• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.511-519
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• 2020

Purpose: Schwannoma is a benign tumor that occurs mainly in the peripheral nerve. If the tumor is large or is in areas other than the nerves, it is likely to be mistaken for malignant soft tissue tumors. The authors reviewed 50 cases of giant schwannomas and assessed the distribution of the primary locations, clinical symptoms, radiological and pathological diagnosis, and diagnostic accuracy. Materials and Methods: Of the 214 pathologically confirmed schwannomas, 50 cases with a maximum diameter of 5 cm or more were extracted. The entire cohort was classified into three subgroups (major peripheral nerve, intramuscular, bone) according to the primary location, and the anatomical locations were specified. Results: When the entire cohort was classified according to the primary location, 14 tumors occurred in the major peripheral nerve, 31 cases in the muscle, and 5 cases in the bone. The mean size of the tumor in the entire cohort was 7.0 cm, and the intramuscular subgroup had the largest size with 8.0 cm. The radiological diagnosis revealed 33 out of 50 cases to be benign schwannoma (66.0%), 15 cases as low-grade malignancy (30.0%), and the remaining two cases (4.0%) as a suspicious tuberculosis abscess and tenosynovial giant cell tumor, respectively. On the clinical symptoms, Tinel sign was the most common in the peripheral nerve group with 78.6% (11/14), while 93.5% of the intramuscular group had palpation of the mass with a mean duration of 66.6 months. In the bone group, one out of five cases was reported as a low-grade malignancy. Two cases of postoperative complications were encountered; one was bleeding after tumor excision, which required hemostasis, and the other was peroneal nerve palsy after surgery. Conclusion: When assessing the large-sized soft tissue tumors in the muscles, the possibility of a benign schwannoma should be considered if 1) there is a long period of mass palpation and 2) non-specific findings in MRI. Preoperative pathology confirmation with a biopsy can help reduce the risk of overtreatment.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.253-260
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• 2020

Purpose: Soft tissue defects of the distal lower extremity are commonly accompanied by a fracture of the lower extremities. Theses defects are caused by the injury itself or by complications associated with surgical treatment of the fracture, which poses challenging problem. The reverse superficial sural artery flap (RSSAF) is a popular option for these difficult wounds. This paper reviews these cases and reports the clinical results. Materials and Methods: Between August 2003 and April 2018, patients who were treated with RSSAF for soft tissue defects of the lower third of the leg and ankle related to a fracture were reviewed. A total of 16 patients were involved and the mean follow-up period was 18 months. Eight cases (50.0%) of the defects were due to an open fracture, whereas the other eight cases (50.0%) were postoperative complication after closed fracture. The largest flap measured 10×15 cm² and the mean size of the donor sites was 51.9 cm². The flap survival and postoperative complications were evaluated. Results: All flaps survived without complete necrosis or failure. One case with partial necrosis of the flap was encountered, but the wound healed after debridement and repair. One case had a hematoma with a pseudoaneurysmal rupture of the distal tibial artery. On the other hand, the flap was intact and the wound healed after arterial ligation and flap advancement. A debulking operation was performed on three cases for cosmetic reasons and implant removal through the flap was performed in three cases. No flap necrosis was encountered after these additional operations. Conclusion: RSSAF is a relatively simple and safe procedure for reconstructing soft tissue defects following a fracture of the lower extremity that does not require microsurgical anastomosis. This can be a useful treatment option for soft tissue defects on the distal leg, ankle, and foot.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.54-61
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• 2020

