• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.42
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• pp.14.1-14.11
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• 2020

Background: The purpose of this study is to introduce our modified disc plication technique using MITEK mini anchors and to evaluate the clinical outcome for patients with internal derangement (ID) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Patients and methods: We evaluated 65 joints in 46 patients, comprised 32 women and 14 men, who first visited the Asan Medical Center from December 2012 to December 2016. The age of the patients ranged from 14 to 79 years, with a mean age of 36.6 years. The patients presented with joint problems including pain, joint noise, and mouth opening limitation (MOL). Patients who met our inclusion criteria underwent unilateral or bilateral disc repositioning surgery with our minimally invasive disc plication technique using MITEK mini anchors and No. 2-0 Ethibond^® braided polyester sutures. The variables taken into account in this study were the range of maximum mouth opening (MMO), painful symptoms (evaluated with the visual analog scale, VAS), and the type of noise (click, popping, crepitus) in the TMJ. Results: Preoperative examination revealed painful symptoms in 50.7% (n = 35) of the operated joints (n = 69) and the presence of clicks in 56.5% (n = 39). Postoperative examination revealed that 4.3% (n = 3) of the operated joints had painful symptoms with lower intensity than that in the preoperative condition. Additionally, 17.4% (n = 12) had residual noise in the TMJ, among which two were clicking and the other 10 had mild crepitus. The intensity of the postoperative residual noise was significantly decreased in all cases compared to that in the preoperative condition. Among patients with MOL below 38 mm (n = 18), the mean MMO was 31.4 mm preoperatively and 44.2 mm at 6 months postoperatively, with a mean increase of 13.8 mm. A barely visible scar at the operation site was noted during the postoperative observation period, with no significant complications such as facial palsy or permanent occlusal disharmony. Conclusion: Subjective symptoms in all patients improved following the surgery. TMJ disc plication using MITEK mini anchors with our minimally invasive approach may be a feasible and effective surgical option for treating TMJ ID patients who are not responsive to conservative treatment.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.42
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• pp.32.1-32.4
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• 2020

Background: Le Fort I osteotomy is a highly effective treatment for skeletal jaw deformities and is commonly performed. High Le Fort I osteotomy is a modified surgical procedure performed for improving the depression of the cheeks by setting the osteotomy higher than the conventional Le Fort I osteotomy. Developments in three-dimensional (3D) technology have popularized the use of 3D printers in various institutions, especially in orthognathic surgeries. In this study, we report a safe and inexpensive method of performing a high Le Fort I osteotomy using a novel 3D device and piezosurgery, which prevent tooth root injury without disturbing the operation field for patients with a short midface and long tooth roots. Results: A 17-year-old woman presented with facial asymmetry, mandibular protrusion, a short midface, and long tooth roots. We planned high Le Fort I osteotomy and bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy. Prevention of damage to the roots of the teeth and the infraorbital nerve and accurate determination of the posterior osteotomy line were crucial for clinical success. Le Fort I osteotomy using 3D devices has been reported previously but were particularly large in size for this case. Additionally, setting the fixing screw of the device was difficult, because of the risk of damage to the roots of the teeth. Therefore, a different surgical technique, other than the conventional Le Fort I osteotomy and 3D device, was required. The left and right parts of the 3D device were fabricated separately, to prevent any interference in the surgical field. Further, the 3D device was designed to accurately cover the bone surface from the piriform aperture to the infra-zygomatic crest with two fixation points (the anterior nasal spine and the piriform aperture), which ensured stabilization of the 3D device. The device is thin and does not interfere with the surgical field. Safe and accurate surgical performance is possible using this device and piezosurgery. The roots of the teeth and the infraorbital nerve were unharmed during the surgery. Conclusions: This device is considerably smaller than conventional devices and is a simple, low-cost, and efficient method for performing accurate high Le Fort I osteotomy.

