• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.75-87
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• 2015

Background: Lumbar discogenic pain without pain mediated by a disc herniation, facet joints, or the sacroiliac joints, is common and often results in chronic, persistent pain and disability. After conservative treatment failure, injection therapy, such as an epidural injection, is frequently the next step considered in managing discogenic pain. The objective of this systematic review is to determine the efficacy of lumbar epidural injections in managing discogenic pain without radiculopathy, and compare this approach to lumbar fusion or disc arthroplasty surgery. Methods: A systematic review of randomized trials published from 1966 through October 2014 of all types of epidural injections and lumbar fusion or disc arthroplasty in managing lumbar discogenic pain was performed with methodological quality assessment and grading of evidence. The level of evidence was based on the grading of evidence criteria which, was conducted using 5 levels of evidence ranging from levels I to V. Results: Based on a qualitative assessment of the evidence for both approaches, there is Level II evidence for epidural injections, either caudal or lumbar interlaminar. Conclusions: The available evidence suggests fluoroscopically directed epidural injections provide long-term improvement in back and lower extremity pain for patients with lumbar discogenic pain. There is also limited evidence showing the potential effectiveness of surgical interventions compared to nonsurgical treatments.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.201-206
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• 2024

This report showed a case of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis suspected to be associated with ankylosing spondylitis based on the observation of bony ankylosis of the cervical spine on computed tomography (CT) images. A 53-year-old man presented with a chief complaint of difficulty in opening his mouth. His medical history indicated that in his 20 s, he became aware of the difficulty in moving his neck. CT revealed marked osteoarthritic changes in the right mandibular condyle, suggesting fibrotic TMJ ankylosis. In addition, bony ankylosis of the cervical vertebral body and facet joints from the axis (C2) to C5 in continuity was observed. CT of the entire spine also showed bony deformity of the sacroiliac joints and bony ankylosis. Based on these findings, ankylosing spondylitis was suspected. The possibility of an ankylosing spondylitis complication should be considered in cases of TMJ ankylosis if bony ankylosis of the cervical spine is observed.

• Proceedings of the KOSOMBE Conference
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• v.1991 no.11
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• pp.103-106
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• 1991

A three-dimensional finite element model of a ligamentous two motion segments (L4-S1) was developed to investigate its dynamic response. A number of parameters like the intradiscal pressure, forces in ligaments. and across facet joints in response to a sinusoidal axial compression force (-360 N to -440 N at 5 Hz) were predicted. The increase in the parameters varied from 12% to as high as 50% in comparison to response for a static load of 400 N. The predicted parameters also revealed a distortion and a phase shift in comparison to the applied sinusoidal signal. These changes may lead to degenerative changes seen clinically in persons exposed to a chronic vibration environment over time.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.103-112
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• 1990

The intervertebral disc in the anterior portion of the function unit gives the spine its flexibility. The disc is attached closely to the vertebral endplates. Between these endplates and the annulus fibrosus, the nucleus pulposus of the lumbar disc is enclosed in a circle of unyielding tissues. Compressive pressure placed on the disc is dissipated circumferentially in a passive manner In response to the greater axial forced exerted on the lumbar spine in comparison to the cervical and thoracic spines, the nucleus pulposus has its greatest surface area in the lumbar spine. The intervertebral disc is not only structure that helps diss pate stresses placed on the spine. With flexion, extension, rotation, or shear stress, the load distribution on the function unit is shared by the intervertebral disc, anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments, the facet joints and capsules, and other ligamentous structures like the ligamentum flavum, interspinous and supraspinous ligaments, which attach to the posterior elements of the functional unit.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.384-394
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• 2021

Objective: To quantitatively assess biochemical alterations in the cartilage of the subtalar and midtarsal joints in chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) patients with isolated anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injuries and combined calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) injuries using MRI T2 mapping. Materials and Methods: This study was performed according to regulations of the Committee for Human Research at our institution, and written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Forty CLAI patients (26 with isolated ATFL injuries and 14 with combined ATFL and CFL injuries) and 25 healthy subjects were recruited for this study. All participants underwent MRI scans with T2 mapping. Patients were assessed with the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) rating system. The subtalar and midtarsal joints were segmented into 14 cartilage subregions. The T2 value of each subregion was measured from T2 mapping images. Data were analyzed with ANOVA, the Student's t test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: T2 values of most subregions of the subtalar joint and the calcaneal facet of the calcaneocuboid joint in CLAI patients with combined CFL injuries were higher than those in healthy controls (all p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in T2 values in subtalar and midtarsal joints between patients with isolated ATFL injuries and healthy controls (all p > 0.05). Moreover, T2 values of the medial talar subregions of the posterior subtalar joint in patients with combined CFL injuries showed negative correlations with the AOFAS scores (r = -0.687, p = 0.007; r = -0.609, p = 0.021, respectively). Conclusion: CLAI with combined CFL injuries can lead to cartilage degeneration in subtalar and calcaneocuboid joints, while an isolated ATFL injury might not have a significant impact on the cartilage in these joints.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.59 no.2
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• pp.143-148
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• 2016

