• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.69-75
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• 2023

Purpose: Maxillofacial trauma predominantly affects young adults between 20 and 40 years of age. Although radioprotection is a legal requirement, the significant potential of dose reduction in computed tomography (CT) is still underused in the clinical routine. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether maxillofacial fractures can be reliably detected and classified using ultra-low-dose CT. Materials and Methods: CT images of 123 clinical cases with maxillofacial fractures were classified by two readers using the AOCOIAC software and compared with the corresponding results from post-treatment images. In group 1, consisting of 97 patients with isolated facial trauma, pre-treatment CT images at different dose levels (volumetric computed tomography dose index: ultra-low dose, 2.6 mGy; low dose, <10 mGy; and regular dose, <20 mGy) were compared with post-treatment cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). In group 2, consisting of 31 patients with complex midface fractures, pre-treatment shock room CT images were compared with post-treatment CT at different dose levels or CBCT. All images were presented in random order and classified by 2 readers blinded to the clinical results. All cases with an unequal classification were re-evaluated. Results: In both groups, ultra-low-dose CT had no clinically relevant effect on fracture classification. Fourteen cases in group 2 showed minor differences in the classification code, which were no longer obvious after comparing the images directly to each other. Conclusion: Ultra-low-dose CT images allowed the correct diagnosis and classification of maxillofacial fractures. These results might lead to a substantial reconsideration of current reference dose levels.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.3-10
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• 2024

Background: Gunshot-related fractures near the elbow are challenging, and available data to guide the practitioner are lacking. This report analyzes injury patterns and treatment strategies in a case series from a high-volume urban trauma center. Methods: All periarticular gunshot fractures near the elbow treated at a level 1 trauma center from 2014 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Fracture location, patient demographics, concomitant injuries, treatment modalities, and complications were analyzed. Results: Twenty-four patients were identified. All patients received prophylactic antibiotics upon admission and underwent urgent surgical debridement. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) was performed with initial debridement in 22 of 24 patients. Seven patients sustained distal humerus fractures, 10 patients sustained isolated proximal ulna or proximal radius fractures, and seven had combined fracture patterns. Eleven patients presented with nerve palsy, and two had transected nerves. Two patients had vascular injury requiring repair. One patient required a temporary elbow-spanning external fixator and underwent staged debridement followed by ORIF. One patient with a grade IIIC fracture developed a deep infection that precluded ORIF. One patient required revision ORIF due to fracture displacement. Conclusions: This investigation reports on management of ballistic fractures near the elbow at a busy urban level I trauma center. Our management centered on rapid debridement, early definitive fixation, and intravenous antibiotic administration. We report on associated neurovascular injury, bone loss, and other challenges in this patient population. Level of evidence: IV.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.343-350
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• 2017

The aim of this study is to introduce a surgical technique that can maintain blood supply to prevent condylar resorption in the extracorporeal reduction of condylar fracture. Neither the medial pterygoid muscle on the ramal bone nor the lateral pterygoid muscle on the condylar fragment was detached after vertical ramal osteotomy. Thus, reduction was performed in the intracorporeal state. Therefore, blood supply was expected to be maintained to the fragments of both the condylar and ramal bones. On postoperative radiographs, the anatomical outline of the fractured condyle was well restored, and the occlusion was stable. In the unilateral case, there were no signs of mandibular condylar resorption until postoperative 3 weeks. In the 2 bilateral cases, condylar displacements with plate fractures and screw loosening were observed at postoperative 1 month or 5 months, but radiodensity at the displaced fracture site increased during the follow-up period. Finally, complete remodeling of the condylar fragments with restored anatomic appearance was observed on 8-month or 2-year follow-up radiographs. All cases exhibited good healing aspects with no signs or symptoms of mandibular condylar dysfunction during the postoperative remodeling period after intracorporeal reduction of condylar fracture.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.86-92
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• 2008

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and prognostic factors of intramedullary nailing of distal tibia fractures in terms of function and symptoms of the ankle joint. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 22 distal tibial fractures with intramedullary nailing. The mean duration of follow-up was 43 months. We reviewed medical records to describe each case. We measured radiographic parameters such as fracture configuration, arthritic change of the ankle joint and status of reduction. We also assessed clinical results by AOFAS ankle hind foot scoring system, degree of pain by VAS and range of motion to find out prognostic factors for functional result of the ankle joint. Results: Bone healing was obtained in all cases without any wound complications. Mean AOFAS ankle score was 94. There were 4 cases with mild (VAS<3/10) ankle pain and 2 cases with mild limitation of ankle motion. The comminution of fracture had a significant relationship with delayed angular deformity of ankle joint (p=0.032). There was no other significant parameter affecting ankle joint function except the location of nail-end. Conclusion: Intramedullary nailing in distal tibia fracture is a safe and effective procedure. But further study may need to evaluate the relationship between the position of nail-end and the function of ankle joint.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.7-12
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• 2010

