Acute Compartment Syndrome Induced by Rhabdomyolysis Due to Antipsychotic Drug Overuse / 대한정형외과학회잡지

A 49-year-old male was found unconscious at his accommodation and visited the emergency room. He was on antipsychotic and antidepressant drugs (vortioxetine hydrobromide, mirtazapine, sertraline hydrochloride, quetiapine, and alprazolam) for schizophrenia and major depression. At the time of discovery there were signs of overdose of the drugs around the patient. A physical examination revealed, pain, pallor, and edema in the left buttocks and lateral thigh. Active ankle movements below the left ankle were not possible and sensations in the tibia and peroneal nerves were lost. The pressure in the buttock compartment was measured at 42 mmHg. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed edema and high intensity signals in the left hip muscles and surrounding soft tissue. An emergency fasciotomy was performed and partial restoration of the lower extremity sensation and muscle strength were achieved after 24 hours.

Lumbar Juxtafacet Cyst Treated with Direct Needle Aspiration Under the Guidance of Image Intensifier / 대한정형외과학회잡지

A lumbar juxtafacet cyst is a rare disease that causes low back pain, radiculopathy and neurological claudication by compressing the nerve roots. A 34-year-old male complained of severe low back pain and radicular pain in the right lower extremity. Magnetic resonance images revealed a cyst at the lateral recess of the spinal canal between the L3-4 disc and posterior facet joint that extended to the L4 body level. Under the guidance of an image intensifier, needle aspiration of the cyst was performed, which extracted 1.5 ml of serous, yellowish colored fluid. After the aspiration, the symptoms subsided dramatically. The follow-up magnetic resonance images showed no recurrence of the cyst. To the best of the author’s knowledge, there are no reports of lumbar juxtafacet cyst treated with needle aspiration in Korea. This case is reported with a review of the relevant literature.

Cauda Equine Syndrome Induced by Spinal Epidural Hematoma due to a Low-Energy Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) can occur naturally or traumatically and is most common in patients with an underlying disease of the vascular structure or coagulation disorder. Most SEHs occur naturally for no apparent reason, and epidural hematoma caused by trauma is less common, comprising 1.0%–1.7% of total spinal injuries. Few reports of SEH induced cauda equine syndrome resulting from low-energy injury caused by osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures are available. The authors experienced a case of delayed SEH after hemorrhage due to a low-energy injury in an elderly patient. No cases in Korea have been reported; therefore, this case is reported with a review of the relevant literature.

Acute Compartment Syndrome after Anticoagulant Therapy to Misdiagnosed Deep Vein Thrombosis / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Acute compartment syndrome, which is an orthopedic emergency, induces irreversible tissue necrosis by increasing the compartment pressure. In serious cases, this event may result in functional impairment, loss of the lower limb, and death by renal failure. When the patient initially presents with pain and swelling that are similar to deep vein thrombosis, a differential diagnosis between the two diseases is very critical. The authors encountered a case of acute compartment syndrome after anticoagulant therapy in a patient presenting with painful swelling of the left leg following a massage that was initially misdiagnosed as deep vein thrombosis. A fasciotomy was performed on this case with satisfactory results. This paper reports this case with a review of the relevant literature.

Cauda Equina Syndrome Occurred by Adhesive Arachnoiditis of the Lumbar Spine with an Unknown Cause / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Spinal adhesive arachnoiditis is an inflammation and fibrosis of the subarachnoid space and pia mater caused by infection, trauma, spinal vascular anomalies, and iatrogenic (surgery and/or puncture). Adhesive arachnoiditis develops various symptoms and signs (gait disturbances, radiating pain, paralysis, and incontinence). On the other hand, adhesive arachnoiditis associated with cauda equina syndrome has not been reported in Korea until now. The authors experienced cauda equina syndrome caused by adhesive arachnoiditis of the lumbar spine with satisfactory results following decompression. We report this case with a review of the relevant literature.

