PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the appropriate stimulus strength that could result in a positive effect on the ankle joint spasticity when patients with chronic stroke performed whole body vibration (WBV) exercise. METHODS: Among 72 patients who were diagnosed with stroke at least 6 months ago, those able to perform a half squat pose with ambulation issues due to ankle joint spasticity (modified Ashworth scale, MAS≥2) were included for analysis. Individuals participated in four different frequencies of vertical WBV exercise; 0 Hz, 10 Hz, 20 Hz, and 30 Hz. Vibration amplitude was 3-4 mm and 5 minutes WBV exercise was performed at each frequency, followed by a measurement after 2-minute rest. We assigned 18 individuals to each frequency and asked them to participate in the WBV exercise once every 3 weeks. The level of spasticity was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) for self-assessment. The myoton PRO was utilized to objectively evaluate the level of spasticity and check the muscle tone and stiffness. RESULTS: Participants showed 0 Hz VAS was a significant difference between 20 Hz application conditions (p < 0.05). Muscle tone was significantly different at 0 Hz between 20 Hz, and 30 Hz (p < 0.05), significantly difference at 10 Hz between 30 Hz (p < 0.05). Muscle stiffness significantly difference at 0 Hz between 20 Hz, and 30 Hz (p < 0.05), significantly difference at 10 Hz between 20 Hz, and 30 Hz (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Findings of this study show that the frequency of more than 20 Hz was effective in improving the ambulatory ability in patients with chronic stroke. Currently, the effective WBV protocol is limited. Hence, this study was designed to suggest an effective WBV protocol to improve neuromodulation ability for chronic stroke patients.
Ankle Joint* ; Ankle* ; Humans ; Muscle Spasticity* ; Self-Assessment ; Stroke* ; Vibration* ; Walking

BACKGROUND: Composite grafts are frequently used for facial reconstruction. However, the unpredictability of the results and difficulties with large defects are disadvantages. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) express several cytokines, and increase the survival of random flaps and fat grafts owing to their angiogenic potential. METHODS: This study investigated composite graft survival after ADSC injection. Circular chondrocutaneous composite tissues, 2 cm in diameter, from 15 New Zealand white rabbits were used. Thirty ears were randomly divided into 3 groups. In the experimental groups (1 and 2), ADSCs were subcutaneously injected 7 days and immediately before the operation, respectively. Similarly, phosphate-buffered saline was injected in the control group just before surgery in the same manner as in group 2. In all groups, chondrocutaneous composite tissue was elevated, rotated 90 degrees, and repaired in its original position. Skin flow was assessed using laser Doppler 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 days after surgery. At 1 and 12 days after surgery, the viable area was assessed using digital photography; the rabbits were euthanized, and immunohistochemical staining for CD31 was performed to assess neovascularization. RESULTS: The survival of composite grafts increased significantly with the injection of ADSCs (P<0.05). ADSC injection significantly improved neovascularization based on anti-CD31 immunohistochemical analysis and vascular endothelial growth factor expression (P<0.05) in both group 1 and group 2 compared to the control group. No statistically significant differences in graft survival, anti-CD31 neovascularization, or microcirculation were found between groups 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with ADSCs improved the composite graft survival, as confirmed by the survival area and histological evaluation. The differences according to the injection timing were not significant.
Adult Stem Cells ; Cytokines ; Ear* ; Graft Survival ; Humans* ; Microcirculation ; Photography ; Rabbits ; Skin ; Stem Cell Transplantation ; Stem Cells* ; Transplants* ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

