• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.378-383
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• 2022

A 3-year-old, 24-kg intact female Border Collie was referred for a toe-touch weight-bearing stance, intermittent weight-bearing lameness, and moderate pain reaction of the right forelimb on physical examination and right humerus olecranon avulsion fracture on diagnostic imaging examination. Surgical repair was performed using tension band wiring to re-attach the triceps tendon and distal olecranon. Migration of the distal olecranon fragment was observed due to comminuted fracture of the fragment 5-days after surgery, and revision surgery was performed. The tension-relieving sutures were passed through the pre-drilled hole in the olecranon, and the polyester mesh was augmented to the suture region, covering the triceps tendon and olecranon drilling hole using the Krackow suture pattern. The elbow joint was immobilized using a type IA transarticular external fixator, which was removed 8 weeks after surgery. Fourteen weeks after surgery, no lameness was observed on gait evaluation. At follow-up after 7 months, the distal olecranon fragment had stabilized, and no lameness was observed.

• 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 Trauma and Injury
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.65-69
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• 2023

The surgical approach for humeral implant failure can be challenging due to neurovascular anatomy and the possible necessity of osteosynthesis removal. We present a rare case of humeral nail bending after secondary trauma in a patient with preexistent nonunion of the humerus after intramedullary nailing. During revision surgery, the nail was sawed in half and the distal part was removed, followed by plate osteosynthesis with cable fixation to achieve absolute stability. The patient regained a full range of motion 1 year after surgery, and complete healing of the fracture was seen on imaging.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.33-39
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• 2013

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical result of intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus (AO type C) in elderly osteoporotic patients treated with double tension band osteosynthesis. Materials and Methods: From January 2006 to December 2010, 10 elderly osteoporotic patients(1 male, 9 females) with intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus (AO type C) were treated with double tension band osteosynthesis. The mean age of patients at the time of surgery was 74.6(66~84) years and the mean follow-up period was 39.2(20~74) months. The fracture union and complications were assessed and the functional result was evaluated by the rating system of Jupiter et al. and the Mayo elbow performance index. Results: Bone union was achieved in all patients with no secondary displacement. The mean time for union was 16.6(13~22) weeks. The average postoperative arc of elbow flexion was 119(100~140) degrees with a mean flexion contracture of 8.5(0~15) degrees. The recovery in two patients was rated as excellent, in 7 as good, and in 1 as fair in terms of the Mayo elbow performance index with average value of 82(70~90) points. Seven patients were rated as excellent, 1 as good, and 2 as fair in terms of the rating system of Jupiter et al. Changing tension band wiring was performed in one patient as skin irritation was noticed due to tension band knots. Heterotopic ossification developed in one patient but had no symptom. Conclusion: Double tension band osteosynthesis in intra-articular fractures of distal humerus (AO type C) in elderly osteoporotic patients can provide sufficient and secure stability to allow early rehabilitation.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.229-236
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• 2016

Background: Cubitus varus and cubitus valgus deformities are common complications of distal humeral fractures in children. We evaluated the usefulness of supracondylar dome osteotomy as a treatment option for adults with cubitus varus or valgus deformity developed during childhood. Methods: Ten patients who had received supracondylar dome osteotomy and stabilization with plates to treat cubitus varus or valgus deformity between July 2006 and August 2013 were included in this study. Their mean age at the time of surgery was $36.50{\pm}10.22years$. The mean follow-up duration was $54.80{\pm}32.50months$. We evaluated humerus-elbow-wrist angles (HEWA), improvements in the lateral prominence index (LPI) or medial prominence index (MPI), Mayo elbow performance scores (MEPS), and overall results in accordance with the Banerjee criteria. Results: For the six patients with cubitus varus, the mean postoperative HEWA, mean correction angle, and mean improvement in LPI were $9.72^{\circ}{\pm}3.95^{\circ}$, $27.67^{\circ}{\pm}10.75^{\circ}$, and $6.92%{\pm}3.40%$, respectively. For the four patients with cubitus valgus, the mean postoperative HEWA, mean correction angle, and mean improvement in MPI were $14.73^{\circ}{\pm}2.97^{\circ}$, $11.55^{\circ}{\pm}3.26^{\circ}$, and $11.33%{\pm}6.39%$, respectively. There was no significant difference between postoperative and preoperative mean MEPS. The subjective ulnar nerve symptoms were alleviated in all patients. The overall results were excellent in six and good in four patients. Conclusions: This study suggests that supracondylar dome osteotomy with secure fixation using double plates may be useful in correcting cubitus varus or cubitus valgus deformity, yielding good functional outcomes in adults.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.163-169
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• 2013

