BACKGROUND: The choice of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) vs . total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the surgical treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) remains controversial. This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the clinical results of UKA and TKA for treating unicompartmental KOA. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for articles published up to January 2, 2023. The literature was rigorously screened to include only RCTs comparing UKA and TKA for unicompartmental KOA. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to calculate the mean difference (MD), relative risk (RR), and 95% confidence interval (CI) according to the Cochrane standards. RESULTS: Thirteen publications involving 683 UKAs and 683 TKAs were analyzed. Except for one study with a follow-up period of 15 years, all outcome measures reported were within 5 years of follow-up. Meta-analysis showed better knee recovery (MD: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.01-1.45; P  <0.001), greater knee function (MD: 1.78; 95% CI: 0.34-3.22; P  = 0.020), less pain (MD: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.43-1.06; P  <0.001), and better health status (MD: 3.75; 95% CI: 0.81-6.69; P  = 0.010) after UKA than TKA. However, considering the minimal clinically important difference values for these variables, the findings were not clinically relevant. Moreover, UKA patients had fewer complications (RR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.45-0.78; P  <0.001) and shorter hospital stays (MD: -0.89; 95% CI: -1.57 to -0.22; P  = 0.009) than did TKA patients. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of postoperative range of movement, revision, failure, operation time, and patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS In terms of clinical efficacy, there was no obvious advantage of UKA over TKA in the surgical treatment of knee OA when considering the minimal clinically important difference. The main advantage of UKA over TKA is that it leads to fewer complications and a shorter length of hospital stay. It is ideal to perform prospective studies with longer follow-up periods to fully evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of the two procedures in the future.
Humans ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/methods* ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/surgery* ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Treatment Outcome

Purpose: The association between the healing of an injured anterolateral ligament (ALL) and residual pivot-shift following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions is rarely reported. This study analyzed the relationship between unhealed ALL and residual pivot-shift after an ACL reconstruction. Materials and Methods: The inclusion criteria were patients who underwent autologous hamstring ACL reconstructions within 6 weeks after injury from January 2008 to March 2021. Preoperative ALL injuries and postoperative ALL healing were graded according to the magnetic resonance imaging classification, with postoperative magnetic resonance imaging performed 7.8 months after surgery on average. The patients were categorized based on postoperative ALL healing, and the clinical scores (Lysholm score and Tegner activity scale) and knee stability (Lachman test and pivot-shift test) were assessed at the 1-year postoperative follow-up. Results: One hundred and forty-five patients were enrolled in this study. One hundred and twenty-eight (88.3%) patients had a concomitant ALL injury. Among 86 patients with preoperative grade B, 16 (18.6%) patients showed grade 1 (good), and 70 (81.4%) showed grade 2 (partial) ALL postoperatively. Among the 42 patients with preoperative grade C (complete tear), 1 (2.4%) patient showed grade 1 (good), 21 (50.0%) showed grade 2 (partial), and 20 (47.6%) showed grade 3 (non-visualized) ALL. Preoperative grade C was significantly associated with a higher incidence of grade 3 (non-visualized) postoperatively than the other groups (p<0.001). Postoperatively, the Lachman test, KT-1000 (MEDmetric Corp.) arthrometer (side-to-side difference), Lysholm score, and Tegner activity scales did not show a significant difference among the intact, grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 ALL groups. The pivot-shift test showed a significant difference between the ALL grades (p=0.001). Grade 3 ALL group showed a higher incidence of pivot-shift than the intact, grade 1, and grade 2 ALL groups. Conclusion Patients with preoperative grade C had a higher rate of grade 3 postoperatively compared to the other groups. In addition, the grade 3 group had a significantly higher incidence of a pivot-shift. Therefore, in cases of ACL injuries with concomitant complete ALL tears, ALL reconstruction should be considered during ACL reconstruction.

