• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.8-14
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• 2024

Purpose: Ankle fracture fixation is the gold standard of treatment but it does have its own complications. There is inadequate data regarding the comparative effectiveness of early vs. delayed fixation for open ankle fracture outcomes. This study compares the clinical and functional outcomes of open ankle fractures treated by early or delayed definitive fixation and identifies the limitations of both methods. Materials and Methods: All 73 patients enrolled in the study underwent surgical intervention within 24 hours of injury. The early fixation group (group A) consisting of 39 patients underwent definitive fixation as an index procedure, while the delayed fixation group (group B) consisted of 34 patients who underwent debridement and external fixator application as an index procedure and definitive fixation when soft tissue condition was conducive. All patients were evaluated at 2, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively and then three monthly for a year. Results: Enneking and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores were markedly higher in the early fixation group at 6 months postoperatively (p-values <0.001 and 0.011, respectively). However, no discernible intergroup difference was evident at 12 months postoperatively. Between 6 and 12 months, group functional outcome scores were significantly different. At 6 months, there was a substantial difference in dorsiflexion between the two groups (p-values 0.001 and <0.001, respectively), but no difference was observed at 12 months postoperatively. At 6 and 12 months, group average plantar flexions were non-significantly different. Conclusion: Early definitive fixation of complex ankle fractures using a targeted approach produced promising results for lower grade open fractures (grades 1 and 2), and delayed definitive fixation, after initial external fixation to allow for soft tissue stabilization, produced promising results for higher grade open fractures (grades 3A and 3B). At 12-month follow-ups, clinical and functional outcomes achieved using these strategies were equivalent.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.545-551
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• 2005

Purpose: The effect of orthognathic surgery on the temporomandibular dysfunction has been controversial. The purpose of this study is to prove statistically that early removal of fixation plate at postoperative 2 weeks with active exercise of mouth opening could relieve preoperative temporomandibular dysfunction and reposition of temporomandibular joint. Patients and Methods: All 28 subject patients underwent mandibular setback with BSSRO in Kyunghee medical center by one surgeon. The fixation plates used for rigid fixation were removed at postoperative 2 weeks and we had the patients excercise active mouth opening with intermaxillary rubber rings for the guiding proper postoperative occlusion. Temporomandibular symptoms were checked and radiographs were taken before surgery, within a month after surgery, six to twelve months after surgery respectively. Results: The temporomandibular dysfunction symptoms were relieved after the surgery and the condyle was displaced inferior-posteriorly immediate after surgery and repositioned toward its original position during follow-up periods. Conculusion: Orthognathic surgery may benefit temporomandibular joint dysfunction by obtaining a postoperative stable occlusion and more physiologic neuromuscular function. The early removal of fixation plates after BSSRO could reposition the temporomandibular joint to physiologic position and relieve the symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction by permitting movement of proximal segment.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.55 no.5
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• pp.405-410
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• 2020

Purpose: Pedicle screw insertion has been traditionally used as a surgical treatment for degenerative lumbar spine disease. As an alternative, the cortical-bone trajectory screw allows less invasive posterior lumbar fixation and excellent mechanical stability, as reported in several biomechanical studies. This study evaluated the clinical and radiological results of a case of early failure of cortical-bone screw fixation in posterior fixation and union after posterior decompression. Materials and Methods: This study examined 311 patients who underwent surgical treatment from 2013 to 2018 using cortical orbital screws as an alternative to traditional pedicle screw fixation for degenerative spinal stenosis and anterior spine dislocation of the lumbar spine. Early fixation failure after surgery was defined as fixation failure, such as loosening, pull-out, and breakage of the screw on computed tomography (CT) and radiographs at a follow-up of six months. Results: Early fixation failure occurred in 46 out of 311 cases (14.8%), screw loosening in 46 cases (14.8%), pull-out in 12 cases (3.9%), and breakage in four cases (1.3%). An analysis of the site where the fixation failure occurred revealed the following, L1 in seven cases (15.2%), L2 in three cases (6.5%), L3 in four cases (8.7%), L4 in four cases (8.7%), L5 in four cases (8.7%), and S1 in 24 cases (52.2%). Among the distal cortical bone screws, fixation failures such as loosening, pull-out, and breakage occurred mainly in the S1 screws. Conclusion: Cortical-bone trajectory screw fixation may be an alternative with comparable clinical outcomes or fewer complications compared to conventional pedicle screw fixation. On the other hand, in case with osteoporosis and no anterior support structure particularly at L5-S1 fusion sites were observed to have result of premature fixation failures such as relaxation, pull-out, and breakage.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.105-112
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• 2015

