• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.368-371
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• 2019

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of leg length discrepancy on kinematic changes of the pelvis and hip during gait. Methods: A total of ten healthy women with no history of neurological, musculoskeletal surgery or injuries, or pain in the lower limbs were recruited. They were assigned to two groups; the experimental group (LLD) consisting of five subjects leg length discrepancy of 10mm to 18mm and the control group (CON) consisting of five subjects leg length discrepancy of<10 mm. All participants were instructed to perform three walking trials for further analysis by using the Cortex 3.0 software program. Independent T-test and Mann-Whitney test were used to examine the effects of mild LLD on kinematic changes of the pelvis and hip during gait. Results: Angles of hip flexion, hip abduction, pelvic obliquity, and pelvic tilt in the experimental group were not significantly different compared to those of the control group. Conclusion: Mild leg length discrepancy induces kinematic changes in the lower limbs, including decreased hip flexion, increased hip abduction, and increased pelvic obliquity in the shorter limb, and increased hip adduction and increased pelvic obliquity in the longer limb. However, those changes were not significant.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.22-29
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• 1998

A limb-sparing operation has a definitive role in the treatment of osteosarcoma in the lower extremity of skeletally-immature patients. After a limb-sparing operation, leg length discrepancy remains as a major disability that should be corrected. This study was designed to suggest methods of tumor resection and proper timing of leg length equalization in skeletally immature osteosarcoma patients. From September 1990 to January 1998, we reviewed eight osteosarcoma patients in an immature skeletal age. There were 4 males and 4 females, and their mean duration of follow-up was 50.37 months (range : 25 to 88 months). Mean skeletal age was 8 years (range : 8 months to 11 years). The patients were classified according to the methods of tumor resection ; intercalary resection in 1 case, transepiphyseal resection in 1, intra-articular resection in 5, and extra-articular resection in 1. The results were as follows ; 1. The leg lengthening was begun when a patient's leg length discrepancy reached 4-5cm. 2. The age of final lengthening with permanent reconstruction was 14 years in males and 12 years in females (about 2 years before skeletal maturity). 3. When reconstruction was performed with a temporary spacer, the site of lengthening Was in the soft tissue, not in bone, and then a permanant reconstruction was done. 4. Reconstruction with a biologic spacer to preserve the joint function was a reasonable method for equalization of leg length. In conclusion, the appropriate choice of reconstructive method and the age at which to correct the leg length discrepancy in a skeletally-immature osteosarcoma patients are important factors for maintaining leg length at full maturity.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.59-66
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• 2022

Purpose: The aim of this research was to verify the relationship between three-dimensional (3D) ground reaction force (GRF) and severity of leg length discrepancy (LLD) while walking at a normal speed. It used a 3D motion analysis system with force platforms in standing workers with LLD. Methods: Subjects comprising 45 standing workers with LLD were selected. Two force platforms were used to acquire 3D GRF data based on a motion analysis system during gait. Vicon Nexus and Visual3D v6 Professional software were used to analyze kinetic GRF data. The subjects were asked to walk on a walkway with 40 infrared reflective markers attached to their lower extremities to collect 3D GRF data. Results: The results indicated the maximal force in the posterior and lateral direction of the long limb occurring in the early stance phase during gait had significant positive correlation with LLD severity (r = 0.664~0.738, p <0.01). In addition, the maximal force medial direction of the long limb occurring in the late stance phase showed a highly positive correlation with the LLD measurement (r = 0.527, p <0.01). Conclusion: Our results indicate that greater measured LLD severity results in more plantar pressure occurring in the foot area during heel contact to loading response of the stance phase and the stance push-off period during gait.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.85-89
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• 2021

