Risk Factors of Fixation Failure in Femoral Neck Fractures

Purpose@#Internal fixation after a femoral neck fracture (FNF) is one of the conventional treatment options for the young and active elderly patients. However, fixation failure of internal fixation is a probable complication. The treatment of fixation failure after a primary internal fixation of the FNF remains a challenge. @*Materials and Methods@#Between July 2002 and March 2017, 83 patients who underwent internal fixation after FNF were retrospectively analyzed. Radiological assessments, including Pauwels’ angle, fracture level, reduction quality, and bone union, were measured, preoperatively and postoperatively.Moreover, intraoperative variables such as time to surgery, surgical time, and estimated blood loss were also evaluated. @*Results@#The patients were divided into the fixation failure and the non-failure groups. Among the 83 patients, 17 cases (20.5%) of fixation failure after the primary internal fixation of the FNF were identi-fied. When comparing the two groups according to the radiographic data, Pauwels’ angle and the reduction quality based on Garden’s angle showed significant differences (p<0.001). Moreover, when comparing the intraoperative variables, unlike the surgical time and estimated blood loss, significant differences were noted in the time interval from injury to surgery and specifically in whether the surgery was performed within 12 hours after injury (p<0.001). @*Conclusion@#Pauwels’ angle, reduction quality, and time to surgery are the major factors that can predict the possibility of internal fixation failure of the FNF. Early and accurate anatomical reduction is needed to decrease complications after the internal fixation of the FNF.

The Effect of Denosumab in Elderly Patients Regarding Bone Density and Fracture Risk

Background@#With an aging population, the importance of treating and diagnosing osteoporosis is increasing. Osteoporosis, previously known as a resorptive change primarily related to endocrinological mechanisms, is also being approached as a phenomenon of senile change. Denosumab is gaining popularity among osteoporosis medications due to its ability to increase bone mineral density (BMD) and the economic benefit arising from the 6-month cycle. In line with previous literature, this study aimed to examine the BMD-augmenting effect of denosumab through which it reduces fracture risk in individuals aged over 80 years. @*Methods@#We reviewed patients who received denosumab between 2018 and 2022 with a minimum clinical observation period of 12 months. BMD was measured every 12 months, and patients were classified per their period of denosumab use. Fracture risk was evaluated using the fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) and fracture incidence during the observation period were assessed. @*Results@#Among 155 patients, a significant increase in BMD was observed at 3 sites: the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip (p<0.001, p<0.001, and p=0.001, respectively). The patients were divided according to the length of clinical follow-up they received, and similar results were found in all subgroups. Fracture risk assessment was performed using FRAX and the incidence of fracture events during follow-up. FRAX significantly decreased in all subgroups except those who received 24 months of follow-up (p=0.003, p=0.41, p=0.001 in the 12, 24, and ≥36 months groups, respectively). @*Conclusions@#Denosumab use resulted in long-term BMD increase and reduced fracture risk in individuals aged 80 and above.

Prognostic Value of Coronary CT Angiography forPredicting Poor Cardiac Outcome in Stroke Patientswithout Known Cardiac Disease or Chest Pain:The Assessment of Coronary Artery Disease in StrokePatients Study

Objective@#To assess the incremental prognostic value of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in comparison toa clinical risk model (Framingham risk score, FRS) and coronary artery calcium score (CACS) for future cardiac events in ischemicstroke patients without chest pain. @*Materials and Methods@#This retrospective study included 1418 patients with acute stroke who had no previous cardiac diseaseand underwent CCTA, including CACS. Stenosis degree and plaque types (high-risk, non-calcified, mixed, or calcified plaques) wereassessed as CCTA variables. High-risk plaque was defined when at least two of the following characteristics were observed:low-density plaque, positive remodeling, spotty calcification, or napkin-ring sign. We compared the incremental prognosticvalue of CCTA for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) over CACS and FRS. @*Results@#The prevalence of any plaque and obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) (stenosis ≥ 50%) were 70.7% and 30.2%,respectively. During the median follow-up period of 48 months, 108 patients (7.6%) experienced MACE. Increasing FRS, CACS,and stenosis degree were positively associated with MACE (all p 0.05). @*Conclusion@#Assessment of stenosis degree and plaque type using CCTA provided additional prognostic value over CACS andFRS to risk stratify stroke patients without prior history of CAD better.

