Objectives: . Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCs) are frequently diagnosed at the locoregional advanced stage (stage IVa), but controversy remains regarding whether stage IVa HSNCs should be treated with upfront surgery or definitive chemoradiation therapy (CRT). The purpose of this study was to compare overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with stage IVa HNSC treated primarily by surgery with curative intent with/without (neo)adjuvant treatment (surgery group) versus those treated primarily with CRT (CRT group). Methods: . We reviewed data of 1,033 patients with stage IVa HNSC treated with curative intent at 17 cancer centers between 2010 and 2016. Results: . Among 1,033 patients, 765 (74.1%) received upfront surgery and 268 (25.9%) received CRT. The 5-year OS and DFS rates were 64.4% and 62.0% in the surgery group and 49.5% and 45.4% in the CRT group, respectively. In multivariate analyses, OS and DFS were better in the surgery group than in the CRT group (odds ratio [OR] for death, 0.762; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.592–0.981; OR for recurrence, 0.628; 95% CI, 0.492–0.802). In subgroup analyses, the OS and DFS of patients with oropharyngeal cancer were better in the surgery group (OR for death, 0.548; 95% CI, 0.341–0.879; OR for recurrence, 0.598; 95% CI, 0.377–0.948). In the surgery group, patients with laryngeal cancer showed better OS (OR for death, 0.432; 95% CI, 0.211–0.882), while those with hypopharyngeal cancer DFS was improved (OR for recurrence, 0.506; 95% CI, 0.328–0.780). Conclusion . A survival benefit from surgery may be achieved even in patients with stage IVa HNSC, particularly those with oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancer. Surgery led to a reduction in the recurrence rate in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer.

Objectives: . Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCs) are frequently diagnosed at the locoregional advanced stage (stage IVa), but controversy remains regarding whether stage IVa HSNCs should be treated with upfront surgery or definitive chemoradiation therapy (CRT). The purpose of this study was to compare overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with stage IVa HNSC treated primarily by surgery with curative intent with/without (neo)adjuvant treatment (surgery group) versus those treated primarily with CRT (CRT group). Methods: . We reviewed data of 1,033 patients with stage IVa HNSC treated with curative intent at 17 cancer centers between 2010 and 2016. Results: . Among 1,033 patients, 765 (74.1%) received upfront surgery and 268 (25.9%) received CRT. The 5-year OS and DFS rates were 64.4% and 62.0% in the surgery group and 49.5% and 45.4% in the CRT group, respectively. In multivariate analyses, OS and DFS were better in the surgery group than in the CRT group (odds ratio [OR] for death, 0.762; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.592–0.981; OR for recurrence, 0.628; 95% CI, 0.492–0.802). In subgroup analyses, the OS and DFS of patients with oropharyngeal cancer were better in the surgery group (OR for death, 0.548; 95% CI, 0.341–0.879; OR for recurrence, 0.598; 95% CI, 0.377–0.948). In the surgery group, patients with laryngeal cancer showed better OS (OR for death, 0.432; 95% CI, 0.211–0.882), while those with hypopharyngeal cancer DFS was improved (OR for recurrence, 0.506; 95% CI, 0.328–0.780). Conclusion . A survival benefit from surgery may be achieved even in patients with stage IVa HNSC, particularly those with oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancer. Surgery led to a reduction in the recurrence rate in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer.

