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The objective of this retrospective study was to investigate the surgical outcomes of AO/OTA 31 A1-3 trochanteric fractures treated with the new-generation Gamma3 nail with U-Blade (RC) lag screw and to analyze the risk factors related to fixation failure. A total of 318 consecutive patients who underwent cephalomedullary nailing using Gamma3 nail with U-Blade lag screw for trochanteric hip fractures between September 2015 and June 2018 were enrolled. The average age was 80 years and most patients (69%) were women. The mean follow-up was 12.2 months with a minimum of 6 months. 309 (97.2%) showed bony union with a mean time to union of 13.5 ± 8.7 weeks. Cut-out occurred in 2 patients (0.6%) and 7 patients showed excessive collapse (≥15 mm) of the proximal fragment. These 9 patients were assigned to the failure group. The presence of a basicervical fracture component and comminution of the anterior cortex on preoperative 3-D CT showed a significant association with fixation failure, including cut-out, although comminution of the anterior cortex was the only independent risk factor for fixation failure on multivariate logistic regression analysis. Gamma3 nail with U-Blade lag screw showed favorable results for trochanteric hip fractures, with low cut-out rate (0.6%). However, more caution is required in treating trochanteric fractures with a basicervical fracture component and anterior cortex comminution even with this nail.

Objectives. Deep neck infections (DNIs) can cause life-threatening complications, and prompt diagnosis and management are necessary. Kawasaki disease (KD) may be accompanied by deep neck inflammation; making it difficult to distinguish from DNIs. This study was performed to evaluate clinical features and outcomes of children with parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal inflammation.Methods. Medical records of the children diagnosed with parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal cellulitis or abscess using cervical computed tomography (CT) between 2013 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed.Results. A total of 47 children were diagnosed with parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal inflammation. Eleven (23.4%) of them were eventually diagnosed with KD, and 36 (76.6%) were diagnosed with DNIs. There were no significantly different clinical and laboratory characteristics on admission between children diagnosed with KD and DNIs; however, significantly more children with KD were febrile for ≥3 days after admission compared to those with DNIs (P=0.009). Deep neck abscesses on CT were observed in 16 children with DNIs (44.4%) and in no child with KD (P=0.009). Among the 36 children with DNIs, 30 (83.3%) were cured with antibiotic therapy only.Conclusion. A quarter of children presenting with deep neck inflammation were diagnosed with KD. KD should be considered in children showing deep neck inflammation unresponsive to empirical antibiotic therapy after 3 days, especially in those presenting with deep neck cellulitis rather than deep neck abscess.

Background Many studies exist about remnant preservation in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, concern remains for development of a cyclops lesion during remnant preservation. To prevent this, a tensioning method has been suggested. Current study evaluated the clinical and radiologic results of remnant preservation in ACL reconstruction with tensioning compared to classical ACL reconstruction. Methods From January 2016 to June 2017, ACL reconstruction patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 2 years postoperatively were enrolled. For comparison, all participants were divided in two groups: remnant preservation with tensioning (group R) and controls (group C). Clinically, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm scores, and incidence of symptomatic cyclops lesions were evaluated. Radiologically, signal-to-noise quotient (SNQ) and size of the synovium on MRI as well as anterior instability in Telos stress radiographs were evaluated. Results A total of 64 patients were enrolled (42 in group R and 22 in group C). The IKDC score in group R (70) was better than that in group C (62; p < 0.05). One patient in group R had a cyclops lesion with clinical symptoms and arthroscopic excision was recommended. Radiologically, the SNQ, synovium area, and anterior instability on Telos radiography showed no difference between the two groups. Conclusion Remnant preservation with tensioning is a good option for ACL reconstruction without the development of a cyclops lesion.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the epidemiology of T-score discordance between the spine and femur in the South Korean population and compare the prevalence of T-score discordance between the Korean osteoporosis population and atypical femoral fracture (AFF) patients.A total of 12,422 subjects from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were reviewed retrospectively. T-score discordance was defined as a difference of ≥ 1 standard deviation between the lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) bone mineral density (BMD). The prevalence of T-score discordance (low LS [LS BMDFN BMD], low FN [LS BMDFN BMD], and total [low LS + low FN]) was investigated in the osteoporosis and non-osteoporosis groups and stratified by sex and age. T-score discordance of 63 patients with AFFs diagnosed at a single institution was compared with that of the Korean osteoporosis population using propensity score matching.T-score discordance was prevalent in the Korean osteoporosis population (44.8%), and low LS discordance (37.5%) was more frequently seen than low FN discordance (7.2%) (T-score discordance was highly prevalent in the Korean osteoporosis population, and low LS discordance was more common than low FN discordance. Nevertheless, the prevalence of low LS discordance was significantly higher in AFF patients than in the Korean osteoporosis population.

Background and Objectives: Considering developing resistance against neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) and their adverse reactions, restricted use of NAIs and use of alternative drugs should be considered for treating influenza. Although glucocorticoids (GCs) have been used for severe influenza, their effects on non-severe influenza have rarely been evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical responses to NAI therapy and GC therapy in pediatric patients with non-severe influenza. Materials and Methods: A total of 601 pediatric patients (n = 52), NAI therapy (n = 154), GC therapy (n = 123), and Both therapies (n = 272). Results: In a multivariate analysis with adjustment for confounding variables, the post-admission fever duration was not significantly different among the four patient groups. The post-admission fever duration tended to shorten with increasing age, longer pre-admission fever duration, and incidence of influenza A virus infection and lower respiratory tract infection. The type of administered treatment showed no significant effects on the post-admission fever duration in any subgroups according to patient age, pre-admission fever duration, influenza virus subtype, and clinical diagnosis. Conclusions: Symptomatic treatment rather than antiviral or GC therapy seems to be sufficient for patients with non-severe influenza, although the effects of NAI therapy and GC therapy according to their administered time and dose should be further evaluated.

Although febrile seizures are the most common neurological complications of influenza, there are few studies comparing seizure characteristics and outcomes between patients with influenza and those with other respiratory virus (RV) infections. Medical records of pediatric patients presenting with seizures accompanied by fever, in whom RV infections were identified, were retrospectively reviewed to compare the characteristics and outcomes of seizures with fever due to influenza (n = 97) to those due to other RV infections (n = 113). Patients with influenza were older than those with other RV infections (p &lt, 0.001), and 22.7% of them were aged ≥5 years. Seizure characteristics of complex febrile seizures were observed more frequently in patients with other RV infections than in those with influenza, however, the frequency of epilepsy was comparable between the two groups. For patients with influenza, children aged &lt, 5 years and those aged ≥5 years showed similar seizure characteristics and outcomes. Further neurological evaluations should not be based solely on patient age in children with influenza who experience late-onset seizures at ≥5 years of age. Long-term sequelae should be further investigated in these patients.

