• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.51-57
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• 1998

Comminuted fracture of the distal end of the humerus in adults is very rare and difficult to treat. In operative treatment, an implant which can achieve accurate anatoraical reduction and rigid fixation is needed. But the pre­existing Y -shaped plate had wide and thick limbs and some problems in fixation for most distal humeral fractures. So we devised a modified plate which is more narrow and th1n and has a different hole distance and wing length (long lateral wing). The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical result of this modified anatomical Y -plate. From 1991 to 1997, we treated 23 cases of distal humeral fractures using modified anatomical plate and the results were as follows. 1. Fracture type in 18 patients(78%) was C-type(C1,C2,C3) which were intraarticular and mostly displaced or comminuted. 2. Bony union was obtained in 22 patients(96%) through rigid fixation and observed radiologically at 3.5 months(2-6months) on the average. 3. In 23 patients, 19 patients(82%) showed satisfactory results after 34 months(6-73months) follow-up. So if the modified anatomical Y-plate is used in the treatment of distal humeral fracture, a satisfactory result can be obtained through a more accurate, easy, and rigid fixation than preexisting plate.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.230-235
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• 2017

Background: Neer type II distal clavicle fractures have the drawback of coracoclavicular instability and insufficient distal bony fragment, thereby making it difficult to achieve adequate fixation. Although various surgical treatments have been described for Neer type II fracture, the optimal treatment remains controversial. This study reports the clinical results and usefulness of anatomical locking plate with additional K-wire fixation. Methods: A totally of 21 patients with type II distal clavicle fracture were included in the study. The surgical procedure reduced the fracture temporarily; it included insertion of one or two K-wire from the lateral margin of the distal fragment to the proximal fragment through the fracture site, followed by application and fixation of the locking plate. The bony union and migration of K-wire was evaluated in the follow-up radiography. The coracoclavicular distance and acromioclavicular joint arthrosis were assessed at the final follow-up. The Constant Score (CS) and Korean Shoulder Score (KSS) were evaluated for clinical scoring. Results: Bone union was achieved in all cases. At the final follow-up, coracoclavicular distance of the injured shoulder was increased, as compared to the intact shoulder (p=0.002), with no accompanying clinical symptoms. No K-wire migration was observed. At the final follow-up, K-wire irritation was observed in two cases and acromioclavicular arthrosis in one case, with no other adverse effects. Pain visual analogue scale, CS, and KSS were improved in all cases. Conclusions: The method of anatomical locking plate with additional K-wire fixation could be useful in achieving beneficial clinical results.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.2-7
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• 2016

Background: The purpose of this study is to compare the radiological and clinical outcomes after open reduction and plate fixation of midshaft clavicle fractures between patients who achieved successful anatomical reduction and those who had a remaining fracture gap even after open reduction and plate fixation, and were thus treated with additional demineralized bone matrix (DBM). Methods: This retrospective analysis was conducted on 56 consecutive patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation using a locking compression plate for acute displaced midshaft clavicle fractures, and who underwent radiographic and clinical outcome evaluations at least 6 months postoperatively. The outcomes between those who achieved perfect anatomical reduction without remnant gap (n=32) and those who had a remaining fracture gap even after open reduction and plate fixation treated with additional DBM (n=24) were evaluated. Results: There were no differences in the use of lag screws or wiring and operation time (all p>0.05) between those with and without remnant gap. No difference in the average radiological union time and clinical outcomes (satisfaction and Constant score) was observed between the two groups (all p>0.05). However, significantly faster union time was observed for AO type A fracture compared with other types (p=0.012), and traffic accident showed association with worse clinical outcomes compared with other causes of injury. Conclusions: Surgical outcome of midshaft clavicle fracture was more affected by initial fracture type and event, and re-reduction and re-fixation of the fracture to obtain a perfect anatomical reduction spending time appears to be unnecessary if rigid fixation is achieved.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.99-104
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• 2005

