• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.60 no.6
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• pp.691-700
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• 2017

Objective : The authors prospectively analyzed the effect of one-level or two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), comparing stand-alone cages and cage-with-plate fixation constructs with respect to clinical outcomes and radiologic changes. Methods : A total of 84 patients who underwent one-level (n=52) or two-level ACDF (n=32) for cervical disc disease and who completed 2 years of follow-up were included in this study. The patients were divided by cervical level and grouped into ACDF-Cage-only and ACDF-Cage-with-plate groups. The following parameters were assessed using radiographs : subsidence, C2-C7 lordosis angle, fusion segment angle, adjacent disc space narrowing, and fusion status. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the neck disability index (NDI) and visual analog scale scores for arm pain. Results : In the comparison of one-level ACDF-cage-only and ACDF-cage-with-plate groups, the NDI score was better in the cage-only group at the 3-, 12-, and 24-month follow-ups : however, no significant difference in clinical outcomes was observed. In the comparison of two-level ACDF-cage-only and ACDF-cage-with-plate groups, no difference in any clinical outcome was observed between the two groups. At the 24-month follow-up, subsidence was observed in 45.8% of patients in the one-level cage-only group and 32.1% of patients in the one-level cage-with-plate fixation group. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence rate between the two groups (p=0.312). Subsidence in the two-level cage-only group (66.6%) was significantly more frequent than in the two-level cage-with-plate fixation group (30%; p=0.049). The fusion rate for patients in the one-level cage-only group was not significantly different from that in the one-level cage-with-plate fixation group (cage-only, 87.5%; cage-with-plate fixation, 92.9%; p=0.425) ; fusion rate in the two-level patients were also similar between groups (cage-only, 83.3%; cage-with-plate fixation, 95%; p=0.31). Conclusion : Our clinical results showed that for single-level cases, plate fixation had no additional benefit versus cage-only; for two-level ACDF cases, the fusion rate and clinical outcomes were similar, although the cage-with-plate fixation group had a lower incidence of cage subsidence than did the cage-only group. We conclude that physicians should be aware of this possible disadvantage associated with using cervical plates in one-level ACDF. However, in two-level ACDF, subsidence is more likely to occur without plate fixation, and thus the addition of plate fixation should be considered.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.103-116
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• 2016

Objectives : This study was performed to assess the effectiveness of conservative Korean traditional medical treatment on lumbar intervertebral disc herniation in 12 adolescents. Methods : Data were collected from adolescent patients diagnosed with lumbar intervertebral herniation by MRI, hospitalized at Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015. A total of 12 patients were included in the study. Patients were treated by acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, electroacupuncture, herbal medicine, chuna manual therapy, physical therapy during hospitalization period. To measure treatment outcomes, a verbal numerical rating scale (VNRS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), range of motion (ROM), Straight leg raising test (SLR), and EQ-5D were used. Results : The average age of the participants was $16.05{\pm}1.62$. The average of duration of symptom was $19.25{\pm}26.83(weeks)$ and the average length of hospitalization was $23.8{\pm}16.4(days)$. 2 patients (17 %) suffered from only lumbar pain, while 10 patients (83 %) suffered from lumbar and leg pain. No participant suffered from only leg pain. 8 patients (67 %) were diagnosed with disc herniation in one segment, and 4 patients (33 %) were diagnosed with disc herniation in multiple segments. A total of 17 disc segments (28 %) were herniated. The most herniated lumbar level was L4-5. 3 segments were diagnosed with bulging (17 %), 6 with protrusion (35 %), and 8 with extrusion (47 %). Extrusion was the most frequent herniated type. After treatment, the average VNRS of lumbar pain significantly decreased from $5.58{\pm}1.62$ to $2.91{\pm}1.56$ (p<0.001) and the average VNRS of leg pain significantly decreased from $5.16{\pm}2.51$ to $3.08{\pm}1.8$ (p<0.001). ODI significantly decreased from $48.87{\pm}18.72$ to $28.57{\pm}15.05$ (p<0.05), and EQ-5D significantly increased $0.58{\pm}0.31$ to $0.80{\pm}0.12$ (p<0.05). Range of flexion significantly improved from $61.25{\pm}32.62$ to $68.33{\pm}26.22$ (p<0.05). Conclusion : Conservative Korean Traditional Medical Treatment may be effective in the treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation in adolescence. However, more case reports and clinical research are needed.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.87-95
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• 2012

