Background: : A torn plantar plate (PP) is important pathologic anatomy related to a dislocated or subluxated metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ). Traditionally, a torn PP was treated with Weil osteotomy through a dorsal approach. However, because of the limited visualization of the dorsal approach, PP repair through a plantar approach has been proposed as a new technique. This study aimed to radiologically evaluate the outcome of PP repair through the plantar approach using an improved MTPJ overlap distance (MOD) on an anteroposterior view and the degree of subluxation on an oblique view. We also aimed to investigate the potential factors affecting the recurrence of MTPJ instability. Methods: In this study, we included 31 patients who had a subluxated or dislocated MTPJ of the second or third toe and underwent surgical PP repair. PP repair was performed via a plantar approach after shortening metatarsal (MT) osteotomy with a dorsal approach for longer MT bone. We assessed the severity of MTPJ subluxation by measuring the MOD and subluxation subtype on radiographs. Radiologic recurrence was defined as an increase in MOD or change from subluxation type A to subluxation type B.The relationship of recurrence with clinical and radiologic factors was evaluated by comparing the recurred group against the nonrecurred group. Results: Shortening MT osteotomy was performed in 26 of 31 cases (84%). Repeated measures analysis of variance comparing preoperation, pin removal, and the latest follow-up MOD values revealed the effectiveness of PP repair through the plantar approach (p < 0.001). The MOD did not significantly change after pin removal and the latest follow-up (p = 0.130), indicating that reduction was well maintained. None of the clinical and radiologic factors were significantly related to recurrence. However, 3 of 12 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) feet (25%) recurred and 3 of 5 recurred cases (60%) were RA feet. This result suggests that RA indicated a tendency for recurrence. Conclusions PP repair through the plantar approach has the advantage of excellent visualization of a torn PP and direct repair.We, therefore, recommend using the plantar approach for PP repair of the MTPJ.

Background: : A torn plantar plate (PP) is important pathologic anatomy related to a dislocated or subluxated metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ). Traditionally, a torn PP was treated with Weil osteotomy through a dorsal approach. However, because of the limited visualization of the dorsal approach, PP repair through a plantar approach has been proposed as a new technique. This study aimed to radiologically evaluate the outcome of PP repair through the plantar approach using an improved MTPJ overlap distance (MOD) on an anteroposterior view and the degree of subluxation on an oblique view. We also aimed to investigate the potential factors affecting the recurrence of MTPJ instability. Methods: In this study, we included 31 patients who had a subluxated or dislocated MTPJ of the second or third toe and underwent surgical PP repair. PP repair was performed via a plantar approach after shortening metatarsal (MT) osteotomy with a dorsal approach for longer MT bone. We assessed the severity of MTPJ subluxation by measuring the MOD and subluxation subtype on radiographs. Radiologic recurrence was defined as an increase in MOD or change from subluxation type A to subluxation type B.The relationship of recurrence with clinical and radiologic factors was evaluated by comparing the recurred group against the nonrecurred group. Results: Shortening MT osteotomy was performed in 26 of 31 cases (84%). Repeated measures analysis of variance comparing preoperation, pin removal, and the latest follow-up MOD values revealed the effectiveness of PP repair through the plantar approach (p < 0.001). The MOD did not significantly change after pin removal and the latest follow-up (p = 0.130), indicating that reduction was well maintained. None of the clinical and radiologic factors were significantly related to recurrence. However, 3 of 12 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) feet (25%) recurred and 3 of 5 recurred cases (60%) were RA feet. This result suggests that RA indicated a tendency for recurrence. Conclusions PP repair through the plantar approach has the advantage of excellent visualization of a torn PP and direct repair.We, therefore, recommend using the plantar approach for PP repair of the MTPJ.

Background: : A torn plantar plate (PP) is important pathologic anatomy related to a dislocated or subluxated metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ). Traditionally, a torn PP was treated with Weil osteotomy through a dorsal approach. However, because of the limited visualization of the dorsal approach, PP repair through a plantar approach has been proposed as a new technique. This study aimed to radiologically evaluate the outcome of PP repair through the plantar approach using an improved MTPJ overlap distance (MOD) on an anteroposterior view and the degree of subluxation on an oblique view. We also aimed to investigate the potential factors affecting the recurrence of MTPJ instability. Methods: In this study, we included 31 patients who had a subluxated or dislocated MTPJ of the second or third toe and underwent surgical PP repair. PP repair was performed via a plantar approach after shortening metatarsal (MT) osteotomy with a dorsal approach for longer MT bone. We assessed the severity of MTPJ subluxation by measuring the MOD and subluxation subtype on radiographs. Radiologic recurrence was defined as an increase in MOD or change from subluxation type A to subluxation type B.The relationship of recurrence with clinical and radiologic factors was evaluated by comparing the recurred group against the nonrecurred group. Results: Shortening MT osteotomy was performed in 26 of 31 cases (84%). Repeated measures analysis of variance comparing preoperation, pin removal, and the latest follow-up MOD values revealed the effectiveness of PP repair through the plantar approach (p < 0.001). The MOD did not significantly change after pin removal and the latest follow-up (p = 0.130), indicating that reduction was well maintained. None of the clinical and radiologic factors were significantly related to recurrence. However, 3 of 12 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) feet (25%) recurred and 3 of 5 recurred cases (60%) were RA feet. This result suggests that RA indicated a tendency for recurrence. Conclusions PP repair through the plantar approach has the advantage of excellent visualization of a torn PP and direct repair.We, therefore, recommend using the plantar approach for PP repair of the MTPJ.

