• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제42권5호
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• pp.363-366
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• 2007

Objective : Kyphoplasty performed in the middle thoracic spine presents technical challenges that differ from those in the lower thoracic or lumbar region due to small pedicle size and angular severity for thoracic kyphosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of balloon kyphoplasty through extrapedicular approach for the treatment of intractable osteoporotic compression fractures in the middle thoracic spine. Methods : The patients who were performed with one level balloon kyphoplasty through extrapedicular approach due to painful osteoporotic compression fractures at T5-T8 from June 2003 to July 2005 were retrospectively analyzed. Imaging and clinical features were analyzed including involved vertebrae level, vertebral height, Injected cement volume, clinical outcome and complications. Results : Eighteen female patients (age ranged from 60 to 77 years old) were included in this study. The average amount of the implanted cement was $4.2{\pm}1.5\;cc$. The mean cobb angle and compression rate were improved from $12.1{\pm}6.5^{\circ}$ to $8.5{\pm}7.2^{\circ}$ and from 30% to 15%, respectively. The mean pain score (visual analogue scale) prior to kyphoplasty was 7.9 and it decreased to 3.0 after the procedure. Cement leakage to the adjacent disc (2 cases) and paravertebral soft tissues (1 case) were seen but there were no major complications such as pneumothorax, segmental arte 이 Injury, pulmonary embolism, or epidural leakage. Conclusion : Balloon kyphoplasty through extrapedicular approach is considered as a safe and effective in treating the middle thoracic regions with low complication rate.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제57권5호
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• pp.367-370
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• 2015

Bone cement augmentation procedures have been getting more position as a minimally invasive surgical option for osteoporotic spinal fractures. However, complications related to these procedures have been increasingly reported. We describe a case of bone cement dislodgement following cement augmentation procedure for osteoporotic spinal fracture by reviewing the patient's medical records, imaging results and related literatures. A 73-year-old woman suffering back and buttock pain following a fall from level ground was diagnosed as an osteoporotic fracture of the 11th thoracic spine. Percutaneous kyphoplasty was performed for this lesion. Six weeks later, the patient complained of a recurrence of back and buttock pain. Radiologic images revealed superior dislodgement of bone cement through the 11th thoracic superior endplate with destruction of the lower part of the 10th thoracic spine. Staged anterior and posterior fusion was performed. Two years postoperatively, the patient carries on with her daily living without any significant disability. Delayed bone cement dislodgement can occur as one of complications following bone cement augmentation procedure for osteoporotic spinal fracture. It might be related to the presence of intravertebral cleft, lack of interdigitation of bone cement with the surrounding trabeculae, and possible damage of endplate during ballooning procedure.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제41권5호
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• pp.291-294
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• 2007

Objective : The purpose of this retrospective clinical study was to describe a treatment for osteoporotic burst fracture in the setting of severe fractures involving fragmentation of the posterior wall and neural compromise with symptoms of cord compression. Methods : Indication for microscopic decompression and open kyphoplasty were intractable pain at the level of a known osteoporotic burst fractures involving neural compression or posterior wall fragmentation. A total of 18 patients [mean age, 74.6 years] with osteoporotic thoracolumbar burst fractures [3 males, 15 females] were included in this study. In all cases, microscopic decompressive laminectomy was followed by open kyphoplasty. Clinical outcome using VAS score and modified MacNab's grade was assessed on last clinical follow up [mean 6.7 months]. Radiological analysis of sagittal alignment was assessed preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at final follow up. Results : One level augmentation and 1.8 level microscopic decompression were performed. Mean blood loss was less than 100 ml and there were no major complications. The mean pain score before operation and at final follow up was 7.2 and 1.9, respectively. Fourteen of 18 patients were graded as excellent and good according to the modified MacNab's criteria. Overall, 6.0 degrees of sagittal correction was obtained at final follow-up. Conclusion : The combined thoracolumbar microscopic decompression and open kyphoplasty for severe osteoporotic fractures involving fragmentation of posterior wall and neural compromise provide direct visualization of neural elements, allowing safe cement augmentation of burst fractures. Decompressive surgery is possible and risk of epidural cement leakage is controlled intraoperatively.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제41권3호
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• pp.161-165
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• 2007

