• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.112-123
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• 2007

Purpose: Evaluate the clinical results of humerus neck nonunion treated with Polarus intramedullary nail. Materials and Methods: 8 patients who underwent surgery for nonunion of humerus surgical neck fracture were included. All patients were female, the average age was 65 years. 5 out the total 8 cases initially received surgery, open reduction and internal fixation with metal plate in 1 case, Ender nail insertion in 2 cases, external fixator in 1 case and closed reduction and percutaneous pinning in 1 case. The other 3 non union cases initial received conservative managemnent. The average period of nonunion was 9 months in the operated group and 6.2 months in the conservative group. All 8 cases received closed reduction with intrameedullary Polarus nail and auto iliac bone graft. Union was confirmed radiologically, and functional evaluation was done with the UCLA functional criteria. Results: All 8 cases showed union on radiologic evaluation. Average time to union was 3.5 months, average follow up period was 27 months. Average UCLA shoulder evaluation score was 7.6 points preoperatively which improved to 26.3 points after surgery. Active shoulder flexion was 40.7 degrees preoperatiely which increased to 104 degrees after surgery. Shoulder abduction improved from 32.9 degrees preoperatively to 96.3 degrees after surgery. UCLA functional criteria was good in 5 cases and fair in 3 cases, which no poor cases. Conclusion: Polarus IM nailing and AIBG is a useful method for treating nonunion of humerus neck fracture with improvement in union and function.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.35-45
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to document the structural features of the tendinous portions within the non-pathologic subscapularis muscle by performing high resolution MR imaging of the shoulder. Materials and Methods: Between April 2007 and May 2010, we retrospectively obtained the MR scans of 88 consecutive young patients (88 shoulders) who were in their twenties. MRI and MR arthrography were performed using a 3.0-T system for the evaluation of glenohumeral instability and nonspecific shoulder pain. None of the patient in this study had any evidence of injury to the tendon or muscle belly of the subscapularis. On MR images, we recorded the transverse length of a stout tendinous band and the total tendinous portion of the subscapularis. In addition, we recorded the number of intramuscular tendinous slips of the susbscapularis. Results: The mean transverse length of the tendinous band was 15.0 mm (range: 8 to 20 mm). The mean transverse length of the total tendinous portion was 48.9 mm (range: 40 to 60 mm). The number of intramuscular tendinous slips on the base of the glenoid fossa was 3 in 20 (22.72%), 4 in 45 (51.14%) and 5 in 23 shoulders (26.14%). On the lateral portion, the intramuscular tendinous slips became gradually rounder and thicker and they gave converge in the superior direction. Conclusion: In this study, the structural features of the tendinous portions of the subscapularis on the MR scans were identified. This will in return give good justification for the lines to be pulled during biomechanical stimulation and also for the surgical approach to restore the biomechanical function.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.150-158
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• 2009

Purpose: With the better understanding of cuff function, partial repair or "force couple repair" for treating massive irreparable rotator cuff tear has gained some popularity. However, there were few reports on the results of partial repair. The purpose of this study was to report the clinical outcome of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears who received arthroscopic force-couple repair or partial repair. Materials and Methods: From June 2005 to Feb 2008, arthroscopic partial repairs were performed for 16 irreparable rotator cuff tears among the 101 large to massive rotator cuff tears that were operated on. Clinical and radiographic evaluation were done at the final follow-up. Results: There were 7 men and 9 women with a mean age of 66.6 years. The mean follow-up period was 27.3 month (range: 15-46). The pain VAS improved from 4.4 ($\pm2.50$) to 2.1 ($\pm2.26$) and the functional VAS improved from 46.9 ($\pm16.64$) to 70.0 ($\pm22.80$). The ASES score improved from 39.0 ($\pm10.80$) to 80.3 ($\pm16.78$) and the KSS score was 81.9 ($\pm16.74$) at the final follow-up. The acromio-humeral distance was 6.6 cm ($\pm1.74$) preoperatively and 6.2 cm ($\pm1.69$) postoperatively without significant change (p=0.3874). The degenerative changes had no statistically progressed (p=0.2663). Conclusion: Partial repair for massive rotator cuff injury patients showed improvement in the clinical score without progression of arthritic change at a mean of 2.3 years follow-up.

• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.66-74
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• 2012

Purpose: To compare the outcome of two methods of chronic calcific tendinitis (CCT) treatment, Multiple drilling alone versus combined drilling and extracorporeal shock-wave therapy (ESWT). Furthermore, to analyze the clinical and radiologic results of different energy level configurations of ESWT. Materials and Methods: Among the patients complaining shoulder pain who visited the clinic from June 2010 to August 2011, 98 were diagnosed with CCT of the supraspinatus and were divided into the following three groups. Multiple drilling alone (n=31), Multiple drilling followed by high-energy ESWT (n=31), Multiple drilling followed by low-energy ESWT (n=36). The study was conducted only with patients with chronic pain persisting longer than six months despite prolonged conservative therapy. Clinical evaluation was done before and after 12 weeks from treatment, in clinical terms using the ASES, KSS, CSS system reflecting performance and symptom improvement, and in radiologic terms by studying the change in size of the calcific nodules. Results: All of three groups showed effects for improvement of clinical function and decrease of calcification and clinical improvement was significantly high in comparison between the group fulfilled by only multiple needling (the third group) and the group fulfilled by additional ESWT (the first and second groups) and in the radiological evaluation, calcification size and the rate of calcification decrease showed significant improvement statistically. For the comparison among the groups, degree of clinical function improvement and rate of calcification decrease showed significant difference between high energy group (the first group) and multiple needling group (the third group) as well as low energy group (the second group) and multiple needling group (the third group). But, in comparison between high energy group (the first group) and low energy group (the second group), there was no significant difference for the degree of clinical function improvement and rate of calcification decrease. Conclusion: For the treatment of chronic calcific tendinitis, additional ESWT showed more superior effects on clinical function improvement and radiological improvement regardless of the energy standard rather than the exclusive fulfillment of needling. But, as the result of ESWT by the energy standard, there was no significant difference for the decrease of calcification and degree of clinical function improvement.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.449-462
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• 2012

The objectives of this study were to measure the range of motion for joints and muscle activation of upper limb for flower arrangement tasks for physical rehabilitation and to test horticultural therapy programs using flower arrangement tasks for improving upper limb function of the patients with stroke. Major flower arrangement tasks were classified with eight tasks (cutting 1, thick stem; cutting 2, thin stem; fixing 1, long stem; fixing 2, short stem; rolling a leaf; bending 1, thick stem; bending 2, thin stem; and winding, using a wire) based on the occupational analysis. When eight male university students (mean age $24.1{\pm}2.5$ years) conducted the eight flower arrangement tasks, range of motion for joints and muscle activation of upper limb were measured by a 3D motion analyzer and electromyography, respectively. Based on the results of the range of motion and muscle activation of upper limb, horticultural therapy programs using flower arrangement tasks (total 33 sessions) for improving upper limb function of the patients with stroke was conducted at a rehabilitation hospital, Seoul, South Korea and then the range of motion, grip strength, and upper limb function of the patients were tested. Among the eight flower arrangement tasks, cutting 1, winding, and bending 1 induced the highest value for the range of motion in joints of shoulder, elbow, and wrist, respectively (P < 0.001). In terms of muscle activation, eight flower arrangement tasks performed in this study showed various patterns of muscle activation and several muscles were simultaneously used for each task (P < 0.001). In addition, thickness and length of the materials used in a task had a prominent effect on the range of motion for joints and muscle activation of upper limb (P < 0.001). The stroke patients had positive effects for their range of motion of upper limb (shoulder, forearm, and elbow), grip strength, and overall upper limb function through the horticultural therapy program. Thus, this study suggested that flower arrangement tasks would be a potential horticultural activity for physical rehabilitation program. It would be interesting to apply a customized horticultural therapy program using flower arrangement tasks according to the symptoms of patient for physical rehabilitation.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.182-188
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• 2017

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare ankle function between adults with and without Down syndrome (DS). Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Ten adults with DS and 18 without participated in this study and underwent manual muscle test (MMT), range of motion (ROM) assessment, star excursion balance test (SEBT), and functional movement screen (FMS). The tests were demonstrated to increase their accuracy and the actual measurements were assessed after one or two demonstrations. To minimize the standby time and fatigue, the travelled distance and measuring order were adjusted. To remove the influence of shoes on the measurements, the shoes were taken off and only socks were worn. Results: Dorsal and plantar flexion MMTs of both ankles were significantly weaker and plantar flexion ROM of both ankles were significantly lower in adults with DS compared with those without (p<0.05). However, dorsal flexion ROM of both ankles were not significantly different between them. There were significant differences in distances measured in all the directions (anterior, anterolateral, lateral, posterolateral, posterior, posteromedial, medial, and anteromedial directions) of SEBT (p<0.05). Significant differences were also demonstrated in the scores of hurdle step, inline lunge, shoulder mobility, and rotary stability among the seven items of FMS (p<0.05). Conclusions: To enhance the dynamic stability of adults with DS, it is necessary to improve ankle stability by strengthening the ankle dorsal and plantar flexors.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.267-269
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• 2012

