Donor-Site Morbidity Analysis of Thenar and Hypothenar Flap.

Background For the small glabrous skin defect, Thenar and Hypothenar skin are useful donors and they have been used as a free flap. Because of similar skin characteristics, both flaps have same indications. We will conduct comparative study for the donor morbidity of the Free thenar flap and Hypothenar free flap. Methods From January 2011 to December 2021, demographic data, characteristics of each flap, and complications using retrospective chart review were obtained. Donor outcomes of the patient, who had been followed up for more than 6 months, were measured using photographic analysis and physical examination. General pain was assessed by Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score, neuropathic pain was assessed by Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions (DN4) score, scar appearance was assessed by modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS), and patient satisfaction was assessed on a 3-point scale. Statistical analysis was performed on the outcomes. Results Out of the 39 survey respondents, 17 patients received Free thenar flaps, and 22 patients received Hypothenar free flaps. Thenar group had higher NRS, DN4, and mVSS ( p < 0.05). The average scores for the Thenar and Hypothenar groups were 1.35 and 0.27 for NRS, 2.41 and 0.55 for DN4, and 3.12 and 1.59 for mVSS, respectively. Despite the Hypothenar group showing greater satisfaction on the 3-point scale (1.82) compared with the Thenar group (1.47), the difference was not significant ( p = 0.085). Linear regression analysis indicated that flap width did not have a notable impact on the outcome measures, and multiple linear regression analysis revealed no significant interaction between flap width and each of the outcome measures. Conclusion Despite the limited number of participants, higher donor morbidity in general pain, neuropathic pain, and scar formation was noted in the Thenar free flap compared with the Hypothenar free flap. However, no difference in overall patient satisfaction was found between the two groups.

Learning curve for single-port robot-assisted colectomy

Purpose@#Since the introduction of robotic surgery, robots for colorectal cancer have replaced laparoscopic surgery, and a single-port robot (SPR) platform has been launched and is being used to treat patients. We analyzed the learning curve and initial complications of using an SPR platform in colorectal cancer surgery. @*Methods@#We reviewed 39 patients who underwent SPR colectomy from April to October 2019. All surgeries were performed by the same surgeon using an SPR device. A learning curve was generated using the cumulative sum methodology to assess changes in total operation time, docking time, and surgeon console time. We grouped the patients into 3 groups according to the time period: the first 11 were phase 1, the next 11 were phase 2, and the last 17 were phase 3. @*Results@#The mean age of the patients was 61.28±13.03 years, and they had a mean body mass index of 23.79±2.86 kg/m2. Among the patients, 23 (59.0%) were male, and 16 (41.0%) were female. The average operation time was 186.59±51.30 minutes, the average surgeon console time was 95.49±35.33 minutes, and the average docking time (time from skin incision to robot docking) was 14.87±10.38 minutes. The surgeon console time differed significantly among the different phases (P<0.001). Complications occurred in 8 patients: 2 ileus, 2 postoperation hemoglobin changes, 3 urinary retentions, and 1 complicated fluid collection. @*Conclusion@#In our experience, the learning curve for SPR colectomy was achieved after the 18th case.

Pioneering PGC-1αα–boosted secretome: a novel approach to combating liver fibrosis

Purpose@#Liver fibrosis is a critical health issue with limited treatment options. This study investigates the potential of PGC-Sec, a secretome derived from peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α)-overexpressing adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), as a novel therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis. @*Methods@#Upon achieving a cellular confluence of 70%–80%, ASCs were transfected with pcDNA-PGC-1α. PGC-Sec, obtained through concentration of conditioned media using ultrafiltration units with a 3-kDa cutoff, was assessed through in vitro assays and in vitro mouse models. @*Results@#In vitro, PGC-Sec significantly reduced LX2 human hepatic stellate cell proliferation and mitigated mitochondrial oxidative stress compared to the control-secretome. In an in vivo mouse model, PGC-Sec treatment led to notable reductions in hepatic enzyme activity, serum proinflammatory cytokine concentrations, and fibrosis-related marker expression. Histological analysis demonstrated improved liver histology and reduced fibrosis severity in PGC-Sec–treated mice. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed enhanced expression of PGC-1α, optic atrophy 1 (a mitochondrial function marker), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (an antifibrogenic marker) in the PGC-Sec–treated group, along with reduced collagen type 1A expression (a profibrogenic marker). @*Conclusion@#These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of PGC-Sec in combating liver fibrosis by enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis and function, and promoting antifibrotic processes. PGC-Sec holds promise as a novel treatment strategy for liver fibrosis.