Objective : Percutaneous approach to the middle thoracic vertebra through the transpedicular route for the patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures is difficult due to the small size of the pedicle and parasagittally oriented vertebra body anatomy. The percutaneous vertebral body access [PVBA] technique utilizing the posterolateral extrapedicular approach avoids the pedicle and provides direct access to the vertebral body. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the vertebroplasty utilizing PVBA technique for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in the middle thoracic vertebrae. Methods : A retrospective review was done on 20 patients who underwent vertebroplasty utilizing PVBA technique performed for painful osteoporotic compression fracture in the middle thoracic vertebrae at 22 levels from May 2003 to June 2006. The average amount of the injected cement was 1.5-2.5ml. The postprocedural outcome was assessed using a visual analogue scale [VAS]. Results : The treated vertebrae were T5 [1 level], T6 [5 levels], 17 [7 levels], and T8 [9 levels]. The compression rate and kyphotic angle were improved after procedure from $18%{\pm}13.4$ to $16%{\pm}13.8$ [p > 0.05] and from $6.9^{\circ}{\pm}6.7$ to $6.6^{\circ}{\pm}6.2$ [p>005], respectively. Preprocedural VAS was $8.2{\pm}0.70$ and was decreased to $2.1{\pm}1.02$ [p < 0.01] after treatment. Postprocedural cement leakage was noted in 3 levels [13.7%]. There were no cases of leakage to epidural space or neural foramen, segmental artery injury, and pneumothorax. Conclusion : These results suggest that the complication rates are low and good results can be achieved with vertebroplasty utilizing PVBA technique for the osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures especially in the middle thoracic vertebrae.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제60권2호
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• pp.181-188
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• 2017

Objective : The objective of this study was to analyze the correlation between further compression and necrotic area in osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) patients with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CEMRI). In addition, we investigated the radiological and clinical outcome according to the range of the necrotic area. Methods : Between 2012 and 2014, the study subjects were 82 OVF patients who did not undergo vertebroplasty or surgical treatment. The fracture areas examined on CEMRI at admission were defined as edematous if enhancement was seen and as necrotic if no enhancement was seen. The correlation between further compression and the necrotic and edematous areas of CEMRI, age, and bone mineral density was examined. Also, necrotic areas were classified into those with less than 25% (non-necrosis group) and those with more than 25% (necrosis group) according to the percentages of the entire vertebral body. For both groups, further compression and the changes in wedge and kyphotic angles were examined at admission and at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months after admission, while the clinical outcomes were compared using the visual analog scale (VAS) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status grade. Results : Further compression was $14.78{\pm}11.11%$ at 1 month and $21.75{\pm}14.43%$ at 6 months. There was a very strong correlation between the necrotic lesion of CEMRI and further compression (r=0.690, p<0.001). The compression of the necrosis group was $33.52{\pm}12.96%$, which was higher than that of the non-necrosis group, $14.96{\pm}10.34%$ (p<0.005). Also, there was a statistically significantly higher number of intervertebral cleft development and surgical treatments being performed in the necrosis group than in the non-necrosis group (p<0.005). Moreover, there was a statistical difference in the decrease in the height of the vertebral body, and an increase was observed in the kyphotic change of wedge angle progression. There was also a difference in the VAS and ECOG performance scales. Conclusion : The necrotic area of CEMRI in OVF had a strong correlation with further compression over time. In addition, with increasing necrosis, intervertebral clefts occurred more frequently, which induced kyphotic changes and resulted in poor clinical outcomes. Therefore, identifying necrotic areas by performing CEMRI on OVF patients would be helpful in determining their prognosis and treatment course.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제35권2호
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• pp.75-80
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• 2018

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of conducting a clinical study of using acupuncture for chronic pain in patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) in the outpatient setting. Methods: A prospective case-series attempting to recruit 20 participants was performed from February 11, 2016, to December 31, 2016. We provided Manual and electrical acupuncture was provided one 1 to three 3 times a week, for 6 weeks, up to 18 sessions. The primary clinical outcome was the average pain intensity as measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) at 6 weeks. Secondary outcomes included back-specific dysfunction (Oswestry disability index), quality of life (quality of life questionnaire-26), patient-reported improvement, use of other healthcare resources, and adverse events at 6 weeks. Use of healthcare resources and adverse events were additionally followed-up at 12 weeks by telephone. Results: Of 33 patients screened, a total of 7 were enrolled in the study. Manual and electrical acupuncture was provided 1 to 3 times a week, for 6 weeks, up to 18 sessions. We observed reduced pain intensity at 6 weeks in all participants. The change in the quality of life and back-specific dysfunction was inconsistent among participants. Mild, temporary adverse events were observed in three patients. Conclusion: In our clinical setting, it was not feasible to recruit sufficient participants and to assess the efficacy of acupuncture for chronic pain after osteoporotic thoracolumbar VCFs under a year. Strategies to improve recruitment and to identify barriers to participation are required for future clinical trials.

