Predictive Variables for Sonographically Guided Corticosteroid Injection in Mild-to-Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To assess the predictive variables after sonographically guided corticosteroid injection in carpal tunnel syndrome. METHODS: A prospective, observational study was carried out on 25 wrists of 20 consecutive patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, confirmed by the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine criteria, which includes clinical history, symptoms, and evidence of slowing of distal median nerve conduction. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) were asked to the patients before and 4 weeks after the procedure. On a basis of VAS difference before and after the procedure, we divided the patients into two groups: more than 50% of VAS improving (good response group) and less than 50% of VAS improving (poor response group). Also, nerve conduction studies and ultrasound evaluations were performed prior to sonographically guided corticosteroid injection and at 4 weeks after the procedure. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of median nerve at maximal swelling point around wrist was measured by manual tracing using ultrasonography. With assessments mentioned above, we tried to assess predictive variables for prognosis after sonographically guided corticosteroid injection in carpal tunnel syndrome. RESULTS: The CSA of median nerve at wrist measured before the procedure was significantly larger in good response group than in poor response group. Furthermore, the CSA of median nerve at wrist, symptom severity scale of BCTQ, motor/sensory latency and sensory amplitude were correlated with VAS improving. CONCLUSION: The CSA of median nerve at wrist is the strongest predictive value for sonographically guided corticosteroid injection in mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome.

Treatment Outcome of Langerhans Cell Histocytosis / 대한골관절종양학회지

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical features and treatment outcome of Langerhans' cell histocytosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From August 1996 to June 2013, 28 patients who histologically proven with LCH were analyzed of medical records, radiography, pathologic character retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of 28 cases of LCH including 22 child has been reported. Onset age was 0.6 to 51 years old, occurred in the average age was 14.8 years. Follow-up period was 6 months to 134 months average was 44.6 months. The M:F ratio was 2.5:1. The initial symptoms was pain in 18 cases, 5 cases of pathologic fracture, 3 case of palpable mass, 1 case of discovered by accident in radiography, 1 case of torticollis. In radiological examination osteolysis was seen all cases, 7 cases showed a periosteal reaction, 1 case showed soft tissue extension. Clinical type of all cases were eosinophilic granuloma. 25 cases were classified as unifocal disease and 3 cases were multifocal single systemic diseases. In all cases, incisional biopsy was performed. After histologic confirmed, 14 cases was treated with curettage or surgical excision of the lesion and the other 14 cases were followed up without treatment. There is no death during follow up period. 11 cases has no radiological improvement after 3-6 months observation, intralesional steroid injection was performed. CONCLUSION: Patients with LCH who has rapid systemic onset is very rare, so if you meet the young children who suspected LCH, you shoulder avoid the examination which cause excessive radiation exposure to the young patient. In order to confirm the diagnosis of disease, biopsy is needed. Close observation after confirmed by histological method will bring the satisfactory results. But the patients who had pathologic fracture or wide bone destruction already may need curettage and bone grafting to lesion or internal fixation. The lesion which has no radiological improvement after 3-6 months observation or appear with pain interferes daily life may need local steroid injection as a good treatment.

Tumor Treated by Endoscopy

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to examine the clinical usefulness and efficacy of endoscopic curettage on benign bone tumor. METHODS: Thirty-two patients (20 men and 12 women) with benign bone tumor were included in the study. The patients were aged between five and 76 years; the mean follow-up period was 27.05 months (range, 9.6 to 39.9 months). The primary sites include simple bone cyst (9 cases), fibrous dysplasia (6 cases), enchondroma (5 cases), non-ossifying fibroma (4 cases), bone infarct (3 cases), aneurysmal bone cyst (1 case), chondroblastoma (1 case), osteoblastoma (1 case), intraosseous lipoma (1 case), and Brodie abscess (1 case). A plain radiography was performed to assess the radiological recovery. Radiological outcomes, including local recurrence and bone union, were evaluated as excellent, good, poor, and recurred. RESULTS: In our series, there were 27 cases (84.4%) of good or better outcomes, six cases (18.8%) of complications (4 local recurrence, 1 wound infection, and 1 pathologic fracture). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that endoscopic curettage and bone graft had a lower rate of recurrence and a higher cure rate in cases of benign bone tumor. It can, therefore, be concluded that endoscopic curettage and bone graft might be good treatment modalities for benign bone tumors.

