Objectives: Accurately targeting distal nail holes and placing distal interlocking screws pose challenges during intramedullary nailing. This study proposes a straightforward technique for distal locking screw insertion using a Steinmann pin, eliminating the need to reposition the pin or drill bit. Methods: We utilized 18 Sawbones femur models and intramedullary femur nails. A first-year resident created two distal locking holes on each model, employing both the conventional freehand technique and a novel method involving a Steinmann pin and hammer under image intensification. These techniques were evaluated based on three parameters: (1) the time required to create distal locking holes, measured from the moment the pin was positioned at the center of the hole until the far cortex was drilled through the interlocking hole; (2) the radiation dose (in mrem/h), as estimated with a personal gamma radiation dosimeter; and (3) the number of failures, defined as the creation of more than one hole in the near and far cortex. Results: The new technique was associated with a lower radiation dose (P=0.0268) and fewer failures (P=0.0367) than the conventional approach. Additionally, the time required to establish distal holes was shorter using the new technique compared to the conventional method (P=0.0217). Conclusion The creation of distal interlocking holes with a Steinmann pin and hammer is accurate, efficient, and cost-effective.

BACKGROUND: Suspension ligamentoplasty using abductor pollicis longus (APL) tendon without bone tunneling, was introduced as one of the techniques for treatment of advanced first carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiologic and clinical results of APL suspension ligamentoplasty. METHODS: The medical records of 19 patients who underwent APL suspension ligamentoplasty for advanced first CMC arthritis between January 2008 and May 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. The study included 13 female and 6 male patients, whose mean age was 62 years (range, 43 to 82 years). For clinical evaluation, we assessed the grip and pinch power, radial and volar abduction angle, thumb adduction (modified Kapandji index), including visual analogue scale (VAS) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores. Radiologic evaluation was performed using simple radiographs. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 36 months (range, 19 to 73.7 months). Mean power improved from 18.3 to 27 kg for grip power, from 2.8 to 3.5 kg for tip pinch, and from 4.3 to 5.4 kg for power pinch. All patients showed decreased VAS from 7.2 to 1.7. Radial abduction improved from 71degrees preoperatively to 82degrees postoperatively. The modified Kapandji index showed improvement from 6 to 7.3, and mean DASH was improved from 41 to 17.8. The height of the space decreased from 10.8 to 7.1 mm. Only one case had a complication involving temporary sensory loss of the first dorsal web space, which resolved spontaneously. CONCLUSIONS: The APL suspension ligamentoplasty for treatment of advanced first CMC arthritis yielded satisfactory functional results.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Carpometacarpal Joints/*surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Osteoarthritis/*surgery ; Postoperative Complications ; Retrospective Studies ; Tendons/*surgery ; Thumb/*surgery

Background: Although the benefits of helmet therapy for positional plagiocephaly are strongly correlated with age, the effective period remains controversial. However, most physicians agree that effective results can be obtained in patients within the age of 6 months. Owing to the characteristics of positional plagiocephaly in Koreans, many Korean patients have delayed diagnosis, and because this results in delayed onset of the helmet therapy, the outcomes remain largely underevaluated. In the management of late-diagnosed positional plagiocephaly, we aimed to determine the factors affecting the effective application of helmet therapy. Methods: We recruited 39 consecutive patients with positional plagiocephaly who received helmet therapy and completed the treatment between December 2008 and June 2016. The ages at initiation and completion of treatment, duration of daily use, initial and final absolute diagonal differences, cephalic index, and cranial vault asymmetry index (CVAI) were analysed using data retrospectively collected from the patients' medical records. Results: We identified 12 patients with late-diagnosed positional plagiocephaly, of whom 83.33% were effectively treated. The effective change in CVAI (%) was affected by age at treatment initiation (P= 0.001), initial absolute diagonal distance differences (P < 0.001), and initial CVAI (P < 0.001). Up to 9 months, a gradual change of at least 1% CVAI was attained. Treatment initiation at ages < 5.5 months was beneficial. Even at a later age, patients with an initial absolute diagonal distance difference of > 13.50 mm and initial CVAI of > 11.03% could receive effective helmet therapy. Conclusion The efficacy of helmet therapy in late-diagnosed patients can be predicted on the basis of not only age at treatment initiation, but also initial absolute diagonal distance differences and initial CVAI. We anticipate that even patients with late-diagnosed positional plagiocephaly can expect better helmet therapy outcomes.

Symmetrical peripheral gangrene is a severe condition marked by symmetric acral necrosis without obstruction of the major blood vessels. This case report examines the critical decisions involved in choosing between early and delayed amputation, as well as determining the extent of the necessary amputation. We present three cases: one involving antiphospholipid syndrome, another with disseminated intravascular coagulation, and a third associated with diabetes mellitus. All three cases ultimately required amputation due to symmetrical peripheral gangrene. In the first two cases, amputation was delayed, which is typically advantageous as it allows for the clear demarcation of necrotic tissue. However, in the third case, where infection was evident, immediate amputation was necessary despite the patient's overall poor health.

