What Is the Effect of the Ulnar-Plus Variance on the Outcomes of Arthroscopic Repair of the Peripheral Ulnar-Side Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tear?

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of arthroscopic repair of peripheral ulnar-side triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears between patients with and without ulnar-plus variance (UPV) and to identify factors associated with index surgery failure in these patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 50 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of peripheral ulnar-side TFCC tears from June 2014 to February 2018. We selected patients who were aged at least 18 years and underwent arthroscopic repair of peripheral ulnar-side TFCC tears. We excluded those with a fractured or dislocated wrist, ulnar impaction syndrome, degenerative or inflammatory arthritis of the wrist, or neurologic conditions that affect upper-extremity function, as well as those who received less than 12 months' follow-up. We evaluated the patients with a visual analog scale for pain in 3 domains (overall, with hard work, and at rest), the Patient-rated Wrist Evaluation, range of motion, and grip strength. Clinical outcomes and arthroscopic findings were compared between patients with and without UPV (UPV group and non-UPV group, respectively). We calculated the relative risk and 95% confidence interval for younger age (<30 years), sex, UPV, and coexisting degenerative central TFCC tear (type 2 tear) to determine the risk factors for arthroscopic repair failure. RESULTS: No significant differences were noted between the 2 groups regarding visual analog scale pain and Patient-rated Wrist Evaluation scores and rates of excellent or improved outcomes (P > .05). Arthroscopic repair failure was found in 4 patients. A coexisting type 2 TFCC tear was the only significant risk factor (relative risk, 49.5; 95% confidence interval, 2.94-83.96; P = .007) for arthroscopic repair failure. CONCLUSIONS: UPV did not significantly affect the outcomes of arthroscopic repair of peripheral ulnar-side TFCC tears. However, coexisting type 2 TFCC tears significantly increased the risk of index surgery failure in these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, prognostic study.

What is the Natural History of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tear Without Distal Radioulnar Joint Instability?

BACKGROUND: The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tear is a common cause of ulnar-side wrist pain; however, its natural course is not well understood. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We sought (1) to determine the natural course of TFCC tears without distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability, and (2) to identify the factors associated with poor prognosis after nonsurgical treatment of TFCC tears. METHODS: Over a 3-year period, we treated 117 patients with TFCC tears who did not have DRUJ instability. The diagnosis was made on the basis of ulnar-sided wrist pain, a positive ulnocarpal stress test or ulnar grinding test, and identification of a tear on MRI or CT arthrography. Of those, 25 were excluded during the initial evaluation period because they met the previously defined indications of surgery on the basis of clinical history. Another 19 patients (20%) were lost to followup before 6 months, and one patient was excluded because of prior wrist surgery, leaving 72 wrists in 72 patients for analysis in this retrospective study, which drew data from a review of electronic medical records of one institution. The group consisted of 42 men and 30 women, with a mean age of 40 years (range, 18-70 years). The study group was followed for a mean of 16 months (range, 6 to 36 months). We evaluated the pain VAS and patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) at the initial visit, at 4, 8, and 12 weeks, and at more than 6 months after the initial visit. A PRWE score ≤ 20 points indicated complete recovery, and a PRWE score more than 20 points was considered an incomplete recovery. We used Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression modelling to estimate the time to complete recovery and to identify factors associated with incomplete recovery among the seven possible factors of older age (≥ 45 years), male, obesity (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m), dominant-hand involvement, chronic symptoms (≥ 6 months), traumatic tear, and ulnar-plus variance. RESULTS: The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that estimated cumulative incidence of complete recovery was 30% (95% confidence interval [CI], 20-40) at 6 months and 50% (95% CI, 39-61) at 1 year. We could not find any risk factors among the seven candidate factors, including older age (hazard ratio [HR], 0.608; 95% CI, 0.34-1.087; p = 0.093), male (HR, 1.152; 95% CI, 0.667-1.991; p = 0.612), obesity (HR, 1.433; 95% CI, 0.603-3.402; p = 0.415), dominant hand involvement (HR, 1.808; 95% CI, 0.927-3.527; p = 0.082), chronic symptoms (HR, 0.763; 95% CI, 0.443-1.922; p = 0.133), traumatic tear (HR, 0.756; 95% CI, 0.432-1.32; p = 0.325), and ulnar plus variance (HR, 0.804; 95% CI, 0.461-1.404; p = 0.443). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that nonsurgical treatment is moderately successful for treating patients with TFCC tears without DRUJ instability. We recommend a minimum of 6 months nonsurgical treatment as the first-line treatment for this injury. Future studies are necessary to clarify predictors of persistent pain with nonsurgical treatment to avoid an unnecessary surgical delay. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prognostic study.

