• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.39-42
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• 2023

A ruptured Achilles tendon at the calcaneus attachment, which does not include a bone that can be fixed, is called 'sleeve avulsion'. A small amount of tendon in the calcaneal region can be sutured to the proximal portion of the ruptured Achilles tendon or insufficient bone to be fixed. Hence, tendon-bone healing is expected, but the results are not good compared to other parts of the tear. The incidence of Achilles tendon rupture is 7 to 40 per 100,000 patients, and 25% of patients undergo direct suture or reconstruction surgery, and 7.6% of patients with sleeve avulsion injuries undergo surgery. Surgical treatment may be a better choice for Achilles tendon sleeve avulsion because no successful case of conservative treatment has been reported. Distal wounds above the ruptured tendon adjacent to the bony eminence can have wound healing problems because of the thin, soft tissue and hypovascularity. An appropriate surgical method must be selected for each patient.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.46-51
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• 2004

Purpose: Problematic late sequelae are common following a calcaneal fracture regardless of the initial treatment. We retrospectively evaluated the painful conditions and reviewed the results of the operative treatment in patients with previously treated calcaneal fractures. Materials and Methods: Between October 1996 and September 2001, forty-three patients who underwent subsequent surgical treatment for late sequelae of calcaneal fracture were reviewed. The initial treatment consisted of only immobilization in a cast in 7 patients, closed reduction with pin fixation (Essex-Lopresti technique) in 22 and open reduction and internal fixation in 14. Painful conditions in the hind foot included subtalar arthritis in 31 patients, calcaneofibular impingement in 13, peroneal tendinitis in 6, displaced posterior bony fragment in 3, sural neuritis in 2, subtalar and midtarsal arthritis in 1 and displaced plantar bony fragment in 1. The surgical procedures for the late complications were performed at a mean of 19 months (range, 6 to 35 months) after the injury and consisted of lateral wall ostectomy and in situ subtalar fusion in 28 patients, only lateral wall ostectomy in 5 patients, lateral wall ostectomy and subtalar distraction arthrodesis in 3, removal of displaced posterior bony fragment in 3, sural nerve transposition in the peroneus brevis in 2, triple arthrodesis in 1 and removal of displaced plantar bony fragment in 1. Mean postoperative follow up period was 57 months (range, 33 to 82 months). The results of treatment were evaluated on the basis of pain, improvement in the ability to perform activities of daily living, to return to work or to a pre-injury level of activity. Results: Pain was partially relieved in 38 patients (88%), but not relieved in 5. Function improved in 34 patients (79%), and 32 (74%) returned to work or to a pre-injury level of activity. There was a trend that the longer the interval between the injury and the operation, the longer the subsequent interval until the patient returned to full activities or work. Conclusion: Meticulous physical examination and intensive prompt treatment for remaining pain after initial treatment of calcaneal fractures are recommended for patient's satisfaction and returning to work.

• The Journal of the Acoustical Society of Korea
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.542-547
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• 2009

In this in vivo study, correlations of lumbar and femoral bone mineral densities (BMDs) with calcaneal speed of sound (SOS) were investigated in 36 osteoporotic women. Areal BMDs of the L2-L4 lumbar spine and the right femoral neck were measured by using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). SOS of the right calcaneus was measured by using ultrasound bone densitometry. Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) and level of significance (p) were used to evaluate the correlations between measurements. Lumbar BMD was highly correlated with femoral BMD (r=0.81). Lumbar and femoral BMDs exhibited similar comparable negative correlations with age (r=-0.52 and r=-0.55). A moderate negative correlation was found between calcaneal SOS and age (r=-0.45). Calcaneal SOS was significantly correlated with lumbar and femoral BMDs, with a higher correlation with femoral BMD rather than with lumbar BMD (r=0.54 and r=0.62). However, calcaneal SOS may not be an optimum index for the estimation of BMD of the most important fracture sites, such as the lumbar and the femur, because it showed lower correlations with lumbar and femoral BMDs compared to that with calcaneal BMD. Therefore, the development of a quantitative ultrasound technology for the direct measurement of acoustic properties at the lumbar and the femur is required to estimate BMD of these sites more accurately.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.11-17
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• 2015