Purpose: This study compared the functional and radiologic outcomes of intramedullary nailing (IMN) and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) for tibia fractures in distal tibial spiral fractures combined with posterior malleolar fractures, as well as the functional and radiologic outcomes with and without fixation for posterior malleolar fractures. Materials and Methods: From January 2010 to December 2018 the radiological and clinical outcomes of 30 skeletally mature patients with tibial spiral fractures (AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association classification 42-A1, B1, C1) combined with posterior malleolar fractures were analyzed. Sixteen patients were treated with IMN, and 14 patients were treated with MIPO. Depending on the surgical methods, the radiologic and clinical outcomes were compared by evaluating the bone union time, postoperative alignment, postoperative displacement of the posterior malleolar fragment, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. Moreover, the functional and clinical outcomes with and without fixation for posterior malleolar fractures were compared. Results: The mean bone union time was 21.8 weeks in the IMN group and 23.1 weeks in the MIPO group (p=0.500). At the final follow up, the mean alignment was coronal angulation of 1.8°, sagittal angulation of 1.6° in the IMN group and coronal angulation of 1.2° and sagittal angulation of 1.7° in the MIPO group (conoral angulation: p=0.131, sagittal angulation: p=0.850). The postoperative and final radiologic evaluation showed no displacement of the posterior malleolar fragment and excellent joint congruity in all cases. At the final follow-up, the mean AOFAS score was 88.0 on average in the IMN group and 87.6 on average in the MIPO group (p=0.905). The ankle range of motion and AOFAS score were similar in the fixation group and no fixation group for posterior malleolar fractures. Conclusion Both IMN and MIPO for tibial spiral fractures combined with posterior malleolar fractures result in satisfactory radiological and clinical outcomes.

Korean Society of Thyroid-Head and Neck Surgery appointed a Task Force to provide guidance on the implementation of a surgical treatment of oral cancer. MEDLINE databases were searched for articles on subjects related to “surgical management of oral cancer” published in English. Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized control trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. The quality of evidence was rated with use RoBANS (Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Nonrandomized Studies) and AMSTAR (A Measurement Tool to Assess the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews). Evidence-based recommendations for practice were ranked according to the American College of Physicians grading system. Additional directives are provided as expert opinions and Delphi questionnaire when insufficient evidence existed. The Committee developed 68 evidence-based recommendations in 34 categories intended to assist clinicians and patients and counselors, and health policy-makers. Proper surgical treatment selection for oral cancer, which is directed by patient- and subsite-specific factors, remains the greatest predictor of successful treatment outcomes. These guidelines are intended for use in conjunction with the individual patient's treatment goals.
Advisory Committees ; Bias (Epidemiology) ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Counseling ; Expert Testimony ; Humans ; Mouth Neoplasms ; Neck ; Republic of Korea

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the impact of depressed mood (dysphoria) and loss of interest or pleasure (anhedonia)on the risk of dementia in cognitively-normal elderly individuals. METHODS: This study included 2,685 cognitively-normal elderly individuals who completed the baseline and 4-year follow-up assessments of the Korean Longitudinal Study on Cognitive Aging and Dementia. We ascertained the presence of dysphoria and anhedonia using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Inventory. We defined subjective cognitive decline as the presence of subjective cognitive complaints without objective cognitive impairments. We analyzed the association of dysphoria and anhedonia with the risk of cognitive disorders using multinomial logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, education, Cumulative Illness Rating Scale score, Apolipoprotein E genotype, and neuropsychological test performance. RESULTS: During the 4-year follow-up period, anhedonia was associated with an approximately twofold higher risk of mild cognitive impairment (OR=2.09, 95% CI=1.20–3.64, p=0.008) and fivefold higher risk of dementia (OR=5.07, 95% CI=1.44–17.92, p=0.012) but was not associated with the risk of subjective cognitive decline. In contrast, dysphoria was associated with an approximately twofold higher risk of subjective cognitive decline (OR=2.06, 95% CI=1.33–3.19, p=0.001) and 1.7-fold higher risk of mild cognitive impairment (OR=1.75, 95% CI=1.00–3.05, p=0.048) but was not associated with the risk of dementia. CONCLUSION: Anhedonia, but not dysphoria, is a risk factor of dementia in cognitively-normal elderly individuals.
Aged ; Anhedonia ; Apolipoproteins ; Cognition Disorders ; Cognitive Aging ; Cohort Studies ; Dementia ; Depression ; Education ; Follow-Up Studies ; Genotype ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Longitudinal Studies ; Mild Cognitive Impairment ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Pleasure ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors

BACKGROUND: To elucidate the effect of anterolateral bowing on the fracture height of atypical femoral fractures (AFFs), we separated the AFFs into 2 groups according to the presence of anterolateral femoral bowing (straight group and bowing group) and analyzed the fracture height. The aims of this study were to evaluate the clinical and radiological features of AFFs in the straight group and bowing group, and to determine which factors were associated with the fracture height of AFFs in the total cohort and each subgroup. METHODS: Ninety-nine patients with AFFs were included in this study (43 patients in the bowing group and 56 patients in the straight group). Clinical and radiological characteristics were compared between the groups. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of factors on fracture height. RESULTS: Patients in the straight group were younger, heavier, and taller, and had a higher bone mineral density, smaller anterior and lateral bowing angles, and more proximal fracture height than those in the bowing group. Multivariable analysis showed that the presence of anterolateral bowing itself and height were associated with fracture height in the total cohort. In the subgroup analysis, the lateral bowing angle in the straight group and the estimated apex height in the bowing group were associated with fracture height. The lateral bowing angle was not significantly associated with fracture height in the total cohort and the bowing group. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of anterolateral bowing and the level of the apex of the bowed femur were important factors for the fracture height of AFFs.
Bone Density ; Cohort Studies ; Femoral Fractures ; Femur ; Humans ; Linear Models ; Osteoporosis ; Stress, Mechanical

PURPOSE: To prevent excessive sliding and subsequent fixation failures in unstable intertrochanteric fractures with posteromedial comminution, extramedullary reduction through overlapping of the anteromedial cortices of both proximal and distal fragments as a buttress has been introduced. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties between two reduction methods-intramedullary reduction and extramedullary reduction-in treating unstable intertrochanteric fractures with posteromedial comminution (AO/OTA classification 31-A2.2). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight pairs of frozen human cadaveric femora were used. The femora of each pair were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the intramedullary reduction group or the extramedullary reduction group. A single axial load-destruction test was conducted after cephalomedullary nailing. Axial stiffness, maximum load to failure, and energy absorbed to failure were compared between the two groups. Moreover, the pattern of mechanical failure was identified. RESULTS: The mean axial stiffness in the extramedullary reduction group was 27.3% higher than that in the intramedullary reduction group (422.7 N/mm vs. 332.0 N/mm, p=0.017). Additionally, compared with the intramedullary reduction group, the mean maximum load to failure and mean energy absorbed to failure in the extramedullary group were 44.9% and 89.6% higher, respectively (2,848.7 N vs. 1,966.5 N, p=0.012 and 27,969.9 N·mm vs. 14,751.0 N·mm, p=0.012, respectively). In the intramedullary reduction group, the mechanical failure patterns were all sliding and varus deformities. In the extramedullary reduction group, sliding and varus deformities after external rotation were noted in 3 specimens, sliding and varus deformities after internal rotation were noted in 3 specimens, and medial slippage was noted in 2 specimens. CONCLUSION: In unstable intertrochanteric fractures with posteromedial comminution, the biomechanical properties of extramedullary reduction are superior to those of intramedullary reduction. Anteromedial cortex could be the proper buttress, despite a comminuted posteromedial cortex. It could help enhance the stability of the bone-nail construct.
Cadaver ; Classification ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Hip Fractures ; Humans

