Position Statement: Atypical Femoral Fracture from the Korean Society for Bone and Mineral Research in 2023

As the aging population increases, the number of patients with osteoporosis is gradually rising. Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease characterized by low bone mass and the microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, resulting in reduced bone strength and an increased risk of low-energy or fragility fractures. Thus, the use of anti-resorptive agents, such as bisphosphonates (BPs), to prevent osteoporotic fractures is growing annually. BPs are effective in reducing hip and other fractures. However, the longer a patient takes BPs, the higher the risk of an atypical femoral fracture (AFF). The exact mechanism by which long-term BP use affects the development of AFFs has not yet been clarified. However, several theories have been suggested to explain the pathogenesis of AFFs, such as suppressed bone remodeling, impaired bone healing, altered bone quality, and femoral morphology. The management of AFFs requires both medical and surgical approaches. BPs therapy should be discontinued immediately, and calcium and vitamin D levels should be evaluated and supplemented if insufficient. Teriparatide can be used for AFFs. Intramedullary nailing is the primary treatment for complete AFFs, and prophylactic femoral nailing is recommended if signs of an impending fracture are detected.

Poor Dietary Protein Intake in Elderly Population with Sarcopenia and Osteosarcopenia: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

Background@#Our purpose in this study was to evaluate any deficiency of protein intake for different types of sarcopenia, including osteosarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity and to establish a cut-off value for the relationship between malnutrition, sarcopenia, and osteosarcopenia. @*Methods@#The cross-sectional study was performed using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A total of 4,020 participants (men, 1,698 and women, 2,322) were analyzed in the present study. Sarcopenia is defined according to the criteria for the Asia Working Group for Sarcopenia. To evaluate the adequacy of protein intake, the value obtained by dividing the amount of protein consumed through food by the daily recommended protein amount (50 g/day) of Korean males was defined as the nutrient intake ratio. @*Results@#Total protein (P<0.001 in men, P<0.001 in women) and low dietary intake protein (P<0.001 in men, P=0.046 in women) were significantly lower in the sarcopenia group than in the normal group, and were significantly lower in the osteosarcopenia group than in the normal group for both men and women. The cut-off value of the adjusted weight of protein intake for sarcopenia was 0.58 g/kg/day in men and 0.98 g/kg/day in women. The cut-off value for adjusted weight of protein intake for osteo-sarcopenia was 0.8 g/kg/day in men and 0.5 g/kg/day in women. @*Conclusions@#A comprehensive dietary assessment to detect nutritional deficits that predispose one to or aggravate muscle atrophy is important for establishing a treatment plan for patients with malnutrition.

Poor Dietary Protein Intake in Elderly Population with Sarcopenia and Osteosarcopenia: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

Background@#Our purpose in this study was to evaluate any deficiency of protein intake for different types of sarcopenia, including osteosarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity and to establish a cut-off value for the relationship between malnutrition, sarcopenia, and osteosarcopenia. @*Methods@#The cross-sectional study was performed using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A total of 4,020 participants (men, 1,698 and women, 2,322) were analyzed in the present study. Sarcopenia is defined according to the criteria for the Asia Working Group for Sarcopenia. To evaluate the adequacy of protein intake, the value obtained by dividing the amount of protein consumed through food by the daily recommended protein amount (50 g/day) of Korean males was defined as the nutrient intake ratio. @*Results@#Total protein (P<0.001 in men, P<0.001 in women) and low dietary intake protein (P<0.001 in men, P=0.046 in women) were significantly lower in the sarcopenia group than in the normal group, and were significantly lower in the osteosarcopenia group than in the normal group for both men and women. The cut-off value of the adjusted weight of protein intake for sarcopenia was 0.58 g/kg/day in men and 0.98 g/kg/day in women. The cut-off value for adjusted weight of protein intake for osteo-sarcopenia was 0.8 g/kg/day in men and 0.5 g/kg/day in women. @*Conclusions@#A comprehensive dietary assessment to detect nutritional deficits that predispose one to or aggravate muscle atrophy is important for establishing a treatment plan for patients with malnutrition.

