STUDY DESIGN: This study assessed the final functional results after treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures and compared the relationship between the results and the parameters of reduction and state of the fractures. OBJECTIVES: To define prognostic factors affecting the final results and to present some precautions to minimize the treatment failure. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: In the treatment of the thoracolumbar burst fractures in which flexion loads are predominant, the sagittal contour is crucial to achieve permanent pain-free stability, but definitive therapeutic guidelines have remained a controversal topic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 37 thoracolumbar burst fractures with an average follow up period of 1.8 years: group 1 consisting of 20 cases treated conservatively and group 2 consisting of 17 cases treated surgically with posterior instrumentation. Finally functional results were analysed with the Denis'pain and work scores, and were compared between groups on anterior body height and local kyphosis. RESULTS: A satisfactory pain score less than or equal to P3 was in 15(75%) in group 1 and 15(88.2%) in group 2(p>0.05), but satisfactory work score less than or equal to W3 was in 12(60%) in group 1 and in 14(82.4%) in group 2(p<0.05). But, some loss of body height and local kyphosis in group 1 was not reversely related with functional outcomes. Eight cases in group 1 showing unsatisfactory result in work scores were analyzed as 4 osteoporosis(Jikei grade I, II/III), 3 associated compression fracture of the contiguous vertebra and one combined osteoporosis and compression fracture, showing significant loss of vertebral height and increase of kyphosis(p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Functional results of group 1 showing loss of vertebral height less than 50% and increased kyphosis less than 200 were comparable to those of group 2. The osteoporosis and associated compression fracture of adjacent vertebra were the risk group to develop posttraumatic kyphosis and might be added to the surgical indication of the thoracolumbar burst fractures.
Body Height ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fractures, Compression ; Kyphosis ; Osteoporosis ; Spine ; Treatment Failure

Open tibial pilon fractures present extensive soft tissue disruption and common complications such as sepsis or skin slough, and deserve special cosideration in addition to the challenging reconstructive problems. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of limited internal fixation and external fixation for the treatment of the open tibial pilon fractures, and to introduce some idea in Ilizarov device use. We reviewed 27 open tibial pilon fractures treated with limited internal fixation and external fixation from Feb. 1992 to Mar. 1996(follow-up range, 1 to 5 years). Fracture classification(Ruedi and Allgower) was type I in 5, type II in 10 and type III in 12, open wound type(Gustilo-Anderson) was II in 8, IIIA in 17 and IIIB in two. Secondary procedures were 16 soft tissue procedures, 13 bone graftings and 2 limb lengthening. Mean time for removal of the external fixators was 3.5 months(range, 6 to 21 weeks), and clinical union averaged 4.3 months(range, 12 to 25 weeks). At the time of last follow-up, radiologic grading(Burwell and Charnley) showed 13 good(48%), 10 fair(37%) and 4 poor results(15%). Objective functional grading(Ovadia and Beals) showed 5 excellent(19%), 15 good(56%), 6 fair(22%) and 1 poor(4%), and subjective grading 2 excellent(7%), 16 good(59%), 7 fair(26%) and 2 poor(7%). Common complications included 10 wound sepsis(37%), 6 posttraumatic arthritis(22%) and 5 malunions(19%). In conclusion, we cosider limited internal fixation and external fixation is an effective treatment modality till bone union for open tibial pilon fractures, and Ilizarov method using tension wires crossed only through the fracture fragments can provide a sufficient early and late stability.
External Fixators ; Extremities ; Follow-Up Studies ; Ilizarov Technique ; Sepsis ; Skin ; Tibia ; Transplants ; Wounds and Injuries

Spinal epidural abscess is an uncommon, but a significant disease due to its high morbidity and mortality rate if not diagnosed in time. Although early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention is needed for better prognosis of this disease, the diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess is often elusive despite modern medical advances, and depends on a high index of suspicion. we report a case of lumbar spinal epidural abscess of unknown origin complicated by cauda equina syndrome.
Cauda Equina* ; Diagnosis ; Early Diagnosis ; Epidural Abscess* ; Mortality ; Polyradiculopathy* ; Prognosis

