Multiple Brachymetacarpia Treated by Distraction Osteogenesis

The treatment of a brachymetacarpia using a distraction osteogenesis was mostly single, unilateral pattern. In case of multiple brachymetacarpia, single-stage lengthening or rapid distraction lengthening with a bone graft were usually used. Multiple brachymetacarpia treated by distraction osteogenesis is rarely reported. We report a case of a 15-year-old female presented with bilateral multiple brachymetacarpia treated by distraction osteogenesis simultaneously without complications. Also, we have evaluated the clinical results and factors which influence the clinical results.

The Radiologic Result of Silicon-Containing Porous Hydroxyapatite Packed within a Cage in Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion of Lumbar Spine: Preliminary Study / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to analyze the radiologic fusion rate in posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) using silicon-containing porous hydroxyapatite (Si-HA) chips packed within a cage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients who underwent PLIF using Si-HA (BoneMedik-S(TM); Meta-Biomed, Cheongju, Korea) blocks packed within a cage were enrolled. PLIF was performed in the same manner in all patients. A cage filled with Si-HA was inserted into disc space. Serial X-rays and 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) were performed for evaluation of the fusion status. RESULTS: At postoperative 12 months, 11 cases showed grade IV and one case showed grade III on X-rays. At postoperative 24 months, all cases showed grade IV (complete fusion). Assessment of fusion by 3D-CT also showed grade I in all cases at postoperative 12 months. CONCLUSION: Considering the above results, Si-HA packed in a cage appears to be an effective bone graft material for use in PLIF.

Psoas and Thigh Abscess Caused by Perforated Retrocecal Appendicitis: A Case Report

STUDY DESIGN: A case report. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: The symptoms of psoas abscess are fever, low back pain, and spasm of the psoas muscle. OBJECTIVES: To report a case of psoas and thigh abscess caused by ruptured appendicitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 53- year old male patient visited the complaining of fever, low back pain and thigh pain. Imaging studies revealed psoas abscess and thigh abscess, accompanied by ruptured appendicitis. Therefore, surgical treatment with percutaneous drainage was performed. RESULTS: The patient recovered and returned to his normal life after 2 months. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to identify the cause of the infection using physical examination as well as abdominal and pelvis computed tomography when a patient has fever, psoas abscess and thigh abscess. It is also important to be aware that the cause of psoas abscess may also be gastrointestinal tract disease with non specific symptoms.

Measurement of Muscle Strength of Ankle Joint Using Isokinetic Dynamometer in Normal Korean Adults / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: Restoration of ankle stability through the strengthening exercise of peroneus muscles is considered an important factor for achievement of successful outcomes, in the rehabilitation program following ankle ligament injuries. However, there were few definitive data on normal muscle strength, including eversion power by peroneus muscles. This study was conducted to evaluate the muscle strength of ankle joint measured using an isokinetic dynamometer in normal Koreans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty adults (120 ankles) were recruited and divided into three groups (20 in their twenties, 20 in thirties, and 20 in forties). Each group consisted of 10 males and 10 females. The selection criteria were no history of ankle injury and no evidence of instability. The peak torque, total work, and deficit ratio were measured using the Biodex(TM) (Biodex Medical Systems). Differences in muscle strength by age, gender and dominant versus non-dominant side were analyzed. RESULTS: The peak torque of dorsiflexion was average 31.5 Nm at 30degrees/s of angular velocity and 18.8 Nm at 90degrees/s; average 69.3 Nm (30degrees/s) and 42.4 Nm (90degrees/s) on plantarflexion; average 19.6 Nm (30degrees/s) and 10.8 Nm (90degrees/s) on inversion; average 12.9 Nm (30degrees/s) and 8.0 Nm (90degrees/s) on eversion. The deficit ratio of strength in women was average 61.1% of men on dorsiflexion; average 66.2% on plantarflexion; average 48.5% on inversion; average 55.4% on eversion. The deficit ratio in non-dominant foot was average 88.6% of dominant foot on dorsiflexion; average 90.1% on plantarflexion; average 85.1% on inversion; average 85.6% on eversion. CONCLUSION: The muscle strength of the ankle joint showed a tendency to weaken with age. There were significant differences in muscle strength by gender and dominancy. Further studies for comparison of patients with ankle instability, a comparison between before and after surgery for instability, the correlation between clinical outcomes and the recovery in muscle strength will be needed.

Subcutaneous Emphysema of Lower Extremity after Knee Arthroscopy / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Subcutaneous emphysema of lower extremity is a rare disease entity. Crepitation and swelling on physical examination and gas on radiographs raise the concern of infection due to the presence of gas gangrene forming organisms. Therefore, delay of diagnosis and appropriate management can be a major predisposing factor for sepsis and further associated high mortality. We experienced a rare case of subcutaneous emphysema of the right lower extremity after knee arthroscopy; life-threatening infection was ruled out by physical examination and laboratory testing. The patient recovered uneventfully with conservative management. Therefore, we report on this case with a review of current literature.

The Distal Metatarsal Dorsal-Wedge Osteotomy Using Bio-Compression Screw for Advanced Hallux Rigidus / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: This study was performed retrospectively to evaluate clinical outcomes of distal metatarsal osteotomy using bio-compression screw as the joint preservation method for advanced hallux rigidus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven cases were followed up for more than 1 year after distal metatarsal dorsal wedge osteotomy for advanced hallux rigidus. The clinical evaluation was performed according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and patient's satisfaction score. The range of motion, and the period to return to running exercise, tip-toeing gait, squatting, walking down the stairs were evaluated. As the radiographic evaluation, the interval of 1st MTP (metatarsophalangeal) joint space and the period to union were measured. RESULTS: The AOFAS hallux score had improved significantly from preoperative average 50.7 points to 87.6 points at the last follow-up (p=0.005). The subjective satisfaction score was average 90.6 points. There were no case of subsequent fusion or additional operation, and no complication associated with bio-compression screw. The period to return to running exercise, tip-toeing gait, squatting, walking down the stairs were average of 24.8 weeks, 20.4 weeks, 16.8 weeks, 18.5 weeks respectively. Dorsiflexion of 1st MTP joint had improved significantly from preoperative average 17.5degrees to 44degrees (p<0.001). All cases achieved union of osteotomy site, and the period to union was average 10.4 weeks. The interval of 1st MTP joint space had improved significantly from preoperative average 1.2 mm to 3.5 mm (p=0.014). CONCLUSION: Distal metatarsal osteotomy using bio-compression screw seems to be one of effective treatment methods for advanced hallux rigidus, because of restoration of the first MTP joint motion, and reliable pain relief, and needlessness of hardware removal.