• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.97-104
• /
• 2005

Purpose: To report the results of surgical treatment of comminuted fractures of distal humerus and to identify factors that affect the results. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two patients who were treated with open reduction and internal fixation for comminuted fracture of distal humerus were enrolled. According to the AO classification, A2.3 was 1 case, A3.2, 2 cases, A3.3, 8 cases, B1.3, 1 case, B2.3, 1 case, C2.2, 5 cases, C2.3, 4 cases, C3.2, 3 cases and C3.3, 7 cases. As fixation technique, 17 cases were fixed by double plates, 4 cases by only K-wires, 4 cases by only screws, 3 cases by K-wires and screws and 4 cases by one plate and screws. The mean age at the time of the operation was 49 years(range, $19{\sim}77$ years). The mean follow-up period was 16 months(range, $8{\sim}51$ months). Results: At the last follow-up, the mean maximum flexion was $116.4^{\circ}\;(range,\;85{\sim}140^{\circ})$ and the mean loss of terminal extension was $11.8^{\circ}\;(range,\;0{\sim}40^{\circ})$. The average Mayo elbow performance score was $91.4^{\circ}\;(range,\;55{\sim}100^{\circ})$. Overall 29 cases(91%) showed good to excellent results. The mean range of motion of extraarticular and intraarticular fracture group was $105.5^{\circ}\;(range,\;65{\sim}140^{\circ})$ and $104^{\circ}\;(range,\;55{\sim}140^{\circ})$, respectively. The average elbow score of both groups was$93^{\circ}\;(range,\;70{\sim}100^{\circ})$ and $90.7^{\circ}\;(range,\;55{\sim}100^{\circ})$. Over 90% showed more than good results. 30 cases(94%) showed complete bony union but two cases, nonunion. One case of the nonunion cases underwent replating with bone graft as revision surgery and total elbow arthroplasty was performed in the other case. At the last follow-up, 27 patients(84.4%) showed subjective satisfaction. Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation with appropriate surgical technique for comminuted fractures of distal humerus showed good results, which were not affected by age at the time of operation, fixation methods and anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve. Transolecranon approach may be considered as good choice for intraarticular comminuted fractures of distal humerus.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
• /
• v.20 no.4
• /
• pp.236-239
• /
• 2017

After dual plating with a locking compression plate for comminuted intraarticular fractures of the distal humerus, the incidence of ulnar nerve injury after surgery has been reported to be up to 38%. This can be reduced by an anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve but some surgeons believe that extensive handling of the nerve with transposition can increase the risk of an ulnar nerve dysfunction. This paper reports ulnar nerve injuries caused by the incomplete insertion of a screw head in dual plating without an anterior ulnar nerve transposition for AO/OTA type C2 distal humerus fractures. When an anatomical locking plate is applied to a distal humeral fracture, locking screws around the ulnar nerve should be inserted fully without protrusion of the screw because an incompletely inserted screw can cause irritation or injury to the ulnar nerve because the screw head in the locking system usually has a slightly sharp edge because screw head has threads. If the change in insertion angle and resulting protruded head of the screw are unavoidable for firm fixation of fracture, the anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve is recommended over a soft tissue shield.

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

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
• /
• v.9 no.1
• /
• pp.14-19
• /
• 2006

The patient with a posttraumatic stiffness frequently has a history of prolonged immobilization after a traumatic event. Adhesions in the extraarticular humeroscapular motion interface may be present independently or in combination with intraarticular capsular contractures. A through history and physical examination usually reveal the cause and anatomic location of stiffness. Passive stretching exercise program is effective as a first line treatment, but manipulation under anesthesia is usually not effective because of potential complication such as fracture, tendon rupture and neurologic injury. The humeroscapular motion interface adhesion can be released either open or arthroscopically. The combined technique coupled with an aggressive rehabilitation program can provide more effective motion restoration and pain relief.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
• /
• v.7 no.2
• /
• pp.238-249
• /
• 2003

