Clinical Outcomes of Triple Tension Band Wirings in Comminuted Patellar Fracture:A Comparison with Conventional Tension Band Wiring

Purpose@#This study devised triple tension band wirings (TTBW) fixation in patients with comminuted patella fractures to compare the clinical result of TTBW with that of tension band wiring (TBW). @*Materials and Methods@#This study was conducted on 91 patients who had undergone surgery diagnosed with acute patella fracture from January 2011 to December 2016. The study included 51 double TBW patients (Group 1) and 40 patients with TTBW (Group 2). @*Results@#Five out of 51 cases had a loss of reduction and fixation failure in Group 1, and no failure of fracture formation healing occurred in Group 2. Nonunion was noted in one case in Group 1 and no case in Group 2. Eight K-wire migration cases were observed in Group 1, which was not observed in Group 2. Six patients in Group 1 underwent revisional surgery. No patients in Group 2 had a reoperation. As a result of a one-year follow-up after the operation, the mean range of motion of the knee joint in groups 1 and 2 was 128.3°±11.3° and 127.9°±10.8°, respectively. The Lysholm’s scores for groups 1 and 2 were 90.8±4.2 and 90.3±3.8 points, respectively, which was not statistically significant. @*Conclusion@#TTBW is a helpful technique for the surgical treatment of comminuted patella fractures. The TTBW method has less reoperation due to nonunion and fixation failure. After a one-year followup, the clinical results were similar to the conventional TBW method.

Joint Replacement Surgery in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in South Korea:Analysis of a Large National Database

Background@#We aimed to investigate the current trend of joint replacement surgery incidence in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in South Korea and to compare the incidence of joint replacement surgery in each affected joint. @*Methods@#We performed this big data analysis to investigate the current trend of joint replacement surgery incidence in patients with RA in South Korea and to compare the incidence of joint replacement surgery in each affected joint. This retrospective study was based on data from the Korea National Health Insurance claims database. @*Results@#The prevalence of RA increased every year (0.13% in 2008, 0.25% in 2016). The number of newly diagnosed patients increased from 29,184 in 2010 to 38,347 in 2016. The incidence rate of joint replacement surgery in patients with RA increased from 0.72% in 2010 to 4.03% in 2016. The knee (68.3%) was the most commonly replaced joint. The relative risk (RR) of additional joint replacement surgery was highest for the shoulder joint (RR,1.454; 95% confidence interval, 0.763–2.771). The median time from diagnosis to surgery was the shortest in the elbow joint (379 days) and the longest in the shoulder joint (955 days). The median time for each joint was short in order of the elbows, ankles, hips, knees, and shoulders (p < 0.01). @*Conclusions@#The most frequently and initially replaced joints were different, but the prevalence and incidence of RA, as well as those of joint replacement surgery, have recently increased in South Korea. Joint replacement surgery in RA was the highest for the knee joint. The median time from diagnosis to surgery was shortest for the elbow, followed by the ankle, hip, knee, and shoulder. Regardless of whether patients are symptomatic, evaluation of large joints such as the knee, elbow, ankle, and hip should be considered from an early stage.

Combined PCL and PLC Reconstruction Improves Residual Laxity in PCL Injury Patients with Posterolateral Knee Laxity Less Than Grade III

