PURPOSE: The fracture of humeral lateral condyle in children was classified and the complications and results were analyzed according to the treatment modality and the types of fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 92 patients who could be followed up one year or more, and were treated for a humeral lateral condyle fracture from May 1995 to May 2001 were studied. 66 cases were male, 26 cases were female, and 79 cases were under 9 years of age. The Milch stage I encountered in 12 cases, and II in 80 cases. Jacob stage I were encountered in 15 cases, stage II in 59 and stage III in 18 cases. Conservative treatment was performed in 9 cases and surgery was performed in 83 cases. A closed reduction and internal fixation with K-wire was performed in 18 cases, and an open reduction and internal fixation was performed in 65 cases. RESULTS: The change in the carrying angle was not clinically significant except for 7 cases, with a cubitus varus and cubitus valgus deformity. The change in the carrying angle showed an average -1.3 (from +7 to -18). The results according to the Hardacre criteria were `excellent' in 46 cases, `good' in 41 and `poor' in 5. Regarding the complications, bony spur formation was encountered in 8 cases, overgrowth of the lateral condyle and cubitus varus in 4, cubitus valgus in 3, avascular osteonecrosis in 3, premature epiphyseal fusion in 2, nonunion in 2, delayed union in 1, fish-tail deformity in 1, local infection in 5, range of motion limitation in 2 and transient radial nerve palsy in 1 case. CONCLUSION: Humeral lateral condylar fractures have a high rate of complications and clincally significant complication appeared mainly in stage II and III. This suggests that more a careful dissection of the soft tissue and anatomical reduction in Jakob stage III is required in cases of an open reduction.
Child* ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Osteonecrosis ; Paralysis ; Radial Nerve ; Range of Motion, Articular

PURPOSE: To report the preliminary clinical results for arthroscopic treatment of osseous abnormalities as a cause of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 26 patients diagnosed with FAI who were treated by arthroscopic debridement of the labrum, spur resection, and bump resection from March 2004 to March 2005. Osseous abnormalities of FAI were evaluated for the presence or absence of asphericity, pistol grip deformity, coxa vara, coxa valga, retroversion of the acetabulum, and protrusion of acetabulum were present or not. We evaluated the clinical manifestations based on patient satisfaction, sequential JOA pain scores and ranges of motion of the hips. RESULTS: 24 patients were satisfied postoperatively. The average JOA pain score preoperatively and postoperatively at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months, were 0.85, 0.71, 1.50, 1.71, and 1.86, respectively. At 2 weeks preoperatively, the clinical symptoms were aggravated and 6 months postoperatively, the clinical symptoms were improved. 11 patients could not take a cross-legged position preoperatively: but 10 of the 11 patients could take a cross-legged position postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Preliminary clinical results for arthroscopic treatment of osseous abnormalities were satisfactory. We need to perform a follow-up study of the clinical results about the early detection of which findings and decompression of which osseous abnormalities will prevent or delay the progression of osteoarthritis through mid and long-term follow up.
Acetabulum ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Coxa Valga ; Coxa Vara ; Debridement ; Decompression ; Femoracetabular Impingement* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hand Strength ; Hip ; Humans ; Osteoarthritis ; Patient Satisfaction

PURPOSE: To find out the consequences of the surgical treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation, using modified Phemister technique with Mersilene tape augmentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We chose 26 patients who were able to follow up 1 year or more among the patients who were diagnosed as acromioclavicular joint dislocation in our hospital through February 2001 to March 2003 and took modified Phemister surgery with Mersilene tape augmentation. Patients with clavicle fracture were excluded. Evaluation of the surgical results was done with the condition or pain, function, range of motion by using Imatani evaluation system, and preoperative, postoperative and last follow up radiographs. RESULTS: Most of the cases showed satisfactory result. Clinical evaluations were 16 excellent (62%), 10 good (38%), radiological evaluations were 14 excellent (54%), 10 good (38%), 2 fair (8%), and no poor group. On the final follow up six cases showed vertical translation, but none had clinical symptoms. Seven cases showed a little inflammation at where pin were inserted, but after the removal of the pin, the inflammation was gone. CONCLUSION: The modified Phemister surgery for acromioclavicle dislocation is simple, but we can obtain strong fixation, and there is no burden of the removal of the metal plate, or complication of re- dislocation after the removal of the pin, so it is thought as a very effective surgery.
Acromioclavicular Joint* ; Clavicle ; Dislocations* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Range of Motion, Articular

