• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.23-32
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of mechanical traction applied to the knee joint on pain, knee range of motion (ROM), timed up and go (TUG) and Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) of Kellgren-Lawrence radiological rating scale II or III. Twenty three patients participated in the experiment for a period of four weeks. After baseline assessment, the patients with KOA were randomized into two groups: the traction group ($n_1=12$), which received traction with general physical therapy; and the control group ($n_2=11$), which received general physical therapy only on unilateral knee joints. Patients received interventions once a day, three times a week, for four weeks. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyze the change of dependent variances within the group during pre and post intervention. Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze the change of dependent variances as TUG and passive ROM between the two groups. Analysis of covariance was used to analyze the change of dependent variances as numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) and WOMAC score between the two groups. In Wilcoxon signed-rank test, the traction group improved significantly with regard to NPRS (p<.01), passive knee flexion ROM (p<.01), passive knee extension (p<.05), TUG (p<.01) and WOMAC scores (p<.01) after intervention for four weeks, but not for the control group. In the Mann-Whitney U test and analysis of covariance, no significant difference was seen among all the dependent variances after intervention for four weeks between the two groups. These outcomes suggest that further studies should be carried out to determine the effects of mechanical traction prior to using it for the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.121-129
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• 2013

Purpose: To evaluate the radiographic characteristics of the tarsometatarsal osteoarthritis with hallux valgus deformity and report the clinical results of the operative treatment. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of 20 patients, 22 feet who had been operated for non-traumatic tarsometatarsal osteoarthritis with hallux valgus (TMT group) and control group of hallux valgus patients without tarsometatarsal osteoarthritis (26 patients, 28 feet) from April 2004 to July 2011. Radiographic characteristics were compared between the groups, using hallux valgus angle, $1^{st}-2^{nd}$ intermetatarsal angle, metatarsal length ratio, metatarsus adductus angle, talonavicular coverage angle, talus-$1^{st}$ metatarsal angle, calcaneal pitch angle and medial cuneiform height. Pre- and postoperative difference of $1^{st}-2^{nd}$ metatarsal declination angle and distance between the $1^{st}-2^{nd}$ metatarsal head were evaluated. The clinical results were evaluated by American Orthopaedics Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot scale and visual analogue scale (VAS). Results: Metatarsal length ratio was significantly larger in TMT group (p<0.001). Metatarsus adductus angle, talonavicular coverage angle, talus-$1^{st}$ metatarsal angle on lateral radiograph, calcaneal pitch angle and medial cuneiform height were different from control group (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.001, p=0.010, p=0.006). Postoperative declination of the $2^{nd}$ metatarsal and distance between the $1^{st}-2^{nd}$ metatarsal head were increased (p=0.009, p=0.001). The AOFAS and VAS score were improved (p<0.001, p<0.001). Conclusion: Non-traumatic osteoarthritis of the tarsometatarsal joints seems to be associated with long 2nd metatarsal length, metatarsus adductus and flatfoot deformity. Spur excision may be successful to relieve symptoms when the arthritis was diagnosed in early stage.

• Journal of Digital Contents Society
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.625-633
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• 2008

Recently, the participation, opening and joint ownership of the users are important issue. The users want professional and accurate information from web. But users often suffer from retrieving accurate information. Even though the users find information they want, it is not guaranteed that the information is reliable since there are too much information placed on the web. Thus, we propose the novel rank metric to promote reliability and efficiency in information retrieval. In order to verify our approach, we implement a web site based on the proposed rank metric for nonofficial medical science information. The proposed rank metric based on user's level. This is to give score of text through differential rate depending on the user's level. The proposed rank metric enhances the reliability of text which is reflecting the user's mental factor. Thus, this method can be used for enhancing the reliability of text.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.19-23
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• 2008

Purpose: To evaluate the bursoscopic findings of refractory primary adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder and to determine the clinical correlation. Materials and Methods: Arthroscopic capsular release was performed in 21 refractory adhesive capsulitis patients who had not responded to conservative treatment. The VAS for pain, range of motion, UCLA score was checked before and after surgery, and at the last follow up. Results: Bursitis, mild friction and impingement on coracoacromial ligament, as well as adhesion were observed. The function and pain improved earlier than after simple acromiohumeral joint capsular release. Conclusion: Subacromial bursoscopy helps rule out a hidden secondary frozen shoulder or secondary changes with primary adhesion. In addition, it has the advantage of being both a treatment and procedure for making a prognosis.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.84-89
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• 2017

