PURPOSE: This is to evaluate the clinical results and radiologic changes of the mandibular condyle fractures following the open reduction and fixation using the Lag-screws introduced by Eckelt and Martin Co. MATERIALS & METHODS: Ten patients who had been treated by the Lag-screw fixation for the unilateral fracture of the mandibular condyle at the high level and followed up for over 6 months(ranged from 24 weeks to 33 weeks). The incisal opening by time elapsed, displacement of the fragments, bone resorption around the Lag-screws, operating time consumed, and untoward complications were evaluated. The data were tested by repeated measure ANOVA and paired t-test. RESULTS: The maximum mouth opening was increased by time as follows ; 20.2+/-2.8mm soon after reduction. 26.3+/-3.9 at the 2nd week, 37.7+/-4.2mm at the 4th week, 44.4+/-4.3mm in PO 2 months(P<0.05). The bone resorption at anterior to lag-screw nut was measured to 1.9+/-1.0mm, while the posterior resorption was 2.6+/-1.9mm on average(P<0.05). Reduction and fixation of the fragments by Lag-screw were done within 80 minutes including the skin closure. The clicking sound of the TMJ(40%), weakness of the marginal branch(60%) were complicated but transient for 4-8weeks. There were no signs of bony displacement, but loosening of screws were observed at the time of removal. CONCLUSION: Open reduction and fixation with condylar Lag-screw(Martin co., Germany) thru the ramus can be a good option to reduce the high level(Kruger's Level III & IV) fracture of the mandibular condyle with anterior or medial displacement. However, this procedure requires 2nd surgery to remove the devices and it may complicate improper reduction for delayed fractures and in case of 's' curved mandibular ramus.
Bone Resorption ; Humans ; Mandibular Condyle* ; Mouth ; Nuts ; Prognosis* ; Skin

Benign solitary osteochondroma are the most common benign bone tumor, and often arise in the long bone of the extremities about 80% of lesions, particulary about the knee and the upper extremity. In rare cases, the spine is involved. We describe a case in which a solitary sacral osteochondroma compressed the lumbosacral plexus, producing sensory disturbance. The tumor was removed through the anterior midline approach. The excised mass was round, lobulated, measuring 7. 5cm×6cm, pedunculated type and the cartilage cap is complete and is 4mm in thickness.
Cartilage ; Extremities ; Knee ; Lumbosacral Plexus ; Osteochondroma ; Sacrum ; Spine ; Upper Extremity

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of sling exercise on pain, trunk strength, and balance in patients with chronic low back pain in their 40s and 50s. Methods: Twenty patients with chronic low back pain were divided into two groups, 10 patients in the exercise group using a sling and 10 patients in the waist stabilization exercise group, applying a random assignment, draw-out method, and sling exercise was applied for 50 minutes a day, 3 times a week, for a total of 5 weeks. For data analysis, a corresponding t-test was performed for within-group changes and an independent t-test was performed for inter-group changes, and the significance level was α = 0.05. Results: After 5 weeks, there were significant differences in all items of within-group changes, and the inter-group changes after 5 weeks demonstrated significant differences in pain, trunk flexion strength, and balance. Conclusion The results of this study showed that exercise using a sling had positive effects on pain, trunk flexion strength, and balance changes in chronic low back pain patients. It is suggested that sling exercise can be used as an intervention method for pain reduction and functional improvement of patients with chronic low back pain in clinical practice.

No abstract available.
Breast* ; Female* ; Humans

BACKGROUND: Vasoconstrictors have been used as an adjunct to local anesthetics to prolong the duration of spinal anesthesia. Recently, clonidine, an 2-receptor agonist has been shown to prolong the duration of spinal anesthesia following intrathecal administration. Bupivacaine has been used for spinal anesthesia and compared with tetracaine in recent studies. We have undertaken this study to further evaluate the effect of clonidine in hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine spinal anesthesia. METHODS: Thirty patients who were scheduled for lower limb or urologic operation were divided into 2 groups: Group A (hyperbaric bupivacaine 13 mg, 2.6 ml + N/S 1 ml), Group B (hyperbaric bupivacaine 13 mg, 2.6 ml + clonidine 150 g, 1 ml). We used standardized techniques and injected above drugs to group A and B intrathecally for spinal anesthesia. We investigated the onset and the duration of spinal anesthesia along with hemodynamic changes (blood pressure and heart rate) in patients. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the onset of spinal anesthesia and hemodynamic changes between two groups. The time taken to recover from the nerve block was more prolonged in the group B (touch 225, pain 262, foot dorsiflexion 271, knee flexion 290 minutes) than group A (touch 154, pain 188, foot dorsiflexion 198, knee flexion 216 minutes). There were no significant differences in sedation, and in experiencing dry mouth and other side effects between two groups. CONCLUSION: Intrathecal clonidine 150 g has been proved to prolong the duration of hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine spinal anesthesia without neurotoxicity or dangerous hemodynamic depression. Therefore, clonidine can be used as an effective adjunct in hyperbaric bupivacaine spinal anesthesia.
Anesthesia, Spinal* ; Anesthetics, Local ; Bupivacaine* ; Clonidine* ; Depression ; Foot ; Heart ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Knee ; Lower Extremity ; Mouth ; Nerve Block ; Tetracaine ; Vasoconstrictor Agents

No abstract available.
Adult* ; Cerebral Infarction* ; Humans ; Polycythemia Vera* ; Polycythemia*

No abstract available.
Endodermal Sinus Tumor* ; Lung* ; Neoplasm Metastasis* ; Yolk Sac*

BACKGROUND: The mechanically ventilated patient's stay in the emergency department (ED) is brief but ventilatory management and intervention must be optimal. Agitation, anxiety, distress, and discomfort are common complications far the ventilated patient. So, sedation is necessary to reduce these complications. METHODS: Patients were monitored and mechanically ventilated. Midazolam was intravenously administered as loading dose(3-5mg), followed by continuous infusion at a rate of 0.06mg/kg/hr, titrated to achieve a predetermined sedation level (Ramsay's sedation score: 2-5 points, Glasgow coma score scathe : 8-11 points). RESULTS: After onset of predetermined sedation, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate remained stable during continuous infusion when compared with those of the initial state. Arterial blood gas and peak inspiratory pressure remained unchanged but respiratory rate was decreased to allowable ranges. CONCLUSION: A short-term continuous infusion of midazolam was a safe and erective method for sedation of ventilated patients in ED.
Anxiety ; Blood Pressure ; Coma ; Dihydroergotamine ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Midazolam* ; Respiratory Rate

No abstract available.
Cesarean Section* ; Female ; Pregnancy