• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.326-330
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• 2007

Objective : Stroke is the most prevalent disease involving the central nervous system. Since medical modalities are sometimes ineffective for the acute edema following massive infarction, surgical decompression may be an effective option when medical treatments fail. The present study was undertaken to assess the outcome and prognostic factors of decompressive surgery in life threatening acute, severe, brain infarction. Methods : We retrospectively analyzed twenty-six patients (17 males and 9 females; average age, 49.7yrs) who underwent decompressive surgery for severe cerebral or cerebellar infarction from January 2003 to December 2006. Surgical indication was based on the clinical signs such as neurological deterioration, pupillary reflex, and radiological findings. Clinical outcome was assessed by Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Results : Of the 26 patients, 5 (19.2%) showed good recovery, 5 (19.2%) showed moderate disability, 2 (7.7%) severe disability, 6 (23.1%) persistent experienced vegetative state, and 8 (30.8%) death. In this study, the surgical decompression improved outcome for cerebellar infarction, but decompressive surgery did not show a good result for MCA infarction (30.8% overall mortality vs 100% mortality). The dominant-hemisphere infarcts showed worse prognosis, compared with nondominant-hemisphere infarcts (54.5% vs 70%). Poor prognostic factors were diabetes mellitus, dominant-hemisphere infarcts and low preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score. Conclusion : The patients who exhibit clinical deterioration despite aggressive medical management following severe cerebral infarction should be considered for decompressive surgery. For better outcome, prompt surgical treatment is mandatory. We recommend that patients with severe cerebral infarction should be referred to neurosurgical department primarily in emergency setting or as early as possible for such prompt surgical treatment.

• Journal of Korean Society of Industrial and Systems Engineering
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.150-164
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• 2017

The development of an appropriate public service quality model has become increasingly recognised as an important subject of interest in the public sector as well as academia. In particular, the public systems enacted by governments are widely used and have a significant impact on national competitiveness. But few researches have been conducted to explore the quality dimensions of a public system service and empirically examine the relationship among related variables. Therefore, in this study, we strive to develop a quality measurement model of public system service that can be effectively used in practice. Using 601 samples gathered through a structured survey from project engineers, a conceptual quality model of public system is presented and discussed. Given the exploratory nature of this study, an exploratory factor analysis is used to investigate quality dimensions and partial least square (PLS) is employed in determining the structural relationships. From empirical results, we found that the quality dimensions of the public system had four distinct quality dimensions (design quality, environment quality, primary outcome quality, additive outcome quality). All four quality dimensions showed good representative factors in explaining user satisfaction. Perceived trust was proved to significantly mediate the relationship between quality dimensions and user satisfaction. Our research is expected to contribute to the literature by providing a good conceptual framework for assessing public system quality by linking four quality dimensions with user satisfaction. In particular, the developed model can elaborately measure process quality and multi-functional outcome quality of the system by the supplementation of design quality and additive outcome quality respectively. Practical implications are also suggested on the basis of our analysis.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.141-145
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• 2008

Objective : Barbiturate coma therapy (BCT) has been known to be an useful method to control increased intracranial pressure (IICP) refractory to medical and surgical treatments. We have used BCT for patients with severe IICP during the past 10 years, and analyzed our results with review of literatures. Methods : We analyzed 92 semicomatose or comatose patients with Glasgow coma scale (GCS) of 7 or less with severe IICP due to cerebral edema secondary to parenchymal damages irrespective of their causes. Forty patients who had received BCT with ICP monitoring from January 1997 to December 2006 were included in BCT group, and fifty-two patients who had been managed without BCT from January 1991 to December 1995 were divided into control group. We compared outcomes with Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) and survival rate between the two groups. Results : Good outcome (GOS=4 and 5) rates at 3-month after insult were 27.5% and 5.8% in BCT and control group, respectively (p<0.01). One-year survival rates were 35.9% and 12.5% in BCT and control group, respectively (p<0.01). In BCT group, the mean age of good outcome patients ($37.1{\pm}14.9$) was significantly lower than that of poor outcome patients ($48.1{\pm}13.5$) (p<0.05). Conclusion : With our 10-year experience, we suggest that BCT is an effective treatment method for severe IICP patients for better survival and GOS, especially for younger patients.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.353-357
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• 2008

