• Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.83-97
• /
• 2008

Cervical and thoracic radiculopathies are among the most common causes of neck pain. The most common causes are cervical disc herniation and cervical spondylosis in patients with cervical radiculopathy, and diabetes mellitus and thoracic disc herniation in thoracic radiculopathy. A thorough history, physical examination, and testing that includes electrodiagnostic examination and imaging studies may distinguish radiculopathy from other pain sources. Although various electrodiagnostic examinations may help evaluate radiculopathy, needle electromyography is the most important, sensitive, and specific method. Outcome studies of conservative treatments have shown varying results and have not been well controlled or systematic. When legitimate incapacitating symptoms continue despite conservative treatment attempts, more invasive spinal procedures and intradiscal treatment may be appropriate. Surgery has been shown to have excellent clinical outcomes in patients with disc extrusion and neurological deficits. However, patients with minimal disc herniation have fair or poor surgical outcomes. In addition, conventional open disc surgery entails various inadvertent surgical related risks. Although there has not yet been a non-surgical interventional procedure developed with the therapeutic efficacy of open surgery, conservative procedures can offer substantial benefits, are less invasive, and avoid surgical complications. While more invasive procedures may be appropriate when conservative treatment fails, prospective studies evaluating cervical and thoracic radiculopathies treatment options would help guide practitioners toward optimally cost-effective patient evaluation and care.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• /
• v.42 no.4
• /
• pp.193-204
• /
• 2016

Objectives: This study examined the statistical relevance of whether the systemic predisposing factors affect the prognosis of surgical treatment of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ). All cases had undergone bone biopsies to determine the characteristics of the mechanisms of BRONJ by optical microscopy. Materials and Methods: The data included 54 BRONJ cases who underwent surgery and in whom bone biopsies were performed. The results of surgery were evaluated and the results were classified into 3 categories: normal recovery, delayed recovery, and recurrence after surgery. The medical history, such as diabetes mellitus, medication of steroids, malignancies on other sites was investigated for an evaluation of the systemic predisposing factors in relation to the prognosis. The three factors involved with the medication of bisphosphonate (BP) were the medication route, medication period, and drug holiday of BP before surgery. The serum C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide (CTX) value and presence of microorganism colony in bone biopsy specimens were also checked. Statistical analysis was then carried out to determine the relationship between these factors and the results of surgery. Results: The group of patients suffering from diabetes and on steroids tended to show poorer results after surgery. Parenteral medication of BP made the patients have a poorer prognosis after surgery than oral medication. In contrast, the medication period and drug holiday of BP before surgery did not have significance with the results of surgery nor did the serum CTX value and presence of microorganism colony. Necrotic bone specimens in this study typically showed disappearing new bone formation around the osteocytic lacunae and destroyed Howship's lacunae. Conclusion: Although many variables exist, this study could in part, predict the prognosis of surgical treatment of BRONJ by taking the patient's medical history.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.157-160
• /
• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to find out the correlation factors for prognosis of calcaneal fractures. Materials and Methods: 120 cases (feet) of calcaneal fractures, all of them followed up for more than 1 year after surgical procedures, consisted of 101 men (105 feet) and 13 women (15 feet) were reviewed retrospectively. The collected clinical data were as follows : injury mechanism, surgical procedures, time to procedure, time to work and the radiologic data: Bohler angle, heel width, displacement of posterior facet. AOFAS hindfoot score and VAS score were checked. With ANOVA test and multiple regression analysis, the data processed statistically. Results: According Sanders classification, type II was 37 cases (31%), type III 66 cases (55%), and type IV 17 cases (14%). On plane radiography, the Bohler angle improved to average 28.4 degree from 5.6 degree, and the displacement of posterior facet was corrected to average 1.2 mm. AOFAS hindfoot score was checked average 81.7 points postoperatively, and the meaningful difference existed between types of Sanders classification. The Bohler angle represented the outline of the calcaneus had the better correlation with the clinical outcome of calcaneal fractures rather than the anatomical reduction of the posterior facet did. And the width of calcaneus had good correlation with the clinical score. Conclusion: We should also concern about the outline of calcaneus, the width of calcaneus and the Bohler angle representing anatomical reduction, not only the acute reduction of the posterior facet.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.47 no.2
• /
• pp.126-134
• /
• 2020