This study aimed to determine the subjects for bacterial multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) testing and to interpret the mPCR test results based on patients’ clinical symptoms and diagnoses. The medical records of 710 pediatric patients who underwent a bacterial mPCR test were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical characteristics and mPCR test results were compared between patients with positive (n = 199) and negative mPCR test results (n = 511) and between patients with invasive pathogens (n = 95) and toxigenic pathogens (n = 70). Positive mPCR test results were significantly associated with older age (p &lt, 0.001), diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis (p = 0.021), presence of hematochezia (p &lt, 0.001), and absence of cough (p = 0.004). The diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis (p = 0.003), presence of fever (p = 0.027) and diarrhea (p = 0.043), and higher C-reactive protein levels (p = 0.025) were significantly associated with the identification of invasive pathogens in patients with positive mPCR test results. Thus, selective bacterial mPCR testing should be performed based on the patients’ clinical symptoms and diagnoses, and the results should be interpreted in consideration with identified pathogens.

Purpose There are limited population-based data regarding herpes zoster in children. Thus we conducted a multi-institutional epidemiological analysis of herpes zoster in children and comparative analysis according to their immune status. Materials and Methods The study included 126 children under the age of 18 years who were hospitalized for herpes zoster at 8 hospitals in South Korea, between July 2009 and June 2015. The subjects were divided into 2 groups according to their immune status, and medical records were reviewed. Results There were 61 cases (48.4%) in the immunocompetent group and 65 cases (51.6%) in the immunocompromised group. Median age was older in immunocompromised group (11.4 vs. 8.6) (p

The global trends in sea spray aerosol (SSA) emissions, dimethyl sulfide (DMS) flux from sea to air, and aerosol optical depth (AOD) during 2000-2015 were analyzed using the satellite-based, ECMWF reanalysis, and model-predicted data. The SSA emissions were estimated using a widely used whitecap method with a sea surface temperature (SST) dependence. The sea-to-air DMS fluxes were estimated by a thin film model based on the DMS concentration in seawater and its gas transfer velocity. The yearly global mean anomaly in DMS fluxes showed a significant downward trend during the study period, whereas the SSA emissions showed an upward trend. In terms of regional trends, the increases in SSA emissions during 2000-2015 occurred over the tropical southeastern Pacific Ocean and Southern Ocean, whereas any downward trends in SSA emissions were localized. The DMS fluxes during the study period showed a clear downward trend over most oceans, except for the strong upward trend at low latitudes. In general, the AOD from the MODerate resolution Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MODIS) showed upward trends across the entire Southern Hemisphere (SH), whereas there were downward trends in most areas of the Northern Hemisphere (NH). Therefore, the upward trend of AOD in the SH were derived mainly from the SSA emission trend, due to smaller contribution of anthropogenic sources in the SH.

Background Hip fracture in elderly patients is a serious health concern due to the associated morbidity and mortality. Although acute kidney injury after hip fracture is known to be a significantly poor prognostic factor for morbidity and mortality, the literature regarding the risk factors for acute kidney injury after hip fracture is insufficient. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and associated risk factors for acute kidney injury in patients with femoral neck fracture. Methods A total of 248 patients who underwent an operation for femoral neck fracture between January 2011 and January 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Acute kidney injury was defined according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes guidelines. Results The incidence of acute kidney injury was 17.7% (n = 44). Risk factors for acute kidney injury included diabetes mellitus, pre-existing renal disease, preoperative blood urea nitrogen (BUN), preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), preoperative haemoglobin (Hb) level, type of operation, postoperative creatinine level and intraoperative hypotension (P

Background The aim of this study is to investigate complications following medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy using a locking plate. In addition, we aimed to compare postoperative outcomes between the complicated and the uncomplicated group. Methods This study enrolled 209 patients who underwent medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy between 2010 and 2015. Patients with a follow-up period of at least 2 years were enrolled. Medical records and radiologic data were retrospectively reviewed. The complications were assessed up to postoperative 2 years and categorized into major and minor complications. The preoperative and postoperative clinical statuses were assessed using the Western Ontario McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index. Results The mean patient age was 56.4 ± 5.9 years. Overall complication rate was 29.7%. Minor complications included undisplaced lateral hinge fracture (12.0%), hardware irritation (1.4%), displaced lateral hinge fracture (2.4%), delayed wound healing (1.9%), undisplaced lateral tibial plateau fracture (1%), and superficial wound infection (1%). Major complications were symptomatic hardware which needed hardware removal (4.8%), deep wound infection (1.9%), hardware failure with correction loss (1%), nonunion (0.5%), and early conversion to arthroplasty (0.5%). Most complications occurred intraoperatively (30.6%) and within 3 months postoperatively (40.3%). The major complication group showed a statistically higher Western Ontario McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index score than did other groups at postoperative 1 year (P = .013) and 2 years (P = .001). Conclusion The overall complication rate was 29.7%. Most complications were minor. The most common complication was undisplaced lateral hinge fracture. Major complications occurred in 8.6%. The major complication group showed significantly worse clinical outcomes than did the uncomplicated and minor complication groups.

Background Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) poses a great challenge in infection control in healthcare settings. A screening and contact precautions are recommended to prevent the spread of CPE among patients. However, screening strategies differ among countries and healthcare facilities. Methods In September 2018, we launched a CPE screening program at a 660-bed hospital in South Korea, which targeted previously colonized patients, patients with history of admission < 1 month or transferred patients or ICU-admitted patients. Once patients were identified to have CPE, they were isolated in a single room. After a CPE outbreak in July-Aug 2019, the enhanced screening program was implemented, which included patients with additional risk factors (exposure to hospitals in the past 6 months, receipt of hemodialysis or invasive procedures or rehabilitation) combined with weekly screening in ICU-admitted patients. Screening methods changed from two consecutive rectal screening swabs with chromogenic agar to initial screening with Xpert-Carba-R PCR, followed by one or two consecutive tests with chromogenic agar. We compared the CPE incidence in screening and clinical cultures before and after the enhanced screening program introduction (Sep 2018-Nov 2020). Results A total of 14,318 (2,178 vs. 12,140) were screened among 49,980 admitted patients and screening compliance increased from 18.6% to 94.5%. The number of CPE detection increased from 44 to 154 cases and the proportion of CPE-positive screening per 1000 admissions increased 0.6 to 2.2. However, the number of clinical CPE cultures decreased from 11 to 3 (Figure). Among screened patients, time-to-positivity was markedly reduced by 1.9 days (2.96 vs. 1.02 days) during the post-period. Additional 70 patients were detected: 36 due to serial screening in the ICUs and 34 due to enhanced on-admission screening. Factors significantly associated with positive screening were previous exposure to hospital (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.7-7.1) and receipt of hemodialysis (OR 4.3; 95%CI 1.9-9.2). CPE isolates and carbapenemase genes were diverse (Figure). Trends in CPE detection in screening and clinical samples (upper), and bacterial species with detected carbapenemase genes (lower). Conclusion The study results showed that the enhanced screening program enabled us to identify the previously undetected CPE colonized patients and to decrease clinical CPE cultures. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Background/Purpose: Although assessing the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of acellular pertussis (aP) vaccines via murine model studies faces limitations, preliminary assessments have been achieved by evaluating respiratory challenge and humoral and cellular immunity. Methods: We performed a long-term intranasal respiratory challenge with reference and clinically isolated strains of Bordetella pertussis. Simultaneously, we assessed humoral and cellular immunity for evaluating the immunogenicity of a newly developed tri-component diphtheria-tetanus-aP (DTaP) vaccine. Moreover, comparative assessment was made by performing the same evaluations with a commercially available tri-component DTaP vaccine as the positive control. Results: Both groups showed significantly increased levels of antibodies against pertussis toxin, filamentous hemagglutinin and pertactin, and the levels of interferon-γ and interleukin-10 were significantly increased after two doses of vaccination. Furthermore, since cross cell-mediated immune reactivity between the two vaccines was detected, the possibility of interchangeability was indirectly suggested. Although the positive control group showed significantly higher titers in antibody responses for filamentous hemagglutinin and pertactin compared to the experimental group, anti-pertussis toxin antibody titers of the two groups were not significantly different and the protective efficacy against the clinical and reference strains was maintained in both groups for 18 weeks. Conclusion: The results showed inferior immunogenicity of the new DTaP vaccine compared to a commercial vaccine despite comparable cellular immunity and protective efficacy. Some efforts are necessary for improving immunogenicity against filamentous hemagglutinin and pertactin before conducting human clinical trials. Keywords: Diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine, Immunogenicity, Efficacy, Mice

