Background: Staged operations are commonly employed in the management of high-energy tibial plateau fractures (TPF) complicated by acute compartment syndrome (ACS); however, complications, such as nonunion, deep wound infection, and traumatic arthritis, often occur due to severe bone and soft-tissue damage. We aimed to report the radiological and clinical outcomes of staged surgical interventions performed following complete closure of the fasciotomy wound for the treatment of TPF complicated by ACS.Additionally, we analyzed factors associated with complications arising from these procedures. Methods: Thirty patients with TPF and ACS were included (23 men and 7 women; average age, 59.7 years). The mean followup period was 33.2 months (range, 12–85 months). An external fixator was initially applied with emergency fasciotomy, and open reduction and plate fixation were performed after complete closure of the fasciotomy wound and soft-tissue stabilization (mean, 31 days; range, 9–55 days). Radiological evaluation of bone union and alignment was conducted, functional evaluation of the knee and ankle joints was performed using the Knee Society and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, and complications and related factors were analyzed. Results: Primary bone union was achieved in 29 of the 30 cases (96.7%) at an average of 20.8 weeks (range, 12–35 weeks). Malalignment was not observed in any case. At the final follow-up examination, the mean Knee Society and AOFAS scores were 92.5 (range, 65–100) and 95.5 (range, 74–100), respectively. Complications included 1 case of nonunion (3.3%), 2 cases of deep wound infection (6.7%), and 5 cases of traumatic arthritis (16.7%). A statistically significant correlation was noted between complications and patients who underwent dual approaches for the fixation of bicondylar TPFs. Conclusions A staged operation coupled with sufficient soft-tissue healing can achieve excellent bone union and functional outcomes in patients with TPF and ACS. However, complications may occur more often in patients undergoing dual approaches for bicondylar TPFs, necessitating vigilant monitoring and management.

Background: Staged operations are commonly employed in the management of high-energy tibial plateau fractures (TPF) complicated by acute compartment syndrome (ACS); however, complications, such as nonunion, deep wound infection, and traumatic arthritis, often occur due to severe bone and soft-tissue damage. We aimed to report the radiological and clinical outcomes of staged surgical interventions performed following complete closure of the fasciotomy wound for the treatment of TPF complicated by ACS.Additionally, we analyzed factors associated with complications arising from these procedures. Methods: Thirty patients with TPF and ACS were included (23 men and 7 women; average age, 59.7 years). The mean followup period was 33.2 months (range, 12–85 months). An external fixator was initially applied with emergency fasciotomy, and open reduction and plate fixation were performed after complete closure of the fasciotomy wound and soft-tissue stabilization (mean, 31 days; range, 9–55 days). Radiological evaluation of bone union and alignment was conducted, functional evaluation of the knee and ankle joints was performed using the Knee Society and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, and complications and related factors were analyzed. Results: Primary bone union was achieved in 29 of the 30 cases (96.7%) at an average of 20.8 weeks (range, 12–35 weeks). Malalignment was not observed in any case. At the final follow-up examination, the mean Knee Society and AOFAS scores were 92.5 (range, 65–100) and 95.5 (range, 74–100), respectively. Complications included 1 case of nonunion (3.3%), 2 cases of deep wound infection (6.7%), and 5 cases of traumatic arthritis (16.7%). A statistically significant correlation was noted between complications and patients who underwent dual approaches for the fixation of bicondylar TPFs. Conclusions A staged operation coupled with sufficient soft-tissue healing can achieve excellent bone union and functional outcomes in patients with TPF and ACS. However, complications may occur more often in patients undergoing dual approaches for bicondylar TPFs, necessitating vigilant monitoring and management.

Background: Staged operations are commonly employed in the management of high-energy tibial plateau fractures (TPF) complicated by acute compartment syndrome (ACS); however, complications, such as nonunion, deep wound infection, and traumatic arthritis, often occur due to severe bone and soft-tissue damage. We aimed to report the radiological and clinical outcomes of staged surgical interventions performed following complete closure of the fasciotomy wound for the treatment of TPF complicated by ACS.Additionally, we analyzed factors associated with complications arising from these procedures. Methods: Thirty patients with TPF and ACS were included (23 men and 7 women; average age, 59.7 years). The mean followup period was 33.2 months (range, 12–85 months). An external fixator was initially applied with emergency fasciotomy, and open reduction and plate fixation were performed after complete closure of the fasciotomy wound and soft-tissue stabilization (mean, 31 days; range, 9–55 days). Radiological evaluation of bone union and alignment was conducted, functional evaluation of the knee and ankle joints was performed using the Knee Society and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, and complications and related factors were analyzed. Results: Primary bone union was achieved in 29 of the 30 cases (96.7%) at an average of 20.8 weeks (range, 12–35 weeks). Malalignment was not observed in any case. At the final follow-up examination, the mean Knee Society and AOFAS scores were 92.5 (range, 65–100) and 95.5 (range, 74–100), respectively. Complications included 1 case of nonunion (3.3%), 2 cases of deep wound infection (6.7%), and 5 cases of traumatic arthritis (16.7%). A statistically significant correlation was noted between complications and patients who underwent dual approaches for the fixation of bicondylar TPFs. Conclusions A staged operation coupled with sufficient soft-tissue healing can achieve excellent bone union and functional outcomes in patients with TPF and ACS. However, complications may occur more often in patients undergoing dual approaches for bicondylar TPFs, necessitating vigilant monitoring and management.