Purpose: Brown tumor is a tumor-like disease that can occur as a linked disease of hyperparathyroidism which can causes osteoporosis, osteitis fibrosa cystica, pathologic fractures. Brown tumor has been reported as a case report, but there is no comprehensive report on the exact diagnosis and principle of management for osseous lesion. The purpose of this study is to report the treatment and results of osseous lesions through 5 cases. Materials and Methods: From February 2004 to May 2015, five cases of Brown tumor were diagnosed in Chosun University Hospital and Chonnam National University Hospital orthopedic department. Medical records and radiographs were reviewed retrospectively. Parathyroid tumors were surgically removed, and surgical treatment and observation were performed for orthopedic osseous lesions. Results: The mean length of the long axis of the symptomatic osseous lesion was 6.2 cm (4.5-9.0 cm). An average of 7.6 (range, 3 to 14) of high uptake osseous lesion showed in whole body bone scan. The absolute value, T-score and Z-score of the vertebrae and proximal femur were adequate for diagnosis of osteoporosis using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry bone mineral density at diagnosis and recovered to normal at the last follow-up. In laboratory tests, serum concentrations of total calcium, ionized calcium, inorganic phosphorus, serum alkaline phosphatase, and parathyroid hormone were helpful to diagnosis and normalized upon successful removal of parathyroid adenoma or cancer. Conclusion: For accurate diagnosis of Brown tumor, it should be accompanied by systemic examination as well as clinical symptoms, laboratory tests and radiologic examination for osseous lesions. And a good prognosis can be expected if the hyperparathyroidism is treated together with the comprehensive treatment of osseous lesions.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.503-510
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• 2020

Purpose: Bipolar hemiarthroplasty is used as an alternative to open reduction and internal fixation for unstable intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients. Recent advances in medical systems and technologies have resulted in increased survival rates after intertrochanteric fractures of the femur, requiring selection of the appropriate femoral stems considering the mid- to long-term duration of survival. Hemiarthroplasty was performed for unstable intertrochanteric fractures using a double tapered quadrilateral femoral stem (C2 stem), and the clinical and radiological results were evaluated as a five-year follow-up post-surgery. Materials and Methods: From January 2004 to December 2013, 43 patients (43 hips) who underwent hemiarthroplasty with a C2 stem were enrolled in this study. Their mean age was 78.6 years (range, 70-84 years), and the mean follow-up period was 85.4 months (range, 60-96 months). During the follow-up period, clinical parameters, such as the changes in pain, walking ability, and functional status, were examined. Radiologically, changes in the proximal femur, such as osteoporosis and bone resorption of cortical bone, were noted. Complications that occurred during the follow-up period, such as dislocation and prosthetic features, were also reviewed. Results: Initially, the pain was relieved postoperatively, but it increased four years after surgery. The walking ability was reduced by two steps in nine patients after 60 months, and the Harris hip score was reduced significantly postoperatively after two to three years. Radiologically, cortical osteoporosis occurred in 14 patients. Five patients developed cortical bone resorption. Four of them showed nonunion of the trochanteric fracture fragments, and three of them suffered reverse oblique fractures. Conclusion: Careful selection considering the general health condition and remaining lifespan of the patient would be necessary for primary hip hemiarthroplasty using a 3C type cementless femoral stem for unstable intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients with osteoporosis.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.484-490
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• 2021

Purpose: A rheumatoid forefoot deformity includes severe hallux valgus and claw toe of the four lateral toes. The authors intended to analyze the mid-term results of the modified Hoffman procedure for a rheumatoid forefoot deformity. Materials and Methods: Twenty-two feet of eighteen patients were followed up for more than two years after the modified Hoffman procedure. The mean age was 54.7 years, and the mean follow-up period was three years and four months. Clinically visual analogue scale (VAS) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) MP-IP score were analyzed preoperatively and postoperatively. The postoperative complications, the satisfaction of patients, and the presence of plantar callosity were also analyzed. Radiographically, the hallux valgus angle, the 1st intermetatarsal angle, the 1st interphalangeal angle, the 1st interphalangeal joint arthritic change after the operation, and the dorsiflexion angle and the time to union of the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint were analyzed. Results: Clinically, the VAS and AOFAS score were respectively improved from 7.1 points and 30.3 points preoperatively to 1.5 points and 83.1 points postoperatively (p<0.001). All patients were satisfied with the results. Plantar callosity disappeared in all cases. Radiographically, the mean hallux valgus angle, the 1st intermetatarsal angle, and the 1st interphalangeal angle changed from 52.8°, 13.3°, and 7.5° preoperatively to 16.2°, 8.7°, and 14.6° postoperatively (p<0.001). The mean dorsiflexion angle of the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint was 17.2° postoperatively. The mean time to radiographic union of the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint was 11.1 weeks. There were two cock-up deformities of the lesser toe, one wound problem, and two hallux interphalangeal joint arthritis as a complication. There were no cases of nonunion of the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint. Conclusion: The modified Hoffman procedure appears to be a safe and satisfactory procedure for a rheumatoid forefoot deformity.