Purpose@#To compare the short-term clinical and radiologic outcomes of combined posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and posterolateral complex (PLC) reconstruction to those of isolated PCL reconstruction (PCLR) for patients with posterolateral knee laxity less than grade III. @*Materials and Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed 49 patients (51 knees) who underwent PCLR between January 2008 and December 2015. Patients with a minimum follow-up of 24 months were included and divided into two groups (group A, isolated PCLR; group B, combined PCL and PLC reconstruction). Clinical outcomes were evaluated as the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective, Lysholm, and Tegner activity scale scores. Radiologic outcomes were also assessed using the side-to-side differences in posterior tibial translation via stress radiographs. @*Results@#A total of 30 cases were analyzed. There were no significant differences in the Lysholm and Tegner activity scale scores between the two groups preoperatively and at the final follow-up. However, group B showed a higher IKDC subjective score compared to group A at the final follow-up (group A, 72.8±8.9; group B, 77.7±10.1; p<0.05). Regarding the radiologic outcomes, group B also showed a significantly less side-to-side difference in posterior tibial translation compared to group A at the final follow-up (group A, 4.8±2.3 mm; group B, 3.8±2.1 mm; p<0.05). @*Conclusion@#Combined PCL and PLC reconstruction resulted in improved clinical and radiologic outcomes than isolated PCLR in patients who have less than grade III posterolateral laxity of the knee. In cases of PCL rupture with ambiguous PLC injury, combined PCL and PLC reconstruction may help to improve posterior residual laxity of the knee.

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for the Capitellum Fracture of the Humerus / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Purpose@#Fractures of the capitellum of the humerus are relatively rare injuries, and the prevalence is known to be less than 1% of all elbow fractures. Since the capitellum forms an articular surface with the radial head, this fracture is considered to be an intra-articular fracture, and surgical treatment is required for the displaced fracture. Due to the rarity of this type of fracture, only a few studies on treatment have been published. We report the results of cases that underwent surgical treatment for capitellum fractures. @*Materials and Methods@#Through a retrospective review, patients who underwent surgical treatment for a capitellum fracture from January 2002 to January 2020, and who could be followed-up for at least 12 months and were over 16 years old were included. A total of 19 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation with K-wires and headless compression screws were included.Radiographic analysis was carried out using simple radiographs taken to investigate the stability of the joint and the union of fractures.Clinical results were analyzed using the range of motion of the elbow, visualized pain score, Mayo Elbow Performance score (MEPS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, and postoperative complications were analyzed at the time of the final follow-up. @*Results@#The average age of the patients was 57.3 years, and their average follow-up time was 22.6 months. Most of them were type I (n=12) as per the Bryan–Morrey classification. The radiographic analysis showed that bony union was obtained at the final follow-up in all cases, and there was no case of joint instability. The results of the clinical analysis showed that average flexion contracture was 9.7° (min 0°–max 30°), average further flexion was 130.3° (min 90°–max 145°), and average range of motion was 120.5°, and the average visualized pain score at the final follow-up was 1.3 (min 0–max 3). At the final follow-up, the average MEPS was 85.5 (min 75–max 95) and the average DASH score was 27.6 (min 5–max 46), which was satisfactory. @*Conclusion@#With early rehabilitation, capitellum fractures can be treated well without complications if the joint surface is aligned congruently with open reduction and firm fixation by using K-wire or headless compression screws.

Synovial Chondromatosis in Knee Masquerading as Tuberculosis Arthritis / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Synovial chondromatosis is a proliferative chondrogenic benign tumor originating from the synovial membrane of the joint. Radiological findings occupy an important part in the diagnosis of patients with synovial chondromatosis, which appear in various forms, and are often misunderstood such as tuberculous arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In many cases, the findings of rice body, which are common in tuberculous arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and synovial chondromatosis are similar on magnetic resonance imaging. A case of primary synovial chondromatosis that was mistaken for tuberculous arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis by imaging findings is reported.

Acute Low Back Pain from Coexisting Gout and Tuberculous Spondyloarthropathy / 대한정형외과학회잡지

A 67-year-old male patient with a history of epididymectomy and anti-tuberculosis treatment for epididymis tuberculosis was admitted for acute low back pain and radiating pain. The patient had no history of gout but showed hyperuricemia and a bone destruction lesion in the facet joint and lamina of the lumbar spine. A histology examination was performed after a computed tomography-guided needle biopsy, and the findings were compatible with gout spondyloarthropathy and tuberculous spondylitis. The acute symptoms improved after conservative treatment for gouty arthritis. When patients with hyperuricemia risk factors, such as taking anti-tuberculosis drugs, complain of acute low back pain, gout spondyloarthropathy should be considered in a differential diagnosis.

