• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.107-114
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• 2013

Purpose: This study is designed to evaluate the clinical and radiographical results for the displacement of fracture fragments after interlocking intramedullary nailing in humeral shaft fractures. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the results of 8 cases of humeral shaft fractures that have displacements of over 10 mm and under 20 mm after interlocking intramedullary nailing between July 2004 and August 2011. The mean age was 54.1 years (range, 43 to 70 years) and there were 3 male and 5 female patients. Radiographically, the time to bony union, change of displacement and angulation of the fracture site, and degree of improvement of these two factors were measured. Clinically, the range of motion of shoulder and elbow joints, postoperative pain and complications were evaluated. Results: All cases showed complete bony union in last follow-up. The mean time to bony union was 16.1 weeks. At the last follow-up, almost all cases had normal range of motion of shoulder and elbow joints. But, one case had stiffness of shoulder joint. Therefore, arthroscopic capsular release and manipulation was performed. One case had transient shoulder pain and the other case had transient elbow pain. In the two cases, pull-out of proximal interlocking screw were noted, but they finally had bony union. Conclusion: Although considerable displacement of fracture fragments after interlocking intramedullary nailing in humeral shaft fractures was present, we had excellent radiographical and clinical outcomes. Therefore, an additional procedure, such as open reduction or another fixation for the fracture site, was not necessary.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.97-104
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• 2005

Purpose: To report the results of surgical treatment of comminuted fractures of distal humerus and to identify factors that affect the results. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two patients who were treated with open reduction and internal fixation for comminuted fracture of distal humerus were enrolled. According to the AO classification, A2.3 was 1 case, A3.2, 2 cases, A3.3, 8 cases, B1.3, 1 case, B2.3, 1 case, C2.2, 5 cases, C2.3, 4 cases, C3.2, 3 cases and C3.3, 7 cases. As fixation technique, 17 cases were fixed by double plates, 4 cases by only K-wires, 4 cases by only screws, 3 cases by K-wires and screws and 4 cases by one plate and screws. The mean age at the time of the operation was 49 years(range, $19{\sim}77$ years). The mean follow-up period was 16 months(range, $8{\sim}51$ months). Results: At the last follow-up, the mean maximum flexion was $116.4^{\circ}\;(range,\;85{\sim}140^{\circ})$ and the mean loss of terminal extension was $11.8^{\circ}\;(range,\;0{\sim}40^{\circ})$. The average Mayo elbow performance score was $91.4^{\circ}\;(range,\;55{\sim}100^{\circ})$. Overall 29 cases(91%) showed good to excellent results. The mean range of motion of extraarticular and intraarticular fracture group was $105.5^{\circ}\;(range,\;65{\sim}140^{\circ})$ and $104^{\circ}\;(range,\;55{\sim}140^{\circ})$, respectively. The average elbow score of both groups was$93^{\circ}\;(range,\;70{\sim}100^{\circ})$ and $90.7^{\circ}\;(range,\;55{\sim}100^{\circ})$. Over 90% showed more than good results. 30 cases(94%) showed complete bony union but two cases, nonunion. One case of the nonunion cases underwent replating with bone graft as revision surgery and total elbow arthroplasty was performed in the other case. At the last follow-up, 27 patients(84.4%) showed subjective satisfaction. Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation with appropriate surgical technique for comminuted fractures of distal humerus showed good results, which were not affected by age at the time of operation, fixation methods and anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve. Transolecranon approach may be considered as good choice for intraarticular comminuted fractures of distal humerus.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.71-79
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• 2020

Background: The glenoid version of the shoulder joint correlates with the stability of the glenohumeral joint and the clinical results of total shoulder arthroplasty. We sought to analyze and compare the glenoid version measured by traditional axial two-dimensional (2D) computed tomography (CT) and three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed images at different levels. Methods: A total of 30 cases, including 15 male and 15 female patients, who underwent 3D shoulder CT imaging was randomly selected and matched by sex consecutively at one hospital. The angular difference between the scapular body axis and 2D CT slice axis was measured. The glenoid version was assessed at three levels (midpoint, upper one-third, and center of the lower circle of the glenoid) using Friedman's method in the axial plane with 2D CT images and at the same level of three different transverse planes using a 3D reconstructed image. Results: The mean difference between the scapular body axis on the 3D reconstructed image and the 2D CT slice axis was 38.4°. At the level of the midpoint of the glenoid, the measurements were 1.7°±4.9° on the 2D CT images and -1.8°±4.1° in the 3D reconstructed image. At the level of the center of the lower circle, the measurements were 2.7°±5.2° on the 2D CT images and -0.5°±4.8° in the 3D reconstructed image. A statistically significant difference was found between the 2D CT and 3D reconstructed images at all three levels. Conclusions: The glenoid version is measured differently between axial 2D CT and 3D reconstructed images at three levels. Use of 3D reconstructed imaging can provide a more accurate glenoid version profile relative to 2D CT. The glenoid version is measured differently at different levels.

• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.1-23
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• 2002

This study examined the influence of the separation of prescribing and dispensing roles(SPD) policy implemented in Korea in July 2000, especially on the change in the net profit of medical institutions. Using the data set from the Korea's National Health Insurance and the previous research, this study elicited the following main results. First, tertiary care institutions was estimated to lose about 631 billion won after the SPD policy. Second, general hospitals and hospitals gained about 557 billion and 564 billion won, respectively. Third, it is shown that clinics also gained 389-659 billion won. Finally, however, the change in net profit of medical institutions after the SPD policy largely depends on different estimation models. Moreover, it also varies from the assumptions on the price differential of a reimbursable drug which worked as cross-subsidy to insufficient physician's fee before the SPD policy. Despite such limitations as lack of data outside of the National Health Insurance's coverage, this study differs from others. This is the first research to explore the effect of the SPD policy on different types of medical institutions and to attempt to purely focus on the SPD policy. In this study, we can draw the policy implication that preparing for a policy change, the government should set up the policy evaluation system to collect the concerned data and develop the methodologies in advance to the policy implementation.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.21-26
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• 2009

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the dose-related effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for lateral epicondylitis. Materials and methods: Thirty patients with refractory lateral epicondylitis despite conservative treatment for 6 months were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided randomly into a low- and high-energy group. All patients were treated 3 times with ESWT with an interval of 1 week in a double blinded manner. The mean energy level in the low- and high-energy group was $0.12 mJ/mm^2$ and $0.24 mJ/mm^2$, respectively. The upper extremity functional scales and Mayo elbow scores were measured prospectively at the baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months after ESWT. Results: Significant clinical improvement was observed in both groups after ESWT. The high-energy group showed better pain improvement at 6 months after ESWT (p=0.019). The effect of ESWT was dominant between 1 and 6 months after ESWT than within 1 month. Conclusion: ESWT for lateral epicondylitis demonstrated showed good results regardless of the energy dose. However, a high-energy level was more effective in pain improvement after 6 months of treatment.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.212-219
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• 2007

Purpose: To determine the causes of the surgical treatment results in glenoid fracture by a retrospective analysis. Materials and methods: From March 1999 to February 2004, 9 patients who underwent an open reduction due to a glenoid fracture were reviewed. The modified Ideberg classification was used. There were 1, 3, 2, 1 and 2 cases of modified Ideberg type I, II, III, V, and VI, respectively. The internal fixators were a reconstruction plate, a small plate, a one-third tubular plate, a small screw, and a cannulated screw in 6, 1, 3, 3 and 1 case, respectively. The constant score and Adam's functional assessment method were used to evaluate the postoperative shoulder function. Results: The average time for fracture union was 7 weeks. The functional assessment was excellent in 4 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 2 cases. There were two complications related to surgery; articular screw encroachment, and inferior glenoid bone resorption without instability. Conclusion: A glenoid fracture with glenohumeral instability or displaced that was treated by open surgery showed good clinical results. Moreover, the more comminuted fracture had a lower functional score.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.220-226
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• 2007

Purpose: The distal clavicle has a biomechanical structure different from that of the proximal or middle 1/3 clavicle, and delayed union or nonunion occurs frequently in a distal clavicle fracture. The authors obtained favorable results from an open reduction and bone grafting of the distal clavicle nonunion. We report the results together with review of the relevant literature. Materials and Methods: The subjects were 8 patients(average age, 38.9) who had undergone surgery for distal clavicle nonunion from August 2003 to May 2006. Nonunion occurred after surgical treatment in 4 cases, and after conservative treatment in the other 4. In all cases, the patients complained of pain. Results: The mean follow-up duration was 14 months, and radiological union was observed in 8 weeks on average. In all cases, the range of shoulder joint motion was normal at the end of the follow-up observation. In the functional evaluation, 7 cases showed excellent results and 1 case showed good results. Conclusion: Surgical treatment is a safe and reliable treatment for distal clavicle fracture nonunion because it can achieve early rehabilitation and union.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.190-198
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• 2007

