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Abstract We investigated three-dimensional (3D) eyeball protrusion and its association with the offset between the lamina cribrosa (LC) and Bruch’s membrane opening (BMO). 3D-MRI scans were taken from 93 subjects (186 eyes). An ellipsoid was fitted along the posterior 2/3 contour of each eyeball. Eyeball asymmetry with focal bulging was determined by the existence of an adjacent outward protrusion/reciprocal inward depression pair, and the angular deviation of the outermost protruded point (OPP) was measured from the nasal side of the fovea-BMO axis. The LC/BMO offset was evaluated by measuring the central retinal vascular trunk (CRVT) location from the BMO center: (1) the angular deviation and (2) the offset index as the ratio between the CRVT-BMO center distance and the BMO radius in the same direction. Seventy-nine eyes (42%) were classified as having eyeball asymmetry, which had a more superior LC/BMO offset (P

Abstract Background The medical pricing system strongly influences physicians’ job satisfaction and patient health outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the current relative value unit (RVU)-based pricing and utility of patients in commonly performed surgical procedures in South Korea. Methods Fifteen common surgical procedures were selected from OECD statistics, and three additional orthopedic procedures were examined. The current pricing of each surgical procedure was retrieved from the Korea National Health Insurance Service, and the corresponding utilities were obtained as quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gains from previous studies. The relationship between the current prices (RVUs) and the patients’ utility (incremental QALY gains/year) was analyzed. Subgroup analysis was performed between fatal and non-fatal procedures and between orthopedic and non-orthopedic procedures. Results A significant negative correlation (r = − 0.558, p

Abstract We investigated optic nerve head factors associated with initial parafoveal scotoma (IPFS) in primary open-angle glaucoma. Eighty (80) patients with an IPFS and 84 patients with an initial nasal step (INS) were compared. Central retinal vascular trunk (CRVT) deviation from the Bruch’s membrane opening (BMO) center was measured as a surrogate of lamina cribrosa (LC)/BMO offset, and its obliqueness was defined as the absolute value of angular deviation from the fovea-BMO axis. Proximity of retinal nerve fiber layer defect (RNFLD) was defined as the angular deviation of the inner RNFLD margin from the fovea-BMO axis. Microvasculature dropout (MvD) was defined as a focal sectoral capillary dropout with no visible microvascular network identified in the choroidal layer. Factors associated with IPFS, as compared with INS, were assessed using logistic regression analyses and conditional inference tree analysis. The IPFS group had more oblique CRVT offset (P

Abstract Background This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the natural history of talar avascular necrosis (AVN) during short-term outpatient follow-up and to identify the risk factors for progression to collapse and arthritic changes. Methods Thirty-four cases of talar AVN from 34 patients (15 males, 19 females) were included. The mean age of the patients was 48.9 years (SD 16.0 years) and the mean follow-up period was 39.5 months (SD 42.0 months). The patients were divided into two groups i.e., progression and non-progression groups. The progression group consisted of those who showed aggravation of the Ficat stage during the follow-up period or advanced arthritis of the ankle joint (Ficat stage 4) at presentation. Demographic data and information regarding BMI, medical comorbidities, trauma history, bilaterality, and location of the lesion (shoulder vs. non-shoulder lesions) were collected. Following the univariate analysis, a binary logistic regression analysis was performed. Results The location of the talar AVN was the only significant factor (p = 0.047) associated with disease progression. A total of 14.3% (2 of 14) of the central (non-shoulder) talar AVN lesions showed progression, while 50% (10 of 20) of shoulder lesions aggravated during follow-up. Age, sex, bilaterality, medical comorbidities, and trauma history were not associated with progressive talar collapse or subsequent arthritic changes in talar AVN. Conclusions Conservative treatment should be considered for a central lesion of the talar AVN because it tends to remain stable without progression. A more comprehensive study with a larger study population is required to establish the surgical indications for talar AVN. Level of evidence Prognostic level III.

Category: Ankle Arthritis; Other Introduction/Purpose: It is unknown whether perioperative bisphosphonate (BP) use reduces revision rates in total ankle replacement arthroplasty (TAR) although its effect has been demonstrated to be effective in reducing revision rates in total knee or hip replacement arthroplasty. Therefore, the purpose of this study was 1) to investigate whether there is a relationship between the use of BP and the revision rate of TAR, and (2) to determine the effect of BP medication period on the revision rate of TAR. Our hypothesis was that the use of BP would lower the revision rate of TAR. Methods: We reviewed National Health Insurance Service data based on national health insurance service claim data and health care utilization, health screening, socio-demographic variables, medication history, operation codes, and mortality data for 50 million Koreans. From 2002 to 2014, 6391 of 7300 patients who underwent TAR were BP non-users, while 909 patients were BP users. The revision rate according to BP medication and co-morbidities was investigated. The Kaplan-Meier estimate and extended Cox proportional hazard model were also used. Results: The revision rate of TAR was 7.9% for BP users and 9.5% for BP non-users, which showed no significant difference (p=0.251). Implant survival over time decreased constantly. Adjusted hazard ratio for hypertension was 1.242 (p=0.017), while other co-morbidities such as diabetes had no effect on revision rate of TAR. Conclusion: We found that the perioperative BP use do not reduce the revision rate of TAR. Co-morbidities except hypertension did not affect the revision rate of TAR. More research regarding various factor affecting revision of TAR could be warranted.

Category: Hindfoot; Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Although intramedullary nailing is a popular method for tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis, nonunion is one of the most commonly reported complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fusion rate, improvement in functional outcomes, and occurrence of complications in TTC arthrodesis using retrograde intramedullary nailing with partial fibulectomy and onlay bone graft technique. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 26 consecutive patients who underwent TTC arthrodesis using the proposed technique. For radiographic outcomes, the union rate, alignment, and any related complications were assessed. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot scale, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, and visual analog scale, preoperatively and at the final follow-up. Results: The mean follow-up period was 38.2 months. For the tibiotalar joint, the union rate was 80.8% six months postoperatively, while all the cases achieved complete bony union at twelve months postoperatively and at the final follow-up. However, for the subtalar joint, the union rate was 26.9% at six months postoperatively, which gradually increased to 73.1% at 12 months postoperatively, and 80.8% at the final follow-up without revision surgery. A subgroup analysis showed there was a trend of higher subtalar fusion rate when an additional screw for the subtalar joint fixation was placed (86.7% vs. 54.5%). The functional outcomes significantly improved at the final follow-up. A few minor complications occurred, including surgical site infection, irritational symptoms, and metal failure; however, these eventually resolved. Conclusion: Our technique of TTC arthrodesis with partial fibulectomy and onlay bone grafting demonstrated reliable radiographic and satisfactory functional outcomes including patients with previous failed hindfoot surgery. In addition, it is considered safe, as minimal complications occur postoperatively. We believe that our method of TTC arthrodesis provides a good option where both the tibiotalar and subtalar joints need to be fused.