The Influence of Initial Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings on the Compression Rate of Thoracolumbar Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of the size of low intensity zone (LIZ) (T1 image) on the vertebral body and the increase in the compression rate in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, 187 patients (198 segments) who were followed-up for at least 3 months and diagnosed with thoracolumbar vertebral compression fracture between October 2011 and October 2016, and treated with conservative therapies, such as bed rest and thoraco-lumbar-sacral orthosis. We measured the size of the vertebral LIZ, and fractures on the upper and lower endplates were observed on the initial magnetic resonance imaging. We analyzed the correlation with the increase in compression rate at the last follow-up. Comparisons of the increase in the compression rate were analyzed through a correlation analysis. RESULTS: The larger the size of the LIZ the greater the difference in the increase of the compression rate. The group with the initially LIZ (80%–100%) was significantly increased to 23.87%±17.90% (p=0.007). In case of fracture of upper and lower endplates, an increase in the compression rate was 19.39%±12.59% in the upper endplate fracture, which was significantly higher than that in the absence of endplate fracture (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: The larger the size of the LIZ (T1 image) and superior endplate fracture observed on the initial magnetic resonance imaging after fracture, the greater the increase in the compression rate. In particular, when the size of the LIZ is greater than 80%, the compression rate was significantly increased.

Femoral Shaft Fracture of a Middle-aged Male Adult during Playing Baseball / 대한스포츠의학회지

In general, femur fractures in the younger patient population are the result of high energy trauma, such as motorcycle accidents or traffic accidents. A 43-year-old healthy man presented with painful swelling of his right thigh. Plane radiographs showed short oblique fracture of the femur shaft with comminution. He had no medical history such as osteoporosis or any metabolic bone disorder. He was a healthy man with no smoking and no alcohol drinking, enjoying sports activity such as baseball and football. He was injured during defense time of a baseball game by rapid turning motion to catch a ball. We performed intramedullary interlocking nailing for the femur shaft fracture and the fracture was uneventually healed with no complication. To our knowledge, femur shaft fracture which occurred during playing baseball in a healthy middle-aged man has not been reported in our country. So we report this case with a review of the literature.

Septic Arthritis after Arthroscopic Meniscal Repair / 대한정형외과학회잡지

The incidence of septic arthritis after knee arthroscopy surgery has rarely been reported in approximately 0.04% to 3.4%. Moreover, septic arthritis after arthroscopic meniscal repair is more rare. There have been some reported cases, but in Korea, it has not been reported thus far. Herein, we report two cases of septic arthritis after arthroscopic meniscal repair with review of literature.

Pseudogout of the Knee after Intraarticular Injection of Hyaluronic Acid / 대한정형외과학회잡지

An 82-year-old woman underwent surgery for the left intertrochanteric fracture. However, during hospitalization, she complained of pain on the right knee. Radiographs showed moderately degenerative arthritis and intrameniscal calcification. Hyaluronic acid was administered by intraarticular injection. After injection, arthritic symptoms improved. Five days after injection, she complained of severe pain, swelling, and heating sensation in the right knee with chills and fever. Blood test showed elevated white blood cell (WBC) count and C-reactive protein. WBC in synovial fluid increased to 47,250/mm3. Antimicrobial therapy was administered under the impression of acute pyogenic arthritis by adverse reaction of hyaluronic acid injection. Polarization microscope showed calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals. Synovial fluid culture was negative. Finally, she was diagnosed as pseudogout. The symptoms improved within one week. To our knowledge, there has been no report of pseudogout following intraarticular injection of hyaluronic acid in Korea. Therefore, we report this case with a review of the literature.

Treatment of Scapula Fractures of the Inferior Angle Causing Pseudowinging Scapula / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Nonoperative treatment of scapular body fractures has shown good clinical results. Although scapula fractures of the inferior angle, particularly with oblique lines from the medial proximal to lateral distally, are very rare, we believe that such a fracture pattern would be regarded as an avulsion fracture of the serratus anterior muscle requiring surgery. We have experienced three cases demonstrating pseudowinging of the scapula due to displacement of the inferior angle fracture of the scapula. Surgical repair or plating showed satisfactory clinical results. Through these cases, we describe the cause of winging scapula and the problems resulting from an avulsion fracture of the serratus anterior muscle with a review of the relevant literature and explain the reason that an operation is needed for this fracture pattern.

