• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.21 no.4
• /
• pp.177-196
• /
• 2004

Objective : Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that pathogenesis is not fully understood and one of the most intractable musculoskeletal diseases. The concern in the immunopathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis has been increased since 1980's and many immunotherapeutic agents including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) were developed and became the mainstay of treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. However, the cure of the disease has hardly been achieved. In oriental medicine, rheumatoid arthritis is related to Bi-Zheng(痺證), that presents pain, swelling, andlor loss of joint function as major clinical manifestations, and also known to be deeply involved in suppression of immune function related to weakness of Jung-Ki(正氣). The herbal medicine, empirically used, could be a potential resource of development of new immunotherapeutic agents for rheumatoid arthritis. Methods : We developed a search strategy using terms to include "rheumatoid arthritis and herbal medicine" combined with "Chinese medicine" and/or "Oriental medicine". The search was focused on experimental studies of herbal medicine (January 1999 to May 2004), which is known to have effects on immune function of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Computerized search used Internet databases including KISS and RISS4U (Korea), CNKI (China), MOMJ (Main Oriental Medicine Journal, Japan), and PubMed. The articles were selected from journals of universities or major research institutes. Results : The literature search for experimental studies on effects of herbal medicine on immunity of rheumatoid arthritis retrieved a total of 21 articles (Korea; 8, China ; 12, Japan ; 1). Of 21 articles, 10 were related to single-drug formula, 2 to drug interaction, and 9 to multi-drug formula. Single-drug formula was mainly used for aqua-acupuncture and researches on active components. Studies of drug interaction emphasized harmony of Ki-Hyul(氣血) and balance of Han-Yeul(寒熱). Multi-drug regimen was mainly found among formulas for Bo-Ki-Hyul(補氣血) and Bo-Sin(補腎). Conclusion : Studies on rheumatoid arthritis were performed both in vitro and in vivo in vitro study, LPS-stimulated splenocytes and synoviocytes were treated with herbal medicine, resulting in proliferation and activation of immune cells and suppression of cytokine activities in vivo study CIA animal model demonstrated that herbal medicine decreased antibody production and improved function of immune cells. In cellular and molecular study herbal medicine showed profound effects on the level of mRNA expression of certain cytokines related to immune function. This study revealed that herbal medicine has significant immune modulatory action and could be used for recovery of immune dysfunction of rheumatoid arthritis patients.

• Advances in pediatric surgery
• /
• v.1 no.2
• /
• pp.149-161
• /
• 1995

The first national survey on esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula was conducted to access the current status of its incidence, clinical manifestation, preoperative diagnosis and management, type of its anomaly, associated anomalies, and surgical results and course. The 43 members of the Korea Association of Pediatric Surgeons received questionnaires and registration forms to be filled out on each patient who were born during the three years from January 1, 1992 through December 31, 1994. Questionnaires composed of six broad areas which include 1) preoperative diagnosis and management, 2) surgical technic, 3) long gap, 4) postoperative management, and 5) complications and courses. A total of 148 cases was returned by 28 members working at 23 institutions and 27 members returned questionnaires. We obtained the following results by analysis of the 148 cases of tracheoesophageal anomalies. The incidence of tracheoesophageal anomaly was about 1/10,000-11,000 in 1994, which is one third of that of anorectal malformations in Korea and the distribution of the patients was almost proportionate to the size of each province. Both sexes are about equally affected. Majority of the members make diagnosis of tracheoesophageal anomaly by taking a simple infantogram with a radiopaque tube in upper pouch and a little under half(46%) prefers to perform echocardiography as a part of preoperative management to identify congenital heart disease and lateralize the aorta. Esophageal atresia with distal TEF(87.5%) was by far the most common and there were pure esophageal atresia(5.6%), H-type TEF(2.1%), and so on. About half(49%) of the patients had one or more associated anomalies in addition to tracheoesophageal anomalies. Congenital heart disease was associated in 46 cases(31%), anorectral malfomations in 19 cases(13%), musculoskeletal anomalies in 15 cases(10%), genitourinary anomalies in 10 cases(7%) and gastrointestinal anomalies in 7 cases(5%). Postoperatively, parenteral nutrition and assisted ventilation were given in 66% and 52% of patients respectively. Ninety three(74%) of 126 cases who underwent sugical procedure, experienced one or more complications such as respiratory complication(65%), leak(22%), stricture(21%) and so on. The survival rates related to the Waterston risk categories were 90.2% in group A, 71.4-75% in $B_1$, $B_2$, and $C_1$, groups, and 28% in group $C_2$, and the overall survival rate was 71.4%. Thirty six(28.6%) of 126 cases died of pneumonia/sepsis(12 cases), respiratory failure(12 cases), and congenital heart disease(4 cases). With short term follow-up, 69% of patients have been excellent whereas remainders of the cases have suffered from some sort of morbidity related to gastroesophageal reflux, recurrent respiratory infection, and esophageal stricture.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
• /
• v.6 no.1
• /
• pp.10-16
• /
• 2000