Surgical Fitness for Trochanteric Fracture in Elderly: Prospective Study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risks of undergoing intramedullary nailing with minimum surgical optimization (fast-track) for geriatric trochanter fracture due to fall from a standing height. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2006 to August 2013, 48 fractures were enrolled in fast-track, and were an average age of patients was 77.6 years (range, 62-97 years). They underwent primary testing for anesthesia, including basic body fluid test, arterial blood, electrocardiography, and chest radiographs. The time from visit to surgery was 28.9 hours (range, 1-96 hours). RESULTS: During hospitalization, there was one case of stress-induced cardiac arrest; however, other complications, infection, and 30-day mortality did not occur. According to preoperative classic test, the average albumin was 3.45 g/dl, blood sugar, 169 mg/dl, blood urea nitrogen, 20.5 mg/dl, Cr, 1.5 mg/dl, Na, 135.3 mEq/L, and K, 4.21 mEq/L. The average PaCO2 of arterial blood was 37.6 mmHg. CONCLUSION: We found that the fast-track for trochanteric fracture due to slip-down was relatively safe, and could be considered as a therapeutic approach.

The Analysis of Treatment of Aggressive Fibromatosis Using Oral Methotrexate Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND: Aggressive fibromatosis is a rare but invasive tumor infiltrating widely between fascia and muscle fibers. It has a high tendency to be locally recurrent despite complete resection. Effectiveness of adjuvant treatment for aggressive fibromatosis including radiotherapy, pharmacological agents, hormonal treatments, and chemotherapy have been previously reported. The purpose of this article was to collect and analyze all information regarding the effectiveness and side effects of oral methotrexate in aggressive fibromatosis. METHODS: From 2005 to 2011, eleven patients with aggressive fibromatosis treated with oral methotrexate at our institution were analyzed in this study. Oral methotrexate was administered once per week at 10 mg per week. Authors collected information about effectiveness concerning cases of local recurrence and metastasis. RESULTS: Eleven patients had remission, two patients had local recurrence. Fatal complications or toxicity were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Oral methotrexate given at this dose and schedule was considered as a useful treatment in primary inoperable fibromatosis and recurrent fibromatosis.

Conformity of Proximal Humerus Internal Locking Plate System (PHILOS) and Anatomic Features of Proximal Locking Screws: Cadaveric Study / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this cadaveric study was to evaluate the conformity of the anatomically preshaped proximal humerus internal locking plate system (PHILOS) to the humeri of the Korean and anatomical features of nine locking screws for the proximal humerus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 20 adult humeri (average length 30.2 mm) with no deformity or previous surgery. PHILOS was applied to the lateral surface of the proximal humerus according to the contour. Then, the distance from the outer surface of the plate to the greater tuberosity and bicipital groove was measured. After K-wires were passed through the proximal locking guide, the intra-osseous length of K-wire and the configuration of the K-wire exit were evaluated. RESULTS: The overall conformity of PHILOS was excellent at the lateral aspect of the proximal humerus. The tip of the plate had an average distance of 3.6 mm (range, 1.4-6.6 mm; standard deviation [SD], 1.27) from the greater tuberosity and 2.5 mm (range, 0.0-4.6 mm; SD, 1.24) at the bicipital groove and the average intra-osseous length of K-wire through the locking guide was 41.1 mm (range, 23.5-53.7 mm). K-wires were evenly penetrated through the humeral head. On H8 and H9, the bottom hole of PHILOS is closely located at the most inferior area of the humeral articular surface. The bicipital groove was pierced by K-wires of H5, which was the middle hole of PHILOS in four cases (20%). CONCLUSION: PHILOS had excellent conformity with the proximal humerus and K-wires through the locking guide were evenly penetrated through the humeral head. However, much care should be taken in piercing of the bicipital groove in H5.

Biologic Fixation through Bridge Plating for Comminuted Shaft Fracture of the Clavicle: Technical Aspects and Prospective Clinical Experience with a Minimum of 12-Month Follow-up

For comminuted shaft fracture of clavicle, the operative goal, aside from sound bone healing without complications of direct reduction, is maintenance of the original length in order to maintain the normal biomechanics of adjacent joint. Our bridge plating technique utilizing distraction through a lumbar spreader was expected to be effective for restoring clavicular length with soft tissue preservation. However, there are two disadvantages. First, there is more exposure to radiation compared to conventional plating; and second, it is difficult to control the rotational alignment. Despite these disadvantages, our technique has important benefits, in particular, the ability to preserve clavicular length without soft tissue injury around the fracture site.

