Although avascular necrosis of the hallucal sesamoid has not been frequently addressed in the literature, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of persistent forefoot pain. We experienced 3 cases of avascular necrosis of the hallucal sesamoid with sclerosis of the sesamoid bone on radiograghs and computed tomograghy images. T1 and T2-weighted MRI images in 2 patients showed low signal intensity in the sesamoid bone, which suggested osteonecrosis and confirmed by histology. We report 3 cases of avascular necrosis of sesamoid with a review of the literature.
Diagnosis, Differential ; Humans ; Necrosis ; Osteonecrosis ; Sclerosis ; Sesamoid Bones

The triplane fracture has been described as a fracture of the distal tibial epiphysis occurring across three planes-sagittal, transverse and coronal. The characteristic pattern of fusion of distal tibial epiphysis explains the special configuration of the fragments in the triplane fracture. According to Dias.Tachdjian classification, triplane fracture is classified two part fracture, three part fracture, four part fracture and two part fracture with extension to the medial malleolus. Among four types, two part triplane fracture with extension to the medial malleolus is a relatively rare injury and generally is not treated by closed reduction. Such fractures should have an anatomic reduction and adequate fixation to restore the joint congruity and obtain an anatomic reduction of the growth plate to prevent a future growth deformity. This is usually best accomplished with an open reduction and screw fixation or k-wire fixation. We experienced two part triplane fracture with extension to medial malleolus and check the CT to define the extent of the injury completely. And then we underwent open reduction and screw fixation for the fracture. As a result, we present four cases of two part triplane fracture with extension with review of related literatures.
Congenital Abnormalities ; Epiphyses ; Growth Plate ; Joints

PURPOSE: To evaluate the result of modified Brostrom procedure with anchor suture and explore associate lesion under arthroscopy for chronic lateral instability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2005 to March 2009, Retrospective analysis of 126 patients with chronic lateral instability who underwent modified Brostrom procedure with anchor suture and arthroscopic procedure was done. Mean follow-up period was 13 months. RESULTS: Chronic lateral instability of the ankle almost had local synovitis by arthroscopic examination. There were osteochondral lesion of talus on the anteromedial aspect in 63 cases, on the anterolateral aspect in 25 cases, osteochondral lesion of tibia side in 8 cases, fat hypertrophy of tibiofibular space in 120 cases, anterior fat impingement in 26 cases, intra-articular loose body in 13 cases. Mean Karlsson scoring scale was improve from 53 preoperatively to 91 postoperatively, There were 70 cases excellent, 27 cases good, 26 cases fair, 3 cases poor result according to the Sefton procedure. CONCLUSION: Modified Brostrom procedure with anchor suture and arthroscopic procedure are reliable treatment method for chronic ankle lateral instability which has intraarticular pathology.
Animals ; Ankle ; Ankle Joint ; Arthroscopy ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hypertrophy ; Retrospective Studies ; Sutures ; Synovitis ; Talus ; Tibia

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical results between interlocking intramedullary nail with fibular fixation and nail only for treating distal tibiofibular diaphyseal fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2003 to September 2006, 19 distal tibiofibular fractures were antegrade nailed after anatomical reduction and fixation of fibular fractures, and another 37 fractures fixed with nails only. Average age of patients was 48.6 years. These two groups were compared by VAS (visual analogue scale)&ankle ROM according to degree of comminution and fracture configuration. The statistical analysis was evaluated by t-test. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between fibular fixation group and non-fixation group in VAS score according to fracture comminution and configuration (p>0.05). However, compared according to fracture configuration, mean ankle eversion of fibular fixation group in oblique fractures was 18.3 degrees, and that of non-fixation group was 12.5 degrees (p<0.05). In addition, mean ankle plantar flexion, dorsiflexion, inversion and total ankle ROM of fibular fixation group in spiral fractures was 40.0, 20.0, 30.0 and 108.3 degrees of each and that of non-fixation group was 38.3, 18.5, 27.0 and 101.7 degrees (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In oblique and spiral fractures of distal tibiofibular diaphysis, interlocking intramedullary nail with fibular fixation had the advantage in postoperative ankle ROM. So, it can be a worthy method for the treatment of distal tibiofibular diaphyseal fractures.
Animals ; Ankle ; Diaphyses ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary ; Humans ; Imidazoles ; Nails ; Nitro Compounds

