• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
• /
• v.11 no.2
• /
• pp.75-81
• /
• 2012

Purpose: To evaluate the ultrasonographic (US) findings in both shoulders of asymptomatic high school baseball players and compare with healthy control. Materials and Methods: 42 individuals (age: $7.6{\pm}1.2$ years) participated in this study. We recruited two groups of high school male baseball players, 14 pitchers and 18 fielders without shoulder pain for recent 6 months as well as one control group of 10 untrained healthy high school students who were age-matched. Ultrasound measurements of thickness of the biceps and supraspinatus tendon and acromio-humral distance (AHD) at $0^{\circ}$ abduction were taken in dominant and nondominant shoulders. Results: On US examination, subacromial bursa effusion was observed in 7 of the dominant shoulders and in 2 of the nondominant shoulder of 32 baseball players and in none of the asymptomatic controls. The thickness of the biceps and supraspinatus tendons and AHD in both shoulders were significantly greater in the baseball players than in the controls (p<0.05). We also found that the biceps and supraspinatus tendon thickness and AHD of the dominant shoulder were significantly greater than the non-dominant shoulder in baseball players (p<0.05), but there were no differences between pitchers and fielders and between healthy controls. Conclusion: Subacromial effusion could be found even in the asymptomatic stage and the thickness of the biceps and supraspinatus tendons and AHD were significantly greater in the baseball players than in the healthy controls. Our data is useful reference guide for the ultrasonographic diagnosis of shoulder pathologies occurring in high school baseball players.

• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.11 no.4
• /
• pp.19-29
• /
• 2004

Many muscles of the trunk and hip are capable of contributing to the stabilization and protection of the lumbar spine. To have optimal effectiveness, a training program should include dynamic back/stomach/hip exercises. This study was designed to assess the L5 level paraspinal, external abdominal oblique, and gluteus maximus muscle activities during various low back stabilization exercises. Participants were 26 healthy adults (13 males, 13 Females), aged 21 to 28 years. The surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded from the L5 level paraspinal, external abdominal oblique, and gluteus maximus muscles. The recorded signal was averaged and normalized to the maximal electromyographic amplitude obtained during the maximal voluntary contraction. The measurements were taken during 3 low back stabilization exercises. One-way analysis of variance with repeated measures was used to examine the difference, and a post hoc test was performed with least significant difference. A level of significance was set at p<.05. The significance of difference between men and women, and between the electromyographic recording sites was evaluated by an independent t-test. The EMG activity for the externus oblique and gluteus maximus muscles had significant differences among 3 exercises (p<.05). In males, the EMG activity for the external abdominal oblique muscle had significantly increased differences during exercises 1 and exercise 2 (p<.05). The gluteus maximus muscle had significantly increased differences during exercise 2 and exercise 3 (p<.05). In females, the multifidus muscle had significantly increased difference during exercise 3 (p<.05), the external abdominal oblique muscle had significantly increased difference during exercise 1 (p<.05). and the gluteus maximus muscle had significantly decreased difference during exercise 3 (p<.05). The results were that the external abdominal oblique muscle was apparently activated during the curl-up exercise in females and males, and the multifidus muscle was apparently activated during the bridging exercise in females and during the sling exercise in males and females.1)In comparison of the %MVC between males and females, exercise 2 and exercise 3 apparently activated of the multifidus and gluteus maximus muscles in both males and females (p<.05). The EMG activity of the gluteus maximus muscle of the males significantly increased during exercise 2 and exercise 3 (p<.05). The EMG activity the multifidus muscle of the females was significantly increased during exercise 2 and exercise 3 (p<.05). More research is needed to understand the nature of motor control problems in the deep muscles in patients with low back pain.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.126-130
• /
• 2004