Effects of steroid injection during rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Background@#This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of steroid injections during the rehabilitation period after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ACRC). @*Methods@#Among patients who underwent ARCR, 117 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled. Pain and rangeof motion (ROM) recovery at the 3-, 6-, and 24-month follow-up visits and functional outcome at the 24-month follow-up were comparedbetween 45 patients who received ultrasound-guided subacromial steroid injection at postoperative week 4 or 6 and 72 patients who didnot. Functional outcome was assessed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and Constant score. Healing of therepaired tendon and retear were observed at the 6-month follow-up via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT)arthrography. @*Results@#At the 3-month follow-up, the steroid injection group showed lower visual analog scale scores than the control group (p<0.05) andshowed faster recovery of forward flexion and internal rotation (p<0.05). From the 6-month follow-up, the two groups did not show differences in pain and ROM, and the ASES score and Constant score also did not significantly differ at the 24-month follow-up. The two groupsdid not differ in retear rate as determined by MRI or CT arthrography at the 6-month follow-up. @*Conclusions@#This study demonstrated that ultrasound-guided subacromial steroid injection at 4 or 6 weeks after ARCR leads to quick painreduction and ROM recovery until 3 months after surgery. Therefore, subacromial steroid injection is speculated to be an effective and relatively safe method to assist rehabilitation.

Comparison of Reductions of Left and Right Proximal Portions of Intertrochanteric Fractures Treated by Intramedullary Nailing

Purpose@#This study examined the effect of lag screw insertion on proximal fragments by separating the right and left sides of intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients that underwent intramedullary nailing. @*Materials and Methods@#Patients aged ≥65 years that underwent intramedullary nailing after a diag-nosis of intertrochanteric fractures during the period February 2012 to May 2016 were included in the study. The subjects were divided into right and left side groups. The effect of the clockwise rotational force generated when a lag screw was inserted on the proximal fragment was evaluated in both groups. @*Results@#In the right and left groups, most proximal fragments were located in the intramedullary canal after surgery (45 cases [75.0%] and 67 cases [73.6%], respectively). Clockwise rotation due to lag screw placement in the right group occurred in two cases (3.3%), which both showed internal rotation, and in four cases (4.4%) in the left group, all of which showed external rotation. @*Conclusion@#After intramedullary nailing of intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients, proximal fragments were mostly located in the intramedullary cavity. The results obtained confirmed that the clockwise rotational force generated by lag screw insertion did not affect left or right sides.

Effects of steroid injection during rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Background@#This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of steroid injections during the rehabilitation period after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ACRC). @*Methods@#Among patients who underwent ARCR, 117 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled. Pain and rangeof motion (ROM) recovery at the 3-, 6-, and 24-month follow-up visits and functional outcome at the 24-month follow-up were comparedbetween 45 patients who received ultrasound-guided subacromial steroid injection at postoperative week 4 or 6 and 72 patients who didnot. Functional outcome was assessed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and Constant score. Healing of therepaired tendon and retear were observed at the 6-month follow-up via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT)arthrography. @*Results@#At the 3-month follow-up, the steroid injection group showed lower visual analog scale scores than the control group (p<0.05) andshowed faster recovery of forward flexion and internal rotation (p<0.05). From the 6-month follow-up, the two groups did not show differences in pain and ROM, and the ASES score and Constant score also did not significantly differ at the 24-month follow-up. The two groupsdid not differ in retear rate as determined by MRI or CT arthrography at the 6-month follow-up. @*Conclusions@#This study demonstrated that ultrasound-guided subacromial steroid injection at 4 or 6 weeks after ARCR leads to quick painreduction and ROM recovery until 3 months after surgery. Therefore, subacromial steroid injection is speculated to be an effective and relatively safe method to assist rehabilitation.

