Correlation between Chronic Ankle Instability and Center of Pressure Using Pedobrarograph / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: Chronic ankle instability is a very common abnormality of the ankle, but there is still controversy regarding its evaluation criteria. The stress view has difficulties in reflecting the patient's symptoms and treatment progress. Therefore, this study examined the relationship between the center of pressure (COP) measured by a pedobarograph and the symptoms of the patient.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with chronic ankle instability from February to August 2018 were included. Each patient was surveyed with the foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS). The COP was measured with a foot pressure scanner, and the travel distance and ellipse area of the COP were calculated. Each patient was measured on one foot and on two feet with his or her eyes closed and open. The relationship between the COP measurement and FAOS score was analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient.RESULTS: The participants were consisted of 21 male and nine female, with a mean age of 30 years, mean weight of 72 kg, and mean foot size of 259 mm. With the eyes open, the correlation coefficient between the FAOS and travel distance of the affected side was −0.394 (p<0.05) and that between the FAOS and the ellipse area of the affected side was −0.425 (p<0.05). On the other hand, no significant correlations were found between the travel distance and ellipse area of the affected side when patients closed their eyes.CONCLUSION: Measurement of the COP using foot pressure scanner could evaluate objectively patients with chronic ankle instability, with measurements in patients with their eyes open being more significant. Based on the findings of this study, an analysis of the COP with the patients with their eyes open and standing on one foot may help determine the management strategy and assess the progress of the patients.

Treatment of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture

There is no clear consensus on the optimal treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture. Recently, studies have demonstrated the critical role of functional rehabilitation in the treatment of ruptured Achilles tendons. Hence, conservative treatment is preferred by a growing number of surgeons seeking to treat the condition without the risk of complications from surgery. However, operative treatment is still considered as a more reliable treatment option for acute Achilles tendon rupture. In this review article, we provide an overview of recent treatment strategies for acute rupture of the Achilles tendon.

Results of Simple Conservative Treatment of Midfoot Charcot Arthropathy

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, conservative management with an offloading orthosis, such as total contact cast (TCC), has been the standard of care for midfoot Charcot arthropathy. Considering complications of TCC and surgery, we treated midfoot Charcot arthropathy without TCC in our patients. The purpose of this study was to report clinical and radiological outcomes of conservative management of midfoot Charcot arthropathy. METHODS: A total of 34 patients (38 feet) who were diagnosed as having midfoot Charcot arthropathy between 2006 and 2014 were included. Patients started full weight bearing ambulation in a hard-soled shoe immediately after diagnosis. Outcomes such as progression of arch collapse, bony prominence, ulcer occurrence, limb amputation, and changes in Charcot stage were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 38 feet, arch collapse was observed in four while progression of bottom bump of the midfoot was observed in five feet. Foot ulcers related to bony bumps were found in two feet. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative treatment without restriction of ambulation is recommended for midfoot Charcot arthropathy because it is rarely progressive, unlike hindfoot-ankle arthropathy. In some cases, simple bumpectomy can be required to prevent catastrophic infection.

Validation of Electronic Foot Function Index in Patients with Foot and Ankle Disease: A Randomized, Prospective Multicenter Study / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficiency of the electronic foot function index (eFFI) through a prospective, random based, multi-institutional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 227 patients ranging in age from 20 to 79 years, visited for surgery in different 15 institutes, and agreed to volunteer. The patients were assigned randomly into a paper-based evaluated group (n=113) and tablet-based evaluated group (n=114). The evaluation was done on the day of hospital admission and the method was changed on the second day of surgery and re-evaluated. PADAS 2.0 (https://www.proscore.kr) was used as an electronic evaluation program. RESULTS: There were no differences in age and sex in both groups. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) evaluation revealed an eFFI ICC of 0.924, showing that both results were similar. The evaluation time was shorter in the tablet-based group than the paper-based group (paper vs tablet, 3.7±3.8 vs 2.3±1.3 minutes). Thirty-nine patients (17.2%) preferred to use paper and 131 patients (57.7%) preferred the tablet. Fifty-seven patients (25.1%) found both ways to be acceptable. CONCLUSION: eFFI through tablet devices appears to be more constant than the paper-based program. In addition, it required a shorter amount of time and the patients tended to prefer the tablet-based program. Overall, tablet and cloud system can be beneficial to a clinical study.