Object : The aim of the current study is to assess the results of segmental resection and replantation for primary malignant or aggressive tumors of the upper limb. Materials and Methods : From 1986 to 1994, ten patients who had primary malignant or aggressive tumors of the upper limb were managed with segmental resection and replantation method. The average duration of follow-up was 7 years and 7 months. Primary indication of this method is stage II B tumors which, because of their extend, could otherwise be adequately treated only by amputation. Three patients had chondrosarcoma, two had osteosarcoma, two had giant cell tumors with pathologic fracture, one had extensive chondroblastoma, one had Ewings sarcoma, and one had leiomyosarcoma. The location of the tumor was humerus in 6 patients, scapula in 3 patients, and soft tissue of forearm in 1 patient. Wide resection margins were achieved in 7 patients and marginal margin in three. Results : One patient died on 40 months after surgery due to systemic metastasis. Nine patients have remained disease free without local recurrence or metastasis. The average overall functional rating was 65% (43~90%) for ten patients on the last follow-up by the functional rating system of Enneking. The mean grasping power and pinching power of operative hand was 75%(28~95%) and 65%(43~90%) of the opposite hand, respectively. Complications associated with this surgical method included three wound dehiscences and one nerve injury that resolved with proper wound care and time. Conclusion : It was concluded that segmental resection and replantation might be used for partial limb salvage in selected cases for the treatment of primary malignant or aggressive tumors of the upper limb.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
• /
• v.6 no.1
• /
• pp.1-9
• /
• 2000

Purpose : Spine is one of the most common sites of the metastatic bone tumors. Conservative management such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy has been preferred in most cases. However, the neurologic deficit has not been usually improved, and the quality of life was poor. The purpose of this study was to show the efficacy of the surgical treatments for metastatic spinal tumors in terms of postoperative improvements of neurologic deficit and survival time. Materials and Methods : Authors have reviewed the literatures and analyzed 14 patients of metastatic spinal tumors who were received operative treatments between August 1991 and June 1999 at the our department of orthopaedic surgery. Results : The most frequent primary tumor was breast cancer in women and lung cancer in men. The thoracic region was the most common site. There was a preponderance of females over males, and the age ranged between 4th and 8th decade. The indications of surgical treatment comprised instability, progressive neurologic findings, resistance to radiotherapy, pathological fracture, long life expectancy( >6weeks), isolated metastasis and need for pathological diagnosis. The degree of preoperative neurological deficit might influence on the improvement of clinical symptoms after surgery. Conclusion : The surgical treatment reduced the neurological deficit and pain regardless of the operative methods. In the early stage of neurological deficit, the surgical treatment was important for better prognosis. Recently early active operative treatment was performed for metastatic spinal tumor to minimize the intractable pain and to prevent the progression of the neurologic deficit. Early intervention can improve the quality of life and long term survival.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
• /
• v.6 no.2
• /
• pp.61-68
• /
• 2000

