• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.72-79
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• 2021

Background: A midshaft clavicle fracture is a common fracture that typically responds well to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). However, refracture can occur after implant removal (IR). This study aimed to analyze the rate of refracture and related factors after removal of the locking compression plate (LCP) for displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 201 patients who had undergone ORIF with LCP for midshaft clavicle fractures after IR after bony union from January 2011 to May 2018 at our institute. We evaluated basic demographic characteristics and radiographic parameters. All patients were treated with an LCP for primary fracture. The patients were divided into two groups: a refracture group that experienced a second fracture within 1 year after IR and a no-fracture group. Results: There were four cases (1.99%) of refracture; three were treated conservatively, while one was treated surgically. All patients achieved bony union. The average interval between refracture and IR was 64 days (range, 6-210 days). There was a significant difference in classification of fractures (AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association [AO/OTA] classification) between the two groups. However, other patient demographics and radiographic measurements between refracture and IR, such as bone diameter, showed no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusions: This study showed that one in 50 patients suffered from refracture after removal of the LCP. Thus, if patients desire IR, the surgeon should explain that there is a relatively higher possibility of refracture for cases with simple or segmental fractures than for other types of fracture.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.27-34
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• 2011

Purpose: We examined the clinical and radiological outcomes for displaced proximal humerus fractures that were treated with a PHILOS angular stable plate. Materials and Method: Forty four patients who underwent surgery between March 2007 and February 2010 were included in this study. All the cases were followed up for an average of 12 months. All the patients were examined and interviewed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, the Constant score and standardized X-rays to check the neck-shaft angle (NSA) and the presence of medial support. Results: The average Visual Analog Scale score was 2.8 points and the average Constant score was 70.5 points. The average neck shaft angle was $122.5^{\circ}$ and this was statistically significant between the good result group and the poor result group. There were 36 cases of the presence of medial support and 8 cases of the absence of medial support and the difference was statistically significant. Complications such as fixation failure happened in 12 cases. Conclusion: PHILOS angular stable plate fixation as an operative treatment for displaced proximal humerus fractures is a good and reliable treatment option.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.213-221
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• 2006

Purpose This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of the location and angle of drilling on the changes of the distance between the two block specimens. Materials and methods In experimental group 1, the screw holes were prepared by drilling in the distal portion of compression part of the plate at $90^{\circ}$. In experimental group 2, the drilling was performed at an angle of $30^{\circ}$ proximal to the miniplate, and in experimental group 3, at $30^{\circ}$ distal respectively. In control group, the drilling was performed to the center of hole at $90^{\circ}$. The fixation screw length was 5 mm, 7 mm, and 9 mm in all groups. The results were as follows. Results 1. In control group, the mean changes between two specimens were 0.01 mm, 0.02 mm, and 0.00 mm in 5 mm, 7 mm, and 9 mm screws respectively. 2. In experimental group 1, the compression part was moved toward the retention part. The range of mean changes were from -0.39 mm to -0.43 mm. 3. In experimental group 2, the compression part was moved toward the retention part. The range of mean changes were from -0.51 mm to -0.56 mm. 4. In experimental group 3, the compression part was moved apart from the retention part and the range of mean changes were from 0.55 mm to 0.56 mm. 5. The changes were significantly different between all groups(p<0.01). Conclusion These results suggest that 0.4$\sim$0.5 mm of compressive effect can be achieved by drilling on the distal area of the screw hole at an angle of $90^{\circ}$ and by the proximal angulation to the miniplate, and the gap between specimens can be increased by distal angulation to the miniplate during drilling.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.41-45
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• 2008

Purpose: To review the clinical and radiological results after an open reduction and internal fixation with a T-shaped LCP for unstable distal clavicle fractures. Materials and Methods: From February 2005 to June 2006, ten patients with distal clavicle Neer type II fractures were treated with an open reduction and internal fixation with a T-shaped LCP. Bony union was identified by plain radiography. The clinical results were analyzed according to the UCLA scoring system. Results: The mean time to fracture union was 9weeks and union was achieved in all cases. The mean UCLA score was 33.4 (30-35); excellent in 8 cases and good in 2 cases. In one case, loosening of one distal screw was occured and mild AC joint subluxation was observed in another case. Conclusion: 3.5 mm T-shaped LCP fixation is a useful technique for treating unstable distal clavicle fractures. This procedure provide stable fixation with no further AC joint injury.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.763-771
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• 2000