During the measles epidemic in 2019, in-hospital transmission of measles contributed to more than two-thirds of measles cases in South Korea, where measles is declared eliminated. This study aimed to examine measles seropositivity among healthcare workers (HCWs) in South Korea to help develop an effective measles prevention strategy for hospital settings. Measles IgG titer was tested in 1,579 HCWs working in a university-affiliated hospital and the measles-containing vaccine (MCV) immunization records of 870 HCWs were identified. The overall seropositivity was 92.0%, but the seropositivity and antibody titers were significantly low among HCWs aged 20–25 years (78.6%) and among one-dose vaccine recipients (86.7%). Among two-dose recipients, seropositivity was lower among young HCWs who received two doses during their childhood than among those who received the catch-up vaccination as part of job requirements (70.3% vs. 98.0%). Among 87 seronegative HCWs who received two-dose MMR vaccination, the seroconversion rate was 98.9%. A considerable proportion of young HCWs were potentially susceptible to measles despite receiving the two-dose vaccination during childhood because of the waning immunity against measles in a country with measles-eliminated status. Serological screening for measles of newly employed HCWs and MCV immunization of seronegative HCWs appears to be an effective prevention strategy.

Purpose We compared the clinical and radiologic results of human umbilical cord-blood derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs)cartilage regeneration procedures combined with HTO to those of microfracture with HTO. Methods From August 2017 to December 2018, HTO patients with International Cartilage Regeneration and Joint Preservation Society (ICRS) grade IV cartilage defects over 200 mm2 on medial femoral condyle (MFC) were enrolled. For comparison, all participants were divided into two groups: those who had undergone an hUCB-MSC induced cartilage regeneration procedure (group MSC) and those with microfractures only (group C, controls). Clinically, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and Lysholm scores were evaluated post-operatively at 18 months. Radiologically, mechanical axis (MA) and joint space width (JSW) were evaluated. Results A total of 100 knees were enrolled (43 in group MSC, 57 in group C). The IKDC score in group MSC (69) was better than that in group C (62; P P

This study aimed to evaluate (1) the overall reasons for first revision in CoC THAs; (2) whether the reasons for revision differ between third-generation and fourth-generation CoC THAs; and (3) the specific factors associated with bearing-related problems as the reason for revision. We retrospectively reviewed 2045 patients (2194 hips) who underwent first revision THA between 2004 and 2013, among which 146 hips with CoC bearings underwent revision. There were 92 hips with third-generation ceramic bearings and 54 hips with fourth-generation ceramic bearings. The major reasons for CoC THA revisions were ceramic fracture and loosening of the cup or stem. When ceramic fracture, squeaking, incorrect ceramic insertion, and unexplained pain were defined as directly related or potentially related to ceramic use, 28.8% (42/146) of CoC revisions were associated with bearing-related problems. Among the third-generation ceramic bearings, revision was performed in 41.3% (38/92) of cases owing to bearing-related problems whereas revisions were performed for only 7.4% (4/54) of cases with fourth-generation ceramic bearings owing to bearing-related problems (p

BACKGROUND There is limited study about the human umbilical cord-blood derived mesenchymal stem cell (hUCB-MSC) cartilage regeneration procedures combined with high tibial osteotomy (HTO). We compared the clinical and radiological results of hUCB-MSC cartilage regeneration procedures combined with HTO to those of microfracture with HTO. METHODS From August 2017 to December 2018, HTO patients with International Cartilage Regeneration and Joint Preservation Society (ICRS) grade IV cartilage defects over 200 mm2 on medial femoral condyle (MFC) were enrolled. For comparison, all participants were divided into two groups: those who had undergone an hUCB-MSC induced cartilage regeneration procedure (group MSC) and those with microfractures only (group C, controls). Clinically, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and Lysholm scores were evaluated post-operatively at 18 months. Radiologically, mechanical axis (MA) and joint space width (JSW) were evaluated. RESULTS A total of 100 knees were enrolled (43 in group MSC, 57 in group C). The IKDC score in group MSC (69) was better than that in group C (62; P

In South Korea where the tuberculosis (TB) burden is intermediate, the risk of in-hospital transmission of TB remains high. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 244 inpatients diagnosed with pulmonary TB (2015–2018) to evaluate the impact of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay (Xpert) screening on timely isolation. TB screening was performed with smear microscopy and a polymerase chain reaction test, and the Xpert was additionally used from November 2016. Among all patients with pulmonary TB, the median time-to-isolation was significantly reduced (22.6 vs. 69.7 h; p p = 0.096). Among 213 patients who were timely screened (≤ 72 h after admission), time-to-isolation decreased significantly (− 38.2 h; 95% CI − 70.6, − 5.8; p = 0.021) with the introduction of the Xpert, and its decreasing trend continued. The Xpert provided a shorter turnaround time (4.8 vs. 49.1 h; p p

The aim of the present study is to re-evaluate the clinical application of two-times serologic immunoglobulin M (IgM) tests using microparticle agglutination assay (MAA), an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay in diagnosing Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection. A retrospective analysis of 62 children with MP pneumonia during a recent epidemic (2019–2020) was conducted. The MAA and ELISA immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG measurements were conducted twice at admission and around discharge, and MP PCR once at presentation. Diagnostic rates in each test were calculated at presentation and at discharge. The seroconverters were 39% (24/62) of patients tested by MAA and 29% (18/62) by ELISA. At presentation, the diagnostic positive rates of MAA, ELISA, and PCR tests were 61%, 71%, and 52%, respectively. After the second examination, the rates were 100% in both serologic tests. There were positive correlations between the titers of MAA and the IgM values of ELISA. The single serologic IgM or PCR tests had limitations to select patients infected with MP in the early stage. The short-term, paired IgM serologic tests during hospitalization can reduce patient-selection bias in MP infection studies.

