Treatment of Cervical Perineural Cyst by the Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Perineural cysts are usually discovered incidentally; only approximately one percent of such cysts are symptomatic. Symptomatic cervical perineural cysts, of which only five case reports have been found in the literature, are extremely rare and there is no consensus regarding treatment. When a cervical perineural cyst is discovered in a patient with cervical radiculopathy without the cause of other apparent compression, the cyst can be considered as a possible cause of cervical radiculopathy. In such cases, non-surgical conservative treatment can be considered before any surgical intervention. We reported the successful treatment of case of a 40-year-old woman with a symptomatic cervical perineural cyst by oral steroids and transforaminal epidural steroid injection.

Analysis of the Risk Factors for Unfavorable Radiologic Outcomes after Fusion Surgery in Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture : What Amount of Postoperative Thoracolumbar Kyphosis Correction is Reasonable?

OBJECTIVE: The aims in the management of thoracolumbar spinal fractures are not only to restore vertebral column stability, but also to obtain acceptable alignment of the thoracolumbar junction (T-L junction) to prevent complications. However, insufficient surgical correction of the thoracolumbar spine would be likely to cause late progression of abnormal kyphosis. Therefore, we identified the surgical factors that affected unfavorable radiologic outcomes of the thoracolumbar spine after surgery. METHODS: This study was conducted in a single institution from January 2007 to December 2013. A total of 98 patients with unstable thoracolumbar spine fracture were included. In these patients, fixation was done through transpedicular screws with rods by three surgical patterns. We reviewed digital radiographs and analyzed the images preoperatively and postoperatively during follow-up visits to compare the change of the thoracolumbar Cobb angle with radiologic parameters and clinical outcomes. The unfavorable radiologic group was defined as the patients who were measured as having greater than 20 degrees of thoracolumbar Cobb angle on the last follow-up, or who underwent kyphotic progression of thoracolumbar Cobb angle greater than 10 degrees from the immediate postoperative state to final follow-up, or who had overt instrument failure with/without additional surgery. We assessed the risk factors that affected the unfavorable radiologic outcomes. RESULTS: We had 43 patients with unfavorable radiologic outcomes, including 35 abnormal thoracolumbar alignments and 14 instrumental failures with/without additional surgery. The multivariate logistic regression test showed that immediate postoperative T-L junction Cobb angle less than 10.5 degrees was a statistically significant risk factor, as well as the presence of osteoporosis (p=0.017 and 0.049, respectively). CONCLUSION: Insufficient correction of thoracolumbar kyphosis was considered to be a major factor of an unfavorable radiological outcome. The spinal surgeon should consider that having a T-L junction Cobb angle larger than 10.5 degrees immediately after surgery could result in an unfavorable radiological outcome, which is related to a poor clinical outcome.

Analysis of the Risk Factors for Unfavorable Radiologic Outcomes after Fusion Surgery in Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture : What Amount of Postoperative Thoracolumbar Kyphosis Correction is Reasonable?

OBJECTIVE: The aims in the management of thoracolumbar spinal fractures are not only to restore vertebral column stability, but also to obtain acceptable alignment of the thoracolumbar junction (T-L junction) to prevent complications. However, insufficient surgical correction of the thoracolumbar spine would be likely to cause late progression of abnormal kyphosis. Therefore, we identified the surgical factors that affected unfavorable radiologic outcomes of the thoracolumbar spine after surgery.METHODS: This study was conducted in a single institution from January 2007 to December 2013. A total of 98 patients with unstable thoracolumbar spine fracture were included. In these patients, fixation was done through transpedicular screws with rods by three surgical patterns. We reviewed digital radiographs and analyzed the images preoperatively and postoperatively during follow-up visits to compare the change of the thoracolumbar Cobb angle with radiologic parameters and clinical outcomes. The unfavorable radiologic group was defined as the patients who were measured as having greater than 20 degrees of thoracolumbar Cobb angle on the last follow-up, or who underwent kyphotic progression of thoracolumbar Cobb angle greater than 10 degrees from the immediate postoperative state to final follow-up, or who had overt instrument failure with/without additional surgery. We assessed the risk factors that affected the unfavorable radiologic outcomes.RESULTS: We had 43 patients with unfavorable radiologic outcomes, including 35 abnormal thoracolumbar alignments and 14 instrumental failures with/without additional surgery. The multivariate logistic regression test showed that immediate postoperative T-L junction Cobb angle less than 10.5 degrees was a statistically significant risk factor, as well as the presence of osteoporosis (p=0.017 and 0.049, respectively).CONCLUSION: Insufficient correction of thoracolumbar kyphosis was considered to be a major factor of an unfavorable radiological outcome. The spinal surgeon should consider that having a T-L junction Cobb angle larger than 10.5 degrees immediately after surgery could result in an unfavorable radiological outcome, which is related to a poor clinical outcome.