Purpose: The association between the healing of an injured anterolateral ligament (ALL) and residual pivot-shift following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions is rarely reported. This study analyzed the relationship between unhealed ALL and residual pivot-shift after an ACL reconstruction. Materials and Methods: The inclusion criteria were patients who underwent autologous hamstring ACL reconstructions within 6 weeks after injury from January 2008 to March 2021. Preoperative ALL injuries and postoperative ALL healing were graded according to the magnetic resonance imaging classification, with postoperative magnetic resonance imaging performed 7.8 months after surgery on average. The patients were categorized based on postoperative ALL healing, and the clinical scores (Lysholm score and Tegner activity scale) and knee stability (Lachman test and pivot-shift test) were assessed at the 1-year postoperative follow-up. Results: One hundred and forty-five patients were enrolled in this study. One hundred and twenty-eight (88.3%) patients had a concomitant ALL injury. Among 86 patients with preoperative grade B, 16 (18.6%) patients showed grade 1 (good), and 70 (81.4%) showed grade 2 (partial) ALL postoperatively. Among the 42 patients with preoperative grade C (complete tear), 1 (2.4%) patient showed grade 1 (good), 21 (50.0%) showed grade 2 (partial), and 20 (47.6%) showed grade 3 (non-visualized) ALL. Preoperative grade C was significantly associated with a higher incidence of grade 3 (non-visualized) postoperatively than the other groups (p<0.001). Postoperatively, the Lachman test, KT-1000 (MEDmetric Corp.) arthrometer (side-to-side difference), Lysholm score, and Tegner activity scales did not show a significant difference among the intact, grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 ALL groups. The pivot-shift test showed a significant difference between the ALL grades (p=0.001). Grade 3 ALL group showed a higher incidence of pivot-shift than the intact, grade 1, and grade 2 ALL groups. Conclusion Patients with preoperative grade C had a higher rate of grade 3 postoperatively compared to the other groups. In addition, the grade 3 group had a significantly higher incidence of a pivot-shift. Therefore, in cases of ACL injuries with concomitant complete ALL tears, ALL reconstruction should be considered during ACL reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the global decrease in influenza infections during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, seasonal influenza remains a significant health issue. South Korea, known for its robust pandemic response and high influenza vaccination rates, offers a unique context for examining changes in vaccination trends during the pandemic. Using nationally representative data, we aimed to understand the impact of the pandemic on influenza vaccination behavior over a 12-year period and to identify vulnerable groups. METHODS: We analyzed influenza vaccination rates in South Korea between 2011-2022, focusing on pandemic-related impacts. The data of 2,426,139 adults (≥ 19 years) from the Korea Community Health Survey were used to assess demographic and sociological factors influencing vaccination behaviors. RESULTS: We observed an increase in influenza vaccination rates during the pre-COVID-19 period from 2011-2013 (weighted prevalence: 46.68% [95% confidence interval ( CI): 46.55-46.82]) to 2017-2019 (weighted prevalence: 52.50% [95% CI: 52.38-52.63]). However, a significant decline was observed in 2022, the late-COVID-19 pandemic period (weighted prevalence: 55.78% [95% CI: 55.56-56.01]), compared with the mid-pandemic period in 2021 (weighted prevalence: 59.12% [95% CI: 58.91-59.32]), particularly among populations traditionally prioritized for influenza vaccination, including older adults (≥ 65 years) and patients with chronic diseases and low educational and income levels. CONCLUSION The influenza vaccination rate in South Korea was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, showing a notable decrease among vulnerable demographic groups. This suggests the need for targeted public health strategies to address vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccination rates, particularly among high-risk populations.
Humans ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology* ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Influenza Vaccines/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Female ; Influenza, Human/epidemiology* ; Aged ; Vaccination/statistics & numerical data* ; Young Adult ; Pandemics ; SARS-CoV-2