We reviewed 28 patients with renal pelvic tumor during the period from 1974 to 1989 and 17 patients were followed up. The over all survival rate at l, 2, and 3 years was 88%, 63%, and 50%, respectively, by the Kaplan-Meier method. The stage and the grade of the tumor were the most influencing factors on prognosis. Simultaneous tumors of ureter or bladder, non-visualizing kidney on excretory urography, duration of the gross hematuria more than 6 months showed relatively poor prognosis. But development of subsequent bladder tumor did not seem to influence on prognosis.
Hematuria ; Humans ; Kidney ; Prognosis ; Survival Rate ; Ureter ; Urinary Bladder ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms ; Urography

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of the different regimens of immobilization after surgery in a rabbit model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on the right Achilles tendon of 30 rabbits. Modified Kessler method was used to suture the transected tendon. Rabbits were divided into three groups, Group I (n=10) underwent long leg cast with equinus position for 6 weeks, Group II (n=10) underwent weekly cast correction to full dorsiflexion from 1 week after surgery, and Group III (n=10) underwent daily correction of equinous position with external fixator from 1 week after surgery. The contralateral Achilles tendon served as an unoperated control. And three groups were compared at 6 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: The maximal load at rupture (N) was 55.50, 97.46, 140.27, 180.98 for group I, II, III and control respectively. The strain was 0.44, 0.49, 0.74, 0.67. The stiffness (N/mm) was 9.63, 17.87, 19.01, 23.33. The absorbed energy to rupture (J) was 12.23, 23.98, 51.20, 60.78. Values among groups were significantly different considering the maximal load, strain, stiffness, and absorbed energy to rupture (p<0.05). Histological finding was revealed more mature restoration and more parallel arrangement of fiber bundles in the group II, and especially group III. Achilles tendon rupture, Maximal load, Strain, Stiffness, Tensile loading. CONCLUSION: Tensile loading of the healing tendon by postoperative continuous correction leads to changes in more similar to the normal Achilles tendon, biomechanically and historically.
Achilles Tendon* ; External Fixators ; Immobilization ; Leg ; Rabbits ; Rupture ; Sutures ; Tendons

Translational research (TR) can be defined as research where a discovery made in the laboratory (bench) can be applied in the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of a disease. Examples of medical discoveries contributing to translational medicine (TM) include the isolation of insulin by Banting (Nobel Laureate, 1923), the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming (Nobel Laureate, 1945) and recently the discovery of the role of bacterium Helicobacter pylori in the causation of gastritis and peptic ulcer by Marshall and Warren (Nobel Laureates, 2005). Clinical research (CR) would be a more appropriate term for the bulk of research work undertaken by doctors. CR embraces both clinical based and laboratory-based research. The terminology "bedside to bench" applies more to CR as opposed to "bench to bedside" in the case of TR. But regardless of who does it, as long as the discovery can be translated to the bedside and results in improvement in patient care it can be considered a contribution to TM. Our work spans a 30-year period, involving laboratory-based research, clinical trials and genomics of IgA nephritis (Nx). This is a series of work to elucidate the pathogensis and therapy of IgANx. Plasma beta-thromboglobulin (BTG) an in-vivo index of platelet aggregation and anti-thrombin III increase due to a constant thrombogenecity resulting from platelet degranulation formed the basis for anti-platelet and low-dose warfarin therapy. A study of the natural history of IgANx revealed 2 courses, a slowly progressive course with end-stage renal failure (ESRF) at 7.7 years and a more rapid course at 3.3 years. Triple therapy (cyclophosphamide, persantin and low-dose warfarin) delayed progression to ESRF by about 8 years and for some patients up to 20 years. Documentation of abnormal suppressor T cell function provided the basis for immune therapy. Four patterns of proteinuria were present in IgANx and it is the quality and not so much the quantity of proteinuria which determined the prognosis. Low molecular weight proteinuria was a bad prognostic marker. A controlled therapeutic trial using ACEI/ATRA showed that therapy decreases proteinuria, improves renal function and converts non-selective to selective proteinuria. Subsequent work confirmed that it was the ATRA, not the ACEI which contributed to improved renal function. Individual anti proteinuria response to ATRA varies depending on ACE gene polymorphism. We found that the II genotype of the ACE gene was renoprotective and patients with this genotype had significantly reduced incidence of ESRF compared to those with the DD genotype. Patients responsive to ATRA therapy can retard progression to ESRF by up to 32 years. Mild renal failure can be reversed with possible regression of glomerulosclerosis because of glomerular remodelling by ATRA.
Disease Progression ; Evidence-Based Medicine ; history ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genomics ; history ; Glomerulonephritis, IGA ; genetics ; history ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Humans ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Singapore