Purpose: This study was conducted to confirm the anatomic conformity of the new periarticular locking plates designed by Zimmer on Korean adult bones and to identify the structures at risk during the application of these implants. Methods: The study was performed on the humerus, radius, and tibia of 10 adult cadavers(6 males and 4 females) procured from the cadaveric lab of our hospital. Anteroposterior (AP) and lateral X-rays were taken to confirm that the cadavers were free of any unusual lesions or anatomic variations. We used the 3.5-mm proximal humerus plate, 2.7-mm distal radius plate, 3.5- and 5.0-mm proximal tibia plates, and 3.5-mm distal tibia plate developed by Zimmer, Inc. (Zimmer periarticular locking plate). The longest plate from each group was used to confirm anatomical conformity. Standard approaches were used for each area, and soft tissue was retracted in order to pass the plate beneath the muscle. The position of the plate was confirmed using standard AP and lateral view X-rays. After this procedure had been completed, the region was dissected along the length of the implant to determine the conformity of the implant to bone and the penetrations of screws into the articular surface or violations of any vital structures, such as nerves, blood vessels, or tendons. Results: Excellent anatomical conformity was observed with Zimmer periarticular locking plates for Korean adults. The tibial nerve and the posterior tibial artery were found to be structures at risk when applying a distal tibial plate. Conclusion: Additional posterolateral fixation is recommended when dealing with cases of tibial plateau fracture when the fracture line extends to the posterolateral cortex. We recommend taking proper views using 10~15 degrees of internal rotation to ensure correct screw length and, thus, avoid penetration of vital structures and tendons.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.41-49
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• 2015

Free or pedicled vascularized fibular grafts (VFG) are useful for the reconstruction of large skeletal defects, particularly in cases of scarred or avascular beds, or in patients with combined bone and soft tissue defects. Compared to non-VFG, VEG, which contains living osteocytes and osteoblasts, maintains its own viability and serves as good osteoconductive and osteoinductive graft. Due to its many structural and biological advantages, the free fibular osteo- or osteocutaneous graft is considered the most suitable autograft for the reconstruction of long bone defects in the injured extremity. The traditional indication of VFG is the long bone and soft tissue defect, which cannot be reconstructed using a conventional operative method. Recently, the indications have been widely expanded not only for defects of midtibia, humerus, forearm, distal femur, and proximal tibia, but also for the arthrodesis of shoulder and knee joints. Because of its potential to allow further bone growth, free fibular epiphyseal transfer can be used for the hip or for distal radius defects caused by the radical resection of a tumor. The basic anatomy and surgical techniques for harvesting the VFG are well known; however, the condition of the recipient site is different in each case. Therefore, careful preoperative surgical planning should be customized in every patient. In this review, recently expanded surgical indications of VFG and surgical tips based on the author's experiences in the issues of fixation method, one or two staged reconstruction, size mismatching, overcoming the stress fracture, and arthrodesis of shoulder and knee joint using VFG are discussed with the review of literature.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.93-96
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• 2010

We report a case of 44 years old male patient with neuroma-in-continuity of ulna nerve. In the patient's past history, he had received operative treatment for the open supracondylar fracture of right distal humerus and ulnar nerve injury at 10 years ago, and neurolysis was tried 2 times due to severe neuropathic pain. Despite of these operations, the symptom was not improved. In operative field, we noticed neuroma-in-continuity and decided to resect the neuroma until normal nerve fascicle was noted. The nerve cable graft was done with auto sural nerve on the defect site and the nerve was wrapped with small saphenous vein. At post operative 7 months, pain was markedly decreased and sensory recovery was slightly improved and patient was satisfied with the result.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.3-10
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• 2024

Background: Gunshot-related fractures near the elbow are challenging, and available data to guide the practitioner are lacking. This report analyzes injury patterns and treatment strategies in a case series from a high-volume urban trauma center. Methods: All periarticular gunshot fractures near the elbow treated at a level 1 trauma center from 2014 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Fracture location, patient demographics, concomitant injuries, treatment modalities, and complications were analyzed. Results: Twenty-four patients were identified. All patients received prophylactic antibiotics upon admission and underwent urgent surgical debridement. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) was performed with initial debridement in 22 of 24 patients. Seven patients sustained distal humerus fractures, 10 patients sustained isolated proximal ulna or proximal radius fractures, and seven had combined fracture patterns. Eleven patients presented with nerve palsy, and two had transected nerves. Two patients had vascular injury requiring repair. One patient required a temporary elbow-spanning external fixator and underwent staged debridement followed by ORIF. One patient with a grade IIIC fracture developed a deep infection that precluded ORIF. One patient required revision ORIF due to fracture displacement. Conclusions: This investigation reports on management of ballistic fractures near the elbow at a busy urban level I trauma center. Our management centered on rapid debridement, early definitive fixation, and intravenous antibiotic administration. We report on associated neurovascular injury, bone loss, and other challenges in this patient population. Level of evidence: IV.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.146-152
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• 2011

Purpose: To describe the recent clinical results and complications of total elbow arthroplasty based on the literature review. Materials and Methods: The indications of total elbow arthroplasty include rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis, posttraumatic arthritis, anklylosed elbow, tumor resection which cannot recover elbow function by other reconstructive procedures, and comminuted distal humerus fracture in elderly patients. Complications are aspetic loosening, infection, prosthesis fracture, periprosthetic fracture, ulnar neuropathy, ectopic ossification, triceps insufficiency, dislocation, and bushing wear. Results and Conclusion: Mean 10 year survival rate following total elbow arthroplasty has been reported 85% on the basis of revision. The prognosis in patients with an inflammatory arthritis is reported to be best, and loosening rate in patients with a posttraumatic arthritis tends to be high. Complication rate is known to be higher than that of other joint arthroplasty. In particular, deep infection occurs in 3~5% of the patients. Total elbow arthroplasty provide satisfactory results when it is performed properly in selected patients who have an elbow joint with irreversible dysfunction and low level activities.