Does use of the 70° arthroscope improve the outcomes of arthroscopic débridement for chronic recalcitrant tennis elbow?

BACKGROUND: The use of a 70° arthroscope has been reported to provide better visualization of the extensor carpi radialis brevis origin at the lateral epicondyle. We aimed to compare the surgical outcomes of arthroscopic débridement using an additional 70° arthroscope with those using a 30° arthroscope alone in the treatment of chronic recalcitrant tennis elbow. METHODS: A total of 68 consecutive patients who received arthroscopic débridement for chronic recalcitrant tennis elbow were retrospectively reviewed. A 30° scope was used in 41 patients (mean age, 47 years; range, 26-61 years), whereas an additional 70° scope was used in 27 patients (mean age, 50 years; range, 34-61 years). Outcomes were assessed using a visual analog scale for pain and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire at the preoperative visit and at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 or more months after surgery. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant and progressive improvements in visual analog scale pain scores and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores at 3 months, 6 months, and final follow-up (P < .05). However, no significant differences were found between the groups at all time points of measurement regarding those outcome measures (P > .05). In addition, the proportions of patients with excellent outcomes and those with clinically meaningful improvements were comparable between the groups (P = .397 and P = .558, respectively). CONCLUSION: The use of an additional 70° arthroscope did not provide a significant improvement in the outcomes of arthroscopic débridement for chronic recalcitrant tennis elbow.

The Nirschl procedure versus arthroscopic extensor carpi radialis brevis débridement for lateral epicondylitis.

BACKGROUND: The Nirschl technique and arthroscopic débridement are common surgical procedures for chronic lateral elbow tendinopathy. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes following the use of these techniques to treat chronic lateral elbow tendinopathy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 59 elbows of 55 patients who did not improve after conservative treatment. Twenty-nine elbows of 26 patients were treated with the Nirschl procedure (Nirschl group), and 30 elbows of 29 patients were treated with arthroscopic débridement (arthroscopy group). Outcomes were assessed subjectively with the quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain in 3 domains (overall pain, pain at rest, and pain during hard work) and objectively with pain-free grip strength. RESULTS: The Nirschl and arthroscopy groups showed significant improvements in subjective and objective outcomes at a mean of 28.5 months and 31 months, respectively (P <.05). No significant between-group differences were found in postoperative outcomes, including quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire scores; pain-free grip strength; and VAS scores for overall pain and pain at rest (P > .05). However, a small but significant difference was found in the postoperative VAS score for pain during hard work (1.6 ± 1.3 for Nirschl group vs 2.2 ± 2.0 for arthroscopy group, P = .042). CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques are comparable and highly effective for treating chronic recalcitrant lateral elbow tendinopathy. Although the Nirschl technique provides slightly superior pain relief during hard work, the effect size is very small and the difference does not appear to be clinically important.