Objectives : This study was aimed at comparing clinical effectiveness among pharmacopuncture treatment, Chuna treatment, pharmacopuncture-Chuna cooperative treatment for neck pain caused by traffic accidents. Methods : This study was carried out on the 87 patients with neck pain caused by traffic accidents. The patients were divided into 3 groups ; group A was treated with pharmacopuncture. group B was treated with Chuna treatment. group C was treated with pharmacopuncture and Chuna cooperative treatment one at a time. Also all groups were treated with general acupuncture and herb-medicine treatment. We measured visual analog scale(VAS) and neck disability index(NDI) before the treatment and 2, 4 weeks later. Results : In result each group had significant decrease in VAS and NDI after 4 weeks later. group C showed significant difference as compared to group A and B in NDI and VAS scores. In the first period(from pre to 2 weeks treatment) group C showed significant difference as compared to group A and B in VAS scores. Conclusions : According to the results of this study, it was suggested that chuna treatment and pharmacopuncture are effective in reducing neck pain caused by traffic accidents. Pharmacopuncture and Chuna cooperative treatment was more effective in reducing neck pain caused by traffic accidents. Especially in the first period(from pre to 2 weeks treatment) pharmacopuncture-Chuna cooperative treatment was more effective than pharmacopuncture treatment, Chuna treatment for neck pain caused by traffic accidents.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.89-96
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• 2007

Objectives : To observe the effect of acupuncture treatment in chronic shoulder pain patients. Methods : 36 voluntary patients were randomly assigned to an acupuncture treatment group(E Group, n=18) and a control group(C Group, n=18). The E Group patients received acupuncture treatment on $LI_{15}$, $TE_{14}$, $GB_{21}$ and Master Dong's acupuncture points, Shin-gwan and Gyun-joong, twice a week for four weeks. The C Group patients received no treatment. All patients in both groups were instructed to practise self exercise in their daily lives. Evaluations were made at baseline and after four weeks of study. The Constant Shoulder Assessment(CSA), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index(SPADI) and the patient's subjective pain was measured by Visual Analogue Scale(VAS). The obtained data was analyzed. Results : The E Group showed significant(p<0.05) improvement in CSA, SPADI and VAS after four weeks of treatment. The C Group showed significant(p<0.05) improvement in CSA, but the change of SPADI and VAS was insignificant(p>0.05). CSA and SPADI of E Group significantly(p<0.05) improved compared to the C Group, but the difference of VAS change in the two groups was insignificant(p>0.05). Conclusions : Four weeks of acupuncture treatment significantly improved CSA, SPADI and VAS. The improvement of CSA and SPADI was significant(p<0.05) compared to untreated patients.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.37-44
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• 2007

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to find out the effects of Chuna treatment on neck pain caused by traffic accidents. Methods : The 10 patients were divided into 2 groups, with Group A treated with Acupuncture and Chuna, while group B was treated with Acupuncture only. We measured the Visual Analog Scale(VAS), Pain Disability Index(PDI) and Pressure Pain Thresholds before and after treatment in each group. The statistical analysis was performed by using a Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results : 1. Group A showed significant improvements in VAS, PDI and Pressure Pain Thresholds(p<0.05). 2. Group B was significantly improved in VAS(p<0.05). However, there was no statistical significance in PDI and Pressure Pain Thresholds(p>0.05). 3. There was no statistical significance between Group A and Group B before and after treatment. Conclusions : These results imply that Chuna treatment with Acupuncture would beeffective and useful on the neck pain caused by traffic accidents.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.41-48
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• 2014

Objectives The present study examines the domestic trend of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS) in Korea. Methods The studies on FBSS were investigated via searching Korean web databases. As a result, 41 research papers were found and they were analyzed according to the year of publishment, the titles of journals which have the papers, the types of study, the definition of FBSS, employed treatment trials, and the instruments for assessment. Results The number of the research papers on FBSS published was increased since 2005. The studies on FBSS were mainly published in the Korean Journal of Pain. The most popular type of the studies were the case report and the most studies defined FBSS as persistent or recurring low back pain with or without sciatica after receiving spine surgeries. Various surgical and conservative treatments were employed in the studies and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used as primary means of assessments. Conclusions Reviewing the domestic trends of studies on FBSS and examining the definition of FBSS is essential for the future studies because there is no clear criteria for making diagnosis of FBSS. Therefore, the further studies on FBSS need to be more elaborate with the definition of FBSS, and it is also necessary to apply more assessment tools for the better understanding of FBSS from various aspects. Ultimately, this review is anticipated to benefit the future in-depth study on FBSS.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.203-211
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• 2015

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of integrative Korean Medical treatments for patients with L-spine disk herniation that showed no response to Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI). Methods : In this study, we reviewed the medical records of ten patients who showed no improvement or relapsed after ESI. The patients each received more than three weeks of integrative treatments at Mokhuri Neck&Back Hospital. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was measured before and after treatment. A statistical analysis to compare before and after treatments was assessed using paired t-test the SPSS 12.0 Windows program. Results : After three weeks of treatment, patients showed a significant decrease in VAS and ODI scores compared to before receiving treatment. VAS scores decreased from $5.3{\pm}1.25$ to $1.9{\pm}0.99$ (p<0.001), and ODI scores decreased from $59.8{\pm}22.2$ to $32.7{\pm}14.11$ (p<0.001). Conclusions : Complex Korean Medical treatment showed effectiveness in the treatment of L-spine HIVD patients that showed no response to ESI, and more objective research is needed.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.157-165
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• 2015