Purpose: The current study reports the clinical results of total elbow arthroplasties (TEA) which were Performed on patients with poor clinical and radiological results after initial surgeries for elbow fractures or dislocations. Materials and Methods: The clinical outcomes of twelve consecutive patients who underwent TEA after failed surgeries for elbow fractures or dislocations from january, 1995 to December, 2005 were evaluated. The initial diagnoses were distal humeral fractures in 8 cases and fracture-dislocations in 4 cases. The Mean period from the initial operations to the TEAs was 12 months. The mean folloow up period after TEA was 43 months. Results: The mean range of motion, in terms of active extension, activeflexion, supination, and pronation, improved from $14.2^{\circ}$, $96.7^{\circ}$, $50.8^{\circ}$ and $53.3^{\circ}$ to $5.4^{\circ}$, $122.1^{\circ}$, $63.3^{\circ}$ and $67.5^{\circ}$, respectively (p<0.05). RAdiolucent lines were found in 3 cases, which were 1 case of type 3, and 2 cases of type 4. All three loosening cases underwent revision TEAs. The mean postoperative Mayo elvow performance score was 79 point. There were 6 cases of excellent, 2 cases of good, and 4 cases in poor. Conclusion: Good clinical results were obtained after TEA performed in failed surgeries for elbow fractures of dislocations.

• Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.407-412
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• 2018

Background: We conducted this study to determine the optimal length of patellar and tibial bone blocks for the modified transtibial (TT) technique in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using the bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) graft. Methods: The current single-center, retrospective study was conducted in a total of 64 patients with an ACL tear who underwent surgery at our medical institution between March 2015 and February 2016. After harvesting the BPTB graft, we measured its length and that of the patellar tendon, patellar bone block, and tibial bone block using the arthroscopic ruler and double-checked measurements using a length gauge. Outcome measures included the length of tibial and femoral tunnels, inter-tunnel distance, length of the BPTB graft, patellar tendon, patellar bone block, and tibial bone block and graft-tunnel length mismatch. The total length of tunnels was defined as the sum of the length of the tibial tunnel, inter-tunnel distance and length of the femoral tunnel. Furthermore, the optimal length of the bone block was calculated as (the total length of tunnels - the length of the patellar tendon) / 2. We analyzed correlations of outcome measures with the height and body mass index of the patients. Results: There were 44 males (68.7%) and 20 females (31.3%) with a mean age of 31.8 years (range, 17 to 65 years). ACL reconstruction was performed on the left knee in 34 patients (53%) and on the right knee in 30 patients (47%). The optimal length of bone block was 21.7 mm (range, 19.5 to 23.5 mm). When the length of femoral tunnel was assumed as 25 mm and 30 mm, the optimal length of bone block was calculated as 19.6 mm (range, 17 to 21.5 mm) and 22.1 mm (range, 19.5 to 24 mm), respectively. On linear regression analysis, patients' height had a significant correlation with the length of tibial tunnel (p = 0.003), inter-tunnel distance (p = 0.014), and length of patellar tendon (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results indicate that it would be mandatory to determine the optimal length of tibial tunnel in the modified TT technique for ACL reconstruction using the BPTB graft. Further large-scale, multi-center studies are warranted to establish our results.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.10-19
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• 2013

Purpose: Home-based care providers were surveyed to assess the effect of collaborative service between Gyeongnam Regional Cancer Center (GRCC) and public health centers (PHCs) in Gyeongnam province. Methods: Twenty home-based care providers who had previously participated in the GRCC-PHC care project were recruited from nine PHCs and were surveyed using a questionnaire developed by specialists. Questions were rated using the 5-point Likert scale ranging from "strongly disagree (-2)" to "strongly agree (+2)" and each score was multiplied by the corresponding number of respondents (n=20) with the maximum score of 40. Results: Between January 2008 and December 2011, 73 patients were registered to the collaborative service: 72 by GRCC and one by PHC. Home-based care providers marked the highest score (23 points) to "The collaborative service contributed to patients and their family's psychological stability" and the lowest score (11 points) to "The collaborative service was generally helpful for home-based cancer management." For possible suggestions to improve the service, the highest score (35 points) was given to "Simplification of the hospitalization process" followed by "Substantial benefits for patients at their visit to the hospital" (34 points). Conclusion: The results revealed several limitations of the GRCC-PHC collaborative care service for terminal cancer patients. The service could be further improved by developing measures to address the limitations and a service model tailored to region-specific needs.