BACKGROUND: Recently, four influenza viruses are circulating worldwide: A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2), B/Victoria, and B/Yamagata. However, information on the clinical differences among pediatric patients infected with four recently circulating influenza viruses is sparse. METHODS: Medical records of pediatric patients (

Background: Limited data is available regarding the incidence rate and risk factors for stroke associated with unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and bilateral TKA. This study aims to investigate the incidence rate and risk factors of stroke in patients treated with bilateral TKA compared with patients with unilateral TKA.Methods: In this retrospective nationwide cohort study, we compared patients undergoing unilateral TKA or bilateral TKA using data from the Korean National Health Insurance claims database between January 1, 2009 and August 31, 2017 and included patients older than 40 years of age who underwent primary TKA by the index date as documented primary diagnosis and first additional diagnosis without a history of stroke during the preceding 1 year. We used matched Cox regression models to compare the incidence rate and risk factors of newly acquired stroke among patients treated with unilateral TKA or bilateral TKA after propensity score (PS) matching.Results: In the present study, 163,719 patients who received unilateral TKA were matched to 163,719 patients with bilateral TKA (simultaneous and staged without discharge) based on PS. The risk of stroke during the study period was lower in patients treated with bilateral TKA than in patients with unilateral TKA (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.79; PConclusions: The risk of stroke was lower in patients treated with bilateral TKA (simultaneous and staged without discharge) than in patients with unilateral TKA. Patients treated with bilateral TKA were at decreased risk of stroke when the following variables were present: age (70-79 years), female sex, health insurance, history of hypertension drug use, and comorbidities, such as congestive heart failure, connective tissue disease, and diabetes. More importantly, we do state that those with simultaneous bilateral TKA and staged bilateral TKA without discharge could have been healthier. This is precisely what the guidelines will implement by South Korea for patient selection aim to do and our data show that the risk of stroke is not increased in selected patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral TKA (SiBTKA) and staged bilateral TKA (StBTKA) without discharge.

Since the 2000s, two lineages of the influenza B virus (influenza B/Victoria and influenza B/Yamagata) have been co-circulating. Information on the age distribution of patients infected by each influenza B virus lineage may be helpful for establishing differentiated influenza prevention and control strategies for each age group. Age distributions were compared between patients infected by influenza A and B viruses and between those infected by the influenza B virus when B/Victoria and B/Yamagata lineages circulated dominantly. Between the 2014–2015 and 2018–2019 influenza seasons, 2,718 and 1,397 patients were diagnosed with influenza A and B virus infections, respectively. The median age of patients infected by the influenza B virus was lower than that of patients infected by the influenza A virus (8 vs 12 years, p p = 0.732); however, in the Victoria season, the median age of patients infected by the influenza B virus was lower than that of patients infected by the influenza A virus (6 vs 10 years, p p The age distribution of patients infected by the influenza virus was different between the Yamagata and Victoria seasons. Different influenza prevention and control strategies should be considered on the basis of the predominantly circulating virus and the affected age group.

Background There has not been an investigation to determine whether leg dominance affects the recovery of quadriceps and hamstring strength, muscle reaction time (acceleration time, AT), and postural stability after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in recreational-level athletic patients. Methods A total of 100 patients with isolated ACL injuries (58 patients had dominant leg injuries; 42 patients had non-dominant leg injuries) participated. All patients received an anatomical single-bundle ACL reconstruction using an auto-hamstring tendon graft without preoperative rehabilitation. Leg dominance was defined as the kicking leg. The quadriceps and hamstring strength, AT, and postural stability (overall stability index (OSI)) of both legs were assessed at three different time points (preoperative, 6 months, 12 months), using an isokinetic dynamometer and postural stabilometry system. Results All patients in both groups showed gradual improvement in quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength in the operated legs up to 1 year postoperatively. However, the mean value of quadriceps strength was lower in the operated non-dominant leg than the operated dominant leg 6 months postoperatively (P = 0.048). The AT and OSI of the operated legs in both groups recovered significantly 6 months postoperatively compared with their preoperative values; however, the AT and OSI values after 6 and 12 months were similar. Conclusion Quadriceps strength of the operated non-dominant leg was lower than that of the operated dominant leg 6 months postoperatively; however, the strength of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles was not different after 12 months between the operated dominant and non-dominant legs. Clinicians and physical therapists should consider these results during early rehabilitation and identify effective protocols to enhance quadriceps strength, especially in patients with non-dominant leg injuries.

A long-lasting severe haze event was observed over the Seoul metropolitan region (SMR: Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi-do), South Korea, in the winter of 2013 (January 12–16). We comprehensively investigated the atmospheric processes affecting particulate matter (PM) distributions during the haze event, as well as its impact on human health in the study area. These analyses were performed based on meteorological and PM observations and numerical modeling, which included the WRF-CMAQ modeling system and the Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program-Community Edition (BenMAP-CE). High PM10 concentrations during the haze event were mostly observed in the western and southern parts of the SMR. Significant differences (60–70 μg m−3) in the mean PM2.5 concentrations for haze and non-haze days were predicted mainly in the west-northwest areas of SMR. This might be primarily due to the pollutant transport (horizontal and vertical) from large emission sources (e.g., Chinese emissions) and, in part, their local accumulation (by local emissions) under high-pressure conditions and slow-moving air flows (i.e., blocking effect) around SMR. In addition, the enhanced PM2.5 concentrations in the study area during the haze event led to an increase in the number of premature deaths.

Background Unnecessary costs and complications can be reduced by increasing hemoglobin (Hb) levels and minimizing blood transfusions in patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aimed to determine the effects of intravenous iron monotherapy before TKA on preoperative iron deficient anemia and postoperative transfusion rates. Methods This prospective cohort study included 45 patients scheduled for TKA in the experimental group (Group I) and 221 patients who underwent TKA in 2015 and 2018 in the control group (Group C). One thousand milligrams of ferric carboxymaltose was administrated 1 month before TKA in group I. Intergroup comparison of the rate and total volume of transfusion, perioperative changes in Hb and analysis of iron metabolism variables in group I were performed. Subgroup analysis of Group I was conducted according to the response to iron monotherapy. Results Although Hb levels increased after intravenous iron monotherapy in Group I, postoperative transfusion rates in Groups I and C were 17.8% and 18.6%, respectively, without significant intergroup differences in the rate and total units of transfusion. Ferritin level and transferrin saturation were corrected in both subgroups of Group I. Only 17 patients (37.78%) showed response to iron monotherapy, with an Hb increase of 1.0 g/dL or more. Subgroup analysis showed lower proportions of coexisting chronic diseases, including chronic kidney disease in responders. Conclusion IV iron monotherapy was shown to be insufficient in successfully treating preoperative iron-deficient anemia to reduce postoperative allogenic blood transfusion in patients who underwent TKA. As preoperative anemia should be managed due to the high rates of postoperative transfusion for this surgery, clinicians should consider the complex interplay among the causal factors of anemia, apart from ID, in patients with preoperative anemia who are scheduled for TKA.

