• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.502-508
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• 2009

Background: Rib fractures are the most common injuries that are caused by blunt chest trauma. However, fractures of the costal cartilage generally go unnoticed on chest X-rays unless they involve a calcified cartilage. For this reason, the sensitivity of conventional radiography for detecting rib fractures is low, and especially those involving the cartilaginous part of the rib. Thus, we have evaluated the usefulness of ultrasonography for detecting fractures of the costal cartilage that were overlooked on the conventional radiographs of patients who suffered minor blunt chest traumas. Material and Method: A total of 45 patients who suffered minor blunt chest trauma and who had no evidence of rib fractures or other major fractures on conventional radiographs were admitted for ultrasonography between April 2008 and March 2009. There were 24 women and 21 men, and the mean age of the patients was 50.4$\pm$15.91 years (range: 17$\sim$76 years). They were examined for the detection of fractures of the costal cartilage by performing ultrasonography with a 7.5-MHz linear transducer. Result: A total of 30 patients (67%) had fractures of the costal cartilage, whereas 15 patients (33%) had no evidence of chondral rib fractures. The mean number of fracture sites of the fractured costal cartilage was 1.6$\pm$0.81 (range: 1$\sim$4 sites) in 30 patients. Periosteal hematoma was the most common finding associated with fractures of the costal cartilage (n=7, 17%), followed by sternum fracture (n=5, 12%). However, periosteal hematoma was noticed in 1 patient (2%) who was without fracture of the costal cartilage, and sternum fracture was noticed in 1 patient (2%) who was without fractures of the costal cartilage. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that ultrasonography may be a useful imaging modality for detecting fractures of the costal cartilage that are overlooked on the conventional radiographs of patients who suffer minor blunt chest trauma.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.47-58
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• 1998

The purpose of this study was to investigate an influence of the change of central panoramic curves on the image reconstruction in the dental implant CT. The author designed three experimental groups according to the location of central panoramic curve. In group A, central panoramic curve was determined as the curve connecting the center of roots from the first premolar to the first molar. In group B, central panoramic curve was determined as the line connecting the lingual cortical plate at the level of the mesial aspect of the first premolar with the buccal cortical plate at the level of the mesial aspect of the first molar. In Group C, central panoramic curve was determined as the line connecting the buccal cortical plate at the level of the mesial aspect of the first premolar with the lingual cortical plate at the level of the mesial aspect of the first molar. Twenty four reformatted CT images was acquired from four mandibles embedded in the resin block and twenty four contact radiographs of dog specimens were acquired. Each Image was processed under Adobe Photoshop program analysed by MSPA(mandible/maxilla shape pattern analysis) variables such as MXVD, MXHD, UHD, MHD, and LHD. The obtained results were as follows ; 1. The mean of MXVD variable was 19.9, 20.2, and 20.0 in group A, B, and C, respectively, which were smaller than actual value 20.5. But, there was no significant difference among 3 groups (p>0.05). 2. The mean of MXHD, UHD, MHD, and LHD variables in group A, B, and C was 11.9, 12.2, and 12.3; 9.3, 9.5, and 9.6; 10.0, 10.3, and 10.3; 9.2, 9.3, and 9.4 respectively which were equal to or greater than the actual value 11.8, 9.3, 10.0, and 9.2. But, there was no significant difference among 3 groups (p>0.05). 3. The number of noneffective observations with difference over or under 1 mm with comparison to the actual value was 24(20％), 58(48.3％), and 52(43.3％), respectively, in group A, B, and C. 4. In group A, the number of observations over 1 mm and under 1 mm was 9 and 15, respectively, but in group Band C, the number of observations over 1 mm was more than under 1 mm.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.412-418
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• 2010