Post-operative Physical Performance Factors Associated With Gait Speed in Patients Surgically Treated for Hip Fracture: A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE: To determine post-operative physical performance factors associated with gait speed in patients surgically treated for hip fracture. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from 59 patients (16 males and 43 females; mean age, 79.2±9.1 years) who underwent hip fracture surgery were enrolled. Patients completed a 10-meter walk test (10MWT) to assess gait speed. Additional physical performance tests included the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the knee extensors and flexors on the operated and non-operated sides as well as of the hip abductors (all tested using air-resistance weight machines), and analysis of spatio-temporal gait parameters at about 6 weeks after hip surgery. RESULTS: Bivariate analyses revealed a significant positive correlation between the post-operative 10MWT and the post-operative TUG, age, swing phase duration, and gait cycle duration along with a significant negative correlation between post-operative BBS score, MVIC of the knee extensors and flexors on the operated and non-operated sides, MVIC of the hip abductors, and cadence and stance phase duration. Linear regression analyses revealed that the post-operative TUG (β=0.85, p<0.01), gait cycle duration (β=0.17, p=0.02), and osteoporosis (β=-0.18, p=0.02) were associated with the post-operative 10MWT. CONCLUSION: The presence of osteoporosis, post-operative balance, and isometric muscle strength in the operated and non-operated legs were statistically associated with post-operative gait speed early after hip fracture surgery.

Current Trends for Treating Lateral Epicondylitis

Lateral epicondylitis, also known as ‘tennis elbow’, is a degenerative rather than inflammatory tendinopathy, causing chronic recalcitrant pain in elbow joints. Although most patients with lateral epicondylitis resolve spontaneously or with standard conservative management, few refractory lateral epicondylitis are candidates for alternative non-operative and operative modalities. Other than standard conservative treatments including rest, analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, orthosis and physical therapies, nonoperative treatments encompass interventional therapies include different types of injections, such as corticosteroid, lidocaine, autologous blood, platelet-rich plasma, and botulinum toxin, which are available for both short-term and long-term outcomes in pain resolution and functional improvement. In addition, newly emerging biologic enhancement products such as bone marrow aspirate concentrate and autologous tenocyte injectates are also under clinical use and investigations. Despite all non-operative therapeutic trials, persistent debilitating pain in patients with lateral epicondylitis for more than 6 months are candidates for surgical treatment, which include open, percutaneous, and arthroscopic approaches. This review addresses the current updates on emerging non-operative injection therapies as well as arthroscopic intervention in lateral epicondylitis.

Improvement of Osteoporosis Medication after Multimodal Intervention in Patients with Hip Fracture: Prospective Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND: The authors had earlier conducted a retrospective cohort study from 2008 to 2011 in Jeju Island, among 945 hip fracture patients above 50 years of age. Of these 945 patients, 344 patients (36.4%) underwent a bone mineral density test and 218 patients (23.1%) received treatment for osteoporosis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a patient education program could improve osteoporosis management after hip fracture. The data of the previous study was used for comparison. METHODS: From November 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015, 190 patients above 50 years of age who were admitted for hip fractures at six different hospitals, were enrolled in the present study. During the hospitalization period, patients underwent education sessions and were provided brochures. Patients were evaluated for diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis at six months after discharge and were followed-up for at least a year. RESULTS: Of the 222 patients with hip fractures, 190 patients (37 men, 153 women) were enrolled at six hospitals in 2015. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was performed on 115 patients (60.5%) and 92 patients (48.4%) were prescribed medication for osteoporosis at the time of discharge. A total of 43.7% and 40.2% of the patients were found to be compliant with osteoporosis medication at 6 months and 12 months follow-up respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This interventional multicenter study demonstrated that a patient education program in patients with hip fractures can improve compliance to osteoporosis medication up to 12 months of follow-up.

