In the treatment of flexor tendon injury of the hand, re-rupture after primary tendon repair is one of complications which occurs occasionally and so impose burden on both the patient and the surgeon. Authors experienced twelve cases of re-rupture after primary flexor tendon repair of 274 patients from Mar. 1989 to Mar.1996. The incidence of re-rupture after primary flexor tendon repair was 4.4% in author's series. One case happened with slip down injury, and in six cases re-rupture occurred during physical therapy with snapping click sound. However in five cases, the patients conldnt recognize any related causes. In majority of cases, re-ruptures were identified between three and five weeks after primary repair by the surgeon and the patient, so it could be suggested that the attention should be paid for the high possiblity of re-rupture during this period. Operative findings were the resorption and friability of repaired end with insecure suture fixation in two cases, rupture of suture material in four cases and loosening of the knot in six cases. From this study, the authors suggest the importance of knot, and recommend to make more than four knots on suture tie with attention to the tie direction, and advise careful physical therapy according to each patients' different situation. In the treatment of re-rupture, end-to-end re-anastomosis was available in seven cases (59%). In five cases (41%), tendon graft was needed. The clinical result of the re-rupture cases was evaluated by the Stickland evaluation method, and it was satisfactory in 67% of the patients who had the complication of re-rupture.
Hand* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Rupture ; Sutures ; Tendon Injuries ; Tendons* ; Transplants

Segmental fracture of the femoral shaft is known as an unusual injury, usually caused by severe force and associated with marked damage to the soft tissue, and is difficult to treat due to these causes it is a controversal topic in regard to the treatment. Authors analysed 14 cases of segmental fracture of the femoral shaft, except cases associated with hip fracture, which had received operative treatment at Dept. of Orthopaedic Surgery, College of Medicine, Chosun University, from Jan. 1985 to Dec. 1990. The results are summarized as follows; 1. Of 14 cases, there were 12 cases of male and 2 cases of female: male was predominant. Most cases were at their 3rd and 6th decades of age. 2. Traffic accidents were the main causes of injury(11 out of 14 cases.) 3. There were 13 closed fracture and 1 open fracture. 4. In most cases, they accompanied injuries to other vital organ. Among 14 cases, 5 cases accompanied head injury. 5. We treated these fracture by flexible intramedullary nailing in 7 cases, open reduction and internal fixation with plate in 5 cases, locked intramedullary nailing in 2 cases. Bony union was more rapid in the distal fracture than in the proximal fracture. 6. Among 14 cases, primary bone grafting was done in 2 cases. In the group where primary bone grafting had not been done, dealyed union appeared but nonunion was not seen. 7. We could obtain rapid bony union and decreased operation time in the cases which were treated with intramedullary fixation, and thought that intramedullary fixation was a relatively good method in type of this fracture.
Accidents, Traffic ; Bone Transplantation ; Craniocerebral Trauma ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary ; Fractures, Closed ; Fractures, Open ; Hip ; Humans ; Male ; Methods

There have been many debates concerning operative decompression of treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures with retropulsed bone fragment. From March 1988 to February 1992, authors treated thirty-three thoracolumbar burst fractures by using transpedicular screw fixation and posterior fusion via the posterior approach. We attempted to reduce retropulsed fragment by ligamentotaxis alone and not to do posterolateral nor anterior decompression. After the reduction of fractured spine by posterior instrumentation, we tried to determine the efficiency of reduction of the retropulsed fragment by ligamentaxis along. As a method, we compared the change of anteroposterior, transverse to diameter and area of spinal canal of fractured spine between preoperative and the postoperative situation. The results were as follows; 1. The mean anteroposterior and transverse diameter of the spinal canal on computed tomogram film was 10.1mm & 21.8mm preoperatively & 12.4mm & 23.2mm postoperatively, showing an increase. 2. The area of spinal canal of involved spine on CT film was evaluated preoperatively & post-operatively, the mean spinal canal invasion rate decreased from 36.3% preoperatively to 14.3% postoperatively. 3. The degree of reduction of middle height on plain x-ray and reduction of spinal canal invasion on computed tomogram were statistically correlated(p < 0.01). 4. There was no correlation between the degree of canal narrowing and degree of neurologic impairment. also, there was no correlation between the reduction of retropulsed fragments and subsequent neurologic impairment. 5. There was the relatively satisfactory enlargement of the spinal canal on computed tomogram at the follow-up So we suggest that it is possible to get enough decompression through reduction of retropulsed fragment by ligamen to taxis alone without posterolateral decompression.
Decompression ; Follow-Up Studies ; Methods ; Spinal Canal ; Spine