Strategies to Improve Smoking Cessation for Participants in Lung Cancer Screening Program: Analysis of Factors Associated with Smoking Cessation in Korean Lung Cancer Screening Project (K-LUCAS) / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#Smoking cessation intervention is one of the key components of successful lung cancer screening program. We investigated the effectiveness and related factors of smoking cessation services provided to the participants in a population-based lung cancer screening trial. @*Materials and Methods@#The Korean Lung Cancer Screening Project (K-LUCAS) is a nationwide, multi-center lung cancer screening trial that evaluates the feasibility of implementing population-based lung cancer screening. All 5,144 current smokers who participated in the K-LUCAS received a mandatory smoking cessation counseling. Changes in smoking status were followed up using a telephone survey in 6 months after lung cancer screening participation. The lung cancer screening’s impact on smoking cessation is analyzed by variations in the smoking cessation interventions provided in screening units. @*Results@#Among 4,136 survey responders, participant’s motivation to quit smoking increased by 9.4% on average after lung cancer screening. After 6 months from the initial screening, 24.3% of participants stopped smoking, and 10.6% of participants had not smoked continuously for at least 6 months after screening. Over 80% of quitters stated that participation in lung cancer screening motivated them to quit smoking. Low-cost public smoking cessation program combined with lung cancer screening increased the abstinence rates. The smokers were three times more likely to quit smoking when the smoking cessation counseling was provided simultaneously with low-dose computed tomography screening results than when provided separately. @*Conclusion@#A mandatory smoking cessation intervention integrated with screening result counselling by a physician after participation in lung cancer screening could be effective for increasing smoking cessation attempts.

Clinical Validation of the Unparalleled Sensitivity of the Novel Allele-Discriminating Priming System Technology–Based EGFR Mutation Assay in Patients with Operable Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#Recently, we developed allele-discriminating priming system (ADPS) technology. This method increases the sensitivity of conventional quantitative polymerase chain reaction up to 100 folds, with limit of detection, 0.01%, with reinforced specificity. This prospective study aimed to develop and validate the accuracy of ADPS epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) Mutation Test Kit using clinical specimens. @*Materials and Methods@#In total 189 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissues resected from patients with non–small cell lung cancer were used to perform a comparative evaluation of the ADPS EGFR Mutation Test Kit versus the cobas EGFR Mutation Test v2, which is the current gold standard. When the two methods had inconsistent results, next-generation sequencing–based CancerSCAN was utilized as a referee. @*Results@#The overall agreement of the two methods was 97.4% (93.9%-99.1%); the positive percent agreement, 95.0% (88.7%-98.4%); and the negative percent agreement, 100.0% (95.9%-100.0%). EGFR mutations were detected at a frequency of 50.3% using the ADPS EGFR Mutation Test Kit and 52.9% using the cobas EGFR Mutation Test v2. There were 10 discrepant mutation calls between the two methods. CancerSCAN reproduced eight ADPS results. In two cases, mutant allele fraction was ultra-low at 0.02% and 0.06%, which are significantly below the limit of detection of the cobas assay and CancerSCAN. Based on the EGFR genotyping by ADPS, the treatment options could be switched in five patients. @*Conclusion@#The highly sensitive and specific ADPS EGFR Mutation Test Kit would be useful in detecting the patients who have lung cancer with EGFR mutation, and can benefit from the EGFR targeted therapy.

