• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제50권4호
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• pp.332-340
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• 2011

Objective : Pyogenic spondylitis often results in acute neurological deterioration requiring adequate surgical intervention and appropriate antibiotic treatment. The purpose of this study was to conduct an analysis of the clinical effect of continuous irrigation via laminotomy in a series of patients with pyogenic spondylitis in thoracic and lumbar spine. Methods : The authors conducted a retrospective investigation of 31 consecutive patients with pyogenic thoracic and lumbar spondylitis who underwent continuous irrigation through laminotomy from 2004 to 2008. The study included 22 men and 9 women, ranging in age from 38 to 78 years (mean 58.1 years). The average follow-up duration was 13.4 months (range, 8-34 months). We performed debridement and abscess removal after simple laminotomy, and then washed out epidural and disc space using a continuous irrigation system. Broad spectrum antibiotics were administered empirically and changed according to the subsequent culture result. Clinical outcomes were based on the low back outcome scale (LBOS), visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and Frankel grade at the last follow-up. Radiological assessment involved plain radiographs, including functional views. Results : Common predisposing factors included local injection for pain therapy, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, and liver cirrhosis. Causative microorganisms were identified in 22 cases (70.9%) : Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp. were the main organisms. After surgery, LBOS, VAS score, and Frankel grade showed significant improvement in most patients. Spinal stability was maintained during the follow-up period, making secondary reconstructive surgery unnecessary for all patients, except one. Conclusion : Simple laminotomy with continuous irrigation by insertion of a catheter into intervertebral disc space or epidural space was minimally invasive and effective in the treatment of pyogenic spondylitis. This procedure could be a beneficial treatment option in patients with thoracolumbar spondylitis combined with minimal or moderate destructive change of vertebrae.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제20권1호
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• pp.54-59
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• 2007

Background: Selective transforaminal epidural block (STEB) has showen effectiveness as a diagnostic and therapeutic option for the management of patients with low back pain or sciatica. This study was carried out in order to determine the short-term effects and prognostic factors associated with STEB in patients with low back pain or sciatica. Methods: Ninety-seven patients were selectedfor participation in this study. Their diagnosis were based werewason the clinical symptoms and MRI findings. We performed STEB under fluoroscopic guidance and injected 3 ml of radio opaque dye in order to confirm the technical success of the procedure. We then injected 20 mg of triamcinolone mixed into 3 ml of 0.5% mepivacaine. One month later, we classified the patient outcomes as excellent, good, moderate or poor, according to the degree of reduction in VAS score from baseline. The independent variables assessed included symptom duration, block level, number of blocks, primary diagnosis, prior caudal block, anterior epidural space filling of dye, medication history, demographic data, radiating pain, back surgery and spondylolisthesis. Results: At a mean follow-up period of 1 month after STEB, excellent results were noted in the patients diagnosed with herniated lumbar disc (70%), non-specific spondylosis (54%), spinal stenosis (44%), and failed back syndrome (28%). The patients with epidural adhesion and combined spondylolisthesis were associated with poorer outcomes. Combined caudal block, symptom duration and the extent of epidural spread of the drug were not related to the effectiveness of the treatment. Conclusions: Selective transforaminal epidural block is effective in treating patients with radiculopathy, such as herniated lumbar disc, but it isrelatively ineffective in treating patients with structural deformities, such as failed back syndrome and spondylolisthesis.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제26권1호
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• pp.27-31
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• 2013

