• Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.439-447
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• 2018

Background: Since open Wiltse approach allows limited visualization for foraminal stenosis leading to an incomplete decompression, we report the short-term clinical and radiological results of unilateral biportal endoscopic foraminal decompression using $0^{\circ}$ or $30^{\circ}$ endoscopy with better visualization. Methods: We examined 31 patients that underwent surgery for neurological symptoms due to lumbar foraminal stenosis which was refractory to 6 weeks of conservative treatment. All 31 patients underwent unilateral biportal endoscopic far-lateral decompression (UBEFLD). One portal was used for viewing purpose, and the other was for surgical instruments. Unilateral foraminotomy was performed under guidance of $0^{\circ}$ or $30^{\circ}$ endoscopy. Clinical outcomes were analyzed using the modified Macnab criteria, Oswestry disability index, and visual analogue scale. Plain radiographs obtained preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively were compared to analyze the intervertebral angle (IVA), dynamic IVA, percentage of slip, dynamic percentage of slip (gap between the percentage of slip on flexion and extension views), slip angle, disc height index (DHI), and foraminal height index (FHI). Results: The IVA significantly increased from $6.24^{\circ}{\pm}4.27^{\circ}$ to $6.96^{\circ}{\pm}3.58^{\circ}$ at 1 year postoperatively (p = 0.306). The dynamic IVA slightly decreased from $6.27^{\circ}{\pm}3.12^{\circ}$ to $6.04^{\circ}{\pm}2.41^{\circ}$, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.375). The percentage of slip was $3.41%{\pm}5.24%$ preoperatively and $6.01%{\pm}1.43%$ at 1-year follow-up (p = 0.227), showing no significant difference. The preoperative dynamic percentage of slip was $2.90%{\pm}3.37%$; at 1 year postoperatively, it was $3.13%{\pm}4.11%$ (p = 0.720), showing no significant difference. The DHI changed from $34.78%{\pm}9.54%$ preoperatively to $35.05%{\pm}8.83%$ postoperatively, which was not statistically significant (p = 0.837). In addition, the FHI slightly decreased from $55.15%{\pm}9.45%$ preoperatively to $54.56%{\pm}9.86%$ postoperatively, but the results were not statistically significant (p = 0.705). Conclusions: UBEFLD using endoscopy showed a satisfactory clinical outcome after 1-year follow-up and did not induce postoperative segmental spinal instability. It could be a feasible alternative to conventional open decompression or fusion surgery for lumbar foraminal stenosis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.330-337
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• 2002

Background : A pulmonary tuberculoma is one of the most common causes of a solitary pulmonary lesion. Treating a tuberculoma is still controversial and there are few reports on antituberculosis chemotherapy. In this study, the clinical findings and changes in the size of tuberculomas on a radiograph after completing antituberculosis chemotherapy was investigated. Methods : The medical records, an chest radiographs of 18 pulmonary tuberculoma patients who were admitted to the Gachon medical school, Ghil medical center between April 1998 and August 2001, were reviewed. The symptomatic changes were recorded and the size of the tuberculomas following treatment were compared. To compare the size, the long distance of each tuberculoma on the chest radiographs were measured and the additional radiological findings of calcification, satellite nodules and cavities were investigated. Results : Fifteen patients were men and 3 were women. The median age was 46 (24-74). Among these 18 patients, 14 patients had clinical symptoms. The other 4 patients were diagnosed incidentally as during a routine chest radiograph. The mean size of the tuberculomas on the initial plain chest film was $4.3{\pm}2.3cm$(range : 1.7-10 cm) and after 6 months treatment, it had decreased to $1.68{\pm}2.00cm$(range : 1.5-6.5 cm) (P<0.05). At least 6 months of antituberculosis chemotherapy resulted in the findings of a tuberculoma with a disappearance in 9, a decreased size in 4, and no change in 5 on the chest radiograph. Calcifications were found in 3 patients on the initial chest film and the chest CT and all calcified tuberculomas had disappeared after treatment. Conclusion : Although a pulmonary tuberculoma can remain as an inactive lesion for a long time, if it is confirmed by pathological or bacteriological methods, antituberculosis chemotherapy will be beneficial despite the presence of calcification.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2010