Surfer's Myelopathy : Case Series and Literature Review

Three male patients diagnosed with surfer's myelopathy (19–30 years) were admitted to our hospital. All three patients were novice surfers showing a typical clinical course of rapid progression of paraplegia following the onset of back pain. Typical history and magnetic resonance imaging features indicated the diagnosis of surfer's myelopathy. Two patients received high-dose steroid therapy and the other was treated with induced hypertension. One patient treated with induced hypertension showed almost full recovery; however, two patients who received high-dose steroid therapy remained completely paraplegic and required catheterization for bladder and bowel dysfunction despite months of rehabilitation. Our case series demonstrates the potentially devastating neurological outcome of surfer's myelopathy; however, early recovery in the initial 24–72 hours of presentation can occur in some patients, which is in accordance with previous reports. Ischemic insult to the spinal cord is thought to play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of surfer's myelopathy. Treatment recommendations include hydration, induced hypertension, early spinal angiography with intra-arterial intervention, intravenous tissue plasminogen activator, and high-dose steroid therapy; however, there is no standardized treatment option available. Early recovery appears to be important for long-term neurological outcome. Induced hypertension for initial treatment can be helpful for improving spinal cord perfusion; therefore, it is important for early and long-term neurological recovery. Education and awareness are essential for preventing surfer's myelopathy and avoiding further deterioration of neurological function.

Surfer's Myelopathy : Case Series and Literature Review

Three male patients diagnosed with surfer's myelopathy (19–30 years) were admitted to our hospital. All three patients were novice surfers showing a typical clinical course of rapid progression of paraplegia following the onset of back pain. Typical history and magnetic resonance imaging features indicated the diagnosis of surfer's myelopathy. Two patients received high-dose steroid therapy and the other was treated with induced hypertension. One patient treated with induced hypertension showed almost full recovery; however, two patients who received high-dose steroid therapy remained completely paraplegic and required catheterization for bladder and bowel dysfunction despite months of rehabilitation. Our case series demonstrates the potentially devastating neurological outcome of surfer's myelopathy; however, early recovery in the initial 24–72 hours of presentation can occur in some patients, which is in accordance with previous reports. Ischemic insult to the spinal cord is thought to play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of surfer's myelopathy. Treatment recommendations include hydration, induced hypertension, early spinal angiography with intra-arterial intervention, intravenous tissue plasminogen activator, and high-dose steroid therapy; however, there is no standardized treatment option available. Early recovery appears to be important for long-term neurological outcome. Induced hypertension for initial treatment can be helpful for improving spinal cord perfusion; therefore, it is important for early and long-term neurological recovery. Education and awareness are essential for preventing surfer's myelopathy and avoiding further deterioration of neurological function.

Analysis of Macular Layer Thickness Measured Using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography in Korean Subjects

PURPOSE: To analyze macular layer thickness using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in normal subjects. METHODS: One hundred normal eyes were enrolled in this study. Macular thickness was measured via enhanced depth imaging using Heidelberg Spectralis(R) OCT, using calipers within the program. RESULTS: Central subfield thickness was 11.35 +/- 2.11 microm in the retinal nerve fiber layer, 13.33 +/- 4.16 microm in the ganglion cell layer, 19.38 +/- 3.20 microm in the inner plexiform layer, 18.23 +/- 4.66 microm in the inner nuclear layer, 23.27+/- 6.83 microm in the outer plexiform layer, 91.97 +/- 9.59 microm in the outer nuclear layer, 16.68 +/- 1.83 microm in the retinal pigment epithelium layer, 179.82 +/- 29.99 microm in the inner retinal layer, and 88.32 +/- 2.81 microm in the photoreceptors layer. No significant differences were observed in the spherical equivalent according to age. Despite no significant differences being present, the macular central subfield thickness was thinner in women than in men. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, differences in macular layer thickness were found according to age and gender which should be considered when macular diseases are evaluated.