Objective : Many vascular neurosurgeons tend to remove bone flap in patients with large aneurysmal intracerebral hematomas (ICH). However, relatively little work has been done regarding the effectiveness of prophylactic decompressive craniectomy in a patient with a large aneurysmal ICH. Methods : Large ICH was defined as hematoma when its volume exceeded 25 mL, ipsilateral to aneurysms. The patients were divided into two groups; aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) associated with large ICH, January, 1994 - December, 1999 (Group A, 41 patients), aneurysmal SAH associated with large ICH, January, 2000 - May, 2005 (Group 8, 27 patients). Demographic and clinical variables including age, sex, hypertension, vasospasm, rebleeding, Hunt-Hess grade, aneurysm location, aneurysm size, and outcome were compared between two groups, and also compared between craniotomy and craniectomy patients in Group A. Results : In Group A. 21 of 41 patients underwent prophylactic decompressive craniectomy. In Group 8, only two patients underwent craniectomy. Surgical outcome in Group A (good 23, poor 18) was statistically not different from Group 8 (good 15, poor 12). Surgical outcomes between craniectomy (good 12, poor 9) and craniotomy cases (good 11, poor 9) in Group A were also comparable. Conclusion : We recommend that a craniotomy can be carried out safely without prophylactic craniectomy in patients with a large aneurysmal ICH if intracranial pressure is controllable with hematoma evacuation.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.217-223
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• 2007

Objective : The apparent increase in the incidence of the intracranial meningiomas in the elderly is due in part to improved diagnostic tools and improved span of life. The authors carried out a retrospect study to validate the use of the Clinical-Radiological Grading System [CRGS] as a clinical tool to orientate surgical decision making in elderly patients and to explore prognostic factors of survival. Methods : From January 1997 to January 2006, the authors consecutively recruited and surgically treated 20 patients older than 65 years of age with radiologic findings of intracranial meningiomas and a preoperative evaluation based on the CRGS. Results : High CRGS score was associated with a higher probability of good outcome [p=0.004] and a lower probability of postoperative complications [p=0.049]. Among the different subset items of the CRGS score, larger maximum tumor diameters [$D{\geqq}4cm$] and the presence of a severe peritumoral edema were associated with incidence rate of postoperative poor outcome and complications [p<0.05]. Additionally, the critical location of the tumor was also correlated with poor outcome [p<0.05]. Conclusion : A CRGS score higher than 13 is a good prognostic indication of survival. The CRGS score is a useful and practical tool for the selection of elderly patients affected by intracranial meningiomas as surgical candidates.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.399-404
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• 2005

Objective: Aneurysms arising from the posterior inferior cerebellar artery(PICA) are uncommon. We review literature on that and surgical results on aneurysmal treatment by choice of surgical approach. Methods: On the basis of radiologic findings & charts, we review retrospectively the surgical results of 12 cases from Mar 1999 to Dec 2003. Results: The mean age of the 12 patients was 55.8(ranged from 36 to 71) and female was predominant (female:male = 8:4). Locations of PICA aneurysms revealed variously(vertebral artery - PICA junction: 8, lateral medullary segment: 2, PICA - anterior inferior cerebellar artery common trunk: 1, telovelomedullary : 1). Surgical approaches & treatments were attempted in 11 cases and embolization was done in 1 case(Far lateral transcondylar or supracondylar approach & clipping: 9, Far lateral transcondylar or supracondylar approach and trapping: 2, suboccipital approach & clipping: 1). The surgical result were 8 of 12 patients were good outcome, 1 of 12 was severely disabled and 3 of 12 were died. Conclusion: First, we choose surgical approach by the laterality of aneurysms and surgical or interventional treatment is attempted as soon as possible. The PICA aneurysm is regarded as having a relatively good surgical outcome without drilling of the posterior arch of the atlas.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.sup1
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• pp.108-114
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• 2001