Purpose: To evaluate the results and complications of antegrade intramedullary interlocking nailing in humerus shaft fractures. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the clinical outcomes, radiologic results and complications in 47 patients with humerus shaft fracture treated with antegrade intramedullary interlocking nailing, and followed up until bony union. Bony union was confirmed by serial plain radiographs and the clinical outcomes were assessed according to the ASES scoring system. Results: Bony union was confirmed in 41 (87.2%) out of a total 47 patients, and the mean union period was 14.5 weeks. Major complications were as follows: 6 non-union, 3 delayed union, 2 intraoperative posterior cortex fracture in the distal humerus and 2 permanent shoulder pain, including 1 case of adhesive capsulitis. The clinical outcomes were as follows: 29 excellent, 11 good, 4 fair and 3 poor. Satisfactory outcomes were demonstrated in 40 patients (85.1%). Conclusion: Anterograde intramedullary interlocking nailing as treatment for humerus shaft fracture showed satisfactory bony union and clinical outcomes. It is considered an efficacious treatment, especially in patients with associated injury, such as multiple fractures and segmental fracture.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.112-119
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• 2018

Objectives: Temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA) is a joint pathology caused by bony and/or fibrous adhesion of the joint apparatus, resulting in partial or total loss of function. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted between 2012 and 2016 in the northwest region of Nigeria. The data retrieved includes gender, age, etiology of ankylosis, duration of ankylosis, laterality of ankylosis, type of imaging technique, type of airway management, types of incision, surgical procedure, mouth opening, interpositional materials used, and complications. Results were presented as simple frequencies and descriptive statistics. Results: Thirty-six patients with TMJA were evaluated during the study period. There were 21 males (58.3%) and 15 females (41.7%), yielding a male:female ratio of 1.4:1. The patients' age ranged from 5 to 33 years with $mean{\pm}standard$ deviation ($13.8{\pm}6.6years$). Thirty-five cases (97.2%) were determined to be true/bony ankylosis, while only 1 case (2.8%) was false/fibrous ankylosis. Most of the TMJA cases (16 cases, 44.4%) were secondary to a fall. In our series, the most commonly utilized incision was the Bramley-Al-Kayat (15 cases, 41.7%). The mostly commonly performed procedures were condylectomies and upper ramus ostectomies (12 cases each, 33.3%), while the most commonly used interpositional material was temporalis fascia (14 cases, 38.9%). The complications that developed included 4 cases (11.1%) of severe hemorrhage, 1 case (2.8%) of facial nerve palsy, and 1 case (2.8%) of re-ankylosis. Conclusion: Plain radiographs, with their shortcomings, still have significant roles in investigating TMJA. Aggressive postoperative physiotherapy for a minimum of 6 months is paramount for successful treatment.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.115-122
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the results of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation treatment with coracoclavicular ligament augmentation using Tight-Rope$^{(R)}$ (Arthrex). Materials and Methods: From October 2009 to March 2011, 30 patients with acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation underwent coracoclavicular ligament augmentation using Tight-Rope$^{(R)}$ and were followed up for at least 12 months after surgery. The radiologic results were qualified according to serial plain radiographs, and the clinical results according to University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Scale, Constant score, and VAS pain score. Results: Using the UCLA scoring system, excellent results were observed in 22 cases (73%), good results in five cases (17%), fair results in two cases (7%), and a poor result in one case (3%). The average Constant score was $92.5{\pm}7.5$. According to radiologic results, anatomical reduction was achieved in 26 cases, and two cases showed a moderate loss of reduction, and two cases showed complete re-dislocation. Clinical results for patients with re-dislocation were unsatisfactory and reoperation was required. Conclusion: Coracoclavicular ligament augmentation using Tight-Rope$^{(R)}$ is a good option providing reliable functional results in patients with acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.58 no.6
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• pp.600-606
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• 2005