Results after Less Invasive Locking Plating in Intra-Articular Fractures of the Distal Femur

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical outcomes after a less invasive locking plating technique in intra-articular fractures of the distal femur. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective 19 case series of patients with distal femoral intraarticular fractures treated with a less invasive locking plating technique in a single center (Dankook University Hospital) from June 2010 to April 2016. Nineteen patients (11 males and 8 females) with a mean age of 55.9 years were enrolled. The functional outcomes were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS), range of knee joint motion (flexion & extension), and Knee Society score. The radiology outcomes were evaluated with parameters measured in a plain radiograph (deviation angle of alignment axis on coronal and sagittal plane, mechanical lateral distal femur angle). RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 26.4 months (range, 12–72 months) and the mean duration to union was 15.94 weeks (range, 11–28 weeks). The mean VAS was 1.36 (range, 0–8) and the range of motion of the knee joint was extension 4.73° (range, 0°–30°) and flexion 107.36° (range, 60°–135°). The mean Knee Society score was 85.47 (range, 47–100). The mean deviation angle of the coronal alignment axis was 4.07° (range, 1.3°–8.8°), the mean deviation angle of the sagittal alignment axis was 3.23° (range, 0.7°–7.0°), and the mechanical lateral femoral angle was 87.75° (range, 82.8°–95.5°). Six patients had traumatic osteoarthritis at the final follow-up. CONCLUSION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiologic outcomes of intraarticular fractures of the distal femur in patients who underwent an anatomical reduction through an open reduction, and converted to an extra-articular fracture with rigid internal fixation. The results were relatively satisfactory.

Essential Factors in Predicting the Need for Angio-Embolization in the Acute Treatment of Pelvic Fracture with Hemorrhage

PURPOSE@#The purpose of this study was to determine the essential factors for prompt arrangement of angio-embolization in patients with pelvic ring fractures.@*METHODS@#A total of 62 patients with pelvic ring fractures who underwent angioembolization in Dankook University Hospital from March 2013 to June 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. There were 38 men and 24 women with a mean age of 59.8 years. The types of pelvic ring fractures were categorized according to the Tile classification. Patient variables included sex, initial hemoglobin concentration, initial systolic blood pressure, transfused packed red blood cells within 24 hours, Injury Severity Score (ISS), mortality rate, length of hospital stay, and time to angio-embolization.@*RESULTS@#The most common pelvic fracture pattern was Tile type B (n=34, 54.8%). The mean ISS was 27.3±10.9 with 50% having an ISS ≥25. The mean time to angio-embolization from arrival was 173.6±89 minutes. Type B (180.1±72.3 minutes) and type C fractures (174.7±91.3 minutes) required more time to angio-embolization than type A fractures (156.6±123 minutes). True arterial bleeding was identified in types A (35.7%),B (64.7%), and C (71.4%).@*CONCLUSIONS@#It is important to save time to reach the angio-embolization room in treating patients with pelvic bone fractures. Trauma surgeons need to consider prompt arrangement of angio-embolization when encountering Tile type B or C pelvic fractures due to the high risk of true arterial bleeding.

Posterior Shoulder Instability in the Patients with Bilateral Congenital Absence of Long Head of Biceps Tendon: A Case Report

Rare cases of a congenital absence of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) have been reported, and its incidence is unknown. In a literature review of the congenital absence of the LHBT, only 1 case was associated with posterior shoulder instability and severe posterior glenoid dysplasia. This paper reports the first case of a patient with a bilateral congenital absence of the LHBT with posterior shoulder instability without glenoid dysplasia or posterior glenoid tilt. The patient experienced a traffic accident while holding the gear stick with his right hand. After the accident, a posteroinferior labral tear with paralabral cysts was detected on the magnetic resonance images. The congenital absence of the LHBT was assumed to have affected the posterior instability that possibly increased the susceptibility to a subsequent traumatic posterior inferior labral tear. This case was identified as a posterior inferior tear caused by a traumatic ‘gear stick injury’.

Sacral Stress Fracture Developing after Lumbosacral Fusion in a Patient with Spondylolisthesis: A Case Report / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: Case report OBJECTIVES: To report a case of sacral stress fracture that developed after lumbosacral fusion. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Sacral stress fractures rarely develop after lumbosacral fusion, and osteoporosis, female sex, being over 60 years old, and long segment fusion are known risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 66-year-old woman with spondylolisthesis at L5 on S1 underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion and posterior instrumentation. A sacral stress fracture was found 4 weeks after the first operation, and we performed posterior reduction and posterior instrumentation with S2 alar screws. RESULTS: The patient was free from symptoms and no further displacement was found at 3 months after the last operation. CONCLUSIONS: Sacral stress fracture after lumbosacral fusion can be treated with posterior reduction and posterior instrumentation with S2 alar screws.