Objectives : Thoracolumbar burst fractures(TBLF) result in not only compressive deformity of vertebral body but also spinal cord compression by bony fragments. Many thoracolumbar burst fractures demand both anterior decompression and intervertebral fusion. Most of spinal surgeons use anterior instrumentation for anteior intervertebral bony fusion. The use of Z-plate has been increased recently, however there has been only a few reports regarding its clinical long-term strength. We studied nineteen patients with TBLF to find out the long-term stability of Z-plate. Methods : We have operated 19 patients from March 1996 to August 1998. They were treated with anterior decompression through either a transthoracic, retroperitoneal extrapleural or retroperitoneal approach. Retropulsed bony fragments were removed completely by corpectomy. Iliac bone graft was used for interbody fusion in all of the cases. They were evaluated by plain X-ray films including flexion and extention lateral films. Cobbs angle was used to evaluate kyphotic and lateral wedging deformity. Results : Burst fractured sites were T11 in two, three T12, nine L1, and five L2. Mean follow-up duration was fifteen months. Preoperative average kyphotic angle was 23.7 degree. Immediate postoperative kyphotic angle was 10.2 degree. Follow-up resluts of average kyphotic angles revealed 14 degrees. Four patients(21%), including two spinal 3-column injury, showed increasement of kyphotic angle more than 5 degree or breakage of intrumentation. Two patients showed the difference of kyphotic angle more than 3 degree. Five patients(26%) revealed lateral wedging deformity more than 3 degrees. Postoperative complications were two meralgia parestheticas, one pulmonary atelectasis and two donor site infections. Four of the eight patients, who initially showed incomplete spinal cord deficits, were nerologically improved by Frankel's grade. Conclusion : Z-plate fixation and iliac bone graft after anterior decompression in thoracolumbar burst fractures is a safe and easy method. Immediate postoperative results revealed excellent correction of posttraumatic kyphosis, but long-term follow-up evalution showed insufficient strength. Therefore we believe that use of Z-plate should be carefully decided, especially in the case of large lumbar fracture or 3-column injury.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.123-127
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• 2005

Compression Hip Screw (CHS) is one of the most widely-used prostheses for the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures because of its strong fixation capability. Fractures at the neck and screw holes are frequently noted as some of its clinical drawbacks, which warrant more in-depth biomechanical analysis on its design variables. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in the strength with respect to the changes in design such as the plate thickness and the number of screw holes. Both mechanical test and FEM analysis were used to systematically investigate the sensitivities of the above-mentioned design variables. For the first part of the mechanical test, CHS (n=20) were tested until failure. The CHS specimens were classified into four groups: Group Ⅰ was the control group with the neck thickness of 6-㎜ and 5 screw holes on the side plate, Group Ⅱ 6-㎜ thick and 8 holes, Group Ⅲ 7.5-㎜ thick and 5 holes, and Group Ⅳ 7.5-㎜ thick and 8 holes. Then, the fatigue test was done for each group by imparting 50% and 75% of the failure loads for one million cycles. For the FEM analysis, FE models were made for each group. Appropriate loading and boundary conditions were applied based on the failure test results. Stresses were assessed. Mechanical test results indicated that the failure strength increased dramatically by 80% with thicker plate. However, the strength remained unchanged or decreased slightly despite the increase in number of holes. These results indicated the higher sensitivity of plate thickness to the implant strength. No fatigue failures were observed which suggested the implant could withstand at least one million cycles of fatigue load regardless of the design changes. Our FEM results also supported the above results by showing a similar trend in stress as those of mechanical test. In summary, our biomechanical results were able to show that plate thickness could be a more important variable in design for reinforcing the strength of CHS than the number of screw holes.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.8
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• pp.1055-1062
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• 2000