Background : The development of bronchoscopic equipment along with the precision of radiographic techniques had reduced the mortality rate of patients with tracheobronchial foreign bodies but has been no change in the incidence of tracheobronchial foreign bodies since their introduction. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical characteristics of a tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration and to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment modality in children and adults. Methods : This is a retrospective review of 64 patients who underwent bronchoscopic procedures for the treatment of aspirated foreign bodies from December 1994 through March 2004 at the Chonnam national university hospital. Results : There were 47 males and 17 females, aged from 1 month to 78 years. Most of the patients had no underlying illness except for one patient with a cerebrovascular accident that contributed to the foreign body aspiration. The most common symptom was cough, which was noted in 54 patients (84.3%). The other presenting symptoms were dyspnea (48.8%), fever (20.3%), sputum (14%), vomiting (7.8%), and chest pain (4.6%). Those whose tracheobronchial foreign bodies were diagnosed more than 2 days after the aspiration (21 patients) were more likely to have pneumonia than those whose foreign bodies were diagnosed within 2 days (p = 0.009). Foreign bodies were visualized in the plain chest radiographs in 12 cases (18.8%), while others showed air trapping (21, 32.8%), pneumonia (15, 23.4%), atelectasis (7, 10.9%), and normal findings (9, 14.1%). The foreign bodies were more frequently found in the right bronchial tree (36) compared with the left bronchial tree (22, p = 0.04). In order to remove the foreign bodies, twenty (31.2%) cases were removed using flexible bronchoscopy, while 42 (65.6%) and 2 (3.2%) cases required rigid bronchoscopy and surgery, respectively. Conclusions : Tracheobronchial Foreign body aspiration had a bimodal age distribution in the infancy and old age around 60 years. They were found more frequently in the right bronchial tree. In addition, patients whose foreign bodies were diagnosed more than 2 days after the aspiration were more likely have a infection. Rigid bronchoscopy is the procedure of choice for uncooperative children and for those with foreign bodies lodged deeply in the small bronchial tree.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.165-171
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• 2008

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to introduce a new surgical technique and to evaluate the preliminary results after operative treatment with using TightRope$^{(R)}$ for treating acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Material and Methods: We studies 10 patients who were followed up for more than 6 months after operative treatment with using an TightRope$^{(R)}$. A longitudinal incision approximately 4cm in length was made from 1cm medial to the acromioclavicular joint to the coracoid process, and then coracocalvicular ligament augmentation using TightRope$^{(R)}$ was done after splitting the deltoid. For postoperative stability, two 1.6 mm Kirschner wires were inserted temporarily across the acromioclavicular joint in all cases. The radiologic results on the serial plain radiographs and the clinical results according to the UCLA score were analyzed. Results: Radiologically, 7 cases showed anatomical reduction, 2 cases showed a slightly loss of reduction and 1 case showed partial loss of reduction. Clinically, 6 cases were excellent, 3 cases were good and 1 case was fair. Conclusion: Coracoclavicular ligament augmentation using TightRope$^{(R)}$ for treating acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation is a minimally invasive, safe procedure that provides satisfactory radiologic and clinical preliminary results. Yet the long-term results have to be analyzed to determine the final results of this procedure.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.51-57
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• 2015

Purpose: Minimal incision distal metatarsal osteotomy (MIDMO) is known to be an effective surgical procedure for mild to moderate hallux valgus. However, the result of MIDMO on moderate to severe hallux valgus is controversial; therefore, we investigated the radiological and clinical results of MIDMO on moderate to severe hallux valgus. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 51 feet (48 patients) with moderate to severe hallux valgus. The mean age was 67.0 years and the mean follow-up period was 32.2 months. Radiological data of hallux valgus angle, first intermetatarsal angle, and distal metatarsal articular angle on plain radiographs were analyzed. Recurrence, union, lateral translation of distal fragment and angulation were also analyzed. The clinical data were obtained using American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score of preoperation and last follow-up. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine a cut-off value. Results: The mean hallux valgus angle measured at preoperation was $37.7^{\circ}$ and $15.9^{\circ}$ at last follow-up. The mean first intermetatarsal angle of preoperation and last follow-up were $15.2^{\circ}$ and $8.3^{\circ}$. The mean distal metatarsal articular angle changed from $12.6^{\circ}$ at preoperation to $7.8^{\circ}$ at last follow-up. Preoperative hallux valgus angle (p=0.0051) and distal metatarsal articular angle (p=0.0078) were statistically significant factors affecting postoperative AOFAS score. Cut-off value of each was $37^{\circ}$ and 13o, respectively. Lateral translation of distal fragment in 5 recurrent cases was 23.0% compared to 45.3% of 46 non-recurrent cases. The result was statistically significant and the cut-off value was 38%. Conclusion: Sufficient lateral translation over 38% in MIDMO on moderate to severe hallux valgus patients with preoperative hallux valgus angle under $37^{\circ}$ and distal metatarsal articular angle under $13^{\circ}$ can lead to good clinical results without recurrence.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.412-418
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• 2010