Suggestions for Effective Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment Methods for Lateral Epicondylitis

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment method that uses mechanical energy to help restore biological tissue. Recently, the treatment targets have expanded to include not only musculoskeletal injuries such as plantar fasciitis and lateral epicondylitis, which are typical treatment targets, but also peripheral nerve damage, diabetic foot ulcers, and osteoarthritis. However, the therapeutic effect of ESWT has not yet been proven even for lateral epicondylitis. The purpose of this article is to review recent literature on ESWT for lateral epicondylitis and to suggest more effective treatment options.

Normal Sonographic Peripheral Nerve Cross-Sectional Area Based on the Results of Meta-Analysis Studies

Genetic and electrodiagnostic testing have long been standard diagnostic testing methods for peripheral nerve lesions. Ultrasound examination can be considered as a complementary test and has the advantage of obtaining detailed morphological information about peripheral nerves. Morphological information such as peripheral nerve cross sectional area (CSA), which can be obtained using ultrasound, is useful in evaluating peripheral nerve lesions such as entrapment neuropathy and inflammatory polyneuropathy. In this paper, I would like to briefly introduce existing meta-analysis studies on the normal value of peripheral nerve CSA to provide information for standardization of nerve examination on ultrasound.

Effects of Rehabilitation after Knee Arthroplasty by Home Care Pilot Program

Objective@#The nationwide rehabilitation at-home care pilot program aims to provide medical services such as education, counseling, and remote management to patients who require continuous medical management after surgery. This study aims to retrospectively analyze the medical records of patients who participated in the project after knee arthroplasty to investigate the effectiveness of rehabilitation education in home-based care. Method: Data for analysis were collected from the evaluation form which is completed by the physician immediately after surgery and outpatient follow-up. The collected data included the patient’s sex, age, pre-operative functional level, surgical site, and scores on the berg balance scale (BBS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for evaluating pain. If patients were re-admitted to other medical institutions for rehabilitation, data on the duration of their stay were collected for further analysis. @*Results@#A total of 234 patients were selected and their data were analyzed. The average change in the BBS (ΔBBS) between immediately after surgery and outpatient follow-up was 43.34 ± 5.51, while the average change in the VAS (ΔVAS) was −0.77 ± 2.27. A significant positive correlation (p=0.001) was found between pre-operative functional level and ΔBBS or ΔVAS. However, no significant correlation (p=0.554) was observed between the duration of stay in other medical institutions and ΔBBS or ΔVAS. @*Conclusion@#The home care pilot program is effective in promoting functional recovery and pain relief after knee arthroplasty. It is expected that appropriate rehabilitation education, remote management, and follow-up observation for up to 6 months will sufficiently replace long-term inpatient treatment after knee arthroplasty.

Patella Cartilage Status Does Not Affect the Clinical Outcomes of Non-resurfaced Patella in Mobile-Bearing Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background@#During total knee arthroplasty (TKA), patellar retention is performed when the cartilage is fairly well preserved and the thickness of the patella is relatively thin. However, clinical outcomes of the non-resurfaced patella in TKA according to the cartilage status are lacking in the literature. The purpose of this study was to compare patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) according to the grade and location of the patellar cartilage lesion in TKA patients. @*Methods@#The outcomes of 165 osteoarthritis patients (186 knees) who underwent cemented mobile-bearing TKA without patellar resurfacing were assessed and classified according to the grade and location of the patellar cartilage lesion. PROMs using the Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index, the Knee Society Score (Knee Society Function Score and Knee Society Knee Score), and the Hospital for Special Surgery score were evaluated preoperatively and at postoperative 2, 4, 6, and 8 years. The correlations between PROMs and the grade and location of the cartilage lesion were assessed. Additionally, radiologic outcomes including the patellar tilt angle and patellar height were assessed and their correlation with the grade of cartilage lesion was analyzed. Analysis of variance was used to determine statistical significance. @*Results@#There was no significant difference between PROMs according to the grades and locations of cartilage lesions at any postoperative follow-up. Radiologic parameters also showed no significant differences according to the grades of patellar cartilage lesions. @*Conclusions@#The grade and location of the patellar cartilage lesion had no influence on clinical outcomes in mobile-bearing TKA with patellar retention at short- and long-term follow-up.

