• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제37권6호
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• pp.422-426
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• 2005

Objective: Different types of interbody fusion cages are available for use in the surgical treatment of degenerative cervical diseases. The purpose of this study is to assess the technical feasibility, clinical efficacy and radiological results of intervertebral fusion with a carbon composite Osta-Pek frame cage (Co-Ligne AG, Switzerland) following anterior cervical discectomy. Methods: 41 patients (25males and 16females) with minimum 6months follow-up were included in the study. Disc height, cervical lordotic angle, segmental angle, and fusion rate were assessed by lateral radiographs. In this retrospective analysis, clinical outcome was assessed as evaluated according to Odom's criteria. Results: Fifty-four cages were implanted in 30 single-level, 9 two-level, and 2 three-level procedures. The mean disc height, cervical lordosis angle, segmental angle were $4.2{\pm}1.8mm,\;23.5{\pm}7.2^{\circ},\;2.3{\pm}3.3^{\circ}$ pre-operatively and $5.3{\pm}2.1mm,\;24.2{\pm}8.3^{\circ},\;3.8{\pm}3.5^{\circ}$ at 6months after the surgery. Six months after surgery, there was radiographic evidence of fusion in 92.7% (38/41) of the patients. According to Odom's criteria, 37 of 41 (90.2%) patients experienced good to excellent functional recovery. Conclusion: These clinical and radiological results suggest that the carbon composite Osta-Pek frame cages are safe and effective alternative to autologous bone graft after anterior cervical discectomy for treatment of degenerative cervical disease.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• 제14권1호
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• pp.209-219
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• 1997

포항 성모병원 정형외과에서 실시한 경추 전방유합술 및 A-O금속판 고정술을 병행하여 치료하고 13개월이상(평균 20개월) 추시가 가능하였던 경추 추간판 탈출증 환자 11례 및 외상환자 3례를 대상으로 관찰하여 다음과 같은 결과를 얻었다. 1. 경추 추간판 탈출 환자 11례 중 상지 방사통을 호소한 경우가 8례이었으며 감각 둔화 및 근력약화를 호소한 환자가 3례이었다. 2. 외상의 기전으로는 굴곡 회전손상 3례이었다. 3. 고정범위는 1개 분절고정이 12례, 두개 분절고정이 2례이었으며 술후 분절수에 관계없이 필라델피아 보조기를 이용해 조기 보행을(평균 2일) 시작하였으며 이러한 조기 보행으로 인한 불편함의 호소는 없었다. 4. 골유합은 이종골을 사용한 1례에서의 불유합을 보였으나, 동종골을 사용한 13례에서는 전례 모두 유합(평균 12주)을 보임으로 이종골 보다는 동종골의 이식에서 높은 유합율을 보였다. 5. 추간판 탈출환자 전례에서 증상의 호전이 있었으며 불완전 마비가 있었던 외상환자 3례에서도 술후 추시 기간 중 Frankel분류상 B에서 C등급으로 호전되었다. 6. 술후 합병증은 금속판 파열 1례 및 일시적인 사성 2례를 제외한 환부 혈종이나 나사못 파열 등의 다른 합병증은 관찰되지 않았다. 이상의 결과를 종합해 보면 전방 도달법에 의한 전방유합술 및 물림나사와 금속판을 이용해 시술한 경추 추간판 탈출증 및 외상 환자에 있어서 수술적 치료가 안전하고 압박된 신경에 대한 감압, 충분한 안정성 확보로 인한 외고정 기간의 단축 및 신속한 골유합을 기대할 수 있는 방법이며 기존의 금속판과 달리 후방 피질골을 관통하지 않기 때문에 척수의 손상을 피할수 있으며 수술중 방사선 피폭량도 줄일수 있어 권장할 만한 방법으로 사료된다.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제52권2호
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• pp.107-113
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• 2012

Objective : Various procedures have been introduced for anterior interbody fusion in degenerative cervical disc disease including plate systems with autologous iliac bone, carbon cages, and cylindrical cages. However, except for plate systems, the long-term results of other methods have not been established. In the present study, we evaluated radiologic findings for cylindrical cervical cages over long-term follow up periods. Methods : During 4 year period, radiologic findings of 138 patients who underwent anterior cervical fusion with cylindrical cage were evaluated at 6, 12, 24, and 36 postoperative months using plain radiographs. We investigated subsidence, osteophyte formation (anterior and posterior margin), cage direction change, kyphotic angle, and bone fusion on each radiograph. Results : Among the 138 patients, a minimum of 36 month follow-up was achieved in 99 patients (mean follow-up : 38.61 months) with 115 levels. Mean disc height was 7.32 mm for preoperative evaluations, 9.00 for immediate postoperative evaluations, and 4.87 more than 36 months after surgery. Osteophytes were observed in 107 levels (93%) of the anterior portion and 48 levels (41%) of the posterior margin. The mean kyphotic angle was $9.87^{\circ}$ in 35 levels showing cage directional change. There were several significant findings : 1) related subsidence [T-score (p=0.039) and anterior osteophyte (p=0.009)], 2) accompanying posterior osteophyte and outcome (p=0.05). Conclusion : Cage subsidence and osteophyte formation were radiologically observed in most cases. Low T-scores may have led to subsidence and kyphosis during bone fusion although severe neurologic aggravation was not found, and therefore cylindrical cages should be used in selected cases.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제46권5호
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• pp.511-511
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• 2009

