Penetrating cerebral injuries caused by foreign bodies occur rarely due to the substantial mechanical protection offered by the skull. Throughout most of history, the brain, residing in a "closed box" of bone, has not been vulnerable to external aggression. Recently, we encountered a serious penetrating craniocerebral injury caused by a nail gun. Total excision of the offending nail via emergency craniotomy was performed, but the patient's neurologic status was not improved in spite of aggressive rehabilitative treatment. Here, we report on this troublesome case in light of a review of the relevant literature.
The purpose of this case study was to use Korean medicine to treat posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fracture. The patient suffered left knee pain resulting from an avulsion fracture and was hospitalized for 59 days and treated with acupuncture and traditional Korean medicine. The effect of the treatment was evaluated using the Numerical Rate Scale, the Western Ontario and McMaster universities Osteoarthritis Index, and the European Quality of Life Five Dimensions. Following treatment of the pain in the left knee, scores for Numerical Rate Scale, Western Ontario and McMaster universities Osteoarthritis Index, and European Quality of Life Five Dimensions were improved. This study suggested that Korean Medicine could be an effective treatment for posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fractures. Further studies are needed to substantiate this conclusion.
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