Seung Ah Lee

Comparison of Medial and Lateral Meniscus Root Tears

The meniscus root plays an essential role in maintaining the circumferential hoop tension and preventing meniscal displacement. Studies on meniscus root tears have investigated the relationship of osteoarthritis and an anterior cruciate ligament tear. However, few studies have directly compared the medial and lateral root tears. To assess the prevalence of meniscal extrusion and its relationship with clinical features in medial and lateral meniscus root tears, we performed a retrospective review of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results of 42 knee patients who had meniscus posterior horn root tears and who had undergone arthroscopic operations. The presence of meniscal extrusion was evaluated and the exact extent was measured from the tibial margin. The results were correlated with arthroscopic findings. Clinical features including patients’ ages, joint abnormalities, and previous trauma histories were evaluated. Twenty-two patients had medial meniscus root tears (MMRTs) and twenty patients had lateral meniscus root tears (LMRTs). Meniscal extrusion was present in 18 MMRT patients and one LMRT patient. The mean extent of extrusion was 4.2mm (range, 0.6 to 7.8) in the MMRT group and 0.9mm (range, -1.9 to 3.4) in the LMRT group. Five patients with MMRT had a history of trauma, while 19 patients with LMRT had a history of trauma. Three patients with MMRT had anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, while 19 patients with LMRT had ACL tears. The mean age of the patients was 52 years (range: 29–71 years) and 30 years (range: 14–62 years) in the MMRT and LMRT group, respectively. There was a significant correlation between a MMRT and meniscal extrusion (p<0.0001), and between an ACL tear and LMRT (p<0.0001). A history of trauma was significantly common in LMRT (p<0.0001). LMRT patients were significantly younger than MMRT patients (p<0.0001). Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade differed significantly between MMRT and LMRT group (p<0.0001). Meniscal extrusion is common in patients with MMRTs. However, it is rare in patients with LMRTs, which are more commonly associated with a history of trauma and ACL tears.

Direct Bursoscopic Ossicle Resection in Young and Active Patients With Unresolved Osgood-Schlatter Disease

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to determine the outcomes of bursoscopic ossicle excision in young and active patients with unresolved Osgood-Schlatter disease. METHODS This retrospective study included 18 male military recruits. A direct bursoscopic ossicle excision was performed using low anterolateral and low anteromedial portals. Outcomes were evaluated using the Lysholm knee score, pain score on a visual analog scale (VAS) (from 0 to 10), and Tegner activity scale score. In addition, patients were asked whether they could kneel or squat and whether they were able to return to their duty after surgery. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using the VAS and by asking whether patients thought that the prominence of the tibial tuberosity was reduced and whether they would recommend the same surgical treatment to others. Complications after surgery were also evaluated. RESULTS The mean Lysholm knee score was 71 preoperatively and improved to 99 after surgery. The mean VAS pain score was 6.5 in the preoperative period and decreased to 0.9 after surgery. In addition, the mean Tegner activity scale score improved from 2.7 preoperatively to 6.2 at final follow-up. However, 4 patients were not able to return to their duty, and 4 patients still had difficulties with kneeling after surgery. A superficial infection occurred in 1 patient, and a recurrent ossicle formation was found in 1 patient. Of 18 patients, 17 were satisfied with their surgical outcomes, and the mean VAS score for patient satisfaction was 8.8. Furthermore, all but 1 patient would recommend the same surgical treatment to others. However, 6 patients did not believe that the prominence of the tibial tuberosity was reduced. CONCLUSIONS Bursoscopic ossicle excision showed satisfactory outcomes in selective young and active patients with persistent symptoms. However, bursoscopic surgery showed limitation in reducing the prominence of the tibial tuberosity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Femoral Cross-Pin Breakage and Its Effects on the Results of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using a Hamstring Autograft

PURPOSE The primary aim was to determine the rate and risk factors of double biodegradable femoral cross-pin breakage after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a hamstring autograft. In addition, we compared clinical outcomes and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings related to grafts for knees with and without a broken cross-pin. METHODS A retrospective review of 53 knees (53 patients) was performed. Cross-pin breakage was determined by follow-up MRI. Age, sex, weight, height, presence of a posterior transcortical cross-pin breach, time between surgery and follow-up MRI, graft diameter, and cross-pin position (superior or inferior) were included in the analysis. Differences in Lysholm knee scores, International Knee Documentation Committee grades, anterior laxity, and pivot-shift test results were examined in relation to cross-pin breakage. In addition, anterior cruciate ligament graft integrity and osseous graft integration by MRI were assessed and compared between knees with broken cross-pins and knees with intact cross-pins. RESULTS A cross-pin was broken in 25 of 53 knees. A cross-pin posterior transcortical breach was the only factor found to be significantly correlated with cross-pin breakage (odds ratio, 6.117; P = .033) by univariate analysis. No significant differences in clinical outcomes were found to be related to cross-pin breakage, but femoral tunnel enlargement was more frequent in knees with breakage than in those without (P = .002). CONCLUSIONS Breakage of biodegradable cross-pins used for femoral fixation is relatively common but did not affect clinical outcomes. However, femoral tunnel enlargement was found to be greater in knees with a broken cross-pin. The only significant relation found was between a cross-pin posterior transcortical breach and breakage, which suggests that pin breakage is related to a technical error. These findings should be borne in mind when a double biodegradable cross-pin is being considered for femoral fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Metastasis-free interval is closely related to tumor characteristics and has prognostic value in breast cancer patients with distant relapse