Purpose: To report the radiographic and clinical results of 6.5 mm cancellous full threaded buttress screw or Steinmann pin fixation to maintain a reduction of calcaneal posterior facet depression fracture. Materials and Methods: From June 2009 to June 2012, 50 consecutive cases with calcaneal joint depression fracture that underwent open reduction and screw or pin fixation were enrolled in this study. A 6.5 mm cancellous full threaded screw was inserted from the posteroinferior aspect of the calcaneal tuberosity to the posterior facet (group A) or Steinman pin was inserted from the posterosuperior aspect of the calcaneal tuberosity to the calcaneocuboidal joint (group B). Both preoperative and postoperative Bohler and Gissane angles were measured radiographically, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale on the final follow-up were assessed. Results: The mean age of patients was 44.1 years, and the mean follow-up period was 27.2 months. According to the Sanders classification, 28 cases were type II and 22 cases were type III. In Sanders type II, Bohler and Gissane angles improved significantly from $10.1^{\circ}$ and $126.2^{\circ}$ preoperatively to $27.2^{\circ}$ and $117.1^{\circ}$, respectively, in the immediate postoperative radiograph, and at the final follow-up, $26.6^{\circ}$ and $118.6^{\circ}$, respectively. In Sanders type III, Bohler and Gissane angles improved significantly from $5.0^{\circ}$ and $129.8^{\circ}$ to $29.9^{\circ}$ and $119.3^{\circ}$, respectively, in the immediate postoperative radiograph, and $26.9^{\circ}$ and $120.2^{\circ}$ at the final follow-up. All cases achieved bony union, and the average period until complete union was 13.3 weeks. AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale was 82.6 in Sanders type II and 77.3 in Sanders type III at the final follow-up. Conclusion: A 6.5 mm cancellous full threaded buttress screw or Steinman pin fixation is a noninvasive treatment method with a merit of being able to maintain the bearing capacity of the posterior facet comparable to plate fixation.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Nondestructive Testing
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.103-111
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• 2015

The present study investigated the influence of thick cortical endplates on the ultrasonic properties of trabecular bone in a femur with a high fracture risk. Twelve trabecular bone samples were prepared from bovine femurs, and acrylic plates with thicknesses of 1.25, 1.80, and 2.75 mm were manufactured to simulate the cortical endplates using acrylic with a density and a sound speed similar to cortical bone. Although the thickness of the acrylic plates attached to the two sides of the trabecular bone increased, high correlations were observed between the speed of sound and the apparent bone density of the trabecular bone, with Pearson's correlation coefficients of 0.80-0.86. High correlations were also observed between the attenuation coefficient at 0.5 MHz and the apparent bone density of the trabecular bone, with Pearson's correlation coefficients of 0.84-0.91. These results suggest that the speed of sound and attenuation coefficient at a specific frequency measured in a femur with relatively thick cortical endplates compared to the calcaneus could be used as indices for predicting the bone mineral density of the femur.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.93-99
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• 2007

Purpose: To report the clinical results and efficacies of one stage reverse lateral supramalleolar adipofascial flap for soft tissue reconstruction of the foot and ankle joint. Material and Methods: We performed 5 cases of one stage reverse lateral supramalleolar adipofascial flap from Jan 2005 to Sept 2005. All patients were males and mean age was 50(36~59) years old. The causes of soft tissue defects were 1 diabetic foot, 2 crushing injuries of the foot, 1 open fracture of the calcaneus, and 1 chronic osteomyelitis of the medial cuneiform bone. Average size of the flap was 3.6(3~4)${\times}$4.6(4~6) cm. All flaps were harvested as adipofascial flap and were performed with the split-thickness skin grafts (STSG) above the flaps simultaneously. Results: All flap survived completely and good taking of STSG on the flap was achieved in all cases. There were no venous congestion and marginal necrosis of the flap. In diabetic foot case, wound was healed at 4 weeks after surgery due to wound infection. There was no contracture on the grafted sites. Ankle and toe motion were not restricted at last follow up. All patients did not have difficulty in wearing shoes. Conclusion: The reverse lateral supramalleolar adipofascial flap and STSG offers a valuable option for repair of exposure of the tendon and bone around the ankle and foot. Also one stage procedure with STSG can give more advantages than second stage with FTSG, such as good and fast take-up, early ambulation and physical therapy, and good functional result.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.201-207
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• 2002