In orthopedic trauma surgery, treatment of intraarticular distal humerus fractures is a challenge. With development of implants and biomechanical studies, surgical strategies with recommendations including preoperative computed tomography images, proper approaches and open reduction and internal fixation with dual plates have emerged. In addition, as an effort to provide stable fixation to permit early elbow motion, different methods of internal fixation, particularly plate configuration, have evolved. Using dual plates, either oriented parallel to each other or orthogonal, stable fixation has been achieved and satisfactory clinical outcomes have been reported. With rationales and advantages/disadvantages of each plate configuration, both techniques are selected according to surgeons' preference, and, in specific cases, one could be preferred over another. The key to successful fixation by either technique is obtaining anatomical reduction with restoration of two stable columns of the distal humerus.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.129-133
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• 2010

Objective : The use of segmental instrumentation technique using pedicle screw has been increasingly popular in recent years owing to its biomechanical stability. Recently, intralaminar screws have been used as a potentially safer alternative to traditional fusion constructs involving fixation of C2 and the cervicothoracic junction including C7. However, to date, there have been few clinical series of C7 laminar screw fixation in the literature. Thus, the purpose of this study is to report our clinical experiences using C7 laminar screw and the early clinical outcome of this rather new fixation technique. Methods : Thirteen patients underwent C7 intralaminar fixation to treat lesions from trauma or degenerative disease. Seventeen intralaminar screws were placed at C7. The patients were assessed both clinically and radiographically with postoperative computed tomographic scans. Results : There was no violation of the screw into the spinal canal during the procedure and no neurological worsening or vascular injury from screw placement. The mean clinical and radiographic follow up was about 19 months, at which time there were no cases of screw pull-out, screw fracture or non-union. Complications included two cases of dorsal breech of intralaminar screw and one case of postoperative infection. Conclusion : Intralaminar screws can be potentially safe alternative technique for C7 fixation. Even though this technique cannot be used in the cases of C7 laminar fracture, large margin of safety and the ease of screw placement create a niche for this technique in the armamentarium of spine surgeons.

• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.187-193
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• 1998

Seasonal changes of nitrogen fixation and growth characteristics of Melilotus suaveolens population under different light conditions were quantitatively analyzed during growting period. Height growth of M. suaveolens population was promoted after April and the shade (site 2) showed 10-20% increase of height growth in compared with that of sunny (site 1). Seasonal changes of biomass were in creased after March, the biomass at site 1 attained 78.5% that of site 2 in May. Chlorophyll content was maintained high value from March to April but, Chlorophyll content of leaf at site 1 was decreased 11.7% compared to that of site 2 in May. The nitrogen content of each organ of M. suaveolens showed higher value in March and then decreased, the high nitrogen contents of reproductive organ were achieved at the flowering stage at site 1. The root nodule of M. suaveolens population appeared in March and showed maximum value in early June and decreased remarkably after July, the amount of nodule formation of M. suaveolens at site 2 showed higher than that of site 1. The nitrogen fixation activity of root nodule of M. suaveolens initiated with shoot growth and showed maximum value in mid April, and attained second peak in early June and then decreased after July. The total nitrogen fixation of the plant showed higher value at site 2 than that of site 1. From the overall results, M. suaveolens showed increased growth under half-shady, well ventilated barren soil than fertile sunny site.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.23-28
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• 2002