Objective : To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of lumbar interbody fusion and its correlation with various factors (e.g., age, comorbidities, fusion level, bone quality) in patients over and under 65 years of age who underwent lumbar fusion surgery for degenerative lumbar disease. Methods : One-hundred-thirty-three patients with lumbar degenerative disease underwent lumbar fusion surgery between June 2006 and June 2007 and were followed for more than one year. Forty-eight (361%) were older than 65 years of age (group A) and 85 (63.9%) were under 65 years of age (group B). Diagnosis, comorbidities, length of hospital stay, and perioperative complications were recorded. The analysis of clinical outcomes was based on the visual analogue scale (VAS). Radiological results were evaluated using plain radiographs. Clinical outcomes, radiological outcomes, length of hospital stay, and complication rates were analyzed in relation to lumbar fusion level, the number of comorbidities, bone mineral density (BMD), and age. Results : The mean age of the patients was 61.2 years (range, 33-86 years) and the mean BMD was -2.2 (range, -4.8 to -2.8). The mean length of hospital stay was 15.0 days (range, 5-60 days) and the mean follow-up was 23.0 months (range, 18-30 months). Eighty-five (64.0%) patients had more than one preoperative comorbidities. Perioperative complications occurred in 27 of 133 patients (20.3%). The incidence of overall complication was 22.9% in group A, and 18.8% in group B but there was no statistical difference between the two groups. The mean VAS scores for the back and leg were significantly decreased in both groups (p < 0.05), and bony fusion was achieved in 125 of 133 patients (94.0%). There was no significant difference in bony union rates between groups A and B (91.7% in group A vs. 95.3% in group B, p = 0.398). In group A. perioperative complications were more common with the increase in fusion level (p = 0.027). Perioperative complications in both groups A (p = 0.035) and B (p = 0.044) increased with an increasing number of comorbidities. Conclusion : Elderly patients with comorbidities are at a high risk for complications and adverse outcomes after lumbar spine surgery. In our study, clinical outcomes, fusion rates, and perioperative complication rates in older patients were comparable with those in younger populations. The number of comorbidities and the extent of fusion level were significant factors in predicting the occurrence of postoperative complications. However, proper perioperative general supportive care with a thorough fusion strategy during the operation could improve the overall postoperative outcomes in lumbar fusion surgery for elderly patients.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.274-282
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• 2013

The goal of this study was to analyze prevalence and distribution of congenitally missing teeth in 3302 patients from 7 to 15 years old, who had visited and taken panoramic radiographs at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, from January 2008 to December 2012. The prevalence of hypodontia in the males (5.9%) was slightly higher than in the females (4.7%). In the affected patients, the mean number of congenitally missing teeth in the mandible was statistically higher than in the maxilla (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the number of congenitally missing teeth between left and right dentitions (p > 0.05). Excluding the Mn. third molars, the most frequent congenitally missing teeth site was the Mn. second premolars. In contrast, the most infrequent congenitally missing teeth sites were the Mx. and Mn. first premolars, and Mx. central incisors. The bilateral combination or antagonistic quadrants combination of congenitally missing teeth in hypodontia patients was 80.3%. The result of this study will contribute to clinicians to make accurate diagnosis and establish favorable treatment plans, by offering invaluable data about the number and distribution of congenitally missing teeth.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.49 no.2
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• pp.75-85
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• 2023

Objectives: Suspending bisphosphonates (BPs) to reduce the risk and severity of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) remains controversial. In this study, we quantitatively evaluated the clinical significance of BP suspension before surgery in osteoporosis patients with MRONJ. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 24 osteoporosis patients with MRONJ who were treated from 2012 to 2020 at Seoul National University Dental Hospital and compared the treatment outcomes of those who suspended BPs with those who did not. The number of surgical interventions, follow-up panoramic radiographs for relative bone density measurement, and laboratory blood tests including white blood cells, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, absolute neutrophil count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and alkaline phosphatase were analyzed. ANOVA, Student's t-test, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare results. Fisher's exact test was used to discover the association between treatment outcome and BP suspension, and Pearson's correlation test was used to measure the statistical relationship between the changes in serum inflammatory markers. Results: The number of interventions was significantly higher in the non-drug suspension group due to recurrence (P<0.05). The relative bone density in patients who suspended BPs was significantly different over time (P<0.05), with the highest density at one-year follow-up. Fisher's exact test shows an association between successful treatment outcomes and BP suspension. The alkaline phosphatase and erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels decreased significantly in the BP-suspended group, and a positive correlation was found between these elevated markers. Conclusion: A significant increase in bone density throughout follow-up and a lower number of interventions were found in the BP suspension group compared to the non-drug suspension group. Also, BP suspension decreased inflammatory markers in the serum after surgery, resulting in good treatment outcomes. BP suspension is a prognostic factor for MRONJ and should be implemented before surgery.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.34-43
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• 2020

