Surgical Results of Intradural Extramedullary Tumors

BACKGROUND: To report the treatment results of 12 patients who underwent a total excision of intradural extramedullary tumors. METHODS: Twelve cases of histopathologically confirmed intradural extramedullary tumors were treated surgically between February 2002 and March 2005. There were 8 males and 4 females with an average age of 42.6 years. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 24.2 months. The histopathological findings, locations of the tumors, and clinical results were analyzed. The neurological findings obtained during the preoperative stage and the postoperative follow-up were evaluated according to the Frankel classification. RESULTS: The histopathological results are as follows: 4 cases of a meningioma, 4 cases of a schwannoma, 2 cases of an epidermoid cyst, 1 case of an arachnoid cyst, and 1 case of an ependymoma. The locations of the tumors were as follows: 7 cases in the thoracic region, 4 cases in the lumbar region, and 1 case in the cervical region. At the final follow-up, a 2-grade and 1-grade improvement was observed in 1 and 7 cases, respectively. There were no changes in the Frankel grade in 4 cases. The preoperative neurological deficit improved within 8 postoperative weeks in most cases and within 1 postoperative year in all cases. Postoperatively, there were 2 cases of cerebrospinal fluid leakage and 2 cases of paresthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Intradural extramedullary tumors detected by MRI are mostly benign and good clinical results can be obtained when treated surgically. Therefore, more active surgical approaches by orthopedic surgeons are recommended to decrease morbidity.

Arthroscopic Findings and Treatment of Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: To assess the arthroscopic findings in chronic lateral ankle instability and to evaluate the results of modified Brostrom operation and arthroscopic procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine cases with chronic lateral ankle instability were treated with modified Brostrom operation and ankle arthroscopy from May 2004 to January 2007. There were 19 male and 10 female with the mean age of 29.7 years. Mean follow up period was 15.8 months. All patients were checked preoperative stress anterior drawer and varus test with X-ray. RESULTS: Associated injuries were 28 fat impingement projected into the joint between distal tibio-fibular space, 20 anterior impingement of soft tissue, 19 osteochondral defects and 13 loose body. Preoperative AOFAS score of pain, function and alignment were 28.9, 34.1 and 7.9 each other. They were improved into 38.7, 40.8 and 9.8 postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Modified Brostrom operation with ankle arthroscopy for chronic lateral ankle instability is believed to be a reliable option to obtain satisfactory results. Careful attention to the associated injuries such as distal fat impingement, anterior impingement, osteochondral defect and loose body is needed during the arthroscopy.

Treatment of Two- and Three-Part Fracture of Proximal Humerus using LCP

PURPOSE: To evaluate the result and complication of treatment using Locking Compression Plate (LCP) for fracture of proximal humerus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2004 and 2006, 21 patients with two-part and three-part fractures of the proximal humerus were treated by LCP fixation. Their average age was 54.9 years. Postoperative mean follow-up period was 22.9 months. The reduction was qualified and complication were assessed with final radiographs. The functional outcome was evaluated by Neer's rating system. RESULTS: By Neer's functional evaluation, mean score of shoulder function was 86.3 and 18 case (86%) had excellent or satisfactory results. There was one case of nonunion but no infection or avascular necrosis of the humeral head. No correlation was found between the final result and the type of fracture, age, gender or quality of reduction. CONCLUSION: We obtained satisfactory result of LCP fixation for fracture of proximal humerus in this study. LCP fixation for proximal humerus fracture is a reliable method to obtain satisfactory reduction, rigid fixation and early exercise.

Arthroscopically Assisted Limited Open Reduction and Ilizarov External Fixation of Tibial Pilon Fractures

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical results of the pilon fractures treated with arthroscopically assisted limited open reduction and Ilizarov external fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of the clinical result, bone union, complication and postoperative ankle function of 22 pilon fractures treated with arthroscopically assisted limited open reduction and Ilizarov external fixation between January 1999 to March 2004. RESULTS: Clinical follow up averaged 16 months, with an average age of 39.2. All patients with type 1 and 2 fracture had excellent or good score by Ovadia and Beals criteria. Closed fractures healed within 13 weeks and open fractures within 16 weeks after surgery in average. Average range of motion of the ankle was 12o dorsiflexion (0~20 degree) and 25o plantar flexion (15~35 degree). CONCLUSION: Minimal soft tissue dissection and anatomical reduction are very important factor for minimizing complication and satisfactory ankle function. So, arthroscopically assisted limited open reduction and Ilizarov external fixation is an effective treatment option for tibial pilon fractures.