• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.117-124
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• 2008

Objective This study was investigated on the Scolopendrid Pharmacopuncture of Caude equina syndrome which has been described as a complex of low back pain, bilateral sciatica, saddle anesthesia and motor weakness in the lower extremity that progress to paraplegia with baldder and bowel incontinence. Methods & Results Clinical observation was done on Cauda equina syndrome in the Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Woosuk jeonju Oriental Medical Hospital frome May 30 to July 13. The patient was treated with Scolopendrid Pharmacopuncture at Shinsu(B23), Gihaesu(B24), Taejangsu(B25), Gwanweonsu(b26), Dangryo(b31), Charyo(b32), Jang-gang(gv1) and Hoe-eum(cv1) with Oriental Medicine treatment. We evaluated SF-36, the bladder incontinence, bowel incontinence, sensibility by sting skin, before and after treatmeat. Conclusion 1. At the early time, gait disturbance was treated well, but discomfort of bladder incontinence, bilateral sciatica, saddle anesthesia and motor weakness was remained. 2. The symptoms of Cauada equina syndrome, especially bladder incontinence and bilateral sciatica, was recurred in short duration by scolopendrid Pharmacopuncture and oriental medicine treatment.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.249-254
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• 2022

Background: The lateral step down (LSD) is a form of stair negotiation used by the elderly because it requires less movement of the lower extremity. Although it is necessary to study the amount of pelvic drop and the strength of a hip abductor during LSD for intervention, limited studies have investigated the relationship between the amount of pelvic drop and strength of a hip abductor during LSD in elderly people. Objects: This study aimed to determine the relationship between the amount of pelvic drop on an unsupported leg and the strength of the hip abductor during LSD in the elderly. Methods: Thirty elderly people (male: 17, female: 13) were recruited. Subjects performed the LSD task, and the evaluator measured and the amount of pelvic drop on an unsupported side. Also, the isometric strength of the hip abductor was measured in a supine position. Results: We found significant relationships between the strength of the hip abductor and the amount of pelvic drop (r = -0.386). The average hip abductor strength normalized by body weight was 1.06 N/kg (max: 1.99, min: 0.52) and the average contralateral pelvic drop (CPD) angle was 4.16° (max: 15.3, min: 0). Conclusion: Our results indicated that the strength of the hip abductor had a moderate correlation with the CPD during a LSD in the elderly. Hip abductor weakness could translate into altered movement of the pelvis.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.317-332
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• 2018

Purpose: Patients with tibial fractures can have functional problems with balance and gait, as well as lower extremity muscle weakness. This case report aimed to describe the effect of hip joint strengthening exercises using proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) on balance and gait and lower limb function in a patient with tibia fracture. Methods: One patient diagnosed with tibial fracture was treated for seven weeks with the basic procedure, pattern, and technique of PNF for a hip joint strengthening exercise. Results: The results of pre- and post-intervention treatment showed improvements in physical function and structure in the clinical tests, including the manual strength test; the modified Ashworth scale; sensory evaluation; balance, sit-to-stand, and gait performance; and evaluation of lower limb function. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it is suggested that the use of theory-based proprioceptive neuromuscular stimulation for hip joint strengthening exercises positively affects patients' functional improvement in tibial fracture patients, and this may be used as a therapeutic exercise method for those with orthopedic problems in the lower extremities. One limitation of this study was that it was performed on only one tibia fracture patient, which makes it difficult to extend the treatment effects to all patients with this condition.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.54 no.6
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• pp.511-514
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• 2013

Isolated symptomatic occlusion of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) is a rare condition and until date, only few cases regarding the revascularization of the ACA have been reported. This paper reports on successful attempt to revascularize the ACA using superficial temporal artery (STA) in patient with isolated symptomatic occlusion of the ACA. A 69-year-old man presented with several episodes of transient weakness involving left lower extremity. Cerebral angiography showed occlusion of the right ACA at the A2 segment. After medical treatment failure, the patient underwent STA-ACA bypass surgery. Subsequent to surgery, there was immediate disappearance of transient ischemic attack and follow-up angiography showed favorable revascularization of the ACA territory. Bypass surgery can be considered in the patients with symptomatic occlusion of the ACA, who have experienced failure in medical treatment.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.54 no.4
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• pp.347-349
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• 2013

We report a very rare case of cervical compressive myelopathy by an anomalous bilateral vertebral artery (VA) entering the spinal canal at the C1 level and compressing the spinal cord. A 70-year-old woman had been suffering from progressive gait disturbance. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed that a bilateral VA at the V4 segment had abnormal courses and caused compression to the high cervical cord. VA repositioning was performed by anchoring a suture between the artery and around the arachnoid membrane and dentate ligament, and then, microvascular decompression using a Teflon sponge was done between the VA and the spinal cord. The weakness in the patient improved in the lower extremity after the operation. Anomalous VA could be one of the rare causes of cervical compressive myelopathy. Additionally, an anchoring suture and microvascular decompression around the VA could be a sufficient and safe method to indirectly decompress the spinal canal.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.26 no.10
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• pp.781-786
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• 1993