Purpose: To report the clinical result of the intraarticular calcaneus fracture after open reduction and internal fixation with plate by lateral approach. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six calcaneal fractures of 33 patients(29 men and 4 women) were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using an lateral approach from March, 1997 to May, 2002 and were followed more than one year. The autogenous iliac bone graft was done in 2 cases but the others didn't. Radiographically B?hler angle and Gissane angle on simple lateral radiograph were measured and in the 15 cases, the step-off(gap) of posterior facet joint on post-operative CT images were followed. The Salama method was used for evaluation of clinical results. Results: According to Sanders classification, 19 cases of the 36 cases were classified as type II. Type III fracture were found in 12 cases and type IV in 5 cases. The following results were obtained: twenty-two cases(61.1%) out of 36 cases were estimated as good or excellent. The good results or more were obtained in 15 cases(78.9%) in type II and 7 cases(58.3%) in type ill, but no case in type IV. B?hler angles were improved from preoperative average 1.6?to postoperative average 23.4?, Gissane angle was improved from preoperative 107.2?to postoperative 122.8?, respectively. Among 36 cases, Computed tomography was carried out in 15 cases. The postoperative step-off (gap) of posterior facet joint on computed tomography was filled with cancellous bone. Satifactory results was obtained in 7 cases with 2mm gap or less and in 6 cases of 2-5mm. There were no satifactory results in 2 cases with 5mm gap or more. Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation for intra-articular fracture of calcaneus was thought to be a good treatment modality. It is thought that the lateral approach is one of the good one for surgical treatment, and that accurate reduction of the posterior facet, acceptable recovery of B?hler angle are more important to obtain best results.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• /
• v.27 no.4
• /
• pp.308-313
• /
• 2001

The purpose of this study is to validate the potential etiologic factors for temporomandibular disorder(TMD). TMJ arthroscopic examination was performed in upper joint compartment of 32 joints from 20 patients with mandibular fractures. Synovial fluid was collected from the upper joint space during pumping manipulation with normal saline. Cytologic smearing and histomorphologic exam of synovial fluid were performed in 15 joints. Prostaglandin $E_2(PGE_2)$ concentration was measured in 11 joints. Leukotriene $B_4(LTB_4)$ concentration was measured in 8 joints. There were several arthroscopic variables such as ecchymosis, fibrillation, and adhesion. Histomorphologic exam showed a variety of findings such as bloody smears, cellular cluster, degenerated cells and cartilage, undifferentiated crystal. Mean $PGE_2$ concentrations were 316.5 pg/ml. Mean LTB4 concentrations were 45.9pg/ml. This study demonstrated a variety of findings on inflammatory and degenerative changes of TMJ. Because acute trauma such as mandibular fracture is a major etiologic factor in cartilage degradation and biochemical and intraarticular pathology, clinicians must identify and address TMJ signs and symptoms during follow-up periods in the long term.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
• /
• v.27 no.1
• /
• pp.72-78
• /
• 2024

Background: Clinical outcomes after fixation of distal humerus intraarticular fractures are directly related to the quality of reduction. The use of three-dimensional (3D)-printed fracture models can benefit preoperative planning to ensure good reduction. This review aims to determine if surgery performed with 3D printing assistance are faster and result in fewer complications and improved clinical outcomes than conventional methods. We also outline the benefits and drawbacks of this novel technique in surgical management of distal humerus fractures. Methods: A systematic literature search was carried out in various electronic databases. Search results were screened based on title and abstract. Data from eligible studies were extracted into spreadsheets. Meta-analysis was performed using appropriate computer software. Results: Three randomized controlled trials with 144 cases were included in the final analysis. The 3D-printed group had significantly shorter mean operating time (mean difference, 16.25 minutes; 95% confidence interval [CI], 12.74-19.76 minutes; P<0.001) and mean intraoperative blood loss (30.40 mL; 95% CI, 10.45-60.36 mL; P=0.005) compared with the conventional group. The 3D-printed group also tended to have fewer complications and a better likelihood of good or excellent outcomes as per the Mayo elbow performance score, but this did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Three-dimensional-printing-assisted surgery in distal humerus fractures has several benefits in reduced operating time and lower blood loss, indirectly decreasing other complications such as infection and anemia-related issues. Future good-quality studies are required to conclusively demonstrate the benefits of 3D printing in improving clinical outcomes.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
• /
• v.1 no.2
• /
• pp.102-111
• /
• 1997