Objectives : This study was designed to compare the effect of Shinbaro pharmacopuncture treatment and Jakyakgamcho Decoction pharmacopunture treatment in patients with low back pain caused by traffic accidents. Methods : This study was conducted on 64 cases of patients with low back pain caused by traffic accidents, who were admitted to Bucheon Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine from May 3rd, 2015 to October 31th, 2015. The patients were divided into two groups : Shinbaro pharmacopuncture treatment group and Jakyakgamcho Decoction pharmacopunture treatment group. We measured the efficacy of treatment with a numerical rating scale(NRS) and Oswestry disability index(ODI). The NRS which was checked at pre-tretment and after 4th and 8th treatments, and the ODI which was checked at pre-treatment and after 8th treatment were collected and analyzed. Results : In both Shinbaro and Jakyakgamcho Decoction group, NRS and ODI decreased significantly. However there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. At the 4th treatment, However, the Jakyakgamcho Decoction group showed a greater decrease in NRS with a statistically significant difference. Conclusions : In a short period of time, Jakyakgamcho Decoction Pharmacopuncture is more efficient than Shinbaro pharmacopuncture in reducing the pain of patients with low back pain caused by trafficic accidents, but in the end there is no statistically significant difference between the groups.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.143-155
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• 2007

Objectives: To observe the effect of acupuncture and nerve block combination treatment on adhesive capsulitis patients. Methods : 59 voluntary patients were randomly assigned to acupuncture treatment group(E group, n=22), nerve block treatment group(W group, n=17) and acupuncture and nerve block combination treatment group(EW group, n=20). The E group received acupuncture treatment on LI15, $TE_{14}$, $GB_{21}$ and Master Dong's acupuncture points, Shin-gwan and Gyun-joong, twice a week for 4 weeks. The W group received suprascapular nerve block, subacromial injection and trigger point injection, twice a week for 4 weeks. The EW group received the same treatment as the W group and after 5minutes of rest, successively received the treatment identical to that of E group. All three groups were instructed to practice groups were instructed to practice self exercise during their daily lives. Evaluations were made before treatment and after 1, 2, 3 and 4week treatment. Constant Shoulder Assessment(CSA), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index(SPADI), Range of Motion(ROM), the patient's treatment satisfaction measured by Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) and Digital Infrared Thermographic Imaging(DITI) were used as assessment tools. The obtained data were analyzed and compared. Results : The E group showed significant improvement(p<0.05) on CSA, SPADI, VAS and DITI. As for ROM, Adduction and Extension improved significantly(p<0.05). The W group showed significant improvement(p<0.05) on CSA, SPADI, VAS and DITI. As for ROM, Abduction and Extension improved significantly. The EW group showed significant improvement(p<0.05) on CSA, SPADI and VAS. As for ROM, Adduction, Abduction, Extension and Flexion improved significantly. The improvement of CSA, VAS and Abduction ROM in the EW group was significantly(p<0.05) superior compared to the groups treated with single type of treatment. Conclusion : It is suggested that acupuncture and nerve block combination treatment for adhesive capsulitis patients is more effective than the two single treatments. Through further studies, the acupuncture and nerve block combination treatment model may be developed into East-West Collaboration Model in treating adhesive capsulitis.

• The Journal of the Korean dental association
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• v.53 no.11
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• pp.855-869
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the oral health promotion of the disabled persons by voluntary dental services in Ulsan Metropolitan City. Two dentists taken a calibration training for national oral health survey examined the oral health status of 473 disabled persons from two special schools for the disabled children and adolescents, a residential facility and a gymnasium for the disabled persons in 2009-2010. The surveyed disabled persons in the age range was from 7 to 74 years old. Voluntary dentists, oral hygienists and other civilian volunteers had supplied with the oral health care services to the disabled persons at dental clinics of special schools for the disabled children and adolescents, and a dental clinic supported from Nam-Gu Public Health Center in Ulsan Metropolitan City since 1997. The obtained data from these surveys were analyzed with the SPSS statistical package. Among subjects aged 12-14 years, subjects with decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) in permanent dentition was 46.9%; subjects with untreated decayed teeth, 17.2%. The number of decayed, missing and filled teeth in permanent dentition was 1.36. The proportion of decayed components of DMFT score was 28.00%; proportion of missing components of DMFT score, 1.43%; proportion of filled components of DMFT score, 70.57%. The proportion of filled components of DMFT score among disabled persons of all age group in Ulsan were evaluated to be a similar level to non-disabled citizens in Ulsan from 2010 Korean National Survey. The oral health care programs for disabled persons by voluntary services of dental professionals and other civilians are evaluated to be effective for the oral health promotion of disabled persons in Ulsan.