• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.8-14
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• 2024

Purpose: Ankle fracture fixation is the gold standard of treatment but it does have its own complications. There is inadequate data regarding the comparative effectiveness of early vs. delayed fixation for open ankle fracture outcomes. This study compares the clinical and functional outcomes of open ankle fractures treated by early or delayed definitive fixation and identifies the limitations of both methods. Materials and Methods: All 73 patients enrolled in the study underwent surgical intervention within 24 hours of injury. The early fixation group (group A) consisting of 39 patients underwent definitive fixation as an index procedure, while the delayed fixation group (group B) consisted of 34 patients who underwent debridement and external fixator application as an index procedure and definitive fixation when soft tissue condition was conducive. All patients were evaluated at 2, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively and then three monthly for a year. Results: Enneking and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores were markedly higher in the early fixation group at 6 months postoperatively (p-values <0.001 and 0.011, respectively). However, no discernible intergroup difference was evident at 12 months postoperatively. Between 6 and 12 months, group functional outcome scores were significantly different. At 6 months, there was a substantial difference in dorsiflexion between the two groups (p-values 0.001 and <0.001, respectively), but no difference was observed at 12 months postoperatively. At 6 and 12 months, group average plantar flexions were non-significantly different. Conclusion: Early definitive fixation of complex ankle fractures using a targeted approach produced promising results for lower grade open fractures (grades 1 and 2), and delayed definitive fixation, after initial external fixation to allow for soft tissue stabilization, produced promising results for higher grade open fractures (grades 3A and 3B). At 12-month follow-ups, clinical and functional outcomes achieved using these strategies were equivalent.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.41-47
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• 2024

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has emerged as a valuable tool for managing complex wounds within the foot and ankle field. This review article discusses the expanding applications of NPWT in this specialized field. Specifically, it discusses the efficacy of NPWT for various wound types, including diabetic foot wounds, traumatic wounds, surgical wounds, and wounds involving exposed bone or soft tissue defects. NPWT demonstrates versatile utility for foot and ankle wound management by promoting healing, potentially reducing the need for secondary surgery, improving diabetic and neuropathic ulcer healing times and outcomes, and optimizing the healing of high-risk incisions. In addition, this review explores the underlying mechanisms through which NPWT might enhance wound healing. By synthesizing current evidence, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the role of NPWT in foot and ankle surgery and offers valuable insights to clinicians navigating the complexities of wound care in this challenging anatomical area.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.376-381
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• 2006

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of web-based diabetic education on glycosylated hemoglobin(HbAlc) and self-care in people with type 2 diabetes. Method: Twenty-five patients were requested to input the blood glucose level weekly at http://www.biodang.com by cellular phone or wired Internet for one year. The researcher sent optimal recommendations weekly to each patient using the short message service for cellular phones and wired Internet. Results: Patients had a significant mean decrease in HbAlc, from 8.0% at pre-test to 6.9%, after three months and rested at 6.8% until 12 months. Patients had a significant mean increase in physical exercise adherence, from 3.3 days at pre-test to 4.1 days per week, after three months. Patients had a significant mean increase in foot care adherence, from 4.8 days at pre-test to 6.9 days per week, after one year. Conclusion: These findings indicate that Internet education could be used to improve HbAlc, physical exercise, and foot care adherence in type 2 diabetic patients.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.128-134
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• 2008

Purpose: We evaluated the complications and failures after total ankle arthroplasty during at least 2 years short term follow up. Materials and Methods: There were 45 cases of 42 patients of HINTEGRA$^{{R}}$ (Newdeal SA, Lyon, France) model from November 2004 to August 2006. Follow up averaged at least 2 year. We evaluated the complications and analyzed the cause of the failures. Results: There were totally 15 cases of complication, 5 cases of medial impingement syndrome, 3 cases of varus malposition, 2 cases of delayed healing of wounds, and each one case of deep peroneal nerve problem, medial malleolus fracture, post-operative deep infection, gouty arthritis pain, and Achilles tendinitis. Conclusion: Total ankle arthroplasty had higher complication rate than any other joint arthroplasty, so we need a more meticulous preoperative and peri-operative care.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.209-217
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• 2005

