• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제41권6호
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• pp.768-772
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• 2014

Background To compare clinical and radiographic outcomes between intramedullary nail fixation and percutaneous K-wire fixation for fractures in the distal third portion of the metacarpal bone. Methods A single-institutional retrospective review identified 41 consecutive cases of metacarpal fractures between September 2009 and August 2013. Each of the cases met the inclusion criteria for closed, extra-articular fractures of the distal third of the metacarpal bone. The patients were divided by the method of fixation (intramedullary nailing or K-wire). Outcomes were compared for mean and median total active motion of the digit, radiographic parameters, and period until return to work. Complications and symptoms were determined by a questionnaire. Results During the period under review, 41 patients met the inclusion criteria, and the fractures were managed with either intramedullary nailing (n=19) or percutaneous K-wire fixation (n=22). The mean and median total active range of motion and radiographic healing showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. No union failures were observed in either group. The mean operation time was shorter by an average of 14 minutes for the percutaneous K-wire fixation group. However, the intramedullary nailing group returned to work earlier by an average of 2.3 weeks. Complications were reported only in the K-wire fixation group. Conclusions Intramedullary nailing fixation is advisable for fractures in the distal third of the metacarpal bone. It provides early recovery of the range of motion, an earlier return to work, and lower complication rates, despite potentially requiring a wire removal procedure at the patient's request.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• 제28권2호
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• pp.55-59
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• 2015

Purpose: To compare clinical and radiographic outcomes of between two and three Kirschner wire(K-wire) intramedullary fixation for fractures in the neck of the metacarpal bone. Methods: A single institutional retrospective review identified 28 cases of metacarpal fractures between March 2010 and August 2014. Each of the cases met the inclusion criteria for closed, extra-articular fractures of the neck of the metacarpal bone. The patient groups were divided by the number of K-wire. Outcomes were compared for range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint, radiographic parameters, and period until union. Results: The fractures were treated with either 2 Kirschner wire fixation (n=10) or 3 Kirschner wire fixation (n=18). The active range of motion of metacarpophalangeal joint and radiographic result showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The mean union period was 5.9 weeks. However, four cases suffered distal head perforation in 2 K-wire fixation group and one case in 3 K-wire fixation group. Conclusion: Multiple retrograde intramedullary Kirschner wire fixation is a good treatment of choice for fractures in the neck of the metacarpal bone. To prevent metacarpal head perforation, it is preferred to use three K-wires than two K-wires.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제43권2호
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• pp.189-196
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• 2016

Background Several techniques have been designed to treat fifth metacarpal fractures reported to be effective. However, these methods cannot be easily applied to the fourth metacarpal due to its central anatomical position. In this study, we sought to analyze the functional outcomes of patients who underwent transverse pinning for a fourth metacarpal bone fracture. Methods A total of 21 patients were selected and their charts were retrospectively reviewed. After fracture reduction, two transverse Kirchner wires were first inserted from the fifth metacarpal to the third metacarpal transversely at the distal part of the fractured bone, and then another two wires were inserted at the proximal part of the fractured bone. The splint was removed approximately one week postoperatively and the Kirchner wires were removed four to five weeks postoperatively. Patients started active and passive exercise one week after the operation. Pain visual analog scores, total active and passive motion, and the active and passive range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint and grip strength were evaluated. Results Dorsal angulation improved from a preoperative value of $44.2^{\circ}$ to a postoperative value of $5.9^{\circ}$. Six weeks after surgery, functional recovery parameters, such as range of motion and grip strength, had improved to 98% of the function of the normal side. No major complication was observed. Conclusions We suggest that the transverse pinning of fourth metacarpal bone fractures is an effective treatment option that is less invasive than other procedures, easy to perform, requires no secondary surgery, minimizes joint and soft tissue injury, and allows early mobilization.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제38권4호
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• pp.458-464
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• 2011