Performance of ChatGPT on Solving Orthopedic Board-Style Questions: A Comparative Analysis of ChatGPT 3.5 and ChatGPT 4

Background@#The application of artificial intelligence and large language models in the medical field requires an evaluation of their accuracy in providing medical information. This study aimed to assess the performance of Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) models 3.5 and 4 in solving orthopedic board-style questions. @*Methods@#A total of 160 text-only questions from the Orthopedic Surgery Department at Seoul National University Hospital, conforming to the format of the Korean Orthopedic Association board certification examinations, were input into the ChatGPT 3.5 and ChatGPT 4 programs. The questions were divided into 11 subcategories. The accuracy rates of the initial answers provided by Chat GPT 3.5 and ChatGPT 4 were analyzed. In addition, inconsistency rates of answers were evaluated by regenerating the responses. @*Results@#ChatGPT 3.5 answered 37.5% of the questions correctly, while ChatGPT 4 showed an accuracy rate of 60.0% (p < 0.001). ChatGPT 4 demonstrated superior performance across most subcategories, except for the tumor-related questions. The rates of inconsistency in answers were 47.5% for ChatGPT 3.5 and 9.4% for ChatGPT 4. @*Conclusions@#ChatGPT 4 showed the ability to pass orthopedic board-style examinations, outperforming ChatGPT 3.5 in accuracy rate. However, inconsistencies in response generation and instances of incorrect answers with misleading explanations require caution when applying ChatGPT in clinical settings or for educational purposes.

Isolated Polyethylene Insert Exchange for Instability after Total Knee Arthroplasty: Comparable Survival Rates and Range of Motion and Improved Clinical Scores Regardless of Hyperextension

Background@#Isolated polyethylene insert exchange (IPIE) has not been established as a treatment option for hyperextension instability after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of the study was to evaluate the survival rate and clinical outcomes of IPIE for the treatment of instability with or without hyperextension after TKA. @*Methods@#This study retrospectively reviewed 46 patients who underwent IPIE for symptomatic prosthetic knee instability by dividing them into 2 groups based on the presence of hyperextension (without for group I and with for group IH). Patient demographics, clinical scores, radiographic data, range of motion (ROM), and surgical information were collected. Clinical failure was defined as a subsequent surgery following IPIE for any reason. The survival rate of IPIE and differences in demographics, clinical scores, and ROM were compared. @*Results@#There were 46 patients (91% were women) with an average age of 70.1 years and a mean follow-up of 44.8 months. The average time between primary TKA and IPIE surgery was 6.5 ± 4.2 years, and during IPIE, 2 out of the 8 cruciate-retaining inserts were converted to “deep-dish“ ultracongruent inserts while the insert thickness increased from 11.9 ± 1.8 mm to 17.1 ± 3.1 mm. After IPIE surgery, a significantly thicker tibial insert was used in the group with hyperextension (15.39 ± 2.4 mm for group I, 18.3 ± 2.9 mm for group IH; p < 0.001 by independent t-test), and no significant differences were observed in the ROM and clinical scores before and after IPIE between the 2 groups. The overall survival rate for IPIE was 83% at 5 years and 57% at 10 years, and there were no statistically significant differences between the groups using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. @*Conclusions@#IPIE demonstrated an overall survival rate of 83% at 5 years with no difference in the recurrence of instability regardless of hyperextension. This study highlighted the effectiveness of using thicker inserts to resolve instability without significant differences in the ROM or clinical scores between the groups, suggesting its potential as a decision-making reference for surgeons.