• Neurospine
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.353-361
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• 2018

Objective: This study is aimed to investigate whether surgical strategies for adult spinal deformity (ASD) treatment differed among Korean physicians. Methods: This study is retrospective questionnaire-based study. ASD is challenging to manage, with a broad range of clinical and radiological presentations. To investigate possible nationality- or ethnicity-related differences in the surgical strategies adopted for ASD treatment, the International Spine Study Group surveyed physicians' responses to 16 cases of ASD. We reviewed the answers to this survey from Korean physicians. Korean orthopedic surgeons (OS) and neurosurgeons (NS) received a questionnaire containing 16 cases and response forms via email. After reviewing the cases, physicians were asked to indicate whether they would treat each case with decompression or fusion. If fusion was chosen, physicians were also asked to indicate whether they would perform 3-column osteotomy. Retrospective chi-square analyses were performed to investigate whether the answers to each question differed according to training specialty or amount of surgical experience. Results: Twenty-nine physicians responded to our survey, of whom 12 were OS and 17 were NS. In addition, 18 (62.1%) had more than 10 years of experience in ASD correction and were assigned to the M10 group, while 11 (37.9%) had less than 10 years of experience and were assigned to the L10 group. We found that for all cases, the surgical strategies favored did not significantly differ between OS and NS or between the M10 and L10 groups. However, for both fusion surgery and 3-column osteotomy, opinions were divided regarding the necessity of the procedures in 4 of the 16 cases. Conclusion: The surgical strategies favored by physicians were similar for most cases regardless of their training specialty or experience. This suggests that these factors do not affect the surgical strategies selected for ASD treatment, with patient clinical and radiological characteristics having greater importance.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.19 no.7
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• pp.1-12
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• 2019

According to a survey on the frequency of access to medical ads by the Korea Press Foundation in 2017, the most commonly exposed ads among adult men and women are advertising about beauty, plasticity and obesity. As of 2011, South Korea had the largest number of cosmetic surgeries in the world, with 131 cosmetic surgeries per 10,000 people. As a result, as many as 1,414 plastic surgery clinics are operating in South Korea, and the number is also on the rise. Although there are various standards for evaluating people's appearance, the desire to pursue a better look is growing day by day. Then, one might wonder what factors influence consumers' choices among the numerous advertisements for plastic surgery clinics. Based on these questions, this study identified the examples of plastic surgery advertisements, analyzed their type, and identified the types of advertisements with the high visual appeal of the advertising consumer through eye tracking experiment. In total, seven eye-tracking tests of plastic surgery social media advertisements were conducted on 10 subjects. The results showed that the commercial model was the biggest factor that caught the attraction and attention of the ad recipient first and that the most focused and long-standing factor was the treatment contents. Therefore, it is important to select proper commercial models for hospital and clinic contents and to specify factual treatment contents when producing social media advertisements for plastic surgeons. We hope these findings will help create online advertising for plastic surgery clinics effectively.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.53 no.6
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• pp.466-477
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• 2018

Orthopaedics is an area where 3-dimensional (3D) printing technology is most likely to be utilized because it has been used to treat a range of diseases of the whole body. For arthritis, spinal diseases, trauma, deformities, and tumors, 3D printing can be used in the form of anatomical models, surgical guides, metal implants, bio-ceramic body reconstruction, and orthosis. In particular, in orthopaedic oncology, patients have a wide variety of tumor locations, but limited options for the limb salvage surgery have resulted in many complications. Currently, 3D printing personalized implants can be fabricated easily in a short time, and it is anticipated that all bone tumors in various surgical sites will be reconstructed properly. An improvement of 3D printing technology in the healthcare field requires close cooperation with many professionals in the design, printing, and validation processes. The government, which has determined that it can promote the development of 3D printing-related industries in other fields by leading the use of 3D printing in the medical field, is also actively supporting with an emphasis on promotion rather than regulation. In this review, the experience of using 3D printing technology for bone tumor surgery was shared, expecting orthopaedic surgeons to lead 3D printing in the medical field.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.462-469
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• 2019