Background : Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome (KTS) is a rare congenital medical condition characterized by complex vascular malformation. KTS consists of a classic triad of capillary malformation (hemangioma), venous malformations and bone or soft tissue hypertrophy causing limb asymmetry. The aim of this report is to describe management for gait disturbance and foot pain in a Patient with KTS using custom-made total contact insole. Case presentation : A 32-year-old man with KTS presented with a 3-year history of gait disturbance on hard surface due to right first toe pain and Achilles tendon tightness. The patient had soft tissue hypertrophy, varicose veins and port-wine stains over the right lower limb associated with KTS. True leg length discrepancy was 2 cm. We prescribed custom-made total contact insole to protect his deformed foot and correct leg length discrepancy. The insole of right side included wedge shaped heel lift and the insole of left side included full length lift to add extra support on unaffected side. Also, we provided compression stocking and physiotherapy including manual lymphatic drainage for lymphedema and stretching exercise for tightness in right lower extremity. At 3 years follow-up, postural alignment including pelvic obliquity was improved using a custom-made total contact insole. The degree of scoliosis and foot pain were also reduced. Conclusion : An individualized and multidisciplinary approach is essential regarding the complexity of comorbidities in patients with KTS. For patients with KTS, orthotic management should be considered to prevent and correct deformities related to KTS. Active orthotic management, compression stocking and physiotherapy can enhance the quality of life and function in patients.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.93-105
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• 2016

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of corrective exercise on hip joint range of motion, lower limb alignment, radiographs of hip and knee joints, and quadriceps muscle activity in a patient with knee joint valgus deformity. METHODS: A single-subject A-B-A experimental design was used to determine the effects of therapeutic exercise. The single-subject was a 27-year-old male, who presented with knee joint valgus deformity. Corrective exercise program was performed for 40 min/day twice a week for 12-week. Range of motion (hip flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal rotation, and external rotation), lower limb alignment test (Q-angle, rear foot alignment, and leg length), standing anterior-posterior radiographs (neck shaft angle and knee joint space), and quadriceps muscle activity of both lower limbs were measured before (A 1), after 6 weeks (B 1) and after 12-weeks (B 2) of corrective exercise and after 6 weeks of exercise completion (A 2). RESULTS: Hip range of motion increased in all directions of both sides at B 2 and A 2 compared to at A 1. Q-angle of both side and leg length discrepancy decreased at B 2 and A 2 compared to at A 1. Neck shaft angle and knee joint space of both sides improve at B 2 and A 2 compared to at A 1. Quadriceps of both side muscle activities improved at B 2 and A 2 compared to at A 1. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that corrective exercise increases range of motion, and improves lower limb alignment and muscle activity in a patient with knee joint valgus deformity.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.431-440
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Iyengar yoga practice on the lower body imbalance in middle-aged women. The subjects (n=24), who had not performed yoga training prior to this study (and) were not attending any other training programs, participated after undergoing an X-RAY examination with the Gonstead Technique and then their lower body imbalance (was reevaluated). The subjects completed the yoga program for 12 weeks (3 times per week, 90 minutes per session). The data were analyzed with the paired t-test and alpha was set at 0.05. It was found that 1) the height differences between the right and left iliac crests (p < 0.001), width (p < 0.001) and length (p < 0.001) differences between the right and left iliac fossa, and width differences between the right and left sacrum (p < 0.001) were significantly reduced after the training program. In addition, 2) the lower limb length discrepancy was significantly reduced (p < 0.001). Our data suggest that Iyengar yoga training for 12 weeks reduces the pelvic imbalance and length differences between the right and left lower limbs in middle-aged females.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.53-61
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• 2019

PURPOSE: This study examined the dynamic range of motion (ROM) of the hip, knee, and ankle joint when wearing different shoe sole lifts, as well as the limb asymmetry of the range according to the leg length discrepancy (LLD) during normal speed walking. METHODS: The participants were 40 healthy adults. A motion analysis system was used to collect kinematic ROM data. The participants had 40 markers attached to their lower extremities and were asked to walk on a 6 m walkway, under three different shoe lift conditions (without an insole, 1 cm insole, and 2 cm insole). Visual3D professional software was used to coordinate kinematic ROM data. RESULTS: Most of the ROM variables of the short limbs were similar under each insole lift condition (p>.05). In contrast, when wearing a shoe with a 2 cm insole lift, the long limbs showed significant increases in flexion and extension of the knee joint as well as; plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, pronation, eversion, and inversion of the ankle joint (p<.05). Of the shoes with the insole lifts, significant differences in all ROM variables were observed between the left and right knees, except for the knee internal rotation (p<.05). CONCLUSION: As the insole lift was increased, more ROM differences were observed between the left and right limbs, and the asymmetry of the bilateral lower limbs increased. Therefore, appropriate interventions for LLD are needed because an artificial mild LLD of less than 2.0 cm could lead to a range of musculoskeletal problems of the lower extremities, such as knee and ankle osteoarthritis.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.37-42
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• 2016

