• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.51-57
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• 2011

Pilon fractures involving distal tibia remain one of the most difficult therapeutic challenges that confront the orthopedic surgeons because of associated soft tissue injury is common. To introduce and describe the diagnosis, current treatment, results and complications of the pilon fractures. In initial assessment, the correct evaluation of the fracture type through radiographic checkup and examination of the soft tissue envelope is needed to decide appropriate treatment planning of pilon fractures. Even though Ruedi and Allgower reported 74% good and excellent results with primary open reduction and internal fixation, recently the second staged treatment of pilon fractures is preferred to orthopedic traumatologist because of the soft tissue problem is common after primary open reduction and internal fixation. The components of the first stage are focused primarily on stabilization of the soft tissue envelope. If fibula is fractured, fibular open reduction and internal fixation is integral part of initial management for reducing the majority of tibial deformities. Ankle-spanning temporary external fixator is used to restore limb alignment and displaced intraarticular fragments through ligamentotaxis and distraction. And the second stage, definitive open reduction and internal fixation of the tibial component, is undertaken when the soft tissue injury has resolved and no infection sign is seen on pin site of external fixator. The goals of definitive internal fixation should include absolute stability and interfragmentary compression of reduced articular segments, stable fixation of the articular segment to the tibial diaphysis, and restoration of coronal, transverse, and sagittal plane alignments. The location, rigidity, and kinds of the implants are based on each individual fractures. The conventional plate fixation has more advantages in anatomical reduction of intraarticular fractures than locking compression plate. But it has more complications as infection, delayed union and nonunion. The locking compression plate fixation provides greater stability and lesser wound problem than conventional implants. But the locking compression plate remains poorly defined for intraarticular fractures of the distal tibia. Active, active assisted, passive range of motion of the ankle is recommended when postoperative rehabilitation is started. Splinting with the foot in neutral is continued until suture is removed at the 2~3 weeks and weight bearing is delayed for approximately 12 weeks. The recognition of the soft tissue injury has evolved as a critical component of the management of pilon fractures. At this point, the second staged treatment of pilon fractures is good treatment option because of it is designed to promote recovery of the soft tissue envelope in first stage operation and get a good result in definitive reduction and stabilization of the articular surface and axial alignment in second stage operation.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.32-38
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• 2005

The efficacy of bioresorbable fixation has recently been described in the osseosynthesis of the oral & maxillofacial region. However, a liitle data exist regarding the use of biodegradable plates and screws for the internal fixation of human mandible fractures. The purpose of this study is to analyze and compare the treatment of mandibular fractures by using a bioresorbable fixation system with conventional titanium system in human mandible fractures. eighteen patients constituted the bioresorbable fixation group and twenty-five patients constituted the titanium fixation group. Both groups underwent open reduction and internal fixation by use of a bioresorbable system or a titanium fixation system. Panoramic radiograph were obtained preoperatively, immediately postoperatively after reduction, at 6 months and at 12 months postoperatively. In the bioresorbable fixation group, complication(infection) occurred in 1 patient(5.6%) and was resolved by incision & drainage, plate removal and antibiotics without untoward sequelae. 2 patients(8.0%) experienced complications in the titanium fixation group and were treated using conservative treatment. There was no statistical difference in complication rates between two groups. Our data supported the use of bioresorbale plate fixation in mandibular fractures as a means of avoiding the potential and well documented problems with rigid titanium fixation systems. In conclusion, the bioresorbable fixation system provide a reliable and sufficient alternative to conventional titanium plate system.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.94-100
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the clinical features of distal tibia fractures and to evaluate the treatment outcomes of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO). Materials and Methods: From January 2004 to December 2009, 84 cases of 81 patients treated with plate fixation for distal tibia fracture were enrolled in this retrospective review. We investigated age, sex, injury mechanism, fracture patterns, and complications, and the clinical features were analyzed. To evaluate the treatment outcomes of MIPO, we divided into two groups. MIPO group consisted of 55 patients were treated with MIPO technique and conventional group consisted of 18 patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with conventional anterolateral plating. The results were compared between two groups by assessing bony union time, operation time, amount of blood loss, range of ankle motion, clinical score by American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and post-operative complications. Results: The mean age of 81 patients with distal tibia fracture was 54.8 years. According to AO classification, A1:2:3 were 16, 20, 16 patients, B1:2:3 were 2, 8, 7, C1:2:3 were 1, 3, 11 patients. According to injury mechanism, slip down injury was patients, traffic accident was 26, fall from height injury was 14 patients respectively. The type A fractures were lower energy trauma and more older patients. The type C fractures were higher energy trauma and younger patients. MIPO group was better than conventional group in operative time, blood loss, bony union time, and ankle joint motion. In complications, MIPO group showed no nonunion and infection, one malunion, one skin necrosis, nine skin irritations, and one screw breakage. Conventional group showed two nonunion, four infections, two skin necrosis, and one metal failure. Conclusion: Distal tibial fractures caused by low energy trauma were on the increase. Minimal invasive plate osteosynthesis was shorter bony union time and operation time, less blood loss, and larger ankle motions than conventional open reduction and plate fixation.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.42-48
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• 2006

