Dose-Related Effect of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

OBJECTIVE: To examine the dose-related effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for plantar fasciitis. METHODS: Sixty patients with plantar fasciitis despite conservative treatment were enrolled. The patients were divided into a low-energy group (group L: n=30, 1,000 shocks/session, energy flux density [EFD] per shock 0.08 mJ/mm2) and a medium-energy group (group M: n=30, 1,000 shocks/session, EFD 0.16 mJ/mm2). The main outcome measures were visual analogue scale (VAS), Roles and Maudsley (RM) score, and thickness of plantar fascia (PF). To compare the effects between each group, follow-up was carried out 1 week after 3 and 6 sessions, and 1 and 3 months after ESWT. RESULTS: Significant VAS and RM score improvement, and PF thickness reduction were observed in both groups (p0.05). CONCLUSION: Therapeutic effect might disclose a dose-related relationship; therefore, EFD and the times of the session are considerable factors when treating with ESWT.

The Effect of The Forward Head Posture on Postural Balance in Long Time Computer Based Worker

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the effects of a relatively protruded head and neck posture on postural balance, in computer based worker. METHOD: Thirty participants, who work with computers for over 6 hrs per day (Group I), and thirty participants, who rarely work with computers (Group II), were enrolled. The head and neck posture was measured by estimating angles A and B. A being the angle between the tragus of the ear, the lateral canthus of the eye, and horizontal line and B the angle between the C7 spinous process, the tragus of the ear, and the horizontal line. The severity of head protrusion with neck extension was assessed by the subtraction of angle A from angle B. We also measured the center of gravity (COG) and postural balance by using computerized dynamic posturography to determine the effect of computer-based work on postural balance. RESULTS: Results indicated that group I had a relatively more protruded head with extensive neck posture (angle B-A of group I and group II, 28.2+/-8.3, 32.9+/-6.0; p<.05). The COG of group I tended more toward the anterior than that of group II. Postural imbalance and impaired ability to regulate movement in forward and backward direction were also found. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that forward head postures during computer-based work may contribute to some disturbance in the balance of healthy adults. These results could be applied to education programs regarding correct postures when working at a computer for extended periods of time.

The Effect of Bedside Exercise Program on Stroke Patients with Dysphagia

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of a bedside exercise program on the recovery of swallowing after a stroke. METHOD: Fifty stroke patients with dysphagia (<6 months post-stroke) were enrolled and classified into two groups, the experimental (25 subjects) and control groups (25 subjects). The control group was treated with conventional swallowing therapy. The experimental group received additional bedside exercise training, which consisted of oral, pharyngeal, laryngeal, and respiratory exercises, 1 hour per day for 2 months, and they were instructed regarding this program through the nursing intervention. All patients were assessed for their swallowing function by Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS), using the New VFSS scale, the level of functional oral intake, the frequency of dysphagia complications, the presence (or not) of tube feeding, the mood state and quality of life before the treatment and at 2 months after the treatment. RESULTS: After 2 months of treatment, the experimental group showed a significant improvement in the swallowing function at the oral phase in the New VFSS Scale than that of the control group (p<0.05). Further, they also showed less depressive mood and better quality of life than the control group. However, there was no significant change in the incidence of dysphagia complication and the presence (or not) of tube feeding between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Bedside exercise program showed an improvement of swallowing function and exhibited a positive secondary effect, such as mood state and quality of life, on subacute stroke patients with dysphagia. For improvement of rehabilitation results on subacute stroke patients with dysphagia, this study suggests that additional intensive bedside exercise would be necessary.

Effect of Dominant Versus Non-dominant Vision in Postural Control

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of dominant and non-dominant vision in controlling posture in quiet stance. METHOD: Twenty-five healthy elderly subjects aged over 60 years old and twenty-five young subjects aged under 30 years old were assessed by computerized dynamic posturography. Postural stability was measured in two conditions; dominant eye open and non-dominant eye open. We used the sensory organization test (SOT) for evaluating sensory impairment. A SOT assessed the subject's ability to use and integrate somatosensory input, vision, and vestibular cues effectively to maintain balance. The SOT was conducted 3 times, and the average value of the 3 trials was used for data analysis. Equilibrium scores reflected the subject's anteroposterior sway. The highest possible score was 100, which indicated that the subject did not sway at all, and a score of 0 indicated a fall from the footplate. Determination of ocular dominance was performed by a hole-in-the card test. RESULTS: For the twenty-five young subjects in this study, equilibrium score in two conditions did not differ. However, for elderly subjects over 60 years, the equilibrium score in dominant vision was higher than in nondominant vision (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In young subjects, there were no significant differences in postural control between dominant vision and non-dominant vision. However, in elderly subjects, postural control in non-dominant vision was significantly impaired. Therefore, the evaluation of a dominant eye should be considered in rehabilitation programs for elderly people.

