Entrapment neuropathy of the suprascapular nerve is rare and frequently overlooked in the differential diagnosis of shoulder pain. There have been few published reports on a ganglion compressing the suprascapular nerve. We experienced a case of entrapment neuropathy of the suprascapular nerve by a ganglion that compressed the inferior branch of suprascapular nerve at the spinoglenoid notch.
Diagnosis, Differential ; Ganglion Cysts ; Shoulder Pain

BACKGROUND: Methemoglobinemia(MetHb) induced by dapsone overdose is not uncommon in Korea, especially in rural area. For treatment of dapsone-induced methemoglobinemia, methylene blue(MB) and activated charcoal(AC) should be used. To date, no reports have compared the amount of MB used between MB alone with MB & AC combined group(MB+AC). And also between moderate (MetHb<35%) and severe (MetHb>35%) intoxicated group defined by initial MetHb level. Authors hypothesized that less amount of MB can be used if MB and AC was used together and larger amount of MB is necessary to reduce MetHb level to asymptomatic level in severely intoxicated group. METHODS: From Jan 1990 to Dec 1996, a total of 54 patients who received treatment for dapsone intoxication were subject of study, The study was done retrospective chart analysis for initial MetHb level, total amount of MB and AC. Wilcoxon rank sum test and Chi-sqiare test was used to compare the total dosage of MB used for each group. Linear regression analysis was used between initial MetHb and the total amount of MB. Results were considered statistically significant when p<0.05. RESULTS: For MB alone and MB+AC group, the differences in total amount of MB used were statistically significant with mean dosage of 7.14+/-1.1mg/kg and 4.28+/-0.7mg/kg, respectively. And total amount of MB used between moderate and severe intoxicated group, the differences were statistically significant with mean dosage of 5.16+/-1.1mg/kg vs. 10.98+/-1.9mg/kg, respectively. There was significant correlation between initial MetHb level (X) and the amount of methylene blue (Y), Y=0.3X-2.42 (r2=0.41, p=0.0001) in MB alone, Y=0.186X-1.95(r2=0.21, p=0.034) in MB+AC respectively. CONCLUSION: For methemoglobinemia induced by dapsone, total amount of MB can be reduced especially in severe Intoxicated group if AC use was combined in treatment modality. There was significant correlationship between initial MetHb level and total amount of MB used.
Charcoal* ; Dapsone* ; Humans ; Korea ; Linear Models ; Methemoglobinemia ; Methylene Blue* ; Retrospective Studies

While the microbiology of cellulitis in the pediatric population and systemic diseases(DM, Cirrhosis, etc) is well known,the causative bacteria and clinical aspect of cellulitis in young adults are less descrihed. this study was undertaken to identify the causative organisms and clinical aspect of adult cellulits. We analysed 121 medical records of 115 young adult patients with cellulitis who had been admitted at the department of orthopaedic surgery, National Police hospital from Jan. 1994. to Dec. 1996. The results were as follows. 1. The age of patient was between 21 yrs and 25 yrs, and the sex of all patients was male. 2. The lower leg and foot were the most frequently involved site of cellulitis as 92 cases(74.2%). 3. The potals were suspected in 65 cases(56.5%),of them, traumas were detected in 43 cases(66.1%), non-traumatic skin lesions in 23 cases(33.9%). 4. In most cases, initial systemic symptoms (fever, chill, headache, etc.) and local symptoms (local heating, tenderness, etc.) were found. 5. The laboratory findings revealed leukocytosis in 19%, elevated ESR in 94%, positive CRP in 80%. 6. Microorganism were detected in 16 of 38 pus cultures. Gram positive microorganisms were detected in 15 of 16 cases culture positive. 7. 6.7% of patients with cellulitis experienced recurrence in same lesions. In conclusion, the retrospective analysis of 115 young adult patients with cellulitis showed that primary cause of young adult cellulit was circulatory disturbance and lymphatic obstruction of the lower extremities most often involved by trauma. therefore, supportive treatments such as rest,elevation,ice packs are considered prior to antibiotic treatment.antibiotic treatment aimed at gram-positive cocci appears to be sufficient.
Adult ; Bacteria ; Cellulitis* ; Fibrosis ; Foot ; Gram-Positive Cocci ; Headache ; Heating ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Leg ; Leukocytosis ; Lower Extremity ; Male ; Medical Records ; Police ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Skin ; Suppuration ; Young Adult*