Apart from clinical, histological and biochemical indices, genomics are now being employed to unravel the pathogenetic mechanisms in the disease progression of IgA nephritis (IgAN). The results of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism have been controversial. Those patients with the DD genotype seem to have a poorer prognosis. However, with high dose angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) therapy, the ACE gene polymorphism status of a patient may no longer be a matter for concern as those with the DD genotype would also respond favourably to high dose ARB therapy. Association studies with gene sequencing and haplotypes have suggested that multiple genes are involved in the pathogenesis of IgAN. Some workers have reported a synergistic effect in the combined analysis of AGT-M235T and ACE I/D polymorphism. With the use of deoxyribo nucleic acid (DNA) microarray, tens of thousands of gene expressions genome-wide can be examined together simultaneously. A locus of familial IgAN has been described with strong evidence of linkage to IgAN1 on chromosome 6q22-23. Two other loci were reported at 4q26-31 and 17q12-22. DNA microarray techniques could also help in the identification of specific pathogenic genes that are up- or down-regulated and this may allow genome wide analyses of these genes and their role in the pathogenesis and progression of IgAN. Recently, using genome-wide association studies (GWAS) more loci for disease susceptibility for IgAN have been identified at 17p13, 8p23, 22q12, 1q32 and 6p21.
Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists ; administration & dosage ; Disease Progression ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Genomics ; methods ; Glomerulonephritis, IGA ; drug therapy ; genetics ; pathology ; Haplotypes ; Humans ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

INTRODUCTIONThis paper presents the results of a community survey on urinary abnormalities which covered 1/80th of the population of Singapore in 1975. These findings were compared with the data from the Singapore National Service Registrants in 1974 as well as data from a recent survey in Singapore and that of other Asian and Western countries.

MATERIALS AND METHODSThe study covered 18,000 persons aged 15 years and above, representing a sampling fraction of 1/80th of the population. A total of 16,808 respondents attended the field examination centres, of whom 16,497 had their urine sample tested representing 92.7% of the sample population.

RESULTSIn the dipstick urine testing at the field examination centres, 769 subjects (4.6%) were found to have urinary abnormalities. Two hundred and eighty-two (36.7%) of these 769 subjects were found to have urinary abnormalities based on urine microscopy constituting a prevalence of 1.71%. The prevalence of proteinuria was 0.63% and for both haematuria and proteinuria was 0.73%. The prevalence for hypertension was 0.43% and renal insufficiency was 0.1%.

DISCUSSIONThe consensus is that routine screening for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the general population is not cost effective as the yield is too low. Whilst, most studies showed that screening of the general population was not cost effective, it has been suggested that screening for targeted groups of subjects could help to identify certain risk groups who may benefit from early intervention to prevent or retard the progression of CKD.

