Tocotrienol regulates osteoclastogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis

Background/Aims@#The present study aimed to investigate whether tocotrienol regulates interleukin 17 (IL-17)-induced osteoclastogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). @*Methods@#We evaluated the effect of tocotrienol on IL-17-induced receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) production using RA fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS), together with real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Osteoclast differentiation was confirmed after culturing IL-17-treated RA FLS and Th17 cells with tocotrienol and monocytes. We analyzed the suppressive effect of tocotrienol on Th17 cells percentage or Th17-cytokine levels among peripheral blood mononuclear cells using flow cytometry. @*Results@#We found that IL-17 stimulated FLS to produce RANKL and tocotrienol decreased this IL-17-induced RANKL production. Tocotrienol decreased the IL-17-induced activation of mammalian target of rapamycin, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and inhibitor of kappa B-alpha. When monocytes were incubated with IL-17, RANKL, IL-17-treated FLS or Th17 cells, osteoclasts were differentiated and tocotrienol decreased this osteoclast differentiation. Tocotrienol reduced Th17 cell differentiation and the production of IL-17 and sRANKL; however, tocotrienol did not affect Treg cell differentiation. @*Conclusions@#Tocotrienol inhibited IL-17- activated RANKL production in RA FLS and IL-17-activated osteoclast formation. In addition, tocotrienol reduced Th17 differentiation. Therefore, tocotrienol could be a new therapeutic choice to treat bone destructive processes in RA.

Ultrasonographic and Clinical Characteristics of Schwannoma of the Hand

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to report the ultrasonographic findings and clinical features of schwannoma of the hand. METHODS: We enrolled 8 patients who were initially diagnosed with ganglion by ultrasonography but finally with schwannoma by a tissue biopsy. We retrospectively analyzed the ultrasonographic findings of eight patients including echogenicity, internal homogeneity, posterior enhancement, internal vascularity, and clinical manifestations such as the occurrence site, tenderness, Tinel's sign, and paresthesia before the surgery. RESULTS: The occurrence sites were as follows: two cases on the thenar area, one case on the second web space, three cases on the third web space, one case on the radiovolar aspect of the proximal phalanx of the index finger, and one case on the radiovolar aspect of the proximal phalanx of the middle finger. Four patients suffered from tenderness and pain on presentation, and all patients had pain around the mass before presentation. Tinel's sign was present without paresthesia in one case. Ultrasonography revealed cystic lesions showing clear margins in all cases, and two of them had acoustic enhancement without internal flow. CONCLUSIONS: It may not be easy to diagnosis schwannoma of the hand with ultrasonography alone when the lesion is small because of the similarity to the ultrasonographic findings of ganglion. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the possibility of schwannoma if a mass near the digital nerve or cutaneous nerve branch is accompanied by dull pain and tenderness.

Clinical Results of Excision of Hamate Hook in the Baseball Players with Hamate Hook Nonunion

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to report the clinical results of excision of the hamate hook in baseball players with hamate hook nonunion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 10 baseball players treated with excision of the hamate hook. Among 10 players, there were 3 professional players and 7 amateur players. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, exercise performance score, and grip power. We also checked complications and time to return to the game. RESULTS: At final follow-up, the average VAS score was 0.4 points and the average performance score was 9.0 points. The grip power was recovered to 96.7% of the opposite hand at final follow-up. Significant improvement in pain and grip power was observed after surgery. The average time to return to the game was 11.8 weeks. There was one case of postoperative ulnar nerve neuropathy, which was completely resolved within 12 weeks after surgery. CONCLUSION: We think that excision of the hamate hook is an effective treatment to enable early return to the game without loss of grip strength in the baseball player with nonunion of the hamate hook.

Corrigendum: Effect of muscle relaxation on the oxygenation of human skeletal muscle: a prospective in-vivo experiment using an isolated forearm technique / 대한마취과학회지

Article contained an error in Author's affiliation on 13 page. The authors apologize for any inconvenience this mistake may have caused.