• Industry Promotion Research
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.115-124
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• 2022

The most difficult things, when we study the future-telling science of human destiny, are in case of what one's individual's fate is bad which is shown by Saju-Palza(四柱八字), In that case, we have faced the problems on how we live ; to follow or to deny our fate under the brief of improving our lives by trying to make hard efforts, regardless of the bad Saju-Palza(四柱八字). However, we can hardly find the clear answer to those questions. 『Liao Fan 4 lessons(了凡四訓)』 shows that one's destiny can be improved by accumulating good deeds despite of the bad Saju-Palza(四柱八字). Someone says that future can be created, not be foreseen. As well, Dr. Steven Coby says that the best definite way to forecast future is in creating the future. Anyhow, the strong desire and curiosity to know one's individual's future is having been lasted until now since the Genesis. we guess these desires may be one of our basic instinct. If then, the function and role of the future-telling science will be to increase the accuracy of future prediction, whether our fate has been fixed or been able to be changeable. Therefore, this study summarizes the definition of confusing terms, focusing on Gyeokguk(格局) and Sangshin(相神), the core of Myeongrihak(命理學), which is considered to be one of the most popular future-telling science. Concering Gyeok(格), in this paper, Nae-Gyeok(內格) has been mainly considered and Oi-Gyeok(外格) or Special-Gyeok(別格) have not been addressed. Specifically, it summarized the views of the classical Myeongri(命理) books and modern scholars on Gyeokguk(格局) and Yongshin(用神). In particular, it also summarized the comparison of various concepts of Gyeokguk(格局), the advantages and disadvantages of each Nae-Gyeok(內格)'s characteristic, the determination order of Nae-Gyeok(內格) and the good case and bad case of it's Gyeok(格). In addition, it was necessary to summarize the concept of Sangshin(相神), which was talked about in 『Japyeongjinjeon』 and to briefly summarize Heeshin(喜神) with a broader concept than Sangshin(相神). The different usage of Sangshin(相神) was also analyzed, between the priority interpretation of Cheongan(天干) in Day-Column(日柱) and the interpretation based on Jijee(地支) in Month-Column(月柱). Finally, this paper was completed, leaving it later as a research task, the confusion that comes from the scholars' acceptance of the comprehensive diversity on the same term.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Inherited Metabolic disease
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.58-62
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• 2022

Pompe disease (PD) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme acid α-glucosidase (GAA). It is easy to hastily diagnose as patients if they have two pathogenic variants. Clinical pathologists misdiagnosed our infant and her mother as PD. Here, we report a case of pseudodeficiency in a potential late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) carrier with a double dual variant, each in cis formation in a 3-month infant. The person who has two pathogenic variants was diagnosed as a carrier, not a patient. It was first reported in Korea. The patient had: two likely pathogenic heterozygous mutations on exon #4: c.752C>T (p.Ser251Leu), c.761C>T (p.Ser254Leu), and a heterozygous mutation on exon #12: c.1726G>A (p.Gly576Ser), also with a heterozygous mutation on exon #15: c.2065G>A (p.Glu689Lys). By presenting this case we emphasize the possibility of cis formation of genes which may cause pseudodeficiency, and potential LOPD carrier form. Hereby we suggest that thorough evaluation of GAA gene is essential among whom initially diagnosed as PD.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.93-100
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• 2023