Comparison of Reductions of Left and Right Proximal Portions of Intertrochanteric Fractures Treated by Intramedullary Nailing

Purpose@#This study examined the effect of lag screw insertion on proximal fragments by separating the right and left sides of intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients that underwent intramedullary nailing. @*Materials and Methods@#Patients aged ≥65 years that underwent intramedullary nailing after a diag-nosis of intertrochanteric fractures during the period February 2012 to May 2016 were included in the study. The subjects were divided into right and left side groups. The effect of the clockwise rotational force generated when a lag screw was inserted on the proximal fragment was evaluated in both groups. @*Results@#In the right and left groups, most proximal fragments were located in the intramedullary canal after surgery (45 cases [75.0%] and 67 cases [73.6%], respectively). Clockwise rotation due to lag screw placement in the right group occurred in two cases (3.3%), which both showed internal rotation, and in four cases (4.4%) in the left group, all of which showed external rotation. @*Conclusion@#After intramedullary nailing of intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients, proximal fragments were mostly located in the intramedullary cavity. The results obtained confirmed that the clockwise rotational force generated by lag screw insertion did not affect left or right sides.

Comparison of the Prevalence of Low Back Pain and Related Spinal Diseases among Smokers and Nonsmokers: Using Korean National Health Insurance Database

Background@#To compare the risk of low back pain (LBP) and related spinal diseases between smokers (exposure group) and nonsmokers (non-exposure group). No large registry study has so far investigated the association between smoking and LBP-related spinal diseases such as intervertebral disc disease, spinal stenosis, spinal instability, and spondylolisthesis. @*Methods@#A random sample was taken from the Korean National Health Insurance Research Database. In total, 204,066 men (160,105 smokers, 43,961 nonsmokers) who were followed up between 2002 and 2013 were included in the analysis. Patients with previous back pain or spinal disease in 2003 and 2004, patients with inappropriate data, and women (due to the lower percentage of smokers) were excluded. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to investigate the risk of LBP and related spinal diseases associated with smoking, while adjusting for demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic factors. @*Results@#The overall median follow-up period was 5.6 years (interquartile range, 3.48–8.43 years). Compared to the nonsmoker group, the smoker group had a higher incidence of LBP (p = 0.01), intervertebral disc disease (p < 0.001), spinal stenosis (p = 0.004), spinal instability (p < 0.001), and spondylolisthesis (p = 0.023). Compared to the nonsmoker group, the smoker group had a higher adjusted hazard ratio (HR) per year of LBP (HR, 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15 to 1.21), intervertebral disc disease (HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.30), spinal stenosis (HR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.41 to 1.64), spinal instability (HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.24 to 1.44), and spondylolisthesis (HR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.23 to 1.80). @*Conclusions@#Smokers in male samples were at higher risk for LBP and related spinal diseases than nonsmokers.

Effect of Postoperative Parathyroid Hormone Administration on Osteoporotic Intertrochanteric Fractures of Females / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Purpose@#This study examined the effects of the postoperative administration of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on fracture healing in intertrochanteric fractures accompanied by osteoporosis in elderly females. @*Materials and Methods@#Female patients aged 65 years and more who underwent surgery after a diagnosis of intertrochanteric fractures and osteoporosis during the period from July 2013 to December 2017 were included as subjects. The subjects were divided into two groups: PTH-treated group and non-PTH-treated group. The formation time of the first callus, timing of the bridging callus, and time of bony union for both groups were evaluated. @*Results@#In the PTH-treated group, the mean time of the first callus formation, average time of bridging callus, and the average time of bony union were 32, 58, 83 days, respectively, which were significantly shorter than that of the untreated group. @*Conclusion@#PTH, a treatment for osteoporosis, promotes callus formation and the healing process. Therefore it will be helpful in intertrochanteric fractures accompanied by osteoporosis in elderly females.

The Septic Knee Arthritis Caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Patient with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Osteoarthritis of the Knee / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Klebsiella pneumoniae causes that liver abscess mostly, also spread to pneumonia, meningitis, urinary tract infections. Septic arthritis caused by K. pneumoniae is a quite rare and has not been reported in Korea. Therefore, the authors report a case of the septic arthritis in the knee joint caused by K. pneumoniae in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus and osteoarthritis of the knee that successfully treated by early detection and arthroscopic synovectomy.