The ankle is a modified complex hinge joint consisting of the distal tibio-fibula joint (Syndesmosis), and the ankle joint proper(hinge joint), and is important in weight bearing, standing and walking. So, the goals of treatment of ankle fracture are anatomical positioning of talus in the mortise and regaining a smooth articular suface. Unless these requisites are achieved by treatment, post-traumatic arthritis is likely to occur. We analyzed 120 cases of ankle fracture, most of which were treated surgically by A-0 method, in Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hyundai Haesung Hospital from January, 1982 to December 1985. The results are as follows; 1. The most common victim was 3rd–4th decades man, and the cause was direct blow. 2. The most common type was pronation-external rotation type of Lauge-Hansen classification, and Type A of Danis-Weber type. 3. The more favorable result was noted in Danis-Weber type A than type B and type C,and noted worst result in pilon fracture. 4. Favorable results can be gained by semi-tubular plate in fibular fracture than any other fixation material. 5. On application of semi-tubular plate, there were no significant differences in results between that placed posteriorly and that placed laterally. 6. We did not transfix the distal tibio-fibular joint in stable Danis-Weber type C injury without any specific sequellae. 7. We obtained better result by removal of transfixing screw 6 weeks after operation. 8. We obtained good results with only 3 weeks immobilization after operation.
Ankle Fractures ; Ankle Joint ; Ankle ; Arthritis ; Classification ; Immobilization ; Joints ; Methods ; Talus ; Walking ; Weight-Bearing

In dealing with lateral condylar injuries of humerus, the chance of pitfalls and having a poor functional result with poor management is much greater because it is a physeal injury involving intraarticular surface. Lateral condylar physeal injuries of distal humerus have been regarded as Salter-Harris Type IV injury. But indeed, true Salter-Harris type IV injury of lateral condyle of distal humerus are rare. It should be regarded as Salter-Harris type II injury. Previously Milch classified the lateral condyle fracture of distal humerus as type I and type II after Stimson's description. It seems to be most useful to plan therapeutic modalities by classification of lateral condyle fracture on the basis of stage of displacement proposed by Jakob et al and Milch's type. Authors performed clinical analysis about lateral condyle fracture of distal humerus in children. Among 79 cases, who were treated at department of orthopaedic surgery, Hyundai haesung hospital from Mar. 1982 to Mar. 1988, it was possible to follow up in 30 cases. The result were as follows ; 1. The age incidence was confined from age of 3 to age of 12. Peak age was around 6. 2. Most of fractures were Milch's type II (75 cases) in contrast to Milch's type I (4 cases). 3. Precise differentiation of stage I and II displacement was needed for evaluation of stability of fracture and planning treatment modalities. 4. In case of stage II displacement, cast immobilization alone was insufficient. K-wire fixation was needed for prevention of displacement and better result. 5. In all of cases(30 cases) overgrowth of lateral condyle and spur formation were noticed but it has no clinical disabilities. 6. There were no significant differences of outcome between different fracture types and different stage of displacement. But significant differences of outcome were noticed how treatment performed. Accurate anatomical reduction and stable fixation was needed. 7. 2 cases of severe cubitus varus(20') were occured. In 21 cases, carrying angle were changed, valgus change were more common than varus change. It was thought to be relative undergrowth of lateral condyle of humerus and malunion as its causes. 8. In all cases, there were no loss of R.O.M.
Child ; Classification ; Clinical Study ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Humerus ; Immobilization ; Incidence