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of foot reflexzone massage on state - anxiety and discomfort of ovarian cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Method: A quasi experimental design with a non equivalent control group and non synchronized design was used. The experiment was conducted from October 1, 2003 to September 30, 2004. The subjects consisted of 40 patients admitted to C University Hospital. Twenty subjects were assigned to the experimental group and received foot reflexzone massage everyday for 3 days. The other 20 subjects were in the control group and received routine care. Foot reflexzone massage was done on both feet of the subjects for 30 minutes for 3 days using standard protocol. The 'State-Anxiety Inventory' developed by Spielberger was used to measure the degree of state-anxiety. Discomfort was assessed using the 'Symptom Distress Scale' of McCorkle and Young. Data was analyzed by a SAS program using t-test, Wilcoxon signed rank sum test and Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results: State-anxiety and discomfort of subjects receiving foot reflexzone massage were significantly lower than those of the control group. Conclusion: These findings indicate that foot reflexzone massage could be an effective nursing intervention for relieving state-anxiety and discomfort in ovarian cancer patients.

• Journal of Korean Academic Society of Home Health Care Nursing
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.54-60
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• 2006

This study, a quasi-experimental study using a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. conducted a survey on 30 patients test group and control group of IS patients sampling an adjacent population at random - who are operated on the breast cancer and are in the A University Hospital located in Suwon, to examine into the effects of foot reflex zone massage on their pain and sleep satisfaction through the nursing interventions. It gave them a foot reflex zone massage for the total 30 minutes-basic massage 10 minutes and reflex massage 20 minutes required to alleviate their pain day in day out covering a two-month period from the first of July to the first of September 2004. for the purpose of collecting data. It launched into a two-round foot reflex zone massage at 6 and 24 hours since mastectomy through a direct visit at the hospital room to measure pain intensity, physiological index(pulse and blood pressure) and sleep satisfaction of them. The results are as follows. First, it showed that there is all the difference between pain intensity of test group and that of control group. In result, the first hypothesis, pain of test group. which measure at 6(p=.000) and 24 hours(p=.001) since mastectomies, will be bigger than that of control group, was established. Second, it showed that there is all the difference between physiological index of test group and that of control group. In result. the second hypothesis, pulse(p= .025, p= .002), systolic blood pressure(p= .004, p=.012) and diastolic blood pressure(p=.004. p= .003) of test group, which investigate at 6 and 24 hours since mastectomies, will be bigger than that of control group, was established. Third, it showed that there is a significant difference between sleep satisfaction of test group and that of control group(p=.000). In result, the fourth hypothesis, sleep satisfaction of test group. which examine in the morning after mastectomies, will be bigger than that of control group, was established. In the result. a foot reflex zone massage is seen to be effective in the pain reduction and sleep promotion of patients who are operated on breast cancer, and in providing them with more qualitative care by improving confidence between them and nurses through a physical touch. Also, it can be applied to a clinical examination through an independent nursing intervention.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.118-123
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• 2009

Purpose: We wanted to evaluate the relating factors for deformities of the foot after tibial fracture and the outcome of respective surgical treatment. Materials and Methods: We studied thirty-two patients (thirty-five feet) who had foot deformities after tibia fracture. The age, gender, shape, location, concurrent soft tissue injury and operative treatment of tibial fracture were analysed and outcome of the surgical treatment was investigated. Results: Deformities of the foot mostly occurred in open fractures of Gustilo type 3 or closed fracture with severe soft tissue injury. Variable surgical treatments such as simple release, lengthening, Z-plasty and osteotomy were performed. The AOFAS ankle-hind foot scale was improved from average of 37.3 points preoperatively to an average of 77.2 points at the last follow up. The Maryland foot score was from 42.9 to 90.2 and AOFAS Lesser Toe Metatarso-phalangeal interphalangeal scale was from 42.9 to 90.5. Radiological correction was also improved from 21.9 degrees to 7.9 degrees (Meary angle), from 112.2 to 138.5 (Hibb's angle) and from 33.8 to 25.9 (Calcaneal pitch). Conclusion: We proposed that great care should be taken of treatment for the tibial fracture and early detection and proper management of the foot deformities are crucial.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.156-164
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• 2017

Purpose: Foot and ankle disease (FAD) is a frequent cause of morbidity among the homeless population. Various conditions, exacerbated by malnutrition, poor lifestyle habits, psychiatric disorders, physical injuries, poor hygiene, and limited access to healthcare, have been described in this population. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cognition and management status of FAD in shelter based homeless people. Materials and Methods: Fifty-two male and twenty-five female volunteer homeless individuals were recruited from two homeless shelters. Each person completed a questionnaire assessing any presence of pain, pain management, as well as foot and ankle care status. A foot and ankle surgeon examined the physical status of the individual's foot and ankle, including tenderness and instability. A radiologic evaluation was done for 18 male and 11 female homeless people who agreed to participate in this test for the existence osteophyte or joint space narrowing representing osteoarthritis and some reference angles for hallux valgus, flatfoot and cavus foot. Results: Homeless people had higher prevalence of body mass index, diabetes, and smoking than the general population. The most prevalent infectious disease was fungal infection (male 78%, female 68%), with a low compliance of management for FAD. Conclusion: Although most of shelter-based homeless people showed an acceptable foot and ankle management status, the potential risk for FAD development and exacerbation of mild FAD was high.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.55-60
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• 2003

Purpose: To analyze the clinical results of excision of the symptomatic or recurred ganglion cysts of the foot and ankle. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one cases of the ganglions located in the foot and ankle area were followed for more than 12 months postoperatively. There were 9 males and 12 females, and the mean age was 42.3 years (range, 11-71 years). The mean duration of follow-up was 2.3 years (range, 1.1-4.1 years). Clinically previous treatment, size and location of the cyst, preoperative and postoperative AOFAS foot score, postoperative complication and satisfaction of patients were evaluated. Results: As a previous treatment, 7 patients received mean 1.3 bouts of aspirations, and 6 patients were recurred after mean 1.5 bouts of operations. The size of cyst ranged from 1.4 cm to 5.1 cm with the mean size of 2.7 cm. The cyst was most common in the dorsum of the foot and ankle, where 14 cases were found. Preoperative mean AOFAS foot. scores were low in the cysts associated with the tarsal tunnel syndrome, which was 71 points, and in the cyst of the plantar aspect of the 1st toe, which was 79 points. Postoperative mean AOFAS foot scores were significantly increased to 91 points and 92 points in preceding two groups. There were 2 cases (9.5%) of recurrence, both of which had satellite mass along the tendon sheath. Conclusion: Care should be taken in the diagnosis and treatment of ganglions in the tarsal tunnel and in the plantar aspect of the 1st toe. In case of ganglion cysts originated from the tendon sheath, consideration should be given for possible satellite mass.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.257-264
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• 2012

Purpose: The diabetic foot lesions are intractable, and aggravation often leads to amputation. None or minor amputation group was treated debridement or toe amputation and major amputation group was treated Ray, Lisfranc, Chopart, Below Knee and Above Knee amputation. We investigate the risk factors for major limb amputations among patients with diabetic foot lesion. Materials and Methods: The subjects were 73 diabetic foot lesion patients (83 diabetic foot lesions) treated at our department from January 2006 to December 2010. Non or Minor amputation group of 44 cases were treated with debridement or toe amputation. Major amputation group of 39 cases were treated with Ray, Lisfranc, Chopart, below or above Knee amputation. We investigated socioeconomic factors, diabetes mellitus related factors and wound related factors and laboratory factors. Statistical analysis was done by Students t-test, Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney's U test. Results: In our analysis, wound size, wound classification (Wagner classification, Brodsky classification), white blood cell counts, polymorphoneuclear neutrophil percentage, hemoglobin, C-reactive protein and albumin were risk factors for major amputation (p<0.05). Conclusion: Low education level, nutritional condition, premorbid activity level and progressed wound condition were observed in major amputation group compared with non or minor amputation group. In the major amputation group, higher white blood cell count, C-reactive protein level and lower albumin level were observed. Together with maintenance of adequate nutritional condition, early detection of lesions and foot care for early treatment is important. Therefore, active investigation with full risk evaluation of vascular complication is also important.