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate usefulness of locking compression plate (LCP) as an open reduction technique by evaluating clinical results obtained from the patients with lateral malleolar fracture treated by internal fixation using LCP after open reduction. Materials and Methods: Among the patients with lateral malleolar fracture, the 28 patients who were treated by internal fixation using Locking compression plate after an open reduction and were able to be followed up for more than 6 months were included in this study. Final postoperative evaluation was done based on the Meyer's clinical and radiologic evaluation system. Results: All cases achieved anatomical reduction and fixation of the reduction postoperatively. 28 minutes were taken meaningly from the incision to the fixation of LCP plate after the anatomical reduction. Everage bony union time was 8.2 weaks, and the result was excellent in 23 cases (82%), good in 5 cases (17%) and poor result was abscent according to the criteria of Meyer et al. One case of post traumatic arthritis and one case of superficial infection on the operation site were found, but non-union, delayed union and malunion were not occurred. Conclusion: The internal fixation after open reduction using LCP is an effective treatment method in treating lateral malleolar fracture of the ankle since it offers advantages including easy application and a greater stability due to its capability of maintaining exact anatomical reduction even though the screw does not penetrate the medial cortex of fibular to add the stability and rigidity of the fixation.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.2-9
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• 2014

Background: Indirect reduction technique offers a valid option in the treatment of proximal humerus fracture. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the functional outcome and the complication rate after indirect reduction and internal fixation of unstable proximal humeral fractures with use of a locking plate. Methods: Twenty four patients with acute proximal humerus fracture were managed with indirect reduction and internal fixation with a locking plate. The mean follow-up period was 15.5 months. Results: The anatomical reduction of the medial cortex buttress was seen in 16 patients (66%) of the Group A and the non-anatomical reduction was seen in 8 patients (33%) of the Group B. Mean union time was $3.2{\pm}1.9$ months; it was $2.2{\pm}0.6$ months in the Group A and $5.3{\pm}2.2$ months in the Group B (p < 0.05). In our series, there were 6 cases of complications and these include 2 cases of varus malunion, 2 cases of shoulder stiffness, 1 case of heterotrophic ossification, 2 cases of screw perforation and 1 case of impingement. Conclusions: We conclude from our studies that indirect reduction and internal fixation using locking plate for acute proximal humerus fracture can give good results with bony union and predictable good overall functional outcome. If the medial cortex buttress is well maintained, a better anatomical reduction would be achieved, the union would be prompted, the pain would be further reduced and the range of the motion would be recovered more promptly.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.397-405
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• 2023

Background: A precontoured plate rarely fits properly within the patient's clavicle and must be bent intraoperatively. This study aimed to determine whether anatomical reduction could be achieved using a plate bent before surgery. Methods: This study included 87 consecutive patients with displaced mid-shaft clavicle fractures who underwent plate fixation and were followed-up for a minimum of 1 year. After exclusions, 39 consecutive patients underwent fixation with a precontoured plate bent intraoperatively (intraoperative bending group), and 28 underwent fixation with the plate bent preoperatively (preoperative bending group). Using free software and a three-dimensional (3D) printer, ipsilateral clavicle 3D-printed models were constructed. Using plain radiographs, the distance between the edge of the lateral inferior cortex and the medial inferior cortex was measured. The angle between the line connecting the inferior cortex edge and the line passing through the flat portion of the superior cortex of the distal clavicle was measured. Results: Mean length differences between the ipsilateral and contralateral clavicle were smaller on both anteroposterior (AP; P=0.032) and axial images (P=0.029) in the preoperative bending group. The mean angular differences on both AP (P=0.045) and axial images (P=0.008) were smaller in the preoperative bending group. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in functional scores at the last follow-up. Conclusions: Smaller differences in length and angle between the ipsilateral and contralateral clavicle, indicative of reduction, were observed in the preoperative bending group. Using the precontoured technique with low expense, the operation was performed more effectively as reflected by a shorter operation time. Level of evidence: III.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.283-297
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• 1999