Purpose: In this study, we tried to develop the technique of osteotomy for hallux valgus. The new modified technique of osteotomy was accomplished with even more greater stability, accurate correction of the deformity and more effective than 'chevron' osteotomy in terms of correction of the deformity. Materials and Methods: Between March 1998 and December 2001, 55 cases of new modified osteotomy for hallux valgus were performed for 39 patients, 16 of whom underwent operation of both feet. Operations were made for 34 women and 5 men whose average age was 46 years old (range, $20{\sim}71$ years). Average follow up period was three years (range, $2{\sim}5$ years), and during the follow up, the patients underwent physical examination and assessment with use of the American Orthpaedic Foot and Ankle Society's hallux-metatarso-phalangealinterphalangeal scale and standard foot radiographic measurements. Results: 37 patients (53 cases) out of 39 patients (55 cases) had no pain, good cosmesis, and all of the patients were satisfied with the results of the operation. Two had occasional mild discomfort. The average score according to the hallux-metatarso-phallangeal-interphalangeal scale was 93.2 points (range, $78{\sim}100$ points). The average preoperative intermetatarsal angle was $14.4^{\circ}$, which was decreased to $7.9^{\circ}$ after the osteotomy with an average correction of $6.5^{\circ}$ and The average preoperative hallux valgus angle was $34.1^{\circ}$, which was decreased to $11.1^{\circ}$ after the osteotomy with an average correction of $23^{\circ}$. This new modified technique would prevent the angulation or shortening at the osteotomy site and it was also even more stable at osteotomy site, and could do even more effective and accurate correction of the deformity than conventional Chevron osteotomy. Conclusion: New modified chevron osteotomy for the treatment of symptomatic hallux valgus was done in 55 cases, and the results were satisfactory in all cases. This method was more stable at the osteotomy site than conventional Chevron osteotomy and was also possible to do more accurate and more effective correction of the deformity. It was also easy to control the distal fragment of first metatarsal bone.

• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
• /
• v.8 no.1
• /
• pp.19-25
• /
• 2009

Purpose: We report mid to long - term results of meniscal transplantation and evaluate the important factors for successful outcomes. Materials and Methods: Between December 1999 and September 2002, 25 meniscal transplantations were performed using fresh frozen allograft. The lateral meniscus was transplanted in 19 cases and medial meniscus in 6 cases. The mean age was 34 years (range, 17~50 years) and the mean follow up was 54.8 months (range, 6~85 months). Preoperative measurements were made using a ruler graded in millimeters. Lateral meniscus was fixed by keyhole technique and medial meniscus was fixed by double bone plug technique with suturing the periphery of the meniscal transplant. All patients were evaluated with Knee Assessment Scoring System (KASS), Lysholm knee score, and Tegner activity scale for daily activity. Results: Symptoms improved in all cases. The average KASS score increased from 61.7 preoperatively to 83.8 postoperatively. The average Lysholm knee score increased from 77.7 preoperatively to 87.7 postoperatively (excellent in 3 cases, good in 17 cases, fair 4 cases, poor 1 case). But painful swellings were 3 cases, numbness in 1 case, and granuloma due to non-absorbable suture material in 1 case. Peroneal nerve palsy in 1 case was recovered after 6 weeks postoperatively. Conclusion: Meniscal allograft transplantation after subtotal or total menisectomy can significantly relieve pain and improve function of the knee joint. The exact preoperative sizing and secure fixation are essential for successful outcomes.

• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
• /
• v.5 no.2
• /
• pp.81-88
• /
• 2012

Purpose: To evaluate the ultrasonographic (US) findings in both shoulders of asymptomatic high school overhead athletes and compare with healthy control. Materials and Methods: 33 individuals (age: $17.5{\pm}1.4$ years) participated in this study. We recruited two groups of high school male athletes, 13 baseball and 10 volleyball players without shoulder pain for recent 6 months as well as one control group of 10 untrained healthy high school students who were age-matched. Ultrasound measurements of thickness of biceps and supraspinatus tendon and acromio-humral distance (AHD) at 0o abduction were taken in dominant and nondominant shoulders. Results: On US examination, subacromial bursa effusion was observed in 5 of the dominant shoulders and in 1 of the nondominant shoulder of 23 overhead athletes and in none of the asymptomatic controls. The thickness of the biceps and supraspinatus tendons and AHD in both shoulders were significantly greater in the athletes than in the controls (P<0.05). We also found that the thickness of the biceps and supraspinatus tendon and AHD of the dominant shoulder were significantly greater than the non-dominant shoulder in overhead athletes (P<0.05), but there were no differences between baseball and volleyball players. Conclusion: Subacromial effusion could be found even in the asymptomatic stage overhead athlete and the thickness of the biceps and supraspinatus tendons and AHD were significantly greater in the overhead athletes than in the healthy controls. Our data is useful reference guide for the ultrasonographic diagnosis of shoulder pathologies occurring in overhead athletes.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
• /
• v.2 no.1
• /
• pp.51-58
• /
• 1998

