• Journal of the Korean GEO-environmental Society
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.61-68
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• 2009

This paper presents the numerical investigation for the hydraulic behavior of a fractured rock mass with a hydromechanical interaction which may be considered during the in-situ hydraulic injection test. These experiments consist in a series of flow meter injection tests for fractures existing along an open hole section installed in a borehole, and experimental results are applied for testing a numerical model developed to the analysis and prediction of such hydromechanical interactions. Field experimental results show that conductive fractures form a dynamic and interdependent network, that individual fractures cannot be adequately modeled as independent systems, that new fluid intaking zones generate when pore pressure exceeds the minimum principal stress magnitude in that borehole, and that pore pressures much larger than this minimum stress can be further supported by the circulated fractures. In this study, these characteristics are investigated numerically how to influence the morphology of the natural fracture network in a rock mass by using a discrete fracture ntework model.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.128-132
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• 2015

Background: We described a surgical method for osteosynthesis and reported the resultant strength after application of a PHILOS plate through the anterolateral approach for the treatment of fractures of the distal humerus. Methods: Between February 2010 and March 2012, open reduction and internal fixation operations with the PHILOS plate for treatment of fracture of the distal humerus were performed on a total of nine patients (five men, four women). The mean age was 40.8 years (range, 24-50 years), and the average follow-up period was 9.1 months (range, 6-15 months). Clinical evaluations were performed 6 months after the operation. Clinical assessment included determination of the range of motion of the elbow, the Mayo and Oxford elbow scores, and any postoperative complications. Results: Fracture union was noted in all patients, with an average period of 12.4 weeks. The average Mayo elbow and Oxford elbow scores were 87.2 (of a total of 100) and 43.3 (of a total of 48), respectively. For the postoperative range of motion of the elbow, all patients showed complete recovery to the preoperative range of motion. No other conditions, such as neurolepsis, plate breakage, or rotational deformity, were observed. Conclusions: Open reduction and internal fixation of distal humerus fractures with a PHILOS plating system via anterolateral approach can be effective. A high rate of union with good outcomes can be assumed.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.80-84
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• 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to assess the efficacy of a bioabsorbable polylactide (PLA) plate and screw for treating injuries of ankle fractures. Materials and Methods: 24 patients who underwent an open reduction and internal fixation operation for ankle fractures from July 2005 to March 2007 were enrolled into the study. There were 15 men and 9 women. The average age of the patients was 44 years and the average follow-up period was 16 years and two months (16.2 months). All cases were divided into low grade fracture patient (11) who belongs in type A and B of Danis-Weber classification and high grade fracture patient (13) who belongs in type C1, C2 of Danis-Weber classification, and each groups were analyzed by clinical (Meyer score) and radiological finding at the time of their last follow-up evaluation. Results: The clinical results according to Meyer scoring system, showed that all patient with low grade fracture had good to excellent result, but only 54% of patient with high grade fracture had good to excellent result. According to Cedell's radiologic finding, there were 91% cases above fair in low grade fracture. But there were 62% of patient above fair result in high grade fracture, the reduction losses were seen in 38% of patient with high grade fracture. Conclusion: Bioabsorbable PLA plate and screw is good internal fixation device which doesn't have additional operation for removal of implant because of slow absorption within the human body. It showed sufficient strength for acquisition and maintenance of reduction in low grade fracture, but need attention to use because of many cases of reduction loss in high grade fracture. So, it seems to be safe and effective when used in heeling of low grade fracture under considering about type of fracture sufficiently.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.34-39
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• 2013