Mini-open Treatment Using Plate of Clavicle Mid-shaft Fractures

BACKGROUND: Increased frequency of comminuted clavicle mid-shaft fractures and importance of functional satisfaction through early joint exercise has resulted in higher emphasis on surgical treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical radiological results of treatment of clavicle mid-shaft fractures by open reduction and internal fixation using a plate with a small incision. METHODS: The subjects of this study were 80 clavicle mid-shaft fracture cases treated with internal fixation using a plate from October 2010 to July 2014. Clavicle mid-shaft fractures were internally fixated using anatomical plates or locking compression plates. Achievement of bone union, union period, and clavicle length shortening were evaluated radiologically, and clinical assessment was done by using Constant and University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) scores. RESULTS: All 80 cases were confirmed to have achieved bone union through radiographs with an average union period of 10.9 weeks (range: 7–18 weeks). The average clavicle length of shortening in the affected side was 1.8 mm (range: 0–17 mm). The average UCLA score and Constant score were 33.6 (range: 25–35) and 92.5 (range: 65–100), respectively. Regarding complications, four cases reported skin irritation by metal plates, and one case reported a screw insertion site fracture due to minor trauma history. CONCLUSIONS: We were able to induce successful bone union and obtain clinically satisfactory results in displaced mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle without major complications such as nonunion through treatment of internal fixation using a plate.

Rotational Alignment of the Distal Femur in Korean Female Patients with Osteoarthritis Using a Computer Image Program / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to propose a method to measurement of the exact anatomical alignment from the femur using a reference axis on computed tomography (CT) images and compare the difference of alignment axis between healthy young females and female patients with osteoarthritis of knee. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 218 female patients with osteoarthritis of the knee joint (OA group), who underwent total knee arthroplasty, between January 2013 and December 2014, were enrolled in this study. The control group included 50 female patients with healthy knee joint. Each study subjects took a CT scan of their knee, and a series of axial CT images of the distal femur were overlapped using the image program. Angles were measured among the anteroposterior (AP) axis, posterior condylar axis (PCA), anatomical transepicondylar axis (aTEA), and surgical transepicondylar axis (sTEA). The differences of rotation angle between the normal and osteoarthritic knee were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean AP-PCA angle in the OA group was 92.9°±1.70°, whereas that in the control group was 96.3°±1.87° (p<0.01). The mean AP-aTEA angle was 84.5°±2.59°, and 90.8°±1.12° respectively (p<0.01). The mean AP-sTEA angle in the OA group was 88.7°±1.98°, whereas that in the control group was 95.1°±1.27° (p<0.01). The mean aTEA-PCA angle in the OA group was 8.4°±2.84°, while control group was 5.5°±2.00° (p<0.01). The mean sTEA-PCA angle in the OA group was 4.3°±1.17°, whereas that in the control group was 1.2°±2.10° (p=0.917). CONCLUSION: We measured the exact relationship between the rotational axes of the distal femur by overlapping the axial images of a CT scan. The OA group revealed a more internally rotated AP axis compared with aTEA and an increased angle of aTEA-PCA than control group.

Mini-open Treatment Using Plate of Clavicle Mid-shaft Fractures

BACKGROUND: Increased frequency of comminuted clavicle mid-shaft fractures and importance of functional satisfaction through early joint exercise has resulted in higher emphasis on surgical treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical radiological results of treatment of clavicle mid-shaft fractures by open reduction and internal fixation using a plate with a small incision. METHODS: The subjects of this study were 80 clavicle mid-shaft fracture cases treated with internal fixation using a plate from October 2010 to July 2014. Clavicle mid-shaft fractures were internally fixated using anatomical plates or locking compression plates. Achievement of bone union, union period, and clavicle length shortening were evaluated radiologically, and clinical assessment was done by using Constant and University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) scores. RESULTS: All 80 cases were confirmed to have achieved bone union through radiographs with an average union period of 10.9 weeks (range: 7–18 weeks). The average clavicle length of shortening in the affected side was 1.8 mm (range: 0–17 mm). The average UCLA score and Constant score were 33.6 (range: 25–35) and 92.5 (range: 65–100), respectively. Regarding complications, four cases reported skin irritation by metal plates, and one case reported a screw insertion site fracture due to minor trauma history. CONCLUSIONS: We were able to induce successful bone union and obtain clinically satisfactory results in displaced mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle without major complications such as nonunion through treatment of internal fixation using a plate.

