PURPOSE: To collect data regarding the pronator-sparing approach using an anatomical study, which compared the fractures of the distal radius and pronator quadratus (PQ) muscle of an adult cadaveric radius. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen adult cadaver wrists that did not have previous fractures or previous surgery and computed tomography data 32 fractures of the distal radius, were obtained. The size of the distal fracture fragment was measured using the picture archiving and communication system. The distance between the distal margin of the PQ muscles and the articular margin was measured using a caliper. RESULTS: The PQ muscles had an average distance of 10.9 mm (range, 8-13 mm) from the radial styloid process and 10 mm (range, 8-12 mm) from the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). The fracture sites were located an average of 21.8 mm (range, 10-39 mm) from the radial styloid process and an average of 14.4 mm (range, 10-28 mm) from the DRUJ. Distal radial fractures overlapped an average of 11.8 mm from the radial styloid process and an average of 3.5 mm from the DRUJ. CONCLUSION: The pronator-sparing approach could be applied to a functionally reduced fracture because the non-overlapping area of the distal fracture fragment was > or =10 mm and it is possible to repair the anatomic plate without detaching the PQ muscle.
Adult ; Cadaver ; Humans ; Joints ; Muscles ; Radius ; Wrist

The minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) which is extensively performed, is very dependent on the indirect reduction technique to prevent the exposure of fracture sites. Indirect reduction with the use of the femoral distractor is a much more efficient technique to restore the length in the fracture of lower limbs. However, the femoral distractor cannot be used for fracture of upper limbs, and other instruments for indirect reduction have not yet been reported. Therefore, we introduce the novel indirect reduction technique with the use of the lumbar spreader for the MIPO of upper limbs.
Lower Extremity ; Upper Extremity

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of translabyrinthine approach in the vestibular schwannoma patients, the authors reviewed eighteen consecutive cases, focusing at their functional outcome and operative complications. MATERIALS AND METHOD: To evaluate the functional outcome, we reviewed preoperative radiological findings such as size of tumors and location of jugular bulb as well as the preoperative neurological status including audiometric analysis and cranial nerve function in 18 patients, diagnosed as vestibular schwannoma. Also the surgical outcome was evaluated according to the functional preservation of facial nerve and incidence of the surgical complication as well as the extent of surgical resection. RESULTS: The age of patients ranged from 21 to 62 years, with a mean of 50 years. Of 18 patients operated in our center by the translabyrinthine approach, wide exposure with total removal of the mass was possible in 16 cases (88.8%). The facial nerve was anatomically preserved in 88.8%. At six-month follow-up, facial nerve function was good(Grade I-II) in 15 patients(83%) and acceptable(I-IV) in all patients. Although the jugular bulb was highly placed is five patients, gross total resection was possible without facial nerve injury in all patients by the translabyrinthine approach. One patient experienced CSF leakage after surgery, but there was no patient with disabling deficit. CONCLUSION: Use of the translabyrinthine approach for removal of vestibular schwannomas resulted in good anatomical and functional preservation of the facial nerve, with minimal incidence of morbidity and no mortality. In cases of high jugular bulb impacted into mastoid bone, total removal was possible by displacing the jugular bulb with Surgicel cellulose and placement of bone wax.
Cellulose ; Cranial Nerves ; Facial Nerve ; Facial Nerve Injuries ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Incidence ; Mastoid ; Mortality ; Neuroma, Acoustic*

No abstract available.

No abstract available.

OBJECTIVE: Giant pituitary adenomas are rare. The location of these adenomas are close to vital neural and vascular structures with widespread extensions that makes the radical surgical management difficult. METHODS: From October 1994 to August 1998, we experienced 20 patients with giant pituitary adenomas out of 178 surgically treated pituitary adenoma patients. Giant pituitary adenoma was diagnosed on the basis of the longest diameter of being more than 4cm in MRI scan. We reviewed the clinical presentation, types of tumor, size and degree of suprasellar or parasellar extension, routes of surgical approach, postoperative surgical outcomes and complications. RESULTS: The incidence of giant pituitary adenomas was 11%. The most common chief complaint was visual disturbance(n=16). The non-functioning adenoms(n=16) were the majority and the other 4 patients were functioning adenomas(prolactinoma n=2, acromegaly n=1, cushing's disease n=1). The patients underwent transsphenoidal approach(TSA)(n=15) or transcranial approach(TCA)(n=5). Gross total or subtotal removal were achieved in 60% of TSA group(9 of 15) and 40% of TCA group(2 of 5). Postoperative complications were in 6 patients with TSA; cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) leakages(n=2), postoperative bleeding(n=2), transient diabetes insipidus(DI)(n=2). Visual function was improved in 69%(9 of 13) after TSA and 40% after TCA. Surgical results in the TSA group were better than those in transcranial approach group, and there were fewer and less severe postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Even in the giant pituitary adenomas, conventional transsphenoidal approach was effective as the initial treatment modality in terms of effective decompression, functional recovery, and low morbidity.
Acromegaly ; Adenoma ; Decompression ; Humans ; Incidence ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Pituitary Neoplasms* ; Postoperative Complications

