repairs.

Clinical Outcomes of Arthroscopic Treatment of Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder

BACKGROUND: Our study aimed to make a comparative analysis of clinical outcomes of arthroscopic decompression for rotator cuff calcific tendinitis by location of calcific deposits and by its size. METHODS: We enrolled a total of 38 patients, comprising 39 affected shoulders, who underwent arthroscopic decompression for calcific tendinitis. As our clinical scores, we evaluated the UCLA, the ASES, and the VAS scores and analyzed them by calcific location, by calcific deposit size, by the presence or absence of calcific remnants, and by whether concomitant cuff repair was performed. RESULTS: The clinical scores of those whose calcific deposit had an area greater than 77.0 mm2 and of those whose calcific deposit had an area smaller than 77.0 mm2 did not significantly differ (p=0.21 in ASES; p=0.19 in UCLA; p=0.17 in VAS). Nor did the clinical scores significantly differ with respect to the location of calcification (p=0.23). Further, the clinical scores did not significantly differ between those who had calcific remnants and those who did not and between those who received additional cuff repair and those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: We found that the clinical outcomes after arthroscopic decompression of calcific tendinitis were not significantly associated with the cuff tendon in which the calcium deposits are found; the location of the calcium deposits in the supraspinatus tendon (if found in this tendon); the size of calcific deposits; the presence of calcific remnants; and concomitant cuff repairs.

The Result of Treatment of Femoral Periprosthetic Fractures after Total Knee Arthroplasty / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We assessed and compared the clinical and radiologic outcomes of treatment in periprosthetic fractures of the femur after total knee arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared 22 knees, 22 patients of femoral periprosthetic fractures which had been fixed with absolute stabilization such as plate or screw fixation in 16 cases (group A), and with relative stabilization such as retrograde intramedullary nailing or Ender nailing in six cases (group B) from November 2004 to March 2013; the mean follow-up period was 51.9 months. RESULTS: The mean tibio femoral angle and the mean mechanical axis showed statistically significant change in group B, between before fracture and last follow-up. The mean bone union time and the mean hospital for special surgery score were not significantly different between group A and B. Nonunion was demonstrated in one case in each group, malunion was demonstrated in one case in group B. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of periprosthetic fractures of the femur after total knee arthroplasty, absolute stabilization had an advantage for regain of limb alignment. Among the complications, more cases of refracture and infection were observed in the absolute stabilization group, while more cases of nonunion and malunion were observed in the relative stabilization group.

Complications of Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: We report intra- and postoperative complications of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). METHODS: This study was conducted on 246 cases of UKA which were performed for degenerative osteoarthritis confined to the medial compartment, from May 2002 to May 2010, for which follow-up periods longer than one year were available. Complications were divided into intra- and postoperative complications. Pre- and postoperative clinical scores, the range of motion, and radiologic findings were analyzed. RESULTS: Complications developed in a total of 24 cases (9.8%, 24/246). Among them, 6 cases had intraoperative complications while 18 had postoperative complications. Among the 6 intraoperative complications, one fracture of the medial tibial condyle, two fractures of the intercondylar eminence, one rupture of the medial collateral ligament, one widening of the peg hole leading to femoral component malposition and late failure, and one total knee arthroplasty (TKA) conversion of a large bony defect of tibial avascular necrosis were observed. Among the 18 postoperative complications, four cases of aseptic loosening of the femoral component, one soft tissue impingement due to malalignment, nine cases of polyethylene bearing dislocation, one case of suprapatellar bursitis, one periprosthetic fracture, one TKA conversion due to medial component overhanging, and one TKA conversion due to pain of unexplained cause were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The mid-term clinical outcomes of UKA were excellent in our study. However, the incidence of complications was very high (9.8%). To prevent intra- and postoperative complications, proper selection of the patients and accurate surgical techniques are required.