Trend in Hip Fracture Incidence and Mortality in Korea: A Prospective Cohort Study from 2002 to 2011

This prospective longitudinal cohort study was to assess the 10-yr hip fracture incidence and mortality trend of person > or = 50 yr of age between 2002 and 2011 of eight hospitals in Jeju Island. Sex-specific incidence rate (per 100,000 person-years) were calculated based on that estimated for the population in the United States in 2008. Poisson and logistic regressions were used to examine trends in incidence and mortality. There was a 101% increase in the number of hip fractures from 151 in 2002 to 304 in 2011. The crude incidence of hip fractures in the Jeju population > or = 50 yr of age increased from 126.6/100,000 to 183.7/100,000. The fracture incidence in the population standardized to the 2008 population in the United States increased from 100.6/100,000 for men and 194.4/100,000 for women in 2002 to 114.2/100,000 for men and 278.4/100,000 for women in 2011. The annual increasing incidence rate of hip fracture was 4.3% (5.3% in women and 2.2% in men). Poisson regression did not show significant trends in the mortality rates for all age groups or for both genders. The total number of hip fractures increased two-fold and the incidence rate of hip fractures increased markedly during the 10-yr study period.

Incidence, Morbidity and Mortality in Patients Older than 50 Years with Second Hip Fracture in a Jeju Cohort Study / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: Although the incidence of a second hip fracture is relatively well described, mortality and morbidity after a second hip fracture are seldom evaluated. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence, morbidity, and mid-term mortality of a second hip fracture and evaluate the cause of death after a second hip fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information on patients older than 50 years, who sustained a subsequent hip fracture, were obtained from the records of eight Jeju Island hospitals between 2002 and 2011 to calculate the incidence, morbidity, and mortality of hip fractures in this age group. All patients were followed a minimum of 2 years. A systemic search for death certificates at the National Statistical Office was conducted for patients who were lost to follow-up. RESULTS: Of 2,055 hip fractures (419 men and 1,636 women), 98 were second hip fractures (13 men and 85 women) during the study period. The mean ages of the patients at the time of the first and second fractures were 78.8 and 80.8 years, respectively. The incidence of a subsequent hip fracture among the first hip fracture was 4.8%. Mean mortality rates at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years were 10.5%, 15.2%, 23.5%, and 42.0% respectively. Cumulative mortality after the second hip fracture at the 5 years follow-up was 41.8%. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that a secondary fracture prevention program is necessary to prevent second hip fractures in elderly patients.

Undertreatment of Osteoporosis Following Hip Fractures in Jeju Cohort Study

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis treatment following hip fracture is well known to not enough. We previously performed intervention study for orthopaedic surgeon's education and reported twofold increase in osteoporosis detection and treatment rate observed between 2005 and 2007. This follow-up observational study was conducted to find out the rate in which a diagnostic workup and treatment for osteoporosis were done in patients with hip fracture. METHODS: Medical records and radiographs in patients who were older than 50 years and diagnosed as having femoral neck or intertrochanteric fractures at 8 hospitals in Jeju island, South Korea from 2008 to 2011 were reviewed. The numbers of patients who were studied with bone densitometry and who were treated for osteoporosis after the diagnosis of hip fracture were analyzed. RESULTS: Nine hundred forty five hip fractures (201 in 2008, 257 in 2009, 265 in 2010, and 304 in 2011) occurred in 191 men and 754 women during the study periods. The mean age of the patients was 79.7 years. The mean rate of osteoporosis detection using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was 36.4% (344/945 hips) (ranged from 24.2% in 2009 to 40.5% in 2011). The mean initiation rate of osteoporosis treatment was 23.1% (218/945 hips) (ranged from 20% in 2009 to 29% in 2008). CONCLUSIONS: Detection and treatment rate of osteoporosis following hip fracture during follow-up periods was still not enough. Additional intervention studies are required to further improvement of osteoporosis treatment rates after hip fracture.