Category: Sports; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Achilles tendon rerupture (ATRR) is a frequently occurring complication following the treatment of an Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) that can lead to disability; however, comprehensive risk factors for the development of postoperative ATRR remain unclear. We aimed to determine the incidence rate of postoperative ATRR and its associated risk factors, including comorbidities and medication, among the South Korean population. Methods: This study was performed based on Health Insurance Review and Assessment claims data, which covers 98% of the overall Korean population. Patients with ATR were identified according to the disease code S86.0 (Achilles tendon injury) of the Korean classification of disease between 2007 and 2020, and a washout period of 1 year was set. Instances of reoperation on the Achilles tendon between 42 and 365 days after the initial surgery, in the absence of infection or skin necrosis, were classified as cases of Achilles tendon rerupture (ATRR). Data on age, sex, comorbidities, and medications were collected and statistically analyzed. Results: Between 2009 and 2018, the incidence of surgical treatment for primary ATR was 9.91 per 100,000 person-years, showing a significant annual increase. The postoperative rerupture rate was 2.14% and did not show a significant increase. Male sex, young age, preexisting Achilles tendinopathy, osteoarthritis, and preoperative exposure to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids were risk factors for postoperative ATRR. Conclusion: This information needs to be considered when determining the surgical treatment for patients with Achilles tendon rupture. The study results provoke further biological and clinical research on the risk factors for postoperative ATRR.

Category: Basic Sciences/Biologics; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Pes planovalgus (PV) deformity accounts for lever arm dysfunction and compromises gait in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). However, the association between ankle power generation and radiographic indices is not yet understood. We aimed to investigate the association between ankle power and radiographic indices during gait in patients with CP concomitant with PV deformity. Methods: Patients older than 14 years with ambulatory CP and PV deformity were included. All the patients underwent three- dimensional gait analysis and weight-bearing foot radiography. Gait data were collected, including foot progression angle, tibial rotation, and ankle power generation. Radiographic measurements included anteroposterior (AP) talo-first metatarsal angle, lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, and hindfoot angle. A linear mixed-effects model was used for statistical analysis to identify significant radiographic indices associated with ankle power generation. Results: Thirty-one limbs from 15 patients with spastic diplegia and six with spastic hemiplegia were included. Statistical analysis demonstrated that ankle power generation was significantly correlated with the CP type (p=0.01) and AP talo-1st metatarsal angle (p=0.02). Conclusion: Ankle power generation was significantly associated with the AP talo-first metatarsal angle. Surgeons might need to pay attention to correcting forefoot abduction to restore ankle power when planning surgeries for pes PV deformities in patients with CP.

Category: Ankle; Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the natural history of talar avascular necrosis (AVN) during short-term outpatient follow-up and to identify the risk factors for progression to collapse and arthritic changes. Methods: Thirty-four cases of talar AVN from 34 patients (15 males, 19 females) were included. The mean age of the patients was 48.9 years (SD 16.0 years) and the mean follow-up period was 39.5 months (SD 42.0 months). The patients were divided into two groups i.e., progression and non-progression groups. The progression group consisted of those who showed aggravation of the Ficat stage during the follow-up period or advanced arthritis of the ankle joint (Ficat stage 4) at presentation. Demographic data and information regarding medical comorbidities, trauma history, bilaterality, and location of the lesion (shoulder vs. non-shoulder lesions) were collected. Following the univariate analysis, a binary logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: The location of the talar AVN was the only significant factor (p=0.047) associated with disease progression. A total of 14.3% (2 of 14) of the central (non-shoulder) talar AVN lesions showed progression, while 50% (10 of 20) of shoulder lesions aggravated during follow-up. Age, sex, bilaterality, medical comorbidities, and trauma history were not associated with progressive talar collapse or subsequent arthritic changes in talar AVN. Conclusion: Conservative treatment should be considered for a central lesion of the talar AVN because it tends to remain stable without progression. A more comprehensive study with a larger study population is required to establish the surgical indications for talar AVN.

Background : : Acute complications within 100 days after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can increase immediate mortality as well as the risk of chronic complications and morbidity. A comprehensive review collecting systemic complications following transplantation would be important in pediatric patients. Methods : : We report a retrospective study of pediatric patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT during the 11 years (2009-2020), and their acute complications after transplantation within 100 days. A total 227 pediatric patients' (90 females, 137 males) data were collected. Results : : Among the patients, 62.6% (N=142) suffered from acute graft-versus-host disease, and 118 (52.0%) patients had an acute infection. Pulmonary complications occurred in 52 (22.9%) patients followed by hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome in 30 (18.1%) patients. In the study, 19 died within the first 100 days after HSCT (8.4%), and the 5-year overall survival rate of the patients was 65.4%. Conclusion : : This study widens the understanding of acute toxicities of pediatric HSCT. A significant number of children still have experienced a variety of acute infectious or non-infectious complications after allogeneic HSCT that contribute to morbidity and mortality. Therefore, continuous efforts are needed to reduce them.

Purpose This study evaluated the rates and annual trends of pediatric CT scans in South Korea using a nationwide population-based database. Materials and Methods Data regarding pediatric CT scan usage between 2012 and 2017 were retrieved from the health insurance review and assessment service. Data on the age, sex, diagnosis, and the anatomical area of involved patients were also extracted. Results A total of 576376 CT examinations were performed among 58527528 children aged below 18 years (9.8 scans/1000 children), and the number of CT examinations per 1000 children was noted to have increased by 23.2% from 9.0 in 2012 to 11.0 in 2017. Specifically, the number of CT examinations increased by 32.9% for the 6–12 years of age group (7.4/1000 to 9.8/1000) and by 34.0% for the 13–18 years of age group (11.4/1000 to 15.3/1000). Moreover, majority of the CT scans were limited to the head (39.1%), followed by the extremities (32.5%) and the abdomen (13.7%). Notably, the number of extremity CT scans increased by 83.6% (2.3/1000 to 4.2/1000), and its proportion as compared to other scans increased from 25.3% to 37.7%. Conclusion CT scans in the pediatric population increased continuously from 2012 to 2017 at an annual rate of 4.4%. Therefore, physicians should balance the benefits of CT with its potential harms from associated radiation exposure in pediatric patients.

ObjectivesThe effects of foot deformities and corrections on the ankle joint without osteoarthritis has received little attention. This study aimed to investigate the effect of flatfoot correction on the ankle joint of patients without osteoarthritis.MethodsThirty-five patients (24 men and 11 women; mean age 17.5 years) who underwent lateral column lengthening for flatfoot deformities were included. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 20.5 months (standard deviation [SD]: 15.7 months). Radiographic indices were measured pre- and postoperatively, including anteroposterior (AP) and lateral talo-first metatarsal angles, naviculocuboid overlap, position of the articulating talar surface, and lateral talar center migration. Postoperative changes in the radiographic indices were statistically analyzed.ResultsThere was significant postoperative improvement in flatfoot deformity in terms of AP and lateral talo-first metatarsal angles (pConclusionsFlatfoot correction using lateral column and Achilles tendon lengthening caused dorsiflexion and an anterior shift of the articular talar body in patients without osteoarthritis. Correction of flatfoot deformity might affect the articular contact area at the ankle joint. The biomechanical effects of this change need to be investigated further.