Rectangular-Tunnel Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Quadriceps Tendon-Patellar Bone Autograft Can Reduce Early Donor Site Morbidity While Maintaining Comparable Short-term Clinical Outcomes

Background@#Rectangular tunnel and graft have been recently designed to closely resemble the native anatomy in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). This study was performed to compare the short-term clinical outcomes between rectangular and round femoral tunnels in ACLR using quadriceps tendon-patellar bone (QTPB) autografts. @*Methods@#A total of 78 patients who underwent primary ACLR with QTPB autografts performed by three senior surgeons and had at least 1 year of postoperative follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent rectangular tunnel ACLR (n = 40) were compared to those treated with the conventional round tunnel ACLR (n = 38). Outcomes including knee stability, clinical scores, quadriceps strength, associated complications, postoperative knee range of motion, and cross-sectional area of the graft were assessed. @*Results@#Significant improvements in knee stability and clinical scores were observed after surgery in both groups (all p < 0.001).The postoperative measurements of knee stability and clinical scores were not significantly different between the two groups.Knee extension strength deficit at 60°/sec was significantly less in the rectangular tunnel group than in the round tunnel group at postoperative 6 months (41.7% vs. 48.9%, p = 0.032). The cross-sectional area of the partial-thickness QTPB graft was approximately 60% of the full-thickness QTPB graft. @*Conclusions@#In the short-term, rectangular tunnel ACLR was comparable to round tunnel ACLR with QTPB autograft despite the smaller cross-sectional area. Additionally, the rectangular tunnel ACLR allowed partial-thickness grafting technique, which could subsequently reduce early donor site morbidity.

Brain Frailty and Outcomes of Acute Minor Ischemic Stroke With Large-Vessel Occlusion

Background@#and Purpose The influence of imaging features of brain frailty on outcomes were investigated in acute ischemic stroke patients with minor symptoms and large-vessel occlusion (LVO). @*Methods@#This was a retrospective analysis of a prospective, multicenter, nationwide registry of consecutive patients with acute (within 24 h) minor (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score=0–5) ischemic stroke with anterior circulation LVO (acute minor LVO). Brain frailty was stratified according to the presence of an advanced white-matter hyperintensity (WMH) (Fazekas grade 2 or 3), silent/old brain infarct, or cerebral microbleeds. The primary outcome was a composite of stroke, myocardial infarction, and all-cause mortality within 1 year. @*Results@#In total, 1,067 patients (age=67.2±13.1 years [mean±SD], 61.3% males) were analyzed. The proportions of patients according to the numbers of brain frailty burdens were as follows: no burden in 49.2%, one burden in 30.0%, two burdens in 17.3%, and three burdens in 3.5%. In the Cox proportional-hazards analysis, the presence of more brain frailty burdens was associated with a higher risk of 1-year primary outcomes, but after adjusting for clinically relevant variables there were no significant associations between burdens of brain frailty and 1-year vascular outcomes. For individual components of brain frailty, an advanced WMH was independently associated with an increased risk of 1-year primary outcomes (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]=1.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.03–1.71) and stroke (aHR=1.32, 95% CI=1.00–1.75). @*Conclusions@#The baseline imaging markers of brain frailty were common in acute minor ischemic stroke patients with LVO. An advanced WMH was the only frailty marker associated with an increased risk of vascular events. Further research is needed into the association between brain frailty and prognosis in patients with acute minor LVO.

Health Insurance Issues and Future Prospects Related to Korean Mental Health Care: Adult Mental Health and Hospitalization Services / 신경정신의학

The landscape of mental health services in Korea has evolved due to changes in the payment system. Despite the increasing societal focus on mental health, challenges persist. In 2021, 3622695 patients received treatment for mental and behavioral disorders, but decreasing bed numbers in general hospitals and a shortage of psychiatry specialists posed significant hurdles. Although reimbursements for psychiatry remain modest compared to other medical fields, the proportion of expenses allocated to psychotherapy is rising steadily, indicating a growing demand for mental health services. The Korean psychiatric hospitalization system faces a critical juncture. Inadequate reimbursement rates have led to a reduction in the number of beds in general hospitals, compromising acute psychiatric care. Psychiatric hospitals also suffer from low reimbursements, resulting in substandard care environments. These issues exacerbate the societal challenge of acute mental illness and psychiatric emergencies. Despite the recent regulatory efforts, including facility standards, the underlying problem of a discriminatory payment system persists, disproportionately affecting those with medically insured mental illnesses. Although some positive systemic changes have occurred, establishing an effective acute care system for mental illness remains a distant goal. Additional measures are essential to address the disparities and inadequacies within the current mental health payment system and ensure equitable access to quality care for all individuals with mental health needs.