Objectives : Burst fracture of the lower lumbar spine(L3-L5) is rare and has some different features compare to that of thoracolumbar junction. Lower lumbar spine is flexible segments located deeply, and has physiologic lordosis. All of these contribute to making surgical approach difficult. Generally, lower lumbar burst fracture is managed either anteriorly or posteriorly with various fixation and fusion methods. But there is no general guideline or consensus regarding the proper approach for such lesion. We have tried to find out the influencing factors for selecting the surgical approach through the analysis of lower lumbar burst fractures treated for last 4 years(1994.3-1998.3). Method : This study includes 15 patients(male : 10, female : 5, age range 20-59 years with mean age of 36.7 years, L3 : 8 cases, L4 : 5 cases, L5 : 2 cases). Patients were classified into anterior(AO) and posterior operated(PO) groups. We investigated clinical findings, injured column, operation methods, and changes in follow-up radiologic study (kyphotic angle) to determine the considerable factors in selecting the surgical approaches. Results : There were 5 AO and 10 PO patients. Anterior operation were performed with AIF with Kaneda or Z-plate and posterior operation were done with pedicle screw fixation with PLIF with cages or posterolateral fusion. Canal compression was 46.6% in AO and 38.8% in PO. The degree of kyphotic angle correction were 10.7 degree(AO) and 8.5 degree(PO), respectively. There was no statistical difference between anterior and posterior operation group. All patients showed good surgical outcome without complications. Conclusion : Anterior operation provided good in kyphotic angle correction and firm anterior strut graft, but it difficulty arose in accessing the lesions below L4 vertebra. While posterior approach showed less correction of kyphotic angle, it required less time and provided better results for accompanied adjacent lesion and pathology such as epidural hematoma. The level of injury, canal compression, biomechanics, multiplicity, and pathology are considered to be important factors in selection of the surgical approach.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.105-115
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• 2016

Purpose: While all midshaft clavicle fractures have traditionally been treated with conservative measures, recent operative treatment of displaced, communited midshaft clavicle fractures has become more common. Though a recent increase in operative treatment for midshaft clavicle fractures, we have done the operative methods in limited cases. The aim of this study is to present indications, operative techniques and outcomes of the experienced cases that have applied to this limited group over the previous 10 years. Methods: This study consists of a retrospective review of radiological and clinical data from January of 2005 to July of 2015. Operative criteria for midshaft clavicle fractures having considerable risk of bone healing process were 4 groups - a floating shoulder, an open fracture, an associated neurovascular injury, and a nonunion case after previous treatment. Results: The study consisted of 18 patients who had operative treatment for midshaft clavicle fractures in adults. The most common surgical indication was a floating shoulder (10 cases, 55.6%), followed by nonunion (5 cases, 27.8%), an associated neurovascular injury (4 cases, 22.2%), and open fracture (3 cases, 16.7%). All cases were treated by open reduction and internal fixation in anterosuperior position with reconstruction plate or locking compression plate. Bone union was achieved in all cases except 1 case which was done bone resection due to infected nonunion. Mean bone union period was 19.5 weeks. There were no postoperative complications, but still sequelae in 4 cases of brachial plexus injury. Conclusion: We have conducted an open reduction and internal fixation by anterosuperior position for midshaft clavicle fractures in very limited surgical indications for last 10 years. Our treatment strategy for midshaft clavicle fractures showed favorable radiological results and low postoperative complications.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.55 no.5
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• pp.289-292
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• 2014

A case of total spondyloptosis of the cervical spine at C6-7 level with cord compression is described in a 51-year-old male. Because the bodies of C6 and 7 were tightly locked together, cervical traction failed. Then the patient was operated on by a posterior approach. Posterior stabilization and fusion were performed by C4-5 lateral mass and C7-T1 pedicle screw fixation and rod instrumentation with bridging both C4-5's rods to the C7-T1's extended ones. After C6 total laminectomy and foraminotomy, the C6 body was returned to its proper position. Secondly, anterior stabilization and fusion were performed by C6-7 discectomy with a screw-plate system. A postoperative lateral plain radiograph showed good realignment. In this case, we report the clinical presentation and discuss the surgical modalities of C6-7 total spondyloptosis and the failed close reduction.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.54-57
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• 2013

We report a case of 29-year-old man diagnosed as a primary eosinophilic granuloma (EG) lesion of the seventh cervical vertebra. He had paresthesia on both arms, and grasping weakness for 10 days. Cervical magnetic resonance image (MRI) showed an enhancing mass with ventral epidural bulging and cord compression on the seventh cervical vertebra. Additionally, we performed spine series MRI, bone scan and positive emission tomography for confirmation of other bone lesions. These studies showed no other pathological lesions. He underwent anterior cervical corpectomy of the seventh cervical vertebra and plate fixation with iliac bone graft. After surgical management, neurological symptoms were much improved. Histopathologic evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of EG. There was no evidence of tumor recurrence at 12 months postoperative cervical MRI follow-up. We reported symptomatic primary EG of cervical spine successfully treated with surgical resection.