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the association of self-reported weight change and physical activity with the level of knee pain and health-related quality of life in East Asian women with knee osteoarthritis using population-based data. Methods A total of 564 women (mean age, 68.2 years, standard deviation, 8.9 years) aged 50 years or older with knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade ≥ 2) were included in the data analyses from the fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Data regarding the radiographic grade, self-reported weight change during the past year, physical activity, level of knee pain, and health-related quality of life (EuroQOL five-dimension (EQ-5D) index) were collected. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify factors significantly associated with the level of knee pain and health-related quality of life in subgroups according to the body mass index (BMI) range (≤ 22.5, between 22.6 and 27.5, and > 27.5 kg/m2). Results In the whole group, the level of knee pain was significantly associated with K-L grade (P < 0.001), and EQ-5D was negatively associated with age (P < 0.001), the level of knee pain (P < 0.001), and weekly hours of vigorous-intensity activity (P = 0.026). In the subgroup analysis, weight gain showed significant association with the level of knee pain only in women with 22.5 kg/m2 < BMI ≤ 27.5 kg/m2 (P = 0.006). Weight gain showed significant association with EQ-5D in women with BMI ≤ 22.5 kg/m2 (P = 0.047) whereas weekly hours of moderate-intensity activity was negatively associated with EQ-5D in women with BMI > 27.5 kg/m2. Conclusions The association of weight change and physical activity with knee pain and health-related quality of life might be different according to BMI ranges. Well-designed interventions to improve both knee pain and health-related quality of life need to be investigated in future studies that would strictly control physical activity, diet, and weight changes.

Abstract We compared the central retinal vascular trunk (CRVT) position, as a surrogate of lamina cribrosa (LC) offset, with the anterior scleral opening (ASCO) offset from the Bruch’s membrane opening (BMO). Based on the BMO-centered radial scans, the BMO and ASCO margins were demarcated, and each center was determined as the center of the best-fitted ellipse for each margin. The ASCO/BMO offset was defined as the offset between each center. Angular deviations and the extent of ASCO and CRVT offsets from the BMO center were compared directly. Incomplete demarcation of ASCO was found in 20%, which was associated with a larger BMO area and a larger ASCO offset from the BMO. The angular deviation of ASCO offset was associated with that of CRVT offset and that of the longest externally oblique border. The ASCO offset was smaller than the CRVT offset, and, unlike the CRVT offset, it was rarely deviated to the inferior side. The complete ASCO margin might not be demarcatable when determined on BMO-centered radial scans in the presence of an offset. Also, the ASCO, which reflects only the superficial scleral layer, might not reflect the LC position, because the LC might be shifted further from the ASCO.

Abstract Background Gait deviation and associated torsional problems are common in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). Although femoral anteversion in CP has been extensively reviewed in previous studies, only a few studies have focused on tibial torsion. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate tibial torsion in patients with CP and investigate the affecting factors. Methods Consecutive patients with cerebral palsy who underwent 3-dimensional computed tomography for the assessment of rotational profiles were reviewed. Femoral anteversion and tibial torsion were measured, and the demographic characteristics of the patients were recorded. A linear mixed model was implemented to overcome the retrospective nature of the study. Results After the implementation of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 472 patients were enrolled for this study. With age, external tibial torsion increased, while femoral anteversion decreased. The factors affecting external tibial torsion were increased femoral anteversion (p = 0.0057), increased age (p

Abstract Gait, the style of human walking, has been studied as a behavioral characteristic of an individual. Several studies have utilized gait to identify individuals with the aid of machine learning and computer vision techniques. However, there is a lack of studies on the nature of gait, such as the identification power or the uniqueness. This study aims to quantify the uniqueness of gait in a cohort. Three-dimensional full-body joint kinematics were obtained during normal walking trials from 488 subjects using a motion capture system. The joint angles of the gait cycle were converted into gait vectors. Four gait vectors were obtained from each subject, and all the gait vectors were pooled together. Two gait vectors were randomly selected from the pool and tested if they could be accurately classified if they were from the same person or not. The gait from the cohort was classified with an accuracy of 99.71% using the support vector machine with a radial basis function kernel as a classifier. Gait of a person is as unique as his/her facial motion and finger impedance, but not as unique as fingerprints.

Abstract Background This study was performed to investigate leg length discrepancy (LLD), overgrowth, and associated risk factors after pediatric tibial shaft fractures. Materials and methods This study included 103 patients younger than 14 years of age (mean age 7.1 years; 75 boys, 28 girls) with unilateral tibial shaft fracture and a minimum follow-up of 24 months. LLD was calculated as the difference between the lengths of the injured and uninjured limbs. Overgrowth was calculated by adding the fracture site shortening from the LLD. Risk factors were assessed in patients with LLD

Abstract Background This study was performed to investigate the change in the bony alignment of the foot after tendo-Achilles lengthening (TAL) and the factors that affect these changes in patients with planovalgus foot deformity. Methods Consecutive 97 patients (150 feet; mean age 10 years; range 5.1–35.7) with Achilles tendon contracture (ATC) and planovalgus foot deformity who underwent TAL were included. All patients underwent preoperative and postoperative weight-bearing anteroposterior (AP) or lateral (LAT) foot radiographics. Changes in AP talo-1st metatarsal angle, AP talo-2nd metatarsal angle, LAT talo-1st metatarsal angle, and calcaneal pitch angle and the factors affecting such changes after TAL were analyzed using lineal mixed model. Results There were no significant change in AP talo-1st metatarsal angle and AP talo-2nd metatarsal angle after TAL in patients with cerebral palsy (CP) (p = 0.236 and 0.212). However, LAT talo-1st metatarsal angle and calcaneal pitch angle were significantly improved after TAL (13.0°, p < 0.001 and 4.5°, p < 0.001). Age was significantly associated with the change in LAT talo-1st metatarsal angle after TAL (p = 0.028). The changes in AP talo-1st metatarsal angle, AP talo-2nd metatarsal angle, and calcaneal pitch angle after TAL were not significantly associated with the diagnosis (p = 0.879, 0.903, and 0.056). However, patients with CP showed more improvement in LAT talo-1st metatarsal angle (− 5.0°, p = 0.034) than those with idiopathic cause. Conclusion This study showed that TAL can improve the bony alignment of the foot in patients with planovalgus and ATC. We recommend that physicians should consider this study’s findings when planning operative treatment for such patients.

Chondrosarcomas are frequently aggressive, understanding the transcriptional changes associated with progression may help in developing new treatments. Here, the authors show that HIF-2α is increased in expression on progression and pharmacological inhibition of the protein together with chemotherapy is a useful strategy for controlling tumour growth in mice.