The Efficacy of Percutaneous Long-Segmental Posterior Fixation of Unstable Thoracolumbar Fracture with Partial Neurologic Deficit

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients with unstable thoracolumbar fracture (UTLF) who were treated by percutaneous long-segmental posterior fixation (PLSPF) by two vertebrae cranial to the fracture with two vertebrae caudal. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: To the best of our knowledge, PLSPF for stabilization of UTLF has not been reported. METHODS: The study involved retrospective analysis and investigation from the results of 27 patients who had undergone PLSPF for stabilization of a UTLF with partial neurologic deficit, over a follow-up period of two years. Kyphotic angle (KA), anterior vertebral height percentage (AVHP) and cross-sectional ratio of the displaced fragment within the spinal canal were evaluated with simple radiographs and axial computed tomography scans preoperatively and two years postoperatively. The clinical outcome for pain was assessed by a visual analogue scale (VAS) and Denis' scale, and the degree of neurologic deficit was measured by modified Frankel classification. RESULTS: Five patients had minor complications. The KA, AVHP, and cross-sectional ratio of the displaced fragment improved significantly after surgery (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.003, respectively). Neurologic recovery of one or more for the Frankel grade was seen in 19 patients with an average improvement of 1.7. The VAS and Denis' score improved significantly at a two year follow-up (p=0.02, p=0.012, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The technique of PLSPF is useful for the treatment of UTLF with partial neurologic deficit, and produces decreased morbidity and fewer complications.

Radiation Exposure Over the Course of a Year from an Image Intensifier in the Orthopaedic Operating Room

PURPOSE: To measure the annual radiation exposure of staff in the orthopaedic surgical room. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2010 to December 2010, we measured the radiation exposure of a tumor surgeon, spine surgeon, trauma surgeon, six residents, and six scrub nurses. Radiation was monitored with the use of thermoluminescent dosimeters placed on the chest under the lead apron. The annual dose of radiation exposure was compared to the maximum yearly permissible dose (20 mSv). During the study period, the trauma surgeon made a deliberate effort to minimize the radiation time and maintain a distance of 1 m from the image intensifier. RESULTS: The annual exposure levels were 0.04 mSv (radiation time, 34 min 50 s), 0.08 mSv (151 min 46 s), and 0.12 mSv (135 min 27 s) for the tumor surgeon, trauma surgeon, and spine surgeon, respectively. The mean exposure was 0.0146 mSv (range, 0.4~0.39 mSv) for the residents and 0.06 mSv (range, 0.04~0.13 mSv) for the scrub nurses. Overall, the annual radiation exposure was 0.2~1.95% of the maximal yearly permissible dose. Despite the longer period of radiation exposure, the trauma surgeon was exposed to a lower dose of radiation than the spine surgeon. CONCLUSION: The annual radiation exposure of a trauma surgeon can be reduced by a deliberate effort to decrease exposure time and maintain a distance of at least 1 m from the image intensifier.

Anatomical Study of the Pronator Quadratus Muscle and Comparison to Fracture Sites of the Distal Radius / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To collect data regarding the pronator-sparing approach using an anatomical study, which compared the fractures of the distal radius and pronator quadratus (PQ) muscle of an adult cadaveric radius. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen adult cadaver wrists that did not have previous fractures or previous surgery and computed tomography data 32 fractures of the distal radius, were obtained. The size of the distal fracture fragment was measured using the picture archiving and communication system. The distance between the distal margin of the PQ muscles and the articular margin was measured using a caliper. RESULTS: The PQ muscles had an average distance of 10.9 mm (range, 8-13 mm) from the radial styloid process and 10 mm (range, 8-12 mm) from the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). The fracture sites were located an average of 21.8 mm (range, 10-39 mm) from the radial styloid process and an average of 14.4 mm (range, 10-28 mm) from the DRUJ. Distal radial fractures overlapped an average of 11.8 mm from the radial styloid process and an average of 3.5 mm from the DRUJ. CONCLUSION: The pronator-sparing approach could be applied to a functionally reduced fracture because the non-overlapping area of the distal fracture fragment was > or =10 mm and it is possible to repair the anatomic plate without detaching the PQ muscle.