Background Pectus excavatum is less common in females than in males, and it often aggravates a coexistent breast asymmetry. We conducted a study comparing female patients' versus medical professionals' evaluation of pectus excavatum repair to assess differences in aesthetic outcome ratings. Moreover, we evaluated the influence of surgical correction on patients' self-perception. Methods Of 30 female patients who were initially screened, 18 patients (mean age, 20 years) who underwent bar removal after surgical correction of pectus excavatum deformity participated in the survey (60%). They completed a questionnaire rating their appearance before and after surgery and responded to a psychological questionnaire about the changes that they had experienced. The mean interval between pectus bar removal and evaluation was 28 months. Standardized preoperative and postoperative patient photographs were evaluated using the same questionnaire by a panel of medical professionals and students (n=24) and the results were compared. Results Patients rated their preoperative deformity as more severe than the other evaluators, revealing the significant impact of the deformity on patients' self-perception. Postoperatively, patient and professional evaluations were much better than before and were very similar. The psychological evaluation showed a clear improvement in well-being. The ratings of the medical professionals were not influenced by their degree of medical education. Conclusions Surgical correction of pectus excavatum in female patients positively influences body perception and psychological well-being. It should therefore not be considered as a merely aesthetic correction, but as an important procedure to restore a patient's self-perception.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.65 no.1
• /
• pp.123-129
• /
• 2022

Objective : Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common pathology in daily neurosurgical practice and incidence increases with age. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic factors and surgical outcome of CSDH in patients aging over 90 years compared with a control group of patients aging under 90 years. Methods : This study reviewed 25 patients with CSDH aged over 90 years of age treated in our department. This group was compared with a younger group of 25 patients aged below their eighties. At admission past medical history was recorded concerning comorbidities (hypertension, dementia, ictus cerebri, diabetes, and heart failure or attack). History of alcohol abuse, anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy, head trauma and seizures were analyzed. Standard neurological examination and Markwalder score at admission, 48 hours after surgery and 1-6 months follow-up, radiologic data including location and CSDH maximum thickness were also evaluated. Results : Their mean age was 92.8 years and the median was 92.4 years (range, 90-100 years). In older group, the Markwalder evaluation at one month documented the complete recovery of 24 patients out of 25 without statistical difference with the younger group. This data was confirmed at 6-month follow-up. One patient died from cardiovascular failure 20 days after surgery. The presence of comorbidities, risk factors (antiplatelet therapy, anticoagulant therapy, history of alcohol abuse, and head trauma), preoperative symptoms, mono or bilateral CSDH, maximum thickness of hematoma, surgical time and recurrence were similar and statistically not significant in both groups. Conclusion : In this study, we demonstrate that surgery for very old patients above 90 years of age affected by CSDH is safe and allows complete recovery. Comparing two groups of patients above and under 90 years old we found that complication rate and recovery were similar in both groups.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• /
• v.41 no.4
• /
• pp.176-180
• /
• 2015

Objectives: The increased prevalence of antibiotic resistance is an outcome of evolution. Most patients presenting with odontogenic space infections also have associated systemic co-morbidities such as diabetes mellitus resulting in impaired host defense. The present study aims to compare the odontogenic spaces involved, antibiotic susceptibility of microorganisms, length of hospital stay, and the influence of systemic comorbidities on treatment outcome in diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: A 2-year prospective study from January 2012 to January 2014 was conducted on patients with odontogenic maxillofacial space infections. The patients were divided into two groups based on their glycemic levels. The data were compiled and statistically analyzed. Results: A total of 188 patients were included in the study that underwent surgical incision and drainage, removal of infection source, specimen collection for culture-sensitivity, and evaluation of diabetic status. Sixty-one out of 188 patients were found to be diabetic. The submandibular space was the most commonly involved space, and the most prevalent microorganism was Klebsiella pneumoniae in diabetics and group D Streptococcus in the nondiabetic group. Conclusion: The submandibular space was found to be the most commonly involved space, irrespective of glycemic control. Empiric antibiotic therapy with amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid combined with metronidazole with optimal glycemic control and surgical drainage of infection led to resolution of infection in diabetic as well as nondiabetic patients. The average length of hospital stay was found to be relatively longer in diabetic individuals.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.49 no.5
• /
• pp.569-579
• /
• 2022

Open and closed rhinoplasty are two main approaches to perform nasal modifications. According to current literature, there is no current consensus among plastic surgeons and otolaryngologists on which technique is preferred in terms of aesthetic result, complications, and patient satisfaction. This study uses published research to determine whether open or closed rhinoplasty leads to superior patient outcomes. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for systematic reviews were followed and a literature search was conducted in four databases based on our search strategy. Articles were then imported into COVIDENCE where they underwent primary screening and full-text review. Twenty articles were selected in this study after 243 articles were screened. There were 4 case series, 12 retrospective cohort studies, 1 prospective cohort study, 1 case-control, and 2 outcomes research. There were three cosmetic studies, eight functional studies, and nine studies that included both cosmetic and functional components. Sixteen studies utilized both open and closed rhinoplasty and four utilized open rhinoplasty. Both techniques demonstrated high patient and provider satisfaction and no advantage was found between techniques. Based on available studies, we cannot conclude if there is a preference between open or closed rhinoplasty in terms of which technique leads to better patient outcomes. Several studies determined that open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty leads to comparative patient satisfaction. To make outcome reporting more reliable and uniform among studies, authors should look to utilize the Nasal Obstruction and Septoplasty Effectiveness scale and the Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.32 no.1
• /
• pp.29-36
• /
• 2005

