• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제24권3호
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• pp.224-234
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• 2023

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a standard imaging modality for diagnosing spinal stenosis, which is a common degenerative disorder in the elderly population. Standardized interpretation of spinal MRI for diagnosing and grading the severity of spinal stenosis is necessary to ensure correct communication with clinicians and to conduct clinical research. In this review, we revisit the Lee grading system for central canal and neural foraminal stenosis of the cervical and lumbar spine, which are based on the pathophysiology and radiologic findings of spinal stenosis.

• Applied Microscopy
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• 제27권2호
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• pp.177-187
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• 1997

Hydrocephalus is induced experimentally in prenatal and suckling animals following an injection of 6-aminonicotinamide (6-AN). The most remarkable characteristic of these animals is aqueduct stenosis caused by swellings of the ependymal cells and subependymal cells in the periaqueductal gray matter and the central canal of the spinal cord. The present study was undertaken to investigate the morphological changes of the ependymal cells in the central canal of the spinal cord of 3.5 months old hamster after treatment with 6-AN. Intraperitoneal administrations of 6-AN (10 mg/kg body weight) every two days gave rise to partial central canal stenosis of the spinal cord after 27-29 days (13-l4th injection), but cilia and microvilli were located in the strictural area of the con#rat canal. The vacuolations in the ependymal cells were not observed and degenerating changes of intracellular organelles of the ependymal cells did not occur, so that the ependymal cells lining the central canal of the hamster spinal cord were not affected by 6-AN. But the present study demonstrate that 6-AN causes to create numerous vacuoles in the subependymal area of the central canal. Although the vacuoles were well developed in the neuroglial cells and the neuropils of the subependymal area, the neurons were not affected by 6-AN. These results strongly suggests that partial central canal stenosis occurred by 6-AN was due to vacuolations and swellings of the neuroglial cells and nueropils in the subependymal area.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제56권3호
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• pp.206-210
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• 2014

Objective : Lumbar spinal stenosis is a common degenerative spine disease that requires surgical intervention. Currently, there is interest in minimally invasive surgery and various technical modifications of decompressive lumbar laminectomy without fusion. The purpose of this study was to present the author's surgical technique and results for decompression of spinal stenosis. Methods : The author performed surgery in 57 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis between 2006 and 2010. Data were gathered retrospectively via outpatient interviews and telephone questionnaires. The operation used in this study was named central decompressive laminoplasty (CDL), which allows thorough decompression of the lumbar spinal canal and proximal two foraminal nerve roots by undercutting the lamina and facet joint. Kyphotic prone positioning on elevated curvature of the frame or occasional use of an interlaminar spreader enables sufficient interlaminar working space. Pain was measured with a visual analogue scale (VAS). Surgical outcome was analyzed with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Data were analyzed preoperatively and six months postoperatively. Results : The interlaminar window provided by this technique allowed for unhindered access to the central canal, lateral recess, and upper/lower foraminal zone, with near-total sparing of the facet joint. The VAS scores and ODI were significantly improved at six-month follow-up compared to preoperative levels (p<0.001, respectively). Excellent pain relief (>75% of initial VAS score) of back/buttock and leg was observed in 75.0% and 76.2% of patients, respectively. Conclusion : CDL is easily applied, allows good field visualization and decompression, maintains stability by sparing ligament and bony structures, and shows excellent early surgical results.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제6권3호
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• pp.75-80
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• 2003

Lumbar spinal stenosis results from the progressive combined narrowing of the central spinal canal, the neurorecesses, and the neuroforaminal canals. In the absence of prior surgery, tumor, or infection, the spinal canal may become narrowed by bulging or protrusion of the intervertebral disc annulus, herniation of the nucleus pulposis posteriorly, thickening of the posterior longitudinal ligament, hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum, epidural fat deposition, spondylosis of the intervertebral disc margins, or a combination of two or more of the above factors. Patients with spinal stenosis become symptomatic when pain, motor weakness, paresthesia, or other neurologic compromise causes distress. In one case, we administrated oriental medical treatment with acupuncture treatment and herb-medicine. Oriental medical treatment showed desirable effect on lumbar spinal stenosis.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제33권1호
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• pp.40-47
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• 2020