Open reduction and rigid internal fixation is the most popular treatment method for maxillofacial fracture patients, and it is unevitable that postoperative pain can be developed. Many surgeons including oral & maxillofacial surgeons have made constant efforts to decrease postoperative pain. This study is a comparison of postoperative analgesia and intramuscular analgesia in patients with mandibular fractures. In this study, twenty-one patients (Experimental group) were randomly selected and they were injected with IV patient-controlled analgesia (PCA; Walkmed$^{(R)}$, USA). For control group another twenty-one patients were injected with intramusclar non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (Rheoma$^{(R)}$, Samsung Pharm. Co.). And then, we measured visual analogue scale (VAS) scores from first postoperative day to second day at regular time interval. The following results were uptained; 1. In patient group who with open reduction and rigid internal fixation, there was significant difference of postoperative analgesic effect during the first postoperative day(p<0.05). 2. In patient group with over 90 minutes surgery time, there was significant difference of postoperative analgesic effect during the first and second postoperative day when compared between experimental group and control group(p<0.05). 3. In patient group with less than 90 minutes surgery time, there was no significant difference of postoperative analgesic effect during the first and second postoperative day when compared between experimental group and control group(p>0.05). 4. In patient group with surgery of open reduction using rigid internal fixation at single fractured site, there was no significant difference of postoperative analgesic effect during the first and second postoperative day when compared between experimental group and control group(p>0.05). 5. In patient group with surgery at two fractured sites, there was significant difference of postoperative analgesic effect during the first postoperative day when compared between experimental group and control group(p<0.05). As mentioned above, it suggest that patient-controlled analgesia is more effective for postoperative pain relief than intramuscular injection in patients with rigid internal fixation by open reduction after mandibular fracture occurred. Especially, it is considered that in patient with more than 90 minutes surgery time or in cases with multiple fractured sites had more effective results with PCA therapy than conventional intramuscular analgesics.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.332-338
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• 2023

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a hybrid arch bar (hAB) with the conventional Erich arch bar (EAB) for the management of jaw fractures, focusing on their use for temporary fixation in patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Materials and Methods: Patients presenting with maxillary and mandibular fractures at our institution were included in this prospective, comparative study. Placement time and ease of occlusal reproducibility were recorded intraoperatively for Group A (hAB patients) and Group B (EAB patients). The primary outcome was comparison of the postoperative stability of the two arch bars. Postoperative measurements also included mucosal overgrowth, screw loosening or wire retightening, and replacement rates. The data were tabulated and computed with a P<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The study included 41 patients. A statistically significant difference was observed in postoperative stability scores (3) between Group A and Group B (85.0% vs 9.5%, P=0.001). The mean placement time in Group A (23.3 minutes) significantly differed from that in Group B (86.4 minutes) (P<0.001). The ease of intraoperative occlusion was not different between the two groups (P=0.413). Mucosal overgrowth was observed in 75.0% of patients (15 of 20) in Group A. Conclusion: The hAB was superior to EAB in clinical efficiency, maxillomandibular fixation time reduction, stability, versatility, and safety. Despite temporary mucosal overgrowth, the benefits of hAB outweigh the disadvantages. The choice between hAB and EAB should be based on specific clinical requirements.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.7-11
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• 2023