Optimal parameters and location for diffusion-tensor imaging in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome: a prospective matched case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal parameters and location for diffusion-tensor imaging in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A single 3-T MRI (single-shot echo-planar imaging pulse sequence; b value, 1000 s/mm(2)) and nerve conduction study were performed prospectively for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and age- and sex-matched control subjects. Fractional anisotropy, apparent diffusion coefficient, radial diffusivity, and parallel diffusivity of the median nerve were measured at the inlet, middle, and outlet of the carpal tunnel and were compared with the nerve conduction study parameters. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and 50 control subjects were enrolled. Demographic data were comparable between the groups. For all three locations, mean fractional anisotropy increased significantly, and the mean radial diffusivity and apparent diffusion coefficient decreased significantly in carpal tunnel syndrome (p < 0.05). The carpal tunnel inlet had the largest and most consistent changes in diffusion-tensor imaging parameters. Fractional anisotropy measured at the carpal tunnel inlet had the highest diagnostic accuracy, as measured with ROC curves (AUC, 0.82). For a fractional anisotropy threshold of 0.44 or less at the carpal tunnel inlet, sensitivity was 72%; specificity, 82%; positive predictive value, 80%; and negative predictive value, 75%. CONCLUSION: The use of fractional anisotropy measured at the carpal tunnel inlet is optimal for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Can we safely place the distal volar locking plate screws into the subchondral zone of a distal radius fracture using a 45° supination oblique view under fluoroscopic guidance?

INTRODUCTION: Careful distal locking screw insertion into the subchondral zone is necessary to obtain proper mechanical strength of unstable distal radius fractures using volar locking plating. However, subchondral zone screw insertion increases the risk of intra-articular screw penetration, which may remain unrecognized during surgery due to complex distal radial anatomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of fluoroscopic guidance with a 45° supination oblique view technique for placing distal screws into the subchondral zone during volar locking plating for unstable distal radius fractures and to explore the factors associated with poor screw placement. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 171 wrists of 169 patients treated with variable-angle volar locking plates for unstable radius fractures. The subchondral zone was defined as the metaphyseal area within 4 mm of the articular margin of the distal radius. The location of the distal locking screws and radiographic parameters, including the teardrop angle, were measured using computed tomography scans and X-rays. Clinical and radiographic factors were examined to determine their possible associations with screw placement failure. RESULTS: Of 581 distal screws inserted, 559 screws (96.2%) were inserted into the subchondral zone and 17 screws into the metaphyseal zone (2.9%). Five screws (0.7%) in three wrists showed intra-articular placement: four screws were placed into the lunate fossa and one into the scaphoid fossa. These three wrists also exhibited significantly reduced teardrop angles. The distal screws were significantly closer to the joint line in the lunate fossa than the scaphoid fossa (1.9 ± 0.9 mm vs. 2.8 ± 1 mm, P < 0.000). CONCLUSION: The 45° supination oblique view technique is a useful fluoroscopic guiding technique for accurate and safe distal screw placement in the subchondral zone in volar locking plate fixation for distal radial fractures. However, a decreased teardrop angle or extended lunate fossa should be corrected before distal screw insertion to avoid intra-articular screw placement.

Clinical and radiographic factors associated with distal radioulnar joint instability in distal radius fractures.

BACKGROUND: Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability is an important cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain in distal radius fractures. However, instability is frequently undiagnosed and the clinical and radiographic factors associated with instability are not well understood. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We therefore identified clinical and radiographic factors associated with DRUJ instability in distal radius fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all 221 patients who underwent surgical treatment for unstable distal radius fractures from 2007 to 2010. Ten patients (five men and five women) had DRUJ instability by intraoperative manual testing (Group I); these patients had a median age of 52 years. The other 211 patients (81 men and 130 women) (Group II) had a median age of 55 years. Clinical and radiographic data were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The incidence of open wounds at the wrist and the relative ulnar length measured on the prereduction radiograph were greater in Group I. An open wound at the wrist and positive ulnar variance of 6 mm or greater on the prereduction radiograph increased the risk of DRUJ instability (relative risks = 45 and 17, respectively) in distal radius fractures. CONCLUSIONS: An open wound at the wrist or positive ulnar variance of 6 mm or greater observed on the prereduction radiograph in patients with distal radius fractures should alert the physician to the possibility of DRUJ instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prognostic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Association between Gout and Dyslipidemia: A Nested Case-Control Study Using a National Health Screening Cohort.