Results of Revision Surgery and Causes of Unstable Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate causes of unstable total knee arthroplasty and results of revision surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 24 knees that underwent a revision arthroplasty for unstable total knee arthroplasty. The average follow-up period was 33.8 months. We classified the instability and analyzed the treatment results according to its cause. Stress radiographs, postoperative component position, and joint level were measured. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score and range of motion. RESULTS: Causes of instability included coronal instability with posteromedial polyethylene wear and lateral laxity in 13 knees, coronal instability with posteromedial polyethylene wear in 6 knees and coronal and sagittal instability in 3 knees including post breakage in 1 knee, global instability in 1 knee and flexion instability in 1 knee. Mean preoperative/postoperative varus and valgus angles were 5.8degrees/3.2degrees (p = 0.713) and 22.5degrees/5.6degrees (p = 0.032). Mean postoperative alpha, beta, gamma, delta angle were 5.34degrees, 89.65degrees, 2.74degrees, 6.77degrees. Mean changes of joint levels were from 14.1 mm to 13.6 mm from fibular head (p = 0.82). The mean HSS score improved from 53.4 to 89.2 (p = 0.04). The average range of motion was changed from 123degrees to 122degrees (p = 0.82). CONCLUSIONS: Revision total knee arthroplasty with or without a more constrained prosthesis will be a definite solution for an unstable total knee arthroplasty. The solution according to cause is very important and seems to be helpful to avoid unnecessary over-constrained implant selection in revision surgery for total knee instability.

Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis in Forefoot (A Case Report) / 대한족부족관절학회지

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a slowly, progressive, proliferative disorder of synovial tissue characterized by villous or nodular changes of synovial-lined joints, bursae, and tendon sheaths and most frequently affects the large joints, with the knee and hip. A few studies have been reported that occurred PVNS in small joint, but mainly in hands. It is a very rare condition that occurs in the small joints of the forefoot. We have experienced the case, which developed in small joint of the forefoot, and performed total synovectomy. After the operation, there was no recurrence. We report a case of PVNS in forefoot with a review of the literature.

Comparison of Two Year Follow-Up Results in High Flexion Total Knee Arthroplasty with Lospa and Scorpio NRG / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiologic results after high flexion Lospa (Corentec Inc.) and Scorpio NRG (Stryker Inc.) total knee arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively compared 205 knees in 128 patients who underwent arthroplasty using Lospa (group A) and 164 knees in 102 patients who underwent arthroplasty using Scorpio NRG (group B) from September 2010 to March 2012 at Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sun General Hospital (Daejeon, Korea). Mean follow-up period was 23 months in group A and 24 months in group B. The radiologic analysis included the change of mechanical axis deviation and femoro-tibial angle, implant position (alpha, beta, gamma, delta), and patellar tilt. The clinical results were evaluated according to hospital for special surgery (HSS), knee society score (KSS), and range of motion. RESULTS: Mechanical axis deviations were change in varus from 34.8 mm to 2.6 mm (p=0.02) in group A, and change in varus from 34.3 mm to 3.1 mm (p=0.04) in group B; no statistically significant difference was observed between them (p=0.13). Femoro-tibial angles were varus 4.3degrees to valgus 6.6degrees (p=0.02) in group A, and varus 4.4degrees to valgus 6.5degrees (p=0.03) in group B; no significant difference was observed between them (p=0.25). No significant difference in implant position was observed between the two groups (p=0.25 in alpha, p=0.17 in beta, p=0.12 in gamma, p=0.17 in delta). Mean HSS improved from 48.5 to 93.6 (p=0.02) in group A, and from 41.4 to 94.4 (p=0.01) in group B. CONCLUSION: Lospa total knee arthroplasty showed excellent early radiologic, clinical results and no statistically significant difference in the results was observed between Lospa and Scorpio NRG.