Vitreous Opacity Following Intravitreal Brolucizumab Injection: A Case Series Review

Purpose@#To investigate cases of vitreous opacity (VO) similar to asteroid hyalosis (AH) after intravitreal brolucizumab injection. @*Methods@#A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify cases showing VO similar to AH among patients who received intravitreal brolucizumab injections at our retinal clinic from January 2022 to January 2023. @*Results@#A total of 220 brolucizumab injections were administered at our hospital. VO, showing yellow-white brilliant reflective particles, was found in six patients (2.7%). When VO occurred, all patients complained of floaters, although none of them complained of other symptoms including decreased visual acuity, pain, or conjunctival redness. The mean number of brolucizumab injections was 2.57 ± 2.38. No significant visual impairment was observed while VO was present. VO improved in all cases, and four cases improved without any treatment. The mean interval from onset to disappearance of VO was 8.0 ± 3.1 weeks. @*Conclusions@#VO, similar to AH, can occur with a relatively high probability after intravitreal brolucizumab injections. Patients complained of severe floaters, but VO was not accompanied by other symptoms including vision impairment, injection, and pain. The VO disappeared after approximately 4 to 14 weeks. In case that other inflammatory findings are not severe, close follow-up without treatment may be sufficient. If a patient complains of floaters after an intravitreal brolucizumab injection, close fundus observation is necessary to evaluate the VO.

Reaching New Heights: A Comprehensive Study of Hand Transplantations in Korea after Institutionalization of Hand Transplantation Law

Purpose@#With the revision of the Organ and Transplantation Act in 2018, the hand has become legal as an area of transplantable organs in Korea. In January 2021, the first hand allotransplantation since legalization was successfully performed, and we have performed a total of three successful hand transplantation since then. By comparing and incorporating our experiences, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive reconstructive solution for hand amputation in Korea. @*Materials and Methods@#Recipients were selected through a structured preoperative evaluation, and hand transplantations were performed at the distal forearm level. Postoperatively, patients were treated with three-drug immunosuppressive regimen, and functional outcomes were monitored. @*Results@#The hand transplantations were performed without intraoperative complications. All patients had partial skin necrosis and underwent additional surgical procedures in 2 months after transplantation. After additional operations, no further severe complications were observed. Also, patients developed acute rejection within 3 months of surgery, but all resolved within 2 weeks after steroid pulse therapy. Motor and sensory function improved dramatically, and patients were very satisfied with the appearance and function of their transplanted hands. @*Conclusion@#Hand transplantation is a viable reconstructive option, and patients have shown positive functional and psychological outcomes. Although this study has limitations, such as the small number of patients and short follow-up period, we should focus on continued recovery of hand function, and be careful not to develop side effects from immunosuppressive drugs. Through the present study, we will continue to strive for a bright future regarding hand transplantation in Korea.

The Association between Serum Lipid Levels and Tinnitus Prevalence and Severity in Korean Elderly:A Nationwide Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose@#We aimed to investigate the association between serum lipid level and tinnitus risk in Korean older adults. @*Materials and Methods@#This study used data from the 2016–2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Overall, 6021 subjects aged ≥60 years were included. Hypertriglyceridemia was defined as a serum triglyceride level of ≥200 mg/dL.The high-risk threshold of the total cholesterol (TC)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio was defined as above 5.0.The presence of tinnitus was assessed via health interviews. Tinnitus severity was classified as “not annoying,” “irritating,” and “severely annoying and causing sleep problems.” Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between serum lipid level and tinnitus risk. @*Results@#The odds ratio (OR) of tinnitus was 1.27-times higher in the group with hypertriglyceridemia than in the group without hypertriglyceridemia after adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, anemia, current smoking, obesity, noise exposure, stress cognition, and depressive mood or anxiety [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–1.56, p=0.022]. The OR of tinnitus was 1.21-times higher in the group with a high TC/HDL-C ratio than in the group without a high TC/HDL-C ratio after adjusting for the same variables as above (95% CI 1.02–1.44, p=0.025). @*Conclusion@#This study revealed that hypertriglyceridemia and high TC/HDL-C ratio were significantly associated with an increased OR of tinnitus in Korean older adults.