Effect of muscle relaxation on the oxygenation of human skeletal muscle: a prospective in-vivo experiment using an isolated forearm technique / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Total oxygen consumption has been found to be reduced under deep neuromuscular blockade due to a lower rate of metabolism of skeletal muscles. However, the magnitude of this effect in individual muscles has not been investigated. Thus the aim of this study was to compare the oxygenation of paralyzed versus non-paralyzed forearm muscle under tourniquet-provoked ischemia. METHODS: After ethics approval and written informed consent, 30 patients scheduled for elective hand and wrist surgery were included. Ischemia was provoked by inflation of bilateral upper arm tourniquets and muscle relaxation was achieved via intravenous administration of rocuronium 0.9 mg/kg. Bilateral tourniquets were applied to both upper arms before induction of anesthesia and near infrared spectrometry (NIRS) electrodes applied on both forearms. Muscular ischemia in an isolated (= non-paralyzed, NP) as well as a paralyzed forearm (P) was created by sequential inflation of both tourniquets before and after intravenous administration of rocuronium. Muscle oxygen saturations (SmO2) of NIRS in both forearms and their changes were determined and compared. RESULTS: Data of 30 patients (15 male, 15 female; 41.8 +/- 14.7 years) were analyzed. The speed of SmO2 decrease (50% decrease of SmO2 from baseline (median [percentiles]: NP 210 s [180/480s] vs. P 180 [180/300]) as well as the maximum decrease in SmO2 (minimum SmO2 in % (median [percentiles]: NP 20 [19/24] vs. P 21 [19/28]) were not significantly affected by neuromuscular paralysis. CONCLUSIONS: No significant effect of muscle relaxation on NIRS-assessed muscle oxygenation under tourniquet-induced ischemia was found in human forearm muscles.

Influence of Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 on the Remodeling of Subchondral Bone and Cartilage Healing in the Articular Cartilage Defect of the Rabbit / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) after microfracture on the remodeling of subchondral bone and cartilage healing in a model of full-thickness articular cartilage injury in a rabbit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A full thickness articular cartilage defect of 6x3-mm-size was created in the trochlear groove of the right femur in 24 rabbits. The defect was left empty in six rabbits, and microfracture was done in 18 rabbits. After microfracture, no treatment was done in six rabbits, defect was filled with fibrin glue in six rabbits, and with fibrin glue and rhBMP-2 in six rabbits. The effect of rhBMP-2 after microfracture was evaluated based on histological analysis and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for analysis of collagen type at 8 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: The score of histological grade scale of six rabbits in which the defect was filled with fibrin glue and rhBMP-2 was better than that of others and real-time PCR also showed a higher amount of collage type 1 and collage type 2 in these six rabbits. CONCLUSION: We consider that fibrin glue and rhBMP-2 after microfracture may accelerate cartilage healing in an articular cartilage defect and maybe helpful in healing the articular cartilage defect into more closely native hyaline cartilage.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common peripheral nerve entrapment syndrome. The elevated pressure in the carpal tunnel causes compression of median nerve. Although the diagnostic criteria for carpal tunnel syndrome are not clear, the diagnosis is based on the patient history and physical examination and may be confirmed by electrodiagnosis with nerve conduction test or ultrasonography. Nonsurgical treatments are generally recommended for early carpal tunnel syndrome and surgical treatments are preferred for failed nonsurgical treatment, however there is controversy regarding the optimal time when the surgery should be performed. Results of surgical treatment are usually satisfactory, however there are also complications after surgical treatment. In order to achieve good results without complications, normal anatomy around the median nerve and its anatomical variations should be thoroughly understood before the operation and careful surgical technique is absolutely required.

