Objective: To examine the usefulness and feasibility of modified thread carpal tunnel release (TCTR) by comparing the results of using pre-existing commercial thread with those of a newly developed thread (Smartwire-01). Methods: A total of 17 cadaveric wrists were used in the study. The modified TCTR method was practiced by two different experts. Pre-existing commercial surgical dissecting thread (Loop&ShearTM) was used for five wrists and the newly developed Smartwire-01 was used for twelve wrists. The gross and microanatomy of the specimens were evaluated by a blinded anatomist. Results: Both types of thread were able to cut the TCL similarly. Gross anatomy and histologic findings showed that there was no significant difference between the two types of threads. However, the practitioners felt that it was easier to cut the TCL using the newly-developed thread. Conclusion TCTR using Smartwire-01 was as effective as pre-existing Loop&ShearTM, with better user experiences.

We aimed to develop evidence-based recommendations for treating axial spondylarthritis (axSpA) in Korea. The development committee was constructed, key clinical questions were determined, and the evidence was searched through online databases including MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, KoreaMed, and KMbase. Systematic literature reviews were conducted, quality of evidence was determined, and draft recommendations were formulated according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluations methodology. Recommendations that reached 80% consensus among a voting panel were finalized. Three principles and 21 recommendations were determined. Recommendations 1 and 2 pertain to treatment strategies, regular disease status assessment, and rheumatologist-steered multidisciplinary management. Recommendations 3 and 4 strongly recommend patient education, exercise, and smoking cessation. Recommendations 5~12 address pharmacological treatment of active disease using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, sulfasalazine, biologics, and Janus kinase inhibitors.Recommendations 13~16 address treatment in stable disease. We suggest against spa and acupuncture as therapies (Recommendation 17). Recommendations 18 and 19 pertain to total hip arthroplasty and spinal surgery. Monitoring of comorbidities and drug toxicities are recommended (Recommendations 20 and 21). Recommendations for axSpA treatment in a Korean context were developed based on comprehensive clinical questions and evidence. These are intended to guide best practice in the treatment of axSpA.

We aimed to develop evidence-based recommendations for treating axial spondylarthritis (axSpA) in Korea. The development committee was constructed, key clinical questions were determined, and the evidence was searched through online databases including MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, KoreaMed, and Kmbase. Systematic literature reviews were conducted, quality of evidence was determined, and draft recommendations were formulated according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluations methodology. Recommendations that reached 80% consensus among a voting panel were finalized. Three principles and 21 recommendations were determined. Recommendations 1 and 2 pertain to treatment strategies, regular disease status assessment, and rheumatologist-steered multidisciplinary management. Recommendations 3 and 4 strongly recommend patient education, exercise, and smoking cessation. Recommendations 5–12 address pharmacological treatment of active disease using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, sulfasalazine, biologics, and Janus kinase inhibitors. Recommendations 13–16 address treatment in stable disease. We suggest against spa and acupuncture as therapies (Recommendation 17). Recommendations 18 and 19 pertain to total hip arthroplasty and spinal surgery. Monitoring of comorbidities and drug toxicities are recommended (Recommendations 20 and 21). Recommendations for axSpA treatment in a Korean context were developed based on comprehensive clinical questions and evidence. These are intended to guide best practice in the treatment of axSpA.

Objective: : The percutaneous thread transection technique is a surgical dissecting method using a dissecting thread inserted through a needle under ultrasound guidance without skin incision. As the new dissecting threads were developed domestically, this cadaver study was conducted to compare the effectiveness and safety between the new threads (ultra V sswire and smartwire-01) and a pre-existing commercial dissecting thread (loop & shear) by demonstrating a modified looped thread cubital tunnel release. Methods: : The percutaneous cubital tunnel release procedure was performed on 29 fresh cadaveric upper extremities. The preexisting commercial thread was used in 5 upper extremities. The two newly developed threads were used in 24 upper extremities. Two practitioners performed the procedures separately. After the modified looped thread cubital release, anatomical and histological analyses were performed by a blinded anatomist. The presence of the dissected cubital tunnel and damaged adjacent soft tissue was assessed. Results: : Out of the 29 cadaveric upper extremities, 27 specimens showed complete dissection of the Osborne ligament and the proximal fascia of the flexor carpi ulnaris muscle. One specimen was incompletely dissected in each of the ultra V sswire and smartwire-01 groups. There were no injuries of adjacent structures including the ulnar nerve, ulnar artery, medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve, or flexor tendon with either the commercial thread or the newly developed threads. The anatomical analysis revealed clear and sharp incisional margins of the cubital tunnel in the Smartwire-01 and loop & shear groups. All three kinds of threads maintained proper linear elasticity for easy handling during the procedure. The smartwire-01 provided higher visibility in ultrasound than the other threads. Conclusion : The newly developed threads were effective and safe for use in the thread cubital tunnel release procedure.