Background: Neuroplasty using a Racz catheter or epiduroscope and percutaneous endoscopic laser discectomy are performed as treatment for chronic refractory low back and/or lower extremity pain, but they are limited in that they cannot completely remove the causing pathology. Lately, epiduroscopic laser neural decompression (ELND) has been receiving attention as an alternative treatment, but there are insufficient reports of results. Hence we aimed to investigate and report the data in our hospital. Methods: Seventy-seven patients were selected who had received ELND via the anterior and posterior epidural approach through the pain clinic in our hospital from March 2011 to July 2012. Their medical records including age, diagnosis, epiduroscopic findings and degree of symptom relief were investigated. The degree of symptom relief following the procedure was categorized into 5 stages of very good (5), good (4), no change (3), bad (2), and very bad (1) at 2 weeks and 1 month after the procedure. Results: The subjects were 30 males and 47 females. Mean age was 54.6 for males and 59.6 for females, so the overall mean age was 58.1 years old, with the youngest being 23 and the oldest 88 years old. In epiduroscopic images of all patients, more than one situation of herniated disc, fibrous tissue and adhesion, or inflammation was observed. Sixty-seven patients (87.0%) showed symptom relief 2 weeks after the procedure and 63 patients (81.8%) showed relief after 1 month. Conclusions: ELND is considered to be an effective treatment alternative for chronic refractory low back and/or lower extremity pain, including lumbar disc herniation, lumbar spinal stenosis, and failed back surgery syndrome which cannot be alleviated with existing non-invasive conservative treatment.

• International Journal of CAD/CAM
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• 제9권1호
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• pp.121-128
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• 2010

The purpose of this study is to clarify the mechanical behavior of human lumbar vertebrae (L3/L4) with and without fusion bone under physiological axial compression. The author has developed the program code to build the patient specific three-dimensional geometric model from the computed tomography (CT) images. The developed three-dimensional model provides the necessary information to the physicians and surgeons to visually interact with the model and if needed, plan the way of surgery in advance. The processed data of the model is versatile and compatible with the commercial computer aided design (CAD), finite element analysis (FEA) software and rapid prototyping technology. The actual physical model is manufactured using rapid prototyping technique to confirm the executable competence of the processed data from the developed program code. The patient specific model of L3/L4 vertebrae is analyzed under compressive loading condition by the FEA approach. By varying the spacer position and fusion bone with and without pedicle instrumentation, simulations were carried out to find the increasing axial stiffness so as to ensure the success of fusion technique. The finding was helpful in positioning the fusion bone graft and to predict the mechanical stress and deformation of body organ indicating the critical section.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제63권6호
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• pp.806-813
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• 2020

Objective : Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common disease, and lumbar discectomy (LD) is a common neurosurgical procedure. However, there is little previous data on return to work (RTW) after LD. This study investigated the period until the RTW after LD prospectively. Clinically, the pain state at the time of RTW also checked. RTW failure rate 6 months after surgery also investigated. Methods : Patients with daily/regular jobs undergoing LD between September 2014 and December 2018 were enrolled. Pain was assessed by the Oswestri Disability Index (ODI) and the Numeric Rate Scale (NRS). Employment type was divided into self-employed, regular and contracted. Monthly telephone interviews were conducted to check RTW status and self-estimated work capability after surgery. Results : Sixty-seven patients enrolled in this study. Three patients failed to RTW, and three others resigned within 6 months after surgery. The preoperative NRS and ODI were 7.2±1.2 and 22.1±7.9, respectively. The average time to RTW was 5.1±6.0 weeks. At RTW, NRS was 1.5±1.8 and ODI was 6.3±3.9. Amongst patients that successfully returned to work were 16 self-employed workers, 42 regular employees, and three contracted workers. The time to RTW of self-employed, regular, and contracted workers were 5.9±8.8, 4.2±4.3 and 13.3±2.3 weeks, respectively (p=0.011). Thirty-six of the patients that returned to work self-reported a 22.8±15.6% reduction in work capability at 6 months. Conclusion : RTW may vary depending on the employment status. In this study, we found that while employment type may affect the length to RTW, most patients were able to RTW and >40% of patients reported no loss of work capabilities 6 months postoperatively, hopefully alleviating some patient hesitation towards LD.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제47권6호
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• pp.473-476
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• 2010

Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is an effective treatment for bladder and bowel dysfunction, and also has a role in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain. We report two cases of intractable pain associated with cauda equina syndrome (CES) that were treated successfully by SNS. The first patient suffered from intractable pelvic pain with urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence after surgery for a herniated lumbar disc. The second patient underwent surgery for treatment of a burst fracture and developed intractable pelvic area pain, right leg pain, excessive urinary frequency, urinary incontinence, voiding difficulty and constipation one year after surgery. A SNS trial was performed on both patients. Both patients' pain was significantly improved and urinary symptoms were much relieved. Neuromodulation of the sacral nerves is an effective treatment for idiopathic urinary frequency, urgency, and urge incontinence. Sacral neuromodulation has also been used to control various forms of pelvic pain. Although the mechanism of action of neuromodulation remains unexplained, numerous clinical success reports suggest that it is a therapy with efficacy and durability. From the results of our research, we believe that SNS can be a safe and effective option for the treatment of intractable pelvic pain with incomplete CES.

• 한국응용과학기술학회지
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• 제38권3호
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• pp.891-902
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• 2021

본 연구는 자가간호프로그램이 요추간판제거술 환자의 운동이행 자기효능감, 자가간호지식, 자가간호이행에 미치는 효과를 확인하기 위한 실험연구이다. 대상자는 D광역시 소재 일개 척추전문병원 입원환자 중 미세현미경 요추간판제거술을 받은 환자로 실험군 26명, 대조군 27명이다. 수집된 자료는 SPSS 25프로그램을 이용하여 평균, 백분율, 표준편차, t-test, χ²-test, t-test, repeated measures ANOVA로 분석하였다. 연구결과 자가간호프로그램 중재를 받은 실험군은 제공받지 않은 대조군에 비해 시간이 경과함에 따라 보조기 관리지식(p=.001)과 일상생활관리지식점수(p=.005)가 더 높아 지지되었다. 또한 자가간호프로그램을 제공받은 실험군은 제공받지 않는 대조군보다 보조기 관리이행도(p=.011), 일상생활 이행도(p=.007), 유해생활 습관관리 이행도(p=.011)가 높아 지지되었다. 따라서 자가간호프로그램은 요추간판제거술 환자의 수술 전후 적용을 통해 운동이행 자기효능감, 자가간호지식 및 자가간호이행도를 향상시켜 보다 빠른 회복을 도울 수 있는 프로그램이라고 할 수 있다.

• 한방재활의학과학회지
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• 제26권2호
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• pp.105-121
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• 2016

Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare the effects between the degree of herniated intervertebral lumbar disc (HIVD) at L4-5 level and improvement of low back pain treated by Korean Medicine therapy. Methods 567 patients who received inpatient treatment from May 2014 to December 2015 in the Daejeon-Jaseng of Korean Medicine Hospital were divided into 6 groups by the degree of HIVD at L4-5 level confirmed with a Lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging. All patients received a combination of treatment including acupunture, chuna manual therapy, pharmacopunture, herbal medication. They were compared and analyzed on the basis of improvement between measuring Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), EuroQol-5 Dimension Index (EQ5D Index) as they were hospitalized and as they were discharged. The statistically significance was evaluated by SPSS 23.0 for windows. Results After treatment, Normal stage on Intervertebral Lumbar Disc at L4-5 level group's Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), EuroQol-5 Dimension Index (EQ5D Index) improvement was $1.30{\pm}1.62$, $4.52{\pm}11.82$ and $0.04{\pm}0.11$ respectively. Bulging group's improvement was $3.25{\pm}2.81$, $8.28{\pm}13.02$ and $0.09{\pm}0.17$ respectively. Spinal canal occupying ratio (SOR) less than 20 group's improvement was $2.15{\pm}1.92$, $11.79{\pm}17.81$ and $0.13{\pm}0.23$ respectively. SOR 20 to less than 40 stage group's improvement was $2.13{\pm}1.92$. $10.79{\pm}15.93$ and $0.10{\pm}0.26$ respectively. SOR 40 to less than 60 group's improvement was $2.16{\pm}2.24$, $9.80{\pm}16.62$ and $0.15{\pm}0.25$ respectively. Surgery group's improvement was $2.47{\pm}2.21$, $11.64{\pm}18.53$ and $0.15{\pm}0.27$ respectively (p<0.03). But there was no statistically significance between 6 group's improvement after treatment (p>0.05). Conclusions After inpatient treatment by Korean Medicine therapy, Most patient's pain, disability and Health Related Quality of Life was improved significantly. But there was no statistically correlation between the degree of HIVD at L4-5 level and improvement of low back pain. So We think that future research of higher quality and correct statistics shall be necessary.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제29권7호
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• pp.935-939
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• 2000