Morbidity and Mortality in Jeju Residents over 50-Years of Age with Hip Fracture with Mean 6-Year Follow-Up: A Prospective Cohort Study

This prospective cohort study was performed to estimate the morbidity and mortality with 790 patients over 50-yr of age that sustained a femoral neck or intertrochanteric fracture from 2002 to 2006, followed-up for a mean of 6 yr (range, 4 to 9 yr). Crude and annual standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated; and mortalities in the cohort and the age and sex matched general population were compared. The risk factors on mortality and activities pre- and post-injury were assessed. Accumulated mortality was 16.7% (132 patients) at 1 yr, 45.8% (337 patients) at 5 yr, and 60% (372 patients) at 8 yr. SMR at 5 yr post-injury was 1.3 times that of the general population. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that age (OR, 1.074; 95% CI, 1.050-1.097; P<0.001), woman (OR, 1.893; 95% CI, 1.207-2.968; P=0.005), and medical comorbidity (OR, 1.334; 95% CI, 1.167-1.524 P<0.001) were independently associated with mortality after hip fracture. Only 59 of the 150 patients (39.3%) who were able to ambulate normally outdoors at preinjury retained this ability at final follow-up. Patients with a hip fracture exhibits higher mortality at up to 5 yr than general population. Age and a preinjury comorbidity are associated with mortality.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Knee Joint Problems: Review of the Literature, Current Practice and Legal Perspectives in Korea

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrate extract of platelets from autologous blood, and represents a possible treatment option for the stimulation and acceleration of soft-tissue healing and regeneration in orthopedics. Currently, the availability of devices for outpatient preparation and delivery contributes to the increase in the clinical use of PRP therapy in practical setting of orthopedic fields. However, there is still paucity of scientific evidence in the literature to prove efficacy of PRP therapy for the treatment of ligament or tendon problems around the knee joint. Moreover, strong evidence from well-designed clinical trials to support the PRP therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee joint is yet scanty in the literature. Scientific studies need to be performed to assess clinical indications, efficacy, and safety of PRP, and this will require high powered randomized controlled trials. Nonetheless, some hospitals exaggeratedly advertise PRP procedures as the ultimate treatment and a novel technology with abundant scientific evidence for the treatment of knee problems. As a matter of fact, PRP protocols are currently approved only for use in clinical trials and research, and are not allowed for treatment purpose by any institutions in Korea. At present, clinical use of PRP therapy for ligament or tendon problems or osteoarthritis of knee joint is defined as illegal medical practice, regardless of whether it is performed as a sole procedure or as a part of prolotherapy, because the safety and validity are not yet approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. Practicing physicians should remember that injection of PRP to patients by imposing medical charge is still illegal as per the current medical law in Korea.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Knee Joint Problems - Review of the Literature, Current Practice and Legal Perspectives in Korea - : Secondary Pulblication / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrate extract of platelets from autologous blood, and represents a possible treatment option for the stimulation and acceleration of soft-tissue healing and regeneration in orthopedics. Currently, the availability of devices for outpatient preparation and delivery contributes to the increase in the clinical use of PRP therapy in practical setting of orthopedic fields. However, there is still paucity of scientific evidence in the literature to prove efficacy of PRP therapy for the treatment of ligament or tendon problems around the knee joint. Moreover, strong evidence from well-designed clinical trials to support the PRP therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee joint is yet scanty in the literature. Scientific studies need to be performed to assess clinical indications, efficacy, and safety of PRP, and this will require high powered randomized controlled trials. Nonetheless, some hospitals exaggeratedly advertise PRP procedures, as the ultimate treatment and a novel technology with abundant scientific evidence for the treatment of knee problems. As a matter of fact, PRP protocols are currently approved only for the use in clinical trials and research, and are not allowed for treatment purpose by any institutions in Korea. At present, clinical use of PRP therapy for ligament or tendon problems or osteoarthritis of knee joint is defined as an illegal medical practice, regardless of whether it is performed as a sole procedure or as a part of prolotherapy, because the safety and validity are not yet approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. Practicing physicians should remember that injection of PRP to patients by imposing medical charge is still illegal, as per the current medical laws in Korea.