Objective : To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of lumbar interbody fusion and its correlation with various factors (e.g., age, comorbidities, fusion level, bone quality) in patients over and under 65 years of age who underwent lumbar fusion surgery for degenerative lumbar disease. Methods : One-hundred-thirty-three patients with lumbar degenerative disease underwent lumbar fusion surgery between June 2006 and June 2007 and were followed for more than one year. Forty-eight (361%) were older than 65 years of age (group A) and 85 (63.9%) were under 65 years of age (group B). Diagnosis, comorbidities, length of hospital stay, and perioperative complications were recorded. The analysis of clinical outcomes was based on the visual analogue scale (VAS). Radiological results were evaluated using plain radiographs. Clinical outcomes, radiological outcomes, length of hospital stay, and complication rates were analyzed in relation to lumbar fusion level, the number of comorbidities, bone mineral density (BMD), and age. Results : The mean age of the patients was 61.2 years (range, 33-86 years) and the mean BMD was -2.2 (range, -4.8 to -2.8). The mean length of hospital stay was 15.0 days (range, 5-60 days) and the mean follow-up was 23.0 months (range, 18-30 months). Eighty-five (64.0%) patients had more than one preoperative comorbidities. Perioperative complications occurred in 27 of 133 patients (20.3%). The incidence of overall complication was 22.9% in group A, and 18.8% in group B but there was no statistical difference between the two groups. The mean VAS scores for the back and leg were significantly decreased in both groups (p < 0.05), and bony fusion was achieved in 125 of 133 patients (94.0%). There was no significant difference in bony union rates between groups A and B (91.7% in group A vs. 95.3% in group B, p = 0.398). In group A. perioperative complications were more common with the increase in fusion level (p = 0.027). Perioperative complications in both groups A (p = 0.035) and B (p = 0.044) increased with an increasing number of comorbidities. Conclusion : Elderly patients with comorbidities are at a high risk for complications and adverse outcomes after lumbar spine surgery. In our study, clinical outcomes, fusion rates, and perioperative complication rates in older patients were comparable with those in younger populations. The number of comorbidities and the extent of fusion level were significant factors in predicting the occurrence of postoperative complications. However, proper perioperative general supportive care with a thorough fusion strategy during the operation could improve the overall postoperative outcomes in lumbar fusion surgery for elderly patients.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiologic and clinical outcomes after operative treatment using endobuttons for unstable distal clavicle fractures. Materials and Methods: Between October 2007 and September 2009, 9 consecutive patients who were followed up for at least more than 12 months after operative treatment using a TightRope$^{(R)}$ were studied. The radiologic results on the serial plain radiographs and the clinical results according to the American Shoulder Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score were analyzed. Result: Bony union was shown in 8 cases (88.9%) and the average time to union was 12.9 (range: 9~16) weeks. The average coracoclavicular distances at the postoperative and final follow-up were 5.6 mm and 6.2 mm, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (p>0.05). The average ASES score was 90.3 (range: 78~96) and the clinical outcomes were 6 excellent, 2 good and one fair. There were no complications such as implant failure or infection except for one case of nonunion due to loss of the initial reduction. Conclusion: A major advantage of TightRope$^{(R)}$ fixation for unstable distal clavicle fractures is that no further surgery is needed to remove the implant. We suggest that this technique provides an alternative for fracture with a distal fragment, which is difficult to fix.