OBJECTIVE: For lumbar spondylolisthesis, various spinal operation methods have been used to relieve clinical symptoms and to stabilize the spine. To determine the effectiveness of the lumbar interbody metal cages and pedicle screw fixation in patients with spondylolisthesis, the authors retrospectively reviewed 70 patients under-going surgery, and also analyzed the relationship between post-operative clinical improvement and bony fusion, postoperative reduction, as well as transitional vertebrae. METHODS: The authors performed the lumbar interbody metal cages and pedicle screw fixation in 70 consecutive patients suffering from spondylolisthesis between November 1994 and December 1997. Follow-up averaged 18 months(range, 3 to 39 months). The post-operative clinical outcome was expressed as good, fair, or poor. The bony fusion was determined by post-operative simple X-ray films. RESULTS: Of 70 patients with clinical, radiologically unstable spondylolisthesis, the clinical results were good and fair in 92% of the patients, and radiological bony fusion were occurred in 86%. There was the significant relationship between clinical improvement and bony fusion. But there was no significant relationship between clinical improvement and post-operative reduction as well as transitional vertebrae. The post-operative complications occurred in 4% of patients and reoperation was required in 1 patient. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the lumbar interbody cage with pedicle screw fixation is the effective operation method in the treatment of spondylolisthesis, though it demands more difficulties technically.
Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Reoperation ; Retrospective Studies ; Spine ; Spondylolisthesis* ; X-Ray Film

PURPOSE: Primary CNS lymphoma(PCNSL) is a rare brain tumor which has poor prognosis. It is sensitive to steroid or radiation therapy(RT), but the effect is transient. Recently, many centers have tried to increase survival rate and to lower recurrence rate by combined chemotherapy. Aim of this study is to investigate the response rate, performance status change and complications after combined modality treatment in our patients with PCNSL. PATIENTS AND METHODS:Fifteen consecutive PCNSL patients were included in this study. There was no immune compromized patient. All patients underwent pre-radiation systemic MTX, 1g/m 2, plus 6 doses of intrathecal MTX at 12mg per dose. Cranial RT(WBRT 40Gy, Boost 14.4Gy) was followed by two cycles of intravenous infusion of high dose cytarabine(Ara-C). We reviewed medical records, radiologic findings for evaluation of response and performance status. RESULTS: Seven patients completed this protocol. Response rate(CR + PR/total) after radiation and after completion of combined modality were 80% and 87%, respectively. No patients showed the decrease in performance status 20 more than pre-treatment status during treatment. Four CSF cytology positive patients had undergone all negative conversion after completion of intrathecal MTX chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: The addition of chemotherapy to cranial RT for initial treatment of PCNSL had favorable response rate, CSF cytology negative conversion rate, and maintaining performance status. But, we also have observed treatment failure including life threatening compications and non-responder. Therfore, careful monitoring of medical status should warranted and neuropsychological functions should also be evaluated.
Brain Neoplasms ; Central Nervous System* ; Cytarabine* ; Cytosine* ; Drug Therapy* ; Humans ; Infusions, Intravenous ; Lymphoma* ; Medical Records ; Methotrexate* ; Prognosis ; Recurrence ; Survival Rate ; Treatment Failure

Endoscopic surgery opened new fields in pituitary tumor surgery, not only by direct endonasal access, but also by affording a panoramic view inside the sphenoidal sinus and the sellar turcica. It provides an extremely sharp image with high resolution. We describe our initial experience in using the endonasal endoscopy for the pituitary tumor surgery. Seven operations were performed by the endonasal endoscopy. The endoclinologic diagnosis were prolactinoma in four cases and GH secreating adenoma in three. Four cases were macroadenoma and three were microadenoma. Among the three patients with GH secreting adenomas, two improved clinically with normal serum GH level, one improved clinically with elevated serum GH levels postoperatively. Of the four patients with prolactinomas, all four improved clinically elevated with serum prolactin levels. Two patients developed postoperative complications; one was transient cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) leakage and the other was transient diabetes insipedus(DI). The use of the endoscope allowed close inspection of sella and parasellar structures as well as differentiation between tumor tissue and normal pituitary gland. Gross total removal was possible with the help of angled view of the telescope even in the cases of moderate supra-and parasellar extensions. Although from short and early experience, endoscopic endonasal approach seems to be a valuable and safe procedure for removing pituitary adenomas. With improved techniques and an accumulation in operative experience, endoscopic pituitary surgery will gain in importance and present new horizons in pituitary surgery.
Adenoma ; Diagnosis ; Endoscopes ; Endoscopy ; Humans ; Pituitary Gland ; Pituitary Neoplasms* ; Postoperative Complications ; Prolactin ; Prolactinoma ; Telescopes

The best treatment modality for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage still remains to be controversial. Stereotactic surgery can be performed safely and easily but its indication and optimal timing of operation have to be determined. We treated 80 patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage by stereotactic surgery from October 1994 to December 1997. We investigated clinical status of the patients before and after surgery, amount of hematoma, evacuation rate, timing of operation, transcranial Doppler sonography(TCD), and computerized tomography(CT) findings. The results were as follows: 1) The outcome of early surgery(within 24 hours of bleeding) was better than that of late surgery(after 24 hours of bleeding)(p=0.034). 2) The outcome was better in the patient with higher evacuation rate(p=0.014). 3) TCD monitoring showed beneficial effect of surgery on hemodynamic status. We conclude that the early surgery within 24 hours after bleeding is correlated with the better outcome, and TCD monitoring is useful for evaluation of perioperative hemodynamic change.
Cerebral Hemorrhage* ; Hematoma ; Hemodynamics ; Hemorrhage ; Humans