Purpose We investigated the relationships between metastasis-free interval (MFI) and tumor characteristics, and assessed the prognostic value of MFI for survival after metastasis in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Furthermore, we compared MFI among the subtypes. Methods We identified 335 patients with postoperative tumor recurrence at distant site(s). All patients underwent curative resection and had a MFI of at least 6 months. MFI was categorized as short (<2 years), intermediate (≥2 years and <5 years), or long (≥5 years). Overall survival after metastasis (OSM) was estimated. Results Patients with a shorter MFI were younger, more likely to have initial metastasis to visceral organs, and had a larger tumor with a higher stage and grade as well as a higher rate of nodal involvement at initial diagnosis. Among 136 patients with known disease subtypes, shorter MFI was associated with the triple-negative subtype while longer MFI was associated with the hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative subtype. Mortality after metastasis declined sharply with increasing MFI up to approximately 2 years, and continued gradually declining between 2 and 5 years. An MFI longer than 5 years did not add any survival benefit. MFI was a significant prognostic factor for OSM independent of nodal status, stage, metastatic site, and hormone receptor status of the metastasized cancer. Conclusion MFI is closely related to biological characteristics of both primary tumors and their metastases, and has a prognostic value for survival after metastasis. We therefore suggest investigation into treatments targeting improvement of MFI as a potential novel strategy.

The Relationship Between Tongue Pressure and Oral Dysphagia in Stroke Patients

Objective To evaluate the relationships between tongue pressure and different aspects of the oral-phase swallowing function. Methods We included 96 stroke patients with dysphagia, ranging in age from 40 to 88 years (mean, 63.7 years). Measurements of tongue pressure were obtained with the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument, a device with established normative data. Three trials of maximum performance were performed for lip closure pressure (LP), anterior hard palate-to-tongue pressure (AP), and posterior hard palate-to-tongue pressure (PP); buccal-to-tongue pressures on both sides were also recorded (buccal-to-tongue pressure, on the weak side [BW]; buccal-to-tongue pressure, on the healthy side [BH]). The average pressure in each result was compared between the groups. Clinical evaluation of the swallowing function was performed with a videofluoroscopic swallowing study. Results The average maximum AP and PP values in the intact LC group were significantly higher than those in the inadequate lip closure group (AP, p=0.003; PP, p<0.001). AP and PP showed significant relationships with bolus formation (BF), mastication, premature bolus loss (PBL), tongue to palate contact (TP), and oral transit time (OTT). Furthermore, LP, BW, and BH values were significantly higher in the groups with intact mastication, without PBL and intact TP. Conclusion These findings indicate that the tongue pressure appears to be closely related to the oral-phase swallowing function in post-stroke patients, especially BF, mastication, PBL, TP and OTT.

Monomelic Amyotrophy (Hirayama Disease) With Upper Motor Neuron Signs: A Case Report

Monomelic amyotrophy (MMA), also known as Hirayama disease, is a sporadic juvenile muscular atrophy in the distal upper extremities. This disorder rarely involves proximal upper extremities and presents minimal sensory symptoms with no upper motor neuron (UMN) signs. It is caused by anterior displacement of the posterior dural sac and compression of the cervical cord during neck flexion. An 18-year-old boy visited our clinic with a 5-year history of left upper extremity pain and slowly progressive weakness affecting the left shoulder. Atrophy was present in the left supraspinatus and infraspinatus. On neurological examination, positive UMN signs were evident in both upper and lower extremities. Electrodiagnostic study showed root lesion involving the fifth to seventh cervical segment of the cord with chronic and ongoing denervation in the fifth and sixth cervical segment innervated muscles. Cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed asymmetric cord atrophy apparent in the left side and intramedullary high signal intensity along the fourth to sixth cervical vertebral levels. With neck flexion, cervical MRI revealed anterior displacement of posterior dural sac, which results in the cord compression of those segments. The mechanisms of myelopathy in our patient seem to be same as that of MMA. We report a MMA patient involving proximal limb with UMN signs in biomechanical concerns and discuss clinical importance of cervical MRI with neck flexion. The case highlights that clinical variation might cause misdiagnosis.