BACKGROUND: Unexpected deaths of the patients at ED are surprising to the medical staffs as well as the families. It may also increase the possibilities of medico-legal problems. This study was conducted to review the unexpected death in ED and find the predictive factors leading patients to unexpected death. METHODS: A retrospective study with reviewing available medical records of 183 patients who were expired at ED of Shinchon Severance Hospital from Mar. 1997 to Feb. 1998 and 103 patients of Youngdong Severance Hospital from Mar. 1996 to Feb. 1998 was done. Analyses were 4one on 30 variables of physical findings, laboratory results, procedures and therapies. We used univariate analysis, such as t-test and x2-test and multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the total 286 deaths in ED, 153 cases were enrolled in this analysis. The number of unexpected deaths were 76. Age, mental status, fraction of neutrophil count, BUN level, whether endotracheal incubation was done, use of inotropics were the factors with statistical ,significance on the univariate analysis, but only comatose mentality, endotracheal incubated case, and use of the inotropics were significant on logistic regression analysis. The longer the ED length of stay, the higher the rate of mortality and unexpected death. CONCLUSION: This result suggest that medical attention is needed on the patients with comatose decreased mental stylus, endotracheally intubated case and needing inotropic agents to prevent unexpected deaths. Shortening the ED length of stay may also be a factor for decrease the unexpected death rate.
Coma ; Emergencies* ; Emergency Service, Hospital* ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Logistic Models ; Medical Records ; Medical Staff ; Mortality ; Neutrophils ; Retrospective Studies

The purpose of this study was to investigate the process of Acanthamoeba penetration into the organ-cultured human cornea by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Human cornea was obtained through the eye bank of Catholic Medical Center and cultured in Optisol solution at at37degrees C. Acanthamoeba lugdunensis was cultured on non-nutrient agar plate and collected to make suspension in concentration of 1 x 106/ml.100 microliterof amoeba suspension was added to the epithelial surface of cultured cornea and each cornea was incubated for 48 and 120 hours. Each cornea was examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy at each time point. In scanning electron microscopy, Acanthamoeba penetrated into the deep epithelial layer through the intercellular space with progressive epithelial breakdown. In transmission electron microscopically, Acanthamoebapene-trated through the intercellular space of the superficial corneal epithelium and reached to the basement membrane of basal corneal epithelium. Penetrating trophozoites had numerous electronense, mineral-like deposits in their cytoplasm and secreted enzyme-like materials. In conclusion, Acanthamoebae penetrated through the intercellular space of the corneal epithelium by their locomotion and migrated into the deep epithelial layer with secreation of enzyme-like materials and phagocytosis until they reached to the basement membrane of the basal corneal epithelium.
Acanthamoeba* ; Agar ; Amoeba ; Basement Membrane ; Cornea* ; Cytoplasm ; Epithelium, Corneal* ; Extracellular Space ; Eye Banks ; Humans* ; Locomotion ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission* ; Organ Culture Techniques ; Phagocytosis ; Trophozoites

The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of Acanthamoeba to adhere to the epithelial cells of human cornea. Human corneas, obtained through the eye bank of Catholic Medical Center, were cultured in Optisol solution at 37degreesC. Trophozoites of Acanthamoeba lugdunensis cultured on non-nutrient agar plate were collected to make a suspension in concentration of 1x106/ml. 100microliter of amoeba suspension was added to the epithelial surface of cultured human corneas and each cornea was incubated for 12 hours. Each cornea was examined with scanning and transmission electron microscope. On scanning electron microscopy, trophozoites adhered to each other and to the corneal epithelium, especially to intercellular junction by their extended lobopodia at 12 hour-incubation. On transmission electron microscopy, trophozoites showed limited regions of attachment to the corneal epithelium at 12 hour-incubation, and the attached areas showed desmosome-like structure. Trophozoites adhered to each other by cytoplasmic interdigitation. In conclusion, trophozoites adhere to the corneal epithelial surface by their cytoplasmic processes and their processes appeared to have affinity to intercellular junctions of the corneal epithelium. Attachment regions between corneal epithelium and amoeba were characterized as desmosomelike junctions.
Acanthamoeba* ; Agar ; Amoeba ; Cornea* ; Cytoplasm ; Epithelial Cells ; Epithelium, Corneal* ; Eye Banks ; Humans* ; Intercellular Junctions ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission* ; Organ Culture Techniques ; Pseudopodia ; Trophozoites