Background: This study aims to investigate the incidence rate and risk factors of stroke in patients treated with bilateral TKA compared with patients with unilateral TKA. Methods: In this retrospective nationwide cohort study, we compared patients undergoing unilateral TKA or bilateral TKA using data from the Korean National Health Insurance claims database between January 1, 2009 and August 31, 2017 and included patients older than 40 years of age who underwent primary TKA by the index date as documented primary diagnosis and first additional diagnosis without a history of stroke during the preceding 1 year. We used matched Cox regression models to compare the incidence rate and risk factors of newly acquired stroke among patients treated with unilateral TKA or bilateral TKA after propensity score (PS) matching. Results: In the present study, 163,719 patients who received unilateral TKA were matched to 163,719 patients with bilateral TKA based on PS. The risk of stroke during the study period was lower in patients treated with bilateral TKA than in patients with unilateral TKA (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.79). Patients who received bilateral TKA were at decreased risk of stroke when the following variables were present: advanced age (70-79 years, HR 0.76), female sex (HR 0.75), rural area (HR 0.77), small- or medium-sized hospital (HR 0.75), health insurance (HR 0.77), history of hypertension drug use (HR 0.75), congestive heart failure (HR 0.70), connective tissue disease (HR 0.71), diabetes (HR 0.77), and diabetes with complication (HR 0.76). Conclusions: The risk of stroke was lower in patients treated with bilateral TKA than in patients with unilateral TKA. Patients treated with bilateral TKA were at decreased risk of stroke when the following variables were present: age (70-79 years), female sex, health insurance, history of hypertension drug use, and comorbidities, such as congestive heart failure, connective tissue disease, and diabetes. More importantly, we do state that those with simultaneous bilateral TKA and staged bilateral TKA without discharge could have been healthier. Therefore, those who underwent 2 unilateral TKAs could have been at more risk of stroke, especially in the 2nd unilateral TKA.

PURPOSE: To compare the radiological and clinical outcomes using simple medial meniscus posterior horn (MMPH) root repair using an all-inside meniscal repair device combined with high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and HTO alone. METHODS: Between November 2013 and December 2016, patients treated for MMPH root tear along with HTO were enrolled. Based on the tear gap, the participants were divided into repairable ( 2 mm) categories. The participants in each group were divided into those amenable to simple MMPH root repair using an all-inside meniscal repair device and those that required no procedure for meniscus. Radiological parameters including mechanical femorotibial alignment (MA), posterior tibial slope (PTS) and medial joint-space width (JSW) were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 2 years. For clinical evaluation, the WOMAC score was determined at the 2-year visit postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 81 knees including 48 repairable (group R) and 33 unrepairable (group I) knees were enrolled. A total of 43 knees underwent simple MMPH root repair using an all-inside meniscal repair device (subgroup r), whereas the other 38 knees did not (subgroup n). The MA, PTS, and their postoperative changes as well as the WOMAC scores showed no differences. However, the JSW in group Rr increased from 3.1 to 3.6 mm, but decreased from 3.7 to 3.4 in group Rn, which was a statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: Simple MMPH root repair using an all-inside meniscal repair device combined with HTO was more effective for the maintenance of JSW compared with HTO without a meniscal procedure in patients with repairable MMPH root tear and varus alignment. However, other options are needed for unrepairable MMPH root tear.

Background: Limited data is available regarding the incidence rate and risk factors for stroke associated with unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and bilateral TKA. This study aims to investigate the incidence rate and risk factors of stroke in patients treated with bilateral TKA compared with patients with unilateral TKA.Methods: In this retrospective nationwide cohort study, we compared patients undergoing unilateral TKA or bilateral TKA using data from the Korean National Health Insurance claims database between January 1, 2009 and August 31, 2017 and included patients older than 40 years of age who underwent primary TKA by the index date as documented primary diagnosis and first additional diagnosis without a history of stroke during the preceding 1 year. We used matched Cox regression models to compare the incidence rate and risk factors of newly acquired stroke among patients treated with unilateral TKA or bilateral TKA after propensity score (PS) matching.Results: In the present study, 163,719 patients who received unilateral TKA were matched to163,719 patients with bilateral TKA based on PS. The risk of stroke during the study period was lower in patients treated with bilateral TKA than in patients with unilateral TKA (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.79). Patients who received bilateral TKA were at decreased risk of stroke when the following variables were present: advanced age (70-79 years, HR 0.76), female sex (HR 0.75), rural area (HR 0.77), small- or medium-sized hospital (HR 0.75), health insurance (HR 0.77), history of hypertension drug use (HR 0.75), congestive heart failure (HR 0.70), connective tissue disease (HR 0.71), diabetes (HR 0.77), and diabetes with complication (HR 0.76).Conclusions: The risk of stroke was lower in patients treated with bilateral TKA than in patients with unilateral TKA. Patients treated with bilateral TKA were at decreased risk of stroke when the following variables were present: age (70-79 years), female sex, health insurance, history of hypertension drug use, and comorbidities, such as congestive heart failure, connective tissue disease, and diabetes. More importantly, we do state that those with simultaneous bilateral TKA and staged bilateral TKA without discharge could have been healthier. Therefore, those who underwent 2 unilateral TKAs could have been at more risk of stroke, especially in the 2nd unilateral TKA.

Background Unnecessary costs and complications can be reduced by minimizing blood loss and allogeneic blood transfusion in cases of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study evaluated the effectiveness of bone wax in reducing blood loss and transfusion rates after TKA. Methods A total of 674 consecutive TKAs performed for degenerative osteoarthritis were retrospectively reviewed. Propensity score-matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting analyses were performed for demographics, comorbidities, use of medications, preoperative laboratory findings and radiologic prosthetic coverage of osteotomy surface. In the bone wax group, bone wax (2.5 g) was applied to the uncovered bone section around the prostheses along with the topical administration of tranexamic acid, whereas hemostasis was achieved in the control group with the topical administration of tranexamic acid. Intergroup comparisons of estimated blood loss, decreases in hemoglobin (Hb) levels, and transfusion rates were performed. Results The mean estimated blood loss and volume of postoperative drainage were reduced in the bone wax group. The maximum decreases in Hb levels on postoperative days 1, 3, 5, and 7 were 1.8 ± 0.7 ml, 2.5 ± 0.8 ml, 2.7 ± 0.8 ml, and 2.8 ± 0.8 ml in the bone wax group and 2.1 ± 1.0 ml, 3.0 ± 1.2 ml, 3.1 ± 1.1 ml, and 3.2 ± 1.1 ml in the control group, respectively. The postoperative transfusion rates decreased markedly from 8.8% to 2.0% when bone wax was used. Conclusions The use of bone wax significantly reduced blood loss, decreased Hb levels, and the risk of transfusion. Level of evidence: Level III, Therapeutic studies.

