• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.456-462
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• 2023

Plate fixation has become the preferred approach for treating displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. However, plate fixation of the clavicle presents several unique challenges, including its complex bony architecture and its immediate subcutaneous location. In many cases, we have observed that precontoured implants do not conform to the clavicular anatomy, and many patients complain of postoperative implant-related discomfort. A total of 111 clavicles, both left and right sides, were examined to match two commonly used designs of anatomical pre-contoured superior anterior clavicle plates, with and without lateral extension. The anteroposterior (AP) plane congruence of the plate to the underlying bone, the vertical gap between the bone and plate, and the length of the plate that was off the bone either anteriorly and/or posteriorly at both ends of the clavicle were measured. The scoring system was used to determine the fit of the implant on the clavicle as anatomic, good, or poor. We found that the maximum superior bow of the clavicle was lateral to the midline by 30.75 mm and 30.5 mm on the right and left sides, respectively. The magnitude of the bow was 4.28 mm and 4.46 mm on the right and left sides, respectively. We also found that the plate was a poor fit in 75.86% of cases on the left side and 73.5% of cases on the right side. Manipulating the plates during surgery was very difficult in the AP plane.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.60 no.2
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• pp.211-219
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• 2017

Objective : This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiologic outcomes of patients with subaxial cervical injury who underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with autologous iliac bone graft or polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages using demineralized bone matrix (DBM). Methods : From January 2005 to December 2010, 70 patients who underwent one-level ACDF with plate fixation for post-traumatic subaxial cervical spinal injury in a single institution were retrospectively investigated. Autologous iliac crest grafts were used in 33 patients (Group I), whereas 37 patients underwent ACDF using a PEEK cage filled with DBM (Group II). Plain radiographs were used to assess bone fusion, interbody height (IBH), segmental angle (SA), overall cervical sagittal alignment (CSA, C2-7 angle), and development of adjacent segmental degeneration (ASD). Clinical outcome was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and Frankel grade. Results : The mean follow-up duration for patients in Group I and Group II was 28.9 and 25.4 months, respectively. All patients from both groups achieved solid fusion during the follow-up period. The IBH and SA of the fused segment and CSA in Group II were better maintained during the follow-up period. Nine patients in Group I and two patients in Group II developed radiologic ASD. There were no statistically significant differences in the VAS score and Frankel grade between the groups. Conclusion : This study showed that PEEK cage filled with DBM, and plate fixation is at least as safe and effective as ACDF using autograft, with good maintenance of cervical alignment. With advantages such as no donor site morbidity and no graft-related complications, PEEK cage filled with DBM, and plate fixation provide a promising surgical option for treating traumatic subaxial cervical spine injuries.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2016

More than a century ago, the first scientific report was published about fracture fixation with plates. During the 1950's, open reduction and plate fixation for fractures were standardized by the founders of Arbeitsgemeinschaft $f{\ddot{u}}r$ osteosynthesefragen/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation. Since the introduction of plate fixation for fractures, several plates and screws have been developed, all with their own characteristics. To accomplice more fracture stability, it was thought the bigger the plate, the better. The counter side was a compromised blood supply of the bone, often resulting in bone necrosis and ultimately delayed or non-union. With the search and development of new materials and techniques for fracture fixation, less invasive procedures have become increasingly popular. This resulted in the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique for fracture fixation. With the MIPO technique, procedures could be performed with smaller incisions and thus with less soft tissue damage and a better preserved blood supply. The last 5 years rib fixation has become increasingly popular, rising evidence has becomeavailable suggesting that surgical rib fixation improves outcome of patients with a flail chest or isolated rib fractures. Many surgical approaches for rib fixation have been described in the old literature, however, most of these techniques are obscure nowadays. Currently mostly large incisions with considerable surgical insult are used to stabilize rib fractures. We think that MIPO deserves a place in the surgical treatment of rib fractures. We present the aspects of diagnosis, preoperative planning and operative techniques in regard to MIPO rib fixation.

• Journal of Surface Science and Engineering
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.306-316
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• 2024

We conducted experiments to control the hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties by adjusting line and grid patterns on the surface of medical bone fixation plates using a femtosecond laser. Basic experiments were conducted using pure titanium and titanium alloy (6% alumina, 4% vanadium). The spacing of the line and grid patterns was adjusted, and surface properties were confirmed using contact angle measurement equipment. We demonstrated the feasibility of controlling hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties through the patterns of lines and grids. Based on the results of the basic experiments, surface treatment was applied to medical bone fixation plates currently used in clinical practice. Through laser processing, we confirmed a contact angle of approximately 9.18° for hydrophilicity and approximately 101.07° for hydrophobicity. We confirmed that easy control of hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties is achievable using laser processing technology and anticipate its application in various medical component fields.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.658-662
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• 2007

The simple and easy treatment with cast or splint has been applied to stabilize long bone fractures in farm animals. Applying cast or splint is relatively easier than surgical fixation and may temporarily stabilize fracture site. However, the internal fixation provides strong stabilization and early recovery of limb function. In this report, we describe six cases of limb fractures in calves repaired by internal fixation. Fracture sites are various and affected ages are between 1 day and several months old. In some cases, patients were treated with cast or splint before admitting to Veterinary Medical Center. In these patients, regardless of initial treatment fractures were not immobilized. Consequently we decided to treat these patients with open reduction and internal fixation. The fracture repair with implants(bone plate, screw, cerclage wire, and intramedullary pin) were effective and satisfactory in calves which had been failed by application of cast. Although the cost of orthopedic treatment in farm animal is one of the most important considerations from the practical point of view, internal fixation has many benefits in newborn and young calves. And simplicity of postoperative management is also practically significant benefit expected from infernal fixation In conclusion, we suggest that internal fixation will produce better result than external coaptation in calve.

• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.115-120
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• 2009

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of three different surgical approaches in treating a distal radius fracture with dorsal communition. Materials and Methods: From April, 2006 to May, 2009, 49 patients over age of 60years old with unstable dorsal communition distal radius fracture were analyzed. We compared maintainability of reduction by radiological follow-up observations and clinical outcomes using Mayo wrist scores. One-Way ANOVA test was performed to examine the statistical correlation between the methods. Results: All three approaches provided satisfactory post-op reduction results. However, follow-up observations showed significant loss of reduction in the external fixation only group compared to the added bone graft group and the volar anatomical locking plate group (P<0.05). Mayo wrist score was indifferent between the three groups. Conclusion: Treatment of a distal radius fracture with severe dorsal communition using an external fixation only appears to be insufficient in maintaining reduction of a cancellous bone defect.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.2-7
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• 2016

Background: The purpose of this study is to compare the radiological and clinical outcomes after open reduction and plate fixation of midshaft clavicle fractures between patients who achieved successful anatomical reduction and those who had a remaining fracture gap even after open reduction and plate fixation, and were thus treated with additional demineralized bone matrix (DBM). Methods: This retrospective analysis was conducted on 56 consecutive patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation using a locking compression plate for acute displaced midshaft clavicle fractures, and who underwent radiographic and clinical outcome evaluations at least 6 months postoperatively. The outcomes between those who achieved perfect anatomical reduction without remnant gap (n=32) and those who had a remaining fracture gap even after open reduction and plate fixation treated with additional DBM (n=24) were evaluated. Results: There were no differences in the use of lag screws or wiring and operation time (all p>0.05) between those with and without remnant gap. No difference in the average radiological union time and clinical outcomes (satisfaction and Constant score) was observed between the two groups (all p>0.05). However, significantly faster union time was observed for AO type A fracture compared with other types (p=0.012), and traffic accident showed association with worse clinical outcomes compared with other causes of injury. Conclusions: Surgical outcome of midshaft clavicle fracture was more affected by initial fracture type and event, and re-reduction and re-fixation of the fracture to obtain a perfect anatomical reduction spending time appears to be unnecessary if rigid fixation is achieved.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.222-229
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• 2017

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcomes after fixation using a 3.5-mm locking compression plate (LCP) hook plate for isolated greater tuberosity (GT) fractures of the proximal humerus. Methods: We evaluated the postoperative radiological and clinical outcomes in nine patients who were followed up at least 1 year with isolated GT fractures. Using the deltopectoral approach, we fixed the displaced GT fragments with a 3.5-mm LCP hook plate (Synthes, West Chester, PA, USA). Depending on the fracture patterns, the hook plate was fixed with or without augmentation using either tension suture or suture anchor fixation. Results: All the patient showed successful bone union. The mean time-to-union was 11 weeks. The radiological and clinical outcomes at the final follow-up were generally satisfactory. The mean visual analogue scale for pain, the University of California at Los Angeles score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and the subjective shoulder value were 1.4, 30.3, 84.3, and 82.2%, respectively. The mean active forward flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation of the shoulder were $156.7^{\circ}$, $152.2^{\circ}$, $61.1^{\circ}$, and the 10th thoracic vertebral level, respectively. Only one patient presented with a postoperative complication of shoulder stiffness. The patient was treated through arthroscopic capsular release on the 5th postoperative month. Conclusions: We conclude that fixation using 3.5-mm LCP hook plates for isolated GT fractures of the proximal humerus is a useful treatment method that provides satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.457-462
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• 1995

Unlike the usual bone plate and screw fracture fixation, an improved plate fixation method, which can transfer gradually physiological load to bones, is described. The key feature of the present method is to use washers between the plate and the screw. Bio-absorbable materials or non-ferrous materials with good damping characteristics are used to manufacture the washers. The purpose of this paper is to discuss potential advantages of the proposed method, and to show experimentally its improved impact-absorbing characteristics. Vibration experiments are carried out for pig femurs and cow tibias with and without the proposed washers. This experiments show that the washers can drop the first peak value suite substantially in the FRF plots. Although in-vivo experiments have not been conducted, the present fixation method appears to be a simple and effective alternative to the presently used method.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.361-365
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• 2016

Background: Sternal fractures are relatively rare, and caused mainly by blunt anterior chest wall trauma. In most cases, sternal fractures are treated conservatively. However, if the patient exhibits problematic symptoms such as intractable chest wall pain or bony crepitus due to sternal instability, surgical correction is indicated. But no consensus exists regarding the most appropriate surgical method. We analyzed the results of surgical fixation in cases of sternal fracture in order to identify which surgical method led to the best outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with sternal fractures from December 2008 to December 2011, and found 19 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of the sternum with a longitudinal plate (L-group) or a T-shaped plate (T-group). We investigated patients' characteristics, clinical details regarding each case of chest trauma, the presence of other associated injuries, the type of open reduction and fixation, whether a combined operation was performed, and postoperative complications. Results: Of the 19 patients, 10 patients (52.6%) were male, and their average age was 56.8 years (range, 32 to 82 years). Seven patients (36.8%) had isolated sternal fractures, while 12 (63.2%) had other associated injuries. Seven patients (36.8%) were in the L-group and 12 patients (63.2%) were in the T-group. Three patients in the L-group (42.9%) showed a loosening of the fixation. In all patients in the T-group, the fracture exhibited stable alignment. Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation with a T-shaped plate in sternal fractures is a safer and more efficient treatment method than treatment with a longitudinal plate, especially in patients with a severely displaced sternum or anterior flail chest, than a longitudinal plate.