The association between lipid levels and uric acid disorders remains controversial. We evaluated the association between dyslipidemia and gout in a large cohort from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort. Among the 514,866 participants aged ≥40 years, 16,679 gout participants were selected and matched with 66,716 control participants for income, region of residence, sex, and age. We used the ICD-10 codes to define dyslipidemia (E78) and gout (M10) and diagnosis was confirmed when each was reported ≥2 times. The odds ratios (ORs) of dyslipidemia history were calculated using conditional logistic regression in crude, partial, and fully adjusted models. The days of statin use, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose level, total cholesterol, obesity, Charlson comorbidity index, alcohol consumption, and smoking were used as covariates. Patients with gout had a significantly higher dyslipidemia history than those without gout (33.1% vs. 24.0%, p < 0.001). The association was significant after adjustment (OR in partial adjusted model = 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.44−1.57; OR in fully adjusted model = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.37−1.49). These findings were consistent with the subgroup analysis. Our findings suggest that dyslipidemia history is more likely in patients with gout aged ≥40 years than in healthy controls among Korean population.

Physical Activity Is Associated with a Lower Risk of Osteoporotic Fractures in Osteoporosis: A Longitudinal Study.

The purpose of our study was to examine the occurrence of osteoporotic fractures (fxs) according to the level of physical activity (PA) among osteoporosis using the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) customized database. From NHIS data from 2009 to 2017, osteoporosis was selected as requested. PA was classified into 'high PA' (n = 58,620), 'moderate PA' (n = 58,620), and 'low PA' (n = 58,620) and were matched in a 1:1:1 ratio by gender, age, income within the household unit, and region of residence. A stratified Cox proportional hazard model was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for each type of fx comparing PA groups. The 'low PA' group was the reference group. For vertebral fx, the adjusted HR (95% confidence intervals (CIs)) was 0.27 (0.26-0.28) for the 'high PA' group and 0.43 (0.42-0.44) for the 'moderate PA' group. For hip fx, the adjusted HR (95% CIs) was 0.37 (0.34-0.40) for the 'high PA' group and 0.51 (0.47-0.55) for the 'moderate PA' group. For distal radius fx, the adjusted HR (95% CIs) was 0.32 (0.30-0.33) for the 'high PA' group and 0.46 (0.45-0.48) for the 'moderate PA' group. The results of this study suggest that a higher intensity of PA is associated with a lower risk of osteoporotic fxs, including vertebral fx, hip fx, and distal radius fx.

Association between metabolic syndrome and osteoporosis among adults aged 50 years and older: using the National Health Information Database in South Korea.

This study aimed to examine the association between a history of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and osteoporosis with specific characteristics. The results showed that MetS was inversely associated with osteoporosis. In contrast, MetS was positively associated with osteoporosis in both obese men and postmenopausal obese women. PURPOSE: Although several previous studies have investigated the association between MetS and osteoporosis, their findings remain controversial. This study aimed to examine the association between a MetS history and osteoporosis using a subset of data from a large, long-term, national database. METHODS: This nested case-control study used the National Health Information Database (NHID) of the Korea National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) from 2009 to 2017. Osteoporosis (n = 459,771) and control (n = 459,771) participants were matched in a 1:1 ratio by age, gender, income, and region of residence. MetS was defined based on the modified National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for osteoporosis in patients with MetS and its components were analyzed using logistic regression. Subgroup analyses were performed according to the combination of gender, menopausal status, and obesity status. RESULTS: The adjusted OR (95% CI) for osteoporosis in patients with MetS was 0.95 (0.94-0.96). This finding was consistent with the subgroup analyses in normal weight men, premenopausal (pre-MP) women with all obesity statuses, and postmenopausal (post-MP) underweight and normal weight women. In contrast, the opposite was observed for obese men (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01-1.09) and post-MP obese women (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01-1.08). CONCLUSION: This study results suggested that MetS was associated with a low occurrence of osteoporosis. In contrast, MetS was associated with a high occurrence of osteoporosis in both obese men and post-MP obese women.

The association between hyperuricemia and cardiovascular disease history: A cross-sectional study using KoGES HEXA data.

