• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.332-338
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• 2023

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a hybrid arch bar (hAB) with the conventional Erich arch bar (EAB) for the management of jaw fractures, focusing on their use for temporary fixation in patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Materials and Methods: Patients presenting with maxillary and mandibular fractures at our institution were included in this prospective, comparative study. Placement time and ease of occlusal reproducibility were recorded intraoperatively for Group A (hAB patients) and Group B (EAB patients). The primary outcome was comparison of the postoperative stability of the two arch bars. Postoperative measurements also included mucosal overgrowth, screw loosening or wire retightening, and replacement rates. The data were tabulated and computed with a P<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The study included 41 patients. A statistically significant difference was observed in postoperative stability scores (3) between Group A and Group B (85.0% vs 9.5%, P=0.001). The mean placement time in Group A (23.3 minutes) significantly differed from that in Group B (86.4 minutes) (P<0.001). The ease of intraoperative occlusion was not different between the two groups (P=0.413). Mucosal overgrowth was observed in 75.0% of patients (15 of 20) in Group A. Conclusion: The hAB was superior to EAB in clinical efficiency, maxillomandibular fixation time reduction, stability, versatility, and safety. Despite temporary mucosal overgrowth, the benefits of hAB outweigh the disadvantages. The choice between hAB and EAB should be based on specific clinical requirements.

• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.26-31
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical usefulness of ultrasound in treatment of patella fracture. Material and Methods: Twenty cases of twenty patients with patella fracture radiographically from March, 2006 to September, 2009 were involved in this study, there were 8 males and 12 females, there were 13 right knees, 7 left knees, the average age was 43 years (range, 14~72 years). We decided the methods of treatment by using the ultrasound in conjunction with Drayer's test that examining the intactness of patella retinaculum. There were 10 transverse, 8 vertical and 2 comminuted fractures, we examined the patella retinaculum by using the ultrasound and performed Drayer's test. Results: In 12 cases of intact retinaculum, Drayer's test was negative and we allowed patients ambulation without surgical fixation especially. In 4 cases of completely ruptured retinaculum, Drayer's test was positive and we treated the patella fractures by the use of ORIF (open reduction and internal fixation) method, in 2 cases of partially ruptured retinaculum, Drayer's test was negative but displacement of fractures were more than 2 mm, we treated the patella fractures by the use of CRIF (closed reduction and internal fixation) method and obtained clinically satisfactory results. Conclusion: In conjunction with radiographs and Drayer's test, an ultrasound would be one of the useful diagnostic modality for determining treatment method of the patella fracture.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.23-27
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• 2013

Purpose: The optimal management for ankle fracture in elderly patients remains controversial. This study was undertaken to review the results of surgical treatment of ankle fracture in the elderly and to compare with other studies. Materials and Methods: The participants in this study were 33 patients over the age of 65(average 71.5 years) who underwent surgical treatment of ankle fracture from January 2004 to December 2011. The study was a retrospective review of outcomes after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of ankle fractures. To measure the clinical outcomes, we assessed postoperative complications, the pre- and post-operative mobility status, fracture union status, the time of fracture union and the AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) Ankle-Hindfoot scale. The level of patient satisfaction was also identified. Results: Delayed wound healing occurred in three patients(9.1%) but their wounds healed with repeated dressings without additional surgical treatment. Malunion occurred in one patient(3%). One patient(3%) had postoperative infection but healed with antibiotic treatment. 24 patients(96%) returned to preoperative mobility status. VAS score was lower than 2 in all patients. Bone union occurred with the 3.8 months (average months) after the surgery in all patients. Average AOFAS score was 87.4 and these were similar results as other studies of young patients. All patients were satisfied with surgical outcomes according to interviews. Conclusion: Surgical treatment of ankle fractures in the elderly can carry a significant risk of delayed wound healing and infection but incidence is relatively low. Internal fixation of ankle fractures in the elderly can be undertaken safely and the majority of patients can expect good outcome.