The Clinical Results of Opening Wedge Osteotomy in the Volarly Malunited Distal Radius

PURPOSE: To report the clinical results of opening wedge osteotomy graft in the volarly malunited distal radius. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients with volarly malunited distal radius fractures treated by opening wedge osteotomy were included in this study. Grip power, range of motion of the wrist, radiographic parameter and Mayo wrist scores were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: At the final follow-up, the rotation of the forearm, the range of motion of wrist, and the grip power were improved. The average radial inclination improved to 22.2degrees, the average volar tilting improved to 5.6degrees, and the average ulnar variance improved to 0.8 mm. The average Mayo wrist score was improved to 85.6. CONCLUSION: Opening wedge osteotomy for volarly malunited distal radius was considered as one of the good treatments to restore anatomy of the distal radius and distal radioulnar joint and also to improve the function of the wrist joint.

Treatment of Palmer Class 1A Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Injuries with Arthroscopic Partial Resection

PURPOSE: We reported the clinical results of Palmer class 1A triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries treated with arthroscopic partial resection. METHODS: This study included eighteen patients with Palmer class 1A TFCC injury. The results of arthroscopic partial resection were analyzed based on the preoperative and postoperative evaluation of visual analogue scale pain scale, range of motion, grip strength, Mayo wrist score, ulna grind test, ulna stress test and ulnocarpal tenderness. RESULTS: According to the Mayo wrist score, the results were excellent in 10 patients, good in 4, fair in 2, and poor in 2. There was no correlation among the worker's compensation, interval from injury to surgery, age and the treatment results. Patients with complication and scapholunate interosseous ligament tears had a poor clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: The arthroscopic TFCC partial resection is considered as an useful and effective treatment in Palmer class 1A TFCC injuries.

Operative Treatment in the Delayed Diagnosed Fracture and Dislocation of Hamatometacarpal Joint

PURPOSE: The purpose is to evaluate and report the results that treated with open reduction and internal fixation in delayed diagnosed fracture and dislocation of the hamatometacarpal joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 12 cases that had been treated with open reduction and internal fixation in delayed diagnosed fracture and dislocation of the hamatometacarpal joint. The mean interval between injury and operation was 34 days (21~60 days), the mean age of 12 cases was 28.1 years old, and mean follow-up period was 18 months. The computer tomography was done in all cases and the fracture and dislocation types were classified by Cain's classification. For the evaluation of results, pain scale, grasping power, range of motion of wrist and metacarpophalangeal joint were analyzed preoperatively and at final follow up, and the arthritic change of the hamatometacarpal joint was also checked. RESULTS: According to Cain's classification, type Ia was one case, type Ib was two, type II was six, and type III was three. The pain scale was improved from 7.75 preoperatively to 0.92 at last follow up. The mean grasping power was improved up to 97.5% of normal. The preoperative range of motion of the wrist joint measured to be 60 degrees in extension and 70 degrees in flexion; the final range of motion indicated to be 75 degrees in extension and 80 degrees in flexion. The preoperative range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint measured to be 0 degrees in extension and 70 degrees in flexion; the final range of motion indicated to be 0 degrees in extension and 85 degrees in flexion. Carpometacarpal arthritis was developed in two cases. CONCLUSION: The open reduction and internal fixation is considered as one of good treatment option in the delayed diagnosed hamatometacarpal fracture and dislocation.

A Case of Massive Empyema Caused by Streptococcus constellatus and Anaerobic Bacteria for Mental Retardation / 결핵및호흡기질환

The Streptococcus milleri group, which also includes S. anginosus, S. intermedius and S. constellatus, is found in the oropharynx, upper respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and urogenital tract mucosa. Bacteria in the Streptococcus milleri group are associated with bacteremia and abscess formation. Most of the reports of of Streptococcus milleri group (SMG) infection occur in patients with underlying medical conditions. Predisposing factors that have been associated with S. milleri group empyema include mucosal disturbances (sinusitis, periodontal disease, enteric disease), preceding to pneumonia, thoracic surgery, malignancy, neurological disease, alcohol abuse, and also diabetes mellitus. We report on a 42-year-old man with mental retardation. He who suffered from dyspnea and a fever that he had developed for over 14 days. S. constellatus and anaerobic bacterias (Prevotella buccae and Micromonas micros) were cultured. The patient was treated with the drainage of pleural effusion and clindamycin and levofloxacin.