Purpose: 'White-eye blowout' fracture is often occur in young patients and defined as blow out fracture with little or no clinical sign of soft tissue trauma such as edema, ecchymosis, but with marked motility restrictions in vertical gaze. In this conditions, immediate operation is essential. We reported the clinical investigation study of these cases about clinical symptoms and radiologic findings and introduce our experiences about immediate operations in 'white-eye blowout' fractures. Methods: From January 2008 to December 2009, nine pediatric patients who were diagnosed as pure white-eye blowout fractures were involved this study. Patients with other facial bone fractures or with poor general medical condition were excluded. In all cases, we performed immediate operation within 48 hours. Results: All patients had diplopia, vertical gaze restriction or systemic symptoms. Six patients had nausea, vomiting and syncope caused by oculocardiac reflex. In all patients, preoperative symptoms were improved after immediate operation. There were no postoperative complications such as infection, hematoma or wound dehiscence. Conclusion: When we meet the young patients with history of periocular trauma, with little or no soft tissue trauma signs, but with marked vertical gaze restriction or general symptoms caused by oculocardiac reflex, we should immediately examine by facial bone computed tomography and refer the patient to ophthalmologist for ophthalmic evaluations. If patient is diagnosed as orbital floor fracture with entrapped muscle or soft tissue, the earlier surgical reduction get better clinical outcomes.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.81-88
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• 2013

Background: To suggest the need of more aggressive reduction techniques than closed reduction (CR) technique in nasal fracture treatment, we identified the usefulness of algorithm oriented treatment of nasal fracture that includes indirect open reduction (IOR) and external fixation (EF) as well as the CR. Methods: We compared the clinical course of the group A (n=128) where only the CR was performed regardless of the pattern of the nasal fracture and the group B (n=127) where algorithm oriented treatment including IOR and EF as well as CR was performed depending on the pattern of nasal fracture. And the degree of postoperative pain after CR and IOR technique was compared through the dose of analgesics and pain scores. Results: More than 80% of patients were satisfied the result of reduction in both group A and B. Good contour of nasal bone after reduction was showed 71% of group A and 81% of group B without significant difference. Minor (p>0.05) and major (p<0.05) deformity after reduction were less occurred in the group B than group A. Postoperatively, the dose of analgesics was significantly lower after IOR technique than CR technique (53 mg vs. 142 mg) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Algorithm oriented treatment of nasal fracture including IOR and EF as well as CR reduce major deformity after reduction than treatment of CR alone. It is useful to perform the more aggressive reduction techniques such as IOR and EF according to the pattern of fracture in treatment of nasal fracture.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.813-817
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• 2007

Purpose: The zygomatic arch is a key element which composes the facial contour. In many cases of zygomatic arch fracture, it is difficult to fix rigidly the fractured segments. If reduced bone segments were not fixed rigidly, they are proven to be displaced by mastication or unintentional external forces. So, unfixed zygomatic arch fracture after reduction may require a external device of prevention of collapse. We introduce a new protector which stabilizing the fractured segments to prevent for collapse of the reduced zygomatic arch fracture. Methods: After reduction of zygomatic arch with blind approach(Gillies', Dingman or Keen's approach), bone segments was pulled with percutaneous traction suture in medial aspect of zygomatic arch. Then, the suture was fixed with Aqua $splint^{(R)}$, externally. And intraoperative and postoperative X-ray was done. The splint was removed on 14 days after the operation. Results: 5 patients were treated with this method. 4 patients of total patients had no collapse in zygomatic arch. There was minimal collapse in one patient. Postoperative complications such as facial nerve injury, mouth opening difficulty, contour deformity, infection, scar were not observed. Conclusion: In comparison with other techniques, this technique has several advantages which are simple and easy method, short operation time, no scar, less soft tissue injury, and facilitated removal of splint. Therefore, Aqua $splint^{(R)}$ would be a good alternative to prevent for collapse in unstable zygomatic arch fractures

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.8-14
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• 2008

