• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.19-22
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• 2005

Purpose: The causes of twelve cases of the mid-shaft clavicle nonunion and the results of internal fixation with plate and bone graft were investigated. Materials and method: From August 1997 to March 2003, twelve cases of the mid-shaft clavicle nonunion were operated with internal fixation with plate and bone graft. The duration of follow-up was average 13 months. Results: The causes of the mid-shaft clavicle nonunion included severe associated injury, severe initial displacement of the fracture fragments and insecure fixation. All cases were operated with internal fixation with plate and bone graft. According to the factor for evaluations of results, using a rating scale of excellent (no apparent factors), good (one factor), fair (two factors), poor (more than three factors), the results showed 10 excellent, 1 good and 1 poor. Screw loosening was developed in only one case . Conclusion: The internal fixation with plate and bone graft of the mid-shaft clavicle nonunion after failed conservative treatment achieved excellent results and seemed to be the procedure of choice for mid-shaft clavicle nonunion.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.217-221
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• 2017

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of internal fixation with locking T-plates for osteoporotic fractures of the proximal humerus in patients aged 65 years and older. Methods: From January 2007 through to December 2015, we recruited 47 patients aged 65 years and older with osteoporotic fractures of the proximal humerus. All fractures had been treated using open reduction and internal fixation with a locking T-plate. We classified the fractures in accordance to the Neer classification system; At the final follow-up, the indicators of clinical outcome-the range of motion of the shoulder (flexion, internal rotation, and external rotation) and the presence of postoperative complications-and the indicators of radiographic outcome-the time-to-union and the neck-shaft angle of the proximal humerus-were evaluated. The Paavolainen method was used to grade the level of radiological outcome in the patients. Results: The mean flexion was $155.0^{\circ}$ (range, $90^{\circ}-180^{\circ}$), the mean internal rotation was T8 (range, T6-L2), and the mean external rotation was $66.8^{\circ}$ (range, $30^{\circ}-80^{\circ}$). Postoperative complications, such as plate impingement, screw loosening, and varus malunion were observed in five patient. We found that all patients achieved bone union, and the mean time-to-union was 13.5 weeks of the treatment. The mean neck-shaft angle was $131.4^{\circ}$ at the 6-month follow-up. According to the Paavolainen method, "good" and "fair" radiographic results each accounted for 38 and 9 of the total patients, respectively. Conclusions: We concluded that locking T-plate fixation leads to satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes in elderly patients with proximal humeral fractures by providing a larger surface area of contact with the fracture and a more rigid fixation.

• 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.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.619-625
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• 2010

Purpose: Trapdoor orbital blowout fracture is most common in orbital blowout fracture. Various materials have been used to reconstruct orbital floor blowout fracture. Absorbable alloplastic implants are needed because of disadvantages of nonabsorbable alloplastic materials and donor morbidity of autogenous tissue. The aim of the study is to evaluate usefulness of absorbable mesh plate as a reconstructive material for orbital blowout fractures. Methods: From December 2008 to October 2009, 18 trapdoor orbital floor blowout fracture patients were treated using elevator fixation, depressor fixation, or elevatordepressor fixation techniques with absorbable mesh plates and screw, depending on degree of orbital floor reduction, because absorbable mesh plates are less rigid than titanium plates and other artificial substitutes. Results: Among 18 patients, 5 elevator fixation, 4 depressor fixation, and 9 elevator and depressor fixation technique were performed. In all patients, postoperative computed tomographic (CT) scan showed complete reduction of orbital contents and orbital floor, and no displacement of bony fragment and mesh plate. Mean follow-up was 10 months. There were no significant intraoperative or postoperative complications. Conclusion: Three different techniques depending on the degree of orbital floor reduction are useful for open reduction and internal fixation of trapdoor orbital floor blowout fracture with absorbable mesh plates.

• 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.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.32-38
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• 2005

The efficacy of bioresorbable fixation has recently been described in the osseosynthesis of the oral & maxillofacial region. However, a liitle data exist regarding the use of biodegradable plates and screws for the internal fixation of human mandible fractures. The purpose of this study is to analyze and compare the treatment of mandibular fractures by using a bioresorbable fixation system with conventional titanium system in human mandible fractures. eighteen patients constituted the bioresorbable fixation group and twenty-five patients constituted the titanium fixation group. Both groups underwent open reduction and internal fixation by use of a bioresorbable system or a titanium fixation system. Panoramic radiograph were obtained preoperatively, immediately postoperatively after reduction, at 6 months and at 12 months postoperatively. In the bioresorbable fixation group, complication(infection) occurred in 1 patient(5.6%) and was resolved by incision & drainage, plate removal and antibiotics without untoward sequelae. 2 patients(8.0%) experienced complications in the titanium fixation group and were treated using conservative treatment. There was no statistical difference in complication rates between two groups. Our data supported the use of bioresorbale plate fixation in mandibular fractures as a means of avoiding the potential and well documented problems with rigid titanium fixation systems. In conclusion, the bioresorbable fixation system provide a reliable and sufficient alternative to conventional titanium plate system.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.99-104
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• 2005