Traumatic brachial plexus injuries can be devastating, causing partial to total denervation of the muscles of the upper extremities. Surgical reconstruction can restore motor and/or sensory function following nerve injuries. Direct nerve-to-nerve transfers can provide a closer nerve source to the target muscle, thereby enhancing the quality and rate of recovery. Restoration of elbow flexion is the primary goal for patients with brachial plexus injuries. A 4-year-old right-hand-dominant male sustained a fracture of the left scapula in a car accident. He was treated conservatively. After the accident, he presented with motor weakness of the left upper extremity. Shoulder abduction was grade 3 and elbow flexor was grade 0. Hand function was intact. Nerve conduction studies and an electromyogram were performed, which revealed left lateral and posterior cord brachial plexopathy with axonotmesis. He was admitted to Rehabilitation Medicine and treated. However, marked neurological dysfunction in the left upper extremity was still observed. Six months after trauma, under general anesthesia with the patient in the supine position, the brachial plexus was explored through infraclavicular and supraclavicular incisions. Each terminal branch was confirmed by electrophysiology. Avulsion of the C5 roots and absence of usable stump proximally were confirmed intraoperatively. Under a microscope, neurotization from the musculocutaneous nerve to two medial pectoral nerves was performed with nylon 8-0. Physical treatment and electrostimulation started 2 weeks postoperatively. At a 3-month postoperative visit, evidence of reinnervation of the elbow flexors was observed. At his last follow-up, 2 years following trauma, the patient had recovered Medical Research Council (MRC) grade 4+ elbow flexors. We propose that neurotization from medial pectoral nerves to musculocutaneous nerve can be used successfully to restore elbow flexion in patients with brachial plexus injuries.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.155-161
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• 2015

In the paper, we developed the mobile based rehabilitation system for patients with upper extremity hemiplegia after stroke and evaluated clinical usefulness and effectiveness of the system. The sensors built in the smartphone were used to track patients' upper limb motion and the movements was transferred to the tablet PC through bluetooth connection so that the game contents could be interact with the movements. The rehabilitation game contents was based on Brunnstrom stage(B-stage), and was designed to lead accurate movement of upper limb. For the clinical evaluation of the effectiveness, 11 patients were recruited and make them perform an exercise of their wrist, shoulder, and forearm using the system for two weeks. The change of upper limb motor function was measured using fugl-meyer assessment(FMA), Brunnstrom stage(B-stage). And the change of quality of life was measured using EuroQoL-5 Dimension(EQ-5D), Beck Depression Inventory(BDI). The results showed significant improvement in upper limb function but not in quality of life. We verified mobile based rehabilitation program could be useful and effective for the clinical use.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.118-127
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a Tai-Chi exercise program on subjective health and physiological function index. Methods: This study was designed as non-equivalent control group pretestposttest research. Eighteen women in each group completed the posttest with an attendance rate of 78.3 % after 12 weeks. The Tai Chi exercise program was provided two times a week over three months for the experimental group, but no program for the control group. A questionnaire was used for subjective health index, which consisted of Korean-WOMAC Index for joint stiffness, K-HAQ for physical disability, EQ-5D for quality of life and perceived health status, and CES-D for depression. To measure the effect on the physiological function index, femoral muscle strength, shoulder joint and back flexibility were measured. Results: All variables except left anterior femoral muscle strength had significant homogeneity between the two groups. There were statistically significant differences between the experimental group and the control group in joint stiffness (t=-2.165, p=.03), physical disability (t=-2.231, p=.038), EQ-5D index (t=3.783, p=.001), perceived health status (t=-2.349, p=.025) and femoral posterior muscle strength (t=2.487, p=.038). Conclusion: The Tai-Chi exercise program was beneficial for women with arthritis in rural communities.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.1-7
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• 2018

Background: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of mulligan taping group and repeated measurement group on muscle activity and grip strength of adult with forward head posture. Methods: Thirty adults with forward head posture were randomly assigned to each of 15 mulligan taping and repeat measurement groups. The mulligan taping group measured the pre-test and post-test muscle activity and the grip strength three times and compared the mean values. The repeat group was repeatedly measured and measured before and after the experiment, The collected data were analyzed using SPSS statistical program. Results: There was no significant difference between mulligan taping group and repeated measurement group in changes of muscle activity. There was a significant difference between mulligan taping group and repeated measurement group in changes of grip strength. Conclusions: Mulligan taping was applied to an adult with forward head posture, there was no significant change in muscle activity of flexor carpi radialis and palmaris longus, but it seems to improve hand function by re-aligned of nearby muscles by maintaining scapular stability.