Objective : Posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PLIF) provides the favorable outcome to degenerative lumbar disease, especially isthmic spondylolisthesis. To determine the long-term effect of PLIF using psterior movable segment, we analysed the results of follow-up radiologic changes and surgical outcome retrospectively Patients and Method : During the past 11 years(1989. 1.-1999. 9.), 148 patients with symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis were managed at our department and the clinical wants were throughly recieved and final outcome is determined at last follow up. PLIF using antogenous bone(posterior movable segment, iliac bone and rib) were performed in 106 case. Results : After an average follow-up period of 33 months(range ; 15-58 months), the results were excellent in 66 cases, good in 37 cases, fair in 2 cases and poor in 1 cases. And the satisfactory results were 103 cases(98.2%) in PLIF,. Conclusion : In conclusion, patients who underwent PLIF with autologous bone graft had good clinical and radiological outcomes without significant neurological complications.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.239-244
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• 2021

Background: Radial neck fracture in children is rare. This study attempted to evaluate the outcome of surgically treated patients and any associated complications. Methods: This study evaluated 23 children under 15 years of age with radial neck fracture who were treated with open reduction between 2006 and 2016 to determine their range of motion, postoperative complications, and radiographic outcomes. The results were assessed clinically using the Mayo clinic elbow performance score. Results: The mean follow-up duration for patients was 34.6 months. The average postoperative angulation was 3.6°. Hypoesthesia was reported in only 9% of patients, and none of the patients complained of postoperative pain. The postoperative X-ray results were excellent in 60% and good in 40%. No radiographic complications were identified. The elbow score was excellent in 87% and good in 13% (mean score, 96.74). There was a statistical relationship between range of motion limitations and age, degree of fracture, initial displacement, and surgical pin removal time. Conclusions: Although most patients accept the closed reduction method as a primary treatment, the present study suggests that an open-reduction approach has been associated with optimal therapeutic outcomes for patients in whom closed reduction was not satisfactory or indicated.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.140-146
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• 2012

Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess the clinical outcome of arthroscopic release of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon in chronic recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis and tried to determine any prognostic factors. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 24 patients with lateral epicondylitis treated by arthroscopic ECRB release was performed. Outcome measures included a patient self rating and visual analog scale (VAS). Functional evaluation was made with Quick-disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score system to identify preoperative factors that might be associated with the outcomes. Results: Twenty one (88%) elbows received benefit from the procedure. A mean preoperative VAS pain score and the mean Quick-DASH were significantly improved at final follow up. Age, sex, dominant arm and duration of symptom, presence of capsular tear or calcification did not correlate significantly with the clinical outcome. Three of four patients without T2-weighted high signal focus of the ECRB origin on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed higher Quick-DASH score. Conclusion: Arthroscopic release of the ECRB is an effective option for chronic recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis. Lack of high signal focus on preoperative MRI is significantly associated with a poor surgical outcome and a considerable factor for the proper surgical indication.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.108-112
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• 2000

Objective : Many authors suggest that patients with traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage(tSAH) visible on first CT after heve injury had a significantly worse prognosis than patients who do not. The aim of this study is to identify patients with tSAH who present with a bad prognosis by reviewing their clinicoradiological features and plan appropriate treatments. Patients and Methods : We reviewed and analysed the factors that influenced discharge outcomes in 172 patients with tSAH for a 3-year period. The outcome was divided into good(good recovery and moderate disability of glasgow outcome scale) and good(severe disability, vegetative state and death). Results : A regression analysis of statistical significant factors(p<0.05) among the clinical and CT features ranked them by descending order of contribution to Glasgow Outcome Scale(GOS) scores at the time of discharge from acute hospitalization as follows 1) clinical : admission Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS), hypotension, CT grade, abnormal APTT, skull fracture, hyperglycemia(>160mg/dl), hypoxia, operation, 2) CT : basal cistern effacement(BCE), mass lesion, cortical sulcal effacement(CSE), midline shift. Conclusion : We have also experienced that the CT grading scale proposed by Green et al is a simple and useful prognostic factor. The authors believe that the patients with high CT grade need adjuvant therapies as of well surgery but it seems mandatory to consider early identification and correction of hypotension, hyperglycemia, and hypoxia in emergency setting.