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate usefulness of locking compression plate (LCP) as an open reduction technique by evaluating clinical results obtained from the patients with lateral malleolar fracture treated by internal fixation using LCP after open reduction. Materials and Methods: Among the patients with lateral malleolar fracture, the 28 patients who were treated by internal fixation using Locking compression plate after an open reduction and were able to be followed up for more than 6 months were included in this study. Final postoperative evaluation was done based on the Meyer's clinical and radiologic evaluation system. Results: All cases achieved anatomical reduction and fixation of the reduction postoperatively. 28 minutes were taken meaningly from the incision to the fixation of LCP plate after the anatomical reduction. Everage bony union time was 8.2 weaks, and the result was excellent in 23 cases (82%), good in 5 cases (17%) and poor result was abscent according to the criteria of Meyer et al. One case of post traumatic arthritis and one case of superficial infection on the operation site were found, but non-union, delayed union and malunion were not occurred. Conclusion: The internal fixation after open reduction using LCP is an effective treatment method in treating lateral malleolar fracture of the ankle since it offers advantages including easy application and a greater stability due to its capability of maintaining exact anatomical reduction even though the screw does not penetrate the medial cortex of fibular to add the stability and rigidity of the fixation.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.361-365
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• 2016

Background: Sternal fractures are relatively rare, and caused mainly by blunt anterior chest wall trauma. In most cases, sternal fractures are treated conservatively. However, if the patient exhibits problematic symptoms such as intractable chest wall pain or bony crepitus due to sternal instability, surgical correction is indicated. But no consensus exists regarding the most appropriate surgical method. We analyzed the results of surgical fixation in cases of sternal fracture in order to identify which surgical method led to the best outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with sternal fractures from December 2008 to December 2011, and found 19 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of the sternum with a longitudinal plate (L-group) or a T-shaped plate (T-group). We investigated patients' characteristics, clinical details regarding each case of chest trauma, the presence of other associated injuries, the type of open reduction and fixation, whether a combined operation was performed, and postoperative complications. Results: Of the 19 patients, 10 patients (52.6%) were male, and their average age was 56.8 years (range, 32 to 82 years). Seven patients (36.8%) had isolated sternal fractures, while 12 (63.2%) had other associated injuries. Seven patients (36.8%) were in the L-group and 12 patients (63.2%) were in the T-group. Three patients in the L-group (42.9%) showed a loosening of the fixation. In all patients in the T-group, the fracture exhibited stable alignment. Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation with a T-shaped plate in sternal fractures is a safer and more efficient treatment method than treatment with a longitudinal plate, especially in patients with a severely displaced sternum or anterior flail chest, than a longitudinal plate.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.37-41
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• 2017

Background: Increased frequency of comminuted clavicle mid-shaft fractures and importance of functional satisfaction through early joint exercise has resulted in higher emphasis on surgical treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical radiological results of treatment of clavicle mid-shaft fractures by open reduction and internal fixation using a plate with a small incision. Methods: The subjects of this study were 80 clavicle mid-shaft fracture cases treated with internal fixation using a plate from October 2010 to July 2014. Clavicle mid-shaft fractures were internally fixated using anatomical plates or locking compression plates. Achievement of bone union, union period, and clavicle length shortening were evaluated radiologically, and clinical assessment was done by using Constant and University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) scores. Results: All 80 cases were confirmed to have achieved bone union through radiographs with an average union period of 10.9 weeks (range: 7-18 weeks). The average clavicle length of shortening in the affected side was 1.8 mm (range: 0-17 mm). The average UCLA score and Constant score were 33.6 (range: 25-35) and 92.5 (range: 65-100), respectively. Regarding complications, four cases reported skin irritation by metal plates, and one case reported a screw insertion site fracture due to minor trauma history. Conclusions: We were able to induce successful bone union and obtain clinically satisfactory results in displaced mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle without major complications such as nonunion through treatment of internal fixation using a plate.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2016

More than a century ago, the first scientific report was published about fracture fixation with plates. During the 1950's, open reduction and plate fixation for fractures were standardized by the founders of Arbeitsgemeinschaft $f{\ddot{u}}r$ osteosynthesefragen/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation. Since the introduction of plate fixation for fractures, several plates and screws have been developed, all with their own characteristics. To accomplice more fracture stability, it was thought the bigger the plate, the better. The counter side was a compromised blood supply of the bone, often resulting in bone necrosis and ultimately delayed or non-union. With the search and development of new materials and techniques for fracture fixation, less invasive procedures have become increasingly popular. This resulted in the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique for fracture fixation. With the MIPO technique, procedures could be performed with smaller incisions and thus with less soft tissue damage and a better preserved blood supply. The last 5 years rib fixation has become increasingly popular, rising evidence has becomeavailable suggesting that surgical rib fixation improves outcome of patients with a flail chest or isolated rib fractures. Many surgical approaches for rib fixation have been described in the old literature, however, most of these techniques are obscure nowadays. Currently mostly large incisions with considerable surgical insult are used to stabilize rib fractures. We think that MIPO deserves a place in the surgical treatment of rib fractures. We present the aspects of diagnosis, preoperative planning and operative techniques in regard to MIPO rib fixation.