Purpose: To compare radiographic images of Digora/sup (R)/ system and Ektaspeed Plus film obtained from normal adults. Materials and methods: Storage phosphor plate(SPP) was placed in a film holder behind Ektaspeed Plus film package without lead foil. The effect of film on SPP was studied in a separate in vitro experiment. Forty-seven sets of images were prepared for the evaluaton. The regions of interest(ROI) for evaluation were designated at seven sites including normal anatomical structures. The image quality for each ROI was evaluated on enhanced and unenhanced storage phosphor(SP) images and Ektaspeed Plus film. Results: Two film-SPP configurations showed significantly different gray levels at each step of the aluminum step wedge(p<0.05). The contrasts were comparable. Enhanced SP images were significantly superior to unenhaned images and film in all anatomical sturctures(p<0.01). The differences between unenhanced SP images and film were significant(p<0.05) except root canal and cortical bone on alveolar crest. For anatomical items. there were statistically significant difference among five observers(p<0.05). Conclusions: The image quality of enhanced SP images were superior to Ektaspeed Plus film. and Digora system is potentially applicable to clinical diagnosis.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.37-41
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• 2017

Background: Increased frequency of comminuted clavicle mid-shaft fractures and importance of functional satisfaction through early joint exercise has resulted in higher emphasis on surgical treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical radiological results of treatment of clavicle mid-shaft fractures by open reduction and internal fixation using a plate with a small incision. Methods: The subjects of this study were 80 clavicle mid-shaft fracture cases treated with internal fixation using a plate from October 2010 to July 2014. Clavicle mid-shaft fractures were internally fixated using anatomical plates or locking compression plates. Achievement of bone union, union period, and clavicle length shortening were evaluated radiologically, and clinical assessment was done by using Constant and University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) scores. Results: All 80 cases were confirmed to have achieved bone union through radiographs with an average union period of 10.9 weeks (range: 7-18 weeks). The average clavicle length of shortening in the affected side was 1.8 mm (range: 0-17 mm). The average UCLA score and Constant score were 33.6 (range: 25-35) and 92.5 (range: 65-100), respectively. Regarding complications, four cases reported skin irritation by metal plates, and one case reported a screw insertion site fracture due to minor trauma history. Conclusions: We were able to induce successful bone union and obtain clinically satisfactory results in displaced mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle without major complications such as nonunion through treatment of internal fixation using a plate.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.292-297
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• 2010

Sound absorption capability and anatomical features of kagikazura (Uncaria rhynchophylla) and larch (lalix kaemferi) wood were estimated. Sound absorption coefficients had been measured by the two microphone transfer function method and anatomical features of kagikazura wood examined by SEM observation. The sound absorption coefficients of Uncaria rhynchophylla was higher than lalix kaemferi. Especially, in the frequency range of 1 to 4KHz, sound absorption coefficients of kagikazura was about 2~3 times higher than those of lalix kaemferi. Abundant and big vessel observed on the cross sectional surface of kagikazura wood and simple perforation plate observed on the longitudinal surface. It was surmised that the abundant big vessel element and simple perforation plate behaved as a sound absorbing pore.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.200-204
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• 2023

Although in counterpart, the sphenopalatine artery (SPA), has been well described in the medical literature, the sphenopalatine vein (SPV) has received scant attention. Therefore, the present anatomical study was performed. Additionally, we discuss the variations, embryology, and clinical significance of the SPV. Adult cadaveric specimens underwent dissection of the SPV. In addition, some specimens were submitted for histological analysis of this structure. The SPV was found to drain from the sphenoidal sinus and nasal septum. Small tributaries traveled through the nasal septum with the posterior septal branches of the SPA and nasopalatine nerve. The SPA and SPV were found to travel through the sphenopalatine foramen and another tributary was found to perforate the medial plate of the pterygoid process and to connect to the pterygoid venous plexus which traveled lateral to the medial plate of the pterygoid process. The vein traveled through the posterior part of the lateral wall of the nasal cavity with the posterior lateral nasal branches of the SPA and the lateral superior posterior nasal branches of the maxillary nerve. To our knowledge, this is the first anatomical study on the SPV in humans. Data on the SPV provides an improved anatomical understanding of the vascular network of the nasal cavity. Developing a more complete picture of the nasal cavity and its venous supply might help surgeons and clinicians better manage clinical entities such as posterior epistaxis, cavernous sinus infections, and perform endoscopic surgery with fewer complications.