Objective : The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of short segment fixation following postural reduction for the re-expansion and stabilization of unstable burst fractures in patients with osteoporosis. Methods : Twenty patients underwent short segment fixation following postural reduction using a soft roll at the involved vertebra in cases of severely collapsed vertebrae of more than half their original height. All patients had unstable burst fracture with canal compromise, but their motor power was intact. The surgical procedure included postural reduction for 2 days and bone cement-augmented pedicle screw fixations at one level above, one level below and the fractured level itself. Imaging and clinical findings, including the level of the vertebra involved, vertebral height restoration, injected cement volume, local kyphosis, clinical outcome and complications were analyzed. Results : The mean follow-up period was 15 months. The mean pain score (visual analogue scale) prior to surgery was 8.1, which decreased to 2.8 at 7 days after surgery. The kyphotic angle improved significantly from $21.6{\pm}5.8^{\circ}$ before surgery to $5.2{\pm}3.7^{\circ}$ after surgery. The fraction of the height of the vertebra increased from 35% and 40% to 70% in the anterior and middle portion. There were no signs of hardware pull-out, cement leakage into the spinal canal or aggravation of kyphotic deformities. Conclusion : In the management of unstable burst fracture in patients with severe osteoporosis, short segment pedicle screw fixation with bone cement augmentation following postural reduction can be used to reduce the total levels of pedicle screw fixation and to correct kyphotic deformities.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.86-91
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• 2006

There are 3 different hypotheses on how statins may affect bones, through promoting bone formation, inhibiting bone resorption or through anti-inflammatory effect. In the 3 cross-sectional studies above, one showed increase BMD at hip and spine, one showed increase BMD only at mid-forearm and one showed that the risk reduction in fractures is not explained by the changes in BMD however, all 3 studies showed a decrease in risk of fracture associated with statins. In the 2 prospective cohort studies, one showed the use of statins was not associated with BMD at any skeletal site or decreasing the risk of fracture, and the other showed statins except pravastatin decreased in risk of vertebrate fracture but not affecting lumbar spine BMD. All of case-control studies indicated reduction in fracture risk but did not provide any data regarding BMD. 2 of the randomized, controlled studies showed no significant reduction in fracture risk as well as statins' effects on BMD. Finally, one longitudinal study showed statin use reduced fracture risk and increased BMD. Among the conflicting results shown above, even when statin use was shown to increase BMD, it does not seem to account for the reduction in fracture risk. There may be different ways that statins affect bone other than those hypotheses proposed above. Many studies seem to agree that pravastatin does not have any effect on bone. Some studies suggested that the reason statins did not achieve clinically significant increases in BMD in some studies, is due to the low affinity of statins on bone; statins are designed to act in the liver therefore their effective concentration in extrahepatic tissue is low. The limitations to those studies discussed above. Many studies did not account for the change of lifestyle while subjects' were on statins. Increases in weight bearing exercise and changes in diet might affect BMD and thus reduce risk of fractures. Mental alertness and vision acuity might prevent falls from occurring; many statin-users in the studies were young so the risk of fractures from falls would be decreased. Almost all of the studies failed exclude patients with neurological problems. During study periods, many subjects may have been started on drugs for diseases that usually occur with aging which could cause drowsiness and lead to falls. The sample sizes used in some of the trials were small and the duration of treatment and follow up might not have been long enough to see clinically relevant results.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.111-118
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• 2012

Purpose: The nasal bone fracture is known as the most common facial fracture, with the postoperative results and the patient's satisfaction known to be lower than other facial fractures. The patient's satisfaction is firstly related to the accurate comprehension of the spatial relationship in the fractured nasal bone and secondly to the accurate reduction based on accurate comprehension. The aim of this study is to evaluate the objective usefulness of the three-dimensional (3D) imaging. Methods: The survey was conducted on 10 randomly selected cases of nasal bone fractures among the 46 cases with 3D computed tomography (CT) during the past one year. It was requested upon 4 plastic residents and 4 plastic surgeons to draw 3D aspect of fractured nasal bone directly on the printed photos of cadaver nasal bone, based on simple X-ray and two-dimensional (2D) CT. They were compared with the real fractured nasal bone aspects based on the 3D image and marked the difference in the 10-point scale of 0 to 10. Results: The average score of the 4 residents was 1.62 and that of the 4 surgeons was 4.47 out of 10 by simple X-ray. The average score of the 4 residents was 5.67 and that of the 4 surgeons was 7.25 out of 10 by 2D CT. Conclusion: It was surmised that the precise analysis and accurate comprehension of the spatial relationship of the fractured nasal bone using the 3D image, as based on the 2D CT images, can produce more favorable satisfaction levels in the patients.