Purpose: To present the clinical analysis of the results obtained in 38 cases of displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures undergone combined percutaneous axial pin fixation of calcaneal body and minimal internal fixation using extensile lateral approach. Materials and Methods: From March 2000 to February 2002, thirty-eight displaced intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus in 35 patients were fixed with 3.5mm cannulated screws and percutaneous 2.5mm K-wires. The extensile lateral approach was used in all cases. The average follow-up period was 16 months. Clinical evaluation was assessed according to the Ankle-Hind Foot Scale of American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society. Results: The clinical results were graded as excellent in 8 cases(21%), good in 22 cases(58%), fair in 6 cases(16%), and poor in 2 cases(5%). Two cases of poor result were type IV of Sanders classification. The postoperative reduction status of the articular surface was analyzed by computed tomography in all cases and was found to be less 2mm of step off in 30 cases and between 2 and 4mm in 8 cases. Unsatisfactory results were correlated with severity of articular comminution and failure to obtain accurate reduction of the articular surface. Using early functional postoperative care, all fractures healed without secondary displacement except 1 case on an average of ten weeks. Two cases had superficial necrosis of the wound margins, however, secondary wound healing was uneventful and skin grafting was not needed. Conclusion: Combined minimal internal fixation and percutaneous pin fixation using extensile lateral approach is useful operative method of intraarticular calcaneal fractures because providing enough stability to permit functional aftercare and allowing excellent anatomical reduction. In addition, this method diminishes the risk of lateral soft tissue problems.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.56-67
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• 1993

The purpose of this study was to compare the circumference and skinfold thickness of upper and lower limb and the leg strength of the casted limb with those of the normal limb after removal of a leg cast. The subjects for the study were orthopedic patients who had had long and short leg casts or splints due to tibial, fibulal, metatarsal, calcaneus fracture or ankle sprains. The subjects were divided into two groups, those who had the cast on for less than 40 days and those for over 41 days. Circumference and skinfold thickness of the upper and lower limb on the side on which the cast was ap-plied were compared with those of the contralateral side after removal of the cast. Circumference and skinfold thickness of the upper and lower limb, and leg strength for those in a cast for under 40 days were compared with those of over 41 days for both the side to which cast was applied and the contralateral side. Measurements were made after removal of the cast. Skinfold thickness was measured by fat caliper, circumference was measured by tape and lower extremity strength was determined with flat foot pressing on an electronic digital health meter in the sitting position. The results can be summarized as follows : 1. The circumference of the upper and lower leg on the side on which the cast was applied, when measured after the cast was removed, were significantly less than those of the normal side, 93.88%, 93.11% each. 2. Skinfold thickness of the quadriceps and gastrocnemius on the side on which the cast was applied were significantly less than those of the normal side when measured after removal of the cast, 85.98%, 82.85% respectively. 3. Leg strength on the side where the cast was applied was significantly 1ss than that on the normal side, 60.20%. 4. There was no difference in the circumference of upper and lower limbs, skinfold thickness or leg strength on the side where the cast was applied between the group which had the cast applied for under 40 days and the group that had it applied for over 41 days. 5. The circumference of the upper arm and lower leg on the normal side for the group that had the cast applied for over 41 days was significantly greater than the group that had the cast application for under 40 days. T ere was no difference between the two groups in the circumference of the forearm and upper leg, skinfold thickness and leg strength in the normal side. From these results, it may be concluded that muscle atrophy was apparent in the casted limb compared to the normal limb, and the circumference of the upper arm and lower leg, and leg strength on the normal side increased after removal of the cast in the group which had the cast on for more than 41 days.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.517-528
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• 1994