This cross-sectional study examines the association between hyperuricemia and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study from 2004 to 2016 were analyzed. Among the 173,209 participants, we selected 11,453 patients with hyperuricemia and 152,255 controls (non-hyperuricemia). We obtained the history of CVDs (stroke and ischemic heart disease [IHD]) from all participants. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) (age, income group, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, anthropometry data, and nutritional intake) for CVDs were analyzed using a logistic regression model. Participants with hyperuricemia reported a significantly higher prevalence of stroke (2.4% vs 1.3%) and IHD (5.6% vs 2.8%) than controls did (P < .001). Participants with hyperuricemia had a significantly higher aOR for CVD than the controls. The aOR of hyperuricemia for stroke was 1.22 (95% confidence interval = 1.07-1.39, P = .004). When analyzed by subgroup according to age and sex, this result was only persistent in women. The aOR of hyperuricemia for IHD was 1.45 (95% confidence interval = 1.33-1.59, P < .001). In the subgroup analyses, the results were similar, except in young men. Hyperuricemia was significantly associated with CVD in the Korean population.

Comparison of the Coincidence of Osteoporosis, Fracture, Arthritis Histories, and DEXA T-Score between Monozygotic and Dizygotic Twins: A Cross-Sectional Study Using KoGES HTS Data.

We explored the genetic and environmental inter-relationships among osteoporosis, fracture, arthritis, and bone mineral density concordance in monozygotic twins compared to those in dizygotic twins. This cross-sectional research assessed data of 1032 monozygotic and 242 dizygotic twin pairs aged >20 years included in the Healthy Twin Study data of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study between 2005 and 2014. Outcomes of interest included illness concordance and absolute differences in dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) T-scores. We found comparable concordances of osteoporosis, fractures, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis between monozygotic and dizygotic twins. Medical histories of osteoporosis, fractures caused by accident or falling, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis were not distinct between monozygotic and dizygotic twins. Accidental fracture occurrence in both monozygotic twins showed significantly lower odds than that in dizygotic twins. Genetic influence on liability to fracture risk might thus be maintained. DEXA T-scores for bone mineral density indicated more comparable tendencies within monozygotic twin pairs than within dizygotic ones, suggesting the relative importance of genetic contribution to bone mineral density. The relative importance of genetic factors in bone mineral density is sustained between monozygotic twins; overt disease expression of osteoporosis, fractures, or arthritis may be affected by environmental factors.

Analyses of the relationship between hyperuricemia and osteoporosis.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between hyperuricemia and osteoporosis in a Korean population. Data from participants of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study who were ≥ 40 years old were collected from 2004 to 2016. Among 173,209 participants, 11,781 with hyperuricemia (> 7.0 mg/dL in men and > 6.0 mg/dL in women) and 156,580 controls were selected based on serum measurements. Odds ratios (ORs) of osteoporosis between individuals with hyperuricemia and controls were analyzed using a logistic regression model. In the adjusted model, age, sex, income group, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia history and nutritional intake were adjusted. The adjusted OR (aOR) of osteoporosis was 0.79 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.71-0.87, P < 0.001]. In subgroup analyses according to age and sex, statistical significance was observed in men > 60 years old and in women > 50 years old. In another subgroup analysis according to past medical history, significant differences were found according to hypertension (aOR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.73-0.94, and 0.75, 95% CI = 0.64-0.87), diabetes mellitus (aOR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.69-0.86), and hyperlipidemia (aOR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.61-0.89, and 0.81, 95% CI = 0.72-0.91). This study demonstrated that hyperuricemia was associated with a decreased risk of osteoporosis.

Weight Change Is Associated with Osteoporosis: A Cross Sectional Study Using the Korean Community Health Survey.

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the associations between weight change and osteoporosis in Korean adults. METHODS: Data from the 2016 Korean Community Health Survey were analyzed. A total of 159,741 participants who were ≥40 years of age were included. The histories of osteoporosis were surveyed in two ways: 'osteoporosis for entire life' and 'current osteoporosis'. The participants were grouped into three categories for simplification as follows: 'Weight L&M' (Tried to lose weight or Tried to maintain weight), 'Weight gain' (Tried to gain weight), and 'Never tried'. Additionally, we analyzed their relationship with obesity using the BMI. RESULTS: The adjusted ORs for 'osteoporosis for entire life' were 1.20 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13-1.27) in the Weight L&M group and 1.83 (95% CI 1.64-2.05) in the Weight gain group. The adjusted ORs for 'current osteoporosis' were 1.16 (95% CI 1.08-1.25) in the Weight L&M group and 1.77 (95% CI 1.54-2.02) in the Weight gain group. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the Never tried group, being in either the Weight L&M or Weight gain groups showed a significant impact on the possibility of osteoporosis.

