• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.79-84
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• 2009

Purpose: Medial or Lateral epicondylitis is one of the most common causes of elbow pain and recently ESWT (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) is welcomed as a new treatment modality and has been performed in many clinics. The purpose of this study is to report the clinical result after the ESWT treatment for the lateral or medial epicondylitis of the elbow. Materials and Methods: From Nov. 2005 to Jan. 2009, seventy four cases of seventy two (11 male, 61 female) patients diagnosed as medial or lateral epicondylitis of the elbow are included in this study. The average age was 52.4 years old. Authors used visual analogue scale (VAS) to assess the degree of pain at rest and during work, comparing the score before the ESWT treatment with that of $6^{th}$, $12^{th}$ and $24^{th}$ week after the treatment. Authors also checked the number of awakeness during sleep due to pain and compared them before and after the ESWT treatment. Results: Average resting pain score improved from 4.60 before the treatment to 2.01 at $6^{th}$ week, 0.43 at $12^{th}$ week and 0.16 at $24^{th}$ week. Average pain score during working also showed quite an improvement with time from 7.20 before the treatment to 4.05 at $6^{th}$ week, 2.01 at $12^{th}$ week and finally 0.36 at $24^{th}$ week. We checked the frequency of sleep arousal during a week, and also found similar significant treatment efficacy as the average frequency decreased from 9.64 per week before the treatment to 1.21, 0.08 and 0.09 per week at $6^{th}$ week, $12^{th}$ week and $24^{th}$ week, respectively. Conclusion: ESWT for medial or lateral epicondylitis is thought to be one of the effective treatment modalities for those patient group not quite responsive to other conservative treatment.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.100-108
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• 1998

Surgical treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome has been reported according to a wide variety of techniques since the end of the last century. Theses range from simple decompression to various forms of nerve transposition and medial epicondylectomy. However, we could find only few reports which compare the results between different types of operations. The treatment results of medial epicondylectomy and anterior subcutaneous transposition, were analysed retrospectively. From March 1984 to January 1996, a total of 110 patients had operations for cubital tunnel syndrome. Seventy four of them were followed-up for more than one year, and only they were included in this study. Anterior subcutaneous transposition was performed in 26 patients; and medial epicondylectomy in 48 patients. There were 52 males and 22 females, with an average age of 34 years (range, 13 to 75). The average follow-up period was 40 months (range, 12 to 132). Grading system by Gabel and Amadio were used for evaluation of the patients; pain, sensory and motor dysfunction were checked preoperatively and at last follow-up. In 26 patients of anterior subcutaneous transposition, 7 (27%) were graded as excellent, 11 (42%) good, 3 (12%) fair and 5 (19%) poor. In 48 patients of medial epicondylectomy, 16 (34%) were excellent, 27 (56%) good, 3 (6%) fair and 2 (4%) poor. Sixty nine percent were excellent or good in anterior subcutaneous transposition group, while ninty percent in medial epicondylectomy group. This difference was significant statistically (p<0.01 )., From our experiences, we suggest medial epicondylectomy for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome, rather than anterior subcutaneous transposition.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.224-228
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• 2008

Ulnar nerve compression in the cubital tunnel is a common entrapment syndrome of the upper limb. Pulsed radiofrequency lesioning (PRFL) has been reported as a treatment method for relieving neuropathic pain. Since the placement of the electrode in close proximity to a targeted nerve is very important for the success of PRFL, ultrasound seems to be well suited for this technique. A 36-year-old woman presented with complaints of numbness and pain on the medial aspect of the elbow and the pain radiated down to the $4^{th}$ and $5^{th}$ fingers for 10 years after she suffered an elbow contusion, we then scheduled this woman for the ultrasound guided PRFL of the ulanr nerve. The initial ultrasound examination demonstrated a swollen nerve, loss of the fascicular pattern and an increased cross sectional area of the ulnar nerve. After confirmation of the most swollen site of the nerve via ultrasound, two sessions of PRFL were performed. The postprocedural 10 cm visual analog scale score decreased from 8 to 1 after the two sessions of PRFL.

• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.50-56
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• 2007

Purpose: To evaluate the aspect of occurrence and transition of the elbow injuries in baseball players from childhood to adult. Materials and Methods: We had a survey and took the simple X-ray from the anteroposterior view and the lateral view of both elbows for subjects of total 320 baseball players. - each of 80 players in elementary school, middle school, high school, and professional baseball players between January and December in 2004. Results: The region of pain and the bony changes in elbow were the most frequent in medial side from all the groups of players. Especially, hypertrophy of medial epicondyle were the most numerous. As baseball players got older, the radiological changes of elbow were increased. The bony changes were found out 52 cases (65%) of the elementary school players, 66 cases (82%) of the middle school players, 68 cases (85%) of the high school players and 70 cases (88%) of the professional players out of the total 320 baseball players. Conclusion: The bony changes of the elbow in baseball players got frequent as they were getting older and increased in comparison with past.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.2-9
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• 2014

Background: Indirect reduction technique offers a valid option in the treatment of proximal humerus fracture. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the functional outcome and the complication rate after indirect reduction and internal fixation of unstable proximal humeral fractures with use of a locking plate. Methods: Twenty four patients with acute proximal humerus fracture were managed with indirect reduction and internal fixation with a locking plate. The mean follow-up period was 15.5 months. Results: The anatomical reduction of the medial cortex buttress was seen in 16 patients (66%) of the Group A and the non-anatomical reduction was seen in 8 patients (33%) of the Group B. Mean union time was $3.2{\pm}1.9$ months; it was $2.2{\pm}0.6$ months in the Group A and $5.3{\pm}2.2$ months in the Group B (p < 0.05). In our series, there were 6 cases of complications and these include 2 cases of varus malunion, 2 cases of shoulder stiffness, 1 case of heterotrophic ossification, 2 cases of screw perforation and 1 case of impingement. Conclusions: We conclude from our studies that indirect reduction and internal fixation using locking plate for acute proximal humerus fracture can give good results with bony union and predictable good overall functional outcome. If the medial cortex buttress is well maintained, a better anatomical reduction would be achieved, the union would be prompted, the pain would be further reduced and the range of the motion would be recovered more promptly.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.67-75
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• 2009

Purpose: This study evaluated the clinical outcomes of debridement arthroplasty using the posteromedial approach in elbow joints with pain and bony limitation of motion. Materials and Methods: This study involved 16 elbows in 16 patients with pain and bony limitation of motion, which were treated by debridement arthroplasty using the posteromedial approach from March 2005 to March 2008. The mean follow up period was 27.6 (13~52) months. The clinical outcomes were analyzed using the Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) for pain scale, the preoperative and postoperative range of motion and the Mayo Elbow Performance Scores(MEPS). Results: The VAS was decreased significantly from a preoperative mean of 4.5 to a postoperative mean 1.1 (p<0.001). The average arc of motion improved significantly from $61.6 (0~90)^{\circ}$ preoperatively to $109.4 (80-120)^{\circ}$ postoperatively (p<0.001). The MEPS also improved significantly from 59.4 to 85.6 postoperatively (p<0.001). There were no complications, such as hematoma and elbow instability. Conclusion: Debridement arthroplasty using the posteromedial approach is a useful surgical procedure in the elbow joint with pain and bony limitation of motion, where all compartments can be debrided, the ulnar nerve can be manipulated easily and damage to the medial collateral ligament can be minimized.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.33-41
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• 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to prove the effectiveness of the open medial (glenoid-based) anterior-inferior capsular shift in patients with multidirectional shoulder instability. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 19 patients treated by medial anterior-inferior capsular shift for multidirectional shoulder instability from March, 1998 to December, 2003. 15 patients of them have experienced recurrent dislocation. 8 patients(42%) showed bilateral laxity and 11 patients(58%) generalized ligamentous laxity, and 2 patients(10.5%) voluntary subluxation. An average follow-up was 24 months (range : $9{\sim}32$ months). Results: Pain improved in 18 patients of all. There was an average loss of 10 degree of external rotation, but no limitation of activity of daily living. There was no redislocation and subluxation, but two patients had some apprehension in sports activity. With Rowe score, the result was excellent or good in all patients. There were hematoma and local skin problem in 1 patient, but all had healed up. Conclusion: Medial anterior-inferior capsular shift in multidirectional shoulder instability provided satisfactory results in pain relief, patient's satisfactions and stability of glenohumeral joint. Though some of them have anterior gleniod deformities and large Hill-Sachs lesions, we could get good stabilities.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.49-57
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• 2006