Background: The number and curriculum of dental hygienists in Korea have dramatically increased. Controversies have since resulted from insufficient job descriptions of the work performed by a dental hygienist. A dentist's perception was examined to legally reflect the actual work of dental hygienists. Methods: Four hundred and nineteen dentists were surveyed about the duties of a dental hygienist. Their views on the career and availability of each job were examined. The duties of the dental hygienist include 13 items in dental treatment preparation, 14 items of radiography, 21 items of preventive dentistry, 6 items of periodontal treatment, 12 items of oral medicine, 12 items of conservative dentistry, 8 items of prosthetics, 10 items of orthodontics, 7 items of oral and maxillofacial surgery, 6 items of implantation, 6 items of impression taking and model fabrication, 5 items of anesthesia and injection, 11 items of management and administrative, and 3 items of self-development. Results: Most of the duties were doable by a dental hygienist. Many dentists reported that managing implants, oral hygiene of special patients, some duties in oral medicine, teeth brightening, making temporary crowns, making individual trays, selecting shades, ligaturing, and precision impressions need ≥3 years of experience. Duties perceived by dentists not to be performed by dental hygienists were reading radiographs (55.4%), suture and stitch out (48.0%), intramuscular injection (36.0%), root planning (27.2%), cementation and removal of prostheses (23.2%), and examining pulp vitality (22.0%). Conclusion: Current laws are to be revised to include, the care provided by dental hygienists and under a physician's supervision. Flexibility is also needed to cope with rapidly changing dental technology.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.216-219
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• 2019

Background: Progression of the tear size and erosion of the greater tuberosity (femoralization) in the supraspinatus tear makes it difficult to repair or increases the risk of a re-tear. This study examined the proximal articular surface and greater tuberosity of the humeral head in plain radiography. Methods: Two-hundred forty-seven cases, whose anteroposterior (AP) radiographs were taken correctly, were included from 288 cases, in whom the status of the supraspinatus had been confirmed by surgery. After downloading the plain AP radiograph as DICOM, the radius of the circle apposed at the superior half of the articular surface of the head, and the distance between the circle and the farthest point of the greater tuberosity ('height' of the greater tuberosity) were calculated using the software (TechHime, Korea). MRI checked the number of torn tendons and degree of muscular atrophy. Results: The following were encountered: 93 intact supraspinatus, 50 partial-thickness tears, and 104 full-thickness tears. In the analysis using the 93 intact cases, the average radius of the rotation center was 25.3 mm in male and 22.3 mm in female. The average height of the greater tuberosity from the circle with the same rotation center was 4.3 mm in male and 4.2 mm in female with no statistical significance. The correlation between the reparability of supraspinatus and height of the greater tuberosity, fatty infiltration, and muscular atrophy was confirmed. Conclusions: The height of the greater tuberosity from the circle with the same rotation center was 4.3 mm in male and 4.2 mm in female. This height was strongly correlated with muscular atrophy and fatty infiltration of the supraspinatus tendon.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.429-436
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• 2008

