Factors Affecting Length of Hospital Stay and Mortality in Infected Diabetic Foot Ulcers Undergoing Surgical Drainage without Major Amputation

This study aimed to investigate factors affecting length of hospital stay and mortality of a specific group of patients with infected diabetic foot ulcer who underwent surgical drainage without major amputation, which is frequently encountered by orthopedic surgeons. Data on length of hospital stay, mortality, demographics, and other medical information were collected for 79 consecutive patients (60 men, 19 women; mean age, 66.1 [SD, 12.3] yr) with infected diabetic foot ulcer who underwent surgical drainage while retaining the heel between October 2003 and May 2013. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine factors affecting length of hospital stay, while multiple Cox regression analysis was conducted to assess factors contributing to mortality. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, P=0.034), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level (P=0.021), body mass index (BMI, P=0.001), and major vascular disease (cerebrovascular accident or coronary artery disease, P=0.004) were significant factors affecting length of hospital stay, whereas age (P=0.005) and serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level (P=0.024) were significant factors contributing to mortality. In conclusion, as prognostic factors, the length of hospital stay was affected by the severity of inflammation, the recent control of blood glucose level, BMI, and major vascular disease, whereas patient mortality was affected by age and renal function in patients with infected diabetic foot ulcer undergoing surgical drainage and antibiotic treatment.

Progression of Hip Displacement during Radiographic Surveillance in Patients with Cerebral Palsy

Progression of hip displacement is common in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). We aimed to investigate the rate of progression of hip displacement in patients with CP by assessing changes in radiographic indices according to Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level during hip surveillance. We analyzed the medical records of patients with CP aged < 20 years who underwent at least 6 months interval of serial hip radiographs before any surgical hip intervention, including reconstructive surgery. After panel consensus and reliability testing, radiographic measurements of migration percentage (MP), neck-shaft angle (NSA), acetabular index (AI), and pelvic obliquity (PO) were obtained during hip surveillance. For each GMFCS level, annual changes in radiographic indices were analyzed and adjusted for affecting factors, such as sex, laterality, and type of CP. A total of 197 patients were included in this study, and 1,097 radiographs were evaluated. GMFCS classifications were as follows: 100 patients were level I-III, 48 were level IV, and 49 were level V. MP increased significantly over the duration of hip surveillance in patients with GMFCS levels I-III, IV, and V by 0.3%/year (P < 0.001), 1.9%/year (P < 0.001), and 6.2%/year (P < 0.001), respectively. In patients with GMFCS level IV, NSA increased significantly by 3.4°/year (P < 0.001). Our results suggest that periodic monitoring and radiographic hip surveillance is warranted for patients with CP, especially those with GMFCS level IV or V. Furthermore, physicians can predict and inform parents or caregivers regarding the progression of hip displacement in patients with CP.

Treatment of Acromioclavicular Joint Injuries Using Clavicle Hook Plates

PURPOSE: To analyze results of treating acromioclavicular injuries using clavicle hook plates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between February 2008 and April 2010, 18 patients with acromioclavicular joint injury treated by clavicle hook plates were reviewed. Using the Rockwood classification, 7 dislocations were classified as type III injuries and 11 as type V injuries. Implant removal was done at least 3 months from initial fixation. Simple X-rays were taken for comparing the state of reduction, and clinical outcomes were evaluated by the Korean Shoulder Scoring System and the American Shoulder Elbow Society score. The average follow-up period was 9 months. RESULTS: On weight bearing X-rays, the average coracoclavicular distance showed a 114% increase compared to the contralateral side at the time of injury. It decreased to 23% by the last follow-up. The mean Korean Shoulder Scoring System and the American Shoulder Elbow Society score were 80 and 74 at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: The immediate stability these plates provide allows rapid rehabilitation. Clavicle hook plate fixation for acromioclavicular joint dislocation is considered an effective method for ensuring satisfactory results both radiologically and clinically.

Comparison of Bone Mineral Density in Elderly Patients over 65 Years according to Presence and Types of Hip Fracture

PURPOSE: We measured the BMD of elderly patients with osteoporotic hip fracture in order to understand the relationship between BMD of each sites and hip fracture occurrence or the types, and also to suggest a reference point for starting an osteoporosis treatment program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2007 to February 2010, we investigated total 147 elderly osteoporotic hip fracture patients over 65 years. For control group, 80 patients who were over 65-year-old and did not have any fracture were selected. BMD was compared at each site between each groups statistically. RESULTS: In the comparison of femur intertrochanter and neck fracture groups, BMD of femur neck and trochanter areas and L2, L3 areas were significantly less in intertrochanteric fracture group. In the analysis according to the classification of intertrochanteric fracture, BMD of intertrochanter and Ward's triangle area were significantly less in unstable fracture group than stable one. Each of the fracture threshold of intertrochanteric and neck fracture group was -1.10 and -1.36 of the T-score in proximal femur, and -1.40 and -1.40 of the T-score in lumbar vertebrae. CONCLUSION: To examine the BMD of both proximal femur and lumbar vertebrae areas is helpful to predict the hip fracture occurrence and the type of hip fracture. And for the prevention of hip fracture in elderly patients over 65 years, we propose that the aggressive treatment of osteoporosis should be started to prevent fracture for patients with a T-score less than -1.40.

Percutaneous A1 Pulley Release of Locked Trigger Thumb in Children

PURPOSE: To report the clinical outcomes of percutaneous A1 pulley release for the surgical treatment of locked trigger thumb in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six trigger thumbs in 24 patients with a average of 14.2 months follow-up after percutaneous release were enrolled. There were 15 females and 9 males with an average age of 39 months. The mean time from first presentation to surgery was 16 months. Procedures were performed under local anesthesia. Postoperative examinations at immediate, 3 months and 1-year recorded pain, triggering and range of motion and presence of complications. RESULTS: All thumbs had a satisfactory result without digital nerve injury. Eleven patients(46%) had a mean 14.3degrees extension loss of the interphalangeal joint and 12.0degrees hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb, compared to the contralateral thumb. At final follow-up, all but 1 patient were completely resolved. The duration of symptoms and age were higher in the group with thumb deformity (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Temporary thumb deformity is possible after surgical treatment of trigger thumb in children with a long duration of symptoms. Percutaneous release can be a safe and satisfactory treatment option in pediatric trigger thumb.