Sonographic Identification of the intracompartmental septum in de Quervain's disease.

BACKGROUND: The intracompartmental septum in the first extensor compartment in patients with de Quervain's disease has been associated with disease development and prognosis. However, with the exception of surgical exploration, there is no way of detecting the septum. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We evaluated the accuracy of sonography for identifying the intracompartmental septum in the first extensor compartment in patients with de Quervain's disease using surgical findings as the reference standard. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed surgical release of the first extensor compartment in 43 wrists of 40 patients who were unresponsive to nonoperative treatment. In each case, a sonographic evaluation was performed before surgery by a radiologist and the sonographic and surgical findings were compared. RESULTS: Sonography identified the intracompartmental septum in 19 of the 19 septum-present wrists and absence of the septum in 23 of the 24 septum-absent wrists. The sensitivity of sonography was 100% (95% confidence interval, 80%-100%), its specificity 96% (95% confidence interval, 78%-100%), accuracy 98% (95% confidence interval, 87%-100%), positive predictive value 95% (95% confidence interval, 74%-100%), and negative predictive value 100% (95% confidence interval, 83%-100%). Sonography also identified septum-like structures in 15 of 37 (41%) asymptomatic contralateral wrists. CONCLUSIONS: Sonography is useful for detecting the intracompartmental septum in the first extensor compartment in patients with de Quervain's disease. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, diagnostic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Total knee arthroplasty reduces the risk of mortality in osteoarthritis patients up to 12 years: A Korean national cohort longitudinal follow-up study.

INTRODUCTION: Mortality rates and causes of death after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are of great interest to surgeons. However, there is a shortage of studies regarding those of the Asian population. The aim of this study was to compare the mortality rate and causes of death in patients after TKA to the general population. METHODS: National sample cohort data from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service were used. In this study, 1:4 matched patients after TKA (TKA group: 5072) and general participants (control group: 20,288) were selected as subjects. Their average follow-up duration was 57.2 months ranging from a year up to 12 years. The matches were processed for age, gender, income, region of residence, and past medical history. Mortality rates and causes of death were compared between groups. Regarding the mortality rates, we also performed subgroup analyses according to age. RESULTS: Adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of the TKA group for mortality rate was less than 1 with significance (adjusted HR = 0.61 (95% confidence interval = 0.54-0.70, p < 0.001)). The ratios were less than 1 for both age groups (<70 and ≥70 years), respectively; however, for patients under 70, they were insignificant. Among the 11 major causes of death, the circulatory disease showed the most significantly reduced mortality rate for the TKA group compared to the control group. The neoplasm was the only other cause with a significantly reduced mortality rate for the TKA group. CONCLUSION: The mortality rate in the TKA group was significantly lower than in the control group up to 12 years after the surgery in Korea. Among the major causes of death, circulatory disease and neoplasm showed a significant reduction in the mortality rate of the TKA group compared with the control group.

Mortality and cause of death in distal radius fracture patients: A longitudinal follow-up study using a national sample cohort.

The various harmful impacts of distal radius fractures (DRFs) may cause adverse effects. Although previous studies have reported the adverse effects of DRFs on mortality, most studies were performed in adults of advanced age and paid little attention to confounding factors of mortality. Furthermore, most of these studies investigated the overall impact of DRFs on mortality without differentiating the specified causes of death.The purpose of the present study was to estimate the risk of mortality in DRF patients according to the cause of death.Data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort (NHIS-NSC) from 2002 to 2013 were collected. A total of 27,295 DRF participants who were 50 years or older were 1:4 matched with control participants for age, sex, income, and region of residence. The causes of death were grouped into 12 classifications.DRFs were not associated with increased overall mortality. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of mortality was 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.98-1.11, P = .237). The adjusted HR for mortality was not significantly different according to age. The odds ratio of overall mortality was 1.03 (95% CI = 0.97-1.11, P = .329).DRFs were not associated with a significant increase in mortality.