Background: Duloxetine is an antidepressant that is also useful in chronic neuropathic and central origin pain. In this study, the role of duloxetine in decreasing acute postoperative pain after lumbar canal stenosis surgery is explored. Methods: In this single center, triple blinded, and placebo-controlled trial, 96 patients were randomized for statistical analysis. The intervention group received oral duloxetine 30 mg once a day (OD) for 2 days before surgery, 60 mg OD from the day of surgery to the postoperative second day and 30 mg OD for the next 2 days (a total duration of 7 days). A placebo capsule was given in the other group for a similar time and schedule. The same standard perioperative analgesia protocols were followed in both groups. Results: Total morphine consumption up to 24 hours was significantly decreased in the duloxetine group (P < 0.01). The time to the first analgesia requirement was similar in both groups but the time to the second and third dose of rescue analgesia increased significantly in the duloxetine group. The time to ambulation was decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in the duloxetine group as compared to the placebo group. Pain scores remained similar during most of the time interval. No significant difference was observed in the complication rate and patient satisfaction score recorded. Conclusions: Duloxetine reduces postoperative pain after lumbar canal stenosis surgery with no increase in adverse effects.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제54권1호
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• pp.68-70
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• 2013

A 39-year old female presented with chronic spinal subdural hematoma manifesting as low back pain and radiating pain from both legs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed spinal subdural hematoma (SDH) extending from L4 to S2 leading to severe central spinal canal stenosis. One day after admission, she complained of nausea and severe headache. Computed tomography of the brain revealed chronic SDH associated with midline shift. Intracranial chronic SDH was evacuated through two burr holes. Back pain and radiating leg pain derived from the spinal SDH diminished about 2 weeks after admission and spinal SDH was completely resolved on MRI obtained 3 months after onset. Physicians should be aware of such a condition and check the possibility of concurrent cranial SDH in patients with spinal SDH, especially with non-traumatic origin.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제63권6호
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• pp.747-756
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• 2020

Objective : To evaluate the effectiveness and long-term outcome predictors of percutaneous sacroplasty (PSP). Methods : This single-center study assessed 40 patients with sacral insufficiency fractures using the short-axis technique under C-arm flat-panel detector computed tomography (CT). Two radiologists reviewed the patients' magnetic resonance and CT images to obtain imaging findings before PSP and determine technical success, respectively. The short-term outcomes were visual analog scale score changes and opioid usage reductions. Long-term outcomes were determined using telephone interviews and the North American Spine Society (NASS) patient-satisfaction index at least one year after PSP. Results : Technical success was achieved without any significant complications in 39 patients (97.5%). Telephone interviews were possible with 12 patients and failed in 10 patients; death was confirmed in 18 patients. Fifteen patients (50%) re-visited the hospital and received conservative treatment, including spinal injections. Nine patients reported positive satisfaction (NASS patient-satisfaction index 1 or 2), while the negative satisfaction group (NASS patient-satisfaction index 3 or 4, n=3) showed a higher incidence of compression fractures at the thoracolumbar spine level (66.7% vs. 22.2%) and previous spinal injection history (66.7% vs. 33.3%). The poor response group also showed higher incidences of facet joint arthrosis (100% vs. 55.6%), central canal stenosis (100% vs. 22.2%), neural foraminal stenosis (33.3% vs. 22.2%), scoliosis (100% vs. 33.3%), and sagittal malalignment (100% vs. 44.4%). Conclusion : PSP was effective for sacral insufficiency fractures and showed good long-term outcomes. Combined compression fractures in the thoracolumbar spine and degenerative lumbar pathologies could be possible poor outcome predictors.

• 대한영상의학회지
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• 제83권1호
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• pp.102-111
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• 2022