Femoral head and neck fractures during the course of avascular necrosis are rare with only few reports in the English literature. Moreover, there are very few reports on an analysis of the patterns of these fractures. Four cases of femoral head fracture caused by minor trauma, which were quite different from the crescent fractures during the course of avascular necrosis were analyzed in regard to the underlying disease, causes, sites, types, directions, pattern of fractures and the injury mechanism of the fractures. The results are reported with special regard to the pattern of the stress fracture of the femoral head and neck during the course of avascular necrosis.
Fractures, Stress ; Head* ; Neck* ; Necrosis*

Seidel nail provides more advantages for treatment of humeral shaft fracture than other treatment modalities. It enables patients to get high bone union rate, makes surgical technigne less invasive, and allows early mobilization mobilization so that the patients is subjected to more comfortable treatment. But, Seidel nail is apt to injure the rotator cuff and has relatively weak holding power of distal fragment of fracture so that it may result in distraction and rotatory instability, and make nonunion and impaired shoulder function. Thus, in order to the functional and radiological results, complications and technical problems, we evaluated the efficacy of Seidel nail in treatment of 20 cases of hurneral shaft fractures from March l994 to March 1996, retrospectively. The results were as follows. 1. 18 cases(90%) achieved radiological union. 2. The time of union was 12.5 weeks in average. 3. 17 cases achieved satisfactory results according to Neers functional score. 4. The complications included proximal protrusion of nail from the entry site(10%), fracture of greater tuberosity of proximal humerus(5%), loosening of distal spreading screw(10%), and nonunion( l 0%). In conclusion, Seidel nailing is one of good treatment modalities for humeral shaft fracture, but skillful operative technique is needed to obtain the satisfactory functional result. And also, it is necessory to modify the distal locking system of Seidel nail to reinforce the rotational stahility of the fracture site.
Early Ambulation ; Humans ; Humerus ; Retrospective Studies ; Rotator Cuff ; Shoulder

Spinal epidural hematoma is a rare complication of epidural anesthesia and most commonly associated with intraoperative or postoperative anticoagulant administration. We describe the case of an acute thoracolumbar epidural hematoma at the T12-L4 level complicated by cauda equina syndrome, which occurred after placement of spinal epidural catheter for anesthesia and anticoagulant therapy for acute myocardial infarction developed postoperatively. In our experience, the spinal epidural catheterization and anticoagulant therapy may potentially increase the risk of epidural hematoma formation.
Anesthesia ; Anesthesia, Epidural* ; Catheterization ; Catheters ; Cauda Equina* ; Hematoma* ; Hematoma, Epidural, Spinal ; Heparin* ; Myocardial Infarction ; Polyradiculopathy*

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology that affects spine, sacroiliac joint, and the large joints of the extremities, and lead to fibrous or bony ankylosis and deformity. The rigid ankylosed spine of ankylosing spondylitis is prone to fracture by minimal trauma, and the resulting fractures likely to be unstable and damage to spinal cord or cauda equina. The authors report a case of paraplegia in ankylosing spondylitis after open reduction of the femoral trohanteric fracture.
Ankylosis ; Cauda Equina ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Extremities ; Femur ; Joints ; Paraplegia ; Sacroiliac Joint ; Spinal Cord ; Spine ; Spondylitis, Ankylosing

The trochanteric fracture occurs through the wide metaphyseal area, giving it high potential for healing and results in low incidence of non union. Even in the treatment of unstable trochanteric fracture, the results are relatively good with the advancement of fixation devices and reduction methods. The authors experienced 10 cases of non-union of trochanteric fractures from 1975 to 1984 and followed them up for more than 1 year at Orthopaedic department of National Medical Center. The results are as follows, l. Of reduction methods in primary operation, anatomical reduction was performed in 6 cases, medialization in 2 cases. Of fixation devices, compression hip screw was used in 2 cases, Jewett nail in 3 cases and others in 3 cases. 2. The probable causes of non-union were fixation failure in 6 cases, inadequate immobilization in 2 cases, infection in 2 cases and trauma in 1 case. The other 2 cases were not treated. 3. In secondary operation, anatomical reduction was performed in 3 cases, valgus reduction in 3 cases and valgus with medialization in 2 cases. Of fixation devices, compression hip screw was used in 3 cases, Judet plate in 3 cases and Jewett nail in Z cases. 4. The time interval between the last operation and bony union was 4.2 months clinically and 6.6 months radiologically in average. 5. During follow-up, hip pain was noted in 2 cases. Limited range of motion of hip and knee in 4 cases.
Femur ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hip ; Hip Fractures ; Immobilization ; Incidence ; Knee ; Range of Motion, Articular