Effrctive analgesia after elective thoracotomy can be provided by continuous extrapleural intercostal nerve block.This study was designed to prove the effectiveness of continuous extrapleural intercostal nerve block. Twenty patients undergoing elective thoracotomy were randomized into two groups. Group I received lumbar epidural block[N=10] and group II received continuous extrapleural intercostal nerve block[N=10]. Postoperative pain relief was assessed on Numeric Rating Scale[NRS] and recovery of pulmonary function was assessed by coparison of preoperatrive and postoperative FVC[Forced Vital Capacity], FEV1[Forced expiratory Volume in 1 second], VC[Vital Capacity]. Arterial blood gas analysis[ABGA], vital signs and amount of additive analgesics were compared also. No significant difference was observed between the groups concerning these parameters mentioned above. Systemic complications, such as urinary retention[2/10] and weakness of lower extremity[2/10], occurred in group I but no complication occurred in group II. We conclude that continuous extrapleural intercostal nerve block is as effective as epidural block in pain relief and restoration of pulmonary mechanics with fewer comlications. Also because of it`s ease and safetiness, this must be considered as a substitute of epidural block in routine use for thoracotomy pain relief.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.390-393
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• 1995

Although spinal anesthesia has long been considered a safe technique, it is not without risk or side effect. Cauda equina syndrome is a rare but serious complication of spinal anesthesia. We have experience a case of cauda equina syndrome after spinal anesthesia. A twenty year old healthy male patient complained of pain, numbness, tingling sensation and motor weakness on his right lower extremity 8 hours after subarachnoid blockade. On the following day, the patient was noted to have a right L1 to S2 radiculopathy. Magnetic Resonance Imaging results were unremarkable. The patient sprained his ankle while trying to move down from the bed, so short leg splint was applied. Then he had additional right common peroneal nerve injury from the splint. His neurologic symptoms improved gradually thereafter, and three months postoperatively his electromyogram revealed improving stage from right common peroneal nerve palsy.

• Journal of Electrodiagnosis and Neuromuscular Diseases
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.119-123
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• 2018

A 14-year-old student presented with a 2-year history of progressive left foot deformity. High elevated medial arch, hindfoot varus deformity and second to fourth claw toes were idenfied in the left foot without a familial history. Neurologic examinations showed left distal lower extremity weakness and bilateral increased deep tendon reflexes. MRI of whole spine demonstrated thickened filum terminale and spinal defect covered with pulled skin which findings consistent with tethered cord syndrome (TCS). He was referred to neurosurgery department and had a detethering operation of the spinal cord. Two years later, he underwent foot surgery because his foot deformity progressed despite the detethering operation. It is very rare for TCS to present with pes cavus as the only symptom, also in Korea. We suggest that TCS should be considered as one of the differential diagnoses associated with unilateral pes cavus in adolescence so as not to miss the proper period of surgery.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.160-168
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• 2023

Background: Individuals with scapular winging have a weak serratus anterior (SA) muscle, and to compensate, the pectoralis major (PM) and upper trapezius (UT) muscles excessively activate, which can cause upper extremity dysfunction. This study aimed to compare the effects of isometric horizontal abduction (IHA) on SA, PM, and UT muscle activity, as well as the SA/PM and SA/UT muscle activity ratios during knee push-up plus (KPP) at 90° and 120° of shoulder flexion. Objects: This study aimed to compare the effects of IHA on SA, PM, and UT muscle activity, as well as the SA/PM and SA/UT muscle activity ratios during KPP at 90° and 120° of shoulder flexion. Methods: This study, conducted at a university research laboratory, included 20 individuals with scapular winging. Participants performed KPP with and without IHA at 90° (KPP90) and 120° (KPP120) of shoulder flexion. SA, PM, and UT muscle activity were measured using surface electromyography. Results: PM activity in KPP90 with IHA was significantly lower than KPP90 and in KPP120 was significantly lower than KPP90. UT activity was significantly greater with IHA than without IHA and at 120° than 90° of shoulder flexion. SA/PM muscle activity ratio was significantly higher in KPP90 with IHA than without IHA and in KPP120 than in KPP90. SA/UT muscle activity ratio was significantly lower with IHA than without IHA. Conclusion: KPP90 with IHA and KPP120 are effective exercises to reduce PM activity and increase SA/PM muscle activity ratio. However, applying IHA in KPP90 also reduces SA/UT muscle activity ratio, implying that it would be preferable to apply KPP120 in individuals overusing their UT muscles.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.596-603
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• 1998

Lambert Eaton myasthenic syndrome(LEMS) is a paraneoplastic syndrome caused by defects in the secretion of acetylcholine from the presynaptic membrane of nerve terminals and is strongly associated with small cell lung carcinoma. The pathogenesis of LEMS is the destruction of voltage gated calcium channels by an autoimmune process resulting in clinical manifestations consisting of lower extremity weakness. decreased deep tendon reflexes and autonomic dysfunctions. The diagnosis can be confirmed by the characteristic clinical features and repetitive nerve stimulation. The neurological symptoms and signs of LEMS may manifest themselves months before the clinical manifestation of the underlying malignancy. Therefore early diagnosis and treatment of the primary malignancy may become possible through the diagnosis of this rare paraneoplastic syndrome. We report a case of a patient diagnosed with LEMS who upon further evaluation for an underlying malignancy was found to have a 0.2 cm sized nodular and infiltrative mass lesion at the bifurcation of the left apicoposterior segmental and anterior segmental bronchi by bronchoscopy. Although repeated bronchoscopic biopsies of the lesion was not able to disclose malignancy, under strong clinical suspicion left upper lobectomy was performed and subsequently the diagnosis of small cell carcinoma of the lung was confirmed. Muscle weakness began to improve starting from a week after the surgery, then reached a plateau 2 weeks later. Muscle weakness improved further after the trial of anticancer chemotherapy.