IntroductionAt present, information about clinical efficacy and adverse events of controlled release (CR) form of pelubiprofen, a prodrug of 2-arylopropionic acid with relatively selective effects on cyclooxygenase-2 activity, remains scarce. In this study, we sought to determine non-inferiority of pelubiprofen CR 90 mg/day compared to aceclofenac 200 mg/day regarding clinical efficacy and adverse events after a 4-week course of medication in the patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.Materials and methodsA total of 191 patients were randomly assigned to take either pelubiprofen CR 90 mg (n = 95) or aceclofenac 200 mg (n = 96). The primary outcome variable was non-inferiority of pain reduction between baseline and week 4 when assessed using a 100 mm pain visual analogue scale (VAS). Pelubiprofen was considered non-inferior to aceclofenac if the upper limit of the one-sided 97.5% confidence interval for the difference in terms of pain VAS was above 15 mm (the average change of pain VAS in the pelubiprofen group-pain VAS reduction in the aceclofenac group). Secondary outcome variables were the changes in 100 mm pain VAS at week 2 versus baseline, K-Western Ontario, and McMaster University Arthritis Index (K-WOMAC) changes at weeks 2 and 4 as compared to baseline, patient global assessment at weeks 2 and 4. The frequency and amount of rescue medicine usage at weeks 2 and 4 were also evaluated as the secondary outcome variable. For safety analysis, adverse events, clinical laboratory tests, vital signs, and physical examinations were assessed and conducted at each follow-up visit.ResultsAt week 4, the pain VAS values were significantly reduced in both groups receiving either pelubiprofen CR 90 mg or aceclofenac 200 mg as compared to the baseline. However, the pelubiprofen group and the aceclofenac group respectively showed the pain VAS changes of -22 and -21.9 in the pre-protocol set and -20.8 and -21.7 in the full analysis set, confirming non-inferiority. The pelubiprofen CR 90 mg showed a reduced incidence of adverse events compared to the aceclofenac 200 mg (p = 0.005).ConclusionsPelubiprofen CR 90 mg is as effective as aceclofenac 200 mg with reduced adverse events for the treatment of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding can result from various conditions, including ulcers, neoplasms and infectious enterocolitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of the fecal immunochemical transferrin test compared with the fecal Hb test in various clinical settings.Methods: A total of 1,116 clinical stool specimens submitted for fecal occult blood testing were prospectively examined using both FIT Hb and FIT Tf kits (AlfresaPharma, Japan). To verify the specificity of the two tests, stool specimens from 265 health check-up examinees were also included.Results: A review of medical records revealed that 396 patients had clinical conditions associated with GI bleeding. FIT Hb and FIT Tf results were positive in 156 (39.4%) and 137 (34.6%) cases, respectively, and an additional 194 (49.0%) cases tested positive with either FIT Hb or FIT Tf. The two tests showed a moderate strength of agreement (kappa value; 0.56). Colitis (n=71) was associated with the most GI bleedings, followed by acute gastroenteritis (n=29), GI ulcers (n=27) and GI cancers (n=15). While the first two groups had higher positive rates on FIT Tf, patients in the latter two groups had higher positive rates on FIT Hb. Notably, four of nine specimens from premature babies tested positive only on FIT Tf. The specificity of FIT Hb and FIT Tf was 100% and 99.6%, respectively.Conclusion: Concurrent use of FIT Hb and FIT Tf improved the detection rate of occult GI bleeding, especially in patients with infectious GI disease (such as colitis or gastroenteritis) and in premature babies. (Ann Clin Microbiol 2018;21:51-57)

Osteosynthesis is recommended for Garden I and II femoral neck fracture treatment using parallel partially threaded cannulated screws. Postoperatively, excessive femoral neck shortening (FNS) and posterior tilt of the femoral neck (PTFN) are frequently encountered and are correlated with impaired quality of life and clinical outcomes. We hypothesized that stabilization by parallel partially threaded cannulated screws replacing a posterior partially threaded screw with a fully threaded positioning screw would improve fracture healing without further FNS and PTFN in femoral neck fractures.We retrospectively reviewed Garden I and II femoral neck fractures treated by in situ fixation using parallel cannulated screws at our institution between January 2010 and November 2018. Patients with the applicable fractures were divided according to the utilization of posterior fully threaded screws: patients with partially threaded screws were included in Group C and those with posterior fully threaded screws were included in Group P. Intergroup comparisons were performed based on radiographic measurements that assessed the shortening in two vectors (the horizontal and vertical axes), FNS, and subsequent PTFN.No significant intergroup difference was found in demographics and fracture characteristics, except in the follow-up duration. The mean FNS and shortening in both vectors were significantly smaller in Group P than in Group C (FNS, 5.02 ± 1.31 vs. 8.84 ± 3.48 mm, p0.001; horizontal axis, 4.07 ± 1.06 vs. 6.18 ± 2.77 mm, p0.001; and vertical axis, 2.55 ± 1.68 vs. 5.74 ± 3.41 mm, p 0.001). The mean subsequent PTFN was significantly smaller in Group P (2.21 ± 2.99 vs. 7.56 ± 6.20 mm, p 0.001). A significantly smaller number of patients in Group P had moderate (5-10 mm) or severe (10 mm) FNS and moderate (5-10°) or severe (10°) subsequent PTFN.Parallel cannulated screws replacing a posterior partially threaded screw with a fully threaded positioning screw as a length- and angle-stable construct for Garden I or II femoral neck fracture fixation can prevent femoral neck collapse in both the coronal and axial planes.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and serious complication after hip fracture surgery in older adults. Hypoalbuminemia is a known independent risk factor for AKI. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between early postoperative hypoalbuminemia and AKI after hip fracture surgery. Therefore, we sought to determine the incidence of and risk factors for AKI and the effects of early postoperative hypoalbuminemia on AKI incidence after surgery for hip fractures, especially intertrochanteric fractures of the proximal femur.In this retrospective cohort study from a single center, we reviewed the medical records of 481 consecutive patients (60 years) who underwent surgery for intertrochanteric fracture of the proximal femur. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify independent risk factors for AKI. After determining the cut-off value of the minimal level of postoperative serum albumin during the first two postoperative days, we divided the patients into two groups: group 1 included 251 patients whose minimal early postoperative serum albumin level was2.9 g/dL during the first two postoperative days; and group 2 included 230 patients whose minimal early postoperative serum albumin level was ≥2.9 g/dL. The incidence of AKI was analyzed using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), propensity score matching (PSM), and propensity score matching weighting (PSMW) analyses.The incidence of AKI, defined based on the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria, was 11.8% (n = 57). Chronic kidney disease and the minimal early postoperative serum albumin level2.9 g/dL at any point during the first two postoperative days were independent risk factors for AKI. The IPTW, PSM, and PSMW analyses comparing the incidence of AKI between the two groups revealed that the minimal early postoperative serum albumin level2.9 g/dL was significantly associated with AKI development (P 0.001, P = 0.025, and P = 0.011, respectively).The incidence of postoperative AKI was 11.8%. Our findings demonstrate that early postoperative hypoalbuminemia is an independent risk factor for AKI in patients undergoing surgery for intertrochanteric fracture of the proximal femur.

Arthroscopic partial resection is indicated for patients who have symptomatic discoid meniscus with overall satisfactory clinical outcomes. Reports regarding regeneration of discoid meniscus after arthroscopic surgery are limited. There are only two reports for children in the literature. To the authors’ knowledge, the present study is the first report in the literature to report regeneration of discoid lateral meniscus after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy in an adult patient. The diagnosis was confirmed by both magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopy. Surgeons should be aware that regeneration of discoid meniscus can occur in adult as well as pediatric patients. Level of evidence V.