Purpose: Metacarpal fractures are common hand injury that may require operative intervention to ensure adequate reduction and stabilization. Traditionally, titanium miniplate was used for rigid fixation of bone fractures. However, the use of permanent plate lends itself to multiple complications such as infection, exposure of the hardware, tendon adhesions, tendon rupture, prolonged pain, bony atrophy and osteoporosis (stress shielding), metal sensitization, and palpation under the skin. This study evaluated the usefulness and stability of biodegradable plates and screws for treatment of metacarpal bone fractures. Methods: There was 17 patients who had surgery for metacarpal bone fracture from April 2007 to June 2010. All patients had open reduction and internal fixation. We used absorbable plates and screws (Inion CPS$^{(R)}$) for internal fixation. Postoperative results were assessed with x-ray. Stability of plates and screws, healing process and its complications were observed by clinical and radiographic assessment. Results: All patients were successfully reduced of bone fracture, and fixations with absorbable plates and screws were stable. The mean follow up period was 7.1 months. 2 patients complained postoperative pain, but they were relieved with analgesics. All patients experienced transient stiffness, but they were relieved with active assistive range of motion after removal of splint. No patients suffered complications which could be occurred by using metallic plate. Conclusion: There was no critical complications such as re-fracture or nonunion among patients. No patients suffered side effects related with metallic implants. Biodegradable implants can offer clinically stable and attractive alternative to metallic implants to stabilize metacarpal bone fractures in the hand.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제48권4호
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• pp.384-388
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• 2021

Adequate positioning of the hand is a critical step in hand fracture operative repair that can impact both the clinical outcome and the efficiency of the operation. In this paper, we introduce the use of a thermoplastic splint with an added thumb stabilizing component as a means to increase the surgeon's autonomy and to streamline the patient care pathway. The thermoplastic splint is custom fabricated preoperatively by the specialist hand therapist. The splint is used prior, during, and post operation with minimal modification. The thumb component assists maintaining the forearm in a stable pronated position whilst drilling and affixing metal work. This is demonstrated in the video of removal of metal work and open reduction and internal fixation of a metacarpal fracture.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제48권1호
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• pp.98-106
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• 2021

Background Hand fractures can be treated using various operative or nonoperative methods. When an operative technique utilizing fixation is performed, early postoperative mobilization has been advocated. We implemented a protocol involving controlled active exercise in the early postoperative period and analyzed the outcomes. Methods Patients who were diagnosed with proximal phalangeal or metacarpal fractures of the second to fifth digits were included (n=37). Minimally invasive open reduction and internal fixation procedures were performed. At 3 weeks postoperatively, controlled active exercise was initiated, with stress applied against the direction of axial loading. The exercise involved pain-free active traction in three positions (supination, neutral, and pronation) between 3 and 5 weeks postoperatively. Postoperative radiographs and range of motion (ROM) in the interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints were analyzed. Results Significant improvements in ROM were found between 6 and 12 weeks for both proximal phalangeal and metacarpal fractures (P<0.05). At 12 weeks, 26 patients achieved a total ROM of more than 230° in the affected finger. Postoperative radiographic images demonstrated union of the affected proximal phalangeal and metacarpal bones at a 20-week postoperative follow-up. Conclusions Minimally invasive open reduction and internal fixation minimized periosteal and peritendinous dissection in hand fractures. Controlled active exercise utilizing pain-free active traction in three different positions resulted in early functional exercise with an acceptable ROM.

• Archives of Hand and Microsurgery
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• 제23권4호
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• pp.230-238
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• 2018

목적: 중수골 골절에서 시행되는 두 가지 수술 방법; 즉, 폐쇄적 정복술 및 평행핀 외고정술, 개방적 정복술 및 플레이트 내고정술 시행 이후 골절각의 변화를 수술 직후 및 추적 관찰하여 비교 분석하였다. 방법: 2008년 4월부터 2018년 1월까지 수부 단일 중수골 골절에 대해 수술적 처치를 받은 46명의 환자를 대상으로 후향적 연구를 진행하였다. 관절 외 중수골 골절에서 폐쇄적 정복술 및 가로 방향 평행 핀 외고정술(그룹 1) 또는 개방적 정복술 및 플레이트 내고정술(그룹 2)을 진행하고, 수술 전후 및 추시 후 수부 방사선 비스듬영상에서 골절각을 측정하여 분석하였다. 결과: 두 그룹 모두 정복술 진행 후 유의한 골절각 교정 결과를 보였다. 그룹 1의 경우 수술 후 3-4주에 능동적 운동을 시작하였으며, 골절각 재발 소견이 다소 나타났다(그룹 1: 수술 직후 골절각 $20^{\circ}{\pm}7^{\circ}$, 추시 후 골절각 $24^{\circ}{\pm}10^{\circ}$, p<0.05). 반면에 그룹 2는 수술 후 2주에 운동 진행 이후에도 정복된 상태를 지속적으로 유지하였다(그룹 2: 수술직후 골절각 $19^{\circ}{\pm}5^{\circ}$, 추시 후 골절각 $18^{\circ}{\pm}6^{\circ}$). 결론: 관절 외 단일 중수골 골절에서 폐쇄적 정복술 및 평행 핀 외고정술과 개방적 정복술 및 플레이트 내고정술 모두 골절에 의한 각형성을 유의하게 교정할 수 있는 유용한 수술 방법이다. 폐쇄적 정복술 및 평행 핀 외고정술 이후 3-4주에 손 운동을 시작할 경우 골절 부위에 과도한 운동 또는 외부 자극에 의한 저항이 가해지면 유합 진행을 악화시킬 수 있으므로 주의 깊은 경과 관찰을 요하며, 골절 상태에 따라 적절한 수술 방법을 계획해야 한다.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• 제34권1호
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• pp.50-56
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• 2021