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of intraoperative stress test for diagnosis of occult Lisfranc injury. Materials and Methods: Between April 2009 and October 2012, 21 patients with occult Lisfranc injuries underwent intraoperative stress test and internal fixation. There were 11 males and 10 females with an average age of 45.3 years (range, 23~79 years). Injuries were caused by traffic accident in 10 cases, indirect force (twisting injury) in 8 cases, and crush in 2 cases, falling from a height in 1 case. Unstable injuries on stress radiograph in occult injury of Lisfranc joint were treated by open reduction or closed reduction and fixation with cannulated screw or K-wire. Radiological evaluation was assessed according to preoperative and postoperative diastasis between $1^{st}$ and $2^{nd}$ metatarsal base. Results: Assoicated injuries were 9 cases of metatarsal fractures, 6 cases of cuneiform fractures and 6 cases of both metatarsal and cuneiform fractures. Medial and middle column fixation was in 13 cases, and three columns fixation was in 8 cases. Initial diastasis between $1^{st}$ and $2^{nd}$ metatarsal base was 2.8 mm (1.3~4.7 mm) on AP radiograph and postoperative diastasis between $1^{st}$ and $2^{nd}$ metatarsal base was 1.2 mm (0.5~2.4 mm) on AP radiograph. Conclusion: Even there is no sign of clear Lisfranc injury, it is necessary to pay attention and give evaluation on circumstances of occult Lisfranc injuries with metatarsal or cuneiform fractures. Intraoperative stress test is helpful to diagnose an occult Lisfranc injury. For unstable injuries on stress radiographs of occult Lisfranc joint injury, operative treatment with open or closed reduction and internal fixation is useful method.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.164-170
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to compare a sample of patients who had condylar fractures treated with open reduction using different plating techniques, to evaluate which plating technique is useful for stable fixation for fractures of the mandibular condyle and to evaluate effectiveness of resorbable miniplate. There were 60 patients (41 males, 19 females) whose condylar fractures were treated with open reduction. Rigid fixation was performed with a single miniplate, double miniplate ot one miniplate & one microplate and single resorbable plate. All patients remained intermaxillary fixation for 1 week postoperatively. Active physiotherapy was started after 2 weeks postoperatively. Radiographic evaluation (plate fracture, plate bending, screw loosening, displacement of condyle etc.) was performed at pre-operative, immediate, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months after surgery. Clinical evaluation included degree of mouth opening, occlusion, mandibular lateral excursion, infection and facial nerve paralysis. In radiographic evaluation, displacement of fractured condylar segment associated with plate bending or screw loosening were showed 6 cases and 3 cases for single miniplate system and resorbable miniplate system. There was no patients who have this problem on double miniplate system. The results revealed that the application of two miniplates were more recommendable than single miniplates. When we select resorbable miniplate system, we should consider the type of fractures, post-operative treatment protocol and surgical technique.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.75-79
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• 2009

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of intra-articular calcaneal fractures treated using AO calcaneal plate surgically. Materails and Methods: Total 15 cases of intra-articular calcaneal fracture that treated with open reduction and internal fixation using AO calcaneal plate were evaluated. The patients were followed over a mean period of 19.8 months. The mean age was 41.6 years. By Sanders classification, there were 2 cases of type II, 10 cases of type III, and 3 cases of type IV. We evaluated radiological outcomes by Bohler angle, Gissane angle, calcaneal hight, calcaneal width and clinical outcomes by Creighton-Nebraska health foundation score. Results: All fractures united at a mean duration of 13.3 weeks. Radiologically, the mean preoperative Bohler angle was $8.5^{\circ}$ and restored to $23.3^{\circ}$. The mean preoperative Gissane angle was $118.7^{\circ}$ and restored to $124.2^{\circ}$. The mean preoperative calcaneal hight was 30.8 mm and restored to 38.9 mm. The mean preoperative calcaneal width was 41.3 mm and restored to 35.3 mm. 10 cases had excellent and good clinical outcomes and 5 cases having fair outcome. Conculsion: In our study, open reduction and internal fixation using AO calcaneal plate showed good results with anatomical restoration of articular surface and stable fixation without late collapse.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.198-204
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• 1998

Unstable fractures of the proximal humerus continue to be difficult problems for orthopaedic surgeons. The optimum treatment of these fractures has remained a matter of controversy. We analyzed the clinical results of open reduction and plate fixation underwent for patients of unstable fractures of proximal humerus after minimum 12 months follow up. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of open reduction and rigid plate fixation. Twenty-two patients were managed with open reduction and plate fixation. Mean follow up duration was 20.6 months(range, 12 to 28 mon.). Because the age of patient as a maker of degree of osteoporosis was considered the key factor in the success of anatomic reconstruction, we divided into two groups according to age. Group A was comprised of 12 cases with younger than 50 yrs of age. Ten cases of older than 50 yrs of age were Group B. According to Neer's classification, five cases(22%) were two part fracture, 12 cases(64%) were three part fracture, and three cases(14%) were four part fracture. We used the Neer rating system for evaluating the results. In Group A, overall scores were 79.1. In Group B, overall scores were 76.8. Overall scores in two part fracture were 85, overall scores in three part fracture 78.4 and overall scores in three part fracture 68.3. We achieved excellent or good results in nine cases(75%) of Group A and seven cases(70%) of Group B. Also, we obtained excellent or good results in all cases of two part fracture, ten cases(71%) of three fracture and one case(33%) of four part fracture. The complications were three metal loosening, one avascular necrosis of humeral head, one severe stiff shoulder, one superficial wound infection and one ectopic ossification. The results were excellent or good in 16 cases(73%) out of 22 cases. In conclusion, rigid fixation and supervised early exercise would be a good option for unstable fracture of the proximal humerus.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.29-36
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• 2019