Chronic Multiple Gouty Arthritis Diagnosed during Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment of Recurrent Tuberculous Arthritis: A Case Report / 대한족부족관절학회지

Gout occurs mainly in monoarthritis and is found in more than 50% of cases in hallux of the foot. In addition, symptoms sometimes begin in the hand, wrist, and elbow, but they are rarely observed in the spine. The patient was referred for tuberculous polyarthritis due to antituberculosis drug failure. Inflammatory findings were observed in the lumbar, elbow, wrist, hand and foot areas. Surgery was performed on the foot area and a pathology diagnosis revealed gouty arthritis. We report this case with a review of the relevant literature.

Results of Magnetically Controlled Growing Rods for Early Onset Scoliosis / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the first results of surgical treatment using newly developed magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) for early onset scoliosis (EOS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2013 to January 2017, 5 patients, who underwent surgical treatment with MCGR for EOS and were followed for more than one year, were analyzed retrospectively. The demographic and radiology data, including age at surgery, diagnosis, number of lengthening, Cobb angle, T1–S1 length, T1–T12 length, and complications, were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 6.0±2.7 years old. The subjects were 3 males and 2 females: 2 with neuromuscular scoliosis, 1 with syndromic scoliosis, 1 with idiopathic scoliosis, and 1 with congenital scoliosis. The mean number of lengthening was 9.8±2.9 times and the follow-up was 21.6±5.7 months. The Cobb angle improved from 82.0°±28.5° to 48.3°±28.8° at the last follow-up. The T1–S1 length increased from 283.1±72.7 mm to 342.6±86.3 mm at the last follow-up. The T1–T12 length increased from 163.1±50.5 mm to 202.3±65.5 mm at the last follow-up. One screw loosening complication was encountered and there were no neurological complications. CONCLUSION: The treatment using MCGR for EOS is effective and useful.

Minimally Invasive Lumbar Spinal Fusion Is More Effective Than Open Fusion: A Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of minimally invasive spinal fusion in comparison to open fusion for adult lumbar spondylolisthesis or spondylosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted as a meta-analysis of all estimates from studies that were selected after comprehensive literature search by two independent reviewers. RESULTS: Of 745 articles, nine prospective cohort studies were identifed. The quality of evidence was downgraded because of study design, inconsistency, imprecision, and publication bias. Greater Oswestry Disability Index score improvement [weighted mean difference (WMD), 3.2; 95% confdence interval (CI), 1.5 to 5.0; p=0.0003] and a lower infection rate (odds ratio, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1 to 0.9; p=0.02) were observed in the minimally invasive group (low-quality evidence). The minimally invasive group had less blood loss (WMD, 269.5 mL; 95% CI, 246.2 to 292.9 mL; p < 0.0001), a shorter hospital stay (WMD, 1.3 days; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.5 days, p < 0.0001), and longer operation time (WMD, 21.0 minutes; 95% CI, 15.9 to 26.2 minutes; p < 0.0001) and radiation exposure time(WMD, 25.4 seconds; 95% CI, 22.0 to 28.8 seconds, p < 0.0001) than the open group (low-quality evidence). There were no significant differences in pain improvement, fusion rate, complications, or subsequent surgeries between the two treatment groups (lowquality evidence). CONCLUSION: Although present findings are limited by insufficient evidence and there is a lack of adequately powered high-quality randomized controlled trials to address this gap in evidence, our results support that minimally invasive lumbar fusion is more effective than open fusion for adult spondylolisthesis and other spondylosis in terms of functional improvement, reducing infection rate, and decreasing blood loss and hospital stay.