Radiation recall phenomenon presenting as myositis triggered by carboplatin plus paclitaxel and related literature review.

While most case reports to date are radiation recall dermatitis, radiation recall myositis, which is a distinct form of radiation recall phenomenon caused by carboplatin plus paclitaxel, has not been reported. We treated a 57-year-old female patient who suffered from recurrent cervical cancer. When the patient developed a new left sacral metastasis, salvage radiotherapy (total dose 60 Gy) was administered. Four weeks later, chemotherapy using carboplatin plus paclitaxel was initiated. Four months after chemotherapy, the patient complained of severe pain in her left buttock. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), edematous changes and increased signal densities of left gluteus maximus and medius muscles were noted suggesting myositis. The border of the high signal intensity territory of the muscles was sharp and clearly corresponded with the recent irradiation field. We concluded that the patient had radiation recall myositis triggered by paclitaxel-carboplatin. Symptoms were controlled by analgesics, and there was no recurrence.

MRI findings with arthroscopic correlation for tear of discoid lateral meniscus: comparison between children and adults

Background Discoid lateral meniscus is more susceptible to tear than normal meniscus. A comparison study for tear types of discoid lateral meniscus between children and adults has not been reported. Purpose To compare tear type of surgically proven discoid lateral meniscus between adults and children, and to analyze diagnostic performance for tear type of discoid lateral meniscus using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Material and Methods Knee MR examinations of 53 children and 84 adults who had discoid lateral menisci identified at arthroscopic surgery were retrospectively evaluated with consensus by two radiologists for tear type including displacement of torn meniscus. MRI findings were compared with surgery as the reference standard. The difference of tear type and displacement of torn meniscus between children and adults in arthroscopic finding was analyzed using the Fishers exact test or the Chi-squared test with Bonferronis correction. Results At arthroscopy, complex tear (children, n = 22; adults, n = 56) and peripheral tear (children, n = 17; adults, n = 8) differed significantly between children and adults (P = 0.006 for complex tear, P = 0.002 for peripheral tear). Displacement of torn meniscus was seen in 28 cases of children and 41 cases of adults, not a statistically significant difference. In children, the positive predictive value (PPV) for horizontal tears was 90%, for peripheral tears 60%, and for complex tears 57%. PPV in adults for horizontal tears was 78%, peripheral tears 25%, and for complex tears 89%. Conclusion Complex tears were more commonly found in adults than children and peripheral tears were more commonly found in children than adults. MRI has a high PPV for diagnosing the type of tear in discoid lateral meniscus for horizontal tears in children and adults and for complex tears in adults.

The Association Between Fall History and Physical Performance Tests in the Community-Dwelling Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Objective To evaluate the association between baseline characteristics, three physical performance tests and fall history in a sample of the elderly from Korean population. Methods A total of 307 participants (mean age, 76.70±4.85 years) were categorized into one of two groups, i.e., fallers and non-fallers. Fifty-two participants who had reported falling unexpectedly at least once in the previous 12 months were assigned to the fallers group. Physical performance tests included Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go test. The differences between the two study groups were compared and we analyzed the correlations between fall histories and physical performance tests. Results SPPB demonstrated a significant association with fall history. Although the BBS total scores did not show statistical significance, two dynamic balance test items of BBS (B12 and B13) showed a significant association among fallers. Conclusion This study suggests that SPPB and two dynamic balance test items of the BBS can be used in screening for risk of falls in an ambulatory elderly population.

Interleukin-6 Receptor Polymorphisms Contribute to the Neurological Status of Korean Patients with Ischemic Stroke

To investigate the contribution of the interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to the neurological status of Korean patients with ischemic stroke (IS), two SNPs of the IL-6R gene (rs4845617, 5 UTR; rs2228144, Ala31Ala) were selected. IS patients were classified into clinical phenotypes according to two well-defined scores: the National Institutes of Health Stroke Survey (NIHSS) and the Modified Barthel Index scores. There were 121 IS patients and 291 control subjects. The SNP rs4845617 significantly contributed to the neurological status of patients with IS (P = 0.011 in codominant model 2, P = 0.006 in recessive model, and P = 0.008 in log-additive model). Allele frequencies of rs4845617 and rs2228144 demonstrated no significant difference in IS patients and controls. The AG and GG haplotypes differed between the NIHSS 1 (NIHSS scores < 6) group and the NIHSS 2 (NIHSS scores ≥ 6) group in patients with IS (P = 0.014, P = 0.0024). These results suggest that rs4845617 of the IL-6R gene is associated with the neurologic status of Korean patients with IS.