How to Overcome Complications of Allograft Transplantation? / 대한골관절종양학회지

PURPOSE: We evaluated the complications of allograft reconstruction after a bone tumor resection, and reviewed literatures to overcome such complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical records and radiographs of fifteen patients in whom reconstruction with allograft after bone tumor resection. RESULTS: Eight patients were men and seven were women with a mean age of 27.1 years (1-56 years) and a mean follow-up period of 89.5 months (33-165 months). All postoperative complications related to the allograft were recorded. Twenty patients (80.0%) obtained a radiologic bony union at a mean of 8.35 months (4-12 months). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 73.5% (46.6-93.0%). Nine patients (60.0%) experienced one event and 3 (20.0%) patients experienced multiple events during the follow-up period. Recorded events were infection (3), fracture (2), nonunion (2), limb length discrepancy (2) and varus deformity (2). The mean event free survival period was 60.8 months (6-144 months). The mean allograft survival period was 80.2 months and the 5 year survival rate of the allografts was 83.0%. CONCLUSION: In order to overcome complications, the combination of an allograft and vascularized fibular graft is highly recommended. In the near future, the tissue engineering technique, the application of the stem cell and PRP, could reduce the complication of allograft such as resorption and nonunion.

Outcome of Tumor Prosthetic Reconstruction in Osteosarcoma Patient / 대한골관절종양학회지

PURPOSE: Modular tumor prosthesis is the most popular recontructive modality after resection of malignat tumor in extremity. Complications and survival of tumor prosthesis reconstruction are well-known. however, reports on the long-term outcome of tumor prosthesis in osteosarcoma patientss are scarece. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 158 cases as diagnosed as osteosarcoma from feburary 1989 to December 2006 in a single cancer center. We retrospectively reviewd 48 osteosarcoma patients who under went tumor prosthetic reconstruction. Mean follow up preiod was 75.6 months (range; 60 to 179 months). There were 28 males, 20 females and mean age was 22.4 years (range; 11-71). Pathologic subtypes were conventional central osteosarcoma in 46 cases and periosteal in 2 cases. The location of the tumor was proximal tibia (26 cases), distal femor (20 cases), femor diaphysis (1 case), and tibia diaphysis (1 case). In 41 cases built-up-type tumor prosthesis have been used and 7 cases expansion-type tumor prosthesis have been used. We used Musculoskeletal tumor society (MSTS) grading system to asses post operation function, and we analyzed survival rate of patient and tumor prosthesis and complication. RESULTS: The overall survival rate was 77.7% and disease free survival rate was 68.9%. The survival rate of tumor prosthesis was 73%, in last follow up tumor prosthesis has been removed in 12 cases. All of them, 17 complications occurred, which included infection in 16 cases, Periprosthetic Fracture and Loosening of tumor prosthesis in 4 cases, articular instability in 4 cases. MSTS functional score was 74.1% in post operation. CONCLUSION: In long term follow up result, Primary tumor prosthesis -a reconstruction method after a wide extensional resecion of a bone tumor- can be a effective treatment method in asepect of survival rate, functional assesment and complication.

Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis for the Upper Extremity Fracture Using a Lumbar Spreader: Surgical Technique

The minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) which is extensively performed, is very dependent on the indirect reduction technique to prevent the exposure of fracture sites. Indirect reduction with the use of the femoral distractor is a much more efficient technique to restore the length in the fracture of lower limbs. However, the femoral distractor cannot be used for fracture of upper limbs, and other instruments for indirect reduction have not yet been reported. Therefore, we introduce the novel indirect reduction technique with the use of the lumbar spreader for the MIPO of upper limbs.

Long-Term Survivals of Stage IIB Osteosarcoma: A 20-Year Experience in a Single Institution

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients with stage IIB osteosarcoma at a single institution for 20 years and to compare the results according to the chemotherapy protocols. METHODS: From Jan 1988 to Nov 2008, 167 patients with osteosarcoma were treated at our hospital and among them, 117 patients (67 males and 50 females) with stage IIB osteosarcoma were evaluable. Their mean age was 22.6 years (range, 8 months to 71 years). Seventy-eight cases underwent the modified T10 (M-T10) protocol (group 1), 23 cases underwent the T20 protocol (group 2) and 16 cases underwent the T12 protocol (group 3). The DFS and OS were calculated and compared according to the chemotherapy protocols. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 78.9 months, 63 patients were continuously disease-free (63/117), 6 patients were alive after having metastatic lesions, 7 patients died of other cause and 41 patients died of their disease. The 5- and 10-year OS rates were 60.2% and 44.8%, respectively and the 5- and 10-year DFS rates were 53.5% and 41.4%, respectively. There was no significant difference of the OS and DFS between the chemotherapy protocols (p = 0.692, p = 0.113). CONCLUSIONS: At present, we achieved success rates close to the internationally accepted DFS and OS. We were able to achieve the higher survival rates using the M-T10 protocol over the 20 years. However, there was no significant difference of results between the chemotherapy protocols. We think the M-T10 protocol will achieve more favorable results in the near future.