In 1974, bipolar endoprosthesis was first introduced by Bateman & Giliberty. It has theoretical advantages including minimizing acetabular wear, possible reduction of incidence of stem loosening, lessening of dislocation and easy revision procedure. Various methods for the treatment of fracture of the femur neck have been developed & performed, but it is still called “the unsolved fracture” in certain situation. But the role of it as primary treatment of fracture of the femur neck continues to be controversial. Current clinical results encourage its continued use and expansion of indication. Authors reviewed and analysed 21 cases of bicentric endoprosthesis and 1 case of Giliberty endoprosthesis those have been operated at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Medical Center from 1981 to 1983. Following results were obtained, l. According to disorder distribution, 14 cases were neglected fracture of femur neck, 2 old fracture, 1 idiopathic femoral head necrosis and 2 avascular necrosis & 1 non-union complicated by femoral neck fracture. 2. Among 20 cases, 8 cases were operated within 1/2 1 month after injury and 6 cases within 1 3months 3. Harris lateral appmach was used in 16 cases (80%) and Modified Gibson approach in 4 cases (20%). There were no significant differences in morbidity during operation and postoperative complication. 4. We used femoral stems those head diameter was 22 and 32mm(Charnley & Miiller type) and head pieces those diameter was 48-51 mm in male and 44–48 mm in Ifemale. 5. 3 cases were stiff in inner bearing without acetabular erosion. 6. In 6 cases more than 2 years followup 1 degree CE angle of Wiberg was increased in 2 cases of youngage respectively without associated hip joint pain. 7. Although inclination of head piece was vertical in 8 cases, fracture and dislocation were not found. 8. The circumference of head piece and opposite femoral head was measured and compared. There were 12 cases (mean 12.6 mm) that of head piece larger than opposite femoral head and 3 cases smaller than opposite femoral head. 9. There was 4 cases of complication (3 patients) and still no reoperation and revision converted to T.H.R. 10. With regard to average 18 months of follow-up, 7 cases of 81–90 Harris hip-rating score, 6 of 91–100, 4 of 71–80 and 3 of 61–70.
Acetabulum ; Dislocations ; Femoral Neck Fractures ; Femur ; Femur Neck ; Follow-Up Studies ; Head ; Hip Joint ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Neck ; Necrosis ; Postoperative Complications ; Reoperation

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic characteristics and clinical results after surgical repair of traumatic superimposed posterior rotator cuff tear in the setting of preexisting retracted supraspinatus tendon tear.METHODS: A total of 20 patients (mean age, 62.1 years) were included and all patients had significant traumatic events mean 3.7 weeks prior to the surgery. Preoperative acromiohumeral distance (AHD, mean 3.2 mm) and arthritis change were analyzed on plain radiograph and magnetic resonance imaging was evaluated for the nature and extent of torn tendon, and fatty degeneration (FD) of all cuff muscles to validate if the tears were traumatic or chronic.RESULTS: Complete repairs were achieved in 15 patients and partial repair including posterior cuff in five. Functional and radiographic results were statistically evaluated and repair integrities were assessed with ultrasound at average 17.3 months. Overall functional outcome scores were significantly improved and 17 patients (85%) were satisfied with their symptoms. AHD was significantly recovered (mean, 6.7 mm), but two patients showed progression of arthritic change. Retears after the complete repair were three patients (20%), who showed poor outcome, with advanced preoperative FD of posterior cuff muscles. Five patients with partial repair of posterior cuff revealed improved functional score with no sign of retear of posterior cuff on ultrasound.CONCLUSION: Early recognition of traumatic superimposed posterior cuff tears and surgical repair can reliably restore shoulder function, and partial repair of posterior cuff also can be expected favorable outcomes in supraspinatus tear with advanced FD.
Arthritis ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Muscles ; Rotator Cuff ; Shoulder ; Tears ; Tendons ; Ultrasonography