Orthopedic Surgeon's Awareness Can Improve Osteoporosis Treatment Following Hip Fracture: A Prospective Cohort Study

Through retrospective Jeju-cohort study at 2005, we found low rates of detection of osteoporosis (20.1%) and medication for osteoporosis (15.5%) in those who experienced hip fracture. This study was to determine the orthopedic surgeons' awareness could increase the osteoporosis treatment rate after a hip fracture and the patient barriers to osteoporosis management. We prospectively followed 208 patients older than 50 yr who were enrolled for hip fractures during 2007 in Jeju-cohort. Thirty four fractures in men and 174 in women were treated at the eight hospitals. During the study period, orthopedic surgeons who worked at these hospitals attended two education sessions and were provided with posters and brochures. Patients were interviewed 6 months after discharge using an evaluation questionnaire regarding their perceptions of barriers to osteoporosis treatment. The patients were followed for a minimum of one year. Ninety-four patients (45.2%) underwent detection of osteoporosis by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and 67 (32.2%) were prescribed medication for osteoporosis at the time of discharge. According to the questionnaire, the most common barrier to treatment for osteoporosis after a hip fracture was patients reluctance. The detection and medication rate for osteoporosis after hip fracture increased twofold after orthopedic surgeons had attended the intervention program. Nevertheless, the osteoporosis treatment rate remains inadequate.

The Comparison of Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis and Intramedullary Nailing in the Treatment of the Proximal and Distal Tibia Fracture

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of the surgical treatment through the comparison of Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO) and Intramedullary (IM) nailing in the treatment of the tibial shaft fractures expended to metaphysis retrospectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with proximal or distal third fracture of tibial shaft from May 2003 to Aug. 2006 were divided into two groups depending on the surgical method. Group A consisted of 30 patients treated with IM nailing, Group B was 29 patients treated with MIPO. The clinical outcomes were evaluated retrospectively from the time for bone union and callus formation confirmed by X-ray, functional score of knee or ankle joint, and complications including nonunion, malalignment and infection. RESULTS: Bone union was seen radiologically at a mean of 17.4 weeks in group A, and 17.0 weeks in group B. In postoperative complications, group A showed two nonunion, two delayed-union, six malalignment, and two wound infection while group B showed only one delayed-union and one wound infection. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in the time for bony union and functional score between IM nailing and MIPO. Conventional IM nailing with only interlocking technique showed higher incidence of malalignment and deformity than MIPO for the treatment of the proximal or distal third fracture of the tibial shaft.

Risk Factors of Deep Infection after Thoracic and Lumbar Spinal Arthrodesis / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective analysis OBJECTIVES: We wanted to analyze the risk factors related to deep infection and removing an implant after thoracic and lumbar spinal arthrodesis. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEWS: The relationship between deep infection and implant removal is controversial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively compared the infection group with the non-infection group for the rates of deep infection, the preoperative diagnosis, the number of fused segments, the operative methods, the graft materials, the operating time and the blood loss. Moreover, we classified the deep infection patients into two groups: those who underwent implant removal and those who did not, and we compared the microorganisms that were cultured out of the patients. We also compared the relationship of deep infection with the risk factors, the mean hospital stay and the mean number of operations. RESULTS: There were 18 cases (2.46%) of deep infection. The factors that did not show a significant difference were the preoperative diagnosis, the graft material, the increased number of fused segments, age, gender and BMI. The factors that were significant were the operating time (p=0.001), the amount of blood loss (p<0.000), DM (p=0.021), and PLF (p=0.054). The incidence of implant removal was higher for the cases with deep infection caused by MRSA. We were able to see a significant difference of between the group that had undergone implant removal and the group that had not undergone implant removal. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of deep infection after thoracic and lumbar spinal athrodesis increased as the operating time and blood loss increased, and it was also higher when either PLF or DM were present. Implant removal causes bad clinical results, so physicians should be very cautious when operating on a case of implant removal.

Clinical Analysis According to p21(Waf1/Cip1) and p27(Kip1) Expression in Gastric Cancer