Axial Malalignment after Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis in Distal Femur Fractures with Metaphyseal Comminution / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We wanted to report on the functional results and the presence of axial malalignment after performing minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis in distal femur fractures with metaphyseal comminution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2007 and June 2009, fifteen patients with distal femur fractures and metaphyseal comminution were treated with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis, and they were followed for a mean of 17.0 months (range: 12-40 months). The fractures according to the AO/OTA classification were two cases of 33A and thirteen cases of 33C, and seven cases were open fracture. We analyzed the axial malalignment and functional results according to bone union and Sanders' score. RESULTS: All the fractures were united without a bone graft after a mean of 20.4 weeks (range: 16-26 weeks) after the definitive plate fixation. One case had superficial infection and a stiff knee. The average ROM of the knee was 123.6degrees. The average Sanders' score was 33.0, and the results were five cases of excellent results, eight cases of good results and two cases of fair results. There was axial malalignment such as varus malunion in 3 cases and valgus malunion in 2 cases and the average shortening of the limb length was 7.9 mm (range: 0.3-21.9 mm). CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis in a distal femur fracture with metaphyseal comminution provides satisfactory outcomes. However, this should be approached with caution because of the possibility of axial malalignment.

The Significance of Sentinel Node Biopsy in Malignant Melanoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Lower Extremities / 대한골관절종양학회지

PURPOSE: Sentinel lymph node (SLNB) is the first confronted lymph node from primary lesion of tumor through lymphatic drainage, which is important for determining early metastasis and setting guidelines for treatment. We reported significant of sentinel lymph node biopsy in malignant melanoma (MM) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of lower extremities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five cases of surgically treatment and being possible for follow up more than 1 year among the patients who were diagnosed as MM and SCC in this institution from Sep. 2005 to Jan. 2009, and 10 cases of them were performed SLNB. Average age was 64 years old, and 15 cases of male and 10 cases of female were in this group. RESULTS: 3 years overall survival rate was 100% and 3 years disease-free survival rate was 76%. Metastasis occurred in total 6 patients, 4 cases of inguinal lymph nodes, 1 case of soft tissue around knee, 1 case of left achilles tendon. In 15 cases of not performing SLNB, overall survival rate was 93.3% and disease-free survival rate was 73.3%. In 10 cases of performing SLNB, overall survival rate was 100% and disease-free survival rate was 90%. And only 1 case showed positive finding in the biopsy, and none of the 10 cases showed metastasis in follow-up. CONCLUSION: SLNB leads simpler and less complications compared to prior elective lymph node dissection, and shows high degree of accuracy. Throughout the SLNB, setting guidelines for treatment by accurate staging is thought to be helpful for increasing the survival rate in the patient with MM and SCC.

The Reconstruction with Extracorporeal Irradiated Autograft for Osteosarcoma of Extremities / 대한골관절종양학회지

PURPOSE: With advances in various treatment modalities, limb salvage surgery has been commonly used in osteosarcoma of extremities. An alternative method for skeletal reconstruction is reimplantation of the tumor bearing bone following extracorporeal irradiation (ECI). We report the long-term results of ECI autograft in aspect of the oncological and functional outcomes, and complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 31 osteosarcoma patients who underwent reconstruction with ECI between July 1995 and January 2006. There were 24 males and 7 females with a mean age of 24 (7-74 years) and a mean follow-up of 117 months (17-177 months). Twenty-five cases were reconstructed with ECI autograft, 6 cases with ECI autograft-prosthesis composite. The pathologic subtypes were conventional in 29 cases, periosteal in 1 case, and parosteal in 1 case. The most common location of tumor was distal femur (15 cases) followed by humerus (3), proximal fibula (3) and proximal tibia (3). Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was used for functional evaluation. The overall survival rate, local recurrence, complications were analyzed. RESULTS: The overall survival rate was 80.6% and the disease-free survival rate was 64.5%. Five patients died of distant metastasis. One patient required above-knee amputation due to local recurrence. All of them, twenty-three complications occurred, which included nonunion in 7 cases, deep infection in 5 cases, joint instability in 4 cases, metal failure in 2 cases, Limb-length discrepancy (LLD) in 2 cases, periprosthetic fracture in 1 case, epiphyseal collapse in 1, local recurrence in 1 case. The mean MSTS functional score was 62.5%. CONCLUSION: Extracorporeal irradiated autograft can be achieved relatively good result in aspect of oncological and functional aspect, but is needed to be additional research about occurring many complications. The reconstruction with ECI after intercalary or fragmentary resection is effective reconstruction in aspect of oncological and functional result, complications.