Background: Staged operations are commonly employed in the management of high-energy tibial plateau fractures (TPF) complicated by acute compartment syndrome (ACS); however, complications, such as nonunion, deep wound infection, and traumatic arthritis, often occur due to severe bone and soft-tissue damage. We aimed to report the radiological and clinical outcomes of staged surgical interventions performed following complete closure of the fasciotomy wound for the treatment of TPF complicated by ACS.Additionally, we analyzed factors associated with complications arising from these procedures. Methods: Thirty patients with TPF and ACS were included (23 men and 7 women; average age, 59.7 years). The mean followup period was 33.2 months (range, 12–85 months). An external fixator was initially applied with emergency fasciotomy, and open reduction and plate fixation were performed after complete closure of the fasciotomy wound and soft-tissue stabilization (mean, 31 days; range, 9–55 days). Radiological evaluation of bone union and alignment was conducted, functional evaluation of the knee and ankle joints was performed using the Knee Society and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, and complications and related factors were analyzed. Results: Primary bone union was achieved in 29 of the 30 cases (96.7%) at an average of 20.8 weeks (range, 12–35 weeks). Malalignment was not observed in any case. At the final follow-up examination, the mean Knee Society and AOFAS scores were 92.5 (range, 65–100) and 95.5 (range, 74–100), respectively. Complications included 1 case of nonunion (3.3%), 2 cases of deep wound infection (6.7%), and 5 cases of traumatic arthritis (16.7%). A statistically significant correlation was noted between complications and patients who underwent dual approaches for the fixation of bicondylar TPFs. Conclusions A staged operation coupled with sufficient soft-tissue healing can achieve excellent bone union and functional outcomes in patients with TPF and ACS. However, complications may occur more often in patients undergoing dual approaches for bicondylar TPFs, necessitating vigilant monitoring and management.

Objectives: This study aimed to present the Asia-Pacific consensus on long-term and sequential therapy for osteoporosis, offering evidence-based recommendations for the effective management of this chronic condition.The primary focus is on achieving optimal fracture prevention through a comprehensive, individualized approach. Methods: A panel of experts convened to develop consensus statements by synthesizing the current literature and leveraging clinical expertise. The review encompassed long-term anti-osteoporosis medication goals, first-line treatments for individuals at very high fracture risk, and the strategic integration of anabolic and anti resorptive agents in sequential therapy approaches. Results: The panelists reached a consensus on 12 statements. Key recommendations included advocating for anabolic agents as the first-line treatment for individuals at very high fracture risk and transitioning to anti resorptive agents following the completion of anabolic therapy. Anabolic therapy remains an option for in dividuals experiencing new fractures or persistent high fracture risk despite antiresorptive treatment. In cases of inadequate response, the consensus recommended considering a switch to more potent medications. The consensus also addressed the management of medication-related complications, proposing alternatives instead of discontinuation of treatment. Conclusions This consensus provides a comprehensive, cost-effective strategy for fracture prevention with an emphasis on shared decision-making and the incorporation of country-specific case management systems, such as fracture liaison services. It serves as a valuable guide for healthcare professionals in the Asia-Pacific region, contributing to the ongoing evolution of osteoporosis management.

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) against skin flap necrosis in a murine skin flap model.Materials and Method Twenty mice with rectangular skin flaps on the dorsum were randomly divided into the PDRN (n=10) and pentobarbital sodium (PBS) (n=10) injection groups. PDRN (8 mg/kg) was subdermally injected at 12 different points immediately after the operation. After 7 days, the flap perfusions were evaluated using a laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) system, and specimens were collected for immunohistochemistry analysis. Results: The percentage of survival area relative to the total flap area was significantly higher in the PDRN group (60.87%±7.63%) than in the PBS group (45.23%±10.72%) (p<0.05). The mean LSCI perfusion signal of the distal part of the skin flap in the PBS group was 0.57±0.12, and that in the PDRN group was 0.74±0.13 (p<0.05). The PDRN group had a significantly lower interleukin 1 beta expression than the PBS group and higher vascular endothelial growth factor α expression than the PBS group (p<0.05). Conclusion These findings suggest that subdermally injected PDRN is more effective in enhancing flap survival during necrosis.