Background: : A torn plantar plate (PP) is important pathologic anatomy related to a dislocated or subluxated metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ). Traditionally, a torn PP was treated with Weil osteotomy through a dorsal approach. However, because of the limited visualization of the dorsal approach, PP repair through a plantar approach has been proposed as a new technique. This study aimed to radiologically evaluate the outcome of PP repair through the plantar approach using an improved MTPJ overlap distance (MOD) on an anteroposterior view and the degree of subluxation on an oblique view. We also aimed to investigate the potential factors affecting the recurrence of MTPJ instability. Methods: In this study, we included 31 patients who had a subluxated or dislocated MTPJ of the second or third toe and underwent surgical PP repair. PP repair was performed via a plantar approach after shortening metatarsal (MT) osteotomy with a dorsal approach for longer MT bone. We assessed the severity of MTPJ subluxation by measuring the MOD and subluxation subtype on radiographs. Radiologic recurrence was defined as an increase in MOD or change from subluxation type A to subluxation type B.The relationship of recurrence with clinical and radiologic factors was evaluated by comparing the recurred group against the nonrecurred group. Results: Shortening MT osteotomy was performed in 26 of 31 cases (84%). Repeated measures analysis of variance comparing preoperation, pin removal, and the latest follow-up MOD values revealed the effectiveness of PP repair through the plantar approach (p < 0.001). The MOD did not significantly change after pin removal and the latest follow-up (p = 0.130), indicating that reduction was well maintained. None of the clinical and radiologic factors were significantly related to recurrence. However, 3 of 12 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) feet (25%) recurred and 3 of 5 recurred cases (60%) were RA feet. This result suggests that RA indicated a tendency for recurrence. Conclusions PP repair through the plantar approach has the advantage of excellent visualization of a torn PP and direct repair.We, therefore, recommend using the plantar approach for PP repair of the MTPJ.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that frequently causes forefoot deformities. Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is a common surgery for severe hallux valgus. However, joint-preserving surgery can maintain the mobility of the joint. This study aimed to investigate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy (DCMO) for correcting hallux valgus deformity associated with RA. Methods: Between August 2000 and December 2018, 18 consecutive patients with rheumatoid forefoot deformities (24 feet) underwent DCMO for hallux valgus with/without lesser toe surgery. Radiological evaluations were conducted, assessing the hallux valgus angle, the intermetatarsal angle between the first and second metatarsals, and the Sharp/van der Heijde score for erosion and joint space narrowing. Clinical outcomes were quantified using a visual analog scale for pain and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society forefoot scores to measure function and alignment. Results: The mean hallux valgus angle decreased from 38.0° (range, 25°–65°) preoperatively to 3.5° (range, 0°–17°) at the final follow-up (p < 0.05). The mean intermetatarsal angle decreased from 14.9° (range, 5°–22°) preoperatively to 4.3° (range, 2°–11°) at the final follow-up. (p < 0.05). Regarding the Sharp/van der Heijde score, the mean erosion score (0–10) showed no significant change, decreasing from 3.83 (range, 0–6) preoperatively to 3.54 (range, 0–4) at the final follow-up (p = 0.12). Recurrent hallux valgus was observed in 1 patient and postoperative hallux varus deformity was observed in 2 feet. Spontaneous fusion of the metatarsophalangeal joint developed in 1 case. Conclusions DCMO resulted in satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes for correcting RA-associated hallux valgus deformity.

Methods: Radiograms of the 11 study subjects (six men and five women), aged 22–90 years who visited the outpatients’ clinic for various neck complaints without trauma history were examined. C4–5 synostosis was an incidental finding in all the subjects. Results: All the fused bodies were inwaisted and had anterior caudal breaking but no interior corporal flaring. Adjacent segment disease was not found in eight patients aged <40 years. Disk degeneration was found at C3–4 and C5–6 in three patients each and at C6–7 in two patients. Disk degeneration was limited to the adjacent segments. Conclusions Degenerative disk changes are associated with the natural aging process, and the corporal morphology of the fused vertebral becomes inwaisted similar to that in the single vertebrae.