CONCLUSIONThe prevalence of urinary abnormalities in Singapore has remained the same, now and three decades ago.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Hematuria ; epidemiology ; pathology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Proteinuria ; epidemiology ; pathology ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic ; epidemiology ; pathology ; Risk Assessment ; Singapore ; epidemiology ; Urinalysis ; Urinary Tract Infections ; epidemiology ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Data from previous studies on gastric acid secretion and the prevalence of H. pylori in liver cirrhosis patients remain poorly defined. H. pylori is a potential source of NH3, but the possible role of H. pylori in hepatic encephalopathy is not clear. The purpose of this study was to compare gastric acid secretion, the impact of H. pylori infection, and the production of NH3 between cirrhotic patients and healthy, matched controls. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with liver cirrhosis (HBV, n=12; Alcohol, n=12; HCV, n=5) were matched with 33 healthy persons for age and sex. None of the patients or controls were being treated with antacids, H2-receptor blockers or proton pump inhibitors. The pH and NH3 concentration was measured in gastric juice obtained by endoscopy. H. pylori infection was diagnosed using the rapid urease test. The level of NH3 in venous blood was also measured. RESULTS: The average gastric pH was significantly higher in cirrhosis patients compared to controls (3.91 vs. 2.99, P<0.05). In addition, the prevalence of hypochlorhydria (defined as pH>4) was significantly greater in cirrhosis patients (45 vs. 21%, P<0.05). In contrast, the prevalence of H. pylori infection (62% vs. 58%) and gastric NH3 concentrations (3.4 vs. 3.3 mM/L) were similar between both groups. However, venous NH3 levels were significantly higher in cirrhotics than in controls (63.1 vs. 25.2 micro M/L, P<0.05). The patients with H. pylori infection had significantly higher gastric NH3 concentration (3.8 vs. 1.6 mM/L) and gastric pH (3.87 vs. 2.76, P<0.05) than those without infection, but no significant difference in venous NH3 levels were detected (39.6 vs. 48.1 micro M/L). In patients with cirrhosis, the presence of H. pylori infection was not correlated with either gastric or blood NH3 levels. CONCLUSIONS: The gastric pH of liver cirrhosis patients is higher than that of controls and a larger proportion of cirrhotic patients have hypochlorhydria. The prevalence of H. pylori in liver cirrhosis patients was similar to that in controls and no correlation was found between gastric and blood NH3 levels. Thus, H. pylori infection does not seem to play a major role in generation of elevated NH3 associated with hepatic encephalopathy.
Achlorhydria/complications ; Ammonia/analysis ; English Abstract ; Female ; Gastric Acid/secretion ; *Gastric Acidity Determination ; Helicobacter Infections/*complications/physiopathology ; *Helicobacter pylori ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Liver Cirrhosis/*metabolism/microbiology/physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the biological response of alkali- and heat-treated titanium-8tantalum-3niobium surfaces by cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity analysis. METHODS: Commercial pure titanium (group cp-Ti) and alkali- and heat-treated titanium-8tantalum-3niobium (group AHT) disks were prepared. The surface properties were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersed spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The surface roughness was evaluated by atomic force microscopy and a profilometer. The contact angle and surface energy were also analyzed. The biological response of fetal rat calvarial cells on group AHT was assessed by cell proliferation and ALP activity. RESULTS: Group AHT showed a flake-like morphology microprofile and dense structure. XPS analysis of group AHT showed an increased amount of oxygen in the basic hydroxyl residue of titanium hydroxide groups compared with group cp-Ti. The surface roughness (Ra) measured by a profilometer showed no significant difference (P>0.05). Group AHT showed a lower contact angle and higher surface energy than group cp-Ti. Cell proliferation on group AHT surfaces was significantly higher than on group cp-Ti surfaces (P<0.05). In comparison to group cp-Ti, group AHT enhanced ALP activity (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that group AHT stimulates osteoblast differentiation.
Alkaline Phosphatase ; Alloys ; Animals ; Cell Adhesion ; Cell Proliferation ; Microscopy, Atomic Force ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Osteoblasts ; Oxygen ; Photoelectron Spectroscopy ; Rats ; Spectrum Analysis ; Surface Properties ; Titanium