Age and sex differences in coronal lower extremity alignment in a healthy Asian population.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze the coronal alignment of lower extremities according to age and sex in a healthy population and demonstrate the differences. METHODS: Standing full-lower limb anteroposterior (AP) radiographs of healthy volunteers (670 males and 782 females) aged 18-69 years were retrospectively analyzed. The hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), joint line convergence angle and femoral bowing angle (FBA) were measured. The radiographic parameters were compared according to groups of age and sex. The proportion of volunteers with varus or valgus alignment more than 3° were also analyzed. RESULTS: With increasing age, HKA and LDFA varus increased. With increasing age, femoral medial bowing decreased. In addition, the HKA showed more varus alignment in males than in females (178.01° vs. 178.82°, P < 0.001). The MPTA was about 1° smaller in males than in females (P < 0.001). The proportion of patients with varus alignment of more than 3° increased with increasing age, with 16.9% in the 10-19 years old and 38.0% in the 60-69 years old groups. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that males showed more varus tibial alignments than females. Varus limb alignment, LDFA, and FBA also increases with age. In contrast, tibial alignment was constant across all age groups. Therefore, differences in lower extremity alignment according to age and sex should be considered in estimating individual prearthritic alignments.

The Feasibility of Multiple Fixation Points in C2

Methods@#We used 1.0-mm interval computed tomographic scan images of 100 patients (50 men and 50 women) and screw trajectory simulation software. The diameter of all screws was set at 3.5 mm, considering its common usage in real surgery. The anatomical feasibility of placing both pedicle and laminar screws on the same side was evaluated. For all feasible sides, the three-dimensional distance between the screw entry points was measured. @*Results@#In 85% of cases, both pedicle and laminar screws could be placed on both sides, allowing for the insertion of 4 screws. In 11% of cases, 2 screws could be placed on one side, while only 1 screw was feasible on the other side, resulting in the placement of 3 screws. In all 181 sides where both types of screws could be inserted, the distance between their entry points exceeded 16.1 mm, which was sufficient to prevent the collision between the screw heads. @*Conclusions@#C2 vertebra can accommodate three (11%) or four (85%) screws in 96% of cases.

The association between adverse childhood experiences and self-harm among South Korean children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study

Purpose@#Adolescent self-harm is a public health problem. Research suggests a link between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and self-destructive behaviors. Few studies, however, have examined the effects of ACEs on self-harm among Asian adolescents. This study explored the association between lifetime ACEs and a history of self-harm among Korean children and adolescents in elementary, middle, and high schools. @*Methods@#A cross-sectional, retrospective medical record review was conducted on a dataset of a national psychiatrist advisory service for school counselors who participated in the Wee Doctor Service from January 1 to December 31, 2020. The data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression to predict self-harm. @*Results@#Student cases (n=171) were referred to psychiatrists by school counselors for remote consultation. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that the odds of self-harm were higher among high school students (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=4.97; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.94-12.76), those with two or more ACEs (aOR=3.27; 95% CI=1.43-7.47), and those with depression (aOR=3.06; 95% CI=1.32-7.10). @*Conclusion@#The study's findings provide compelling evidence that exposure to ACEs can increase vulnerability to self-harm among Korean students. Students with a history of ACEs and depression, as well as high school students, require increased attention during counseling. School counselors can benefit from incorporating screening assessment tools that include questions related to ACEs and depression. Establishing a systematic referral system to connect students with experts can enhance the likelihood of identifying self-harm tendencies and offering the essential support to prevent self-harm.