• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.372-378
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• 2000

The carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common entrapment neuropathy. Surgical treatments consist of conventional open technique, alternative technique using retinaculatome, and endoscopic surgery. This study compares the outcomes of surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome following conventional versus endoscopic release. The authors reviewed 56 cases of 33 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome treated surgically in our institute from January 1991 to May 1998. The follow-up evaluation was possible in 36 cases of 20 patients who had conventional release and in 11 cases of 7 patients with endoscopic release. The following parameters were evaluated for comparison : improvement of symptom, return to normal work, recovery of strength of grip and pinch, rate of complication, follow-up electrophysiologic finding. Compared with open decompression, the group of endoscopic decompression needed significantly less time to go back to work(p<0.001). Also strength of grip and pinch improved faster in the group of endoscopic decompression as well, compared with open decompression(p<0.05). These results indicate that endoscopic procedure is an excellent, minimally invasive method to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, performed by surgeons who are fully aware of the anatomy.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.197-202
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• 2008

Purpose: Haglund's disease represents a painful heel caused by mechanically induced inflammation of the retrocalcaneal bursa and insertional Achilles tendinosis may coexist. Traditional open surgery can cause complications such as skin breakdown, painful scar and altered sensation around the heel. Endoscopic treatment offers the advantages that are related to minimally invasive procedure and we evaluate the clinical results and operative techniques of endoscopic decompression of retrocalcaneal space for Haglund's disease. Materials and Methods: Our retrospective study included seven heels in six consecutive patients for which nonoperative treatment had failed and endoscopic decompression was performed. The mean age was forty-one years (range, 28 to 53 years). All of the patients had typical complaints of inflammation of the retrocalcaneal bursa and Fowler-Philip angle of more than $75^{\circ}$ and positive parallel pitch lines were present on the lateral calcaneal radiograph. The endoscopic procedure consists of the resection of inflamed retrocalcaneal bursa and enough bone to prevent impingement of the bursa between the calcaneus and Achilles tendon. All patients were evaluated with radiologic angle, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and Ogilvie-Harris functional score. The mean follow-up was 18 months (range, 15 to 21 months). Results: The mean operation time was 61 minutes (range, 50 to 85 minutes). VAS for pain and Fowler-Philip angle were decreased from preoperative 8.7 and $82^{\circ}$ to postoperative 2.3 and $57^{\circ}$, respectively. One patient with ankylosing spondylitis had a fair result, 2 patients had good results and the remaining 3 patients had excellent results according to Ogilvie-Harris functional score. There were no surgical complications such as infection, Achilles tendon avulsion or abnormal heel sensation. Conclusion: The endoscopic decompression for Haglund's disease was demonstrated to have several advantages including low morbidity, allowance of functional rehabilitation, short recovery time and quick sports resumption. However a comparative study is needed to determine the value of endoscopic decompression and particular caution should be exerted for the enthesiopathy.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.219-226
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• 2019

Lumbar decompressive surgery is a standard surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. Many surgical techniques have been introduced, ranging from open surgery to percutaneous procedures. Minimally invasive techniques are preferred because of the less postoperative pain and shorter hospital stay. Uniportal percutaneous endoscopic decompression has technical difficulties due to the narrow field. Biportal percutaneous endoscopic decompression is a satisfactory technique that can compensate for the shortcomings and provide sufficient decompression.

• Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.508-512
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• 2018

Foraminal decompression using a minimally invasive technique to preserve facet joint stability and function without fusion reportedly improves the radicular symptoms in approximately 80% of patients and is considered one of the good surgical treatment choices for lumbar foraminal or extraforaminal stenosis. However, proper decompression was not possible because of the inability to access the foramen at the L5-S1 level due to prominence of the iliac crest. To overcome this challenge, endoscopy-based minimally invasive spine surgery has recently gained attention. Here, we report the technical skills required in unilateral extraforaminal biportal endoscopic spinal surgery using a $30^{\circ}$ arthroscope to enable foraminal decompression at the L5-S1 level. Two 0.8-cm portals were created 2 cm lateral from the lateral border of the pedicles at the L5-S1 level. After sufficient working space was made, half of the superior articular process (SAP) in the hypertrophied facet joint was removed using a high-speed burr and a 5-mm wide osteotome, whereas the remaining inside part of the SAP was removed using a Kerrison punch and pituitary punch. The foraminal ligamentum flavum should be removed to inspect the conditions of the L5 exiting root and disc. Removing of the extruded disc could decompress the L5 root. The extraforaminal approach using a $30^{\circ}$ arthroscope is considered a minimally invasive alternative technique for decompressing foraminal stenosis at the L5-S1 level that preserves facet stability and provides symptomatic relief.

• Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.439-447
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• 2018

Background: Since open Wiltse approach allows limited visualization for foraminal stenosis leading to an incomplete decompression, we report the short-term clinical and radiological results of unilateral biportal endoscopic foraminal decompression using $0^{\circ}$ or $30^{\circ}$ endoscopy with better visualization. Methods: We examined 31 patients that underwent surgery for neurological symptoms due to lumbar foraminal stenosis which was refractory to 6 weeks of conservative treatment. All 31 patients underwent unilateral biportal endoscopic far-lateral decompression (UBEFLD). One portal was used for viewing purpose, and the other was for surgical instruments. Unilateral foraminotomy was performed under guidance of $0^{\circ}$ or $30^{\circ}$ endoscopy. Clinical outcomes were analyzed using the modified Macnab criteria, Oswestry disability index, and visual analogue scale. Plain radiographs obtained preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively were compared to analyze the intervertebral angle (IVA), dynamic IVA, percentage of slip, dynamic percentage of slip (gap between the percentage of slip on flexion and extension views), slip angle, disc height index (DHI), and foraminal height index (FHI). Results: The IVA significantly increased from $6.24^{\circ}{\pm}4.27^{\circ}$ to $6.96^{\circ}{\pm}3.58^{\circ}$ at 1 year postoperatively (p = 0.306). The dynamic IVA slightly decreased from $6.27^{\circ}{\pm}3.12^{\circ}$ to $6.04^{\circ}{\pm}2.41^{\circ}$, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.375). The percentage of slip was $3.41%{\pm}5.24%$ preoperatively and $6.01%{\pm}1.43%$ at 1-year follow-up (p = 0.227), showing no significant difference. The preoperative dynamic percentage of slip was $2.90%{\pm}3.37%$; at 1 year postoperatively, it was $3.13%{\pm}4.11%$ (p = 0.720), showing no significant difference. The DHI changed from $34.78%{\pm}9.54%$ preoperatively to $35.05%{\pm}8.83%$ postoperatively, which was not statistically significant (p = 0.837). In addition, the FHI slightly decreased from $55.15%{\pm}9.45%$ preoperatively to $54.56%{\pm}9.86%$ postoperatively, but the results were not statistically significant (p = 0.705). Conclusions: UBEFLD using endoscopy showed a satisfactory clinical outcome after 1-year follow-up and did not induce postoperative segmental spinal instability. It could be a feasible alternative to conventional open decompression or fusion surgery for lumbar foraminal stenosis.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.55 no.5
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• pp.411-417
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• 2020

Purpose: This paper reports the short-term clinical and radiological results of unilateral biportal endoscopic decompression (UBE) to prove its efficacy. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients who received unilateral biportal endoscopic far-lateral decompression (UBEFLD) were analyzed statistically using the visual analogue scale (VAS), modified Macnab criteria and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) clinically. Radiologically, their intervertebral angle (IVA), percentage slip, disc height index (DHI) and foraminal height index (FHI) were analyzed pre- and postoperatively. Results: The VAS scores were 6.20 preoperatively, which improved to 2.05, 1.75 and 1.45 at postoperative one month, three months and one year, respectively (p<0.001). The modified macnab criteria in both the good or excellent category was 70.0%, 80.0% and 85.0% at postoperative one month, three months and one year, respectively (p=0.034). The ODI improved from 59.8% preoperatively to 35.8%, 33.2%, and 17.1% at postoperative one month, three months, and one year, respectively (p<0.001). The IVA was increased 0.40±0.88 after a surgery (p=0.057). Percentage slip was increased 0.19% after surgery (p=0.134). The DHI changed from 0.49 preoperatively to 0.62 postoperatively (p=0.359), and the FHI changed from 0.71 preoperatively to 0.79 postoperatively (p<0.001). Conclusion: UBEFLD displayed satisfactory results. Such a result highlights the potential of UBEFLD as an excellent alternative to spinal fusion or microscopic surgery.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.53-57
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• 2015