Prognosis of Single Spinal Metastatic Tumors: Predictive Value of the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score System for Spinal Adverse Events

STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study. PURPOSE: We evaluated the predictive value of the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS) system for spinal adverse events (SAEs) in patients with single spinal metastatic tumor. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: The SINS system was developed to assess spinal instability in patients with single metastatic spinal tumor. However, the system’s potential predictive value for SAEs has been partially studied. METHODS: This system was applied to a retrospective cohort of 78 patients with single spinal metastatic tumors. The patients underwent surgical treatment and were postoperatively followed up for at least 2 years or until death. The attribution of each score and total SINS to SAE (vertebral compression fracture [VCF] and spinal cord compression [SCC]) occurrence was assessed using the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: SAEs occurred on average 7 months after diagnosis of spinal metastasis. The mean survival rate post diagnosis was 43 months. Multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model revealed that the pain (p=0.029) and spinal alignment (p=0.001) scores were significantly related to VCF occurrence, whereas the pain (p=0.008) and posterolateral involvement (p=0.009) scores were related to SCC occurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Among the components of the SINS system, while pain and spinal alignment showed a significant association with VCF occurrence, pain and posterolateral involvement showed association with SCC occurrence.

Non-Operative Treatment for Symptomatic Osteochondral Lesion of the Talus / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Although reports on operative treatment of osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT) are increasing, to the best of our knowledge, there have been only a few reports on non-operative treatment of OLT. The purpose of this study is to report the prognosis of non-operative treatment for OLT patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 104 patients (57 male, 47 female) with OLTs having a follow-up period of more than two years, between 2003 and 2013. The location, size, and stage of the OLT were confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. At the final follow-up, simple radiographs confirmed the progression of osteoarthritis. We surveyed the limitations of sports activity, visual analogue scale (VAS), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale, and SF-36. RESULTS: There were no patients with progression of osteoarthritis at the final follow-up. Only two patients (2.4%) complained the limitation of desired sports activity. The mean VAS significantly decreased from 4.3 (range, 0–8) to 1.1 (range, 0–4) (p<0.001). The mean AOFAS scale significantly improved from 83.3 (range, 41–100) to 92.5 (range, 65–100). Moreover, the mean SF-36 also improved from 52.6 (range, 30.0–91.0) to 72.9 (range, 40.6–97.0) (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Sufficient non-operative treatment is initially recommended to OLT patients because pain, in general, improves in most cases despite the presence of symptoms. Moreover, it's worth noting that the progression to osteoarthritis is rare.

Clinical Outcome after Early Rehabilitation according to Injury Type in Ankle Fracture / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcome of an operation with early rehabilitation from ankle fracture in accordance with the injury type. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 136 patients (70 males and 66 females) who underwent surgery and early rehabilitation for ankle fractures between December 2008 and December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The average age was 47.9 years, with a range of 18~79 years. The mean follow-up period was 28.7 months, with a range of 24~102 months. All patients were classified in accordance with the Lauge Hansen classification and anatomic fracture site. Moreover, the presence of ligament injuries were documented. A short-leg cast was applied postoperatively for two weeks; thereafter, patients began the range-of-motion exercises after cast removal. Full weightbearing was allowed at 2 weeks postoperatively. Each patient was assessed radiologically and clinically based on the Olerud-Molander score, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, joint stiffness, and capability of single heel raising. RESULTS: Seventeen patients (12.5%) complained of postoperative pain (VAS score 1~3), and the incidence was higher in patients with trimalleolar fractures or associated ligament injuries. Twenty-three patients (16.9%) complained of postoperative ankle stiffness. The mean Olerud-Molander score was 75.4/80 (range, 55~80). Olerud-Molander scores were lower in patients with ligament injuries than in those with fracture alone. There was no nonunion or fracture displacement even after early weightbearing walking. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective series, early rehabilitation after surgical restoration of ankle mortise by anatomical reduction and stabilization was shown to be successful. Earlier motion exercise and weightbearing walking can minimize fracture complications like joint stiffness or weakness in ankle fracture.

Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor-Positive Pericytic Cells of White Adipose Tissue from Critical Limb Ischemia Patients Display Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Like Properties

BACKGROUND: The pericytes in the blood vessel wall have recently been identified to be important in regulating vascular formation, stabilization, remodeling, and function. We isolated and identified pericyte-like platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta-positive (PDGFRβ+) cells from the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of adipose tissue from critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients and investigated their potential as a reliable source of stem cells for cell-based therapy. METHODS: De-identified subcutaneous fat tissues were harvested after amputation in CLI patients. Freshly isolated SVF cells and culture-expanded adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were quantified using flow cytometry. A matrigel tube formation assay and multi-lineage differentiation were performed to assess pericytic and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-like characteristics of PDGFRβ+ ADSCs. RESULTS: PDGFRβ+ cells were located in the pericytic area of various sizes of blood vessels and coexpressed mesenchymal stem cell markers. PDGFRβ+ cells in freshly isolated SVF cells expressed a higher level of stem cell markers (CD34 and CXCR4) and mesenchymal markers (CD13, CD44, CD54, and CD90) than PDGFRβ– cells. In vitro expansion of PDGFRβ+ cells resulted in enrichment of the perivascular mesenchymal stem-like (PDGFRβ+/CD90+/CD45–/CD31–) cell fractions. The Matrigel tube formation assay revealed that PDGFRβ+ cells were located in the peritubular area. CONCLUSIONS: PDGFRβ+ ADSCs cells demonstrated a good multilineage differentiation potential. Pericyte-like PDGFRβ+ cells from the SVF of adipose tissue from CLI patients had MSC-like characteristics and could be amplified by in vitro culture with preservation of their cell characteristics. We believe PDGFRβ+ cells in the SVF of adipose tissue can be used as a reliable source of stem cells even in CLI patients.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Early Ankle Osteoarthritis / 대한족부족관절학회지

The incidence of arthritis in the ankle is relatively low compared to other joints. On the other hand, it receives a lot of pressure per unit area, is vulnerable to damage, and arthritis can arise after trauma. Early ankle arthritis can be considered a case of osteophyte subchondral sclerosis without narrowing of the joint space. Conservative treatment, such as weight control, insole use, drug use, and injection therapy for early ankle arthritis, is effective and can be considered before surgical treatment. Nevertheless, if pain is persistent, surgical treatment to remove bony spurs is effective. Ensuring that there is no other cause of pain when deciding whether to perform an operation is very important.

Percutaneous Drainage and Sclerotherapy for Delayed Lumbar Morel-Lavalee Lesion: Two Case Reports

Closed internal degloving is a significant soft-tissue injury associated with a trauma that results in a tear of the subcutaneous tissue away from the underlying fascia. Although the diagnosis of Morel-Lavallee lesion (MLL) is routinely based on clinical and radiological examinations, in one-third of the cases, there is a possibility that clinicians may fail to diagnose MLL due to its inconsistent clinical manifestations. Additionally, it often involves initial skin bruising due to underlying soft-tissue injury. We present two cases of delayed MLL without a fracture treated using percutaneous drainage and sclerotherapy. Our cases demonstrated successful treatment with a minimally invasive percutaneous approach. The potential advantage of using a percutaneous technique is to preserve the subdermal arterial plexus, which is the only remaining blood supply to the skin in the area of the lesion. Maintaining this blood supply may result in healthier skin at the time of any open procedure.

Demineralized Bone Matrix Injection in Consolidation Phase Enhances Bone Regeneration in Distraction Osteogenesis via Endochondral Bone Formation

BACKGROUND: Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a promising tool for bone and tissue regeneration. However, prolonged healing time remains a major problem. Various materials including cells, cytokines, and growth factors have been used in an attempt to enhance bone formation. We examined the effect of percutaneous injection of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) during the consolidation phase on bone regeneration after distraction. METHODS: The immature rabbit tibial DO model (20 mm length-gain) was used. Twenty-eight animals received DBM 100 mg percutaneously at the end of distraction. Another 22 animals were left without further procedure (control). Plain radiographs were taken every week. Postmortem bone dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) studies were performed at the third and sixth weeks of the consolidation period and histological analysis was performed. RESULTS: The regenerate bone mineral density was higher in the DBM group when compared with that in the saline injection control group at the third week postdistraction. Quantitative analysis using micro-CT revealed larger trabecular bone volume, higher trabecular number, and less trabecular separation in the DBM group than in the saline injection control group. Cross-sectional area and cortical thickness at the sixth week postdistraction, assessed using micro-CT, were greater in the regenerates of the DBM group compared with the control group. Histological evaluation revealed higher trabecular bone volume and trabecular number in the regenerate of the DBM group. New bone formation was apparently enhanced, via endochondral ossification, at the site and in the vicinity of the injected DBM. DBM was absorbed slowly, but it remained until the sixth postoperative week after injection. CONCLUSIONS: DBM administration into the distraction gap at the end of the distraction period resulted in a significantly greater regenerate bone area, trabecular number, and cortical thickness in the rabbit tibial DO model. These data suggest that percutaneous DBM administration at the end of the distraction period or in the early consolidation period may stimulate regenerate bone formation and consolidation in a clinical situation with delayed bone healing during DO.