Systemic Steroid Therapy for Serous Retinal Detachment Caused by Excessive Endolaser during Diabetic Retinopathy Surgery

PURPOSE: To report cases of macular serous retinal detachment caused by excessive intraoperative endolaser in patients with diabetic vitreous hemorrhage. Macular serous retinal detachment was improved by systemic steroid therapy. CASE SUMMARY: A 64-year-old male (case 1) and a 67-year-old female (case 2) treated with vitrectomy and endolaser (case 1, 3,184 shots; case 2, 1,734 shots) because of diabetic vitreous hemorrhage visited our out-patient clinic with blurred vision. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in case 1 was hand motion and 0.03 in case 2. Fundus examination and optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed extensive subretinal fluid accumulation of the posterior pole. With the diagnosis of macular serous retinal detachment caused by excessive intraoperative endoaser, oral steroid (40 mg/qd, 5 days) was administered and then later reduced in case 1. In case 2, we administered intravenous high-dose steroid (250 mg/qid, 3 days). After systemic steroid therapy, BCVA was improved to 20/30 in case 1 and 20/40 in case 2 and OCT showed the subretinal fluid was resolved. CONCLUSIONS: During diabetic retinopathy surgery, excessive endolaser induced macular serous retinal detachment and systemic steroid therapy was necessary in diabetic patients. Thus, physicians should be well acquainted with this complication.

Noninfectious Endophthalmitis after Intravitreal Injection of Aflibercept

PURPOSE: To report a case of noninfectious endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection of aflibercept. CASE SUMMARY: A 67-year-old male patient presented with sudden vision loss 2 days after intravitreal aflibercept injection for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Mild conjunctival injection and moderate inflammation in the anterior chamber were noted, but he had no ocular pain or hypopyon. The patient was diagnosed with noninfectious endophthalmitis and successfully treated with topical antibiotics and topical steroid eye drops. The infection was apparently cleared at 3 days. At 10 days after the initial presentation, his vision loss resolved completely. CONCLUSIONS: Noninfectious endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection of aflibercept can be treated with topical steroids.

Pulmonary Embolism and Uterine Venous Plexus Thrombosis in the Postpartum Period / 대한법의학회지

Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) associated with uterine venous plexus thrombosis is very rare. This was recently observed in a puerperal woman without significant medical history. The woman had two pregnancy-associated risk factors for venous thromboembolism, which were obesity and cesarean delivery. A day after cesarean delivery, she presented with dyspnea and cyanosis. When transferred to a larger hospital, no pulse was detected, and she was pronounced dead. Autopsy examination revealed that the cause of death was related to PTE, apparently due to thrombi that originated in the uterine venous plexus.

Ulnar Artery Thrombosis in Guyon's Canal

Causes of ulnar nerve compression in Guyon's canal are various, but thrombosis of the ulnar artery due to a single trauma is rarely reported. We report a case of ulnar nerve compression caused by traumatic thrombosis of the ulnar artery in Guyon's canal. Surgical excision of the ulnar artery thrombus and end to end anastomosis resulted in complete relief of the patient's symptoms.

Large Cavernous Hemangioma of the Subscapularis Muscle: A Case Report

We report a case of intramuscular hemangioma in the subscapularis muscle and the resulting impairment of shoulder function in an adult patient. A nineteen-year-old female complained of shoulder pain and the development of a mass in the absence of previous trauma. Physical examinations, including lift-off and belly-press tests, showed abnormality. X-ray showed multiple calcifications in the front of the scapula. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a soft-tissue mass occupying almost the entire intramuscular portion of the subscapularis muscle. An arthroscopic examination excluded the possibility of a joint invasion, after which the entire mass was successfully removed by open excision. The displacement of the subscapularis by the mass was relieved after the surgery. Pathological diagnosis of the tissue confirmed a cavernous hemangioma. Both shoulder pain and function was improved after operation. There was no evidence of recurrence even at the 2-year follow-up. Rare forms of hemangioma adjacent to the shoulder joint could be successfully managed with surgical excision. Differential diagnosis, such as synovial chondromatosis, pigmented villonodular synovitis, and malignant sarcoma, should also be considered.

Intramedullary Nailing of Distal Tibial Fractures with Percutaneous Reduction by Pointed Reduction Forceps

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the radiographic and clinical results of intramedullary nailing after percutaneous reduction using pointed reduction forceps for spiral or oblique fractures of the distal tibia. The benefit of percutaneous reduction using pointed reduction forceps in anatomical reduction and maintenance was assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2005 to December 2009, 47 cases of distal one-third tibial fracture were managed by intramedullary nailing using pointed reduction forceps. Thirty-eight cases were spiral fracture and nine cases were oblique fracture. In all cases, the percutaneous reduction was achieved using pointed reduction forceps under fluoroscopy control. While maintaining the reduction with the pointed reduction forceps, the intramedullary nail was inserted. The pointed reduction forceps were removed after insertion of proximal and distal inter-locking screws. Alignment was evaluated with anterior-posterior and lateral radiographs taken immediately post-operation and at the time of union. RESULTS: At immediate post-operation, the mean displacement of valgus and anterior angulation was 0.57degrees and 0.24degrees, respectively. That of valgus and anterior angulation at bone union was 0.37degrees and 0.16degrees, respectively. The average duration of bone union was 16.1 weeks. CONCLUSION: Intramedullary nailing with percutaneous reduction using pointed reduction forceps for distal tibial fractures was an easy and effective method for achievement of accurate alignment intra-operatively. Accurate alignment was successfully maintained until bone union.