Background: Surgical outcomes after orbital wall decompression have focused on the degree of exophthalmos and intraocular pressure. The aim of this research was to evaluate intraorbital volume using computed tomography (CT) images following two-wall decompression using a combined subcilliary and endoscopic approaches. Methods: A retrospective review was performed for all patients who had undergone the two-wall decompression method. The pre/postoperative CT images were used to evaluate changes in intraocular volume. Intraocular pressure was evaluated using applanation tonometry. Surgical details are discussed within the body of text. Results: Two-wall decompression thru the medial wall and floor was associated with an average intraorbital volume change of $7.3cm^3$, with maximal accommodation up to $13cm^3$. Changes in intraocular pressures were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Two-wall decompression was effective in accommodation of up to $13cm^3$ of soft tissue herniation. There was no statistically significant association between changes in volume to pressure.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.101-104
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• 2008

Purpose: Diplopia and cosmetically unacceptable enophthalmos are the major complications of blow out fracture. Prolapse of orbital tissue into the sinuses, enlarged orbital volume, atrophy of orbital fat and loss of support of orbital walls play a role in the pathogenesis of enophthalmos. To correct post-traumatic enophthalmos, freeing of incarcerated orbital contents combined with reduction of bony orbital volume and reconstruction of suspensory support of globe is necessary. But remained enophthalmos after surgical treatment is difficult to correct completely. In this case, the authors performed implant insertion for affected orbit and endoscopic orbital decompression for unaffected orbit for correction of late enophthalmos. Method: We reviewed a girl patient with right inferomedial orbital wall blow out fracture, right zygoma fracture treated at our hospital for correction of enophthalmos. An 18-year-old female had sustained posttraumatic enopthalmos. Two surgical management was performed for correction blow out fracture at the other hospital. But residual diplopia, enophthalmos, cheek drooping were found. And then she transferred to our hospital. She had severe enophthalmos(5 mm) also had diplopia and extraocular muscle limitation. We performed operation for correction of enophthalmos. After operation, she showed minimal improvement of diplopia and enophthalmos(3 mm). The authors make plan for operation for correction enophthalmos due to cosmetical improvement. Implant insertion was performed for affected orbit. For unaffected orbit, nasoendoscopic medial orbital wall decompression was proceeded. Result: Correction of enophthalmos was found after operation and was maintained for nine years follow-up. Patient expressed satisfaction for the result. Conclusion: To correct persistant enophthalmos, we could have satisfactory result with orbital wall reconstruction on affected eye and decompression on unaffected eye.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.281-283
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• 2014

McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) is characterized by a triad of poly/monostotic fibrous dysplasia, caf$\acute{e}$-au-lait macules and hyperfunctioning endocrinopathies including human growth hormone excess. Acromegaly as a manifestation of endocrine hyperfunction with MAS is uncommon. Surgical excision may be challenging due to the associated severe fibrous dysplasia of the skull base. Through the endoscopic procedures, we treated a case of MAS presenting with compressive optic neuropathy due to fibrous dysplasia and acromegaly caused by growth hormone secreting pituitary adenoma. We reviewed the literature on GH excess in MAS to highlight its surgical and medical challenges.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.66 no.4
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• pp.426-437
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• 2023

Objective : To investigate the efficacy and safety of the posterior endoscopic cervical foraminotomy (PECF) using ultrasonic osteotome for the treatment of cervical osseous foraminal stenosis, focusing on introduction of the advantages of ultrasonic osteotome in partial pediculectomy and ventral osteophyte resection in PECF. Methods : Nineteen patients with cervical osseous foraminal stenosis who underwent PECF using ultrasonic osteotome in our institution between April 2018 and April 2021 were enrolled in this study. All the patients were followed up more than 12 months. The patients' medical data, as well as pre- and postoperative radiologic findings were thoroughly investigated. The visual analogue score (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, cervical dysfunction index (Neck disability index, NDI), and modified MacNab criteria were used to assess the surgical efficacy. Results : All the patients were successfully treated with PECF using ultrasonic osteotome. The pre- and postoperative VAS, NDI, and JOA scores were significantly improved (p<0.05). According to the modified MacNab criteria, 17 patients were assessed as "excellent", two patients were assessed as "good" at the last follow-up. There was no dura tear, nerve root damage, incision infection, neck deformity, or other complications. Conclusion : Adequate nerve root decompression can be accomplished successfully with the help of ultrasonic osteotome in PECF, which has the advantage of reducing the probability of damage to the nerve root and dura mater, in addition to the original merits of endoscopic surgery.