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficiency of the minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) with locking compression plate (LCP) for distal tibial metaphyseal intra-articular fracture compared with extra-articular fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 2006 to June 2008, 21 patients with distal tibia metaphyseal intra-articular fracture and 20 patients with extra-articular fracture were treated operatively by MIPPO technique with LCP and followed for at least one year. In the group with intra-articular fracture, mean age was 48.85 years old and a mean follow-up was 15 months. In the other group with extra-articular fracture, mean age was 52.35 years old and a mean follow-up was 14.5 months. The type of fracture was evaluated using the AO/OTA classification and open-fractures were according to the Gustilo-And gron classification. Radiologic evaluation with fracture healing and tibial alignment, clinical evaluation with Olerud and Molander ankle score and restriction of motion were done for treatment. RESULTS: According to AO/OTA classification, There were 21 type A, 15 type B, 5 type C. Average union time of the intra-articular fracture (type B, C) was 18.7 weeks. Average union time of the extra-articular fracture (type A) was 17.1 weeks. All fractures were healed without malunion. There were no difference of mean restriction angle between intra-articular fracture (ankle dorsiflexion was 3.57 degree, plantar-flexion was 5.95 degree) and extra-articular fracture (ankle dorsiflexion was 3 degree, plantar-flexion was 3.75 degree). There were no difference of Olerud and Molander ankle score between them as a mean score of intra-articular and extra-articular was 89.25, 91.25 each other. As a complication, there were 3 case of skin necrosis, 8 case of discomfortable skin tenting by plate and 1 superficial infection, but could be healed by conservative care. CONCLUSION: MIPPO technique, combined articular reduction, with LCP of distal tibial metaphyseal fracture was a good method with high functional recovery.
Animals ; Ankle ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Healing ; Humans ; Intra-Articular Fractures ; Necrosis ; Skin ; Tibia

PURPOSE: The fracture of talus has critical complications and results in various clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study is to evaluate clinical outcome and influence on involvement of ankle and subtalar joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 1999 to December 2008, a total of 66 fractures and dislocations of talus was treated with minimal 9 months follow up period. Ankle-hindfoot scale of the American Orthopedic Foot& Ankle Society (AOFAS) was used to evaluate the clinical outcome. The complications and sequential radiologic findings were also analyzed. RESULTS: There were 28 neck fractures, 11 lateral process fractures, 10 body fractures, 7 osteochondral fractures, 4 posteromedial tubercle fractures and 4 medial process fractures. In 38 cases, there were concomitant injuries. Ipsilateral ankle fracture, which found in 19 cases, was most common. The surgical treatment was performed in 36 cases. Mean AOFAS score was 85.5 (range, 72 to 96). In 13 of 47 cases, one or more fracture lines involving weight bearing surface were confirmed. The involvement of ankle or subtalar joint had resulted in unsatisfied outcome. Complications were developed as follows, post-traumatic arthritis in 8 cases, avascular necrosis in 3 cases, and deep infection in 2 cases. CONCLUSION: The involvement of ankle or subtalar joint in fractures of talus seemed to be common and to impact the clinical outcome. Meticulous consideration about that will be positively necessary.
Animals ; Ankle ; Arthritis ; Dislocations ; Follow-Up Studies ; Neck ; Necrosis ; Orthopedics ; Subtalar Joint ; Talus ; Weight-Bearing

PURPOSE: To help the empirical antibiotics selection in diabetic foot infection patients, we investigated prevalence of microorganisms and their antibiotics sensitivity results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who came to our clinics to treat diabetic foot infections with deep ulceration and were followed up more than 6 months until complete recovery were adopted. From March 2006 to June 2009, there were 140 patients who corresponded with such a inclusion criteria. Wound cultures were done by deep tissue or bone debris at first visit to our clinics. Microorganisms which was documented by wound culture and most susceptible antibiotics by minimum inhibitory concentrations were surveyed retrospectively. RESULTS: Microorganisms were confirmed in 113 cases (80.7%). In the other 27 cases (19.3%), there were no cultured microorganisms. In bacterial growth group, there were 72 cases (63.7%) of gram-positive bacteria and 41 cases (36.3%) of gramnegative bacteria. All of them were aerobic microorganisms and there were no anaerobic microorganisms. Methicillin-sensitive staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen and accounted for 35 cases (31.0%). As other common pathogens, there were Enterobacter cloacae (11 cases, 9.7%), pseudomonas aeruginosa (10 cases, 8.8%), Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (10 cases, 8.8%) and enterococcus faecalis (6 cases, 5.3%), and so on. Common susceptible antibiotics in gram positive microorganism were vancomycin (60 cases, 83.3%), teicoplanin (60 cases, 83.3%), nitrofurantoin (60 cases, 83.3%) and ciprofloxacin (53 cases, 73.6%). In gram negative ones, common susceptible antibiotics were imipenem (35 cases, 85.3%), piperacillin/tazobactam (33 cases, 80.5%) and gentamicin (31 cases, 75.6%). CONCLUSION: Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus in gram positive and enterobacter cloacae in gram negative was the most common pathogen in each group. Ciprofloxacin and gentamicin might be adaptable as a first-line empirical antibiotics in infected diabetic foot patients.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Bacteria ; Ciprofloxacin ; Diabetic Foot ; Enterobacter cloacae ; Enterococcus faecalis ; Foot ; Gentamicins ; Gram-Positive Bacteria ; Humans ; Imipenem ; Methicillin Resistance ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Nitrofurantoin ; Porphyrins ; Prevalence ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa ; Staphylococcus aureus ; Teicoplanin ; Ulcer ; Vancomycin