Large Cavernous Hemangioma of the Subscapularis Muscle: A Case Report

We report a case of intramuscular hemangioma in the subscapularis muscle and the resulting impairment of shoulder function in an adult patient. A nineteen-year-old female complained of shoulder pain and the development of a mass in the absence of previous trauma. Physical examinations, including lift-off and belly-press tests, showed abnormality. X-ray showed multiple calcifications in the front of the scapula. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a soft-tissue mass occupying almost the entire intramuscular portion of the subscapularis muscle. An arthroscopic examination excluded the possibility of a joint invasion, after which the entire mass was successfully removed by open excision. The displacement of the subscapularis by the mass was relieved after the surgery. Pathological diagnosis of the tissue confirmed a cavernous hemangioma. Both shoulder pain and function was improved after operation. There was no evidence of recurrence even at the 2-year follow-up. Rare forms of hemangioma adjacent to the shoulder joint could be successfully managed with surgical excision. Differential diagnosis, such as synovial chondromatosis, pigmented villonodular synovitis, and malignant sarcoma, should also be considered.

Adjacent Vertebral Compression Fracture after Percutaneous Vertebroplasty

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To find out the characteristics and the risk factors of adjacent vertebral compression fracture after percutaneous vertebroplasty. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Percutaneous vertebroplasty is regarded as more effective treatment than conservative care, but additional fracture could cause complications during follow up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 43 patients who had only one vertebral compression fracture after one vertebroplasty. The number of patients who had additional compression fracture within one level from the operated vertebra were 23 cases (Group I); beyond two levels from the operated vertebra were 20 cases (Group II). We compared the onset period of additional compression fracture, the degree of osteoporosis, age, level, restoration of vertebral body height and kyphosis between the two groups. RESULTS: The onset period of additional compression fracture was 18.7+/-28.1 months in Group I and 42.7+/-39.4 months in Group II, showing significant difference between the two groups. Group I had more cases of previous vertebroplasty on thoraco-lumbar vertebra than Group II. The restoration rate of vertebral body height of Group I was 42.3+/-40.9% and that of Group II was 22.8+/-21.6%, which shows significant difference between the two. CONCLUSION: Adjacent vertebral compression fracture after vertebroplasty can occur earlier than non adjacent one. We need to pay attention to the patients who had higher restoration rate of vertebral body height after vertebroplsty as they are more prone to having additional adjacent compression fracture.

Long-term Results of Hybrid Total Knee Arthroplasty: Minimum 10-years Follow-up

PURPOSE: To evaluate the survival rate and long term clinical outcomes of hybrid total knee arthroplasty (TKA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 113 hybrid TKAs (NexGen) in 86 patients that were followed for more than 10 years. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated using revision as an end point. Knee Society Score (KSS) and range of motion were evaluated for clinical assessment and plane radiographs were used to evaluate implant problems. RESULTS: At 11.2 years (range, 10 to 12.2 years) of follow-up on average, 7 knees required revision. The reason for revision was aseptic loosening in 4 knees (1 in femoral and tibial component and 3 in tibial component only) and infection in 3 knees. The survival rate was 93.8% at 12 years for all knees, and 96.5% when septic loosening was excluded. The KSS improved from 29.3 to 91.5 in the Cruciate-Retaining type (CR) and from 21.5 to 90.3 in the posterior stabilizing type (PS) at latest follow-up. The average range of motion was improved from 120.6degrees to 133.8degrees in the CR type and 119.5degrees to 135.5degrees in the PS type. CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid TKA provides good survival rates and clinical results comparable to cemented TKA.