Background Recent clinical studies have suggested that systemic metal ion levels are significantly elevated at midterm follow-up in patients with ceramic-on-metal (COM) bearing. However, it is not clear whether there is a correlation between patient-related factors including the lifestyle and elevated levels of serum metal ions following COM total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods Serum metal levels were measured in 201 patients (234 hips) including 121 COM patients (140 hips) and 80 non-COM patients (94 hips). The Harris Hip Score, University of California, Los Angeles activity scale score, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score were measured and radiographs were obtained for the analysis. Results Significantly higher levels of cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) were detected in the serum of the COM THA group (Co: 1.86 ± 4.0 μg/L; Cr: 1.81 ± 2.87 μg/L) than those of the non-COM THA group (Co: 0.27 ± 0.14 μg/L; Cr: 0.19 ± 0.25 μg/L; P The serum metal levels of patients who achieved the squatting position and the kneeling position were significantly higher than those of patients who could not squat (Co: P = .033; Cr: P = .074) and kneel (Co: P = .049; Cr: P = .031). The metal ion levels of the COM THA group correlated with the total range of motion (Co: P = .0293; Cr: P = .0399). Conclusion Patients who underwent a 36-mm COM THA showed high serum metal levels although good clinical outcomes at the midterm follow-up. We found that COM THA patients who were capable of greater range of motion, squatting, and kneeling are at risk of metal ion–related problems.

BACKGROUND Although Escherichia coli is a common cause of bacterial enteritis in Korea, reports on community-acquired E. coli enteritis in Korean children are scarce. This study aimed to determine the clinical characteristics and pathotype distribution of community-acquired E. coli enteritis diagnosed by a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay in Korean children. MATERIALS AND METHODS The medical records of children aged 18 years or less who were diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis by the attending physician between 2013 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical characteristics of children diagnosed with E. coli enteritis were investigated and compared with those diagnosed with Salmonella enteritis. E. coli and Salmonella infections were diagnosed by a stool PCR assay. RESULTS Among 279 children, in whom PCR assays for E. coli and Salmonella spp. were performed, Salmonella enteritis and E. coli enteritis were diagnosed in 43 (15.4%) and 39 (14.0%) children, respectively. Among the 39 children with E. coli enteritis, enteropathogenic E. coli (n=21, 53.8%) and enteroaggregative E. coli (n=15, 38.4%) were the most common causative agents. Empirical antibiotics were administered to 33 (84.6%) children. A total of 31 (79.5%) children developed fever, and 25 (80.6%) of them had the fever for 3 days or less, which resolved a median of 1 day (range 0-3 days) after hospitalization. The most frequent gastrointestinal symptom was diarrhea (n=36, 92.3%). Significantly more children with E. coli enteritis were aged 2 years or less as compared with those with Salmonella enteritis (41.0% vs. 21.9%, P = 0.021). Children with Salmonella enteritis more frequently complained of fever (97.7% vs. 79.5%, P = 0.012), abdominal pain (90.7% vs. 64.1%, P = 0.004), and hematochezia (46.5% vs. 10.3%, P

The purpose of this study was to assess post-operative patient subjective satisfaction and to analyze associated peri-operative factors following biplanar medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). The study cohort consisted of 88 patients with a minimum of two years of follow-up. Patient satisfaction was evaluated with a questionnaire that assessed (1) overall satisfaction, (2) pain relief, (3) daily living functions, and (4) cosmesis. Patients were categorized into two groups (satisfied or unsatisfied) based on overall satisfaction questionnaire. Pre- and post-operative objective clinical statuses were assessed with a knee scoring system based on the American Knee Society (AKS), the Western Ontario McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and range of motion. Of the 88 patients, 85.2% were graded as satisfied according to the overall satisfaction estimation. The percentage of patients satisfied with pain relief, daily living functions, and cosmesis were 85.2%, 86.4%, and 86.4%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that pre-operative Hip-Knee-Ankle angle (HKAA) (odds ratio (OR) = 1.812), post-operative AKS knee score (OR = 1.156), and post-operative HKAA (OR = 0.717) were significantly associated with overall satisfaction. Pre-operative HKAA (OR = 1.436), post-operative WOMAC activity score (OR = 0.865), and post-operative HKAA (OR = 0.505) were significant predictors for satisfaction with pain reduction, daily living functions, and cosmesis, respectively. Biplanar medial OWHTO is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis with varus deformity in terms of subjective satisfactory outcome. Several factors, including pre- and post-operative HKAA, post-operative AKS and WOMAC score, were significant predictors for subjective satisfaction. Level of evidence: Level III

Objectives Although both clinical and biomechanical studies suggest that cephalomedullary implants have a mechanical advantage over extramedullary implants, a high rate of complications or implant failure remains in elderly patients with osteoporosis. In an attempt to address some of these challenges, new implants with improved designs named proximal femoral nail antirotation II (PFNA II) and Zimmer natural nail (ZNN) were developed for elderly patients. Although the PFNA II reportedly has good clinical outcomes, it is unclear which implant achieves better safety and efficacy for treating intertrochanteric hip fractures. The primary objective of this prospective, randomized trial involved 353 patients was to evaluate Harris Hip Score (HHS). The secondary objective was to compare results associated with clinical outcome such as operation time, fluoroscopy time, lateral hip pain, walking ability, and reoperation rate as well as the incidence of cut-out by using implant position and fracture reduction quality. Methods 353 patients with an intertrochanteric fracture amenable to either ZNN implant or PFNA II with a mean age of 77.0 years and a mean follow-up period of 12.3 months were included. We analyzed 353 patients with an intertrochanteric fracture treated using a ZNN implant (n = 172, group I) or a PFNA II (n = 181, group II) between January 2011 and August 2014. Results There were no significant inter-group differences in HHS, walking ability, and reoperation rate were observed. However, operation and fluoroscopy time were significantly different between the two groups as well as group I showed a higher incidence of lateral hip pain than group II. In addition, no significant inter-group differences in cut-out rate determined by implant position and fracture reduction quality. We also found that cut-out was associated with lag screw position in the femoral head measured by Tip-apex distance (TAD) but not with reduction quality. Conclusions Although group I had significant longer operation and fluoroscopy time than group II, both implants are useful tools in the treatment of elderly intertrochanteric fractures as well as only TAD, but not Cleveland zone significantly correlated with lag screw cut-out.

A new instrument system has been introduced to improve the accuracy and reproducibility of implant positioning in Oxford® unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). This study aimed to determine if the new instrumentation could improve postoperative implant positioning and limb alignment, and reduce the occurrence of outliers in Oxford® UKA.A total of 77 cases of Oxford® UKA with the new instrumentation were included. Individual matching for the conventional instrument group was performed according to age, sex, and body mass index. Postoperative radiological variables, including the hip-knee-ankle angle and the varus/valgus and flexion/extension angles of the femoral and tibial implants, were measured and compared between the new instrumentation group and the conventional group. The outliers in implant positions and postoperative complications were also compared.No significant between-group differences were observed in terms of lower limb alignment and tibial implant alignment. However, statistically significant differences were identified in the varus/valgus and flexion/extension angles of the femoral implant (P=0.01 and P0.001, respectively). More outliers were observed in the flexion/extension angles of the femoral and tibial implants in the new instrumentation group. Eight meniscal bearing dislocations and three lateral compartmental degenerative changes were found in the conventional group, while there were two meniscal bearing dislocations in the new instrumentation group during the study period.The present study did not confirm any benefit of the new instrument system in terms of postoperative limb alignment, positioning of the implant, or reducing outliers beyond the use of the conventional instruments.