Objective : Traumatic disc lesion is a lesion with tremendous controversies. The causal relationships of this lesion are not established along with pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria, methods of treatment and the outcome. However, a significant number of patients with back pain after a trauma underwent spinal operations under the diagnosis of traumatic disc lesions. Such an ill-directed operation eventually produce a person with an iatrogenic disability. We present two illustrative cases, and tried to make a preventive method. Methods : We examined the path from mild trauma after a road traffic accident into the iatrogenic disability in two illustrative cases, who requested disability assessment and medical appraisement. We evaluated the reason and background for such an unwanted outcome and tried to find a method to reduce or prevent it by a literature review. Results : These two patients were admitted to the hospital with the diagnosis of lumbar sprain after a road traffic accidents. They eventually underwent spinal surgery under another diagnosis such as traumatic disc herniation or internal disc disruption. They stayed at the hospital for more than six months and finally lost their jobs. They became the disabled at last. Although they complained back pain, they never insisted by themselves that their symptoms were due to the traumatic disc lesion. To prevent such an iatrogenic disability, the doctors should assist them to go-back to the workplace promptly instead of a reckless extension of the treatment period. It may be necessary to evaluate the certificates to extend the treatment period with an additional diagnosis by a medical expert. To reduce the unnecessary long-term admission, a new billing system such as a partial share for the high cost of the treatment by the patients may be needed. Conclusion : It is not the patient but the doctors, who has the responsibility to avoid the unnecessary operations. All treating doctors should try to reduce or prevent such an iatrogenic complication caused by ourselves before we are forced to do so.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제50권4호
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• pp.392-395
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• 2011

Idiopathic hypertrophic spinal pachymeningitis (IHSP) is a rare inflammatory disease characterized by hypertrophic inflammation of the dura mater and various clinical courses that are from myelopathy. Although many associated diseases have been suggested, the etiology of IHSP is not well understood. The ideal treatment is controversial. In the first case, a 55-year-old woman presented back pain, progressive paraparesis, both leg numbness, and voiding difficulty. Initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated an anterior epidural mass lesion involving from C6 to mid-thoracic spine area with low signal intensity on T1 and T2 weighted images. We performed decompressive laminectomy and lesional biopsy. After operation, she was subsequently treated with steroid and could walk unaided. In the second case, a 45-year-old woman presented with fever and quadriplegia after a spine fusion operation due to lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative herniated lumbar disc. Initial MRI showed anterior and posterior epidural mass lesion from foramen magnum to C4 level. She underwent decompressive laminectomy and durotomy followed by steroid therapy. However, her conditions deteriorated gradually and medical complications occurred. In our cases, etiology was not found despite through investigations. Initial MRI showed dural thickening with mixed signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images. Pathologic examination revealed chronic nonspecific inflammation in both patients. Although one patient developed several complications, the other showed slow improvement of neurological symptoms with decompressive surgery and steroid therapy. In case of chronic compressive myelopathy due to the dural hypertrophic change, decompressive surgery such as laminectomy or laminoplasty may be helpful as well as postoperative steroid therapy.