Purpose Displaced lateral end fracture of clavicle and acromioclavicular dislocation type Ⅲ∼Ⅵ may be required surgical treatment. Material and Methods : From May 1998 to March 2001, we operated with Welter plate with minimal incision by one surgeon. Immediately, pendulum and passive exercise was initiated after surgery. The shoulder function was evaluated using UCLA score. Average follow up was on 28(12∼45) months. Results : All 11 patients were regained satisfactory function. Average UCLA score was 31.9(29~35) at last follow up. Conclusion . The merit of Welter plate fixation with minimal incision is simple technique, reduced surgical time, smaller scar than large plate, strong fixation, early exercise, reduced implant failure. The disadvantage is expensive, skin irritatatation by long hook. But Welter plate fixation with minimal incision is a good method of internal fixation and excellent clinical result in surgical treatment of type H displaced lateral end fracture of the clavicle and type Ⅲ∼Ⅵ acromioclavicular dislocation.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.18-22
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• 2020

Purpose: Damage control laparotomy has contributed to improved survival rates for severe abdominal injuries. A large part of severe abdominal injury occurs with a concomitant pelvic bone fracture. The safety and effectiveness of internal fixation of pelvic bone fracture(s) has not been established. The aim of the present study was to evaluate infection risk in the pelvic surgical site in patients who underwent emergent abdominal surgery. Methods: This single-center retrospective observational study was based on data collected from a prospectively maintained registry between January 2015 and June 2019. Patients who underwent laparotomy and pelvic internal fixation were included. Individuals <18 and ≥80 years of age, those with no microbiological investigations, and those who underwent one-stage abdominal surgery were excluded. Comprehensive statistical comparative analysis was not performed due to the small number of enrolled patients. Results: A total of six patients met the inclusion criteria, and the most common injury mechanism was anterior-posterior compression (67%). The average duration of open abdomen was 98 hours (range, 44-98), and the time interval between abdominal closure and pelvic surgery was 98 hours. One patient (16.7%) died due to multi-organ dysfunction syndrome. Micro-organisms were identified in the abdominal surgical site in five patients (83%), with no micro-organisms in pelvic surgical sites. There was no unplanned implant removal. Conclusions: Internal fixation of pelvic bone fracture(s) could be performed in the state of open abdomen, and the advantages of early fixation may countervail the risks for cross contamination.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.123-127
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• 2007

Purpose: Rigid external distraction(RED) is a highly effective technique for correction of maxillary hypoplasia in patients with cleft or syndromic craniosynostosis. Despite many advantages of RED, it also has the problem of relapse as the conventional advancement surgery. Bicoronal approach, that is the common approach to gain access to the craniofacial skeleton, had some morbidity, such as hair loss, sensory loss, wide scar and temporal hollowing. We present our clinical experience of RED distraction with minimal invasive approach and early rigid fixation to overcome these disadvantages. Methods: A 27-year-old female patient with Crouzon's disease underwent Le Fort III osteotomy and RED device application through the minimal invasive direct skin incisions. After the latent period of 5 days, distraction was undertaken until proper convexity and advancement were obtained. During the rigid retention period, inflammation occurred on the right cheek, and proper conservative managements were done including continuous irrigation. To maintain the stability of distraction, early rigid fixation was undertaken on the osteotomy sites through another skin incisions. Preoperative and postoperative orthodontic treatments were performed. Serial photographs and cephalometric radiographs were obtained preoperatively, after distraction and 6 months after distraction. Results: The cephalometric analysis demonstrated postoperatively significant advancement of the maxilla and improvement of facial convexity. After 6-month follow-up period, the maxilla was stable in the sagittal plane and no relapse was found. Facial scars were not noticeable and other deformity and morbidity did not occur. Conclusion: This effective and stable technique will be a good alternative for the patients who need large amount of distraction and for adult patients with severe maxillary hypoplasia or syndromic craniosynostosis.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.48 no.1
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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.