The purpose of this study was to compare the circumference, skinfold thickness and strength of the normal and casted lower limb prior to casting and following removal of the cast. The subjects for the study were nine orthopedic patients who had had long and short leg casts due to a tibial, fibula, or calcaneus fracture, or to a lateral collateral ligament rupture. Circumference, skinfold thickness, and strength of the normal and casted lower limb following removal of the cast were compared with those prior to the application of the cast. Measurements were made before cast application and after removal of the cast. Skinfold thickness was measured by fat caliper, circumference was measured by tape and strength was determined by measuring the length of time the leg was held elevated at 45$^{\circ}$. The results can be summarized as follows 1. There was no change in the normal limb in the circumference of the midthigh and midcalf after casting as compared to before cast application. 2. In the casted limb the circumference of the midthigh decreased by 3.23% and that of the midcalf decreased significantly by 7.49% during the period of casting. 3. In the normal limb skinfold thickness of the quadriceps decreased and that of gastrocnemius increased by 20.63% during the period of cast application. 4. In the casted limb skinfold thickness of the quadriceps decreased significantly by 12.37% and that of gastrocnemius decreased by 10% during the period of cast application. 5. Strength of the normal lower extremity decreased significantly by 48.37% and that of casted lower extremity decreased remarkably by 73.07% during the period of cast application. 6. Circumference of the midthigh and the midcalf decreased significantly by 7.6% and 9.4% respectively on the casted side as compared to the normal side. Skinfold thickness of the quadriceps and the gastrocnemius on the casted side decreased by 6.12% and 18.55% respectively as compared to the normal side and strength in the lower extremity on the casted side decreased significantly by 44.32% as compared to the nor-mal side. From these results, it may be concluded that muscle atrophy occurs in the casted lower limb and muscle strength of the normal lower limb are also reduced during the period of application of a leg cast.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.201-206
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• 2011

Purpose: Subtalar distraction arthrodesis is useful treatment option for restore hindfoot alignment. but, using structural autograft have high risk of donor site morbidity. Recently, by replacing the structural allograft has been reported satisfactory clinical results. Therefore, the authors reviewed the results of subtalar distraction arthrodesis using a structural allograft, retrospectively. Materials and Methods: From January 2008 to May 2010, 12 patients (12 feets; 9 male, 3 female) underwent subtalar distraction arthrodesis using frozen structural allograft. 9 cases were calcaneal malunion, 2 were nonunion or malunion after subtalar arthrodesis, 1 was other cause. Mean age was 38.9 (12~66) years old and follow up period was 16.5 (12~36) months. Surgical was performed with posterolateral approach and tricortical allobone block of frozen femoral neck was used. Analysis was done with retorspective manner to evaluate preoperative, postoperative, and final follow up radiologic measurement and AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale. Results: There was statistically significant increase (p<0.05) of ankle-hindfoot scale from preoperative 27.5 points to postoperative 72.5 points, talocalcaneal height by 6.62 mm, calcaneal pitch angle by 5.73 degrees, lateral talocalcaneal angle by 6.38 degrees and significant decrease (p<0.05) of tali-1st metatarsal angle by 5.23 degrees. 11 feet (91.7%) acquired bony union and it takes average 5.1 months. Final post-operative result revealed talocalcaneal height changed by 2.57 mm, calcaneal pitch anble, lateral talocalcaneal angle, talar-1st metatarsal angle were changed by 2.63 degrees, 1.62 degrees, 1.18 degrees, respectively (p<0.05). 3 cases of partial osteonecrosis of posterior facet of calcaneus were observed in operation field, 4 cases of complication were developed (1 case of nonunion, 1 collapse of allobone graft, 1 screw loosening, 1 superficial skin necrosis). Conclusion: Subtalar distraction arthrodesis using frozen structural allobone graft is useful alternative treatment method of arthrodesis with structural autobone graft.