Background Incisional hernia is a common complication following visceral organ transplantation. Transplant patients are at increased risk of primary and recurrent hernias due to chronic immune suppression and large incisions. We conducted a retrospective review of patients with a history of liver or kidney transplantation who underwent hernia repair to analyze outcomes and hernia recurrence. Methods This is a single center, retrospective review of 19 patients who received kidney and/or liver transplantation prior to presenting with an incisional hernia from 2011 to 2017. All hernias were repaired with open component separation technique (CST) with biologic mesh underlay. Results The mean age of patients was $61.0{\pm}8.3years\;old$, with a mean body mass index of $28.4{\pm}4.8kg/m^2$, 15 males (78.9%), and four females (21.1%). There were seven kidney, 11 liver, and one combined liver and kidney transplant patients. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (16 patients, 84.2%), diabetes (9 patients, 47.4%), and tobacco use (8 patients, 42.1%). Complications occurred in six patients (31.6%) including hematoma (1/19), abscess (1/19), seroma (2/19), and hernia recurrence (3/19) at mean follow-up of $28.7{\pm}22.8months$. With the exception of two patients with incomplete follow-up, all patients healed at a median time of 27 days. Conclusions This small, retrospective series of complex open CST in transplant patients shows acceptable rates of long-term hernia recurrence and healing. By using a multidisciplinary approach for abdominal wall reconstruction, we believe that modified open CST with biologic mesh is a safe and effective technique in the transplant population with complex abdominal hernias.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.62 no.4
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• pp.442-449
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• 2019

Objective : Bone mineral density (BMD) is an important consideration during fusion surgery. Although dual X-ray absorptiometry is considered as the gold standard for assessing BMD, quantitative computed tomography (QCT) provides more accurate data in spine osteoporosis. However, QCT has the disadvantage of additional radiation hazard and cost. The present study was to demonstrate the utility of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithm for assessing osteoporosis using Hounsfield units (HU) of preoperative lumbar CT coupling with data of QCT. Methods : We reviewed 70 patients undergoing both QCT and conventional lumbar CT for spine surgery. The T-scores of 198 lumbar vertebra was assessed in QCT and the HU of vertebral body at the same level were measured in conventional CT by the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) system. A multiple regression algorithm was applied to predict the T-score using three independent variables (age, sex, and HU of vertebral body on conventional CT) coupling with T-score of QCT. Next, a logistic regression algorithm was applied to predict osteoporotic or non-osteoporotic vertebra. The Tensor flow and Python were used as the machine learning tools. The Tensor flow user interface developed in our institute was used for easy code generation. Results : The predictive model with multiple regression algorithm estimated similar T-scores with data of QCT. HU demonstrates the similar results as QCT without the discordance in only one non-osteoporotic vertebra that indicated osteoporosis. From the training set, the predictive model classified the lumbar vertebra into two groups (osteoporotic vs. non-osteoporotic spine) with 88.0% accuracy. In a test set of 40 vertebrae, classification accuracy was 92.5% when the learning rate was 0.0001 (precision, 0.939; recall, 0.969; F1 score, 0.954; area under the curve, 0.900). Conclusion : This study is a simple machine learning model applicable in the spine research field. The machine learning model can predict the T-score and osteoporotic vertebrae solely by measuring the HU of conventional CT, and this would help spine surgeons not to under-estimate the osteoporotic spine preoperatively. If applied to a bigger data set, we believe the predictive accuracy of our model will further increase. We propose that machine learning is an important modality of the medical research field.

• Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.168-176
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• 2018

Purpose: Robotic-associated minimally invasive surgery is a novel method for overcoming some limitations of laparoscopic surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes (postoperative pain, cosmesis, surgeon's workload) of single-incision robotic cholecystectomy (SIRC) vs. single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) vs. conventional three-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (3PLC). Methods: 134 patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic cholecystectomy at a single center during 2016~2017 were enrolled. Prospectively collected data included demographics, operative outcomes, questionnaire regarding pain and cosmesis, and NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) scores for surgeon's workload. Results: 55 patients underwent SIRC, 29 SILC, and 50 3PLC during the same period. 3PLC patient group was older than the others (SIRC vs. SILC vs. 3PLC: 48.1 vs. 42.2 vs. 54.1 years, p<0.001). Operative time was shortest with 3PLC (44.1 vs. 38.8 vs. 25.4 min, p<0.001). Estimated blood loss, postoperative complications, and postoperative stay were similar among the groups. Pain control was lowest in the 3PLC group (98.2% vs. 100% vs. 84.0%, p=0.004), however, at 2 weeks postoperatively there were no differences among the groups (p=0.374). Cosmesis scores were also worst after 3PLC (17.5 vs. 18.4 vs. 13.3, p<0.001). NASA-TLX score was highest in the SILC group (21.9 vs. 44.3 vs. 25.2, p<0.001). Conclusion: Although SIRC and SILC take longer than 3PLC, they produce superior cosmetic outcomes. Compared with SILC, SIRC is more ergonomic, lowering the surgeon's workload. Despite of higher cost, SIRC could be an alternative for treating gallbladder disease in selected patients.

• Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.160-167
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• 2018

Purpose: The aim of our study was to present an abdominal wall closure technique using barbed suture $V-Loc^{TM}$ 90 after single incision laparoscopic appendectomy (SILA) and to compare perioperative outcomes with conventional layer by layer abdominal wall closure after SILA. Methods: From March 2014 to July 2016, a retrospective case-control study was conducted for a total of 269 consecutive patients who underwent SILA. According to abdominal wall closure methods, 129 patients were classified into the V-Loc closure group and 140 patients were assigned into the conventional layer by layer closure group. In the V-Loc group, abdominal wall closure was performed from the fascia to the skin with a single thread of unidirectional absorbable barbed suture $V-Loc^{TM}$ 90 2-0 using continuous running suture and reverse overlapping reinforced running technique. Subcutaneous closure and subcuticular suture were performed with the remaining portion of V-Loc. Results: The V-Loc closure group showed shorter total operation time ($40.0{\pm}15.4min$ vs. $44.9{\pm}16.3min$, p=0.013) and abdominal wall cusing continuous running suture and reverse overlapping reinforced running technique. Subcutaneous closure and subcuticular suture were performed with the remaining portion of V-Loc. Results: The V-Loc closure group showed shorter total operation time losure time ($5.5{\pm}0.9min$ vs. $6.5{\pm}0.8min$, p<0.001). Postoperative incision length was significantly shorter in the V-Loc closure group ($1.1{\pm}0.3cm$ vs. $1.8{\pm}0.4cm$, p<0.001). Postoperative wound pain, time to resume diet, postoperative hospital stay, complications including surgical site infection, or mean patient satisfaction score at one month after hospital discharge was not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: In conclusion, unidirectional knotless barbed suture is a safe alternative method for abdominal wall closure after SILA. It can save time while providing comparable cosmesis.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.21-26
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• 2021

Background: To evaluate the demographics, clinical and radiographic features of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder in the Korean population, specifically focusing on the incidence of coexisting rotator cuff tear. Methods: Between October 2014 and January 2015, we performed a prospective multicenter study with 506 patients from 11 training hospitals in Korea. We collected data of demographics and radiographic analysis based on simple radiographs, clinical assessments based on visual analog scale (VAS) and the American Shoulder Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and treatment modalities that are used currently. We also evaluated coexisting rotator cuff tear by ultrasonography (US) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images. Results: There were 402 female patients (79%) with mean age of 55 years (range, 31-87 years). Mean duration of symptoms was 16 months. Mean size of calcific materials was 11.4 mm (range, 0-35 mm). Mean value of VAS and ASES scores were 6.5 (range, 1-10) and 47 (range, 8-95), respectively. Of 383 patients (76%), 59 (15%) had rotator cuff tear including 15 full-thickness tears on US or MRI. Patients with rotator cuff tears were significantly associated with older age, recurrent symptoms, menstrual disorders in females, and having undergone calcification removal surgery and rotator cuff repair (all p<0.05). Conclusions: This study reported demographic, radiographic, and clinical features of calcific tendinitis of the shoulder in Korean population, which were not different from those of Western population. Coexisting rotator cuff tear was found with 15% incidence in this large series, suggesting that further radiographic study to evaluate rotator cuff tear might be needed in some calcific tendinitis patients of older age and presenting with recurrent symptoms.