Relationship Between Serum Concentrations of Organochlorine Pesticides and Metabolic Syndrome Among Non-Diabetic Adults / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to investigate if organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were associated with metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance among non-diabetes. METHODS: Among subjects who participated in a community-based health survey, 50 non-diabetic subjects with metabolic syndrome and 50 normal controls were selected. Insulin resistance was measured by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). Eight OCPs were selected. RESULTS: After adjusting for confounders except for body mass index (BMI), beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (beta-HCH) and heptachlor epoxide were positively associated with metabolic syndrome. Odds ratios across tertiles of beta-HCH and heptachlor epoxide were 1.0, 3.2 and 4.4, and 1.0, 4.0 and 6.0, respectively (p for trend = 0.01 and or =100 mg/dL)) were separately analyzed, all components were positively, but not significantly, associated with heptachlor epoxide. As the serum concentration of heptachlor epoxide increased, HOMA-IR increased significantly in subjects with metabolic syndrome even after adjusting for BMI (p value <0.05 and <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the small sample size, this study suggests that the background exposure to some OCPs may be associated with metabolic syndrome.

Effect of Simvastatin collagen graft on wound healing of defective bone / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: To observe and evaluate the effects of Simvastatin-induced osteogenesis on the wound healing of defective bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 64 defective bones were created in the parietal bone of 32 New Zealand White rabbits. The defects were grafted with collagen matrix carriers mixed with Simvastatin solution in the experimental group of 16 rabbits and with collagen matrix carriers mixed with water in the controlled group. The rabbits were terminated at an interval of 3, 5, 7, and 9 days, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after the formation of defective bone. The wound healing was evaluated by soft X-ray radiography. The tissues within defective bones were evaluated through the analysis of flow cytometry for the manifestation of Runx2 and Osteocalcin, and observed histopathologically by using H-E stain and Masson-Trichrome stain. RESULTS: 1. In the experimental group, flow cytometry revealed more manifestation of Runx2 at 5, 7, and 9 days and Osteocalcin at 2 weeks than in the controlled groups, but there was few difference in comparison with the controlled group. 2. In the experimental group, flow cytometry revealed considerably more cells and erythrocytes at 5, 7, and 9 days in comparison with the controlled group. 3. In the experimental group, soft x-ray radiography revealed the extended formation of trabeculation at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. 4. histopathological features of the experimental group showed more fibroblasts and newly formed vessels at 5 and 7 days, and the formation of osteoid tissues at 9 days, and the newly formed trabeculations at 4 and 6 weeks. CONCLUSION: As the induced osteogenesis by Simvastatin, there was few contrast of the manifestation between Runx2 and Osteocalcin based on the differentiation of osteoblasts. But it was considered that the more formation of cells and erythrocytes depending on newly formed vessels in the experimental group obviously had an effect on the bone regeneration.

Operative Treatment with ITST in Femur Trochanteric Fracture

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of treatment of trochanteric fracture with ITST (Intertrochanteric/ Subtrochanteric) nail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the results of 40 cases of trochanteric fracture treated with ITST from January 2006 to May 2007, which could be followed up for more than 12 months. The cases include 13 males and 27 females, and the mean age is 75.6 years old. The clinical results were evaluated by Ceder mobility assessment, and the radiographic results were evaluated by the change of femoral neck-shaft angle and sliding of lag screw. RESULTS: The mean bone union time is 13.5 weeks. Thirty four cases (85%) were recovered to pre-injury state of walking ability. The change of neck-shaft angle was an average of 5.21degrees and the sliding distance of lag screw was an average of 5.78 mm. Complications were occurred in 4 patients (10%). CONCLUSION: The ITST nail were seen good results in treatment of trochanteric fracture and has relatively less complications than other internal fixator.