Background: Common and effective treatments for calcific tendinitis involve needling procedures. However, it has been widespread practice to refer patients with calcific tendinitis, which is a predominantly orthopedic condition, to radiology department. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical and radiological outcomes after ultrasound-guided needling for calcific tendinitis between the orthopedics and radiology department. Methods: Seventy-seven shoulders (Group 1) and 38 shoulders (Group 2) treated in the radiology and orthopedic department, respectively. A fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon and a musculoskeletal radiologist each performed the procedure of ultrasound-guided needle decompression with subacromial steroid injection. Clinical outcomes was evaluated using the visual analogue scale for pain (pVAS) and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder score before treatment and at each follow-up. The pre- and postneedling size and shape of the calcific deposits were compared between the two groups. Results: We analyzed a total of 56 shoulders for Group 1 and 32 shoulders for Group 2. The mean age and sex ratio of the patients no significantly different. We found that the mean decrease in the diameter of calcification between pre- and post-needling was 9.0 mm for Group 1 and 13.1 mm for Group 2; the difference was significantly larger in Group 2 than in Group 1. Both groups showed improved pVAS and ASES scores after needling but the extent of these improvements did not differ with the type of operator. Conclusions: Needling decompression performed by orthopedic surgeons could a viable option for the treatment of calcific tendinitis.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.63 no.6
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• pp.747-756
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• 2020

Objective : To evaluate the effectiveness and long-term outcome predictors of percutaneous sacroplasty (PSP). Methods : This single-center study assessed 40 patients with sacral insufficiency fractures using the short-axis technique under C-arm flat-panel detector computed tomography (CT). Two radiologists reviewed the patients' magnetic resonance and CT images to obtain imaging findings before PSP and determine technical success, respectively. The short-term outcomes were visual analog scale score changes and opioid usage reductions. Long-term outcomes were determined using telephone interviews and the North American Spine Society (NASS) patient-satisfaction index at least one year after PSP. Results : Technical success was achieved without any significant complications in 39 patients (97.5%). Telephone interviews were possible with 12 patients and failed in 10 patients; death was confirmed in 18 patients. Fifteen patients (50%) re-visited the hospital and received conservative treatment, including spinal injections. Nine patients reported positive satisfaction (NASS patient-satisfaction index 1 or 2), while the negative satisfaction group (NASS patient-satisfaction index 3 or 4, n=3) showed a higher incidence of compression fractures at the thoracolumbar spine level (66.7% vs. 22.2%) and previous spinal injection history (66.7% vs. 33.3%). The poor response group also showed higher incidences of facet joint arthrosis (100% vs. 55.6%), central canal stenosis (100% vs. 22.2%), neural foraminal stenosis (33.3% vs. 22.2%), scoliosis (100% vs. 33.3%), and sagittal malalignment (100% vs. 44.4%). Conclusion : PSP was effective for sacral insufficiency fractures and showed good long-term outcomes. Combined compression fractures in the thoracolumbar spine and degenerative lumbar pathologies could be possible poor outcome predictors.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.11-20
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• 2009

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of stretching and strengthening exercise on the static flexibility and pain intensity for the iliopsoas muscle, which is one of the main reasons for the chronic low back pain. Methods: The subjects of this study were 15 male adult patients with showed 6 score or higher in the visual analogue scale(VAS) and complained of low back pain over three months who visited department of the physical therapy, KIA motors Industrial Health Center, from October, 2008 through December, 2008. Fifteen subjects were trained stretching, mat exercises and sling exercises for iliopsoas muscle at 4-5 times a week for 4 weeks. I measured the changes on the extensibility of iliopsoas muscle, static flexibility of low back and VAS between pre- and post exercise treatment. Date were analyzed using the Wilcoxon's signed rank test considering the size of the samples. Results: 1. The angle of the hip joint that showed the extensibility of iliopsoas muscle was relieved, which was significant statistically (p<.05). 2. The static flexibility was statistically significantly improved in the trunk flexion test, trunk extension test and Schober-Test (p<.05). 3. The VAS showed decrease, which is significant statistically (p<.05). Conclusion: It is believed that the exercise treatment of iliopsoas muscle has the significant effects on the improvement of static flexibility and decrease of pain intensity for the chronic low back pain patients.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.91-99
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• 2019