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제62권1호
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• pp.83-89
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• 2019

Objective : This study is a retrospective cost-benefit analysis of cervical anterior interbody fusion and cervical artificial disc replacement, which are the main surgical methods to treat degenerative cervical disc disease. Methods : We analyzed 156 patients who underwent anterior cervical disc fusion and cervical artificial disc replacement from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2009, diagnosed with degenerative cervical disc disorder. In this study, the costs and benefits were analyzed by using quality adjusted life year (QALY) as the outcome index for patients undergoing surgery, and a Markov model was used for the analysis. Only direct medical costs were included in the analysis; indirect medical costs were excluded. Data were analyzed with TreeAge Pro $2015^{TM}$ (TreeAge Software, Inc, Williamstown, MA, USA). Results : Patients who underwent cervical anterior fusion had a total cost of KRW 2501807/USD 2357 over 5 years and obtained a utility of 3.72 QALY. Patients who underwent cervical artificial disc replacement received 4.18 QALY for a total of KRW 3685949/USD 3473 over 5 years. The cumulative cost-effectiveness ratio of cervical spine replacement surgery was KRW 2549511/QALY (USD 2402/QALY), which was lower than the general Korean payment standard. Conclusion : Both cervical anterior fusion and cervical artificial disc replacement are cost-effective treatments for patients with degenerative cervical disc disease. Cervical artificial disc replacement may be an effective alternative to obtain more benefits.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제42권5호
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• pp.367-370
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• 2007

Objective : There are numerous reports on the primary stabilizing effects of the different cervical cages for cervical radiculopathy. But, little is known about the subsidence which may be clinical problem postoperatively. The goal of this study is to evaluate subsidence of cage and investigate the correlation between radiologic subsidence and clinical outcome. Methods : To assess possible subsidence, the authors investigated clinical and radiological results of the one-hundred patients who underwent anterior cervical fusion by using $AMSLU^{TM}$ cage during the period between January 2003 and June 2005. Preoperative and postoperative lateral radiographs were measured for height of intervertebral disc space where cages were placed intervertebral disc space was measured by dividing the sum of anterior, posterior, and midpoint interbody distance by 3. Follow-up time was 6 to 12 months. Subsidence was defined as any change in at least one of our parameters of at least 3 mm. Results : Subsidence was found in 22 patients (22%). The mean value of subsidence was 2.21 mm, and mean subsidence rate was 22%. There were no cases of the clinical status deterioration during the follow-up period No posterior or anterior migration was observed. Conclusion : The phenomenon of subsidence is seen in substantial number of patients. Nevertheless, clinical and radiological results of the surgery were favorable. An excessive subsidence may result in hardware failure. Endplate preservation may enables us to control subsidence and reduce the number of complications.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제54권3호
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• pp.189-193
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• 2013

Objective : It remains debatable whether cervical spine fusion cages should be filled with any kind of bone or bone substitute. Cortical and subcortical bone from the anterior and posterior osteophytes of the segment could be used to fill the cage. The purposes of the present study are to evaluate the clinical outcomes and radiological outcomes including bone fusion and subsidence that occurred after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion using a stand-alone cage packed with local autobone graft. Methods : Thirty-one patients who underwent anterior cervical fusion using a stand-alone polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage packed with local autobone graft from July 2009 to december 2011 were enrolled in this study. Bone fusion was assessed by cervical plain radiographs and computed tomographic scan. Nonunion was evaluated according to the absence of bony bridge on computed tomographic scan. Subsidence was defined as a ${\geq}2$ mm decrease of the interbody height at the final follow-up compared to that measured at the immediate postoperative period. Results : Subsidence was observed in 7 patients (22.6%). Of 7 patients with subsidence greater 2 mm, nonunion was developed in 3. Three patients with subsidence greater 2 mm were related with endplate damage during intraoperative endplate preparation. Solid bone fusion was achieved in 28 out of 31 patients (90.3%). Conclusion : With proper patient selection and careful endplate preparation, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using a stand-alone PEEK cage packed with local autobone graft could be a good alternative to the standard ACDF techniques with plating.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제29권8호
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• pp.1043-1049
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• 2000