Operative Treatment with Locking Compression Plate (LCP) in Proximal Humerus Fracture

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of the treatment of a proximal humerus fracture with a locking compression plate(LCP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study reviewed the results of 24 cases of a proximal humerus fracture treated with a LCP from January 2005 to April 2007, after a follow up of more than 12 months. There were 8 males and 16 females with a mean age of 68.9(33-90) years. The clinical results were evaluated using the Neer's evaluation criteria, and the radiographic results were evaluated using the bone union time and Paavoleinen method. RESULTS: The mean time for bone union was 11.9 weeks. Using the Neer's functional evaluation, 21 cases of the 24 patients (87%) showed excellent or satisfactory results. Twenty two cases (91%) showed good results according to the Paavoleinen method. The complications encountered were metal failure (1 patient), AVN of the humeral head (1 patient) and joint stiffness (1 patient). CONCLUSION: The LCP demonstrated good results in the treatment of a proximal humerus fracture and has relatively fewer complications than other internal fixators.

Operative Treatment with the Plate Fixation in Intraarticular Calcaneal Fractures / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: We evaluated the results of operative treatment with F or H plates and screws using extensile lateral approach in intraarticular calcaneal fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From August 2003 to July 2006, twenty intraarticular calcaneal fractures which were operated with open reduction and internal fixation with F or H plates and screws were evaluated retrospectively. According to the Essex-Lopresti classification, 3 cases were tongue type and 16 were joint depression type. With the Sanders classification, 2 cases were II A type, 7 were II B, 5 were III AB, 2 were III AC and 3 were IV. We have analysed the Bohler angle, Gissane angle, and calcaneal width in radiologic evaluation, and evaluated clinical result according to the Creighton-Nebraska Health Foundation Score. RESULTS: Radiologic changes showed as follows: Bohler angle improved from 5.8 degrees to 25.9 degrees, Gissane angle from 119.0 degrees to 113.3 degrees, and calcaneal width from 50.4 mm to 37.8 mm. In the clinical results, excellent cases were noted in 8 cases, good in 8 cases, fair in 2 cases, poor in 1 case. CONCLUSION: Operative treatment with F or H plates and screws using extensile lateral approach in intraarticular calcaneal fractures was thought to be a useful operative method allowing anatomical reduction.

A Case of Ectopic Cystic Thymoma / 결핵및호흡기질환

A thymoma commonly occurs in the superior mediastinum or the upper part of the anterior mediastinum but can be located in other places in rare cases. Cystic degeneration in a thymoma is a relatively common but focal event. In rare cases, the process proceeds to the extent that most if not all of the lesion becomes cystic. We report a case of a patient with a paracardial cystic thymoma in the lower aspect of the anterior mediastinum. A 49-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of a mass discovered incidentally on a chest X-ray. She showed no symptoms or signs. Contrast-enhanced chest CT scan revealed a 5x5cm sized, well-marginated, right paracardial cystic mass with a curvilinear and oval enhancing solid portion. A Surgical resection was performed. The mass was discontinuous with normal thymic tissue. Microscopy revealed a type B1 thymoma with prominent foci of medullary differentiation according to the WHO classification. There was no capsular or local invasion. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged in good health.

Comparison of Results in Two Operative Treatments for Clavicle Shaft Fractures in Adult: Comparison of Results between Open Reduction and Internal Fixation with the Plate and Percutaneous Reduction by Towel Clip and Intramedullary Fixation with Steinmann

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results between open reduction and internal fixation with the plate and percutaneous reduction by towel clip and intramedullary fixation with Steinmann pin for clavicle shaft fractures in adult. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have studied the results in 33 cases with the plate, 35 cases with the Steinmann pin among total 68 cases of clavicle shaft fracture. The patients were followed up over a period of at least 12 months. The final postoperative outcome was analyzed with the clinical outcomes using Kang's criteria, radiological union time and operation time. RESULTS: The clinical outcome that was good or excellent according to the Kang's criteria showed a distribution of 88% in the group using the plate with 29 cases out of total 33 cases, 91% in the group using the Steinmann pin with 32 cases out of total 35 cases. The mean radiological union time was 8.9 weeks in the group using the plate, 9.1 weeks in the group using Steinmann pin. The mean operation time was 72 minutes in the group using the plate, whereas was 18 minutes in the group using Steinmann pin. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of adult clavicle shaft fracture, two groups did not show a significant statistical difference in clinical and radiological outcomes. However, the operation time and postoperative functional recovery was significantly shorter and faster in the group using Steinmann pin. Additionally economic and cosmetic aspect was more satisfactory in the group using Steinmann pin.