목적 요추 중심부 협착증(central lumbar spinal stenosis; 이하 CLSS)에 대하여 Lee grading system과 외과적 수술과의 상관관계를 평가하고 이것이 CLSS에 대하여 치료 방법을 정하기 위한 의사 결정 도구로 사용될 수 있는지 평가하고자 하였다. 대상과 방법 이 후향적 연구에는 290명의 환자가 포함되었다(남:여 = 156:134; 평균 연령, 46 ± 16세). 영상의학과 전문의들은 CLSS를 4등급으로 분류하는 Lee grading system에 따라 협착 지점에서 CLSS의 유무와 등급을 평가했다. Spearman 순위 상관관계를 사용하여 Lee의 등급과 수술 시행 여부 간의 상관 계수를 계산했다. 결과 수술을 시행한 환자에서 2등급이 가장 흔했고(50%-58%), 3등급이 다음으로 흔했으며(35%), 0등급이 가장 흔하지 않았다(2%-3%). 수술을 받지 않은 환자의 경우 1등급이 가장 흔했고(63%-65%), 0등급이 그 다음(15%-16%), 3등급이 가장 흔하지 않았다(8%). 등급 분포는 수술 치료군과 비수술 치료군 사이에서 유의하게 차이가 있었다(p < 0.001). 수술을 받은 환자의 25% 미만에서 0과 1등급이 있었던 반면 2등급과 3등급이 88% 이상이었다. 등급과 수술 사이에 중간 정도(moderate)의 상관관계가 있었다(r_s = 0.632 and r_s = 0.583). 결론 Lee grading system은 수술적 치료 시행과 중간 정도의 상관관계가 있었다. Lee grading system은 CLSS의 치료 방법 결정에서 유용하게 사용할 수 있다.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제65권1호
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• pp.74-83
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• 2022

Objective : Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) is a surgical technique that utilizes a large interbody cage to indirectly decompress neural elements. The position of the cage relative to the vertebral body could affect the degree of foraminal decompression. Previous studies determined the position of the cage using plain radiographs, with conflicting results regarding the influence of the position of the cage to the degree of neural foramen decompression. Because of the cage obliquity, computed tomography (CT) has better accuracy than plain radiograph for the measurement of the obliquely inserted cage. The objective of this study is to find the correlation between the position of the OLIF cage with the degree of indirect decompression of foraminal stenosis using CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods : We review imaging of 46 patients who underwent OLIF from L2-L5 for 68 levels. Segmental lordosis (SL) was measured in a plain radiograph. The positions of the cage were measured in CT. Spinal canal cross-sectional area (SCSA), and foraminal crosssectional area (FSCA) measurements using MRI were taken into consideration. Results : Patients' mean age was 69.7 years. SL increases 3.0±5.1 degrees. Significant increases in SCSA (33.3%), FCSA (43.7% on the left and 45.0% on the right foramen) were found (p<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis shows putting the cage in the more posterior position correlated with more increase of FSCA and decreases SL correction. The position of the cage does not affect the degree of the central spinal canal decompression. Obliquity of the cage does not result in different degrees of foraminal decompression between right and left side neural foramen. Conclusion : Cage position near the posterior part of the vertebral body increases the decompression effect of the neural foramen while putting the cage in the more anterior position correlated with increases SL.

• 대한영상의학회지
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• 제82권4호
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• pp.862-875
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• 2021

목적 요추신경근병증이 있는 60세 이상의 환자의 신경공 협착에 영향을 줄 수 있는 인자를 자기공명영상 평가를 통해 알아보고자 하였다. 대상과 방법 요추신경근병증이 있는 60세 이상의 환자 133명이 본원에서 시행 받은 2018년 1월부터 4월까지의 요추 자기공명영상을 대상으로 하였다. 제4/5 요추간과 제5 요추/제1 천추간에서 신경공 협착이 있는 군과 없는 군으로 나눈 후 척추전방전위증, 척추후방전위증, 추간판 간격 감소, 추간판탈출증, 중심성 척추관 협착, 황색인대비후, 척추후관절 비후 여부를 2명의 판독자가 분석한 후 단변량 및 다변량 로지스틱 회귀분석을 시행하였다. 결과 단변량 분석에서 제4/5 요추간에 대해 추간판 간격 감소(p = 0.006), 제5 요추/제1 천추간에 대해서는 척추전방전위증(p = 0.005)과 척추후관절 비후(p = 0.006)가 신경공 협착과 유의한 연관성을 보였다. 다변량 분석에서는 제4/5 요추간에 대해 추간판 간격 감소[odds ratio(이하 OR) = 4.272; 95% confidence interval (이하 CI) 1.736~10.514]가 신경공 협착과 관련된 인자였다. 제5 요추/제1 천추간에서는 척추전방전위증(OR = 3.696; 95% CI 1.297~10.530)과 척추후관절 비후(OR = 6.468; 95% CI 1.238~32.617)가 이와 관련된 인자였다. 결론 제4/5 요추간에서는 추간판 간격 감소가, 제5 요추/제1 천추간에서는 척추전방전위증과 척추후관절 비후가 신경공 협착과 관련된 인자였다.