Fractures of the humeral neck are relatively common, but their anatomical complexities make closed reduction difficult sometimes, and in case of reduction it is tough to maintain the position. Even open reduction of the fracture also faces multiple problems including poor functional recovery of the shoulder joint. The Department of Orthopedic Surgery of Seoul Adventist Hospital developed a device of external fixation for 13 humeral neck fractures. We used this method for displaced and unstable fractures of humeral neck from December 1987 to March 1989. Satisfactory results were obtained in 11 cases and poor results in 2 cases. We think our method is a effective useful way of treatment for humeral neck fractures, and its main advantages are as follows:1. Using proximal and distal bars, fracture can be easily reduced and firmly maintained. 2. Active motion exercise can be started early and functional recovery of the shoulder joint can be highly predictable. 3. It is quite convenient for treating combined fracture or external wound of same extremity.
Extremities ; Methods ; Neck ; Orthopedics ; Seoul ; Shoulder Joint ; Wounds and Injuries

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical and radiographic results after revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using Nexgen(R) LCCK (Legacy(R) knee constrained condylar knee, Zimmer, Warsaw, IN) with allograft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients (21 knees) taken revision TKA were analyzed. The average age of the patients was 69.2 years old and the average of follow-up duration was for 2 year to 8 years 2 months (average 3 years 5 months). The clinical result and radiographic measurements were assessed using the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee rating score and the roentgenographic method of the American Knee Society. RESULTS: The mean interval from TKA to revision surgery was 6 years 4 months. In all cases, allograft was used. The average range of motion was increased from 93degrees to 107degrees, HSS score was increased from an average of 45 to 87 points. Postoperative femorotibial alignment was averaged 5.7degrees valgus. In all cases, radiolucency was below 4 scores and there was no loosening of implant. But, three radiopaque lines around a stem. There were wound dehiscence in 1 case and superficial infection in 2 cases. CONCLUSION: Satisfactory results were obtained in revision TKA using a NexGen(R) LCCK with allograft. But, this study is favorable for the long term follow-up.
Arthroplasty ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Knee ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Transplantation, Homologous

PURPOSE: To compare the functional results of posterior cruciate-retaining (PCR) and posterior sub- stituting (PS) replacement in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for osteoarthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized controlled study was carried out to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of PCR and PS primary P.F.C.(R) TKA. One hundred and sixty eight patients (188 cases), who had a primary diagnosis of osteoarthritis, and an intact functioning posterior cruciate ligament, were enrolled in this study. The patients were randomized regardless of the level of posterior cruciate ligament preservation. One hundred and eighty eight cases had a minimum 6-year follow-up, which included 96 and 92 cases in the PCR and PS groups, respectively. RESULTS: The Knee Society Score, the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee rating scores, average flexion contracture and radiologic alignment improved significantly, but there were no significant difference between the two groups. On the other hand, the mean postoperative flexion angles in the PCR and PS knees increased from 114.7degrees to 121.2degrees and 119.3degrees to 131.3degrees, respectively (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences between PCR and PS TKA in the follow-up knee scores. However, the level of postoperative improvement in further flexion was better in the PS group.
Arthroplasty ; Contracture ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hand ; Humans ; Knee ; Osteoarthritis ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Posterior Cruciate Ligament

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mid-term results of high-flexion total knee arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 77 patients who underwent 119 total knee arthroplastys using high-flexion implants (LPS-flex(R) , Zimmer, Warsaw, IN, USA) from November 2004 to June 2006. The mean age was 67.3 years (range, 54-83 years), and the average follow-up duration was 71.1 months. We assessed preoperative and last follow-up functional outcomes with ranges of motion (ROM) and the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score and investigated their ability to squat, sit cross-legged knee, kneel, or stand up from the floor or a chair at the final follow-up. The Knee Society Radiographic evaluation and scoring system was used for radiologic evaluation. RESULTS: The mean ROM increased from 104.7degrees preoperatively to 129.8degrees postoperatively at the final follow-up. The average HSS score improved from 42.7 points preoperatively to 93.5 points postoperatively. At the final follow-up, 33 patients (42.8%) were able to squat; 75 patients (97.4%) were able to sit cross-legged; 27 patients (35.0%) were able to kneel; 45 patients (58.4%) were able to stand up from the floor and 73 patients (94.8%) were able to stand up from a chair. Six cases encountered stiff knees as a complications, and were treated with manipulation procedures. 1 mm radiolucent lines were detected in 5 cases, but none of them were progressive. CONCLUSION: We believe that the hyperflexion implant itself is not a cause of early loosening. Research on reasons regarding early loosening and long-term follow-ups will be needed.
Floors and Floorcoverings ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Knee ; Retrospective Studies

A brief ischemic insult induces significant protection against subsequent massive ischemic events. The molecular mechanisms known as preconditioning (PC)-induced ischemic tolerance are not completely understood. We investigated whether kinetic changes of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 during reperfusion time-periods after PC were related to ischemic tolerance. Rats were given PC by occlusion of middle cerebral artery (MCAO) for 10 min and sacrificed after the indicated time-periods of reperfusion (1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 18 or 24 h). In PC-treated rats, focal ischemia was induced by occlusion of MCA for 24 h and brain infarct volume was then studied to determine whether different reperfusion time influenced the damage. We report that the most significant protection against focal ischemia was obtained in rats with 8 h reperfusion after PC. Administration of indomethacin (10 mg/kg, oral) or rofecoxib (5 mg/kg, oral) 48 h prior to PC counteracted the effect of PC. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that COX-2 and HO-1 protein were induced in PC-treated rat brain, which was significantly inhibited by rofecoxib. Taken together, we concluded that the kinetic changes of COX-2 expression during the reperfusion period after PC might be partly responsible for ischemic tolerance.
Animals ; Brain ; Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing) ; Indomethacin ; Ischemia ; Ischemic Preconditioning ; Lactones ; Middle Cerebral Artery ; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases ; Rats ; Reperfusion ; Stroke ; Sulfones