Intratendinous Ganglion in the Extensor Tendon of the Great Toe: A Case Report / 대한정형외과학회잡지

A ganglion is the most common soft tissue tumor. But an intratendinous ganglion is a rare lesion of unknown etiology but with a natural history that originates within the tendon. A 52 year-old man complained of a palpable, non-tender mass in the dorsum of the right foot. We present a case of an intratendinous ganglion that developed in the extensor hallucis brevis tendon and which was treated successfully by excision.

A Case of Primary Endobronchial Leiomyoma / 결핵및호흡기질환

Endobronchial leiomyoma is a rare tumor that accounts for less than 2% of pulmonary benign tumors. A 32 year-old woman was admitted with fever, cough and sputum for a month. She had suffered from intermittent cough over three years. The chest X-ray and chest CT(computed tomography) showed a nodular lesion obstructing the proximal portion of the left lower lobar bronchus and atelectasis of the left lower lobe. Flexible Bronchoscopy detected a mass obstructing the distal portion of the left main bronchus and endobronchial biopsy showed benign smooth muscle cells. There was no abnormal finding in the uterine examination. Therefore this case was diagnosed as primary endobronchial leiomyoma. The lobectomy was performed due to intractable pneumonia and secondary parenchymal destruction. Postoperative course was uneventful and she was discharged in good health.

Nutrient canals on mandibular anterior region in cone beam computed tomography / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate location, distribution, diameter, and length of the nutrient canals on mandibular anterior region using a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mandibular CBCT was performed on 33 adults (18 males and 15 females) with no history of systemic disease, and any other dental surgery history. Location, distribution, diameter, and length of the nutrient canals on mandibular anterior region were radiographically evaluated. A statistical comparison was done by SPSS. RESULTS: In the location and distribution of nutrient canals, they were found in 6.8% at labial portion above root apex, in 93.28% at lingual portion above root apex in 46.2% at labial portion below root apex, and in 53.6% at lingual portion below root apex. Nutrient canals at lingual portion above root apex were most frequently observed between central and lateral incisors, and those at labial and lingual portion below root apex were most frequently observed between central incisors. The mean diameters of nutrient canals were 0.54 mm at labial portion above root apex, 0.61 mm at lingual portion above root apex, 0.66 mm at labial portion below root apex, and 0.76 mm at lingual portion below root apex. The mean lengths of nutrient canals were 2.63 mm at labial portion above root apex, 3.74 mm at lingual portion above root apex, 4.51 mm at labial portion below root apex, and 6.77 mm at lingual portion below root apex. CONCLUSION: CBCT is useful device to evaluate the anatomical structure of nutrient canals on mandibular anterior region.

Colchicine Derivatives Allows Prolonged Survival of Cardiac Allograft in the Rat / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Colchicine with its immunosupressive properties has been used with beneficial effects in autoimmune disease, such as Gout, etc. Whether colchicine, by virtue of the above property, could attenuate the process of cardiac allograft rejection in the rats is investigated in this report. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We compared the untreated group (Control, n=6), Cyclosporin A group (10 mg/kg, daily, n=20), and Colchicine derivative group (Colchicine 40 microgram/kg, n=20) of cardiac allografts in the rats. RESULT: In the untreated control group (n=6), all of 6 rats showed rejection within 3 weeks after cardiac allograft. In the cyclosporin A group (n=20), cyclosporin A (10 mg daily oral dose) was administered at a 10 mg daily oral dose and promoted long-term survival (over 100 days). The cyclosporin A group had one mortality at the 18th post-operative day due to infection. Furthermore, in the Colchicine derivatives group (n=20) with a daily IP (Intra Peritoneum) dose (40 ug/kg/day), we observed long-term survival.(>100 days), except for one rat that died of an anesthetic problem (respiratory failure) at the 9th post-operative day. CONCLUSION: Experiments have also been performed to evaluate whether the effect of colchicine derivatives allowed prolonged survival of cardiac allografts compared with the cyclosporin A administration group in the rats.

