• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.99-105
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• 2007

Purpose: The morphological study and dynamic stability of the ulnar nerve around the elbow joint was investigated in asymptomatic normal population using ultrasonography. The purpose of this study is to provide fundamental data for ultrasonographic diagnosis of ulnar neuropathy in cubital tunnel syndrome. Materials and Methods: Fifty cases of 25 healthy male volunteers, aged between 20 to 30 years, included in this study. High resolution 7.5 MHz linear probe was used to examine the ulnar nerve in axial and longitudinal views. In a longitudinal view, the course, position and the thickness of nerve were monitored, the diameter of ulnar nerve and dynamic stability at elbow flexion and extension were measured in an axial view at four different points; 1cm proximal to medial epicondyle, behind the medial epicondyle, entrance to Osborne ligament, and 1cm distal to Osborne ligament. Results: The short diameters of ulnar nerve at elbow extension at four anatomic points were 2.66 mm, 2.97 mm, 2.64 mm, and 2.69 mm and the long diameters were 4.61 mm, 4.56 mm, 4.36 mm, and 4.37 mm, which showed no significant change at each point. However, at elbow flexion, the short diameters were changed to 2.72 mm, 2.34 mm, 2.65 mm, and 2.41 mm and the long diameters into 4.49 mm, 5.40 mm, 4.16 mm, and 4.66 mm. At elbow flexion, significant morphologic change was observed in the medial epicondyle area, and the diameter of the ulnar nerve was shortest at the entrance of Osborne ligament both at flexion and extension. In terms of dynamic stability, nine subluxations and seven dislocations were observed. Conclusion: This study shows dynamic instability and a morphological change of long and short diameters of ulnar nerve at flexion and extension in a normal person, which should be considered in the ultrasonographic diagnosis of ulnar neuropathy.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.95-98
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• 2010

Purpose: One of the most common cause of upper extremity lymphedema is breast cancer surgery. We experienced the nerve entrapment syndrome which was associated with postmastectomy lymphedema. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of lymphedema induced nerve entrapment syndrome on upper extremity in Korea. Methods: A 54-year-old woman presented with a tingling sensation on her right hand, which had been present for 1 year. On her history, she had a postmastectomy lymphedema on her right upper extremity for 20 years. Initial electromyography (EMG) showed that the ampulitude of the median, ulnar, and dorsal ulnar cutaneous nerve were decreased, and conduction block was also seen in median nerve across the wrist. In needle EMG, incomplete interference patterns were observed in the muscles innervated by median and ulnar nerves. In conclusion, electrophysiologic study and clinical findings suggested right median and ulnar neuropathy below the elbow. Therefore, we performed surgical procedures, which were release of carpal tunnel, Guyon's canal, and cubital tunnel. Results: The postoperative course was uneventful until the first two years. The tingling sensation and claw hand deformity were improved, however, the motor function decreased progressively. In 7 years after the operation, patient could not flex her wrist and thumb sufficiently. EMG which was performed recently showed that ulnar motor response was of low ampulitude. Moreover, median, ulnar, dorsal ulnar cutaneous, lateral antecubital cutaneous and median antebrachial cutaneous sensory response were unobtainable. Abnormal spontaneous activities were observed in upper arm muscles. In conclusion, multiple neuropathies were eventually developed at above elbow level. Conclusion: On treating nerve entrapments associated with lymphedema, medical professionals should be fully aware of the possibility of unpredictable results after the surgery, because of the pathophysiologic traits of chronic lymphedema.

• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.128-133
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• 2008

Nerve compression is caused by external force or internal pathology, which symptom develops along nerve distribution. There are median, ulnar and radial nerve compression neuropathies below elbow. Carpal tunnel syndrome at the flexor retinaculum is most common among all the entrapment neuropathies. Other causes of median nerve neuropathy include Struther's ligament, biceps aponeurosis, pronator teres, FDS aponeurosis and aberrant muscles, which induce pronator syndrome or anterior interosseous nerve syndrome. Ulnar nerve can be compressed at the elbow by arcade of Struther, medial epicondylar groove, FCU two heads, which develops cubital tunnel syndrome, at the wrist by ganglion, fracture of hamate hook and vascular problem, which develops Guyon's canal syndrome. Radial tunnel syndrome is caused by supinator muscle, which compresses its deep branch. Treatment is conservative at initial stage like NSAID, night splint or steroid injection. If symptom persists, operative treatment should be considered after electrodiagnostic or imaging studies.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.29-36
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• 2002