Purpose: The goal of periodontal regenerative therapy is to replace bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament on a previously diseased root surface, which has suffered the loss of these supporting structures. To accomplish the regeneration, a number of surgical procedures have been advocated throughout the years. There seems to be a potential for some spontaneous periodontal tissue regeneration in the bottom of periodontal defect following open flap debridement alone. The aim of this study was to analyse the radiographic bone changes over 2-year after flap operation. Material and Methods: Patients attending the department of periodontics of Kyungpook National University Hospital were studied. Patients had clinical and radiographic evidence of infrabony defect(s). forty two sites of 33 patients aged 26 to 65 (mean age 45.5) were treated by flap operation with or without osseous surgery. Baseline and over 2-year follow-up radiographs were collected and evaluated for this study. Radiographic assessment includes a bone fill, bone crest change, defect resolution, and % of defect resolution. Pre- and post-treatment differences between variables (maxilla and mandible, gender, defect depth, defect angle) using the paired t-test were examined. Result: We observed 0.74 mm of bone fill, 0.66 mm of crestal resorption, 1.40 mm of defect resolution, and 27% of percentage of defect resolution. Mandible, women, deeper initial defect depth, narrower initial defect angle showed greater bone fill, defect resolution, and % of defect resolution. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the use of flap operation did enhance the outcome in terms of radiographically detectable bone fill. Both treatment resulted in some loss of crestal bone height.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.437-444
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• 2008

Purpose: A number of techniques and materials have been used for periodontal regeneration and bone graft procedures with guided tissue regeneration(GTR) have been suggested as alternatives to osseous surgery in the management of local infra-bony defects. However, the long-term stability and treatment outcome following bone graft procedure of infra-bony defects is poorly documented. The purpose of this study was to assess radiographic change in infra-bony defects over 2 years after bone graft procedures with various graft materials. Material and Methods: Patients attending the department of periodontics of Kyungpook National University Hospital were studied. Patients showed clinical and radiographic evidence of infra-bony defect(s). 44 sites of 34 patients aged 31 to 69 (mean age 48.3) were treated by bone graft procedure with a bone graft material. Baseline and 2-year follow-up radiographs were collected and evaluated for this study. Radiographic assessment includes a bone fill, bone crest change, defect resolution, and % of defect resolution. Pre- and post-treatment differences between variables (maxilla and mandible, defect depth, defect angle, bone graft materials) using the paired t-test were examined. Result: We observed $1.15{\pm}1.95\;mm$ of bone fill, $0.40{\pm}1.19\;mm$ of crestal resorption, $1.55{\pm}1.77\;mm$ of defect resolution, and $40{\pm}44%$ of percentage of defect resolution. Deeper initial defect depth, narrower initial defect angle showed significantly greater bone fill, defect resolution, and % of defect resolution. But no significant difference was observed in graft sites and graft materials. Conclusion: If good oral hygiene maintenance and periodic recall check of patients is assured, bone graft procedure using various graft materials is one of the appropriate treatment modality for regenerative therapy of infra-bony defects.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.287-294
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• 2019

Purpose: This study was performed to analyze the clinical and imaging features of contemporary osteomyelitis(OM) and to investigate differences in these features on panoramic radiography according to patients' history of use of medication affecting bone metabolism. Materials and Methods: The records of 364 patients(241 female and 123 male, average age 66.8±14.9 years) with OM were retrospectively reviewed. Panoramic imaging features were analyzed and compared between patients with medication-related OM(m-OM) and those with conventional, medication-unrelated OM(c-OM). Results: The age of onset of OM tended to be high, with the largest number of patients experiencing onset in their 70s. The 2 most frequent presumed causes were antiresorptive medication use (44.2%) and odontogenic origin (34.6%). On panoramic radiographs, a mix of osteolysis and sclerosis was the most common lesion pattern observed (68.6%). Sequestrum, extraction socket, and periosteal new bone formation were found in 143(42.1%), 79 (23.2%), and 24 (7.1%) cases, respectively. The m-OM group exhibited sequestrum and extraction socket more frequently and displayed significantly higher mandibular cortical index values than the c-OM group. Conclusion: We observed some differences in imaging features as shown on panoramic radiography according to the history of antiresorptive medication use. This study may help elucidate the predictive imaging features of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.