Purpose: Arterial injury in children is a challenging problem for its special characteristics. It is rare even during warfare. This review described a personal experience in the management and outcome of acute pediatric arterial injuries of extremities. Methods: Thirty-six children below age of 13 years were studied during period from 2004 through 2014 in Iraq. Results: Male patients were 27 (75%) and female were 9 (25%). Seven to twelve years old was the most affected age group. The incidence of iatrogenic injuries was greater in infants and toddlers while penetrating injuries were the most common in older children. Upper limbs arteries were affected in 17 (47.2%) and lower limb in 19 (52.8%) patients. Hard signs were the commonest mode of presentation (83.3%). Lateral wall tear and complete transection were the most frequent types of arterial injury (36.1% and 27.8% respectively). The most frequent procedures performed were end-to-end anastomosis and lateral arteriorrhaphy. Surgical outcome was good. In 27 cases distal pulsations were regained. Seven cases had impalpable distal pulses but still viable limbs. Limb length discrepancy was detected in one case. One case was complicated with limb loss. No death was recorded. Conclusion: Arterial injuries in children are age related. The proper treatment of arterial injuries in children requires high index of suspicion, early operative intervention and continuous postoperative follow-up throughout years of active growth. Angiogram has a limited role as a diagnostic tool in acute arterial injuries.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.169-180
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• 2010

Objectives: This study was carried out to investigate the relationship of leg length analysis and X-ray finding according to positions and valuation bases on diagnosis of pelvic malpositions. Methods: Twenty-two people who get $33.09{\pm}10.73$ as average were evaluated by leg length analysis and X-ray findings. After measuring innominate measurement(IM), femur head line. distance between S2 and posterior superior iliac spine(PSIS). ilium shadow measurement(ISM), major axis of obturator foramen(MaF), minor axis of obturator foramen(MiF) and distance between off centering measurement and symphysis pubis, those were analyzed. Results: 1. In assessment of posterior rotation malposition ilium(PI), it was showed the best coincidence between leg length analysis and X-ray analyzed by 1M in supine position(11 cases, 50.5%). 2. In assessment of inflare, coincidence index between leg length analysis and X-ray were not good($4.00{\pm}3.03$ cases, $18.15{\pm}13.82%$). And leg length analysis were not sensitive. 3. On the whole, coincidence index between leg length analysis and X-ray were not good(best: 1 case, 45.5%; worst: 11 cases, 50.0%). Conclusions: Results form this investigation showed the relationship of leg length analysis and X-ray according 10 positions and valuation bases on diagnosis of pelvic malpositions. This results are expected to contribute to establish method of assessment in diagnosis of pelvic malpositions.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.48-53
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• 2022

Background: The gastrocnemius tightness can easily occur. Gastrocnemius tightness results in gait disturbance. Thus, various interventions have been used to release a tight gastrocnemius muscle and improve gait performance. Moreover, focal muscle vibration (FMV) has recently been extensively researched in terms of tight muscle release and muscle performance. However, no study has investigated the effects of FMV application on medial gastrocnemius architectural changes. Objects: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of FMV on medial gastrocnemius architecture in persons with limited ankle dorsiflexion. Methods: Thirty one persons with <10° of passive ankle dorsiflexion participated in this study. We excluded persons with acute ankle injury within six months prior to study onset, a history of ankle fracture, leg length discrepancy greater than 2 cm, no history of neurological dysfunction, or trauma affecting the lower limb. The specifications of the FMV motor were as follows: a fixed frequency (fast wave: 150 Hz) and low amplitude (0.3-0.5 mm peak to peak) of vibration; the motor was used to release the medial gastrocnemius for 15 minutes. Each participant completed three trials for 10 days; a 30-second rest period was provided between each trial. Medial gastrocnemius architectural parameters [muscle thickness (MT), fiber bundle length (FBL), and pennation angle (PA)] were measured via ultrasonography. Results: MT significantly decreased after FMV application (p < 0.05). FBL significantly increased from its baseline value after FMV application (p < 0.05). PA significantly decreased from its baseline value after FMV application (p < 0.05). Conclusion: FMV application may be advantageous in reducing medial gastrocnemius excitability following a decrease in the amount of contractile tissue. Furthermore, FMV application can be used as a stretching method to alter medial gastrocnemius architecture.