Purpose: This retrospective study reports the intermediate-term clinical outcomes including the practical function in daily and sports activities after total ankle arthroplasty for end-stage rheumatoid arthritis, as well as the effects of modification of perioperative anti-rheumatic medications. Materials and Methods: Twelve patients were followed for a minimum of 2 years after total ankle replacement for end-stage rheumatoid arthritis. Perioperative anti-rheumatic medications in all patients were modified based on a specific guideline. Clinical evaluations consisted of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores. Periodic radiographic evaluation was conducted to detect changes in ankle alignment and postoperative complications. Results: Mean AOFAS, FAOS, and FAAM scores improved significantly from 37.5 to 81.2, 39.1 to 72.4, and 33.8 to 64.0 points at final follow-up, respectively (p<0.001). Functional outcomes in daily and sports activities at final follow-up were found to be 76.5 and 55.8 points for the FAOS and 70.5 and 57.5 points for the FAAM, respectively. As early postoperative complications, there was one case of local wound necrosis, one case of medial malleolar fracture, and one case of deep peroneal nerve injury. Radiological evaluation revealed two cases of asymptomatic heterotopic ossification and one case of progressive arthritis in the talonavicular joint. Reoperation was performed in only one patient (8.3%) with a medial soft tissue impingement at a mean of 35.6 months follow-up. Conclusion: Total ankle arthroplasty appears to be an effective surgical option for end-stage rheumatoid arthritis. Practical functions in daily and sports activities were significantly improved at intermediate-term follow-up. Modification of perioperative anti-rheumatic medications can be one of the solutions to reduce the postoperative complication rate.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.91-95
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• 2015

Background: Our aim was to make a comparative analysis of radiological and clinical outcomes of using either one or two interlocking distal screws on a Polarus intramedullary nail for the internal fixation of humeral shaft fractures. Methods: From January 2008 to March 2014, we enrolled 26 patients with humeral shaft fractures who were operated on using intramedullary nails. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to how many interlocking distal screws were used to lock the Polarus nail: in group 1, a single interlocking distal screw was used in 12 patients; and in group 2, double interlocking distal screws, in 14 patients. We compared the degree of recovery of the displaced fracture fragments between the two groups. To compare the nonunion and shoulder function, we assessed each patient's modified American Shoulder and Elbow Surgerns (ASES) score. Results: We found that 10 of 12 fractures achieved union in group 1, and 13 of 14 fractures, in group 2. We did not find a meaningful difference in the time to bone union between the two groups. The percentage of recovery of displaced fracture fragments until union was 66.9% for group 1 and 59.41% for group 2. At the final follow-up, we found that the scores for shoulder joint modified ASES was 78.7 for group 1 and 80.7 for group 2. Conclusions: Our results show that if locked appropriately, even a single screw on a Polarus nail can provide satisfactory radiological union and improved clinical outcome after intramedullary nailing of humeral shaft fractures.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.78-83
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• 2016

Background: We investigated the risk factors for the recurrence of anterior shoulder instability after arthroscopic surgery with suture anchors and the clinical outcomes after reoperation. Methods: A total of 281 patients (February 2001 to December 2012) were enrolled into our study, and postoperative subluxation and dislocation were considered as recurrence of the condition. We analyzed radiologic results and functional outcome including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Evaluation Form, the Korean Shoulder Society Score, and the Rowe scores. Results: Of the 281 patients, instability recurred in 51 patients (18.1%). Sixteen out of 51 patients (31.4%) received a reoperation. In terms of the functional outcome, we found that the intact group, comprising patients without recurrence, had a significantly better functional outcome than those in the recurrent group. The size of glenoid defect at the time of initial surgery significantly differed between intact and recurrent group (p<0.05). We found that the number of dislocations, the time from the initial presentation of symptoms to surgery, and the number of anchor points significantly differed between initial operation and revision group (p<0.05). The functional outcome after revision surgery was comparable to intact group after initial operation. Conclusions: Eighteen percent of recurrence occurred after arthroscopic instability surgery, and 5.6% received reoperation surgery. Risk factors for recurrence was the initial size of glenoid defect. In cases of revision surgery, good clinical outcomes could be achieved using additional suture anchor.