Purpose: The association between the healing of an injured anterolateral ligament (ALL) and residual pivot-shift following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions is rarely reported. This study analyzed the relationship between unhealed ALL and residual pivot-shift after an ACL reconstruction. Materials and Methods: The inclusion criteria were patients who underwent autologous hamstring ACL reconstructions within 6 weeks after injury from January 2008 to March 2021. Preoperative ALL injuries and postoperative ALL healing were graded according to the magnetic resonance imaging classification, with postoperative magnetic resonance imaging performed 7.8 months after surgery on average. The patients were categorized based on postoperative ALL healing, and the clinical scores (Lysholm score and Tegner activity scale) and knee stability (Lachman test and pivot-shift test) were assessed at the 1-year postoperative follow-up. Results: One hundred and forty-five patients were enrolled in this study. One hundred and twenty-eight (88.3%) patients had a concomitant ALL injury. Among 86 patients with preoperative grade B, 16 (18.6%) patients showed grade 1 (good), and 70 (81.4%) showed grade 2 (partial) ALL postoperatively. Among the 42 patients with preoperative grade C (complete tear), 1 (2.4%) patient showed grade 1 (good), 21 (50.0%) showed grade 2 (partial), and 20 (47.6%) showed grade 3 (non-visualized) ALL. Preoperative grade C was significantly associated with a higher incidence of grade 3 (non-visualized) postoperatively than the other groups (p<0.001). Postoperatively, the Lachman test, KT-1000 (MEDmetric Corp.) arthrometer (side-to-side difference), Lysholm score, and Tegner activity scales did not show a significant difference among the intact, grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 ALL groups. The pivot-shift test showed a significant difference between the ALL grades (p=0.001). Grade 3 ALL group showed a higher incidence of pivot-shift than the intact, grade 1, and grade 2 ALL groups. Conclusion Patients with preoperative grade C had a higher rate of grade 3 postoperatively compared to the other groups. In addition, the grade 3 group had a significantly higher incidence of a pivot-shift. Therefore, in cases of ACL injuries with concomitant complete ALL tears, ALL reconstruction should be considered during ACL reconstruction.

Purpose: This subgroup analysis of the Korean subset of patients in the phase 3 LASER301 trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of lazertinib versus gefitinib as first-line therapy for epidermal growth factor receptor mutated (EGFRm) non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials and Methods: Patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFRm NSCLC were randomized 1:1 to lazertinib (240 mg/day) or gefitinib (250 mg/day). The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS). Results: In total, 172 Korean patients were enrolled (lazertinib, n=87; gefitinib, n=85). Baseline characteristics were balanced between the treatment groups. One-third of patients had brain metastases (BM) at baseline. Median PFS was 20.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 16.7 to 26.1) for lazertinib and 9.6 months (95% CI, 8.2 to 12.3) for gefitinib (hazard ratio [HR], 0.41; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.60). This was supported by PFS analysis based on blinded independent central review. Significant PFS benefit with lazertinib was consistently observed across predefined subgroups, including patients with BM (HR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.15 to 0.53) and those with L858R mutations (HR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.63). Lazertinib safety data were consistent with its previously reported safety profile. Common adverse events (AEs) in both groups included rash, pruritus, and diarrhoea. Numerically fewer severe AEs and severe treatment–related AEs occurred with lazertinib than gefitinib. Conclusion Consistent with results for the overall LASER301 population, this analysis showed significant PFS benefit with lazertinib versus gefitinib with comparable safety in Korean patients with untreated EGFRm NSCLC, supporting lazertinib as a new potential treatment option for this patient population.

There are limited data on outcomes after implantation of everolimus-eluting stents (EES) in East Asian patients with small vessel coronary lesions. A total of 1,600 patients treated with XIENCE EES (Abbott Vascular, CA, USA) were divided into the small vessel group treated with one ≤2.5 mm stent (n=119) and the non-small vessel group treated with one ≥2.75 mm stent (n=933). The primary end point was a patient-oriented composite outcome (POCO), a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), and any repeat revascularization at 12 months. The key secondary end point was a device-oriented composite outcome (DOCO), a composite of cardiovascular death, target-vessel MI, and target lesion revascularization at 12 months. The small vessel group was more often female, hypertensive, less likely to present with ST-elevation MI, and more often treated for the left circumflex artery, whereas the non-small vessel group more often had type B2/C lesions, underwent intravascular ultrasound, and received unfractionated heparin. In the propensity matched cohort, the mean stent diameter was 2.5±0.0 mm and 3.1±0.4 mm in the small and non-small vessel groups, respectively. Propensity-adjusted POCO at 12 months was 6.0% in the small vessel group and 4.3% in the non-small vessel group (p=0.558). There was no significant difference in DOCO at 12 months (small vessel group: 4.3% and non-small vessel group: 1.7%, p=0.270).Outcomes of XIENCE EES for small vessel disease were comparable to those for non-small vessel disease at 12-month clinical follow-up in real-world Korean patients.