Various methods of spinal instrumentation have been used for treatment of unstable fracture & fracture-dislocation of thoraco-lumbar spine. Recently, newly designed short segment fixation devices using pedicle screw were designed and there was a trend to use this posterior short segment instrumentation using pedicle screw. We have used AO internal fixator as posterior instrumentation for unstable spine fracture of thoracolumbar spine since November, 1987. Previously we used Harrington instrumentation and Luque rod wiring for treatment of unstable fracture of thoracolumbar spine and we reported the results of clinical analysis of those systems on Feb, 1987. We analyzed the clinical results of 93 cases those who underwent operative treatment using each posterior instrumentation system for unstable fracture and fracture-dislocation of thoraco-lumabr spine at our hospital from Dec. 1983 to Oct. 1989. Among that 93 cases, the Harrington instrumentation were 35 cases, Luque rod instrumentation were 36 cases and AO internal fixator were 22 cases. The results were as follows:1. The most commonly injured level was Ll (44 case) and followed by T12(33 cases, 86%). 2. By Francis Denis classification, Burst type fracture was most common(42 cases, 45%). 3. Change of kyphotic angle were checked on lateral X-ray view. There no significant differences between those groups using H-rod(58.64%), Luque-rod(54.8%), and AO internal fixator(60.1%) on immediate post-op X-ray. But there noticed least loss of correction of kyphotic angle when using AO internal fixator comparing with other groups. 4. The correction rates of height of anterior and middle column were checked by Denis-Edward method, there noticed best correction rate in AO internal fixator group. 5. The ROM of trunk were checked, there were no significant differences in H-rod, L-rod, and AO internal fixator group in long term follow up.
Classification ; Dislocations ; Follow-Up Studies ; Internal Fixators ; Methods ; Pedicle Screws ; Spine

One of the patellar function is to protect the femoral condyle from direct blowing to knee, so it is known that ligament injuries of the knee are rare in the presence of patellar fracture. We experienced four cases of posterior cruciate ligament injury associated with patellar fracture. Unfortunately, three cases were initially neglected, and one case was identified by visualization on avulsed posterior tibial spine in plain X-ray film. We reviewed these cases and obtained several results as follows; 1. Among four cases, three cases(75%) are fractured at the lower pole of patella without displacement and one case is a longitudinal fracture. 2. We consider possible two mechanisms of this injury; first, in flexed knee, posteriorly directed force on the proximal tibia produces posterior cruciate ligament injury followed by avulsed fracture at the lower pole of patella. Second, by fall on a flexed knee, the load is sustained on the inferior pole of the patella first and continuously drives the tibia backwards producing posterior cruciate ligament injury. We recommend that all surgeon should be aware of possibility of the ligament injury in the presence of patellar fracture, especially in lower pole fracture.
Knee ; Ligaments ; Patella ; Posterior Cruciate Ligament ; Spine ; Tibia ; X-Ray Film

Kirschner-wires and pins are used for the intenal fixation of the acromioclavicular joint. Many surgeons are aware of the tendency of these appliances to migrate, however, few reports of this complication have appeared in literature. This report concerns two instances of migration K-wires from the acromioclavicular joint into the neck, The potential for K-wires to migrate must be recogniged, and more frequent postoperative radiographic studies performed after the insertion of such pins to permit earlier detection of bony resorption and migration. Thereby permitting earlier removal. In cases of young adult, the wires must be removed as soon as the desired theurapeutic results have been obtained.
Acromioclavicular Joint ; Humans ; Neck ; Surgeons ; Young Adult

There are many procedures for the treatment of acute A-C injury which have many complications such as limitation of shoulder motion, post traumatic arthritis, recurrence of dislocation etc. From September 1985 to February 1992 at Haesung Hospital, Ulsan, 62 patients with grade I complete A-C dislocation had been treated surgically by modified Phemister method. We report 42 cases with at least 1 year follow up. The following results are obtained. 1. There are no limitation of shoulder motion in all cases. 2. The comparision of coraco-clavicular interval after surgery(1.43mm) with that of follow up (2.13mm) shows no significant difference. 3. We experience 15 cases who have resorption of distal clavicle or arthritic change in x-ray film. 4. Clinical results shows that excellent in 20 cases, good in 10 cases, fair in 11 cases, poor in 1 case. From the above result, we suggest the modified phemister method is good procedure in the treatment of acute A-C dislocation.
Arthritis ; Clavicle ; Dislocations ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Methods ; Recurrence ; Shoulder ; Ulsan ; X-Ray Film

The radial head forms articulation with radial head fossa of proximal ulna and capitellum, and it ditectly contributes pronation and supination of forearm and also flexion and extension of elbow. There were debates in treatment of radial head fracture especially in displaced or communited fracture. From January 1982 to February 1992, we experienced and analysed 29 cases of radial head fracture. They were treated with conservative treatment or operative treatment according to type The results were as follows; 1. We could get better results with open reduction and internal fixation with miniscrew than radial head excision in type 11 radial head fracture. 2. There were unfavorable results of valgus instability, weakness in all cases of radial head excision.
Elbow ; Forearm ; Head ; Pronation ; Supination ; Ulna