What Is the Most Effective Eccentric Stretching Position in Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy?

BACKGROUND: A variety of treatment options suggest that the optimal treatment strategy for lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) is not known, and further research is needed to discover the most effective treatment for LET. The purpose of the present study was to verify the most effective position of eccentric stretching for the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) in vivo using ultrasonic shear wave elastography. METHODS: A total of 20 healthy males participated in this study. Resting position was defined as 90° elbow flexion and neutral position of the forearm and wrist. Elongation of the ECRB was measured for four stretching maneuvers (forearm supination/pronation and wrist extension/flexion) at two elbow angles (90° flexion and full extension). The shear elastic modulus, used as the index of muscle elongation, was computed using ultrasonic shear wave elastography for the eight aforementioned stretching maneuverangle combinations. RESULTS: The shear elastic modulus was the highest in elbow extension, forearm pronation, and wrist flexion. The shear elastic moduli of wrist flexion with any forearm and elbow position were significantly higher than the resting position. There was no significant difference associated with elbow and forearm positions except for elbow extension, forearm pronation, and wrist flexion positions. CONCLUSIONS: This study determined that elbow extension, forearm pronation, and wrist flexion was the most effective eccentric stretching for the ECRB in vivo.

Atypical Bipolar Segmental Fracture of the Clavicle in an Adolescent: A Case Report

Clavicular fractures commonly occur in adults and children. The usual site of these fractures is the mid clavicle with lateral end and medial end clavicular fractures being less common. Bipolar segmental clavicular injuries involving medial and lateral ends are rare but almost always occur in adults. This paper reports a very rare case of segmental clavicular fracture involving the medial and lateral end in an adolescent caused by direct trauma. The surgical management of a segmental fracture clavicle in an adolescent is reported with a discussion of the relevant literature.

Comments on the Article “What Is the Most Effective Eccentric Stretching Position in Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy?”: In Reply

No abstract available.

Sacral Stress Fracture Developing after Lumbosacral Fusion in a Patient with Spondylolisthesis: A Case Report

OBJECTIVES@#To report a case of sacral stress fracture that developed after lumbosacral fusion.SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Sacral stress fractures rarely develop after lumbosacral fusion, and osteoporosis, female sex, being over 60 years old, and long segment fusion are known risk factors.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#A 66-year-old woman with spondylolisthesis at L5 on S1 underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion and posterior instrumentation. A sacral stress fracture was found 4 weeks after the first operation, and we performed posterior reduction and posterior instrumentation with S2 alar screws.@*RESULTS@#The patient was free from symptoms and no further displacement was found at 3 months after the last operation.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Sacral stress fracture after lumbosacral fusion can be treated with posterior reduction and posterior instrumentation with S2 alar screws.

Clinical Results and Efficacy of Selective Nerve Root Blocks with Vertebroplasty in Treatment of Patients with Osteoporotic Compression Fracture Accompanied by Spinal Stenosis / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of selective nerve root blocks with vertebroplasty in treatment of patients with osteoporotic compression fracture accompanied spinal stenosis showing neurogenic claudication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 80 patients admitted to our orthopedic department for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture accompanied by neurogenic claudication due to spinal stenosis between May 2010 and September 2011, 40 patients who underwent only vertebroplasty and 40 patients who also underwent an additional selective nerve block were studied with a minimum follow-up period of one year. The two groups were compared for their age, sex, grade of spinal stenosis, bone mineral density (BMD), lordotic angle, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, pelvic incidence, restoration rate of vertebral height, preexisting fracture, intradiscal cement leakage, and for new adjacent vertebral fractures during a follow-up period of at least one year. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 17.0 and statistical significance was determined using the Student t-test and chi-square test with p or =0.05) in age sex, grade of spinal stenosis, BMD, lordotic angle, pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, restoration of vertebral height, preexisting fracture, and intradiscal cement leakage was observed between the vertebroplasty only group and the additional selective root block group. However, the incidence of new adjacent vertebral fractures between the groups was 13 of 40 patients in the vertebroplasty only group and four of 40 patients in the selective nerve block addition group; a statistically significant reduction was observed in the nerve block group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In treatment of patients with osteoporotic compression fracture with neurogenic claudication due to spinal stenosis, addition of selective nerve block to vertebroplasty can lessen pain and the resulting postural change, thereby mitigating dynamic sagittal instability, which in turn results in reduced incidence of new adjacent vertebral fractures. As such, selective nerve block should be considered as a safe, simple, and effective tool for use in prevention of new adjacent vertebral fractures in patients with osteoporotic fracture who are suffering from neurogenic claudication.

