• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.79-84
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• 2009

Purpose: Medial or Lateral epicondylitis is one of the most common causes of elbow pain and recently ESWT (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) is welcomed as a new treatment modality and has been performed in many clinics. The purpose of this study is to report the clinical result after the ESWT treatment for the lateral or medial epicondylitis of the elbow. Materials and Methods: From Nov. 2005 to Jan. 2009, seventy four cases of seventy two (11 male, 61 female) patients diagnosed as medial or lateral epicondylitis of the elbow are included in this study. The average age was 52.4 years old. Authors used visual analogue scale (VAS) to assess the degree of pain at rest and during work, comparing the score before the ESWT treatment with that of $6^{th}$, $12^{th}$ and $24^{th}$ week after the treatment. Authors also checked the number of awakeness during sleep due to pain and compared them before and after the ESWT treatment. Results: Average resting pain score improved from 4.60 before the treatment to 2.01 at $6^{th}$ week, 0.43 at $12^{th}$ week and 0.16 at $24^{th}$ week. Average pain score during working also showed quite an improvement with time from 7.20 before the treatment to 4.05 at $6^{th}$ week, 2.01 at $12^{th}$ week and finally 0.36 at $24^{th}$ week. We checked the frequency of sleep arousal during a week, and also found similar significant treatment efficacy as the average frequency decreased from 9.64 per week before the treatment to 1.21, 0.08 and 0.09 per week at $6^{th}$ week, $12^{th}$ week and $24^{th}$ week, respectively. Conclusion: ESWT for medial or lateral epicondylitis is thought to be one of the effective treatment modalities for those patient group not quite responsive to other conservative treatment.

• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.68-73
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• 2009

Purpose: We retrospectively studied the outcomes of the shoulder impingement syndrome for the treatment of the ultrasound-guided subacromial bursal steroid injection. Materials and Methods: Sixty-six shoulders of sixty-two patients with shoulder impingement syndrome treated from March, 2006 to April, 2009 were involved in this study. All cases underwent standardized, nonoperative treatment protocol consisting of 5~12 MHz high resolution ultrasound-guided local steroid injection into the subacromial bursa in modified Crass position. The shoulder range of motion, VAS score and impingement signs were evaluated during the initial and 1year visits. After injection, shoulder elevation exercise was encouraged. Statistical analysis with ANOVA model and Tukey's post-hoc test with the significance level at 5% were performed using SAS program. Results: All cases showed improved range of motion without limitation of shoulder function at immediate post-injection, 6-week, 3-month and 1year visits. The average VAS score at one year follow-up decreased to 2.85 from 6.47 before injection. In all cases the impingement signs became negative immediate after injection. However, 6 cases showed positive impingement signs after 6-week, which became negative after reinjection. The range of motion and VAS score were improved at one-year follow-up compared to initial visit (p<0.0001). No complication was noted at all follow-up period. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided subacromial steroid injection alleviated the need of surgery, because it was successful in all our cases to improve pain and function of the shoulders until one year follow-up period.

• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.53-61
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• 2009

Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of serial ultrasonography (USG) after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and to assess the re-tear rate and the re-tear time according to the tear sizes and the repair method. Materials and Methods: Between January 2008 and June 2008, 52 patients were treated with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, Of the 52 patients, 29 patients that had undergone more than six months follow-up underwent preoperative USG examinations and subsequent arthroscopic examinations. MRI and USG findings were compared with intraoperative results of arthroscopic examinations. The postoperative integrity of the rotator cuff was observed using serial USG examination performed postoperatively at two weeks, six weeks, three months, and six months. Results: Small to medium rotator cuff tear were identified in 10 patients where the double pulley suture bridge (DPSB) technique was performed; the re-tear rate was 20%. For 19 patients with large to massive rotator cuff tears, the re-tear rates was 100% for six patients who had undergone tendon to tendon (TT) repair, the re-tear rate was 50% for two patients who had undergone tendon to tendon and bone to tendon (TTBT) repair and the re-tear rate was 55% for11 patients where the DPSB technique was performed. Re-tear rates according to follow-up periods were 7% from two to six weeks, 66% from six weeks to three months and 27% from three to six months postoperatively. Conclusion: Serial USG examinations after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were useful to assess the re-tear rate and the re-tear time. In addition, USG examination were useful for treatment planning during postoperative rehabilitation.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.232-243
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• 2014