Anatomic femoral tunnel creation during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using curved dilator system.

PURPOSE: Recently, tunnel placements in anatomic positions have been emphasized for successful restoration of knee function after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The anteromedial portal technique is considered to be more favorable than the transtibial technique for anatomic femoral tunnel placements; however, it has some technical disadvantages. To minimize these disadvantages, the authors developed the curved dilator system (CDS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the femoral tunnel position, length, and intraoperative complications with CDS. METHODS: Sixty-two consecutive patients who underwent ACL reconstruction with CDS were subjects of this study. The femoral tunnel was created using a 4.5 mm-diameter curved guide trocar and was widened in a step-by-step manner, increasing by 1 mm dilator diameter to match the graft with the knee flexed to slightly over 90°. Femoral tunnel positions were evaluated by the quadrant method from postoperative computed tomographic images. Femoral tunnel length was measured using the curved depth gauge during surgery. Complications such as posterior wall blowout and cartilage damage were checked intraoperatively. Peroneal nerve injury was observed during the hospital stay. RESULTS: Femoral tunnel position was 32.7% ± 5.4% and 39.1% ± 5.9% in the superior-inferior and anterior-posterior positions, respectively. Femoral tunnel length was 39.2 ± 4.1 mm. Damage to medial femoral condyle cartilage, posterior wall blowout, and peroneal nerve injury did not occur in any case. CONCLUSION: ACL reconstruction with CDS resulted in anatomic positioning of the femoral tunnel and sufficient femoral tunnel length without intraoperative complications.

Morphometric Variations in the Volar Aspect of the Distal Radius.

BACKGROUND: Significant discrepancy exists between anatomical plate designs and the anatomy of the native distal radius, which may be attributable to considerable morphometric variations in the volar aspect of the distal radius. We aimed to evaluate the degree of variability in the morphometry of the distal radius and identify factors associated with this variability. METHODS: We measured the volar surface angle (VSA) of the intermediate and lateral columns and the volar surface width (VSW) in the distal radius from three-dimensional computed tomography scans acquired from 81 cadaveric forearms. These morphometric parameters were compared between the lateral and intermediate columns, between males and females, and between Koreans and Caucasians. Caucasian morphometric data were obtained and pooled from the previous studies. The coefficient of variation was used to assess the variability of the parameters and Cohen's d to estimate the effect size of the difference between groups. RESULTS: The average VSA of the lateral column was 22° ± 6°, and that of the intermediate column was 29° ± 8° in Koreans (p < 0.001). The variability was high for both VSAs. The VSA of the intermediate column was significantly larger in males than in females (p < 0.001) and in Caucasians than in Koreans (p < 0.001). The average VSW of distal radius was 30 ± 3 mm at the watershed line, and it became narrower proximally. The VSW was significantly larger in males than in females (p < 0.001) and in Koreans than in Caucasians (p < 0.001). The effect sizes of the difference for the VSA and VSW between sexes, races and columns were medium to large. CONCLUSIONS: Considerable variability exists in the morphometry of the volar distal radius, with sex, race, and column as contributing factors. These results suggest that surgeons should carefully choose an anatomical volar locking plate with appropriate angulation characteristics for each patient to achieve patient-specific alignment of the distal radius.

Comparative study between minimal medial epicondylectomy and anterior subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome.

The purpose of this study was to review the results of 2 surgical methods for treating cubital tunnel syndrome. From 1994 to 2001, minimal medial epicondylectomy was performed on 22 elbows, and anterior subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve was done on 34 elbows. In the group treated by medial epicondylectomy, 9 of the results (41%) were excellent, 10 (45%) were good, 2 (9%) were fair, and 1 result (5%) was poor. In the group treated by anterior subcutaneous transposition of ulnar nerve, 14 of the results (41%) were excellent, 13 (38%) were good, 6 (18%) were fair, and 1 result (3%) was poor. No significant difference was found between the 2 groups (P < .05). Both methods can be used for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome with a high rate of satisfaction.