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to compare the postoperative success and stability of arthroscopically assisted anterior cruciate ligament(ACL) reconstructions using the central one third bone patellar tendon bone(BPB) autograft versus a quadrupled semitendinosus/gracilis(ST) autograft in patients with "isolated" ACL tears. Materials & Methods : A strict criteria to identify isolated ACL tears was used which included : no previous surgery, no other ligamentous injury, no history of patellofemoral symptoms, no patellofemoral malalignment, no meniscal pathology, no chondromalacia or chondral injury and no limitation of motion of the injured knee. 30 patients (15 BPB, 15 ST) with a mean age of 27.4 years were available for a mean follow up of 18 months (between 12 months and 26 months). Preoperatively, there was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to age, sex and degree of laxity. Results : Postoperatively, we couldn't find significant differences between the two groups with respect to subjective Lysholm score, objective laxity including Lachman test, pivot shift test and KT-2000 measurements. Mean side to side difference of KT-2000 scores at 20lbs were 1.5mm for the BPB group and 1.4mm for the ST group. Positive Lachman test was found in 26.7% and 33.3% and positive pivot shift was found in 20% and 33.3% of the patients in the BPB and ST groups, respectively. Anterior knee pain (33.3%) was more common in the BPB group. There were 80% of the patients in both groups above nearly normal grade according to the IKDC grade. Conclusions : In patients with "isolated" ACL tears, the overall results, ligamentous stability for the patellar tendon and the quadrupled semitendinosus/gracilis were comparable. We consider that the quadrupled autogenous hamstring tendon is a good alternative substitute in ACL reconstruction together with the bone patellar tendon bone.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
• /
• v.38 no.6
• /
• pp.277-284
• /
• 2017

This paper presents an implantable pH measurement electrode for wireless gastroesophageal reflux measurement. Usually, gastroesophageal reflux is diagnosed by a catheter-type wire connection between the esophagus and the diagnostic device which brings many side effects such as restriction of daily living, pain, and discomfort in the nasal cavity and pharynx of patients. In order to solve these issues, researchers have been studied a wireless measurement method and a micro-sized pH electrode for human body insertion is necessary. Commercial glass packaged pH meter is formed by a sensing and a reference electrodes in a KCl solution. However, if the glass meter is inserted into the human body, there are risks of leakage of the solution, breakage of the glass package, injury of the body elements. Therefore, the solution should be solidified on the micro-sized noble metal wire which has a characteristic of biocompatible. After solidified wire fabrication, the designed meter was tested for feasibility of measurement and the result was well agreed with pH values of commercial pH meter. Potentials in pH 1 to 12 solution was measured to obtain the sensitivity of the sensor with linearity. And we have designed a simulation of gastroesophageal reflux with symptom frequency, interval, and duration time in pH 2 solution. The proposed sensor has capable to get the same potential for 24 measurements in 3 days, and it has sensed same pH values of 2 for one hour with every 10 minutes. Furthermore, the sensor was survived for 48 hours with reasonable potentials in the acid solution.

• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.5 no.3
• /
• pp.72-87
• /
• 1998

This study examined the rates of spinal abnormal curvature and the correlation of the Body Mass Index (BMI), Low Back Pain (LBP) and spinal curvature by measuring scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis in university students. The study population included 67 male, 92 female university students, making a total of 159, in Wonju City. Spinal curvature was measured by an electrogoniometer in a computerized skeletal analysis system. Lateral curvature of spine of more than 10 degrees was considered as nonspostural scoliosis. The correlation of BMI, LBP and the spinal curvature was analysed by Pearson's correlation coefficient and t-test. The following results were obtained: 1. The overall incidence and rate of scoliosis in cases with a greater than 10 degree curve in males was an incidence of 8 and a rate of 11%. In females the incidence was 36 and the rate 39.2%. 2. The overall incidence and rate of kyphosis of less than 20 degrees in males was a rate of 9 and an incidence of 11.9%. In females, the rate was 5 and the incidence 5.4%. In kyphosis cases of more than 40 degrees, the male rate was 5 and the incidence 7.7%. For female the rate was 13 and the incidence 14.2%. 3. The overall incidence and rate of lordosis with curves of less than 20 degrees was a rate of 6 for males and an incidence of 9.0%. For females, the rate was 5 and the incidence 5.4%. In cases of more than 50 degrees lordosis, the female rate was 2 and the incidence 2.2%. There were no males in this category. 4. There was a negative correlation between kyphosis and BMI. The greater the kyphotic curve, the less the BMI in males (p<0.05). There was no significant BMI difference by gender in either scoliosis or lordosis. There was, however, a significantly decreased sacral angle in the female group with LBP. The results of this study cannot be generalized to the general population because the subjects were all from one university. The measurements were quite reliable because the angles determined by the Metrocom System were highly correlated with radiologic findings. This study shows the need for a regular screening system for spinal curvatures in university health examination procedures.

• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.24 no.2
• /
• pp.37-47
• /
• 2017

Background: Active trigger points (TrPs) of the suboccipital muscles greatly contribute to the occurrence of chronic tension-type headache, with increased sensitivity of TrPs and facilitated referred pain. Objects: This study aimed to investigate whether the integration of high-frequency diathermy into suboccipital release is more beneficial than the use of suboccipital release alone. Methods: Thirty subjects were assigned to either experimental group-1 (EG-1) to undergo suboccipital release combined with high-frequency diathermy (frequency: 0.3 MHz, and electrode type: resistive electronic transfer), or EG-2 to undergo suboccipital release alone, or the control group (CG) with no intervention, with 10 subjects in each group. The assessment tools included the headache impact test 6 (HIT-6), perceived level of tenderness, neck disability index, and neck mobility. Intervention was performed for 10 minutes, twice per week, for 4 weeks, and measurements were performed before and after the interventions. Results: The between-group comparison of the post-test values and changes between pretest and post-test showed significant differences for all parameters at p<.05, except for the left-to-right lateral bending range. In the post hoc test, EG-1 showed significant differences for the parameters in comparison with the CG, while no significant differences in the perceived tenderness level, on both temporal regions, were found between EG-2 and CG. Furthermore, the HIT-6 score and perceived tenderness level, in the right temporal region, showed significant differences between EG-1 and EG-2. In the within-group comparison, EG-1 and EG-2 appeared to be significantly different between pretest and post-test (p<.05), except for the perceived tenderness level in the right temporal region, with significance for the EG-1 group only (p<.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that the suboccipital release technique may be advantageous to improve headache, tenderness, and neck function and mobility, with more favorable effects with the incorporation of high-frequency diathermy.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• /
• v.20 no.5
• /
• pp.547-556
• /
• 2016

Myometrial relaxation of mouse via expression of two-pore domain acid sensitive (TASK) channels was studied. In our previous report, we suggested that two-pore domain acid-sensing $K^+$ channels (TASK-2) might be one of the candidates for the regulation of uterine circular smooth muscles in mice. In this study, we tried to show the mechanisms of relaxation via TASK-2 channels in marine myometrium. Isometric contraction measurements and patch clamp technique were used to verify TASK conductance in murine myometrium. Western blot and immunehistochemical study under confocal microscopy were used to investigate molecular identity of TASK channel. In this study, we showed that TEA and 4-AP insensitive non-inactivating outward $K^+$ current (NIOK) may be responsible for the quiescence of murine pregnant longitudinal myometrium. The characteristics of NIOK coincided with two-pore domain acid-sensing $K^+$ channels (TASK-2). NIOK in the presence of $K^+$ channel blockers was inhibited further by TASK inhibitors such as quinidine, bupivacaine, lidocaine, and extracellular acidosis. Furthermore, oxytocin and estrogen inhibited NIOK in pregnant myometrium. When compared to non-pregnant myometrium, pregnant myometrium showed stronger inhibition of NIOK by quinidine and increased immunohistochemical expression of TASK-2. Finally, TASK-2 inhibitors induced strong myometrial contraction even in the presence of L-methionine, a known inhibitor of stretch-activated channels in the longitudinal myometrium of mouse. Activation of TASK-2 channels seems to play an essential role for relaxing uterus during pregnancy and it might be one of the alternatives for preventing preterm delivery.