Purpose: There are many studies on the indications and efficacy of splint therapy commonly used in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). However, there have been no studies on the splint weaning in terms of the splint use tapering period in relation to symptom improvement of TMD. This retrospective study aims to analyze a proper splint weaning method in patients with TMD based on symptom improvement. Materials and Methods: The authors examined 130 TMD patients with TMJ disorders, masticatory muscle disorders, and clenching/bruxism who had received splint therapy (occlusion stabilization splint, anterior positioning splint) of patients who visited the Department of Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine at Yonsei University Dental Hospital from 2015 to 2020. They were evaluated according to the method to wean splints. Results: The mean splint therapy period was 29.0 months, during which patients wore splints 7 days a week for 8.4 months, 3 - 4 days a week for 9.5 months, and finally 1 - 2 days a week for 11.1 months (a total of 29.0 months, about 2.5 years). Conclusion It seems that TMD symptoms can be alleviated and side effects such as occlusal change can be minimized if patients wear a splint 7 days a week for the first 6 months, followed by 3 - 4 days a week for the next 6 to 18 months, and finally 1 - 2 days a week after 18 months.

Purpose: To describe adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to carbamazepine (CBZ) and oxcarbazepine (OXC), including severe cutaneous ADRs, at a tertiary care hospital over a 10-year period. Materials and Methods: The frequency and clinical features of ADRs caused by CBZ and OXC were analyzed using the pharmacovigilance database and spontaneous ADR reporting data of Yonsei University Severance Hospital & Dental Hospital (Seoul, Korea) from January 1, 2010 to January 31, 2020. Results: Among 10419 cases prescribed CBZ and OXC, 204 ADR cases were reported. The incidences of ADRs were 1.8% and 2.2% for CBZ and OXC respectively, with no significant difference (p=0.169). The most common clinical presentations were skin disorders. Female patients had relatively more frequent ADRs than male patients. Although mild skin ADRs were more frequent with OXC, nervous system disorders, general disorders, and hepatobiliary disorders occurred more often with CBZ. There were six reports of severe cutaneous adverse reactions to CBZ, while OXC had none. Both CBZ and OXC caused ADRs at daily doses lower than the recommended initial dose. Conclusion Due to lower incidence of severe ADRs with OXC than CBZ, we suggest OXC as a first-line prescription.

PURPOSE: Bowel cleansing is generally regarded as time-consuming and unpleasant among patients. Patients commonly state that bowel preparation provokes more discomfort than the actual colonoscopic examination. The purpose of this study was to compare two regimens of sodium phosphate (NaP) tablets versus polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution for bowel preparation in healthy Korean adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single center, prospective, open-label, investigator-blinded, randomized, controlled-pilot study. A total of 62 healthy Korean subjects were randomly assigned to two groups (NaP vs. PEG). Efficacy, safety, and patient-related outcomes, as well as procedural parameters, were evaluated. RESULTS: Although there were no significant differences in total Ottawa bowel quality score, fluid scores and the rate of adequate bowel preparation were significantly better in the NaP group than the PEG group. Additionally, the NaP group showed better results regarding patient tolerance, satisfaction, preference, and rate of adverse events than the PEG group. Significant fluctuations in specific serum electrolytes were common and of a greater magnitude in the NaP group than the PEG group. However, these abnormalities were transient and did not result in serious complications and side effects. CONCLUSION: In this study, NaP tablets were shown to be an effective, well-tolerated, and acceptable regimen for bowel preparation. Also, our study suggests that NaP tablets may be safe and can be used as a bowel cleansing agent in healthy adults undergoing elective colonoscopy. Further multicenter, large scale studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; *Colonoscopy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phosphates/*administration & dosage/therapeutic use ; Pilot Projects ; Polyethylene Glycols/*administration & dosage/therapeutic use ; Prospective Studies ; Republic of Korea ; Surface-Active Agents/*administration & dosage ; Tablets ; Therapeutic Irrigation/*methods

Human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hATMSC) have emerged as a potentially powerful tool for bone repair, but an appropriate evaluation system has not been established. The purpose of this study was to establish a preclinical assessment system to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cell therapies in a nude rat bone defect model. Segmental defects (5 mm) were created in the femoral diaphyses and transplanted with cell media (control), hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate scaffolds (HA/TCP, Group I), hATMSCs (Group II), or three cell-loading density of hATMSC-loaded HA/TCP (Group III-V). Healing response was evaluated by serial radiography, micro-computed tomography and histology at 16 weeks. To address safety-concerns, we conducted a GLP-compliant toxicity study. Scanning electron microscopy studies showed that hATMSCs filled the pores/surfaces of scaffolds in a cell-loading density-dependent manner. We detected significant increases in bone formation in the hATMSC-loaded HA/TCP groups compared with other groups. The amount of new bone formation increased with increases in loaded cell number. In a toxicity study, no significant hATMSC-related changes were found in body weights, clinical signs, hematological/biochemical values, organ weights, or histopathological findings. In conclusion, hATMSCs loaded on HA/TCP enhance the repair of bone defects and was found to be safe under our preclinical efficacy/safety hybrid assessment system.
Adipose Tissue/*cytology ; Animals ; Biocompatible Materials/therapeutic use ; Bone Diseases/pathology/radiography/*therapy ; Bone Regeneration/physiology ; Calcium Phosphates/therapeutic use ; Diaphyses/radiography/surgery/ultrastructure ; Disease Models, Animal ; Durapatite/therapeutic use ; Femur/*pathology/radiography/surgery ; Humans ; Male ; *Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/*cytology ; Rats ; Rats, Nude ; Tissue Engineering ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Transplantation, Heterologous