Methods: Radiograms of the 11 study subjects (six men and five women), aged 22–90 years who visited the outpatients’ clinic for various neck complaints without trauma history were examined. C4–5 synostosis was an incidental finding in all the subjects. Results: All the fused bodies were inwaisted and had anterior caudal breaking but no interior corporal flaring. Adjacent segment disease was not found in eight patients aged <40 years. Disk degeneration was found at C3–4 and C5–6 in three patients each and at C6–7 in two patients. Disk degeneration was limited to the adjacent segments. Conclusions Degenerative disk changes are associated with the natural aging process, and the corporal morphology of the fused vertebral becomes inwaisted similar to that in the single vertebrae.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report OBJECTIVES: To report a case of Brown-Séquard syndrome after blunt cervical trauma. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Brown-Séquard syndrome is a rare disease characterized by hemisection of the spinal cord, and it shows the best prognosis of the various types of incomplete spinal cord injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A patient with Brown-Séquard syndrome that occurred after a traffic accident was followed up for 2 years and 6 months. RESULTS: We observed normal recovery of motor strength, but sensory impairment and deep tendon hyperreflexia remained. CONCLUSIONS: Brown-Séquard syndrome is known to have a good prognosis, but in this case, the neurological abnormality did not fully recover; therefore, we report this rare case and present a review of the literature.
Accidents, Traffic* ; Cervical Vertebrae ; Female ; Humans ; Prognosis ; Rare Diseases ; Reflex, Abnormal ; Spinal Cord ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; Tendons

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: We examined the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients who received revision surgery for pseudarthrosis or adjacent segment disease (ASD) following decompression and instrumented posterolateral fusion (PLF). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: At present, information regarding the outcomes of revision surgery for complications such as pseudarthrosis and ASD following instrumented PLF is limited. METHODS: This study examined 60 patients who received PLF for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis and subsequently developed pseudarthrosis or ASD leading to revision surgery. Subjects were divided into a group of 21 patients who received revision surgery for pseudarthrosis (Group P) and a group of 39 patients who received revision surgery for ASD (Group A). Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the visual analogue scales for back pain (VAS-BP) and leg pain (VAS-LP), the Korean Oswestry disability index (K-ODI), and each patient's subjective satisfaction. Radiological outcomes were evaluated from the extent of bone union, and complications in the two groups were compared. RESULTS: VAS-LP at final follow-up was not statistically different between the two groups (p =0.353), although VAS-BP and K-ODI at final follow-up were significantly worse in Group P than in Group A (all p <0.05), and only 52% of the patients in Group P felt that their overall well-being had improved following revision surgery. Fusion rates after the first revision surgery were 71% (15/21) in Group P and 95% (37/39) in Group A (p =0.018). The rate of reoperation was significantly higher in Group P (29%) than in Group A (5%) (p =0.021) due to complications. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and radiological outcomes were worse in patients who had received revision surgery for pseudarthrosis than in those who had revision surgery for ASD. Elderly patients should be carefully advised of the risks and benefits before planning revision surgery for pseudarthrosis.
Aged ; Back Pain ; Decompression ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Leg ; Pseudarthrosis* ; Reoperation ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Assessment ; Spinal Stenosis* ; Weights and Measures

BACKGROUND: It is crucial to understand the current status of clinical laboratory practices for the largest outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infections in the Republic of Korea to be well prepared for future emerging infectious diseases. METHODS: We conducted a survey of 49 clinical laboratories in medical institutions and referral medical laboratories. A short questionnaire to survey clinical laboratory practices relating to MERS-CoV diagnostic testing was sent by email to the directors and clinical pathologists in charge of the clinical laboratories performing MERS-CoV testing. The survey focused on testing volume, reporting of results, resources, and laboratory safety. RESULTS: A total of 40 clinical laboratories responded to the survey. A total of 27,009 MERS-CoV real-time reverse transcription PCR (rRT-PCR) tests were performed. Most of the specimens were sputum (73.5%). The median turnaround time (TAT) was 5.29 hr (first and third quartile, 4.11 and 7.48 hr) in 26 medical institutions. The median TAT of more than a half of the laboratories (57.7%) was less than 6 hr. Many laboratories were able to perform tests throughout the whole week. Laboratory biosafety preparedness included class II biosafety cabinets (100%); separated pre-PCR, PCR, and post-PCR rooms (88.6%); negative pressure pretreatment rooms (48.6%); and negative pressure sputum collection rooms (20.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical laboratories were able to quickly expand their diagnostic capacity in response to the 2015 MERS-CoV outbreak. Our results show that clinical laboratories play an important role in the maintenance and enhancement of laboratory response in preparation for future emerging infections.
Clinical Laboratory Services/*standards ; Clinical Laboratory Techniques/instrumentation/methods ; Coronavirus Infections/*diagnosis/epidemiology/virology ; Disease Outbreaks ; Humans ; Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus/genetics/isolation & purification ; RNA, Viral/analysis ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Sputum/virology ; Surveys and Questionnaires