Measurement of the Weight-bearing Standing Coronal and Sagittal Axial Alignment of Lower Extremity in Young Korean Adults / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to establish a measurement standard for the weight-bearing axial alignment of the lower extremities when performing a lower extremity reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 274 patients (147 males and 127 females) in their 20s to 30s without any physical disabilities, and who had undergone weight-bearing full leg standing radiographs, 188 patients (100 males and 88 females) were examined this study. The data was analyzed further according to their age and gender using the radiographic value on the coronal and sagittal alignment of the lower extremities. RESULTS: The weight bearing ratio was 38.47+/-10.52% on the coronal plane and 36.11+/-7.88% on the sagittal plane. Both the mechanical axis and the the weight bearing axis were not identical due to their 0.68+/-0.89degrees difference on average. The most adjacent point of the femoral condyles to the tibial plateau on the sagittal plane was assigned to the center of the knee joint. The difference between the mechanical axis and weight bearing axis was 0.04degrees, which was not significant. CONCLUSION: There is a difference between the mechanical axis, which consists of both a line from the center of the femoral head to the center of knee joint and a line from the center of the knee joint to the center of ankle joint, and the weight bearing axis, which is linked directly from the center of the femoral head to the center of the ankle joint. Furthermore, the weight bearing axis passes through the anteromedial part in the knee joint. The center of the knee joint is defined as the most adjacent point of both femoral condyle to the tibial plateau on the sagittal plane.

Debridement Arthroplasty Through a Medial Approach for Primary Osteoarthritis of the Elbow

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical results of debridement arthroplasty through a medial approach for primary osteoarthritis of the elbow. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients with primary osteoarthritis treated with debridement arthroplasty trough a medial approach were investigated. The ulnar nerve was transposed anteriorly in all patients. The mean duration of follow-up was 20.8 months. The clinical results were evaluated by measuring the preoperative and postoperative range of motion (ROM) of the elbow and using Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). RESULTS: The mean flexion contracture of the elbow joint was reduced from 23 degrees preoperatively to 10 degrees, postoperatively and the mean further flexion was improved from 93 degrees preoperatively to 131 degrees postoperatively. The mean MEPS improved from 55.3 points preoperatively to 86.9 points postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Debridement arthroplasty through a medial approach is considered as an useful method for primary osteoarthritis of the elbow.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Children with Hypogammaglobulinemia: Case Report / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs infrequently in children. Genetic disorders and systemic disease of carpal tunnel syndrome may be the predisposing factors for carpal tunnel syndrome in children. Immunoglobulins (Ig) play a major role in adaptive immunity, and the loss of certain species of immunoglobulin is known to increase the risk of certain types of infection. Patients with hypogammaglobulinemia have an increased risk of cellulitis, arthritis and osteomyelitis. We describe the management of bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome in children with hypogammaglobulinemia.

TFCC Injury Associated with the Triquetral Dorsal Chip Fracture

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of wrist arthroscopic examination in patient with persistent pain after the triquetral dorsal chip fracture and also to determine its relationship with TFCC injury in the triquetral dorsal chip fracture patient manifesting persistent pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is based on six cases presenting persistent pain in the ulnar aspect after the triqeutral posterior cord fracture that were treated conservatively. Wrist arthroscopy was carried out for all six cases. All were preoperatively and postoperatively evaluated using VAS pain scale, grip power, ulnar grind test, Kleinman shearing test and lunotriquetral ballottment test. RESULTS: Preoperatively, ulnar grind test yielded positive results in all six cases, Kleiman shearing test proved positive in three cases and lunotriquetral ballottment test yielded positive result in one case. In the arthroscopic findings, synovitis and TFCC injury were detected in all cases, and based on Palmer classification of TFCC injury, type IA was determined in five cases and type ID in one case. Arthroscopic TFCC partial resection and synovectomy were carried out. VAS pain scale improved from an average 8 points preoperatively to 3 points postoperatively. The difference of grip power between the normal and the other side improved from average of 15 lb preoperatively to 5 lb postoperatively. Based on postoperatively physical examination at 6 weeks, all cases yielded negative results in the ulnar grind test and Kleiman shearing test. CONCLUSION: We think that TFCC injury is one of the causes of persistent pain after triquetral dorsal chip fracture. We recommend an arthroscopic TFCC partial resection as a valuable treatment option.