The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Allograft Transplantation after Curettage in Benign Bone Tumor / 대한골관절종양학회지

PURPOSE: This study was performed to evaluate the efficiency of Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for acceleration of bone healing process on allograft transplantation after curettage in benign bone tumor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2007 to February 2009, twenty-one patients who had benign bone tumor and underwent allograft transplantation after curettage were evaluated. Mean follow-up period was 14.6 months (range, 12-26 months). We compared with 13 cases of PRP group and 8 cases of non-PRP group in terms of size of lesion, bone resorption, amount of applied PRP and complications. The mean age at surgery was 23.6 years (range, 4-73 years). The most common diagnosis was simple bone cyst (7) followed by enchondroma (4), giant cell tumor (3), undifferentiated benign bone tumor (3) and so on. RESULTS: The mean size of lesion was 33.5 cm3 (range, 2.3-181.9 cm3) (29.4 cm3 in PRP group and 40.2 cm3 in non-PRP group). The mean volume of injected PRP was 7.4 cc (range, 3-12 cc). Bone union started at 3.0 months (range, 1.5-5.8 months) in PRP group and 5.3 months (range, 4-8 months) in non-PRP group. Three cases for each group were excluded due to recurrence and pathologic fracture. One patient had febrile episode 3 weeks later after surgery which subsided with antibiotics. CONCLUSION: The PRP could accelerate bone union in allograft transplantation after curettage of benign bone tumor. Furthermore, we expect that PRP can accelerate bone union in fracture or non-union.

Management of Fractures of Distal Tibia by Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis through an Anterior Approach / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate functional results and complications after minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis through an anterior approach for distal tibial fractures, including pilon fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2007 and December 2008, thirteen patients with fractures of the distal tibia were treated with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis through an anterior approach, and were followed for a mean of 16.2 months (range, 12-30 months). Fractures according to the AO/OTA classification were six 43A, four 43B and three 43C. We analyzed functional results by bone union, postoperative complications, and the Olerud and Molander ankle scoring system. RESULTS: All fractures were united after a mean of 15.7 weeks (range, 12 to 24 weeks) except one case. There were 2 cases of superficial wound infection, one case of fibular shortening and metal failure, and two cases of tibialis anterior tendon adhesion. The average functional score was 79 points (range, 35-95 points) and results were four excellent, six good and three fair. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis through an anterior approach may be used for distal tibial fracture with medial soft tissue injury, and has an advantage in that the metaphyseal and distal articular fracture are fixed at the same time through a single incision However, it should be approached with caution because of the risk of complications due to the anterior approach, such as iatrogenic injury of the tibialis anterior tendon.

Minimally Invasive Microscopic Decompression with Tubular Retractor System in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Results Comparing with Open Microscopic Decompression / 대한척추외과학회지

PURPOSE: To compare the two methods of decompression using a microscope with a tubular retractor system and open microscopic decompression in lumbar spinal stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of patients that had undergone decompression from May 2000 to April 2005 were reviewed. The average follow-up period was 29 months (4~60 months). The duration of hospital stay, estimated blood loss, relief of pain, and operating time were reviewed retrospectively. Analysis was conducted by telephone interview and chart review (McNab's criteria). Pre- and post-operative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores and JOA scores were also evaluated. RESULTS: Of the total 53 patients, open microscopic decompression was performed on 27 patients, and 26 patients received surgery using microscopic decompression with tubular retractors. There were no patients who had serious complications such as infection or nerve root injury in either of the groups. The average estimated blood loss was 205 cc for the open microscopic decompression group versus 120 cc in the minimally invasive microscopic decompression (MIMD) group (p=0.019). The mean operating time was 2.5 hours in the open microscopic decompression group and 2.2 hours in the MIMD group (p=0.048). As shown by the clinical results, good or excellent results were shown by the McNab's criteria after operation, 85.1% for the open microscopic decompression group and 94.7% for the MIMD group, respectively. The JOA score improved after surgery, with average scores of 14.5 to 24.5 in the open microscopic decompression group, and 15.9 to 25.6 in the MIMD group. The VAS score was reduced after surgery, with an average score of 8.0 to 3.7 in the open microscopic decompression group, and 8.3 to 2.6 in the MIMD group. CONCLUSION: In terms of blood loss, the MIMD group showed significantly better results than the open microscopic decompression group. The clinical results showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups.