• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.81-86
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• 2020

Purpose: Ankle fractures with dislocations and pilon fractures at the distal tibia are usually associated with soft tissue damage caused by high-energy damage. Recently, a two-stage operation to perform internal fixation after the application of external fixation devices for stabilizing soft tissues has been accepted as the treatment of choice. This paper reports the clinical result of these injuries treated with threaded trans-calcaneal pin external fixation devices. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three patients diagnosed with ankle fractures with dislocations or tibial pilon fractures without open wounds. They underwent surgical treatment with threaded trans-calcaneal pin external fixation from January 2008 to February were enrolled in this study. This study evaluated the visual analogue scale (VAS), foot function index (FFI), and Olerud & Molander score as well as whether complications occurred. Results: The average VAS showed a meaningful decrease (p<0.001) from 7.4 before surgery to 2.6 after application of the external fixation device, and 1.4 at 12 months after surgery. The FFI also decreased significantly from 84.3 preoperatively to 20.3 at 12 months postoperatively (p<0.001). The Olerud & Molander score averaged 71.4 points, showing good clinical results. Complete bone union was observed in all patients. One patient each underwent debridement due to wound necrosis and infection in the pin insertion site. At the final follow-up, seven patients had posttraumatic ankle joint arthritis, according to a radiological examination. Conclusion: Manual reduction and external fixation using a threaded trans-calcaneal pin is a suitable surgical technique that is easy to perform and shows good clinical outcomes in stabilizing soft tissue damage in fractures and dislocations of ankle fracture or tibia pilon fractures in foot and ankle injury.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.58-65
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• 2000

Objective : Thoracolumbar junction is second most common level of injury next to cervical spine. The object of this study is to study the usefulness of surgical titanium mesh instead of bone graft, as well as to evaluate the correction of spinal deformity and safety of early ambulation in patients with injury at thoracolumbar junction. Patients and Methods : This review included 51 patients who were operated from July 1994 to December 1997. The injured spine is considered to be unstable, if it shows involvement of two or more columns, translatory displacement more than 3.5mm, decrease more than 35% in height of vertebral body and progression of malalignment in serial X-ray. The decision to operate was determined by (1) compression of spinal cord or cauda eguina, (2) unstable fracture, (3) malalignment and (4) fracture dislocation. The procedure consisted of anterior decompression through corpectomy and internal fixation with anterior instrument and surgical titanium mesh which was impacted with gathered bone chip from corpectomy. Results : Fifty-one patients were followed up for at least 12 months. The main causes of injury were fall and vehicle accident. The twelfth thoracic and the first and the second lumbar vertebrae were frequently involved. Complete neural decompression was possible under direct vision in all cases. Kyphotic angulation occurred in a patient. Radiologic evaluation showed correction of deformity and no distortion or loosening of surgical titanium mesh with satisfactory fixation postoperatively. Conclusions : We could obtain neurological improvement, relief of pain, immediate stabilization and early return to normal activities postoperatively. Based on these results, authors recommend anterior decompression and internal fixation with surgical titanium mesh in thoracolumbar unstable spine injuries.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.439-447
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• 2011

Introduction: In today's society, the rapid and appropriate care of the dental emergency patients is much more important. So, a retrospective study on the characteristics of emergency dental injuries and diseases will be very meaningful. Materials and Methods: This retrospective clinical study was carried by reviewing the radiographic films and emergency chart of 11,493 patients who had visited the emergency room of Hallym Sacred heart Hospital and were treated in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from January 2006 to December 2010. Results: The male to female ratio was 1.9:1. The highest monthly incidence was observed in May (10.4%) and June (8.9%) and the peak age distribution was the first decade (56.0%), followed by the second decade (16.0%). Trauma was the most common cause in dental emergency patients, followed in order by toothache, odontogenic infection, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder and oral hemorrhage. Soft tissue injury was most prevalent in the trauma group, followed by tooth injury and facial bone fractures. In the tooth injury group, tooth fracture (56.7%) showed the highest incidence followed in order by tooth subluxation (18.2%), tooth concussion (16.9%), tooth avulsion (11.5%) and alveolar bone fractures (3.7%). In the facial bone fracture group, mandibular fractures (81.8%) showed the highest incidence followed in order by maxilla fractures (15.7%), nasal bone fractures (9.0%), zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures (5.4%), orbital bone fractures (2.5%). In mandibular bone fractures, the most common location was the symphysis (70.1%), followed in order by the mandibular angle (33.0%), mandibular condyle (22.8%) and mandibular body (13.6%). In the infection group, a submandibular space abscess (46.2%) was most common followed in order by a buccal space abscess (17.4%), canine space abscess (16.9%) and submental space abscess (12.3%). TMJ dislocation (89.3%) showed the highest incidence in the TMJ disorder group, followed by TMJ derangement (10.7%). In the other group, a range of specific symptoms due to post operation complications, trigeminal neuralgia, chemical burns and foreign body aspiration were reported. Conclusion: For the rapid and appropriate care of the dental emergency patients, well-organized system should be presented in oral and maxillofacial surgery. And it is possible under analysis of pattern and the variation of the dental emergency patients.

• Journal of Auto-vehicle Safety Association
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.20-26
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• 2018

It was a pilot study for developing an algorithm to determine the presence or absence of cervical spine injury by analyzing the severity factor of the patients in motor vehicle occupant accidents. From August 2012 to October 2016, we used the KIDAS database, called as Korean In-Depth Accident Study database, collected from three regional emergency centers. We analyzed the general characteristics with several factors. Moreover, cervical spine injury patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 for from Quebec Task Force (hereinafter 'QTF') grade 0 to 1, and group 2 for from QTF grade 2 to 4. The score was assigned according to the distribution ratio of cervical spine injured patients compared to the total injured patients, and the cut-off value was derived from the total score by summation of the assigned score of each factors. 987 patients (53.0%) had no cervical spine injuries and 874 patients (47.0%) had cervical spine injuries. QTF grade 2 was found in 171 patients (9.2%) with musculoskeletal pain, QTF grade 3 was found in 38 patients (2.0%) with spinal cord injuries, and QTF grade 4 was found in 119 patients (6.4%) with dislocation or fracture, respectively. We selected the statistically significant factors, which could be affected the cervical spine injury, like the collision direction, the seating position, the deformation extent, the vehicle type and the frontal airbag deployment. Total score, summation of the assigned each factors, 10 was presented as a cut-off value to determine the cervical spine injury. In this study, it was meaningful as a pilot study to develop algorithms by selecting limited influence factors and proposing cut-off value to determine cervical spine injury. However, since the number of data samples was too small, additional data collection and influencing factor analysis should be performed to develop a more delicate algorithm.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.43-50
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• 1997

The tarsometatarsal joint complex is formed by articulation of the five metatarsal bases with the three cuneiform bones and the cuboid bone. Fracture-dislocation of tarsometatarsal area are difficult to recognize on standard radiographs. The exact diagnosis is occasionally delayed. As a result, improper treatment and late sequelae remains. We decided to make a study of patients with normal foot radiographs on 200 cases. Standard radiographic evaluation was used to study the normal variants of the foot and to evaluate the coincided alignment of the lisfranc joint. Accurate accessment on AP & lateral & $30^{\circ}$ oblique projection of radiographs are very adventageous & important, and next final outcome was detected. : 1. Coincided alignment below 1mm and unfolded lisfranc joint on AP projection was well visalized on 1st cuneiform-metatarsal lateral border and 2nd cuneiform-metatarsal medial border. 2. Coincided alignment below 1mm and unfolded lisfranc joint on oblique projection was well visualized on 2nd cuneiform-metatarsal lateral border and 3rd cuneiform-metatarsal medial border and 3rd cuneform-metatarsal lateral border. 3. More proximal location of 2nd lisfranc joint compared to another joint was 196 cases (98%). It is due to inceleration of 2nd metatarsal base between 3rd & 1st cuneiform. 4. 3rd lisfranc joint was volarward position compared to 2nd listranc on lateral projection at 191 cases (95.5%). It's due to anterior covexity of lisfranc joint. 5. Wide dorsal sided 2nd lisfranc is investigated at 189 cases (94.5%). Because of it. 2nd & 3rd lisfrances are mainly volar dislocated usually. 6. Notching on 5th metatarsal base is visible on 171 cases (85.5%). 7. 4th lisfranc joint had offset normally within $2\sim3mm$ at 98 cases (49%). 8. 5th Lisfranc joint had normally offset within $2\sim3mm$ at 99 cases (49.5%). 9. On lateral projection, slight dorsal location of cuneiform to metatarsal base is investigated at 82 cases (41%).

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.451-455
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• 2001

Objectives : There have been several studies documenting the changing level of the conus throughout infancy and childhood, but there is only a little detailed study that documents the range of conus positions in a living adult population, especially in Korean, without spinal deformity. Methods : we made a sequential study of magnetic resonance images of the lumbar spine to determine the variation in position of the conus medullaris in 650 living korean adults population without spinal deformity who checked MRI to identify the cause of low back pain. The study population consisted of patients over the age of 16 years. A T1-weighted, midline, sagittal image was reviewed for identifying the postion of conus. This location was recorded in relation to the upper, middle, or lower third of the adjacent vertebral body or the adjacent intervertebral disc. Results : The study group consisted of 305 men(47%) and 345 women(53%) with a mean age 45.9 years(range, 16-79 years). The conus existed commonly at the middle third of L1(131cases, 20.2%), at the L1-2 intervertebral space(129cases, 19.8%), and the lower third of L1(123cases, 18.9%). The mean position of conus was the lower third of L1(range, middle third of T12 to middle third of L3). Conclusions : The mean position of conus was at the lower third of L1(range, middle third of T12 to middle third of L3). This results was same as that of foreign study. Our results of living korean adult population could allow for safe clinical procedures such as lumbar puncture, spinal anesthesia, and help to explain the differences among observed neurologic injuries from fracture-dislocation at the thoracolumbar junction.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.311-316
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• 2007

Objective : The objective of this study is to investigate the safety, surgical efficacy, and advantages of a polyaxial screw-rod system for posterior occipitocervicothoracic arthrodesis. Methods : Charts and radiographs of 32 patients who underwent posterior cervical fixation between October 2004 and February 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. Posterior cervical polyaxial screw-rod fixation was applied on the cervical spine and/or upper thoracic spine. The surgical indication was fracture or dislocation in 18, C1-2 ligamentous injury with trauma in 5, atlantoaxial instability by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) in 4, cervical spondylosis with myelopathy in 4, and spinal metastatic tumor in 1. The patients were followed up and evaluated based on their clinical status and radiographs at 1, 3, 6 months and 1 year after surgery. Results : A total of 189 screws were implanted in 32 patients. Fixation was carried out over an average of 3.3 spinal segment (range, 2 to 7). The mean follow-up interval was 20.2 months. This system allowed for screw placement in the occiput, C1 lateral mass, C2 pars, C3-7 lateral masses, as well as the lower cervical and upper thoracic pedicles. Satisfactory bony fusion and reduction were achieved and confirmed in postoperative flexion-extension lateral radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans in all cases. Revision surgery was required in two cases due to deep wound infection. One case needed a skin graft due to necrotic change. There was one case of kyphotic change due to adjacent segmental degeneration. There were no other complications, such as cord or vertebral artery injury, cerebrospinal fluid leak, screw malposition or back-out, or implant failure, and there were no cases of postoperative radiculopathy due to foraminal stenosis. Conclusion : Posterior cervical stabilization with a polyaxial screw-rod system is a safe and reliable technique that appears to offer several advantages over existing methods. Further biomechanical testings and clinical experiences are needed in order to determine the true benefits of this procedure.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.58-64
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• 2012

Purpose: Dental emergencies vary from toothaches to oral and maxillofacial traumas. Because the number of dental emergency cases has increased recently, we analyzed characteristics of patients seen during the last 2 years, in an effort to find a trend. Methods: This study was carried out with emergency room patients visiting the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from 2009 to 2010. Results: The total number of patients studied was 1,162; the ratio of males to females was 1.73:1. The most frequent age group was 0 to 9 years, followed by 20 to 29 years. Trauma (58.7%) was the most frequent cause followed by acute toothache, oral hemorrhage, infection, and temporomandibular (TMJ) disorder. In the trauma group, injuries of soft tissue and alveolus were prevalent. The most common causes of soft tissue injury were falls, safety violations and assault. The highest incidence of emergencies was seen in patients 0 to 9 years old (41.8%). The most common causes of jaw fracture were falls, assaults, and traffic accidents in that order. In the acute toothache group, most patients had pulpitis (41.2%). In the infection group, most had buccal space abscesses (40.0%). In the hemorrhage group, post-operative bleeding cases (80.5%) were the majority, and hemostasis was obtained mostly by pressure dressings. For the TMJ disorder group, masticatory muscle disorder (65.4%) was more common than TMJ dislocation. Conclusion: In this study, trauma was the most frequent reason for patients who visited the emergency room. However, acute toothache, hemorrhage, infection and TMJ disorders were also seen frequently. Dental emergency patients could be better treated by understanding patterns of dental emergencies and performing proper diagnoses.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.113-118
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• 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this work was to describe the results of treatment for motor vehiclerelated crushing injuries among children and adolescents under sixteen years in Korea. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of data from children who were under sixteen year and injured foot by motor vehicles. Cases were documented 1) age at the time of injury, 2) injured site, 3) the area of accident, 4) the kind of vehicle, 5) associated injuries, 6) methods of treatment for soft tissue reconstruction and 7) complications. The relationships between the area of accident and associated injuries, and the kind of vehicle and associated injuries were analyzed using Chi-square test and Fisher exact test. Results: There were 97 children who were 15 year and younger. The mean age was 7.4 years, and 65% were boys. The left foot was more dominant side of injury (57%). Seasonal variation was seen with the number of injuries peaking during the summer (43%, p<0.05). Among the vehicles, 78.3% were the large vehicles (bus, truck or van). The where of accident was more frequent at an alley or less than two lanes of traffic. But, the relationships between the place of accident and associated injury or the kind of vehicles and associated injury were not statistically significant. The associated injury were fracture or dislocation (23 cases, 35.9%), injury of tendon (21 cases, 32.8%). There were amputation or disarticulation of foot in 8 cases (8.2%) and post-traumatic deformities such as flatfoot, hindfoot varus or valus deformities by tendon injury in 7 cases (7.2%). Conclusion: More than 50% of crushing or degloving injuries of child's foot by traffic accidents happened in boys between 5 to 9 years old. The associated injury was unrelated with size of vehicles or accident place at the time of accident. But, even though foot injury happened in an alley or one lane by small vehicles, child who hurt feet by car need thorough investigation about associated injury. If a surgeon keep in mind and treat child to associated injury necessarily, can minimize complication. Microsurgical reconstruction for soft tissue defect was prior to other methods.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.231-244
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• 2020

Background: As the population is aging, chronic diseases and depression are becoming the main problems in a country's healthcare system. In this study, we aimed to explore the associations between chronic diseases and depression among the elderly in South Korea. Methods: We analyzed 9,975 (men, 4,147; women, 5,828) respondents obtained from the 2014 National Survey of Living Conditions and Welfare Needs of Korean Older Persons. Our dependent variable was either 1 or 0 according to whether a respondent had depression or not, where depression was defined when the Short Form of Geriatric Depression Scale score was 8 or more points. Variables of interest were 24 types of chronic diseases and covariates included various socio-demographic and health behavior characteristics. We performed Rao-Scott chi-square tests and hierarchal logistic regression analyses by gender, reflecting the characteristics of the survey. Results: A significant difference was found in the proportion of having depression between genders (men 18.9% vs. women 23.4%). According to fully adjusted, multivariable analyses, for elderly men, relative to those without any chronic disease, the odds ratio of depression was 1.56 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-2.22) in the stroke patients group and 1.82 (95% CI, 1.01-3.25) in the osteoporosis patients group. For elderly women, the odds ratio was 1.96 (95% CI, 1.28-3.00) in the fracture/dislocation and aftereffects patients group and 1.30 (95% CI, 1.03-1.64) in the group of patients with other diseases. Conclusion: Even after being adjusted for diverse characteristics, some chronic diseases were significantly associated with depression in the elderly and the association differed between genders. Therefore, public health and medical interventions are needed to manage such chronic diseases together with curing depression symptoms.