Study on the characteristics of increased mechanical stiffness according to changes in LCP shape to reinforce clavicle fractures.

The clavicle has various anatomic shapes unique to each individual. Additionally, with the increase in high-energy traumas such as sports injuries and traffic accidents, the patterns of fractures become complex and complicated. Thus, there is a need for a variety of shapes of locking compression plates (LCP) to accommodate different types of fractures and facilitate quicker rehabilitation. The aim of this study is to present different types of LCP that secure fracture fragments and distribute stress evenly, in comparison to typical anatomical LCPs, for reinforcing clavicle fractures. Three models were compared in this study: the typical shape, the center hole removed shape, and the double-curved wing shape. The DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) file obtained from the computed tomography scan of the patient's clavicle was used to extract the three-dimensional (3D) clavicle structure. Finite element analysis (FEA) simulation was employed to analyze the structural changes of the LCP under external forces. A reinforced jig was used to apply the same type of external force to each LCP, and an experiment was conducted to analyze the mechanical impact of the LCP's structural characteristics. When comparing the stress values at the fracture zone point, resulting from the FEA simulation with applied bending forces, it was calculated that the stress dispersion effect was approximately ten times greater when transitioning from a typical LCP shape to a double-curved partial wing structure. Moreover, the ultimate stress increased 3.33 times, from 241.322 to 804.057 N, as the LCP design changed under cantilever bending conditions. This double-curved wing LCP design reduces stress concentration at the fracture site and minimizes stress in the fracture area when subjected to cantilever bending forces. Consequently, this newly designed LCP has the potential to decrease complications related to the plate and accelerate rehabilitation protocols.

The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Korean Breast Cancer Women: Is It Associated with Severity of Symptoms?

Background. Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among patients with breast cancer could be associated with severity of the cancer symptoms experienced, but there is little evidence to prove this. This study tried to investigate any difference in the severity of breast cancer symptoms between CAM users and nonusers. Methods. The study followed cross-sectional design using structured survey questionnaire. Survey participants were recruited from four different healthcare settings in Seoul, South Korea. The survey instrument comprised 39 items including questions on demographics, use of CAM, and six main symptoms associated with breast cancer and cancer treatment. Results. Out of 288 participants, 67% stated using one or more modalities of CAM. Age, education, and time duration since diagnosis of cancer were significantly associated with use of CAM. About 90% of the CAM users experienced side effects of cancer treatment. CAM users reported more severe anxiety and skin/hair changes than nonusers. Conclusions. CAM was used by those breast cancer patients who experience more severe symptoms to alleviate the conditions associated with breast cancer and cancer treatment. Our findings revealed motivation behind the CAM use, which has profound implications for clinicians to recognize patient-perceived needs.

The utilisation of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) among ethnic minorities in South Korea.

BACKGROUND: Race has been reported to affect the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), but there is very little research on the use of CAM by ethnicity in Korea. This study explores the prevalence of CAM use among ethnic minorities in South Korea. METHODS: The design is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. A convenience sample of ethnic minorities was recruited from two public healthcare centres in Gyeonggi province. The survey instrument included 37 questions regarding CAM use, factors influencing use of CAM, self-health management, and the socio-demographic profile of study participants. RESULTS: Sixty-two percent of study participants reported the use of CAM. Multivitamins (53.3%), acupuncture (48.9%), and traditional Korean herbal medicine (38.9%) were popular CAM modalities in our sample. Other notable CAM modalities included herbal plants, therapeutic massage, and moxibustion therapy. The majority of CAM users (52.2%) received CAM services to treat diseases or as a secondary treatment while receiving conventional care. Having positive perceptions toward the effectiveness of CAM was a major determining factor in CAM use. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians need to be aware of the fact that many ethnic minorities use CAM therapies. Many CAM users reported that they want doctors to know about their CAM use and have a basic understanding of traditional medicine in their home country. Overcoming language and cultural barriers will help reduce unwanted medical complications. High prevalence of CAM use among ethnic minorities in our study warrants further studies using larger sample population.