• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.114-117
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• 2001

Generally, the posterolateral approach had been recommended in case of extraforaminal disc herniation or lateral stenosis but it has been speculated that this procedure may be feasible to posterolateral disc herniation at the high lumbar levels of the L1-L2 interspace. Topographically, a posterolateral approach should be able to access anteromedial side of the spinal canal without the risk of the bony instability and damage to the neural structures. During the past one year period, three patients with high lumbar discs at the L1-L2 level were treated by the modified posterolateral approach. This article describeds the details of this approach with pertinent literature review.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.12
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• pp.1677-1681
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• 2000

Microsurgical transthoracic extrapleural approach for thoracic discectomy in three cases were modified and simplified in order to achieve better exposure of ventral extradural space than posterolateral extrapleural(lateral extracavitary) approach and less pulmonary complications than transthoracic transpleural approach. These approaches were optimized by microscope and video-assistance. Surgery was followed by clinical improvement in all patients. The results of treatment seem to support the use of these modified techniques as adequate surgical treatment of thoracic disc herniations without any complications.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.27 no.12
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• pp.1008-1014
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• 1994

Increased interest in alternative approach to thoractomy has developed because of the considerable morbidity associated with the standard posterolateral thoracotomy[ST]. Muscle sparing thoracotomy is appeared as excellent alternative because of less postoperative pain and morbidity than standard posterolateral one. Vertical axillary muscle sparing thoracotomy[VM] is the newly revised modified muscle sparing thoracotomy that overcomes the disadvantages of previous lateral muscle sparing thoracotomy such as seroma, cosmetic problems, and need of subcutaneous drains. We conducted a prospective study of 45 consecutive patients to compare postoperative pain, muscle strength of serratus anterior and latissimus dorsi, and range of motion of the shoulder girdle between ST and VM group. There were no difference in preoperative status, surgical procedure, morbidity, mortality and hospital stay between two groups. But there were significant less postoperative narcotics requirements, more preserved latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior muscle strength, nd larger range of motion of shoulder girdle [ especially flexion and internal rotation in VM group. The opening time was prolonged[p<0.01] but closing time was less in VM group [p<0.01]. The sum of opening and closing time was not different in two group. The length of incision line was shorter in VM group. The vertical skin incision was concealed by the upper arm.In conclusion vertical axillary muscle sparing thoracotomy is good alternative for various intrathoracic procedures with less postoperative pain, well preserved muscle strength,increased range of motion of the shoulder girdle and impressive cosmetic outcome.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.383-386
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• 2014

Objective : Symptomatic thoracic disc herniation often requires prompt surgical treatment to prevent neurological deterioration and permanent deficits. Anterior approaches offer direct visualization and access to the herniated disc and anterior dura but require access surgeons and are often associated with considerable postoperative pain and pulmonary complications. A disadvantage with using posterior approaches in the setting of central calcified thoracic disc herniation however, has been the limited visualization of anterior dura and difficulty to accurately assess the extent of decompression. Methods : We report our experience with intraoperative ultrasound (US) guidance during a modified posterior transpedicular approach for removal of a central calcified thoracic disc herniation with a review of pertinent literature. Results : The herniated thoracic disc was successfully removed with posterior approach with the aid of intraoperative US. The patient had significant neurological improvement at three months follow-up. Conclusion : Intraoperative ultrasound is a simple yet valuable tool for real-time imaging during transpedicular thoracic discectomy. Visualization provided by intraoperative US increases the safety profile of posterior approaches and may make thoracotomy unnecessary in a selected group of patients, especially when a patient has existing pulmonary disease or is otherwise not medically fit for the transthoracic approach.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.25-32
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• 1998

The distinction between isolated and combined injuries is crucial both for treatment and prognosis. For most combined injuries, surgical treatment continues to be favored over nonoperative treatment. It is generally agreed that isolatel PCL injuries do well without surgery. There has been an interest by many authors to fix the graft directly to the posterior aspect of the tibia(tibial inlay). With this procedure, tibial graft fixation will be more direct and theoretically reduce the bending effects of the graft with a fixation site far away from the tibial insertion. Modified tibial inlay technique, which is the posterior approach does not require the patient to be in the prone or lateral decubitus position during the operation. Use of a double-bundle reconstructive technique is attractive and has been performed by some surgeons. At this time, this procedure is still being investigated and should not be routinely used in the clinical setting until studies have indicated an advantage over current single-bundle techniques. However theologically, double-bundle reconstructive technique is more useful in severe posterior unstable knee. Recent advances have increased our knowledge of the anatomy and mechanical characteristics of the PCL. Basic science research has further increased our awareness of the interaction of the posterolateral structures with the PCL. To achieve restoration of normal posterior laxity, it is critical to address the posterior as well as the postero-lateral structures. Surgical treatment is often complex and requires a wide range of surgical techniques and skills to treat associated injuries. When the PCL is reconstructed, most surgeons choose to reconstruct the anterolateral component using a graft of sufficient size and strength. The initial postoperative rehabilitation should be addressed cautiously in an effort to avoid excessive forces on delicate repairs and reconstructions in these complex injuries. Further research is necessary to evaluate new surgical approaches such as double-bundle reconstructions and tibial inlay techniques as well as improved techniques for capsular and collateral ligament injuries.