Purpose : To evaluate the incidence of secondary contiguous or non-contiguous subchondral bone impactions (SBI) in subaxial cervical spinal injury and associated primary injury patterns. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and medical records was carried out for 47 patients who had sustained a subaxial cervical spinal injury. Presence, number, level, and sites of secondary contiguous or non-contiguous SBI were recorded. To evaluate primary injury patterns, the level and number of primary injury sites of subaxial cervical spine injury, injury morphology, anterior/posterior discoligamentous complex (ADC/PDC) injury, posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) injury, spinal cord injury, and mechanism of injury (MOI) were analyzed. Differences in primary injury pattern of subaxial cervical spine injury and MOI between patients with and without SBI, and between contiguous or non-contiguous SBI were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson's chi square test and Fisher's exact test. Results: Eighteen patients (18/47, 38.29%) had developed contiguous (n=9) or non-contiguous (n=9) SBI, most commonly involving T3 (15/47, 31.91%) and 3 levels (6/18, 33.33%). All SBIs had developed near the anterosuperior region of the body and the superior endplate and were the result of a high-impact MOI. SBIs were statistically significant in association with injury morphology and PLC injury (P=0.001, P=0.009, respectively) at the primary injury site. Non-contiguous SBI was more frequently accompanied by upper cervical spinal injuries in association with PDC injuries, as opposed to contiguous SBI, with statistical significance (P=0.009), while no other statistically significant differences were found. Conclusion: Secondary SBIs are common and probably associated with subaxial cervical spinal injuries with high energy compressive flexion forces.

• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.7-14
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the correlation between the medial joint space on weight bearing simple X-ray and the ultrasonographic articular cartilage thickness. Materials and Methods: The articular cartilage thickness of 91 osteoarthritic knees of 73 patients were measured with weight bearing simple X-ray and ultrasonography between June 2010 and September 2010. Male were 13 and female were 60. Right knees were 35, left knees were 20 and bilateral involvements were 18. Medial joint spaces on X-ray were measured in full extension view and $45^{\circ}$ PA(Rosenberg) view. Femoral cartilage thicknesses at and those at the point between the middle 1/3 and posterior 1/3 area were measured by ultrasonography, that were scanned coronally at $30^{\circ}$ flexion and $130^{\circ}$ flexion respectively. The results were analyzed statistically by Pearson correlation test and Bland-Altman plot test. Results: Medial joint spaces measured in full extension view and femoral articular cartilage thicknesses at the point between the anterior 1/3 and middle 1/3 area measured with sonography were statistically correlated and medial joint spaces measured in $45^{\circ}$ PA view and those at the point between the middle 1/3 and posterior 1/3 area measured with sonography were also correlated (P<0.05, $SD{\pm}2$). Conclusion: The measurement of articular cartilage thicknesses by the ultrasonography was easy even in the patient who are unable to take weight bearing view and was thought to be a useful diagnostic and follow up method to examine the degenerative change in addition to simple radiographic examination in the knee osteoarthritis.

• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.77-83
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• 2011

Purpose: We compared with USG-guided steroid injection group and blind steroid injection group for the treatment of calcific tendinitis to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment modalities. Materials and Methods: We reviewed two groups of calcific tendinitis treated with steroid injection and follow up upto 6 month after injection. Group I was blind injection for 88 patient with average age of 53years old and female gender in 77%. Group II was USG- guided injection for 102 patients with average age of 54years old and female gender in 85%. We compared follow up results according to age, gender, size of tendon involvement, initial VAS score, and phase of the calcific tendinitis between two groups. Results: At 6 month's follow up period, USG-guided injected group was more prevalent compared to blind injection group with 92%(94/102) and 72%(64/88) (P<0.05). In Group I, 77%(49/64) patients have improved symptom. And in Group II, 92%(86/94) patients have improved symptom in formative or resorptive phase. Despite of symptom improvement, calcium deposit is remained 47%(30/64) in Group I, and 20%(19/94) in Group II. Conclusion: Conservative treatment of Shoulder calcific tendinitis patients through USG-guided injection is more effective than Blind injection in pain relief & calcium decrease. The patients USG-guided injected group was more prevalent in follow up at outpatient clinic, throughout more accurate injection with improved confidence.

• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose is to perform objective evaluation for rotator cuff using ultrasonography and validate factors influencing cuff integrity as well as efficacy of follow-up ultrasonography after unreamed antegrade intramedullary nailing for humerus fracture. Materials and Methods: Seventeen patients with an average age of $55.7{\pm}18.6$ years underwent antegrade intramedullary nailing for humerus fracture and follow-up ultrasonography of shoulder joint. Mean follow-up period was $43.5{\pm}32.2$ months. Intraoperative evaluation for preoperative cuff tear was performed, of which four cuffs were repaired by single row repair technique. Clinical evaluation included visual analogue scale (VAS), range of motion, Korean Shoulder Scoring System (KSS) and American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) score. Ultrasonographic evaluation was performed on cuff integrity and protrusion of proximal nail tip as well. Radiographic evaluation included time to union, protrusion of proximal nail tip and migration of proximal interlocking screw which could affect shoulder joint function. Results: Mean VAS at last follow-up was $1.65{\pm}1.84$ points. Range of motion showed forward flexion of $137.0{\pm}33.5^{\circ}$, external rotation of $43.5{\pm}12.7^{\circ}$ and internal rotation of $16.4{\pm}2.0^{\circ}$ while KSS score and ASES score were $79.6{\pm}20.7$ and $83.7{\pm}17.0$ points, respectively. Bone union was demonstrated in all cases and average time to union was $3.4{\pm}1.3$ months. Migration of proximal interlocking screw was shown in 6 cases (35%). On ultrasonographic evaluation, there were normal in 8 (47%), weaving in 4 (24%), partial tear in 5 cases (29%), but no complete tear. Protrusion of proximal nail tip was demonstrated in 8 cases (47%) on plain radiographs whereas in 11 cases (65%) on ultrasonography and was associated with increasing age (p=0.038). Ultrasonographic weaving and partial tear was associated with protrusion of proximal nail tip (p=006), but not with repair of preoperative tear (p>0.05). Conclusion: Because weaving and partial tear on ultrasonography originated from protrusion of proximal nail tip, careful insertion of nail and meticulous repair of cuff during operation lead to stable fixation with satisfactory recovery of shoulder function follow-up ultrasonography can be a useful tool for evaluating protrusion of nail tip and rotator cuff tear, of which diagnosis is difficult on plain X-ray after antegrade intramedullary nailing for humerus fracture.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.63-79
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• 2009

While previous epidemiological studies on temporomandibular disorders (TMD) have been based on a given health center or population sample, no study has been performed on general population of Korea, especially concerning about treatment pattern such as clinician’s specialty involved in TMD treatment, types and amount of prescription medication and cost. This study aimed to investigate magnitude of health visits and treatment patterns for Korean patients with TMD through the computerized database of Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRAS). Inclusion criteria were all patients registered on the HIRAS database over 3 years' period from 2003 to 2005 and the medical records of patients with TMD as a main diagnosis were extracted. Information collected was as follows; distribution related to gender, age and region and type of hospital the patients visited, treatment duration, clinicians' specialty involved in treatment, cost, types of prescription medication and surgical treatment. The results of this study indicated that 0.15% of the population yearly sought TMD treatment, presenting with increase of incidence over the three years. Most of TMD patients were women (99.8%) and the biggest age group was second and third decades and decreased with age. Seoul and Kyeonggi province presented with higher incidence of TMD compared to the other regions of Korea, which seems to be related with magnitude of population. 56% of TMD patients visited primary care sector and the numbers of treatment visits was the highest in dental clinic (38.4%), followed by orthopedics (28%) and ENT (13.6%) clinics in order. Duration of prescription medication was the longest for anti-inflammatory analgesics, followed by antipsychotic drugs and muscle relaxants. Inpatient care related to TMD was primarily performed in dental hospital compared to medical hospital. Medical database of HIRAS provided comprehensive and vast information on epidemiologic characteristics and treatment patterns for patients seeking TMD treatment, which can be more reliable data to expect medical demand for TMD in condition that accurate diagnosis and standardized treatment is delivered in clinical settings.

• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.18-23
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• 2009

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between the real pathology & abnormal finding found by ultrasonography. Without an MRI test being done beforehand, an arthroscopy is done after an ultrasonography to show abnormal lesions during a knee abnormality. Materials and Methods: The subjects were 42 patients out of 49 cases, excluding those with rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis and patients suspected with a ligament tear, which were examined by ultrasonography alone before receiving a knee arthroscopy in our hospital from July 2007 to July 2008. In every case, a physical examination, simple X-ray and knee ultrasonography was done. An arthroscopy was performed when there was ultrasonographic abnormal finding. Before the procedure, a MRI test was not performed and when abnormal findings were found by an arthroscopy, an appropriate surgery was done. Results: During the ultrasonographic examination, there were various sized effusions in the suprapatellar pouch. Also, in addition there were eleven cases of medial meniscus abnormalities, sixteen cases of lateral meniscus abnormalities, and two cases of cystic lesions. Throughout the arthroscopic examination, there were 14 cases of medial meniscus abnormalities, 20 cases of lateral meniscus abnormalities, 15 cases of cartilage damages, 9 cases of medial pathologic plica, 2 cases of intra-articular loose bodies, 5 cases of chondromalacia, 2 cases of cyst, and 2 cases of synovitis. When an effusion abnormality was found by the ultrasonography in a suprapatellar pouch, there was a 100% probability of knee pathology. When a medial meniscus abnormality was found with an ultrasonography, there was a 90.9% probability of a real pathology. When a lateral meniscus abnormality was found there was 81.2% probability of a real pathology. Ultrasonography was 100% accurate when it came to cystic lesions. Conclusion: Knee ultrasonography performed before an arthroscopy seems to be a very useful examination method when suspecting intra-articular lesions.

• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2009

Purpose: The goal of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the clinical findings and ultrasonographic findings of plantar fasciitis. Materials and Methods: Forty-nine symptomatic heels of 36 patients with plantar fasciitis and 21 asymptomatic heels were included. Twenty-three patients had unilateral lesions and 13 had bilateral lesions. Of these, 16 were men and 20 were women. The average age of the patients was 48.6 years. The plantar fascia thickness was measured at its insertion of the calcaneus. Qualitative parameters such as decreased echogenity, biconvexity, partial rupture and calcification of plantar fascia, and subcalcaneal spur on plain radiographs were also noted. Comparisons of ultrasonographic parameters between symptomatic heels and asymptomatic heels as well as between unilateral and bilateral groups were done. Results: There was no differences in the age, sex, body mass index, and duration of symptom between the unilateral and bilateral group. There were a statistically significant difference between the thickness of plantar fascia of unilateral group (mean 5.2 mm, SD1.5 mm) and that of bilateral group (mean 4.4 mm, SD 1.4 mm) (p=0.045). The hypoechogenity of plantar fascia and subcalcaneal spur did not differ between two groups. No fascial rupture or fascial calcification were identified. There was a statistically significant difference between the thickness of plantar fascia of symptomatic heels (mean 4.8 mm, SD1.5 mm) and that of asymptomatic heels (mean 3.1 mm, SD 0.5 mm) (p=0.000). The thickness of plantar fasia was negatively correlated with duration of symptoms (p=0.046). Conclusion: The thickness of plantar fascia in plantar fasciitis seems to be negatively correlated with the duration of symptoms, and the thickness of symptomatic heels and unilateral group was significantly thicker than that of asymptomatic heels and bilateral group, respectively.