Difference of Fusion Rate in Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion with Autobone and Hydroxyapatite according to Mixture Ratio and Amount of Bone Graft / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to analyze the fusion rate according to the mixture ratio and the amount of bone graft in minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 92 subjects who underwent MI-TLIF. Patients were classified into either group I, in which patients received transplantation with only autogenous bone, group II, in which patients received transplantation with hydroxyapatite mixed with autogenous bone by more than 50%, or group III, in which patients received transplantation with hydroxyapatite mixed with autogenous bone by less than 50%. For analysis of the correlation of amount of bone graft with fusion rate, patients were divided into group A, having less than 12 ml of bone graft, and group B, having more than 12 ml of bone graft. Visual analogue scale and Oswestry disability index were used for clinical assessment, and Burkus' classification method was used for evaluation of bone fusion. RESULTS: Fusion rates of groups I, II, and III according to the mixture ratio were 90.9%, 86.5%, and 86.2%, respectively. The fusion rate increased as the autobone ratio became higher; however, no significant difference was found (p=0.16). The fusion rates were 81.5% and 92.5% in group A and group B, respectively, which were classified according to the volume of bone graft, showing a significant increase in groups with bone graft volume more than 12 ml (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: A significantly high fusion rate was observed when bone graft volume was more than 12 ml in MI-TLIF. More than 12 ml of bone graft volume is essential for achievement of a satisfactory fusion rate.

Intervertebral Foraminal Widening Caused by the Tortuous Cervical Vertebral Artery / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Tortuousity of the vertebral artery is clinically uncommon because it rarely causes symptoms. We described a patient with pain in the neck and both upper extremities in whom diagnosis of intervertebral foraminal widening and deformity of the vertebral artery were suggested by results of radiography and magnetic resonance. We confirmed the tortuous vertebral artery by results of computed tomography angiography. Correlation of the patient's symptoms and abnormalities was not clear; conservative treatment was administered.

Perioperative Safety and Efficacy of Multilevel Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Comparison with Conventional Open Surgery / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: This study was aimed to examine the ways to reduce bleeding through minimally invasive multi-segmental fusion by comparing the results of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion versus those of conventional posterior interbody fusion depending on the number of fused segment. Moreover, the study identified how the new method of fusion contributed to reducing postoperative complications and to fast recovery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study conducted on 367 spinal stenosis patients who had been followed up for at least one year (170 patients underwent minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and 197 patients underwent conventional posterior interbody fusion). The study examined blood loss volume, postoperative drainage volume, operation time, visual analogue scale score, pre- and post-operative levels of protein and albumin, as well as postoperative bed rest period between the two groups. Moreover, the study analyzed the presence of complications during the peri-operative period. RESULTS: The minimally invasive fusion group exhibited a statistically significant decrease in intraoperative bleeding than the conventional infusion group when the number of fused segments in each group was compared. In addition, the difference in the two groups showed a statistically significant increase as the numbers of fused segments rose (p<0.05). On the other hand, a statistically significant increase was shown in the operation time between the minimally invasive fusion group and the conventional fusion group. The difference in the two groups showed a statistically significant increase as the distance of fused segments was extended (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion is thought to be a useful surgical method to minimize bleeding when the limitations of minimal invasive fusion are supplemented by shortening the operation time.