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to translate and transculturally adapt the original English version of the Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire (OAFQ) into a Korean version, and to evaluate its psychometric properties. Methods A Korean OAFQ for children was developed according to established guidelines. To test validity, 169 consecutive patients with foot and ankle problems and their caregivers each completed the OAFQ. The children also completed a Korean version of the KIDSCREEN-52 health related quality of life questionnaire (KIDSCREEN-52 HRQOL). To validate the Korean version of the OAFQ, reliability (child–parent agreement and internal consistency), feasibility (floor and ceiling effects), and construct validity were evaluated, and factor analysis was performed. Results In terms of reliability, Cronbach’s α values were > 0.7 in all subscales of the OAFQ (0.765 to 0.901). Child–parent agreement was confirmed by high intraclass correlation coefficients for all subscales (0.791 to 0.863). In terms of construct validity, there were moderate correlations between the subscales of the OAFQ and the subscales of the KIDSCREEN-52 HRQOL. Factor analysis revealed a three-component solution for both the child/adolescent and parent-proxy version, by combining the school and play, and footwear items into one subscale. In terms of feasibility, no floor effects were found for all subscales. However, ceiling effects were observed for the school and play, and emotional subscales for child/adolescent and parent-proxy versions. Conclusions The OAFQ was successfully translated and transculturally adapted into the Korean language; the Korean version of the OAFQ represents a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating children’s foot or ankle problems. However, factor analysis suggested the use of a three-subscale questionnaire.

Abstract Background In planovalgus deformity with triceps contracture, a midfoot break happens, and ankle dorsiflexion (ADF) occurs at the mid-tarsal joint during gait. Results of standard 3D gait analysis may misinterpret the true ankle dorsiflexion because it recognizes the entire foot as a single rigid segment. We performed this study to investigate whether the severity of planovalgus deformity is associated with the discrepancy between the value of ADF evaluated by physical examination and 3-dimensional (3D) gait analysis. In addition, we aimed to identify the radiographic parameters associated with this discrepancy and their relationships. Methods Consecutive 40 patients with 65 limbs (mean age, 11.7 ± 5.5 years) with planovalgus foot deformity and triceps surae contracture were included. All patients underwent 3D gait analysis, and weightbearing anteroposterior (AP) and lateral (LAT) foot radiographs. ADF with knee extension was measured using a goniometer with the patient’s foot in an inverted position. Results Twenty-one limbs underwent operation for planovalgus foot deformity, and 56 limbs underwent operation for equinus deformity. The difference between ADF on physical examination and ADF at initial contact on gait analysis was 17.5 ± 8.4°. Differences between ADF on physical examination and ADF at initial contact on gait analysis were significantly associated with the LAT talus-first metatarsal angle (p = 0.008) and calcaneal pitch angle (p = 0.006), but not associated with the AP talus-first metatarsal angle (p = 0.113), talonavicular coverage angle (p = 0.190), talocalcaneal angle (p = 0.946), and naviculocuboid overlap (p = 0.136). Conclusion The discrepancy between ADF on physical examination and 3D gait analysis was associated with the severity of planovalgus deformity, which was evaluated on weightbearing LAT foot radiographs. Therefore, physicians should be cautious about interpreting results from 3D gait analysis and perform a careful physical examination to assess the degree of equinus deformity in patients with planovalgus foot deformity.

Abstract Background Analyzing radiographic changes of pes planovalgus(PV) deformity of cerebral palsy(CP) patients according to age and influencing factors. Methods CP patients with PV deformity younger than 18 years old who had undergone more than a year of follow-up with at least two standing foot radiographs were included. Anteroposterior and lateral talo-first metatarsal(talo-1stMT), talo-second metatarsal(talo-2ndMT), and hallux valgus(HV) angles were measured on the radiographs. The rate of progression was adjusted by multiple factors using the linear mixed model, with the Gross Motor Function Classification System(GMFCS) level as the fixed effect and age and each subject as random effects. Results Overall, 194 patients were enrolled in this study, and 1272 standing foot radiographs were evaluated. The AP talo-2ndMT angle progressed by 0.59° (p

Abstract Background Myopic tilted disc, observed as an oval disc, has been alleged to be a funduscopic en-face manifestation of excessive optic nerve head (ONH) sloping or tilting. Here, we report the case of a myopic child showing a developing oval disc in fundus photos during axial elongation, but without progressive tilting in spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) images. Case presentation By merging B-scan SD-OCT images of the ONH and macula, the curvature of the posterior pole, including both the fovea and ONH, was reconstructed and compared before and after 2 years of axial elongation. Despite the marked increase of disc ovality, the posterior polar curvature was rarely changed. The preponderance of optic disc change was induced by the shift of the temporal disc margin in the nasal direction. This shifting alone imitated an increase of tilt angle but one that was still far smaller than the required degree of tilt for ONH-tilt-based disc ovality. To clarify, we calculated the required extent of axial elongation to obtain a substantial degree of ONH tilt when considering the adjacency of the fovea and the ONH. Without a focal increase of posterior polar curvature, which is to say posterior staphyloma, such change is not possible until the axial length increases extraordinarily. Conclusion The most prominent change in the development of myopic tilted disc, which change gives it an oval appearance and imitates a tilt when measured, is actually not a tilt but rather a shift of the temporal disc margin.

Abstract Background Gait disturbances, including flexed knee gait, stiff knee gait, and tip-toeing gait, are common in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). There has been no reports regarding kinematic changes in the transverse plane after soft tissue surgeries, such as distal hamstring lengthening (DHL), rectus femoris transfer (RFT), and tendo-Achilles lengthening (TAL). This study aimed to evaluate changes in the transverse plane after soft tissue surgery in patients with CP by assessing the effects of the DHL, RFT, and TAL. Methods The study enrolled 156 consecutive patients (mean age, 8.4 years; range, 4.4 to 20.9), representing 213 operated limbs, who underwent soft tissue surgery including DHL with semitendinosus transfer, RFT, and TAL. All patients were assessed by preoperative and 1-year postoperative three-dimensional gait analysis. Changes in transverse plane kinematics after soft tissue surgery and affecting factors were analyzed. Results Sagittal kinematics including knee flexion at initial contact, ankle dorsiflexion at initial contact, and mean ankle dorsiflexion in the stance phase were significantly improved after single event multilevel surgery (all p

We report the case of a pediatric patient with Ewing’s sarcoma of the tibia treated with vascularized fibular autograft where the resulting limb deformity and leg length discrepancy (LLD) were corrected using Ilizarov external fixator. A 14-year-old girl presented to our outpatient clinic with a deformity of the right proximal and distal tibia and an 11.7 cm of LLD after tumor reconstruction surgery. Deformity correction and limb lengthening were simultaneously performed using double corticotomy on the right proximal and distal tibia. One year postoperatively, the union of the right proximal tibia had progressed, but nonunion was observed at the right distal corticotomy site. To address this, osteosynthesis with tricortical iliac bone allograft was performed after the removal of the Ilizarov external fixator. After 6 months, the union of the distal tibia was confirmed, and the varus deformity of proximal and distal tibia improved. The LLD was also decreased, but the left lower limb was still longer by 3 cm. This report shows that vascularized fibular autografts can potentially be used for the gradual correction of LLD and deformities. However, for the treatment of multiple deformities in bones previously reconstructed with vascularized fibular graft, the possibility of impaired bone forming potential of the fibular graft should be considered.