Dual Growing Rod Treatment for Progressive Pediatric Spinal Deformity

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcomes of dual growing rod treatment over a follow-up period of at least 2 years in patients with progressive pediatric spinal deformity. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: The dual growing rod treatment is safe and effective in curve correction and maintenance in patients with progressive pediatric spinal deformity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2009 to 2017, 14 patients who underwent dual growing rod treatment were followed up for more than 2 years. We analyzed their demographic and radiologic data, including age at surgery, sex, diagnosis, instrumented levels, number of total operations, number of lengthening procedures, interval of lengthening, Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis angle, lumbar lordosis angle, T1-S1 length, and complications. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 11.0±2.9 years old. There were 10 male and 4 female patients, including 8 cases of neuromuscular scoliosis, 3 cases of idiopathic scoliosis, 2 cases of spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, and 1 case of congenital scoliosis. The mean follow-up period was 42.4±14.0 months. The total number of operations was 6.6±2.6. The average number of lengthening procedures was 4.3±2.3 at an interval of 6.9±2.1 months. The Cobb angle improved from 60.4°±27.9° to 33.5°±19.7° after the initial treatment and 29.1°±16.4° after the last follow-up or final fusion. The T1-S1 length increased from 328.2±57.5 mm to 388.0±64.9 mm after the initial treatment and 424.9±64.4 mm after the last follow-up or final spinal fusion. The average growth rate was 11.5 mm/year. Six patients experienced 11 complications, of which 4 were Implant-related, and 7 were Infections. CONCLUSIONS: The dual growing rod technique is an effective and relatively safe treatment in patients with progressive pediatric spinal deformity.

Traumatic Lumbar Plexopathy by Seat Belt Injury

STUDY DESIGN: A case report. OBJECTIVES: To report and discuss an extremely uncommon cause of lumbar plexopathy seat belt injury. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: For patients who undergo traffic accidents, most cases of seat belt injury cause trauma to the lower torso. Seat belt injury is associated with variable clinical problems such as vascular injury, intestinal injury (perforation), vertebral injury (flexion-distraction injury), chest wall injury, diaphragmatic rupture/hernia, bladder rupture, lumbosacral plexopathy, and other related conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 38-year-old male truck driver (traffic accident victim) who suffered monoplegia of his right leg due to lumbar plexus injury without spinal column involvement. Injury to a lumbar plexus and the internal vasculatures originated from direct compression to internal abdominal organs (the iliopsoas muscle and internal vasculatures anterior to the lumbar vertebrae) caused by the seat belt. We have illustrated an extremely uncommon cause of a neurologic deficit from a traffic accident through this case. RESULTS: Under the impression of traumatic lumbar plexopathy, we managed it conservatively, and the patient showed signs of recovery from neurologic deficit. CONCLUSIONS: We need to review the lumbar plexus pathway, in patients with atypical motor weakness and sensory loss of the lower extremities which are not unaccompanied by demonstrable spinal lesions. Therefore, close history taking, physical examination and comprehension of injury mechanism are important in the diagnosis.

Atypical Fracture-Like Insufficiency Fracture of the Tibia with Prolonged Bisphosphonate Drug: A Case Report

Atypical femoral fracture related to a long-term bisphosphonate therapy has commonly been reported; however, a fracture at the site other than the femur has rarely been reported to date. Herein, we report a case of a patient on long-term bisphosphonate therapy who presented atypical tibial insufficiency fracture at the anterolateral aspect of diaphysis, without trauma. We, for the first time in Korea, present this case with a literature review.

Research Support Programs of the National Research Foundation of Korea

STUDY DESIGN: Literature review. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to present updated information on the research support programs offered by the National Research Foundation of Korea. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: The research support programs offered by the National Research Foundation of Korea are an important cornerstone for obtaining other grants from the government and commercial companies. However, no information has yet been provided in the literature about these programs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Review of the relevant literature. RESULTS: The research support programs offered by the National Research Foundation of Korea are complex. However, it is possible to find appropriate grants. It is necessary to focus on the individual basic research program. CONCLUSIONS: Novel proposals have a greater chance of receiving funding, especially if the appropriate background and preliminary data are provided.