Risk Factors of New Compression Fractures in Adjacent Vertebrae after Percutaneous Vertebroplasty

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: To evaluate risk factors related to the development of new fractures in adjacent vertebrae after percutaneous vertebroplasty. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Recent reports indicate that undue numbers of new fractures in adjacent vertebral bodies occur after percutaneous vertebroplasty. METHODS: One hundred four of 369 patients who underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty were followed for over 1 year. Fifty-four patients (51.9%) subsequently suffered from adjacent vertebral fractures. Age, lumbar lordotic angle, sacral slope, pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, bone mineral density, amounts of cement injected, the restoration of vertebral height, kyphotic angle differences preexisting fracture, and intradiscal cement leakage were noted. RESULTS: Average bone mineral density was -3.52 in the fracture group and -2.91 in the fracture-free group; the risk of adjacent vertebral fracture increased as bone mineral density decreased (p < 0.05). Intradiscal cement leakage occurred in 18 patients (33.3%) in the fracture group, indicating that the risk of adjacent vertebral fracture increased with intradiscal cement leakage. In addition, 36 patients (66.7%) in the fracture group had a pre-existing fracture; thus, the presence of a preexisting fracture was found to be significantly associated with an increased risk of an adjacent vertebral fracture (p < 0.05). Higher restoration rates are associated with a greater likelihood of developing adjacent vertebral fractures (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The factors found to contribute significantly to new fractures in adjacent vertebral bodies after percutaneous vertebroplasty were a lower bone mineral density, a greater restoration rate of vertebral height, a pre-existing fracture, and intradiscal cement leakage.

Frequency-Specific Hearing Results After Surgery for Chronic Ear Diseases

OBJECTIVES: To analyze frequency-specific hearing results after surgery for chronic ear diseases while considering pathological findings and various surgical factors. METHODS: Patients who underwent surgical management of chronic otitis media were reviewed retrospectively (n=559). Using pure tone audiometry, air conduction (AC), bone conduction (BC), and air bone gap (ABG) change between pre- and post-operative tests were calculated for the frequencies of 250, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000 (AC and BC), and 6,000 Hz (AC). Frequency-specific results were investigated, considering various surgical factors, such as type of surgery, type of ossiculoplasty and pathological findings. RESULTS: AC results in the intact canal wall mastoidectomy showed improvement at each frequency except 4,000, 6,000 Hz. AC results in the tympanoplasty showed improvement at each frequency except 6,000 Hz. AC and ABG results in the open cavity mastoidectomy showed improvement only at the frequencies of 250, 500, 2,000 Hz. AC and ABG improved at low and mid frequencies but not in high frequencies above 3,000 Hz when ossicular reconstruction was conducted. AC and ABG results also improved at low and mid frequencies in the cholesteatoma, and ABG results improved at all frequencies except 3,000 Hz in the non-cholesteatoma. CONCLUSION: After chronic ear surgery, AC and ABG changes improved, primarily in the low and mid frequencies. Further evaluation and studies for post-operative hearing loss at high frequencies are recommended for rehabilitation of hearing ability after surgery.

Percutaneous A1 Pulley Release of Locked Trigger Thumb in Children

PURPOSE: To report the clinical outcomes of percutaneous A1 pulley release for the surgical treatment of locked trigger thumb in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six trigger thumbs in 24 patients with a average of 14.2 months follow-up after percutaneous release were enrolled. There were 15 females and 9 males with an average age of 39 months. The mean time from first presentation to surgery was 16 months. Procedures were performed under local anesthesia. Postoperative examinations at immediate, 3 months and 1-year recorded pain, triggering and range of motion and presence of complications. RESULTS: All thumbs had a satisfactory result without digital nerve injury. Eleven patients(46%) had a mean 14.3degrees extension loss of the interphalangeal joint and 12.0degrees hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb, compared to the contralateral thumb. At final follow-up, all but 1 patient were completely resolved. The duration of symptoms and age were higher in the group with thumb deformity (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Temporary thumb deformity is possible after surgical treatment of trigger thumb in children with a long duration of symptoms. Percutaneous release can be a safe and satisfactory treatment option in pediatric trigger thumb.

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor of the Colon Mimicking Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp with a Novel 63 bp c-kit Deletion Mutation: A Case Report

Colonic gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare and behave aggressively compared to GISTs in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, accurate diagnosis of GISTs and their distinction from other mesenchymal tumors is important for proper patient management and follow-up. Herein, we present an unusual case of a colonic GIST mimicking an inflammatory fibroid polyp with a novel 63 bp deletion mutation in exon 11 of the c-kit gene, which has not previously been reported. The tumor consisted of loosely arranged spindle cells and many inflammatory cells scattered throughout the tumor. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were focally and weakly positive for c-kit and diffusely positive for CD34, but were negative for PKC-theta, SMA, S-100 protein, ALK-1, and desmin. Our case re-emphasizes the broad morphologic spectrum of GISTs.

The surgical approach to urologic complications of 1,000 renal transplants / 대한이식학회지

No abstract available.