The tibial Pilon fracture, which is defined as a comminuted intraarticular fracture of the distal tibia, is difficult to manage because high axial compression and rotational forces to the ankle joint result in impaction, severe comminution, metaphyseal disruption and soft tissue damage. There are variable methods of treatment such as manipulation and cast, calcaneal traction and cast, external fixation, pin and plaster, limited open reduction and external fixation, and open reduction and rigid internal fixation. Though most of authors reported better result after a surgical treatment. than that of conservative treatment, many complications such as posttraumatic arthritis and soft tissue problem still remain troublesome. We have reviewed 19 cases of the tibial Pilon fractures in 18 patients which were treated with limited open reduction and internal fixation from September 1993 to May 1996. The results were as follows: 1. The fractures were classified into five types according to the system of Ovadia and Beals, and the most frequent type was type 3 (53%). The most common cause of injury was traffic accident (47%). 2. All of the cases of type 1 and 2, in which the injury of the ankle joint was less severe, revealed good or excellent clinical results. But in type 4 and 5, because the injury is much severe and accurate reduction is difficult, the clinical results were unsatisfaetory. 3. The most frequent complication was posttraumatic osteoarthritis, and which developed in second frequent complication, was developed m the three cases of type 3 in which the radiographic results were less than fair, but there were no correlation with the clinical results. 4. We could markedly reduce the complications related to the soft tissue problem of Pilon fracture by treatment with limited open reduction and internal fixation, and consider that this is a good method of treatment of Pilon fracture when the injury is less severe and accurate reduction is possible.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
• /
• v.4 no.1
• /
• pp.42-48
• /
• 2000

We retrospectively reviewed the results of arthroscopic adhesiolysis on postoperative knee stiffness in order to observe the clinical improvement and to evaluate the prognostic factors. Arthroscopic adhesiolysis without extraarticular procedure was performed in 31 knees displaying persistent flexion or extension loss. The causes of arthrofobrosis were previous ligament surgeries in 17 knees, surgery for a fracture involving the articular surface of the knee in 10 cases and other causes in four cases. The average range of motion was $60^{\circ}(range,\;14^{\circ}-74^{\circ})$ preoperatively, and improved by $120^{\circ}(range,\;7^{\circ}-127^{\circ})$ immediately following the procedure. The range of motion at the final follow-up (average 34 months) was $129^{\circ}(range,\;3^{\circ}-132^{\circ})$. In the 17 patients with arthrofibrosis fellowing ligament surgery, the range of motion was improved from $65^{\circ}$ preoperatively to $135^{\circ}$ at final follow-up. The improvement in function and motion was achieved during the first postoperative year. In the 10 patients with arthrofibosis following intraarticular fractures, the range of motion was improved from $60^{\circ}$ preoperatively to $125^{\circ}$ at the final follow-up, and most of the increase in motion was achieved within the first 6 months. Patients who suffered from a limitation of motion for less than 7 months gained an average $70^{\circ}$ improvement in total range of motion following arthroscopic surgery. However, the total range of motion in patients with a duration of symptoms greater than 7 months improved by an average $49^{\circ}$ postoperatively. In conclusion, arthroscopic adhesiolysis without incisional procedure is an effective therapeutic modality in arthrofibrosis of intraarticular origin. Improved outcomes can be expected in stiffness after ligament surgery and a symptom duration of arthrofibrosis less than 7 months.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
• /
• v.54 no.6
• /
• pp.574-578
• /
• 2019

For the treatment of a bony Bankart lesion accompanied by an acute traumatic shoulder dislocation, anatomical reduction and stable fixation of the bone fragment and glenohumeral ligament are essential to avoid chronic instability or degenerative changes. If the Bankart lesion has large bony pieces or comminuted fragments, it can be difficult to perform precise and secure fixation of the big intraarticular fragment to the fracture site because of the limited visualization of the arthroscopic procedure. In addition, in the case of the open procedure, it requires an extensive surgical dissection to access the fractured fragment, which may cause surgical approach-related morbidity, such as neurovascular complications, delayed subscapularis healing, and increased risk of stiffness. This paper describes an alternative open suture anchor technique for a large bony Bankart lesion, which was secured anatomically with squared knots after a shuttle relay through bony tunnels and adjacent soft tissue and labrum. This technique can achieve anatomical and firm fixation under direct vision, and reduce the number of surgery related morbidities.