Rotational ankle fractures are one of the most common injuries of lower limbs treated by orthopedic surgeons. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is considered a gold standard treatment for unstable ankle fractures, though adjunct ankle arthroscopy is being increasingly used in cases of ankle trauma. Although the role and use of ankle arthroscopy are expanding, the clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of arthroscopy remain undefined. Furthermore, despite the number of clinical research studies performed on arthroscopically assisted surgery for ankle fractures, no definite guidelines have been agreed, and no consensus has been reached regarding indications. This article reviews the role, indications, operative techniques, and complications of ankle arthroscopy and compares the clinical outcomes of conventional ORIF and arthroscopically assisted ORIF.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.42
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• pp.6.1-6.6
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• 2020

Background: Various types of miniplates have been developed and used for the reduction of facial bone fractures. We introduced Yang's Keyhole (YK) plate, and reported on its short-term stability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term stability of the YK plate, as a follow-up study, by examining the patients who had used the YK plate among the patients with the reduction of mandible fractures and who visited for plate removal. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 16 patients who underwent mandibular fracture fixation using a YK plate (group I) and 17 patients who underwent mandibular fracture fixation using a conventional plate (group II). Assessment was then made on malunion, occlusal stability, discomfort during the application, and clinical symptoms. Results: From January 2015 to December 2017, a total of 36 patients underwent mandibular fracture surgery using a YK plate. A total of 16 patients received plate removal. Among them, 15 were male and 1 female. The average age was 26 years. The applied surgical sites were the 12 on mandibular angle, 4 on mandibular symphysis, and 2 on subcondyle. The application period of YK plate was an average of 335 days. During the same period, 45 people underwent surgery on the conventional plate. A total of 17 patients received plate removal. Among them, 15 were male and 2 females. The average age was 36 years. The applied surgical sites were the 8 on mandibular angle, 4 on mandibular symphysis, and 2 on subcondyle. The application period of the conventional plate was an average of 349 days. No malocclusion occurred at the time of removal, and occlusion was stable. No patient complained of joint disease or discomfort. Conclusion: The YK plate system, in which the screw was first inserted and the plate was applied, for clinical convenience did not cause any particular problem and no significant difference from the conventional plate.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.44-49
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• 2003

Purpose: Many different operative technique of mid-shaft clavicle fracture have been reported. The aim of this prospective study was to compare the results of anterior or anterior-inferior plating with superior plating on the acute mid-shaft fracture of clavicle Materials and Methods: From February1997 to February 2002, thirty-eight consecutive open reduction and internal fixation with reconstruction plates were performed in thirty-eight patients. from August 1999, anterior or anterior-inferior plating was mainly used, prospectively. The duration of follow-up averaged 17 months (range,23 to 43 months). The mean age was 38 years old (range,21 to 57 years old) on anterior or anterior-inferior plating group and 35 years old (range,24 to 55 years old) on superior plating group. The physician progress note, VAS patient complement score, Roentgenogram and ASES score was evaluated. Results: Four patients were lost to follow-up. There was no statistical difference on mean radiological bone union time （8.7 weeks vs. 8.6 weeks) and ASES score (92 vs 94) at inferior and superior plating groups (P > 0.05). VAS patient complement score was very good or excellent on anterior or anterior-inferior group, average score was 1.1 (ranger,0 to 2) compare with superior plating group (P < 0.05). There were two cases of infection, 1 case of failed fixation on superior plating group and 1 case of delayed union on anterior inferior plating group. Conclusion: Anterior inferior plating on acute clavicle midshaft fracture results in excellent patient complement score compare with conventional superior reconstruction plate.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.143-149
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• 2013