Craniosynostosis is the premature fusion of one or more sutures of either cranial vault or base. Fused sutures may impede normal growth of the calvaria, leading to characteristic skull deformities; Morphological craniosynostosis is classified descriptively. Being craniosynostosis uncorrected the deformity progresses continuously and causes an increase of intracranial pressure. The surgical involvement aims at the expansion of intracranial space as well as satisfactory achievement of craniofacial shape. Early surgical correction in infancy prevents the deformity from the further progression and possible associated complication of high intracranial pressure. A long period of follow-up is essential to asses the outcome of an effectiveness of the surgery. measurement of intracranial volume has been concerned in medical personnel and anthropologists for many years. A reliable and accurate measurements of the intracranial volume facilitates to make a diagnosis and treatment of craniosynostosis. Pre-and postoperative change of intracranial volume was evaluated with 3D CT scanning in 12 cases of craniosynostosis who underwent frontal advancement and total cranial vault remodeling. Increased intracranial volume is attributed to surgical release of craniosynostosis and natural growth. We conceive that the intracranial volume is significantly increased after surgical correction of fused cranial sutures and along with natural growing. A procedure of frontal advancement and total cranial vault remodeling is very useful to correct such a deformity as craniosynostosis. And also 2 cases out of five mentally retarded patients improved remarkably and Forehead retrusion or temporal depression followed in another two cases.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.59 no.3
• /
• pp.269-275
• /
• 2016

Objective : Although middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms are less amenable to coil embolization, an increasing number of studies support favorable endovascular treatment for them. The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes of two different treatments (surgery versus coiling) and evaluate the benefits of surgical clipping for MCA aneurysms. Methods : Here we retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 178 ruptured and unruptured MCA aneurysms treated in patients between September 2008 and April 2012. Parameters assessing treatment outcomes include degree of aneurysm occlusion, presence of regrowth, clinical status, and complications. Results : Among 178 MCA aneurysms, 153 were treated surgically. After a mean follow-up of 12 months, the surgery group showed a clinically significant complete occlusion rate (98%) compared with the coiling group (56%) (p<0.001). Follow-up radiologic evaluation showed a higher regrowth rate (four of 16 cases) in the coiling group than in the surgery group (one of 49 cases) (p=0.003). There was no statistically significant difference in favorable clinical outcome rate between the two groups. The procedure-related permanent morbidity and mortality rates were 2% (three of 153 cases) in the surgery group and 0% (0 of 25 cases) in the coiling group. Conclusion : Compared to endovascular treatment, surgical neck clipping for both ruptured and unruptured MCA aneurysms results in a significantly higher complete obliteration rate and less regrowth. Therefore, even in this endovascular era, we still recommend surgical clipping as the primary treatment option for MCA aneurysms rather than coil embolization.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
• /
• v.18 no.4
• /
• pp.165-172
• /
• 2014

Purpose: We evaluated the correlation of postoperative clinical outcomes and radiologic findings using computed tomography and simple X-ray in intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Materials and Methods: The current study is based on 41 feet, 38 patients with displaced intra-articular fracture who underwent surgical treatment with at least one year of follow-up. Evaluation of clinical outcome included American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and subjective satisfaction. A simple X-ray was used in evaluation of preoperative and postoperative Gissane angle, B${\ddot{O}}$hler angle, and calcaneal fracture width. Computed tomography scan was performed for evaluation of preoperative and postoperative articular step-off and articular gap in all cases. Finally, we evaluated the correlation of the postoperative clinical outcomes and radiologic findings based on the measurement. Results: The average postoperative AOFAS score and VAS score was $84.1{\pm}8.5$ and $2.2{\pm}2.2$. Subjective satisfaction was excellent in 15 cases, good in 19 cases, and fair in seven cases. The average B${\ddot{O}}$hler angle was restored from $11.1^{\circ}$ to $24.7^{\circ}$(p<0.05), Gissane angle was changed from $121.0^{\circ}$ to $119.0^{\circ}$ (p>0.05), and the average width was restored from 45.8 to 35.0 mm (p<0.05). The average articular step-off and gap were decreased from 6.3 to 2.0 mm and from 11.1 to 4.6 mm, respectively (p<0.05). No significant correlations were observed between the clinical outcome and Gissane angle, B${\ddot{O}}$hler angle, and width, and there was no significant correlation between the clinical outcome and Sanders classification. However, postoperative articular step-off showed correlation with VAS and AOFAS score and articular gap showed correlation with VAS score. Conclusion: The clinical outcome did not show correlation with B${\ddot{O}}$hler angle and Gissane angle but did show correlation with anatomical reduction of the posterior facet joint.