Results of Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy for Lateral Discoid Meniscus Tears Associated with New Technique

PURPOSE: To introduce and evaluate the clinical results of a new arthroscopic technique for partial meniscectomy of symptomatic lateral discoid meniscus using a knife. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2005 to October 2010, 60 knees of 58 patients underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomies for lateral discoid meniscus. The average age was 28.9 years (range, 12 to 63 years), and average follow-up was 26 months (range, 8 to 72 years). In this procedure, using a No. 11 knife holder inserted through the high far anteromedial portal, a stab incision on the anterior meniscal horn and following piecemeal meniscal excision were made. Clinical results were assessed using the scale of Ikeuchi and Lysholm score. RESULTS: Meniscus shape was complete in 32 knees (53.3%) and incomplete in 28 knees (46.6%). The shape of tears in complete type lesions was horizontal cleavage in 17 knees (53.1%), flap or complex degenerated tears in 10 knees (31.2%) and radial tears in 5 knees (15.6%). Clinical results assessed using the scale of Ikeuchi were excellent in 38 (63.3%), good in 13 (21.6%), fair in 8 (13.3%) and poor in 1 knee (1.6%). The average Lysholm score was improved from 82.8 preoperatively to 95.4 postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Our new arthroscopic technique in lateral discoid partial meniscectomy suggests convenient methods and successful clinical results.

Minimum 1 Year Results of Arthroscopic Pull-out Repair for Posterior Root Tear of Medial Meniscus / 대한스포츠의학회지

This study is to evaluate clinical and arthroscopic second-look results of arthroscopic repairs of posterior root tears of medial meniscus which may cause loss of circumferential hoop tension and extrusion of meniscus. From October 2006 to May 2009, fifty-eight patients (59 knees) underwent arthroscopic pull-out repairs. Clinical results were evaluated using Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score for 12-month follow-up. Second-look arthroscopy was done to evaluate meniscal healing in 21 cases. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to assess status of repaired meniscus and tibial tunnel position in 9 patients. Average preoperative HSS score and IKDC score of 59 cases were 69.5 and 36.0, respectively. Average postoperative HSS score and IKDC score of 59 cases had been changed into 90.3 (p<0.001) and 66.8 (p<0.001), respectively. Second-look arthroscopies revealed complete or incomplete healing except one case. Two patients showed increased one grade according to the Kellgren-Lawrence radiologic classification system and others showed no change. Of 9 patients who performed MRI, six patients showed complete healing. The average position of tibial tunnel was 4.8 mm anterior and 5.7 mm medial to center of posterior cruciate ligament. Arthroscopic pull-out repair technique using transtibial tunnel seems to be simple and effective procedure for posterior root tear of medial meniscus. Further evaluation of arthroscopic repair of posterior root tear of medial meniscus should be needed to prove the effectiveness on the prevention of osteoarthritis of knee.

Variations of Neurotrophic Factors and It's Importances in Spinal Cord Injured Rats and Beagle Dogs

STUDY DESIGN: Experimental, prospective study OBJECTIVES: To examine the changes in the variable factors after an acute spinal cord injury(SCI) in rats and dogs simultaneously. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: No study has examined the variations of several factors in a SCI model in different species. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In rats, a laminectomy was performed at the T10 level and the injured spinal cord was extracted. In Beagle dogs, the laminectomy level was T10 and T11. The motor function was evaluated using a modified Tarlov's scale. A RT2 profiler PCR array was used to examine each factor (inflammatory cytokines, factors-related with apoptosis, neurotrophic factors, factors-related with extraceullar matrix). RESULTS: IL-2, TNF, TNFRSF11B increased with time and showed no statistical difference between two species, but TNFSF13B showed a significant difference. BDNF decreased with time in both species, and GDNF was significantly lower in dogs. NGFbeta, CTNF and its receptors showed no significant changes in the two species. MMP1 increased in both species but MMP7 decreased in rats and increased in dogs with time, and showed a significant difference between species. CONCLUSION: The change in inflammatory cytokines and extracellular matrix correlates with each factor in the combined patterns. Moreover, during the first week after SCI, inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis, neutrophic factors, and extracellular matrix factors may show a partial difference between experimental animals, which means that an animal model can be selected according to the particular experimental plan.

