The ligamentum nuchae is a midline structure extending from the occiput to the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra. Radio-opaque formations in the soft tissues behind the processes of the cervical spine has been known to radiologists since Barsony's description in 1929. It may actually be a normal sesamoid, or it may have developed as a result of previous trauma. But this remains hypothetical in that histological endochondral ossification sequence has not yet been demonstrated. These are generally asymptomatic and of clinical significance only in so far as they may be confused with fracture or tumors. Two patients who had clinical symptoms with or without previous trauma visited and they were relieved of their clinical symptoms by surgical excision. Then, we report on two unusual cases which were symptomatic.
Humans ; Spine

Biofeedback is the treatment of choice for functional defecation disorders such as idiopathic chronic constipation and neurogenic fecal incontinence. The pre-existing biofeedback systems have many disadvantages. The aims of current project are, first, to develop the biofeedback system into the application software in the Windows environment, and, second, to assess the possibility of clinical usage for patients with functional defecation disorders. The hardware and software of the BASCO (Biofeedback Anal Sphincter Control) system were based on the signal measurement and signal processing of anal sphincter EMG (Electromyography). BASCO system was applied to 5 normal healthy controls and 20 patients with functional defecation disorders. Patients group was categorized as constipation group (N1=15) and incontinence group (N2=5). With use of current system, EMG-based biofeedback therapy was performed, and the outcome was analysed. Anal EMG signal data was processed by the software, and displayed in the monitor of personal computer. The software of EMG-display and database management were adequately operated. In N1 group, a paradoxical elevation or equalized activity of anal EMG pattern was shown in the simulated defecation. In N2 group, low electrical activity was shown. These findings were used for the EMG-based biofeedback therapy as a pilot study. The clinical symptoms were improved in 12 of N1 group and 3 of N2 group in the period of 3.7 (range, 1~12) months follow-up. In Conclusion, newly-developed BASCO system was adequately operated in the volunteer and patients groups. The multi-tasking and multi-processing functions were adequately shown in the real time. Current results could be used for clinical appraisal. Specifically, this system could be used for the practical application of biofeedback therapy in the patients with chronic constipation or fecal incontinence.
Anal Canal* ; Biofeedback, Psychology* ; Constipation ; Defecation* ; Fecal Incontinence ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Microcomputers ; Pilot Projects ; Volunteers

Isometric positioning of the ACL graft is an important consideration in successful reconstruction of the ACL-deficient knee. The purpose of this study is to get a certain guideline in the endoscopic one-tunnel technique of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by measuring the skin angle and determine the degree of minimum flexion of the knee joint during femoral tunneling and interference screw fixations. To get the guide lines, first we get the tibial tunnel angle parallel to the Blumensaat's line from fully extended lateral knee joint radiography. Secondly measure the differences between angles of the femur-tibia shaft and anterior thigh-leg skin. Then measure the minimum femur-tibia flexion angle does not perforated the posterior cortex of the distal femur during femoral tunneling. Intraoperative measuring the angle between interference screw guide pin and tibial tunnel to get the parallelism of the femoral tunnel and interference screw. The results were as follows; The average femur-tibia shaft angle with 30degrees anterior thigh-leg skin angle was 30.2+/-1.75degrees, with 45degrees was 45.2+/-1.23degrees, with 60degrees was 61.9+/-4.23degrees, with 75degrees was 78.6+/-2.62degrees, with 90degrees was 97.8+/-3.96degrees. Predetermined sagittal tibial tunnel vector on the 0degrees extension knee joint lateral radiographs were applied to the several knee joint dynamograms. The mean minimum flexion angle of the femur-tibia shaft that doesn't perforate the posterior cortex of the femur was 45+/-1.58degrees (male), 44.5+/-4.97degrees (female). The average angle between interference screw guide pin and tibial tunnel was 23.0+/-2.23degrees. The findings of the present study suggest that anterior thigh-leg skin angle can be used instead of the true femur-tibia shaft angle. Less knee flexion angle makes good arthroscopic view during the tibio-femoral tunneling and interference screw fixation.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction ; Femur ; Knee Joint* ; Knee* ; Radiography ; Skin ; Transplants

Myelopathy or dysfunction of the spinal cord, can be caused by degenerative processes of the cervical vertebrae. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy can be divided into five distinct syndromes on the basis of clinical presentation by Ferguson. Absolute indication for surgery is the progression of neurologic deficit. Decompression may be achieved using an anterior, posterior, or a combined approach, but each patient has unique clinical conditions that require individualized treatment. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the operative results by the clinical manifestation. In evaluating the results, the evaluation system established by the Japanese Orthopedic Association was employed. The average preoperative score in the 14 patient was 8.7 points and the average postoperative score was 12.7 points. The better results have been obtained for those who were managed with decompression within 1 year after onset of symptoms and those who had lateral type. In conclusion, the prognosis for the recovery of the spinal cord function is related with the onset of clinical symptoms and degree of neurological deterioration, so early detection and operative decompression for cervical spondylotic myelopathy may be the best method for the prevention of those unwanted and potentially devastating neurological deteriorations.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Cervical Vertebrae ; Decompression ; Female ; Humans ; Neurologic Manifestations ; Orthopedics ; Prognosis ; Spinal Cord ; Spinal Cord Diseases*