Objective : We evaluated postoperative outcomes in patients who have lumbar foraminal or extraforaminal disc herniation (FELDH) and suggested the risk factors for poor outcomes. Methods : A total of 234 patients were selected for this study. Pre- and post-operative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Korean version Oswestry Disability Index (KODI) were evaluated and the changes of both score were calculated. Outcome was defined as excellent, good, fair, and poor based on Mcnab classification. The percentage of superior facetectomy was calculated by using the Maro-view 5.4 Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS). Results : Paramedian lumbar discectomy was performed in 180 patients and combined lumbar discectomy was performed in 54 patients. Paramedian lumbar discectomy group showed better outcome compared with combined discectomy group. p value of VAS change was 0.009 and KODI was 0.013. The average percentage of superior facetectomy was 33% (range, 0-79%) and it showed negative correlation with VAS and KODI changes (Pearson coefficient : -0.446 and -0.498, respectively). Excellent or good outcome cases (Group I) were 136 (58.1%) and fair or poor outcome cases (Group II) were 98 (41.9%). The percentage of superior facetectomy was 26.5% at Group I and 42.5% at Group II. There was significant difference in superior facetectomy percentage between Group I and II (p=0.000). Conclusion : This study demonstrated that paramedian lumbar discectomy with preservation of facet joints is an effective and good procedure for FELDH. At least 60% of facet should be preserved for excellent or good outcomes.

• Journal of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute of Korea
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.145-152
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• 2020

In this study, we evaluated spinal stability based on the change in the thoracolumbar fixation segment using finite element analysis (FEA). To accomplish this, a finite element (FE) model of a normal thoracolumbar spine (T10-L4), including intervertebral discs (IVD), ligaments, and facet joints, was constructed, and the material properties reported in previous studies were implemented. However, L1 was assumed as the lesion site, and three types of posterior fixation, namely, L1-L2, T12-L2, and T12-L1-L2, were implemented in the thoracolumbar FE model. In addition, the loading conditions for flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation were adopted. Through the series FEA, the deformation, equivalent stress, range of motion, and moment on the pedicle screws, vertebrae, and IVD were calculated, and the spinal stability was evaluated based on the FEA results.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.105-108
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• 2015

Background: The most definitive diagnosis of neck pain caused by facet joints can be obtained through cervical medial branch blocks (CMBBs). However, intravascular injections need to be carefully monitored, as they can increase the risk of false-negative blocks when diagnosing cervical facet joint syndrome. In addition, intravascular injections can cause neurologic deficits such as spinal infarction or cerebral infarction. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is a radiological technique that can be used to clearly visualize the blood vessels from surrounding bones or dense soft tissues. The purpose of this study was to compare the rate of detection of intravascular injections during CMBBs using DSA and static images obtained through conventional fluoroscopy. Methods: Seventy-two patients were included, and a total of 178 CMBBs were performed. The respective incidences of intravascular injections during CMBBs using DSA and static images from conventional fluoroscopy were measured. Results: A total of 178 CMBBs were performed on 72 patients. All cases of intravascular injections evidenced by the static images were detected by the DSAs. The detection rate of intravascular injections was higher from DSA images than from static images (10.7% vs. 1.7%, P < 0.001). Conclusions: According to these findings, the use of DSA can improve the detection rate of intravascular injections during CMBBs. The use of DSA may therefore lead to an increase in the diagnostic and therapeutic value of CMBBs. In addition, it can decrease the incidence of potential side effects during CMBBs.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers B
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• v.37 no.10
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• pp.953-959
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• 2013

In this study, a multibody dynamic model of the cervical spine was developed for a virtual in-vitro cadaveric experiment. The dynamic cervical spine model was reconstructed based on Korean CT images and the material properties of joints and soft tissue obtained from in-vitro experimental literature. The model was validated by comparing the inter-segmental rotation, multi-segmental rotations, load-displacement behavior, ligament force, and facet contact force with the published in-vitro experimental data. The results from the model were similar to published experimental data. The developed dynamic model of the cervical spine can be useful for injury analysis to predict the loads and deformations of the individual soft-tissue elements as well as for virtual in-vitro cadaveric experiments.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.91-100
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• 2022

Objectives The purpose of this study was to report a case of a woman diagnosed with post hysterectomy syndrome treated with combined Korean medical treatment. Methods A combination of treatment including chuna manual therapy, pharmacopuncture at the lumbar facet joints, acupuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine was provided for 1 month. Progress was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale, Oswestry Disability Index, EuroQol-5Dimension, and Hot Flush Score before and after treatment. Results After treatment, the symptoms were reduced and the quality of life was enhanced, although there was no improvement in the abnormal sensation in the anterior part of the thigh. No adverse events were observed. Conclusions The findings indicate that a combination of Korean medical treatment can be a safe and effective alternative treatment in reducing LBP and hot flushes after hysterectomy.