Symmetrical peripheral gangrene is a severe condition marked by symmetric acral necrosis without obstruction of the major blood vessels. This case report examines the critical decisions involved in choosing between early and delayed amputation, as well as determining the extent of the necessary amputation. We present three cases: one involving antiphospholipid syndrome, another with disseminated intravascular coagulation, and a third associated with diabetes mellitus. All three cases ultimately required amputation due to symmetrical peripheral gangrene. In the first two cases, amputation was delayed, which is typically advantageous as it allows for the clear demarcation of necrotic tissue. However, in the third case, where infection was evident, immediate amputation was necessary despite the patient's overall poor health.

Symmetrical peripheral gangrene is a severe condition marked by symmetric acral necrosis without obstruction of the major blood vessels. This case report examines the critical decisions involved in choosing between early and delayed amputation, as well as determining the extent of the necessary amputation. We present three cases: one involving antiphospholipid syndrome, another with disseminated intravascular coagulation, and a third associated with diabetes mellitus. All three cases ultimately required amputation due to symmetrical peripheral gangrene. In the first two cases, amputation was delayed, which is typically advantageous as it allows for the clear demarcation of necrotic tissue. However, in the third case, where infection was evident, immediate amputation was necessary despite the patient's overall poor health.

Symmetrical peripheral gangrene is a severe condition marked by symmetric acral necrosis without obstruction of the major blood vessels. This case report examines the critical decisions involved in choosing between early and delayed amputation, as well as determining the extent of the necessary amputation. We present three cases: one involving antiphospholipid syndrome, another with disseminated intravascular coagulation, and a third associated with diabetes mellitus. All three cases ultimately required amputation due to symmetrical peripheral gangrene. In the first two cases, amputation was delayed, which is typically advantageous as it allows for the clear demarcation of necrotic tissue. However, in the third case, where infection was evident, immediate amputation was necessary despite the patient's overall poor health.

Symmetrical peripheral gangrene is a severe condition marked by symmetric acral necrosis without obstruction of the major blood vessels. This case report examines the critical decisions involved in choosing between early and delayed amputation, as well as determining the extent of the necessary amputation. We present three cases: one involving antiphospholipid syndrome, another with disseminated intravascular coagulation, and a third associated with diabetes mellitus. All three cases ultimately required amputation due to symmetrical peripheral gangrene. In the first two cases, amputation was delayed, which is typically advantageous as it allows for the clear demarcation of necrotic tissue. However, in the third case, where infection was evident, immediate amputation was necessary despite the patient's overall poor health.

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aim to thoroughly describe and objectively compare the efficacy of anterior cervical plate (ACP) and stand-alone cage (SAC). Although recognized as an effective procedure for cervical degenerative disease (CDD), a debate between the methods of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion exists. ACP provides stability to the fusion construct; however, some complications have been reported, such as dysphagia, adjacent disc disease, and soft tissue injury. To overcome these complications, a SAC was later introduced. A systematic search was conducted on the basis of PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines to identify relevant studies through PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane database. A total of 14 studies (960 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. Twenty outcomes were clinically and radiologically compared between the two procedures. ACP and SAC were comparable in terms of dysphasia rate, loss of segmental angle, loss of disc height, the Odom criteria, Robinson’s criteria, hospital stay, Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, Neck Disability Index, Visual Analog Scale, and fusion time. However, SAC was superior in terms of shorter operation time, less blood loss, lower dysphagia rate, and lower rate of adjacent level disease, whereas ACP was advantageous in terms of lower subsidence rate, better maintenance of the cervical global and segmental angles and disc height, and higher fusion rate. Both procedures can be used in patients with CDD, although it might be more beneficial to choose ACP in patients with multi-level pathologies, wherein better mechanical stability is provided. However, SAC may be more beneficial to use in patients with comorbidities, anemia, or swelling problems because it offers lower complication rates.

Objectives: Conservative treatment for distal radius fractures typically involves closed reduction and immobilization with a plaster cast. However, no consensus exists regarding the best method and duration for immobilization. This study investigated the functional outcomes associated with different plaster cast application techniques in the treatment of stable distal radius fractures. Methods: A systematic search was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines for studies in the last 5 years. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials that investigated non-operative treatments for distal radius fractures. We excluded studies with short-term follow-up (less than 3 months), ongoing trials, those that did not directly address fractures, and studies involving the use of sugar-tong splints or non-circular immobilization. The outcomes evaluated included subjective measures (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score; Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score; Mayo Wrist Score; and visual analog scale) and objective outcomes (complication rate and radiological parameters). Results: We included seven articles from 2017 to 2022. These studies reported a total of 542 fractures, predominantly in women, with a mean age of over 50 years. Both short and long arm casts demonstrated similar functional and radiological outcomes. A longer immobilization period (>3 weeks) should be considered to prevent re-displacement. Conclusion In stable fractures treated conservatively, the use of both short and long arm casts resulted in comparable functional outcomes in older patients. Immobilization for at least 3 weeks is recommended, as it provided similar clinical and radiological outcomes compared to longer periods of immobilization (level of evidence: 2A).