PURPOSE: The p21(Waf1/Cip1) protein inhibits the cell cycle by inhibiting the phosphorylation at the G1-->S check point, and the p27(Kip1) protein similarly performs the suppressor function by controlling the p27-mediated G1 arrest. In this study, we analysed the clinical status and survival rates in correlations with p21 and p27 expression patterns in gastric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1993 and 1997, 192 patients who underwent surgeries in Catholic Medical Center were analysed retrospectively in this study. Immunohistochemical staining was performed and if the nuclei of the tumor cells were stained, we assumed those as positive results. Statistical analysis was based on clinicopathological findings and differences in survival rates. RESULTS: The expression rate of p27 was 28.1% and 15.6% in p21 each. The ratio of T1-2(80.0%) was significantly high in p21 (+), but the ratio of T3-4 (50.6%) was slightly high in p21 (-). There was no statistical significance regarding other factors. The results in p27 was not much different from expression rate of p21 in T-stage. In addition, p27 expression in diffuse type (91.3%) was higher than in intestinal type (62.7%) by Lauren's classification (P <0.05). Also, there was no statistical significance in other factors. In the correlation of p21 and p27, p27 was positive when p21 was positive (53.5%). Conversely, p27 was negative when p21 was negative (76.5%, p <0.05). In the p21 and p27 combination test, there was higher rate of T1-2 (87.5%) in p21 (+)/p27 (+), and higher rate of T3-4 (58.1%) in p21 (-)/p27 (-) (P <0.05). Results showed higher rate of intestinal type (100%) in p21 (+)/p27 (+), and diffuse type (87.0%) was dominant in p21 (-)/p27 (-) (P <0.05) by Lauren's classification. Moreover, there was no statistical significance in the 5-year survival rate in the expression of p21 and p27, and the 5-year survival rate was highest in the case of p21 (+)/p27 (+) without statistical significance. CONCLUSION: In our study, p21(Waf1/Cip1) and p27(Kip1) expressed similar patterns. The expression of p21(Waf1/Cip1) and p27(Kip1) affected the degree of invasiveness of the tumor, and. Combined examination result revealed the correlation of p21(Waf1/Cip1) and p27(Kip1) with Lauren's classification and depth of invasion of the tumor. However, we assumed that little difference between the survival rates depending on expression of p21(Waf1/Cip1) and p27(Kip1) has limited their value as predictable prognostic indicators.

Impacts of Metabolic Demand and Renal Mass Supply on the Early Graft Function Following Living Donor Renal Transplantation / 대한이식학회지

PURPOSE: Chronic rejection accounts for the majority of late renal graft losses and there is good evidence that both immunologic and non-immunologic factors are important in late graft loss. The hyperfiltration hypothesis postulates that kidneys with reduced renal mass will progress toward failure due to hypertrophy of the remaining nephron to meet the excess metabolic demand, eventually leading to nephron exhaustion. The impact of metabolic demand and renal mass supply on the early graft function, especially hyperfiltration phenomenon, remains uncertain. METHODS: In this study, we analyzed age, gender, body weight, height, body surface area (BSA), lean body weight (LBW), and serum creatinine (SCr) of both donors and recipients. We weighed the donated kidney and measured the recipient's SCr and LBW for six months postoperatively. Modified Cockcroft-Gault Equation standardized for BSA was used to calculate renal glomerular filtration rate (CrCl, mL/min/1.73 m2). The variables and the CrCl of the 3rd day and 6th month were analyzed with accordance to donor/recipient LBW ratio(D/R LBW) and graft weight/recipient LBW (GW/RLBW) by independent sample t-test and paired t-test using SPSS, and P1), the 3rd day and 6th month CrCl were 80.82+/-28.74 and 71.66+/-12.12, respectively. In R group (D/R LBW3), the 3rd day CrCl was 86.08+/-25.13, which was significantly decreased to 73.48+/-11.64 at the 6th month (P=0.023). In L group (GW/RLBW< or =3), the 3rd day and 6th month CrCl were 66.95+/-19.94 and 73.34+/-10.60 (P=0.158), respectively. the 3rd day CrCl of H group was higher than that of L group significantly (P=0.047), but 6th month CrCl showed no difference between the two groups (P=0.975). CONCLUSIONS: The 3rd day CrCl represents early graft function well. GW/RLBW has a strong correlation with early graft function. In L group with low early graft function, CrCl was tended to be increased to meet the metabolic demand for following the 6 months. Conversely, in H group with high early graft function, CrCl was decreased to reduce the excess graft function. So the 6th month CrCl represents adapted graft function. In this study, therefore, we postulate that the hyperfiltration or hypofiltration develops according to metabolic demand and renal mass supply.