Objective : This study was undertaken to evaluate the availability of allogenic fibular bone graft filled with autogenous bone dust in anterior cervical fusion after cervical discectomy. Methods : During a 4-year period(1995-1998), twenty four cases of anterior cervical fusion after discectomy were performed with fibular allograft filled with autogenous bone dust in degenerative cervical disease. We used freeze-dried fibular allograft and autogenous bone dust. Autogenous bone dust obtained from spondylotic spurs, osteophytes, and during foraminotomy. Cervical plating system was done at 8 patients. 5 patients were 1 level and 3 patients were 2 levels. All patients were routinely evaluated after surgery at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 5 months and 12 months. Mean follow-up period was 21months. Results : Eighty eight percent of the patients were found to have excellent or good clinical results. Radiographic follow-up revealed that 92% of the patients obtained complete or partial union by 5 months after surgery. One patient had graft extrusion immediately after surgery and had the graft reinserted. Two patients had longitudinal graft fractures. There were no graft related complications. Conclusion : Fibular allograft filled with autogenous bone dust for cervical interbody fusion after discectomy is an ideal graft material by showing obvious benefits of good fusion rate and elimination of donor site complications. And also we were able to obtain satisfactory clinical outcome.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제53권1호
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• pp.6-12
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• 2013

Objective : This consecutive retrospective study was designed to analyze and to compare the efficacy and outcomes of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using a fibular and femur allograft with anterior cervical plating. Methods : A total of 88 consecutive patients suffering from cervical degenerative disc disease (DDD) who were treated with ACDF from September 2007 to August 2010 were enrolled in this study. Thirty-seven patients (58 segments) underwent anterior interbody fusion with a femur allograft, and 51 patients (64 segments) were treated with a fibular allograft. The mean follow-up period was 16.0 (range, 12-25) months in the femur group and 19.5 (range, 14-39) months in the fibular group. Cage fracture and breakage, subsidence rate, fusion rate, segmental angle and height and disc height were assessed by using radiography. Clinical outcomes were assessed using a visual analog scale and neck disability index. Results : At 12 months postoperatively, cage fracture and breakage had occurred in 3.4% (2/58) and 7.4% (4/58) of the patients in the femur group, respectively, and 21.9% (14/64) and 31.3% (20/64) of the patients in the fibular group, respectively (p<0.05). Subsidence was noted in 43.1% (25/58) of the femur group and in 50.5% (32/64) of the fibular group. No difference in improvements in the clinical outcome between the two groups was observed. Conclusion : The femur allograft showed good results in subsidence and radiologic parameters, and sustained the original cage shape more effectively than the fibular allograft. The present study suggests that the femur allograft may be a good choice as a fusion substitute for the treatment of cervical DDD.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제30권sup1호
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• pp.55-60
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• 2001

Objective : The purpose of the present study was to examine neurologic changes, fusion rate and degree of kyphosis from the surgical results of those patients who underwent multi-level anterior interbody fusion and internal fixation. Methods : Among 63 cases of the patients who received multi-level anterior interbody fusion and internal fixation in 5 years between 1995 to 1999 at the neurosurgery department, we performed a retrospective study in 52 cases that could be followed up with dynamic view imaging ; the results were compared and analyzed. The analysis was based on the results of history taking, physical findings and radiologic findings, and Odom criteria were used to classify those cases with neurologic changes. Results : Among those 52 cases in whom the follow-up was possible for at least a year and dynamic view imaging was possible, bone fusion was seen in 93% of the trauma cases and 95% in the non-trauma cases and overall bone fusion was observed in 94% of the cases. Bone fusion was seen in 93% of the autobone cases, 95% of the allobone cases, and 94% of the Mesh cases. Radiologic changes were observed by comparing the lateral view after surgery ; kyphosis was seen in 53% of the autobone cases, in 70% of the allobone cases, and in 35% of Mesh cases ; in 45% and 60% of the non-trauma cases and trauma cases, respectively ; and in 55% of the 2 level fusion cases and 46% of the 3 level fusion cases. Neurologic changes classified according to Odom criteria showed excellent result in 48% of all the cases, good in 23%, fair in 4%, and poor in 25%. Conclusion : Even those cases with multi-level fusion, a high fusion rate could be obtained by performing anterior interbody fusion and internal fixation ; those cases with kyphosis were related more with the presence or absence of posterior compartment injury rather than the fusion level ; and those trauma cases showed not much difference in the fusion rate compared with non-trauma cases but had a high possibility of kyphosis.