Background: The execution of fibular allograft augmentation in unstable proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) was technically demanding. In this study, the authors evaluated the clinical and radiographic outcomes after tricortical iliac allograft (TIA) augmentation in PHFs. Methods: We retrospectively assessed 38 PHF patients treated with locking-plate fixation and TIA augmentation. Insertion of a TIA was indicated when an unstable PHF showed a large cavitary defect and poor medial column support after open reduction, regardless of the presence of medial cortical comminution in preoperative images. Radiographic imaging parameters (humeral head height, HHH; humeral neck-shaft angle, HNSA; head mediolateral offset, HMLO; and status of the union), Constant score, and range of motion were evaluated. Patients were grouped according to whether the medial column support after open reduction was poor or not (groups A and B, respectively); clinical outcomes were compared for all parameters. Results: All fractures healed radiologically (average duration to complete union, 5.8 months). At final evaluation, the average Constant score was 73 points and the mean active forward flexion was $148^{\circ}$. Based on the Paavolainen assessment method, 33 patients had good results and 5 patients showed fair results. The mean loss of reduction was 1.32 mm in HHH and 5.02% in HMLO. None of the parameters evaluated showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (poor and not poor medial column support). Conclusions: In unstable PHFs, TIA augmentation can provide good clinical and radiological results when there are poor medial column support and a large cavitary defect after open reduction.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.32-38
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• 2024

Background: Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with a locking plate is a popular surgical treatment for proximal humeral fractures (PHF). This study aimed to assess the occurrence of complications in elderly patients with PHF treated surgically using ORIF with a locking plate and to investigate the potential differences between patients treated by shoulder surgeons and non-shoulder surgeons. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using a single-center database to identify patients aged ≥70 years who underwent ORIF for PHF between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2021. Data on the Neer classification, follow-up, occurrence of avascular necrosis of the humeral head, implant failure, and revision surgery were also collected. Statistical analyses were performed to calculate the overall frequency of complications according to the Neer classification. Results: The rates of implant failure, avascular osteonecrosis, and revision surgery were 15.7%, 4.8%, and 15.7%, respectively. Complications were more common in patients with Neer three- and four-part fractures. Although the difference between surgeries performed by shoulder surgeons and non-shoulder surgeons did not reach statistical significance, the rate of complications and the need for revision surgery were nearly two-fold higher in the latter group. Conclusions: PHF are highly prevalent in the elderly population. However, the ORIF surgical approach, as demonstrated in this study, is associated with a considerable rate of complications. Surgeries performed by non-shoulder surgeons had a higher rate of complications and a more frequent need for revision surgery. Future studies comparing surgical treatments and their respective complication rates are crucial to determine the optimal therapeutic options. Level of evidence: III.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.27-32
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• 2017

Purpose: Bone grafting is often necessary to maintain a reduction and prevent delayed collapse of reduced fracture in a treatment of severely displaced comminuted intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Herein, we analyzed the usefulness and necessary conditions to perform tricortical-allobone grafting in open reduction of calcaneal fracture via the Ollier approach. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 57 intra-articular calcaneal fractures that underwent an operation via the Ollier approach between April 2009 and April 2015. They were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n=17) included those with tricortical-allobone grafts underneath the posterior facet fragment, and group 2 (n=40) included cases without a bone graft. We measured the $B{\ddot{o}}hler$ angle, Gissane angle, height, and width of the calcaneus at preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up radiograph. We measured the sagittal rotational angle of the posterior facet fragment of preoperative computed tomography to analyze the effect and necessary conditions for bone grafting. We also reviewed the clinical results by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale, visual analogue scale (VAS), and any complications. Results: According to the Sanders classification, there were 3 type-II fractures, 12 type-III fractures, and 2 type-IV fractures in Group 1; whereas in Group 2, there were 26 type-II fractures, 13 type-III fractures, and 1 type-IV fracture (p=0.002). Regarding the preoperative radiologic parameters, there were significant differences in the $B{\ddot{o}}hler$ angle (p=0.006), Gissane angle (p=0.043), and rotational angle of the posterior facet fragment (p=0.001). No significant difference was observed in the preoperative calcaneal height and width, as well as postoperative radiologic parameters. There was no significant clinical difference between the two groups (p=0.546). Conclusion: We suggest that a tricortical-allobone graft may be useful in open reduction and screw fixation via the Ollier approach for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture with a bony defect after reduction of collapsed posterior facet fragment. This graft can contribute to the stable reduction via a small approach, even without a plate.