Change of Radiologic Index of Foot according to Radiation Projection Angle: A Study Using Phantom Foot / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the measurement differences of simple radiographs according to radiation projection angle using a phantom and to propose methods for objective analysis of simple radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We took simple radiographs with different projection angles using a C-arm image intensifier and measured five parameters of the foot on the simple radiographic images. Five parameters include lateral tibiocalcaneal angle, lateral talocalcaneal angle, naviculocuboid overlap, lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, and lateral calcaneo-first metatarsal angle. Intraobserver and interobserver reliability were verified, and then intraclass correlations of parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: Radiographic parameters of the foot showed high intraobserver and interobserver reliability. Lateral tibiocalcaneal angle has a strong negative linear relationship with rotation and a moderate negative linear relationship with tilt. Lateral talocalcaneal angle has a moderate positive linear relationship with rotation and a strong positive linear relationship with tilt. Naviculocuboid overlap has a strong positive linear relationship with rotation and a moderate positive linear relationship with tilt. Lateral talo-first metatarsal angle does not have a linear relationship with rotation and a moderate negative linear relationship with tilt. Lateral calcaneo-first metatarsal angle has a moderate positive linear relationship with rotation and tilt. CONCLUSION: More precise evaluation of the foot with a simple radiograph can be performed by understanding the changes of radiographic parameters according to radiation projection angle.

Incidental Findings on Knee Radiographs in Children and Adolescents

BACKGROUND: Despite the wide use of knee radiography in children and adolescent patients visiting the outpatient clinic, there has been no analysis about the prevalence and type of incidental findings yet. This study was performed to investigate the incidental findings on knee radiographs in children and adolescents according to age. METHODS: A total of 1,562 consecutive patients younger than 18 years of age were included. They who visited Seoul National University Bundang Hospital's outpatient clinic with a chief complaint of knee pain or malalignment between 2010 and 2011. We reviewed the knee radiographs and analyzed the prevalence and type of incidental findings, such as metaphyseal lucent area, epiphyseal cortical irregularity, osteochondroma and Harris growth arrest line. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 10.2 years (range, 1 month to 18 years). We identified 355 incidental findings in 335 patients (21.4%) and 98 abnormal findings (6.3%). The most common incidental finding was metaphyseal lucent area (131, 8.4%), followed by epiphyseal cortical irregularity (105, 6.7%), Harris growth arrest line (75, 4.8%), and osteochondroma (44, 2.8%). An epiphyseal cortical irregularity tended to have a higher prevalence at younger age (p < 0.001) and the prevalences of metaphyseal lucent area and Harris growth arrest line were also higher at a younger age (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). However, the osteochondroma tended to have a higher prevalence at an older age (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: This study describes the incidental findings on knee radiographs in children and adolescents and provides effective information from a viewpoint of an orthopedic doctor. The authors recommend considering those incidental findings if unfamiliar findings appear on a knee radiograph in the pediatric outpatient clinic.

Difference of Kinematic Pattern According to the Severity of Limb Length Discrepancy: 3-Dimensional Analysis / 대한정형외과연구학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the compensatory motion and extent of the patient with leg length discrepancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty seven patients with leg length discrepancy were tested by conventional gait analysis from 2003 to 2012. The patients were divided into mild, moderate, and severe groups. Pelvic obliquity, hip flexion, hip abduction, knee flexion in stance and swing phase, and ankle plantar flexion were measured with regard to affected and unaffected limb. RESULTS: Pelvic obliquity, hip flexion, hip abduction, knee flexion in swing phase, and ankle plantar flexion were significantly difference between affected and unaffected limb. The range of motions in pelvic obliquity and ankle plantar flexion of affected limb were significantly higher according to severity of limb length discrepancy. CONCLUSION: The patients with limb length discrepancy have the different compensatory motion according to affected side and severity. We should adjust the target of treatment in consideration of limb length discrepancy.