Purpose : We examined the patients to evaluate the radiologic findings of solitary plasmacytoma of the bone. Materials and Methods : We retrospectively reviewed radiologic findings of 9 cases with solitary plasmacytoma of the bone (SPB) for recent 5 years, but 2 cases were not included this study due to an abnormal finding of bone marrow and another 2 cases were not included due to an abnormal manifestations of computed tomography (n=1) and MRI (n=1). Results : Among 5 cases, 4 cases had an osteolytic bone destruction and 1 case had an osteosclerotic bone destruction on the plain radiograph. Computed tomography and MRI showed more informations about trabeculated bone destruction and the soft-tissue extension of the lesion comparing to plain radiographs. The MRI finding of SPB in 4 cases showed a relatively high signal intensity on T1-weighted image and intermediate signal intensity on T2-weighted image, on which the signal intensity of the lesion is slightly higher than that of the muscle. One case had an extensive soft-tissue involvement and multiple necrosis, which presented iso to low signal intensity on T1-weighted image and high heterogeneous signal intensity on T2-weighted image. The Gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted images of 5 cases showed diffusely strong enhancement of the lesion except on the necrosis areas. Conclusion : Computed tomography and MRI may present some characteristics of SPB and demonstrate another foci of plasma cell infiltrates, so these can be helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of SPB.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
• /
• v.6 no.2
• /
• pp.53-60
• /
• 2000

Purpose : The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the functional and oncologic results of the limb salvage surgery with intramedullary nailing and cementization in malignant bone tumors of the proximal humerus. Materials and Methods : We reviewed 18 cases of limb salvage surgery of resection and reconstruction with an intramedullary nail and cement-molded humeral head for the malignant bone tumors of the proximal humerus, which performed between August, 1992 through the April, 1998. The diagnoses included the osteosarcoma in 7 patients, chondrosarcoma in 3, the recurrent giant cell tumor in 3, metastatic tumor in 3, multiple myeloma in one patient and the one patient with malignant fibrous histiocytoma. The mean age at the time of surgery was 38 years(range, 15-73 years). The mean follow-up period was 26 months(range, 6-67 months). Results : Average functional score by ISOLS evaluation system was 21.1(70.3%). There were 3 local recurrences and 5 distant metastases. There were one case of shoulder instability and one case of deep infection. The seven patients are continuously disease free state and seven patients are alive with disease. Four patients died from the disease. Conclusion : The limb salvage surgery with intramedullary nailing and cementization in the bone tumors of the proximal humerus may be considered an option for the malignant bone tumors of the proximal humerus in selected patients.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
• /
• v.6 no.1
• /
• pp.22-29
• /
• 2000

Purpose : The purpose of the current study was to report the results of curettage and en bloc excision as well as to introduce how to excise the nidus percutaneously with Halo-mill. Material and Methods : Twenty patients(14 men and 6 women) were evaluated, who had operative treatments after diagnosed as osteoid osteoma from March 1990 to January 1998. These patients ranged in age from 7 to 42 years(average: 20.8 years). Locations were 9 femurs, 6 tibias, 2 vertebras, 1 ulna, 1 maxilla and 1 skull. Nine femoral lesions included 5 proximal metaphysis, 2 neck and 2 diaphysis, while 5 tibial lesions included 3 diaphysis, 1 proximal metaphysis and 1 distal metaphysis. We used simple radiography, bone scan, CT and MRI for the accurate diagnosis and localization. As for surgical treatments, while excision and curettage had to need open-exposure of lesion, the percutaneous excision of nidus did not need openexposure : guided Halo-mill into K-wire inserted to nidus under image intensifier. Results : Simple radiography showed that 10 cases had typical nidus and others had only cortical sclerosis. Bone scan was performed at 14 cases and all had hot uptake except one case. We used CT in 10 cases and MRI in 4 cases as diagnostic methods, of which 1 case didn't reveal nidus at CT. Surgical treatment consisted of 6 curettages, 11 excisions, 2 percutaneous excisions with halo-mill and 1 total elbow arthroplasty. We used 7mm sized Halo-mill. During the follow-up period, all patient relieved symptoms and there were no recurrences. All had histologically typical findings except one which had hyperostosis without nidus. Conclusion : Complete removal of the nidus is the most important factor in the treatment. We could excise the nidus percutaneously in 2 cases with the minimal injury to surrounding soft tissues. If we could evaluate the precise location, size of nidus and percutaneous acccesibility, the percutaneous excision of nidus with Halo-mill could be an alternative method as a treatment of osteoid osteoma.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
• /
• v.11 no.2
• /
• pp.168-174
• /
• 2005