MR arthrography is a useful modality for evaluating the labrocapsular ligamentous complex (LCLC) of the shoulder. This study was performed to describe normal anatomic variations and pitfalls in image interpretation related to evaluation of the LCLC. MR arthrogram of 56 shoulders in 41 asymptomatic young, active, male volunteers were prospectively reviewed to evaluate the labral shapes, capsular insertions and images which may mimic the lesions of glenohumeral instability. The anterior and posterior parts of the labra, respectively, varied in shape: triangular (72%,36%), round (13%,35%), cleaved (8%,1%), notched (2%,0%), flat (5%,24%), and absent (0%,4%). The anterior and posterior capsular insertions, respectively, varied in site: Mosely and Oevergaard type I (82%,62%), type II (13%,36%), and type III (5%2%). A number of pitfalls in image interpretation were discovered. Articular cartilage undercutting the labrum (29%) and middle glenohumoral ligament in proximity to anterior labrum (5%) simulated a labral tear. Joint fluid interposed in the central, superior portion of the sublabral sulci (25%) simulated a SLAP lesion. Synovial fold (38%) in the axillary pouch resembled a loose body. Knowledge of normal variations and pitfalls in MR arthrogram image interpretation of labral-capsular-ligamentous complex will help the orthopedist to accurately detect debilitating derangements associated with the glenohumeral instability.
Arthrography* ; Cartilage, Articular ; Humans ; Joints ; Ligaments ; Male ; Prospective Studies ; Shoulder ; Volunteers

Tumor and tumor-like lesion of the patella are extremely rare. The following have been reported: giant cell tumor; osteoblastoma; osteoid osteoma; chondroblastoma; solitary osteochon droma; chondroma; ganglion; simple bone cyst; aneurysmal bone cyst; hyperparathyrodism (brown tumor); malignant lymphoma; haemangioendothelioma; haemangima; primary osteosarcoma; plasmocytoma and metastases. Chodroblastoma in patella were very rare and first repoted by Jerone Cohren in 1963. On review of our literatures, we could not find reported case in Korea. The purpose of this paper is to present an unusual case of chondroblastoma of the patella.
Aneurysm ; Bone Cysts ; Chondroblastoma* ; Chondroma ; Ganglion Cysts ; Giant Cell Tumors ; Korea ; Lymphoma ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Osteoblastoma ; Osteoma, Osteoid ; Osteosarcoma ; Patella* ; Plasmacytoma

Ulnar lengthening, one of the operative treatment methods for Kienbock's disease, is based on the theory that ulnar minus variance is a significant causative factor of Kienbock's disease. It is considered that this method can promote the revascularization of the devascularizied lunate by reducing the forces concentrated at the wrist joint and that over-all carpal collapse is halted or reversed when the ulnar part of the carpus is supported better. 4 patients with Kienbock's disease treated by ulnar lengthening with iliac bone graft were reviewed after follow-up ranging from12 months to 30months. In all of 4 patients, relief of pain was satisfactory and there was no remarkable complication.
Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Methods ; Osteonecrosis ; Transplants ; Wrist Joint

Early stage osteonecrosis of femoral head is a major therapeutic dilemma in orthopedics. Many joint preserving treatment modalities have been proposed, but none of them is entirely satisfactory. Among them, core decompression has been widely performed. The results of twenty two core decompression procedures that were performed for osteonecrosis of the femoral head in fifteen patients were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure. From January 1990 to December 1993, we had treated twenty two cases of the osteonecrosis of femoral head. The average follow-up was 31 months, ranging from 12 months to 58 months and the average age at operation was 39.6 years, ranging from 21 to 58 years. By Ficat-Arlet stage, the stages I were 1 case,IIa 6 cases, IIb 7 cases and III 8 cases. The functional and radiological evaluation was done preoperatively and at final follow up by the Harris Hip score and Ficat stage. The results were as follows. The improved cases were 10 cases and the progressed were 12. Radiologically, none of 1 hip(0%) with stage I, two of 6 hips(33%) with stage IIa, four of 7 hips(57%) with stage IIb, and six of 8 hips(75%) with stage III have progressed. Mean preoperative Harris Hip score was 57 points and it improves to 69 (the improved 13 cases; 85, the progressed 9; cases; 49)at final follow up. In six of the progressed 9 cases, the arthroplasties were performed. Among them, five cases are being observed. In conclusion, the core decompression is not only highly effective in preventing further change in femoral head, but also relieving pain and delaying time for arthroplasty at late stage osteonecrosis of femoral head.
Arthroplasty ; Decompression ; Follow-Up Studies ; Head ; Hip ; Humans ; Joints ; Orthopedics ; Osteonecrosis ; Retrospective Studies