Foot Drop of Contralateral Limb after Deformity Correction in a Polio Patient: A Case Report / 대한족부족관절학회지

Postpoliomyelitis syndrome is a common neurological disorder that occurs in patients who have experienced paralytic poliomyelitis. Recently, as a result of vaccination against poliovirus, incidence of poliomyelitis is exceedingly low. However, many patients with postpolio syndrome may encounter anesthesia when undergoing surgery, such as for correction of foot deformity and other operations. We report on a 45-year-old woman who experienced paralysis of her contralateral limb after operation on the left foot under spinal anesthesia. Postoperative electromyography/nerve conduction study (EMG/NCS) was performed in order to determine the cause of paralysis. Motor power of the sequelae involved leg showed improvement with time and recovered fully to the preoperative level at six months after the index operation. A precise evaluation, including a physical examination and EMG/NCS, should be performed preoperatively when spinal anesthesia is planned for postpolio syndrome patients.

Negative-pressure wound therapy induces endothelial progenitor cell mobilization in diabetic patients with foot infection or skin defects

Non healing chronic wounds are difficult to treat in patients with diabetes and can result in severe medical problems for these patients and for society. Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been adopted to treat intractable chronic wounds and has been reported to be effective. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of this treatment have not been elucidated. To assess the vasculogenic effect of NPWT, we evaluated the systemic mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) during NPWT. Twenty-two of 29 consecutive patients who presented at the clinic of Seoul National Universty Hospital between December 2009 and November 2010 who underwent NPWT for diabetic foot infections or skin ulcers were included in this study. Peripheral blood samples were taken before NPWT (pre-NPWT) and 7-14 days after the initiation of NPWT (during-NPWT). Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis showed that the number of cells in EPC-enriched fractions increased after NPWT, and the numbers of EPC colony forming units (CFUs) significantly increased during NPWT. We believe that NPWT is useful for treating patients with diabetic foot infections and skin ulcers, especially when these conditions are accompanied by peripheral arterial insufficiency. The systemic mobilization of EPCs during NPWT may be a mechanism for healing intractable wounds in diabetic patients with foot infections or skin defects via the formation of increased granulation tissue with numerous small blood vessels.

Characteristics and Trends of Orthopedic Publications between 2000 and 2009

BACKGROUND: This study was undertaken to investigate the trends of orthopedic publications during the last decade, and to document the country of origin, journal, funding source, and language of contribution using PubMed. METHODS: Orthopedic articles published between 2000 and 2009 were retrieved from PubMed using the following search terms: "orthopaedic[Affiliation] AND ("2000/1/1"[PDAT]: "2009/12/31"[PDAT])" and "orthopedic[Affiliation] AND ("2000/1/1"[PDAT]: "2009/12/31"[PDAT])." The articles were downloaded in XML file format, which contained the following information: article title, author names, journal names, publication dates, article types, languages, authors' affiliations and funding sources. These information was extracted, sorted, and rearranged using the database's management software. We investigated the annual number of published orthopedic articles worldwide and the annual rate of increase. Furthermore, the country of publication origin, journal, funding source, and language of contribution were also investigated. RESULTS: A total of 46,322 orthopedic articles were published and registered in PubMed in the last 10 years. The worldwide number of published orthopedic articles increased from 2,889 in 2000 to 6,909 in 2009, showing an annual increase of 384.6 articles, or an annualized compound rate of 10.2%. The United States ranked highest in the number of published orthopedic articles, followed by Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Republic of Korea. Among the orthopedic articles published worldwide during the last 10 years, 37.9% pertained studies performed in the United States. Fifty-seven point three percent (57.3%) of articles were published in journals established in the United States. Among the published orthopaedic articles, 4,747 articles (10.2%) disclosed financial support by research funds, of which 4,688 (98.8%) articles utilized research funds from the United States. Most articles were published in English (97.2%, 45,030 articles). CONCLUSIONS: The number of published orthopedic articles has been increasing over the last decade. The number of orthopedic articles, journals publication, and funding sources were dominated by research conducted in the United States, while share and growth of Asian countries including Japan, the Republic of Korea, and China were notable.