• 대한정형외과학회지
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• 제56권3호
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• pp.266-271
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• 2021

임신 및 수유와 연관된 골다공증은 젊은 여성에서 골다공증성 척추 압박골절을 일으킬 수 있는 희귀한 질환이다. 환자들은 주로 요통을 호소하며, 이는 임신과 출산, 수유에 의한 통증으로 오인되기 쉬워 빠른 진단과 치료가 어렵다. 저자들은 요통을 주소로 내원한 29세 여자 환자와 31세 여자 환자에 대해 신체 진찰, 단순 방사선 검사, 전신 골주사 검사, 자기공명영상 검사, 골밀도 검사, 혈액 검사 등을 통하여 임신과 수유에 연관된 골다공증성 척추 압박골절을 진단하였으며, 테리파라타이드(teriparatide) 주사와 흉요천추 보조기 착용, 칼슘과 비타민 D 제제 복용을 통해 증상이 호전된 2예를 경험하였기에 문헌 고찰과 함께 보고하는 바이다.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제37권4호
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• pp.253-257
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• 2005

Objective: We analyze pain relief, deformity correction and complication rate after percutaneous kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed medical records and radiological findings of 32 patients who underwent percutaneous kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. Results: The patients had significant pain improvement with the procedure. The visual analogue scale score reduced from 8.6 to 3.4 significantly after the procedure. The midline vertebral body height significantly increased postoperatively, but mean kyphotic angle did not. There was no serious complication except one case of epidural cement leakage without neurological impairment. Conclusion: Balloon kyphoplasty safely can reduce severe back pain and returned geriatric patients to higher activity levels. The midline vertebral height is restored significantly. However kyphotic deformity correction is not significant as contrary to what we expected from the present study before it was carried out.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제30권7호
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• pp.907-915
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• 2001

Objective : Percutaneous vertebroplasty is often complicated by the presence of multiple fractures or non-localizing pain in the patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures. The purpose of this study is to estimate the value of preoperative radiologic studies in the localization of symptomatic vertebrae and to determine the factors which can influence on the clinical results. Materials and Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiologic data of 57 vertebrae in 30 patients underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. Inclusion criteria was severe pain(McGill-Melzack score 3, 4 or 5) associated with the acute vertebral fractures and absence of spinal nerve root or cord compression sign. Acute symptomatic vertebral fracture was determined by the presence of signal change on MR images or increased uptake on whole body bone scan. Results : Pain improvement was obtained immediately in all patients and favorable result was sustained in 26 patients(86.7%) during the mean follow-up duration of 4.7 months(5 complete pain relief, 21 marked pain relief). Those who underwent vertebroplasty for all acute symptomatic vertebrae had significantly better clinical result than those who did not. Further vertebral collapse and eventual bursting fracture occurred in 1 vertebra which showed intradiskal leakage of bone cement and disruption of cortical endplate on postoperative CT scan. Conclusion : Preoperative MR imaging and whole body bone scan are very useful in determining the symptomatic vertebrae, especially in the patients with multiple osteoporotic vertebral fractures. To obtain favorable clinical result, the careful radiologic evaluation as well as clinical assessment is required. Control of PMMA volume seems to be the most critical point for avoiding complications.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제42권2호
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• pp.112-117
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• 2007

Objective : Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are two minimally invasive procedures for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the radiological findings and clinical outcomes between two procedures. Methods : Osteoporotic vertebral fractures were treated in 76 vertebrae, using kyphoplasty (n=35 vertebrae) and using vertebroplasty (n=41 vertebrae). Fractured vertebral bodies were diagnosed by correlating the clinical symptoms with radiologic study. The responses of pain symptoms were measured by a self-reported Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score. Plain X-rays were checked preoperatively and postoperatively at admission and 6 months. The vertebral body height and kyphotic angle were measured to assess the reduction of the sagittal alignment. Results : The mean pain scores were decreased significantly for both procedures postoperatively, but there were no significant differences between two groups. Kyphoplasty led to a significant reduction of the vertebral body height and improvement of kyphotic angle. There were no neurological deficits after kyphoplasty, but one patient experienced paraparesis after vertebroplasty. During the 6 months follow-up both procedures provided stabilization of the sagittal alignment. Conclusion : Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are considered effective minimally invasive techniques for the stabilization of osteoporotic vertebral body fractures, leading to a statistically significant reduction in pain. Kyphoplasty significantly restore sagittal alignment. Also, complications and the incidence of bone cement leakage are significantly lesser than vertebroplasty. Therefore, kyphoplasty seems to be reasonable procedure for osteoporotic vertebral body compression fractures when medical treatment fail.