Background Tetanus-reduced dose diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination during adolescence was introduced in response to the resurgence of pertussis in various countries. A new Tdap vaccine was manufactured in Korea as a countermeasure against a predicted Tdap vaccine shortage. This study was performed to evaluate the immunogenicity, safety, and protection efficacy against Bordetella pertussis of the new Tdap vaccine in a murine model. Methods Four-week-old BABL/c mice were used for assessment of immunogenicity and protection efficacy. A single dose of primary diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine was administered, followed by a single dose of Tdap booster vaccine after a 12-week interval. Anti-pertussis toxin (PT), anti-filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), and anti-pertactin (PRN) IgG titers were measured before primary vaccination, and before and after booster vaccination. An intranasal challenge test was performed after booster vaccination to determine protection efficacy. To assess safety, mouse weight gain test and leukocytosis promotion test were performed using 4-week-old ddY female mice. Results Anti-PT and anti-FHA IgG titers after booster vaccination were significantly higher than those before booster vaccination with either the new vaccine or a commercially available Tdap vaccine (P = 0.01 for all occasions). After booster vaccination, no significant difference was observed between the two vaccines in antibody titers against pertussis antigens (P = 0.53 for anti-PT IgG, P = 0.91 for anti-FHA IgG, P = 0.39 for anti-PRN IgG). In the intranasal challenge test, inoculated B. pertussis was eradicated 7 days after infection. On days 4 and 7 after infection, colony counts of B. pertussis were not significantly different between the new and positive control vaccine groups (P = 1.00). Mean body weight changes and leukocyte counts of the new vaccine, positive control, and negative control groups were not significantly different 7 days after vaccination (P = 0.87 and P = 0.37, respectively). All leukocyte counts in the new vaccine group were within a mean ± 3 standard deviations range. Conclusions A murine model involving a single dose primary DTaP vaccination followed by a single dose Tdap booster vaccination can be used for non-clinical studies of Tdap vaccines. The new Tdap vaccine manufactured in Korea exhibited comparable immunogenicity, protection efficacy, and safety with a commercially available Tdap vaccine.

Background This prospective study was performed to evaluate serotype distribution, multilocus sequence typing, and antibiotic susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae identified in Korean children with acute otitis media (AOM) after the introduction of a 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7). Methods Nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected from children diagnosed with AOM in seven hospitals in Korea. The bacteria identified in these samples and the serotypes, sequence types (STs), and antibiotic susceptibilities of S. pneumoniae isolates were evaluated. Results A total of 390 children were enrolled, and bacteria were identified in 376 (96.4%) children. S. pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis were identified in 155 (39.7%), 127 (32.6%) and 86 (22.1%) children, respectively. Serotype 19A (22.4%) was the most common S. pneumoniae serotype, with serogroups 11 (14.7%) and 15 (13.5%) following. ST320 (23.5%) was the most common ST; ST166 (17.0%) and ST83 (8.5%) followed. The overall susceptibility rates of S. pneumoniae to oral penicillin V and amoxicillin/clavulanate were 2.6% and 53.2%, respectively. The susceptibility rate to cefditoren was 91.0%; however, the rates for other cephalosporins were less than 10.0%. Compared with other serogroups, S. pneumoniae serogroups 19, 11, and 15 showed significantly lower susceptibility rates to all the antibiotics tested. Conclusion S. pneumoniae serotype 19A, serogroups 11 and 15 were the major nasopharyngeal-colonizing bacteria in Korean children with AOM after the introduction of PCV7. These relatively prevalent serotype/serogroups showed lower antibiotic susceptibility rates.

To promote rapid bone healing, an adequate stable fixation implant with a percutaneous reduction instrument should be used for Vancouver type B1 or C fractures. The objective of this study was to describe radiographic and clinical outcomes of patients with periprosthetic fracture (PPF) around a stable femoral stem, treated with a distal femoral locking plate alone or with a cerclage cable. A total of 21 patients with PPF amenable to either a reverse distal femoral locking plate (LCP DF®) alone or with a cerclage cable, with a mean age of 75.7 years, were included. In these patients, ten fractures were treated with a reverse LCP DF® alone and were classified as group I, and 11 additionally received a cerclage cable and were classified as group II. Group II had a significantly longer operation time (P = 0.019) than group I and included one patient with nonunion at the final 24-month follow-up visit after the initial fracture reduction. However, this difference in nonunion rate for the two groups is more likely to inappropriate indications than surgical techniques. When comparing the stability of the fractures in both groups, there was no statistically significant difference, which might be attributed to the stable fixed-angle implant.

Background: Tunnel widening (TW) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction can be a serious complication, and there is controversy over how to prevent it. This study aimed to suggest surgical approaches to prevent TW using an allo-Achilles tendon graft, and then to evaluate TW after these surgical tips were applied. Materials and Methods: Sixty two patients underwent ACL reconstruction with an allo-Achilles tendon graft. Four surgical approaches were used: Making a tibial tunnel by bone impaction, intraarticular reamer application, bone portion application for the femoral tunnel, and an additional bone plug application for the tibial tunnel. After more than 1-year, followup radiographs including anteroposterior and lateral views were taken in 29 patients encompassing thirty knees. The diameter of the tunnels at postoperation day 1 (POD1) and at followup was measured and compared. Results: In 18 knees (60%), there were no visible femoral tunnel margins on the radiographs at POD1 or followup. In the other 12 cases, which had visible femoral tunnel margins on followup radiographs, the mean femoral tunnel diameter was 8.6 mm. In the tibial tunnel, the mean diameters did not increase on all three levels (proximal, middle, and distal), and there was no statistically significant difference between the diameters at POD1 and followup. Conclusion: The suggested tips for surgery involving an allo-Achilles tendon graft can effectively prevent TW after ACL reconstruction according to this case series. These surgical tips can prevent TW.

Purpose To evaluate the clinical effects of hyaluronic acid (HA), steroids, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), or adipose mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) injections in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods Randomized controlled trials with OA of the knee that compared HA, steroids, PRP, adipose MSC, or their combination with placebo or in head-to-head combination were identified from the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases up to June 30, 2019. We performed a network meta-analysis of the relevant literature to determine whether there was benefit from HA, steroids, PRP, or adipose MSC treatment as compared with placebo. Results A total of 43 trials covering 5554 patients were included. Steroids were ranked most likely to be effective for the management of pain or function, with adipose MSC and multiple PRP appearing least likely to be effective. Although no significant difference was observed among the 6 interventions, except for single PRP with respect to adverse effects, steroids and HA exhibited a lower rate of AEs compared with the placebo. In view of severe adverse effects, only single PRP was superior to placebo. Direct pairwise meta-analysis for pain relief showed that HA was superior to placebo or single PRP, but steroids had a significantly worse effect than single PRP. In addition, direct pairwise meta-analysis for adverse effects favored steroids in comparison to HA. Conclusions The ranking statistics like surface under the cumulative ranking curve values of our network meta-analysis support the use of steroids and HA for appropriate patients with knee OA. For pain relief and AEs, steroids are most likely the best treatment, followed by HA. Single PRP, multiple PRP, and adipose MSC interventions do not result in a relevant reduction of joint pain nor improvement of joint function compared with placebo. However, treatment effect differences were small and potentially not clinically meaningful, indicating that other factors, such as cost and patient preferences, may be more important in patients with knee OA. Level of Evidence meta-analysis of non-homogenous randomized controlled trials, Level II