SUMMARY: Benign fibrous histiocytoma of the knee is a very rare entity. We report on one case of benign fibrous histiocytoma that involved the patellar fat pad, an areas of involvement not previously reported. Diagnostic arthroscopy was performed to show retrobulging of infrapatellar fat pad without specific synovial changes. The lesion was completely resected. At short-term follow-up, all symptoms were resolved. Arthroscopy can be used as an diagnostic tool for identification of intraarticular lesions of the knee, but appears not to be a good tool for clean removal of mass within patellar fat pad.
Adipose Tissue* ; Arthroscopy ; Follow-Up Studies ; Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous* ; Knee

Amyloidosis is classified according to the distribution pattern of amyloid deposition sites and associated diseases. Hepatic amyloidosis is not infrequent, although rarely causes clinical liver disease. We report two cases of amyloidosis diagnosed by liver biopsy. One presented with symptoms related almost to the liver disease, such as jaundice, hepatomegaly and indigestion. Echocardiogram revealed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, suggesting cardiac involvement of the amyloidosis. The patient died of hepatic failure. The other case was found in a patient with an end stage renal disease. Features of congestive heart failure in this case may reflect cardiac involvement. The pattern of hepatic amyloid deposition in both of these cases was diffuse perisinusoidal. The predominant intralobular deposition suggests that these are amyloidosis of the secondary type.
Amyloidosis/*diagnosis/pathology ; Humans ; Liver Diseases/*diagnosis/pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged

A major cause of less than ideal results following intraarticular anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction has been imprecise nonanatomic tunnel position for graft placement either in the femur, the tibia, or both. Lack of defined constant reference landmarks for reproducible tunnel placement has contributed to this problem on both sides of the joint. The purpose of this study was to define constant anatomic intraarticular and extraarticular landmarks that can be used as definitive reference points to reproducibly create a tibial tunnel for ACL reconstruction that (1) results in an impingement-free graft in full extension; (2) positions the tibial tunnel such that the sagittal tunnel-plateau angle is parallel with the sagittal intercondylar roof-plateau angle in full extension to minimize shear seen by the graft at the tibial tunnel inlet. Preoperative full extension and 90degrees flexion lateral radiographs were obtained. Preoperative measurements of the tibial tunnel-tibial shaft angle and distance from inferior pole of patella to entry point of tibial tunnel were useful tool for impingement free, Blumensaats line paralleling ACL reconstruction with autogenous bone patella tendon bone graft. The average tibial tunnel-tibial shaft angle was 34+/-4.59degrees (male), 33.5+/-3.37degrees (female). The mean distance between patella inferior pole and tibial tunnel entry point was 6.62+/-0.61cm (male), 6.21+/-0.89cm (female). This study sought to define constant anatomic landmarks extraarticularly as well as intraarticularly that can be used to reliably create an ideal tibial tunnel for ACL reconstruction.
Anatomic Landmarks ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament ; Bays ; Femur ; Joints ; Patella ; Patellar Ligament ; Tibia ; Transplants

The endoscopic single-incision technique using interference fit screws to secure patellar tendon-bone plugs in the femoral and tibial tunnels has been very popular method for ACL reconstruction. However, several potential complications has been reported such as violation of the posterior wall of the femoal tunnel, laceration of graft during femoral screw insertion, protrusion of the tibial bone block distally due to a lengthy graft and more frequently divergence of the femoral interference screw. We performed 56 consecutive endoscopic ACL reconstruction. In Groi.p I, femoral tunnel drilling were performed at 70-80 degrees of knee flexion. In Group 11, they were done at $5 degrees of knee flexion. Postoperative radiographic analysis of bone-interference screw divergence angle shows 5.9 degrees in AP view, 6.21 degrees in Lateral view in Group I and 3.14 degrees, 3.35 degre.s in Group II respectevely. In conclusion, Bone-interference screw divergence can be decreased with less knee flexion about 45 degree during preparing femoral tunnel.
Knee* ; Lacerations ; Transplants

Verapamil overdose results in cardiac arrhythmia including the complete A-V block, and hypotension due to decreased peripheral resistance and decreased myocardial contractility. However, sustained-release verapamil overdose frequently has atypical presentations, such as delayed and prolonged course of toxic signs and symptoms. Although several cases of sustained-release verapamil overdose have been reported worldwidely, the specific treatment modalities and prognostic indicators for verapamil overdose have not been well-defined. Recently, we experienced a case of sustained-release verapamil overdose in 30-year-old female. 10 hours after verapamil ingestion she presented in severe bradycardia and hypotensive shock state. Initial EKG showed the complete AV block and her systolic blood pressure was below 60 mmHg. Temporary cardiac pacemaker was performed and she was treated with activated charcoal, glucagon, amrinone, and several sympathomimetics, and 48 hours after admission, she was fully recovered.
Adult ; Amrinone ; Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; Atrioventricular Block ; Blood Pressure ; Bradycardia ; Charcoal ; Eating ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Glucagon ; Humans ; Hypotension ; Shock ; Sympathomimetics ; Vascular Resistance ; Verapamil*

No abstract available.
Salmonella*