ObjectivesMotion preserving surgeries could be unsuccessful because of underestimation of deformities of the foot and knee in ankle osteoarthritis. This study aimed to investigate the concomitant deformities in medial ankle osteoarthritis and the difference between the two types, varus angulation and medial translation.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted using medical records and radiographic data. Patients with medial ankle osteoarthritis that underwent weight-bearing X ray imaging and radiographic measurements including tibial plafond inclination (TPI), tibiotalar tilt angle (TT), lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, naviculo-cuboid overlap, and mechanical tibiofemoral angle (mTFA) were studied. The patients were categorized into two groups, the varus angulation group (TT ≥4°) and medial translation group (TT ResultsA total of 102 patients (male = 44; female = 58) were included; the mean age was 64.9 years (SD 8.3 years). The varus rotation group (N = 66) showed a significantly smaller lateral talo-first metatarsal angle (pConclusionsVarus angulation of the ankle was correlated with knee alignment and foot deformity. Radiographic indices were different between the varus angulation and medial translation groups. The role of concomitant deformities needs to be further investigated in terms of a causal relationship. Surgeons need to pay attention to concomitant deformities in the treatment of medial ankle osteoarthritis.

PurposeTo investigate whether the position of the central retinal vascular trunk (CRVT), as a surrogate of lamina cribrosa (LC) offset, was associated with the presence of glaucoma in normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) patients.MethodsThe position of the CRVT was measured as the deviation from the center of the Bruch's membrane opening (BMO), as delineated by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography imaging. The offset index was calculated as the distance of the CRVT from the BMO center relative to that of the BMO margin. The angular deviation of CRVT was measured with the horizontal nasal midline as 0° and the superior location as a positive value. The offset index and angular deviation were compared between glaucoma and fellow control eyes within individuals.ResultsNTG eyes had higher baseline intraocular pressure (P = 0.001), a larger β-zone parapapillary atrophy area (P = 0.013), and a larger offset index (PConclusionsThe offset index was larger in the unilateral NTG eyes, which fact is suggestive of the potential role of LC/BMO offset as a loco-regional susceptibility factor.

BackgroundKinetic data obtained during gait can be used to clarify the biomechanical pathogenesis of osteoarthritis of the lower extremity. This study aimed to investigate the difference in ankle varus moment between the varus angulation and medial translation types of medial ankle osteoarthritis, and to identify the radiographic measurements associated with ankle varus moment.MethodsTwenty-four consecutive patients [mean age 65.8 (SD) 8.0 years; 9 men and 15 women] with medial ankle osteoarthritis were included. Fourteen and 10 patients had the varus angulation (tibiotalar tilt angle≥3 degrees) and medial translation (tibiotalar tilt angleResultsThe mean tibial plafond inclination, tibiotalar tilt angle, talar dome inclination, lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, and maximum ankle varus moment were 6.4 degrees (SD 3.3 degrees), 5.0 degrees (SD 4.6 degrees), 11.4 degrees (SD 5.2 degrees), -6.5 degrees (SD 11.7 degrees), and 0.185 (SD 0.082) Nm/kg, respectively. The varus angulation type showed a greater maximum ankle varus moment than the medial translation type (p = .005). The lateral talo-first metatarsal angle was significantly associated with the maximum ankle varus moment (p = .041) in the multiple regression analysis.ConclusionThe varus angulation type of medial ankle osteoarthritis is considered to be more imbalanced biomechanically than the medial displacement type. The lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, being significantly associated with the ankle varus moment, should be considered for correction during motion-preserving surgeries for medial ankle osteoarthritis to restore the biomechanical balance of the ankle.

PURPOSE:To investigate whether the position of the central vascular trunk, as a surrogate of lamina cribrosa (LC) shift, is associated with the initial hemisphere of visual field defect in myopic high-tension glaucoma (HTG) eyes. METHODS:The deviation of the central vascular trunk was measured from the center of the Bruch's membrane opening (BMO), which was delineated by OCT imaging. The angular deviation was measured with the horizontal nasal midline as 0° and the superior location as a positive value. The initial hemisphere developing visual field defect was defined as three connected abnormal points (having a P value with less than 0.5% probability of being normal) appearing in only one hemisphere in pattern deviation plots. If those points were observed in both hemispheres initially, the eye was classified as bi-hemispheric visual field defect. RESULTS:Initially, 36 eyes (44%) had superior visual field defects, 27 (33%) inferior visual field defects, and 18 (22%) bi-hemispheric visual field defects. After a mean follow-up of 5 years, the number of bi-hemispheric visual field defects had increased to 34 (42%). A logistic regression analysis revealed that inferior deviation of vascular trunk was the only factor associated with initial inferior visual field defect (P = 0.001), while initial bi-hemispheric visual field defects were associated with worse mean deviation at initial visits (P

Abstract Background Dega pelvic osteotomy is commonly performed procedure in patients with cerebral palsy (CP) undergoing hip reconstructive surgery for hip displacement. However, there has been no study investigating the outcomes after Dega pelvic osteotomy using allograft in patients with CP. This study investigated the outcomes of Dega pelvic osteotomy using iliac crest allograft in CP with hip displacement and the factors affecting allograft incorporation. Methods This study included 110 patients (150 hips; mean age 8y7mo; 68 males, 42 females) who underwent hip reconstructive surgeries including Dega pelvic osteotomy using iliac crest allograft. To evaluate the time of allograft incorporation, Goldberg score was evaluated according to the follow-up period on all postoperative hip radiographs. The acetabular index, migration percentage, and neck-shaft angle were also measured on the preoperative and postoperative follow-up radiographs. Results The mean estimated time for allograft incorporation (Goldberg score ≥ 6) was 1.1 years postoperatively. All hips showed radiographic union at the final follow-up and there was no case of graft-related complications. Patients with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level V had 6.9 times higher risk of radiographic delayed union than those with GMFCS level III and IV. Acetabular index did not increase during the follow-up period (p = 0.316). Conclusions Dega pelvic osteotomy using iliac crest allograft was effective in correcting acetabular dysplasia, without graft-related complications in patients with CP. Furthermore, the correction of acetabular dysplasia remained stable during the follow-up period.