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) has a high mortality rate and pandemic potential. However, the neurological manifestations of MERS have rarely been reported since it first emerged in 2012. METHODS: We evaluated four patients with laboratory-confirmed MERS coronavirus (CoV) infections who showed neurological complications during MERS treatment. These 4 patients were from a cohort of 23 patients who were treated at a single designated hospital during the 2015 outbreak in the Republic of Korea. The clinical presentations, laboratory findings, and prognoses are described. RESULTS: Four of the 23 admitted MERS patients reported neurological symptoms during or after MERS-CoV treatment. The potential diagnoses in these four cases included Bickerstaff's encephalitis overlapping with Guillain-Barré syndrome, intensive-care-unit-acquired weakness, or other toxic or infectious neuropathies. Neurological complications did not appear concomitantly with respiratory symptoms, instead being delayed by 2–3 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Neuromuscular complications are not rare during MERS treatment, and they may have previously been underdiagnosed. Understanding the neurological manifestations is important in an infectious disease such as MERS, because these symptoms are rarely evaluated thoroughly during treatment, and they may interfere with the prognosis or require treatment modification.
Cohort Studies ; Communicable Diseases ; Coronavirus ; Coronavirus Infections* ; Diagnosis ; Encephalitis ; Guillain-Barre Syndrome ; Humans ; Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus ; Middle East* ; Mortality ; Neurologic Manifestations ; Pandemics ; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases ; Prognosis ; Republic of Korea

OBJECTIVE: To identify the anatomic characteristics of the pronator quadratus (PQ) muscle and the entry zone (EZ) of the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) to this muscle by means of cadaver dissection. METHODS: We examined the PQ muscle and AIN in 20 forearms from 10 fresh cadavers. After identifying the PQ muscle and the EZ of the AIN, we measured the distances from the midpoint (MidP) of the PQ muscle and EZ to the vertical line passing the tip of the ulnar styloid process (MidP_X and EZ_X, respectively) and to the medial border of the ulna (MidP_Y and EZ_Y, respectively). Forearm length (FL) and wrist width (WW) were also measured, and the ratios of MidP and EZ to FL and of MidP and EZ to WW were calculated. RESULTS: The MidP was found to be 3.0 cm proximal to the ulnar styloid process or distal 13% of the FL and 2.0 cm lateral to the medial border of the ulna or ulnar 40% side of the WW, which was similar to the location of EZ. The results reveal a more distal site than was reported in previous studies. CONCLUSION: We suggest that the proper site for needle insertion and motor point block of the PQ muscle is 3 cm proximal to the ulnar styloid process or distal 13% of the FL and 2 cm lateral to the medial border of the ulna or ulnar 40% side of the WW.
Cadaver* ; Electromyography ; Forearm ; Median Nerve ; Needles ; Ulna ; Wrist

PURPOSE: Toxic alcohols are responsible for accidental and suicide motivated poisonings, resulting in death or permanent sequelae for the afflicted patients. Major therapeutic modalities in these cases include treatment with alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitors and extracorporeal elimination. There have been a number of case reports of toxic alcohol intoxication in Korea. The purpose of this study was to review the clinical characteristics of patients suffering toxic alcohol intoxication. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who presented with toxic alcohol intoxication at 8 emergency departments (ED) from Jun 2005 to Nov 2011. Patients who ingested methanol, isopropyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, and other alcohols except ethanol, were included in this study. The clinical characteristics of these patients were analyzed to include anion and osmolar gap, and estimated concentration of alcohol in the body. RESULTS: During the study period, 21 patients were identified who had ingested toxic alcohol (methanol; 12 patients, ethylene glycol; 9 patients). At ED arrival, the mean anion gap was 18.7+/-6.9 and the osmolar gap was elevated in 13 patients. Oral and IV ethanol were administrated to 11 patients in order to inhibit alcohol dehydrogenase. Extracorporeal elimination procedures such as hemodialysis were performed in 9 patients. There were no fatalities, but the one patient suffered permanent blindness. CONCLUSION: This study found that ethylene glycol and methanol were the substances ingested which produced toxic alcohol intoxication. The patients presented with high anion gap metabolic acidosis and were typically treated with oral ethanol and hemodialysis.
2-Propanol ; Acid-Base Equilibrium ; Acidosis ; Alcohol Dehydrogenase ; Alcohols ; Emergencies ; Ethanol ; Ethylene Glycol ; Ethylenes ; Humans ; Korea ; Medical Records ; Methanol ; Renal Dialysis ; Retrospective Studies ; Stress, Psychological ; Suicide