Analysis of Treatment Results of Unstable Distal Clavicle Fractures Using Hook Plate / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the treatment results and complications in unstable distal clavicle fractures which were treated with a Hook plate, and, in particular, to compare the functional results before and after removal of the Hook plate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 20 cases in 20 patients who underwent removal of Hook plates after bony union was obtained in an unstable fracture of the distal clavicle (Neer type II) from March 2009 to December 2012. The average follow-up period after initial surgery was 12 months (8-20 months). Plates were removed at 18 weeks (ranged from 10-36 weeks) after initial fixation. University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and Korean Shoulder Scoring System (KSS) scores were used for clinical functional evaluation, and plain radiographs were used for radiological evaluation. RESULTS: In radiological evaluation, bony union was obtained at an average of 11.4 weeks (ranged from 8-14 weeks) in all of the 20 patients. All of the 20 patients showed limited range of motion, mild pain, and discomfort of the shoulder before removal of the Hook plate, and all of the 20 patients showed better results in UCLA and KSS score after removal of the plate, when compared to before removal. Stress fracture as a major complication, was united completely with a 'figure of 8' bandage and deep wound infection was resolved after repeated debridement and antibiotic treatment with satisfactory functional results. CONCLUSION: Hook plate in treatment of unstable fracture of the distal clavicle is considered to be a useful method because rigid fixation can be obtained. However, there are some complications, such as limited range of motion, pain, and discomfort of the shoulder joint, before removal of the Hook plate. Therefore, we think that removal of the Hook plate as soon as possible if bony union is obtained would be desirable.

Partial Rupture of Semitendinosus Muscle at Satba (Thigh Band) Wearing Area in a Ssireum Athlete / 대한정형외과학회잡지

High load is concentrated on Satba wearing area of Ssireum athletes during the tournament. Muscular injuries in this area may seriously affect the athletic performance. We report a case of a 21-year-old Ssireum athlete who was experiencing pain in his left thigh (Satba wearing area) during a tournament due to the migrating mass effect of a partial ruptured semitendinosus muscle occurred approximately 6 months before. Herein is described the clinical results after surgical intervention with an added review of the relevant literature.

Sarcoidosis Presenting as Knee Pain / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown etiology with variable manifestations, which may affect virtually any organ. Muscular sarcoidosis is a rare entity, and among this group of muscular lesions, the mass-like muscular sarcoidosis type is extremely rare. We reported a muscular sarcoidosis case that presented with right knee pain and described the clinical results with an added review of the relevant literature.

Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate Crystal Deposition Disease in the Cervical Ligamentum Flavum: A Case Report / 대한척추외과학회지

Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease (CPPD) is an inflammatory arthropathy that is defined by the deposition of CPPD crystals in articular and periarticular structures. The cervical ligamentum flavum is a rare location of CPPD deposition. A 65-year-old woman was admitted with complaints of neck pain and a tingling sensation and numbness below the xiphoid process for 2 months. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and computed tomography (CT) revealed compression of the spinal cord due to a nodular calcified mass in or attached to the ligamentum flavum at the C4-5, C5-6, or C6-7 level. The patient underwent a laminectomy at C4-5, C5-6, and C6-7, and resectioning of calcified extradural nodules that impinged on the cervical cord. The operation resulted in a resolution of neck pain and hypoesthesia, except in the feet. Histopathological examination of the excised specimen revealed rectangular CPPD crystals. Here, we report a case of compressive cervical spine due to CPPD deposition disease of the cervical spine and describe the literature relevant to CPPD deposition disease of the cervical spine.

More than 5 year-Follow-Up After Pedicle Screw Fixation and Fusion for Isthmic Spondylolisthesis / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the long term follow-up results of the isthmic spondylolisthesis patients who had been treated with pedicle screw fixation and fusion, and were followed up for more than 5 years. An attempt was made to determine the differences between posterior lumbar interbod fusion(PLIF) and posterolateral fusion (PLF). SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: The surgical treatment of isthmic spondylolisthesis has developed markedly after the introduction of spine fusion and pedicle screw fixation. However, the long-term prognosis after such treatments has not been investigated sufficiently. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 53 patients, 38(72%) patients were examined more than 5 years after surgery. The clinical results were evaluated according to Kim's criteria. Radiologically, the degree of slippage and disc height was measured. The changes in the adjacent segments were also observed. RESULTS: PLIF was performed in 26 patients and PLF was performed in 12 patients. In the PLIF group, the clinical results were 'excellent' in 15 patients, 'good' in 8, 'fair' in 2, and 'poor' in 1. In the PLF group, the results were 'excellent' in 8 patients, 'good' in 2, 'fair' in 1, and 'poor' in 1. According to the fusion method, a satisfactory outcome was obtained in 89% of patients in the PLIF group, and 83% in the PLF group, without any statistically significant differences. Radiological analysis was available in 28 (52.8%) patients. There were no statistically significant differences between the PLIF and PLF groups in terms of the reduction and maintenance of slippage and the disc height. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical result of isthmic spondylolisthesis patients who were treated with pedicle screws and fusion were satisfactory in 87% of patients. The clinical and radiological comparison of the fusion methods showed no significant differences between the PLIF and PLF groups.