Abstract Background Concurrent prophylactic femoral varization osteotomy (FVO) for stable hips has been performed in patients with cerebral palsy (CP) undergoing hip reconstructive surgery for the contralateral displaced hip. However, there is currently a lack of studies investigating the outcome after the prophylactic FVO in stable hip. This study investigated the outcomes after FVO in stable hips with CP and influencing factors. In addition, this study compared the outcomes with those after hip reconstructive surgery in the contralateral displaced hip. Methods This study included 119 CP patients with 224 hips (80 stable, 144 displaced) undergoing hip reconstructive surgery including FVO. Migration percentage (MP), neck-shaft angle (NSA), and head-shaft angle (HSA) were measured through preoperative and follow-up hip radiographs. All hips were divided into the stable (MP ≤ 33%) and displaced hip groups (MP > 33%) according to the preoperative radiographs, and the annual changes in the radiographic indices after FVO were analyzed. Results In stable hip group, MP did not significantly increase over time (p = 0.057) after prophylactic FVO. In displaced hip group, MP significantly increased over time (1.6%/year, p

Abstract Background Simultaneous motion of the knee and ankle joints is required for many activities including gait. We aimed to evaluate the influence of surgery involving tendons around the knee on ankle motion during gait in the sagittal plane in cerebral palsy patients. Methods We included data from 55 limbs in 34 patients with spastic cerebral palsy. Patients were followed up after undergoing only distal hamstring lengthening with or without additional rectus femoris transfer. The patients’ mean age at the time of knee surgery was 11.2 ± 4.7 years, and the mean follow-up duration was 2.2 ± 1.5 years (range, 0.9–6.0 years). Pre- and postoperative kinematic variables that were extracted from three-dimensional gait analyses were then compared to assess changes in ankle motion after knee surgery. Outcome measures included ankle dorsiflexion at initial contact, peak ankle dorsiflexion during stance, peak ankle dorsiflexion during swing, and dynamic range of motion of the ankle. Various sagittal plane knee kinematics were also measured and used to predict ankle kinematics. A linear mixed model was constructed to estimate changes in ankle motion after adjusting for multiple factors. Results Improvement in total range of motion of the knee resulted in improved motion of the ankle joint. We estimated that after knee surgery, ankle dorsiflexion at initial contact, peak ankle dorsiflexion during stance, peak ankle dorsiflexion during swing, and dynamic range of motion of the ankle decreased, respectively, by 0.4° (p = 0.016), 0.6° (p

Abstract Background Although several studies have investigated the outcomes after distal hamstring lengthening (DHL), no study has undertaken an approach that included all or most of the important factors that could influence the results. This study was performed to evaluate the outcomes after DHL and analyze the factors that influence the improvement and serial change in knee motion after surgery in patients with cerebral palsy (CP), using a linear mixed model (LMM). Methods The study included 314 ambulatory CP patients (594 limbs) with spsastic diplegia who were followed up after undergoing DHL as part of a single-event multilevel surgery and who underwent preoperative and postoperative 3-dimensional (3D) gait analyses. Relevant kinematic values, including knee flexion at initial contact, minimum knee flexion in the stance phase, knee range of motion (ROM), mean pelvic tilt and gait deviation index (GDI) score, were the outcome measures. Changes in knee motion and the GDI score were adjusted for multiple factors, such as sex, the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level, and concomitant surgeries as fixed effects, and follow-up duration, laterality, and each subject as random effects, using a LMM. Results We found significant improvements in knee flexion at initial contact, minimum knee flexion in the stance phase, knee ROM, and GDI score 2 years after DHL. In patients with GMFCS level I and II, improvement in all sagittal knee kinematics was maintained during follow-up. In addition, GDI score, which represents overall gait pathology, consistently improved throughout the follow-up duration (1.2 per year, p = 0.008). Conclusion Medial hamstring lengthening with semitendinosus transfer, as a part of a SEMLS, was effective procedure in treating flexed knee gait with regard to sagittal knee kinematics and GDI score in spastic CP with flexed knee gait.

Abstract Background Although accumulative evidence exists that support the applicability of multi-segmental foot models (MFMs) in evaluating foot motion in various pathologic conditions, little is known of the effect of aging on inter-segmental foot motion. The objective of this study was to evaluate differences in inter-segmental motion of the foot between older and younger adult healthy females during gait using a MFM with 15-marker set. Methods One hundred symptom-free females, who had no radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis, were evaluated using MFM with 15-marker set. They were divided into young (n = 50, 20–35 years old) and old (n = 50, 60–69 years old) groups. Coefficients of multiple correlations were evaluated to assess the similarity of kinematic curve. Inter-segmental angles (hindfoot, forefoot, and hallux) were calculated at each gait phase. To evaluate the effect of gait speed on intersegmental foot motion, subgroup analysis was performed according to the similar speed of walking. Results Kinematic curves showed good or excellent similarity in most parameters. Range of motion in the sagittal (p

Category: Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Long-term usage of bisphosphonate can severely suppress bone turnover and alter bone mechanical properties, thereby resulting in atypical fractures that mainly occur at the femur.We present a rare case of suspicious atypical fracture of the metatarsal bone. Methods: A 63-year-old woman presented to our clinic with a primary complain of a one-week history of pain in her right foot. The patient had no history of trauma to the right foot and denied any strenuous activity. She experienced lateral foot pain while walking within her home. She was on alendronate therapy for osteoporosis for a decade. X ray and CT examination revealed a fifth metatarsal fracture whose features were compatible with those of atypical femoral fractures (Figure 1). Results: The patient was advised to discontinue alendronate and underwent percutaneous surgical fixation of the fracture via a proximal approach using a 4.0-mm half-threaded cannulated screw. Postoperatively, a short leg cast was created and the patients performed non-weight bearing ambulation until the cast was removed at the sixth postoperative week. Radiography in the sixth postoperative week revealed callus formation. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that physicians must keep in mind that atypical fractures could possibly occur at bones other than the femur.

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Insufficient bony coverage surrounding the talus could cause considerable mechanical ankle instability, whereas excessive bony coverage could cause bone contusion at the time of injury and subsequent osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between radiographic lateral ankle instability and OLT in patients that sustained ankle inversion injuries. Methods: One-hundred-ninety-five patients (113 men and 83 women; mean age, 38.7 years; standard deviation, 8.8 years) with a history of ankle inversion injuries were included. All patients underwent ankle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and stress X-ray (varus stress and anterior drawer) examination. The tibiotalar tilt angle on varus stress X-ray, anterior translation of the talus on anterior-drawer lateral X-rays, bimalleolar tilt angle, and fibular position were radiographically determined. The anatomical grade of the lateral ankle ligament injury and the presence of OLTs were determined from MRI findings. Results: A greater lateral ankle ligament grade tends to increase the tibiotalar tilt angle (p=0.074), significantly affecting the anterior translation of the talus (p=0.036). The presence of radiographic lateral ankle instability (tibiotalar tilt angle =10°) showed opposite associations with the presence of OLT in the chi-square test (p=0.003). OLT was a negative significant factor (p=0.011) affecting the tibiotalar tilt angle in the multiple regression analysis (Table 1) and was negatively affected by the tibiotalar tilt angle (p=0.016) in the binary logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: This study showed an opposite association between lateral ankle instability and the development of OLT following ankle inversion injury. The role of bony predisposition in the development of sports injuries in the ankle should be considered and investigated further.