The Length of the Patellar Tendon in Normal Adults

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to measure the length of the patellar tendon in normal adults and to analyze the effect of several anthropological variables on the patellar tendon length. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 316 knees (278 males, 38 females) that were undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a bone-patellar-bone autograft. The patellar tendon length was measured on the middle 1/3 of the ipsilateral patellar tendon taken during the operation and we analyzed the relationships between the tendon length and age, weight, height and gender using simple correlation tests and linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean tendon length was 42.6 mm (range: 30~60 mm) and the mean age, mean weight and mean height was 32.7 years, 72.8 kg and 170.2 cm, respectively. There was weak negative correlation between the tendon length and age (Pearson correlation r=-0.187) and weak positive correlation between the tendon length and weight (r=0.288) but there was no significant correlation between tendon length and the body mass index (p=0.282) There was a positive correlation between tendon length and height (r=0.434). There was a significant difference between the males and females for the length of tendon (p<0.001), yet after removing the variance of height, the difference was statistically insignificant (beta=-0.041, p=0.491). The linear regression equation for the patellar tendon length (y, in centimeters) as a function of height (x, in centimeter) can be expressed as y=0.032x1.183. CONCLUSION: The length of the patellar tendon is correlated with height, and a patient's height can predict the length of the patellar tendon.

Factors Affecting the Range of Motion after Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: We aimed to analyze the clinical results and investigate the factors that affect the range of motion (ROM) after revision total knee arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We measured the range of motion from 61 knees of 55 patients who underwent revision total knee arthroplasty using the Nexgen(R) LCCK and we investigated the factors affecting the postoperative ROM, including age, the body mass index (BMI), the preoperative ROM, deformity, causes of revision (septic vs. aseptic) and the type of polyethylene inserts (constrained vs. posterior-stabilized). The clinical results and radiographic findings were assessed using the American Knee Society Score and the roentgenographic method of the American Knee Society. RESULTS: The mean range of motion was improved from 113.7degrees to 127.2degrees. The preoperative ROM (p=0.000) and diagnosis (p=0.006) significantly influenced the postoperative ROM, yet age (p=0.386), BMI (p=0.054), deformity (p=0.218) and the type of polyethylene insert (p=0.195) were not related to the postoperative knee ROM. The American Knee Society Knee Score and Function Score on average was improved from 31.7 and 27.9 points to 86.7 and 64.7 points, respectively. CONCLUSION: The range of motion and clinical results were satisfactory after revision total knee arthroplasty using the Nexgen(R) LCCK, and the important factors affecting the range of motion after operation were the preoperative ROM and the causes of revision. The range of motion after arthroplasty using the constrained type polyethylene insert was not inferior to that using the posterior-stabilized insert.

Recent Trend and Transition of Last 10 Years of Ski and Snowboard Injuries / 대한스포츠의학회지

To analysis the trend of ski and snow board injury, and use this study result in designing injuries prevention strategy. We studied 25,292 patients who had the ski and snow board injuries in a ski resort in Pyeongchang Gun, Gangwon Do, Korea during 1999-2001 season, 2005-2007 season, and 2008-2010 season. They were studied with a questionnaires, physical examination and radiograph. And the analysis was based on age, sex, injury type and site and slope level of difficulty. Snow board related injury have increased, injury to teens and thirties increased, injury to female snowboarder increased (p<0.001), contusion type of ski and snow board injury increased (p<0.001) and upper extremity injury increased but beginner grade slope injury (p<0.001) decreased since last 10 years. The overall type and site of ski and snowboard injuries have changed due to increased snowboard injury, gender and age of them have shown the diversity since last 10 years.

Bony Ankylosis Secondary to Heterotopic Ossification Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Report

Bony ankylosis secondary to heterotopic ossification following total knee arthroplasty is extremely rare, and to the best of our knowledge, there has been no reported case of this in Korea. We present such a case in a 48 year-old female who underwent primary total knee replacement due to traumatic osteoarthritis.

Treatment of the Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation Using a AO Hook Plate

PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate the results of treating acromioclavicular joint dislocation using an AO hook plate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between February 2008 and September 2009, 10 patients underwent implant removal after surgical treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation using a AO hook plate. The Constant-Murley scoring system was administered postoperatively for evaluating the clinical results, and simple X-ray was taken for evaluating the state of reduction. RESULTS: All cases showed satisfactory results on the clinical and radiological study. The mean Constant-Murley score at follow-up was 90.5 (range: 84~95). Three patients had some degree of discomfort with the hook plate, but these symptoms were relieved on removal of the plate. The radiological evaluation showed restoration of the vertical displacement of the clavicle in all the patients. No complications occurred such as infection, plate failure or redislocation after removal of the plate. CONCLUSION: The short term follow-up results of treating acromioclvicular joint dislocation using an AO hook plate were satisfactory both clinically and radiologically.