In this study, research trends in mushroom science were examined using North Korean journal articles published in 1978-2023. Researchers in each field reviewed 450 papers and finally selected 429 papers, excluding 21 papers classified in different fields. The number of researchers was 872, and the number of authors per paper was 2.03. Kim Cheol-Hak published the most academic papers in the field of mushroom science in North Korea, with 12 papers. The number of research articles increased annually, from 7 in 1985, 12 in 1998, 11 in 2008, and 27 in 2020, and has especially increased rapidly since the mid-2010s. The study by mushroom type was as follows: 42 pine mushrooms (17.8 %), 25 oyster mushrooms (10.6 %), 23 Ganoderma sp. (9.8 %), 19 shiitake mushrooms (8.1 %), 17 button mushrooms (7.2 %), and 16 manna lichens (6.8 %). This study is considered meaningful in reviewing the research status and technology level in North Korea through analyzing North Korean academic journals in the field of mushroom science for the first time.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.164-171
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• 2019

Purpose: A dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma is a rare lethal tumor characterized by a low grade chondrosarcoma juxtaposed with a high grade dedifferentiated sarcoma, such as osteosarcoma, fibrosarcoma. The aim of our study was to document the clinical manifestation and oncologic outcomes of a dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma. Materials and Methods: This study identified 11 patients who were diagnosed and treated for dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma between January 2007 and December 2016. The identified cohort was then reviewed regarding age, sex, symptom onset, tumor location, magnetic resonance imagings (MRIs), surgical margin, and pathologic diagnosis. The time to local recurrence and/or metastasis, follow-up duration, and the patients' final status were analyzed. Results: The patients were comprised of 7 males and 4 females with a mean age of 54 years (range, 33-80 years). The location of the tumor was in the femur in 6 cases, pelvis in 4 cases, and metatarsal in 1 case. The average tumor diameter was 12.7 cm (range, 6.0-26.1 cm). At the time of diagnosis, 2 patients showed pathologic fracture; 1 patient was Enecking stage IIA, 9 patients were stage IIB, and 1 patient was stage III. Eight patients were classified as a primary dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma and 3 patients were secondary. One of the primary lesions was misinterpreted initially as a low grade chondroid lesion by MRI and underwent curettage. Local recurrence occurred in 8 cases and distant metastasis occurred in 10 cases with a mean duration of 8 months (range, 2-23 months) and 7 months (range, 1-32 months), respectively. The three-year overall survival of patients with dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma was 18%, and 10 patients died due to disease progression. Conclusion: Dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma developed lung metastases in the early period of the clinical courses and the prognosis was dismal.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.52-58
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• 2019

Purpose: Fungal periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a rare but devastating complication following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). On the other hand, a standardized procedure regarding an accurate treatment of this serious complication of knee arthroplasty is lacking. The clinical progress of staged reimplantation in patients who had fungus-related PJI after TKA was reviewed retrospectively. Materials and Methods: Ten patients who had a fungal related PJI after TKA between 2006 and 2017 using staged reimplantation surgery were reviewed. These patients were compared with 119 patients who had a PJI in the same period. The failure rate of infection control, intravenous antimicrobial using the period, and the clinical results were evaluated by comparing the range of motion and Korean knee score (KKS) between pre-staged reimplantation and the last follow-up. Results: In the fungal infection group, 7 out of 10 cases (70.0%) had failed in infection control using staged reimplantation and in the non-fungal group, 7 out of 119 cases (5.9%) had failed (p=0.04). In the non-fungal group, the mean duration of antibiotics was 6.2 weeks. In the fungus group, the mean duration of antibiotics was 15.3 weeks, which was 9.1 weeks longer (p<0.001). The range of motion of the knee was increased in the two groups (p=0.265). At the last follow-up, the KKS was 71.01 points in the non-fungal group and 61.3 points in the fungal group (p=0.012). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein (CRP) decreased in the two groups, but the CRP was significantly different in the two groups (p=0.007). Conclusion: The treatment of fungus-related PJIs using staged reimplantation showed uneven clinical progress and unsatisfactory clinical improvements compared to non-fungal PJI. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the use of an antifungal mixed cement spacer at resection arthroplasty and oral antifungal agent after reimplantation.