Evaluation of the Factors Affecting Root Tears of the Posterior Horn of the Medial Meniscus as Confirmed during Total Knee Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: We examined the incidence of root tear of the medial meniscus posterior horn among patients who had undergone total knee replacement and we analyzed the factors that cause this tear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 258 knees of 173 patients who had undergone total knee replacement from January 2008 to June 2009. The mean age was 68.8 (range: 50~87). There were 23 men (28 cases) and 150 women (230 cases). We performed statistical correlation analysis between the assumed causes of meniscal tears (age, gender, grade of osteoarthritis, the predisposition site, BMI and varus deformity) and root tears. RESULTS: Meniscal tears were observed in 182 cases (70.5%), and there were 18 cases (64.2%) of 28 cases and 164 cases (71.3%) of 230 cases in the men and women, respectively. Root tear had correlation with the severity of osteoarthritis (p=0.040) and varus deformity (p=0.030), but other underlying factors didn't show significant correlation (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Root tears of the medial meniscus posterior horn in total knee arthroplasty were related to the severity of osteoarthritis and varus deformity, but active interventions are required whether or not there are predisposing factors that cause osteoarthritis.

The Clinical Results Using the Second Look Arthroscopic Findings and MRI after Allogenic Meniscal Transplantation

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results and the changes of allogenic meniscal transplantation by using the second look arthroscopic findings and the MRI changes after surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 1997 to February 2007, among the patients that underwent allogenic meniscal transplantation, we chose 25 patients who underwent secondary arthroscopic evaluation. 16 of these 25 patients were men and 8 were women. Secondary arthroscopic evaluation was done without MRI in 3 cases. The mean age was 36.1 yr and the average follow up period was 28 months. Biopsy by the secondary arthroscopic evaluation was done in 2 cases. We evaluated the clinical results by the Lysholm knee scoring scale, the Knee Society Score (KSS) system and the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score. RESULTS: Second-look arthroscopy after allogenic meniscal transplantation revealed that 23 cases seemed normal at the probing procedure. 5 cases showed a decreased posterior horn size. The MRI findings and secondary arthroscopic findings matched in all cases. The clinical Lysholm score improved from preoperative 65.4 points to postoperative 80.6 points, the Knee Society Score (KSS) improved from preoperative 64.6 points to postoperative 82.6 points, the functional score improved from preoperative 70.2 points to postoperative 85.6 points and the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score improved from preoperative 66.4 points to postoperative 82.5 points (p=0.000). The function after surgery improved on all the tests and this was proved by paired t-tests. CONCLUSION: Allogenic meniscal transplantation showed good results on the second look arthroscopy and the follow-up MRI and according to the clinical functional outcome. We think that confirmation through arthroscopy after follow-up MRI for the patients with clinical knee problems seems to be necessary.

Experience and Analysis of Managing Deflated Mammary Bags

With the rising of augmentation mammaplasty, deflation of implant is increasing. So authors investigated and analyzed on patients who were treated due to deflation. Subjects were 15 patients(16 breasts) from September 1995 to March 2006. Authors had been investigated and analyzed the method of augmentation mammaplasty, types of breast implant, duration until deflation occurred, duration to reoperation, reoperation method and patient satisfaction. The follow-up period after reoperation was 33 months. The methods of augmentation mammaplasty were 13 patients(13 breasts) for transaxillary approach, 1 patient(1 breast) for inframammary approach and 1 patient(2 breasts) for periareolar approach. Location of implants was subpectoral plane. 2 patients(2 breasts) had silicone bag and 13 patients(14 breasts) had saline bag. The average time elapsed to deflation was 36 months. The elapsed time to reoperation were within 1 month(12 breasts), 4 months(1 breast), 6 months(1 breast), 7 months(1 breast) and 10 months(1 breast). The removal of mammary bag was performed only for 3 patients(3 breasts) and reaugmentation was performed for the rest of them, 12 patients(13 breasts). In reaugmentation, most of patients received the previous approach again. In case of reoperation, partial capsulectomy was performed. There were no patients of deflation. The patients had found good satisfaction in our management.