Gluteal and Thigh Compartment Syndrome due to Rhabdomyolysis Following Prolonged Immobilization: A Case Report / 대한신장학회지

Compartment syndrome is rarely associated with non-traumatic rhabdomyolysis. We report the case of a 23-year-old man who developed compartment syndrome associated with rhabdomyolysis caused by prolonged immobilization after antidepressive drug overdose. Elevation of serum creatine phosphokinase and myoglobinuria indicated rhabdomyolysis. Painful swelling of the right buttock and thigh and right lower limb paralysis with sensory and motor deficit were suggestive of gluteal and thigh compartment syndrome with the complication of sciatic nerve injury. The patient received an immediate fasciotomy, medical treatment and rehabilitation. At five months after initial treatment, the patient could walk independently with nearly full recovery of his right lower limb function.

Arthroscopic Treatment of Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis of the Shoulder: A Case Report

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a benign proliferative lesion, involving synovial tissue in joints, tendon sheaths, and bursae. Pigmented villonodular synovitis is a rare and usually monoarticular condition and primarily affects the knee joint and hand. Polyarticular PVNS appears in less than 1% of all case and its occurrence in the shoulder is rare (<2%). We present a 64-year-old male who had pigmented villonodular synovitis of both shoulder joints, which was treated by arthroscopic total synovectomy.

Glenoid lesion in Traumatic Anterior Instability of Shoulder

No abstract available.

A case of necrotizing fasciitis caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae secondary to chronic otitis media / 대한내과학회지

Necrotizing fasciitis is a relatively uncommon infectious disorder where a bacterial organism penetrates the subcutaneous tissues and superficial fascia, ultimately causing necrosis of vast areas of soft tissue. Although invasive Streptococcus spp., most commonly group-A streptococci, is the most frequent cause of this disorder, in a single organism-infection, necrotizing fasciits caused by Klebseilla pneumoniae is becoming more frequently reported, perhaps due to the recent increase in the frequency of diabetes and liver diseases. Necrotizing fasciitis caused by K. pneumoniae is usually secondary to hematogenous dissemination, most commonly caused by trauma or liver abscess and usually results in multiple organ failure. The progression of the disease is so rapid that the mortality rate is high despite aggressive surgical intervention and extensive use of antibiotics at an early disease stage. Here we report a case of necrotizing fasciitis caused by hematogenously spread K. pneumoniae from incompletely treated chronic otitis media in a patient with alcoholic liver cirrhosis and diabetes.

The Change in Position between the Ulnar Head and Radiusin Distal Radiounlar Joint following Distal Radius Malunion : Analysis on the Axial Planeusing Computed Tomography / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: This study examined the displacement of the ulnar head with respect to the distal radius after distal radius malunion on the axial plane using computed tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients with a residual dorsal tilt > 10degrees or radial shortening > 2 mm than the normal side, and no limitation in wrist rotation after radius union were enrolled in this study. The bilateral CT scans were obtained in 70degrees pronation, neutral, 70degrees supination. The radioulnar ratio was measured and the ratios of the abnormal side were compared with those of the opposite normal side. The results were statistically analyzed using a two-tailed paired t-test. RESULTS: The ulnar head of the patients with a malunited radius had a tendency for anterior translation compared with the normal side. In patients with a dorsal tilt deformity, the anterior translation of the ulnar head with respect to the radius was significant, particularly in the supination and neutral position. However, no significant difference was found in patients with radial shortening in terms of the ulnar head translation between the normal and abnormal side. CONCLUSION: These results might explain the mechanism of distal radioulnar joint instability and low incidence of ulnocarpal impingement in patients with distal radius malunion.