Purpose: Fractures are common in the military population, but limited studies have investigated the incidence of fractures among Korean military personnel. Hence, this study aimed to clarify this issue. Methods: Eligible subjects were patients who had sustained a fracture and were registered in the N-DEMIS (the medical records system of participating hospitals) from June 2017 to May 2019. Fractures were categorized according to the fracture site, patients' age, sex, and type of duty. Results: In total, 23,687 patients with 23,981 fractures were included. There were 216 patients with multiple fractures, of whom 156 had fractures at two sites, 42 had fractures at three sites, and 18 had fractures at four sites. Of the 23,687 patients, 23,340 were men and 347 were women. The incidence of fractures in men and women was 12.96 per 1,000 person-years and 0.19 per 1,000 person-years, respectively. In terms of the broad location of fractures, the percentage of fractures was the highest in the hand, followed by the foot and lower leg. When the location of fractures was analyzed more specifically, the percentage of fractures was the highest in the phalanx (thumb and fingers), followed by the ankle and metacarpal bones. Conclusions: Hand, foot, ankle, and wrist fractures were the most commonly encountered fractures in the Korean military population. To prevent the loss of combat power due to non-battle-related injuries, thorough preparation is necessary, including protective equipment and preliminary training for areas with a high frequency of fracture occurrence.

• 한국임상수의학회지
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• 제39권4호
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• pp.156-161
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• 2022

The objective of the present study was to assess the prevalence, occurrence pattern, and clinical outcomes of transfixation pinning and casting (TPC) for fractures in Korean native calves, and to identify the advantages of the procedure. The study investigated 52 cases of bone fractures documented from January 2017 to December 2020. Hindlimb fractures (72%) were the most common in bone fractures (n = 50). The distribution of fractures was highest in the tibia (n = 15), followed by the metatarsal (n = 12), femur (n = 9), radius/ulna (n = 8), metacarpal (n = 3), humerus (n = 3), mandible (n = 1), and caudal vertebrae (n = 1). All cases were diagnosed via radiographic evaluation. Closed fractures (86%) were the most common, followed by open fractures (14%). Surgery was performed on 34 calves using intramedullary pin (IM pin), TPC, cross pin, flexible wire (F-wire), and/or plate fixation. The rest of the calves were treated with external coaptation (n = 12) or were not treated (n = 6). Subsequently, 24 calves with follow-up records were evaluated in the bone fracture cases (n = 50). Bone union was observed in 15 (62%) calves; 3 (12%) calves showed non-union; 4 (16%) calves were dead after surgery; and 2 (8%) calves were euthanized at the owner's request. Among the 24 follow-up surgery cases, the most successful cases were tibia fractures (75%) surgically treated using TPC and/or IM pin. These findings suggest that TPC surgery is effective in the management of fractures in Korean native calves.

• 한국임상수의학회지
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• 제28권1호
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• pp.179-182
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• 2011

Two day-old male and 1 month-old female Hanwoo calves presented to Chonbuk Animal Medical Center in Chonbuk National University. Two calves were stepped by mother cow and had right (2 day-old male) and left (1 month-old female) forelimb lameness. The male calf was diagnosed as right radius-ulnar fracture through physical and radiographic examination. The other female calf was diagnosed as left third and fourth metacarpal bone fracture by the same examinations as male calf. Acrylic frame external fixator was used to reduce the fractures. Arcrylic frame external fixator in two calves lasted for 5~6 weeks. After removing the acrylic frame external fixator, radiographic evaluation and physical examination were performed. Fractured radius-ulnar and metacarpal bones were unionized and the calves were able to stand and bear weight. In these two calves, application of acrylic frame external fixator in calf fracture was effective. Acrylic frame external fixator should be considered for the repair of radius-ulnar and metacarpal bone fracture in calf.