Background: Although respiratory tract infection is one of the most important factors triggering acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD), limited data are available to suggest an epidemiologic pattern of microbiology in South Korea. Methods: A multicenter observational study was conducted between January 2015 and December 2018 across 28 hospitals in South Korea. Adult patients with moderate-to-severe acute exacerbations of COPD were eligible to participate in the present study. The participants underwent all conventional tests to identify etiology of microbial pathogenesis. The primary outcome was the percentage of different microbiological pathogens causing AE-COPD. A comparative microbiological analysis of the patients with overlapping asthma–COPD (ACO) and pure COPD was performed. Results: We included 1,186 patients with AE-COPD. Patients with pure COPD constituted 87.9% and those with ACO accounted for 12.1%. Nearly half of the patients used an inhaled corticosteroid-containing regimen and one-fifth used systemic corticosteroids. Respiratory pathogens were found in 55.3% of all such patients. Bacteria and viruses were detected in 33% and 33.2%, respectively. Bacterial and viral coinfections were found in 10.9%. The most frequently detected bacteria were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.8%), and the most frequently detected virus was influenza A (10.4%). Multiple bacterial infections were more likely to appear in ACO than in pure COPD (8.3% vs. 3.6%, p=0.016). Conclusion Distinct microbiological patterns were identified in patients with moderate-to-severe AE-COPD in South Korea. These findings may improve evidence-based management of patients with AE-COPD and represent the basis for further studies investigating infectious pathogens in patients with COPD.

Purpose: To develop a web-based solution for patient need-driven staffing (PNDS) that automatically determines nurses’ staffing requirements. Methods: Activities provided by nurses in four integrated nursing care wards (INCWs) and non-INCWs each in a tertiary hospital were observed over three days. Nursing hours per patient hour (NHPPH) were calculated by dividing nursing hours by patient stay hours per day. Patient needs were evaluated using 19 items. Results: The nurse-patient ratios in INCWs and non-INCWs were 1:4.5 and 1:8.1 (including overtime), respectively. Admitted and transferred-in patients had higher NHPPHs than those with continuing stays. The patients were classified into five groups: Group A for admissions and transfers-in, and Groups 1~4 for the remainder. In INCWs, the nurse-patient ratios ranged from 1:5.3 (Group 1) to 1:2.4 (Group 4), and Group A required 1:3.0, the secondhighest level. In non-INCWs, ratios ranged from 1:9.4 (Group 1) to 1:5.2 (Group 4 and Group A). The PNDS solution was developed to determine staffing requirements by classifying patients into five groups using the entered data on patient needs, assigning the group’s NHPPH to each patient, and calculating the staffing ratio required in the unit. Conclusion The PNDS is expected to support staffing decisions to meet patient needs.

Objective: This study evaluated the anxiety, work, and socioeconomic burden of emergency physicians (EP) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in South Korea. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using data from the 2020 Korean Emergency Physician Survey that included the following domains: hospital resources of suspected COVID-19 patients, availability of personal protective equipment, levels of home and workplace anxiety, the severity of work burnout, identification of stressors, changes in personal environments, and measures to decrease stress/anxiety. Results: Totally, 855 eligible participants were enrolled in the study. A statistically significant deterioration was observed in response to decreased working income or an unstable employment situation (0.46±0.88 points). The median number of patients with confirmed COVID-19 was 2.72. The risk of infection during emergency department (ED) work was found to be significantly increased (P<0.01). Of the 751 respondents (91.4%) who reported patient contact during their survey phase, 516 (62.8%) reported having taken the COVID-19 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test. The major factors that affected worsening of the work burden were determined to be unsuitable inter-hospital transfer arrangements for febrile patients (3.46±1.06 before vs. 1.99±1.16 after the pandemic, P<0.01) and delayed consultation for patients with fever or respiratory symptoms in the ED (3.20±1.06 before vs. 2.66±1.10 after the pandemic, P<0.01). Conclusion During the peak phase, the COVID-19 pandemic induced substantial workplace and socioeconomic burdens for Korean EPs. The sustained impact of the pandemic on the wellness of EPs deserves further investigation to guide targeted interventions.

Background/Aims: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) poses a considerable burden both on the quality of life (QoL) of individual patients and on healthcare systems. Real‑world data evaluating the disease burden of CSU are limited in this country. This study evaluated the disease burden and healthcare resource utilization (HRU) among symptomatic CSU patients. Methods: This multicenter, noninterventional, retrospective, and cross-sectional study assessed CSU patients symptomatic for more than 6 months despite step-wise H1-antihistamine medications. Primary outcomes included Urticaria Activity Score over 7 days (UAS7) and Chronic Urticaria QoL scale (CU-QoL). Secondary outcomes included EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), association of disease activity with QoL, medications used for the past 6 months, and HRU. Results: Five hundred patients with CSU were enrolled. Mean disease duration was 3.7 years. Based on UAS7, 22.2% of patients were in well-controlled status and 31.2%, 28.4%, and 18.2% of them had mild, moderate, and severe disease, respectively. Mean CU-QoL and DLQI scores were 57.5 ± 29.7 and 10.2 ± 7.6, respectively, while the EQ-5D-5L utility score was 0.8 ± 0.2. H1-antihistamines were prescribed to 95% of patients, while omalizumab was prescribed to 33% of patients. Most patients (98%) had outpatient visits in the past 6 months. Negative correlations were noted between UAS7 and CU-QoL, EQ-5D-5L, EQ-5D-5L visual analog scale scores, but a positive correlation was noted with DLQI score (p < 0.001 for all). The number of outpatient department visits increased with disease activity (p = 0.001). Conclusions CSU affects QoL, leading to increased HRU, particularly in patients with severe disease.