Purpose : Cubitus varus deformity has been reported to cause ulnar neuropathy. We present five cases of tardy ulnar nerve palsy due to cubitus vus and analyzed the factors related to the nerve plasy caused by the deformity. Materials and Methods : Three men and two women were reviewed retrospectively and the mean age of the patients were 26 (range, 14-38). The average interval from initial fracture to nerve palsy was 19 years (8-32 years). The severity of symptoms, according to McGowan's classification, was grade I of 2 patients, grade Ⅱ of 3 patients. Carrying angle was an average of 18。 (30° -45° ). Internal rotation angle measured by Yamamoto's method was an average of 33° (30° -45° ). Results ㆍ The mean follow-up period was 53 months (35-70 months). Elbow pain and numbness of the fingers were relieved shortly after surgery. It revealed that anterior subluxation of the nerve due to internal rotation deformity and compression of the nerve between the medially shifted medial head of triceps and the medial epicondyle. Conclusion : The major entrapment point of the nerve is the fibrous band between the two heads of the flexor carpi ulnaris. The severe internal rotation deformity may contribute the cause of tardy ulnar nerve palsy in cubitus varus deformity.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.36-41
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• 2008

Surgical treatment of compressive ulnar neuropathy at the elbow has been performed with a wide variety of techniques. Among these techniques, anterior submuscular transposition of the ulnar nerve has been regarded as the method of choice by many authors. It has many advantages including a low recurrence rate, scar-free vascular bed, and protection from repeated trauma to the nerve. However, anterior submuscular transposition is technically demanding and requires more extensive soft tissue dissection. On the other hand, anterior subfascial transposition is less invasive, requires a relatively shorter operation time than the submuscular technique, and also can be done safely even in patiensts with elbow arthritis. We evaluated the clinical results of anterior submuscular transposition compared with anterior subfascial transposition. Fifteen patients underwent anterior submuscular transposition and ten patients underwent anterior subfascial transposition of the ulnar nerve. The mean follow-up time was 15 months (range 10 to 38 months) in the anterior submuscular transposition group and 7 months (range 6 to 15 months) in the anterior subfascial transposition group. According to the outcome status determination algorithm devised by Mowlavi, 3 patients (20%) showed total relief, 10 patiensts (66.7%) improvement and 2 patients (13.3%) no changes in the anterior submuscular transposition group. In the anterior subfascial transposition group, 2 patients (20%) showed total relief, 7 patients (70%) improvement and 1 patient (10%) displayed no changes. Statistically there was no significant difference of the clinical results between the two surgical techniques. Therefore we would suggest anterior subfascial transposition of the ulnar nerve as a preferred method for treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.62-70
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• 2005

The determination of peripheral nerve conduction velocity is an important part to electrodiagnosis. Its value as neurophysiologic investigative procedure has been known for many years but normal value of median and ulnar motor nerve was poorly reported in Korea. To evaluate of median and ulnar motor nerve terminal latency, amplitude of CMAP(compound muscle action potential), conduction velocity and F-wave latency for obtain clinically useful reference value. 71 normal volunteers(age, 19-65 years; 142 hands) examined who has no history of peripheral neuropathy, diabetic mellitus, chronic renal failure, endocrine disorders, anti-cancer medicine, anti-tubercle medicine, alcoholism, trauma, radiculopathy. Nicolet Viking II was use for detected terminal latency, amplitude of CMAP, conduction velocity and F-wave latency of median and ulnar motor nerve. Data analysis was performed using SPSS. Descriptive analysis was used for obtain mean and standard deviation, independent t-test was used to compare between Rt and Lt side also compare between different in genders. The results are summarized as follows: 1. Median motor nerve terminal latency was right 3.00ms, left 2.99ms and there was no significantly differences between right and left side and genders. 2. Median motor nerve amplitude of CMAP was right 17.26mV, left 1750mV and there was no significantly differences between right and left side and genders. 3. Median motor nerve conduction velocity was right 57.89m/sec, left 58.03m/sec and there was no significantly differences between right and left side and genders. 4. Median motor nerve F-wave latency was right 25.74ms, left 25.59ms and there was significantly differences between genders. 5. Ulnar motor nerve terminal latency was right 2.38ms, left 2.45ms and there was significantly differences between right and left side. 6. Ulnar motor nerve amplitude of CMAP was right 15.99mV, left 16.02mV and there was no significantly differences between right and left side and genders. 7. Ulnar motor nerve conduction velocity was right 60.35m/sec, left 59.73m/sec and there was no significantly differences between right and left side and genders. 8. Ulnar motor nerve F-wave latency was right 25.53ms, left 25.57ms and there was significantly differences between genders.

• Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.8-14
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• 2014

Background: Early detection of neuropathy may prevent further progression of this complication in the diabetic patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of early neuropathic complication in patients with newly diagnosed type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Methods: Nerve conduction studies (median, ulnar, posterior tibial, peroneal, and sural nerves) were performed for 49 type 1 (27 males, mean $14.1{\pm}7.5$ years) and 40 type 2 (27 males, $42.0{\pm}14.1$ years) diabetic patients at onset of diabetes. Children with age at onset under 4 years and adults over 55 years were excluded to eliminate the aging effect and the influence of obstructive arteriosclerosis. Neuropathy was defined as abnormal nerve conduction findings in two or more nerves including the sural nerve. Results: Mean HbA1c level was $12.6{\pm}3.3%$ for type 1 and $10.5{\pm}2.9%$ for type 2 diabetes. The prevalence of neuropathy was 12.2% for type 1, and 35.0% for type 2 diabetes, respectively. There were significant trends in the prevalence of neuropathy with increasing age (p<0.05). The effect of the mean level of glycosylated hemoglobin on the prevalence of polyneuropathy at onset of diabetes was borderline (p=0.0532). Neither sex of the patients nor the type of diabetes affected the neurophysiologic abnormalities at the diagnosis. Conclusions: Even in a population with diabetes at the diagnosis, the prevalence of subclinical neuropathy was not low. Neuropathy has been significantly associated with increasing age indicating the possibility of longer duration of undetected diabetes among them, especially in type 2 diabetes.

• The Academic Congress of Korean Shoulder and Elbow Society
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• 2004.03a
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• pp.53-53
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• 2004

후내측 접근법을 이용한 척골신경 감압술, OK 술식, 그리고 관절막 절제술은 주관절 퇴행성 관절염으로 인한 척골 신경증에 임상증상을 호전시킬 수 있는 용이한 술식으로 사료되었다.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.382-387
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• 2007

Objective : Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common entrapment neuropathy of the upper extremity. Although many different operative techniques have been introduced, none of them have been proven superior to others. Simple cubital tunnel decompression has numerous advantages, including simplicity and safety. We present our experience of treating cubital tunnel syndrome with simple decompression in 15 patients. Methods : According to Dellon's criteria, one patient was classified as grade 1, eight as grade 2, and six as grade 3. Preoperative electrodiagnostic studies were performed in all patients and 7 of them were rechecked postoperatively. Five patients of 15 underwent simple decompression using a small skin incision (2 cm or less). Results : Preoperative mean value of motor conduction velocity (MCV) within the segment (above the elbow-below the elbow) was $41.8{\pm}15.2\;m/s$ and this result showed a decrease compared to the result of MCV in the below the elbow-wrist segment ($57.8{\pm}6.9\;m/s$) with statistical significance (p<0.05). Postoperative mean values of MCV were improved in 6 of 7 patients from $39.8{\pm}12.1\;m/s$ to $47.8{\pm}12.1\;m/s$ (p<0.05). After an average follow-up of $4.8{\pm}5.3$ months, 14 patients of 15 (93%) reported good or excellent clinical outcomes according to a modified Bishop scoring system. Five patients who had been treated using a small skin incision achieved good or excellent outcomes. There were no complications, recurrences, or subluxation of the ulnar nerve. Conclusion : Simple decompression of the ulnar nerve is an effective and successful minimally invasive technique for patients with cubital tunnel syndrome.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.183-189
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• 2020

Background: The purpose of the current study was to investigate short- to mid-term outcomes and complications following radial head replacement (RHR) for complex radial head fractures and to identify factors associated with clinical outcomes. Methods: Twenty-four patients with complex radial head fractures were treated by RHR. The mean age of the patients was 49.8 years (range, 19-73 years). Clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated for a mean follow-up period of 58.9 months (range, 27-163 months) using the visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), the quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (Quick-DASH) score, and serial plain radiographs. Complications were also evaluated. Results: At the final follow-up, the mean VAS score, MEPS, and Quick-DASH score were 0.6±1.1, 88.7±11.5, and 19.4±7.8, respectively. The mean range of motion was 132.7° of flexion, 4.7° of extension, 76.2° of pronation, and 77.5° of supination. Periprosthetic lucency was observed in six patients (25%). Heterotopic ossification was observed in four patients (16.7%). Arthritic change of the elbow joint developed in seven patients (29.2%). Capitellar wear was found in five patients (20.8%). Arthritic change of the elbow joint was significantly correlated with MEPS (P=0.047). Four cases of complications (16.6%) were observed, including two cases of major complications (one stiffness with heterotopic ossification and progressive ulnar neuropathy and one stiffness) and two cases of minor complications (two transient ulnar neuropathy). Conclusions: RHR for the treatment of complex radial head fractures yielded satisfactory short- to mid-term clinical outcomes, though radiographic complications were relatively high.