BACKGROUND: Composite grafts are frequently used for facial reconstruction. However, the unpredictability of the results and difficulties with large defects are disadvantages. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) express several cytokines, and increase the survival of random flaps and fat grafts owing to their angiogenic potential. METHODS: This study investigated composite graft survival after ADSC injection. Circular chondrocutaneous composite tissues, 2 cm in diameter, from 15 New Zealand white rabbits were used. Thirty ears were randomly divided into 3 groups. In the experimental groups (1 and 2), ADSCs were subcutaneously injected 7 days and immediately before the operation, respectively. Similarly, phosphate-buffered saline was injected in the control group just before surgery in the same manner as in group 2. In all groups, chondrocutaneous composite tissue was elevated, rotated 90 degrees, and repaired in its original position. Skin flow was assessed using laser Doppler 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 days after surgery. At 1 and 12 days after surgery, the viable area was assessed using digital photography; the rabbits were euthanized, and immunohistochemical staining for CD31 was performed to assess neovascularization. RESULTS: The survival of composite grafts increased significantly with the injection of ADSCs (P<0.05). ADSC injection significantly improved neovascularization based on anti-CD31 immunohistochemical analysis and vascular endothelial growth factor expression (P<0.05) in both group 1 and group 2 compared to the control group. No statistically significant differences in graft survival, anti-CD31 neovascularization, or microcirculation were found between groups 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with ADSCs improved the composite graft survival, as confirmed by the survival area and histological evaluation. The differences according to the injection timing were not significant.
Adult Stem Cells ; Cytokines ; Ear* ; Graft Survival ; Humans* ; Microcirculation ; Photography ; Rabbits ; Skin ; Stem Cell Transplantation ; Stem Cells* ; Transplants* ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

PURPOSE: Although platelet-rich plasma (PRP) potentiate the wound healing activity of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), its effect cannot be sustained for a prolonged period of time due to short duration of action. This led us to design and produce platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), in an effort to develop a tool which lasts longer, and apply it on wound healing. METHODS: Two symmetrical skin defects were made on the back of seven nude mice. ADSCs were applied to each wound, combined with either PRP or PRF. The wound area was measured over 14 days. By day 16, the wound was harvested and histologic analysis was performed including counting of the blood vessel. RESULTS: The healing rate was more accelerated in PRP group in the first 5 days (p<0.05). However, PRF group surpassed PRP group after 6 days (p<0.05). The average number of blood vessels observed in the PRF group was 6.53 +/- 0.51, compared with 5.68 +/- 0.71 for the PRP group. CONCLUSION: PRF exerts a slow yet pervasive influence over the two-week course of the wound healing process. Thus, PRF is probably more beneficial for promoting the activity of ADSCs for a sustained period of time.
Acceleration ; Animals ; Blood Platelets ; Blood Vessels ; Fibrin ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Platelet-Rich Plasma ; Skin ; Stem Cells ; Wound Healing

Osteomyelitis is a bone infection caused by bacteria or other germs. Gram-positive cocci are the most common etiological organisms of calcaneal osteomyelitis; whereas, non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are rarely documented. We reported a case of NTM calcaneal osteomyelitis in a 51-year-old female patient. She had been previously treated in many local clinics with multiple local steroid injection over 50 times and extracorporeal shock-wave therapy over 20 times with the impression of plantar fasciitis for 3 years prior. Diagnostic workup revealed a calcaneal osteomyelitis and polymerase chain reaction assay on bone aspirate specimens confirmed the diagnosis of non-tuberculous mycobacterial osteomyelitis. The patient had a partial calcanectomy with antitubercular therapy. Six months after surgery, a follow-up magnetic resonance imaging showed localized chronic osteomyelitis with abscess formation. We continued anti-tubercular therapy without operation. At 18-month follow-up after surgery and comprehensive rehabilitation therapy, she was ambulating normally and able to carry out her daily activities without any discomfort.
Abscess ; Bacteria ; Diagnosis ; Fasciitis, Plantar ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gram-Positive Cocci ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Middle Aged ; Nontuberculous Mycobacteria ; Osteomyelitis* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Rehabilitation

In post-stroke patients, the pain or paresthesia of the affected limb is common. These symptoms may be caused by a variety of pathologic conditions. Considering the debilitating effects of the pain, it is important to determine the exact cause and manage appropriately. A 41-year-old woman who had experienced a hemorrhagic lesion in the right basal ganglia and corona radiata 4 months previously presented with an irritating tingling sensation in her left upper extremity. She failed to respond to a number of treatment options including medications and physical agent modalities. Following a diagnosis of disputed thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) caused by scalene muscle dysfunctions, she received ultrasound-guided electrical twitch-obtaining intramuscular stimulation (ETOIMS) which significantly alleviated the pain. This case suggests that the disputed TOS should be considered as one of the possible causes of post-stroke pain, and that detailed history-taking and physical examination, as well as imaging or electrophysiological studies, might be required for accurate diagnosis. Furthermore, ultrasound-guided ETOIMS can be used as a safe and minimally invasive technique for the treatment of the disputed TOS with fewer systemic and local side effects.
Adult ; Basal Ganglia ; Diagnosis ; Extremities ; Female ; Humans ; Muscles* ; Paresthesia* ; Physical Examination ; Sensation ; Stroke ; Thoracic Outlet Syndrome ; Upper Extremity*