Purpose: We experienced 8 cases of osteoid osteoma arising around hip joint which had some characteristics that differ from those arising on long bone. we reports the characteristics of osteoid osteoma arising around the hip joint. Materials and Methods: 8 cases of osteoid osteoma were diagnosed during 1985 to 2004 at hanyang university hospital. all cases were comfirmed patholgically. 6 cases were male, 2 cases were female patients. The mean age was 17 years old (ranged from 8 to 29). They occurred in intertrochanteric area (4 cases), subtrochanteric area (2 cases), acetabulum (1 case) and femoral neck (1 case). We used radiologic tools including magnetic resonance image, computed tomography, bone scintigraphy. clinicopathologic test including erythrocyte sedimentation rate and Creactive protein. Results: The patients expressed various symptoms including thigh pain, knee pain, low back pain and radiating pain respectively. 2 patients had experienced operation on knee joint. 3 patients showed limping gait. Aspirin relieved the pain in 3 patients. The difference in circumference was 1cm between both thighs in 2 cases. Conclusion: Patients with osteoid osteoma arising around hip joint which have various symptoms such as severe knee pain and claudication, differ from infectious disease by clinicopathologic test including erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C- reactive protein and had better diagnostic result in computed tomography.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
• /
• v.11 no.2
• /
• pp.141-147
• /
• 2005

Purpose: The most important thing in curing Malignant melanoma is surgical excision, operating method is wide excision. The author et al. studied 5-year survival rate of each stage and appropriate surgical margin after operating wide excision and immuno-chemotherapy. Materials and methods: From March 1995 to August 2003, wide excision and immunochemotherapy were operated to 35 patients (17 males and 18 females) who were diagnosed as malignant melanoma and followed up. Excision was done around 2 cm from edge of tumor regardless of the size or effected degree of the skin, and flap or full thickness skin graft was used for skin deficit that was not covered after excision. As for immuno-chemotherapy, method that prescribes 400 mg of dacarbazine (DTIC) and 3 million IU of interferone-${\alpha}$ in combination was used. Immuno-chemotherapy was operated to patients in over stage III. We used AJCC stage that was revised in 2002. Local recurrence, local metastasis and distant metastasis were investigated for these patients as well as the 5-year survival rate of each stage. Results: Most frequently 15 cases(42.8%) occurred in foot, 5 cases(14.2%) occured in ankle, 2 cases(5.7%) in leg, 2 cases(5.7%) in thigh and 5 cases(14.2%) in hand. The incidence of each stage were 8 cases(22.8%) in IA, 9 cases(25.7 %) in IB, 4 cases(11.4%) in IIA, 2 cases(5.7%) in IIB, 1 cases(2.8%) in IIIA, 2 cases(5.7%) in IIIB, 2 cases(5.7%) in IIIC and 7 cases(20.0%) in stage IV. 5-year survival rate of each stage were 94.1% in stage I, 66.8% in stage II, 40% in stage III and 14.3% in stage IV. Conclusion: 5-year survival rate of stage IV was low in malignant melanoma. In treatment of malignant melanoma, staging before operation is important as operation methods are different from each stage. We recommend wide excision which remove around 1~3 cm from margin of tumor up to each thickness.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
• /
• v.11 no.2
• /
• pp.134-140
• /
• 2005

Purpose: We evaluated the effectiveness of temporary using the extendible external fixator (EF) for lengthening of soft tissue that contracture caused by tumor prosthesis removal in the treatment of complications after limb salvage surgery like deep infection and loosening. Materials and Methods: Five patients six cases were included who underwent extendible EF (Dyna-extor(r)). EF was applied after insertion of half pin to the proximal and distal bone of defect area. EF lengthening started at third day of post-operation, above 2-3 mm per day in the range of no neurological sign. Results: The treatment area was three in femur and two in tibia. Mean age when the time of EF apply was 22.2 years old (range 15-29), but its primary limb salvage operation had done in 13.4 years old (range 9-19), therefore mean times of interval between initial tumor prosthesis reconstruction and temporary EF apply was 8.8 years (range 3-14). One patient had EF for 150 days with 7.2 cm lengthening. Others 5 cases of 4 patients had EF for mean 37 days (range 25-50) and mean soft tissue lengthening was 5.8 cm. Three patients underwent re-insertion of tumor prosthesis and two patients underwent knee fusion as final operation and showed no evidence of infection through mean 22 months follow up period. Conclusion: Temporary using of extendible EF is an effective method for correction of leg shortening which occurred by soft tissue contracture in the complications of limb salvage operation or their treatment process, and it could be provide easily application of tumor prosthesis and knee fusion as final operation.