Repair of Aortic Periprosthetic Leakage with Pseudoaneurysm: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

There are several methods of repairing in aortic periprosthetic leakage after aortic valve replacement. We present a case in which the aortic periprosthetic leakage with pseudoaneurysm was repaired with dacron patch.

Free-Floating Ball Thrombus in the Left Atrium: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

A free-floating ball thrombus in the left atrium that may cause fatal systemic emboli or left ventricular inflow obstruction, which often resulting in sudden death, is rarely seen. We describe a very unusual case of a patient with a large, free-floating left-atrial ball thrombus who underwent mechanical mitral valve replacement 7 years ago.

Experience of Reoperation after Valve Replacement Using Mechanical Heart Valve: 8 cases / 대한흉부외과학회지

Eight patients underwvnt reoperation after valve replacement surgery with a mechanical valve from January, 1992 to December, 2003. Among the various indications for reoperation, there were 4 patients with paravalvular leakage; 3 patients underwent resuturing of the area of leakage and one patient underwent redo valve replacement. Among the three patients with stenosis due to thrombosis of the valve, 2 patients underwent redo valve replacement and one patient underwent thrombectomy. In one patient, the valve functioned normally, but stenosis was caused by overgrowth of the patient and redo valve replacement was done 123 months later. There was no postoperative mortality or morbidity. After an average of 51 months (2~134 months) of postoperative follow up, the patients were in good condition and were able to maintain a NYHA functional class of I or II. The operative method used, whether it be a redo valve replacement or valve sparing method, depends upon the type of lesion and the anatomic structure.

Myocardial Perfusion after Transmyocardial Mechanical Revascularization in Rat Heart Transplant Model, Acute Model / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) in end stage ischemic heart disease results in variable clinical responses. We investigated the acute effect of early reperfusion and the angiogenesis after formation of the transmyocardial channel in a transplanted rat heart model with acute myocardial infarction. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In the 30 transplanted hearts we induced acute myocardial infarction by ligating the proximal left coronary artery and inserted a porous 22G intravenous cannula into the left ventricle. After ten minutes of reperfusion, we removed the cannula. At every stage, we recorded the heart rate, QRS size, and left coronary arterial blood flow using the electrocardiogram and Doppler. One week later the rats were sacrificed and evaluated for the patency of intramyocardial channels and the angiogenesis. RESULT: The heart rates after ligation and after cannula insertion were 239.1+/-61.7, 235.8+/-58.0 bpm respectively, and they were statistically significantly slower than that of before ligation, 277.6+/-40.3 bpm (p=0.017, p=0.007 respectively). QRS sizes before ligation, after ligation, and after cannula insertion were 3.6+/-3.3 mm, 2.8+/-3.3 mm, and 2.4+/-2.2 mm, respectively, and there was no significant difference in the three groups. Doppler findings after ligation showed that average peak and mean values of coronary perfusion were significantly decreased from 2.11+/-0.17 kHz, 1.25+/-0.22 kHz to 0.83+/-0.15 kHz, 0.38+/-0.11 kHz (p<0.05 respectively). After insertion of the porous cannula, the average peak and mean values of coronary perfusion were 0.61+/-0.05 kHz and 0.33+/-0.05 kHz respectively, but there was no statistically significant change compared to values after ligation. In all cases except one, pathologic findings showed no patent channels in the acute stage, however, one case showed the angiogenesis. CONCLUSION: We confirmed that TMR in a rat heart transplant model did not show blood flow through the channel in the acute stage. However, reperfusion effect in some cases had a potential for angiogenesis.

Spindle Cell Lipoma Originated from Pleura: A case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Spindle cell lipoma is a relatively rare adipocytic neoplasm that is easily mistaken for a liposarcoma, and is histologically characterized by a mixture of uniform spindle cells and mature fat cells. It occurs predominantly in male patients aged 45~65 years, and in most cases it arises in the subcutaneous tissue of the neck or shoulder. We report a case of a 45-year-old woman with spindle cell lipoma arising from the left pleural cavity.