Category: Ankle, Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Varus limb malalignment results in an imbalance of force transmission to the knee joint, resulting in a concentrated load in the medial compartment. A varus knee correction may affect the ankle and subtalar joint, because the weight-bearing load on the lower extremity extends from the hip to the foot. A previous study suggested that the true mechanical axis of the lower limb should be calculated with a line from the center of the femoral head to the lowest point of the calcaneus, not to the center of the tibial plafond. Therefore, we performed this study to evaluate changes in the mechanical axis and weight- bearing line of the ankle after varus knee correction. Methods: Patients with a varus knee who were followed-up after they had undergone high tibial osteotomy (HTO) or total knee replacement arthroplasty (TKA) at an age of >20 years, and who had undergone preoperative and postoperative scanogram were included in this study. The hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle, mechanical axis, and weight-bearing line (line from the center of the femoral head to the lowest point of the calcaneus) were measured on the radiographs. The point at which the mechanical axis and weight-bearing line passed through the tibial plafond was the ankle joint axis point. The postoperative change in the ankle joint axis point on the mechanical axis and weight-bearing line according to the HKA angle correction was adjusted by multiple factors using a linear mixed model. Results: A total of 257 limbs from 198 patients were included in this study. The preoperative HKA was 7.3 ± 4.7° and corrected to 0.4 ± 3.8°. Although the ankle axis points on both axes moved laterally after HTO and TKA, the ankle joint axis of the weight- bearing line showed a significant larger lateral movement (22.5±35.7%) (Fig.) than that of the mechanical axis (15.7±16.0%) in terms of rate of change (p = 0.006). The ankle joint axis point on the weight-bearing line moved laterally by 0.9% per degree of postoperative HKA angle decrease (p < 0.001). The change in the ankle joint axis point on the mechanical axis was not statistically significant after HTO and TKA (p = 0.223). Conclusion: The mechanical axis and weight-bearing line of the ankle moved laterally after the varus knee correction. The ankle joint axis on the weight-bearing line moved laterally as the HKA angle decreased after the surgery, whereas the varus knee correction did not significantly affect the ankle joint axis on the mechanical axis. The varus knee correction might affect the subtalar joint as well as the ankle joint. Therefore, we believe that our findings warrant consideration in pre- and postoperative evaluations using the weight-bearing line of patients undergoing varus knee correction.

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the pedobarographic characteristics of tarsometatarsal instability and to identify factors associated with pedobarographic first tarsometatarsal instability in patients with hallux valgus deformity. Methods: Fifty-seven patients (mean age, 59.7 years; standard deviation, 11.4 years; 6 men and 51 women) with a hallux valgus angle (HVA) greater than 15° were included. All patients underwent a pedobarographic examination along with weight-bearing anteroposterior (AP) and lateral foot radiography. Radiographic measurements were compared between the two groups with and without pedobarographic first tarsometatarsal instability. The association between the radiographic and pedobarographic parameters of the first tarsometatarsal instability was analyzed using the chi-square test. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant factors affecting pedobarographic first tarsometatarsal instability. Results: HVA (p

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the effects of walking speed and slope on foot pressure changes in young healthy adults.MethodsTwenty young healthy adults (mean age 22.4 years, SD 1.2 years; 10 male and 10 female) participated in the study. Dynamic pedobarographic data during treadmill walking were obtained for combinations of three different walking speeds (3.2 km/hr, 4.3 km/hr, and 5.4 km/hr) and 5 different slopes (downhill 8 degrees, downhill 4 degrees, ground walking (0 degree), uphill 4 degrees, and uphill 8 degrees). Pedobarographic data such as the peak pressure and pressure-time integral were measured on five plantar segments: medial forefoot (MFF), lateral forefoot (LFF), medial midfoot (MMF), lateral midfoot (LMF), and heel. Maximum ankle dorsiflexion was also recorded using the Plug in Gait marker set.ResultsAll participants maintained heel-toe gait in all walking conditions. The peak pressure on the MFF during downhill slope walking was lower than that during ground and uphill walking, whereas the peak pressure on the MFF during uphill slope walking was similar to that during ground walking at each walking speed. The peak pressures on the heel were similar for different walking slopes at each walking speed. The peak pressures on the MFF and heel increased with an increase in walking speed. The pressure-time integral of the MFF did not show significant changes at different walking speeds and slopes. The pressure-time integral of the heel increased with an increase in walking slope and decrease in walking speed.ConclusionsDifferent walking speeds and slopes affected the pedobarographic characteristics of young healthy adults. Downhill walking with slower speed appeared to be beneficial to reduce or optimize MFF pressures, while downhill walking at a comfortable speed would be helpful to reduce or optimize heel pressures. The findings of this study have clinical implications in recommending activities to patients with foot pressure-related symptoms and disorders.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220073.].

Category: Basic Sciences/Biologics Introduction/Purpose: Tendon repair has been a challenging issue for surgeons in treating. Although tissue engineering with mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been used for tendon repair in both in vivo and in vitro, the stem cells are obtained through invasive procedures, and there is usually a lack of adequate numbers for clinical use. The purpose of this study was to compare the potential of tri-lineage differentiation and to investigate the potential of tenogenic differentiation of human tonsil derived MSCs (T-MSCs), bone marrow derived MSCs (BM-MSCs), and adipose tissue derived MSCs (AD-MSCs). Methods: Each tissue was obtained from 8 patients. After isolation of MSCs, flow cytometry analysis was used to characterize the phenotypes of the MSCs. Differentiation capacity to adipo-, osteo-, and chondrocytes were induced by culturing each MSCs for 3 weeks in commercially available media. Each MSCs was treated with 5ng/ml and 10ng/ml of TGF-ß3 with vehicle control. Results: Immunophenotypic surface marker analysis of BM-MSC, AD-MSC, and TMSCs revealed that these MSCs expressed a typical MSCs. mRNA expression levels of the markers for tri-lineage differentiation were significantly lower in TMSC than other MSCs. The tenogenic transcription factor, scleraxis, showed a statistically significant increase in all MSCs differentiation groups except for the 7th day TMSC differentiation group (Figure). Gene expression of tenascin-C, an ECM glycoprotein, was specifically expressed in the T-MSC differentiation group at 14 days (Figure). Comparing the ratio of collagen 1 to collagen 3 genes, the BM-MSC showed a decrease in the ratio on days 3 and 7 unlike AD-MSCs and TMSCs. Only TMSC showed a significant increase in the ratio compared with other MSCs on the 14th day. Conclusion: The tonsil-MSC has low fat, bone and cartilage differentiation potential and has excellent tendon-specific differentiation potential, thus being highly useful as a tendon-tailored cell therapy agent.