Background/Aims: Pancreatic cancer poses significant challenges due to its tendency for late-stage diagnosis and high mortality rates. Cryoablation, a technique used to treat various types of cancer, has shown potential in enhancing the prognosis of pancreatic cancer when combined with other therapies. However, its implementation is often limited by the need for lengthy procedures and specialized equipment. This study aims to develop a cryoablation needle optimized for endoscopic ultrasonography to simplify its application in treating pancreatic cancer. Methods: The study involved conducting cryoablation experiments on swine liver tissue. It utilized cryo-needles to evaluate the extent of cell death across various temperatures and durations of cryoablation. Results: The cryoablation system, which employed liquid carbon dioxide, achieved rapid cooling, reaching temperatures below –60 °C within 30 seconds and maintained the cryoablation process for 200 seconds. These conditions resulted in necrosis of the liver tissue. Notable cellular changes were observed up to 15 mm away from the cryoablation needle. Conclusions This experimental study successfully demonstrated the efficacy of using a cryo-needle for cryoablation in swine liver tissue. Further trials involving pancreatic tissue are expected to verify its effectiveness, underscoring the importance of continued research to establish its role as a complementary therapy in pancreatic cancer treatment.

Objective: Cognitive reserve has emerged as a concept to explain the variable expression of clinical symptoms in the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The association between years of education, a proxy of cognitive reserve, and resting-state functional connectivity (rFC), a representative intermediate phenotype, has not been explored in the preclinical phase, considering risk factors for AD. We aimed to evaluate whether the relationship between years of education and rFC in cognitively preserved older adults differs depending on amyloid-beta deposition and APOE ε4 carrier status as effect modifiers. Methods: A total of 121 participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging, [ 18F] flutemetamol positron emission tomography-computed tomography, APOE genotyping, and a neuropsychological battery. Potential interactions between years of education and AD risk factors for rFC of AD-vulnerable neural networks were assessed with wholebrain voxel-wise analysis. Results: We found a significant education years-by-APOE ε4 carrier status interaction for the rFC from the seed region of the central executive (CEN) and dorsal attention networks. Moreover, there was a significant interaction of rFC between right superior occipital gyrus and the CEN seed region by APOE ε4 carrier status for memory performances and overall cognitive function. Conclusion In preclinical APOE ε4 carriers, higher years of education were associated with higher rFC of the AD vulnerable network, but this contributed to lower cognitive function. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of the impact of cognitive reserve on sensitive functional intermediate phenotypic markers in the preclinical phase of AD.

Background: Skin and soft-tissue defects in the lower legs present significant challenges for surgeons, especially when tendons, bones, or implants are exposed. In such cases, simple dressings or skin grafts are insufficient, necessitating flap surgery.The bipedicled flap is a simpler and more reliable method with a high success rate compared to other flaps, showing minimal flap failures. This study aimed to examine the advantages and limitations of using a bipedicled flap for soft-tissue reconstruction in the lower legs. Methods: This retrospective study reviewed medical records from January 2013 to May 2020, involving 10 bipedicled flaps performed on the lower legs. The study included 5 male and 5 female patients, with an average age of 54.5 years. The defects were due to various causes, including trauma, tumor surgery, postoperative complications such as dehiscence and skin necrosis, and chronic osteomyelitis. The size of the defects ranged from 4 × 3 cm to 16 × 13 cm. The outcomes assessed included flap viability, postoperative complications, and patient satisfaction. Patient satisfaction was assessed on a 15-point scale, evaluating appearance, function, and sensation with up to 5 points each, and categorizing scores as poor (1–3), below average (4–6), average (7–9), good (10–12), and excellent (13–15). Results: All flaps were successfully performed, and there were no cases showing any special complications. Patient satisfaction following the operation was excellent in 3 patients, good in 6 patients, and average in 1 patient, with an overall average score of 11.5 (good) out of 15 among the 10 patients evaluated. Conclusions The bipedicled flap is a simple and secure method for treating soft-tissue defects in the lower legs. Therefore, this technique can be considered as one of the viable options for treating such defects.