PURPOSE: Foot infections are common complications in patients with diabetes. The patients are usually immune-compromised; therefore the pathogens could be resistant to narrow spectrum antibiotics. Those drugs, however, are categorized as specially managed antibiotics, and access are difficult without confirming of the pathogens. Our aim was to analyze the common pathogens in diabetic foot infection and figure out the proper antibiotics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 68 patients treated with diabetic foot infection. The pathogens which caused the infection and their sensitivity to initial antibiotics were analyzed. We also investigated the change of the antibiotics after the confirming of the culture result and average time to get the result. RESULTS: Among the 68 patients, 56 (82%) received cephalosporin and beta-lactam antibiotics. Only 12 (18%) who were confirmed the drug resistant pathogens from previous culture, were treated with broad spectrum antibiotics such as vancomycin and tazoperan. Average culture study time was 6 days. Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was cultured in 19 patients (28%), Methicillin-resistant coagulase negative staphylococcus (MRCNS) in 11 patietns (17%), pseudomonas in 11 patients (17%). Total 44 (65%) including 3 of other antibiotics resistant pathogen needed broad spectrum antibiotics. Thirty two patients (47%) were resistant to initial antibiotics.irt follow up culture, 2 MRSA and 2 MRCNS were found. The antibiotics resistant pathogens were confirmed in 48 (71%) patients at last. CONCLUSION: Diabetic patients with foot infection need proper antibiotics from initial treatment. The proper broad spectrum antibiotics should assigned to the patients from the first time without the confirming of the culture results.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Coagulase ; Diabetic Foot ; Follow-Up Studies ; Foot ; Humans ; Methicillin Resistance ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ; Pseudomonas ; Staphylococcus ; Vancomycin

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical and radiological results of the first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis with two crossed screws fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We treated 23 patients (24 cases) with arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint using two crossed screws fixation between December 2000 and May 2005. There were 3 male patients and 20 female patients. Ages ranged from 28 to 74 years (mean, 50 years). Follow-up ranged from 4.1 to 8.2 years (mean, 6.5 years). The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and their satisfaction was evaluated clinically, foot anteroposterior and lateral radiograph, radiologically. RESULTS: Of the 24 cases, 6 had surgery for dorsal plate and screws fixation because of failure to acquire firm fixation with two crossed screws fixation. All 6 cases acquired bony union. Fusion of the hallux first metatarsophalangeal joint occurred in 16/18 cases (89%). Nonunion occurred in 2 cases (11%) and was asymptomatic. At last follow-up, hallux valgus angle ranged from 11 to 25 degrees(mean, 17.7 degrees), dorsiflexion ranged from 15 to 25 degrees (mean, 22 degrees).The mean preoperative AOFAS score of 37 points(range, 28 to 45 points) improved to a mean of 77 points (range, 65~90 points) postoperatively. The result of the procedure as rated subjectively by the patient was excellent for 5 cases, good for 11 cases and fair for 2. CONCLUSION: Comparatively, the arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint with crossed screws fixation showed a satisfactory clinical results, we thought that require technical attention for firm fixation in operation.
Animals ; Ankle ; Arthrodesis ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Foot ; Hallux ; Hallux Valgus ; Humans ; Male ; Metatarsophalangeal Joint ; Retrospective Studies

PURPOSE: Regardless of potential and actual complications, the sesamoidectomy either tibial side or fibular side or both, had been used as a surgical option for various pathologic conditions. The objective of this cadaveric study was to identify the changes of range of motion of great toe after sesamoidectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight fresh cadaver legs were used. The angular changes of the hallucal articulations were measured by traction of the flexor hallucis longus tendon at the proximal border of fibro-osseous tarsal tunnel and by traction of the extensor hallucis longus tendon at the superior border of inferior extensor retinaculum. The measurement started at neutral position and proceeded to the maximum for respective tendons. After sesamoidectomy either partial or total, same procedures were repeated and the angular changes were measured. RESULTS: In flexion of great toe, there were significant metatarsophalangeal angular differences at 1 cm traction in total sesamoidectomy and lateral sesamoidectomy. In extension of great toe, there were significant metatarsophalangeal angular differences at more than 2 cm traction in total sesamoidectomy. In other measurements, there were no significant angular changes of the hallucal articulations. CONCLUSION: The sesamoidectomy resulted in change of motion of great toe. Statistical analysis showed that the significant increases in the initial flexion and maximal extension occurred with total sesamoidectomy and the significant increase in the initial flexion occurred with lateral sesamoidectomy.
Cadaver ; Leg ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Tendons ; Toes ; Traction