Purpose : The Purpose of this study was to pain release and power grip in wrist affect of needle TENS(utilized of TENS in electrotherapy with oriental needle) and ultrasound therapy and taping with carpal tunnel syndrome patients. Methods : To study divided of each groups. each groups were apply to ultrasound therapy for 5 mintus, Taping was attached from wrist joint to elbow joint medial epicondly after maximum extension. needle TENS application was following of median nerve in wrist. Result : 1. The pain was released on needle TENS, ultrasound and taping groups of all(p<.05). 2. Power grip was enhanced in needle TENS and taping groups(p<.05) but ultrasound was no difference compared with before therapy. 3. Compared with needle TENS and taping therapy about pain release was needle TENS groups better than ultrasound groups(p<.05) Conclusion : Needle TENS, taping therapy are more effectable than ultrasound therapy for grip power and pain release. Needle TENS therapy is more effectable than taping therapy for pain release. Therefor, neddle TENS therapy is most effectable for pain release with carpal tunnel syndrome patients.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.181-184
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• 2014

Schwannomas are soft tissue sarcomas arising from neurilemma of Schwann cells in peripheral nerves, and is the most frequent type of benign tumor found in these nerves. We report a case of a Schwannoma of the ulnar nerve in the elbow joint, and along this report, give a review of the literature. A 46-year-old male patient was hospitalized with complaints of swelling and pain in the left elbow and a tingling sensation and hypoesthesia of the fourth and fifth fingers. Physical examination of the patient showed he was positive for Tinel's sign, and magnetic resonance imaging results demonstrated the presence of a Schwannoma. Subsequent biopsy and excision of the Schwannoma was carried out. The suspected mass, which had a clear margin separating it from the healthy nerve of the medial left elbow, was removed along with its $2{\times}2{\times}3cm$ capsule after a histological diagnosis of a Schwannoma was made. Pathophysiological results confirmed the excised mass as a Schwannoma. Schwannoma of the ulnar nerve within the elbow joint is rare and differential diagnosis is difficult. Therefore, treatment can only proceed after the presence of Schwannoma has been confirmed by physical and radiological examinations.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.29-36
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• 2002

Purpose : Cubitus varus deformity has been reported to cause ulnar neuropathy. We present five cases of tardy ulnar nerve palsy due to cubitus vus and analyzed the factors related to the nerve plasy caused by the deformity. Materials and Methods : Three men and two women were reviewed retrospectively and the mean age of the patients were 26 (range, 14-38). The average interval from initial fracture to nerve palsy was 19 years (8-32 years). The severity of symptoms, according to McGowan's classification, was grade I of 2 patients, grade Ⅱ of 3 patients. Carrying angle was an average of 18。 (30° -45° ). Internal rotation angle measured by Yamamoto's method was an average of 33° (30° -45° ). Results ㆍ The mean follow-up period was 53 months (35-70 months). Elbow pain and numbness of the fingers were relieved shortly after surgery. It revealed that anterior subluxation of the nerve due to internal rotation deformity and compression of the nerve between the medially shifted medial head of triceps and the medial epicondyle. Conclusion : The major entrapment point of the nerve is the fibrous band between the two heads of the flexor carpi ulnaris. The severe internal rotation deformity may contribute the cause of tardy ulnar nerve palsy in cubitus varus deformity.