Purpose: Open reduction and internal fixation of calcaneal fracture using plate has been used. While numerous plates have been manufactured, most of the conventional plates are designed for westerners, realistically the size is larger for Korean. The domestic products, on the other hand, often have the undesirable screw holes and path. Therefore, we measured the radiologic parameter of Korean calcaneus for providing the plate and screw hole placements. Materials and Methods: We measured the outer lines and angles with over the 20 years old 291 females and 322 males. A: Length of inferior plane of calcaneus, B: Length of anterior plane of calcaneus, C: Length from line A to sinus tarsi, D: Length from line A to posterior point of posterior facet, E: Length from line A to calcaneal tuberosity, F: Length of posterior facet, G: Length from anterior point of line A to C, H: Length from line C to line D, a: Angle between A and B, b: Gissane angle, c: Bohler angle, d: Calcaneal pitch angle using Marosis m-view$^{(R)}$. Results: Mean A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H were 63.6, 26.4, 23.2, 43.7, 40.5, 26.9, 12.8, 18.1 mm. Mean a, b, c, d angle were 105.8, 122.4, 32.4, $20.5^{\circ}$. Male's calcaneus is significantly bigger than female's (p<0.001). Conclusion: AP calcaneus length 63.6 mm, maximal height 43.7 mm is considered to be helpful in making the Korean calcaneal plate.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.46-52
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• 2009

Purpose: To evaluate the usefulness of minimally invasive arthroscopy-assisted plate removal of a laterally inserted periarticular distal femur plate used for the treatment of AO type-C distal femur fractures. Materials and Methods: From October 2002 to November 2005, we evaluated 17 patients whose plates were removed through minimally invasive arthroscopy-assisted plate-removal technique and 15 patients who got their plates removed through conventional method without using arthroscopy, 32 patients in total. All these patients included in this study initially underwent open reduction and internal fixation of the distal femoral fractures with a lateral plate, and complained of continued pain over the lateral femoral condyle after the fracture fixation. The average age was 42.6 (ranges: 20~66) and initial fracture types included 16 cases of C1, 11 cases of C2, and 5 cases of C3 following AO/ASIF classification guidelines. Measured outcomes included: associated intra-articular pathologies, time needed to return to activities of daily living, patients' overall satisfaction, complications following the removal of hardware, and pain before and 6 months after the operation. Results: The distal-most end of the plate was placed in the knee joint in all cases and damage of the lateral articular capsule was found in 23 cases. Continuous wound discharge after surgery was found in one case who underwent arthroscopy-assisted plate removal, and it was treated by irrigation and re-suture. Average time needed to return to activities of daily living was 7 days in arthroscopy assisted group and 7.6 days in conventionally removed group. Fourteen patients (82.4%) who underwent arthroscopyassisted plate-removal reported above 'fair' satisfaction and the Visual analog scale pain score decreased from 4.9 to 1.9, six months after the plate removal. Thirteen patients(86.7%) who underwent conventional plate removal reported above 'fair' satisfaction and the Visual analog scale pain score decreased from 5.2 to 2.5, six months after the operation. Conclusion: Through minimally invasive arthroscopic-assisted plate removal, intrarticular pathology of the knee joint was able to be simultaneously identified and treated at the time of hardware removal. Damage of lateral capsule of the knee joint caused by the inserted plate for the treatment of type C distal femoral fracture was very frequently found and following the plate removal, patients experienced an improvement in pain score. We therefore recommend routine lateral distal femoral plate removal if the bony union is attained in such cases as type C distal femoral fractures whose distal most end of the plates are located in the joint.