Category: Bunion Introduction/Purpose: There is a lack of quantitative studies on the progression of juvenile hallux valgus deformity. Therefore, we performed this study to estimate an annual change of radiographic indices for juvenile hallux valgus. Methods: We reviewed medical records of consecutive patients under the age of 15 with juvenile hallux valgus who underwent weight-bearing foot radiographs more than twice, and were followed over a period of one year or more. A total of 133 feet from 69 patients were included. Hallux valgus angle, hallux interphalangeal angle, intermetatarsal angle, metatarsus adductus angle, distal metatarsal articular angle, anteroposterior talo-1st metatarsal angle, anteroposterior talo-2nd metatarsal angle, and lateral talo-1st metatarsal angle were measured and were used as a study criteria. The progression rate of hallux valgus angle was adjusted by multiple factors including the use of a linear mixed model with gender and radiographic measurements as the fixed effects and laterality and each subject as the random effect. Results: Our results demonstrate that the value of hallux valgus angle on the radiographs progressed as the patients grew older. The hallux valgus angle increased by 0.8° per year (p

Category: Basic Sciences/Biologics Introduction/Purpose: Although pedobarographic measurement is increasingly used for clinical and research purposes, relatively few published studies have investigated regarding effects of walking speed and slope. This study examined pedobarographic findings in young healthy adults with regard to different walking speeds and slopes. Methods: Twenty young healthy adults (mean age 22.4 years, SD 1.2 years; 10 males and 10 females) were recruited. Dynamic pedobarographic data were obtained during treadmill walking with different walking speeds (3.2 km/hr, 4.3 km/hr, and 5.4 km/hr) and slopes (-8°, -4°, 0°, 4°, and 8°). Pedobarographic data including peak pressure and pressure-time integral were measured on five plantar segments: medial forefoot (MFF), lateral forefoot (LFF), medial midfoot (MMF), lateral midfoot (LMF), and heel. Distribution of foot pressure between medial and lateral sides, and between anterior and posterior aspects were calculated as varus/valgus index and forefoot/heel index, respectively. Walking speed of 4.3 km/hr on 0° of slope was considered as standard walking condition. Results: Varus/valgus index of peak pressure showed significant increase on the slope of 8° and the walking speed of 4.3 km/hr (p=0.036) and 5.4 km/hr (p=0.007). Forefoot/heel index of peak pressure significantly decreased on downhill walking. Varus/valgus index of pressure-time integral showed significant increase when uphill and downhill slope was greater and walking speed was faster compared with standard with walking condition. Forefoot/heel index of pressure-time integral showed significant increase in downhill walking while significant decrease was observed during uphill walking. Conclusion: Changes of walking speed and slope caused those of foot pressure distribution. Therefore, combination of walking speed and speed might be associated with pressure related symptoms and disorders of the foot.

To investigate the prevalence and risk factors for visual field defect in patients with optic disc drusen (ODD).We assessed the visual field status of patients with ODD whose diagnosis were confirmed by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Visual field defects were classified as normal, enlarged blind spot, or other defects. ODD were classified into either type 1 (without hyperreflective border and heterogenic internal reflectance) or type 2 (with hyperreflective border and lower internal reflectance). The prevalence and risk factors for each visual field defect was analyzed using logistic regression analysis and classification and regression tree (CART) modeling.Of the 40 eyes with ODD, 33 (83%) eyes were categorized as type 1 and 7 (17%) eyes were categorized as type 2 ODD. Regarding the visual field defects, 19 (48%) eyes showed normal visual field, 11 (28%) eyes showed enlarged blind spot, and 9 (24%) eyes showed other defects. The latter was more frequent in type 2 ODD (P = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the factor associated with other defects was the thinning of the average retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) (per 10 μm decrease, OR = 3.436, P = 0.004), and the factor associated with enlarged blind spot was the height of ODD (per 100 μm increase, OR = 3.956, P = 0.023). CART modeling revealed that the average RNFL thickness lesser than 85.5 μm, and then the ODD height larger than 348 μm were the best split-up factors for predicting the type of visual field defects.In this study, one-quarter of ODD patients showed abnormal visual field defect other than enlarged blind spot. These other visual field defects appeared to be associated with the axonal loss in the eyes with type 2 ODD.

This study was performed to investigate the factors associated with the level of knee pain in a nationally representative sample of noninstitutionalized women aged 50 years or older.Women aged 50 years or older were selected and included in the data analyses from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2010-2013). Those having malignant diseases or using osteoarthritis medication were excluded. Significant factors associated with the level of knee pain were analyzed using multivariate regression analysis.A total of 5148 women (average age, 62.9 years; standard deviation, 9.3 years) were included. For women without knee osteoarthritis, level of hip pain (p

Background: Korean ginseng is an ethnopharmacologically valuable herbal plant with various biological properties including anticancer, antiatherosclerosis, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities. Since there is currently no drug or therapeutic remedy derived from Korean ginseng, we developed a ginsenoside-enriched fraction (AP-SF) for prevention of various inflammatory symptoms. Methods: The anti-inflammatory efficacy of AP-SF was tested under in vitro inflammatory conditions including nitric oxide (NO) production and inflammatory gene expression. The molecular events of inflammatory responses were explored by immunoblot analysis. Results: AP-SF led to a significant suppression of NO production compared with a conventional Korean ginseng saponin fraction, induced by both lipopolysaccharide and zymosan A. Interestingly, AP-SF strongly downregulated the mRNA levels of genes for inducible NO synthase, tumor necrosis factor-α, and cyclooxygenase) without affecting cell viability. In agreement with these observations, AP-SF blocked the nuclear translocation of c-Jun at 2 h and also reduced phosphorylation of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and TAK-1, all of which are important for c-Jun translocation. Conclusion: Our results suggest that AP-SF inhibits activation of c-Jun-dependent inflammatory events. Thus, AP-SF may be useful as a novel anti-inflammatory remedy.

Background Although plastic surgeons daily encounter various facial tumors in the field, reports limited on face are scarce. In our study, we want to provide basic epidemiologic data to help clinicians to decide the proper management for their patients. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients including age and gender, location and size of the tumor, histopathologic result, recurrence, type of anesthesia and any associated disorders who had undergone a surgical removal of their facial tumors and received the histopathologic report in the same institution between January 2009 and October 2012. Results One hundred eighty-nine patients with 203 non-melanocytic benign tumors were included. The most frequent site of tumors was the central subunit of the forehead, followed by the lateral subunit of the cheek and the auricular unit. Of 36 different histopathologic results, the epidermal cyst was most frequent, followed by lipoma, pilomatricoma and osteoma. Statistical analysis showed that males were dominant in the epidermal cyst and lipoma groups. While, females were dominant in the osteoma and pilomatricoma groups. No associations were found between lesions and other diseases. Conclusions Our study is the at most specific and concentrated study on non-melanocytic benign tumors of the face. We expect the epidemiologic data of our study may help plastic surgeons who are confronted with so many facial lesions in the field to decide on the most proper management for their patients.