Meningioma originates from arachnoid cap cells and is the second most common intracranial tumor; however, it can also be found in an extracranial location. A very rare primary extracranial meningioma without the presence of an intracranial component has also been reported. Primary extracranial meningiomas have been found in the skin, scalp, middle ear, and nasal cavity. A computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scan is necessary to determine the presence or absence of an intracranial meningioma, and a biopsy is essential for diagnosis. We report a case of primary extracranial meningioma located in the forehead skin of a 51-year-old male.
Arachnoid ; Biopsy ; Diagnosis ; Ear, Middle ; Forehead* ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Meningioma* ; Middle Aged ; Nasal Cavity ; Scalp ; Skin ; Subcutaneous Tissue

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between functional level and muscle thickness (MT) of the rectus femoris (RF) and the gastrocnemius (GCM) in young children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: The study participants were comprised of 26 children (50 legs) with spastic CP, aged 3–6 years, and 25 age-matched children with typical development (TD, 50 legs). The MT of the RF, medial GCM, and lateral GCM was measured with ultrasound imaging. The functional level was evaluated using the Gross Motor Function Measurement-88 (GMFM-88), Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), and based on the mobility area of the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI). The measurement of spasticity was evaluated with the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). RESULTS: We note that the height, weight, body mass index, and MT of the RF, and the medial and lateral GCM were significantly higher in the TD group (p < 0.05). There was a direct relationship between MT of the RF and medial GCM and the GMFM-88, GMFCS, and mobility scores of the K-MBI in individuals with early CP. In addition, we have noted that there was a direct relationship between MT of the lateral GCM and the GMFM-88 and GMFCS. Although there was a tendency toward lower MT with increasing MAS ratings in the knee and ankle, the correlation was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: In young children with CP, MT of the RF and GCM was lower than in age-matched children with TD. Furthermore, it is noted with confidence that a significant positive correlation existed between MT and functional level as evaluated using the GMFM-88, GMFCS, and mobility area of K-MBI.
Ankle ; Body Weight ; Cerebral Palsy* ; Child* ; Classification ; Humans ; Knee ; Muscle Spasticity ; Quadriceps Muscle ; Ultrasonography

Soft tissue calcifications after burn injuries are commonly found in the periarticular region. They can easily be found because they cause severe pain and distress to the patient. However, a long period is required to identify extra-articular soft tissue calcification after burn injuries because they have no specific symptoms. Herein, we present the case of a patient with dystrophic extra-articular soft tissue calcification after a burn injury. A 70-year-old woman developed a non-healing ulcer in the right lower leg area two months before presentation to the hospital. She had third-degree flame burns on the anteromedial tibial area of the right leg approximately 40 years prior, and there had been no particular problem. Examination revealed chronic ulcers, and a review of radiograph findings revealed irregular calcification. The wound was treated with wide excision with a skin graft, and it healed without complications. During follow-up one month later, no recurrence of the calcification or ulceration of the lesion was found.

Verrucous carcinoma (VC) is a rare subtype of squamous cell carcinoma that commonly occurs in the oral cavity. However, VC of the facial skin is relatively rare. We report a case of a 91-year-old woman with VC of the facial skin in the left zygoma area. She was diagnosed with actinic keratosis (4 × 3 cm) of the same site approximately 12 years previously, but declined further treatment. The mass was excised with a minimum of 0.4 cm from gross margins with the result of free from tumor of all margins by frozen section, allowing for primary closure after skin undermining. Basal resection was performed in the preplatysmal plane. The diagnosis of VC was confirmed by histopathological examination. Postoperatively, the wound healed without incident and with no signs of facial nerve injury. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of VC of facial skin arising from actinic keratosis.