• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.86-94
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• 2007

Objective : Kuesu point is a newly discovered point, it is located in 3-cun from the centre of sacrum laterally, paralleled to the 4th foramen on the sacrum. This controlled trial was to evaluate the superior effect of Kuesu point on back pain which radiated to lower extremities. Methods : Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) and Single Blind in patient was designed. Patients (n=31) were randomized to two groups, Kuesu-point acupuncture group (Group A, n=16) and non Kuesu point acupuncture group (Group B, n=15). Group A was acupunctured on B25 (大腸兪), B26 (關元兪) and B60 (崑崙) with Kuesu point. Group B was acupunctured on the same points without Kuesu point. The clinical subjects were female patients. Beside acupuncture, the other therapies were excluded. Clinical period was three weeks total. Each group was treated 4-5 times per week for 3 weeks. The outcome measurements were The Estimation Index of Backache (quality of life), Pain Rating Scale (pain intensity) and other physical examinations (ROM, SLR, etc.). Results : 31 patients (Group A: n=16, Group B: n=15) were Randomized, 6 of them dropped out. Eventually 25 patients (Group A: n=15, Group B: n=10) were included in the analysis. Group A acupunctured on Kuesu point scored more significant Estimation Index of Backache and lower PRS (Pain Rating Scale) than Group B acupunctured without Kuesu point (p=0.003/2). It turned out that the group acupunctured on Kuesu point show meaningful high improvement index. And other examination's results showed that the treatment effects of Group A are twice as better as Group B. Conclusion : These results suggest that Kuesu point acupuncture was more effective on lower back pain and improved the life quality of patients, being compared with non Kuesu point acupuncture.

• The Journal of Korean Medical History
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.75-82
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• 2021

Through articles published in the 『Seungjeongwon Ilgi』, the following conclusions were obtained by analyzing how the Joseon royal family used Asi-acupoint therapy. Various Asi-acupoints were used in the Joseon royal family to treat diseases; King Sukjong was the king who was treated the most with Asi-acupoint therapy, followed by King Yeongjo, King Hyeonjong, King Hyojong and King Injo. The body parts with the most Asi-acupoint therapy are lower extremities, followed by interbody, upper extremities, other parts, and head. Asi-acupoint therapy was treated evenly throughout the body. The most common disease using Asi-acupoint therapy is pain, followed by abscesses, other symptom, internal damage, and external infections. When Asi-accupoint was executed, the ratio of acupunture and moxiubustion was 65:35, indicating that acupuncture was somewhat frequently used.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.115-119
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• 2020

Infectious myositis, an infection of the skeletal muscles, is a rare condition and potentially life-threatening if not detected and treated in the early stages. This clinical entity may arise from various pathogens, such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. A propagation of contiguous infection, penetrating trauma, vascular insufficiency, or hematogenous spreading of microorganisms can cause infectious myositis. Though several cases have been reported in large muscle groups in the lower extremities, there are only a few reports on infectious myositis of the masticatory muscles. We report three cases of infectious myositis presenting jaw pain and trismus. Unlike a common head and neck infection caused by the spreading of odontogenic origin, the early diagnosis of infectious myositis was difficult because no specific lesion suspected to be the infection source was observed in the physical examination and the plain radiographs. Advanced imaging modalities such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, and laboratory evaluation is useful for the early detection of infectious myositis.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.131-146
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• 1995

Many arthritis patients experience weakness of muscles in extremities mainly due to disuse atrophy and weight gain because of the limited activities and exercises. This study examines the effects of the 6-week aquatic-exercise program on the body fat and the muscle of the rheumatoid arthritis patients. Seventeen patients in the experimental group and 18 in the control group were assigned depending on their preference and physical condition. These patients had more than 3 points of pain out of 10, deformities in knee, wrist and ankle joints. The amount of aquatic exercise increases from 35 minutes in the first week to 60 minutes in the 6th week. In the resting period they discussed their own experiences about exercise, personal and family affairs, and performed some recreation programs in order to increase the self-efficacy and promote the relationship with other patients by the group activities. Skinfold thickness and circumferences of both extremities were measured before and after experiment to compare the difference. For testing the body fat Saham Model was used. Prior to the experiment two group's body weight, skinfold thickness and skin circumferences were not significantly different which indicates the homogeneity of two groups. Body weight and most parts of skinfold thickness of the experimental group were significantly lower than the control group after 6-week aquatic exercise program. Circumference was not significantly lower than the control after the program. These findings indicate the in-crease of muscle sizes and the reduction of the body fat. Therefore a more active application of aquatic exercise into a variety of clients is strongly suggested.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.287-291
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• 1994

A 49 years old male patient was admitted to our neuro-pain clinic with symptoms of left 11th intercostal neuralgic pain and low back pain that developed 2 months prior to admission. Upon initial physical examination, motor weakness or sensory deficit were absent. Intercostal neuralgic pain improved significantly after we performed thoracic root thermocoagulation. However on the afternoon of the procedure the patient started to experience voiding difficulty, saddle anesthesia and rapidly progressing motor weakness and hypoesthesia that involved the lower back area and the lower extremities for three days. Based on these symptoms spinal cord compression was suspected and subsequently plain T-L spine X-rays and T-L spine MRI were performed. A spinal tumor that appeared metastatic in origin was seen at the T11 and T12 level. Liver ultrasonography demonstrated the presence of a $4{\times}4cm$ sized ill defined mass in the posterior segment of the right lobe. The patient was diagnosed to have hepatocellular carcinoma after needle aspiration biopsy and cytologic studies. Further orthopedic surgery was recommended but as the patient rejected any further treatment and examination, it was not possible to confirm the primary focus of the tumor. However as metastasis of a primary liver tumor to the spine is a rare occurrence, some other primary focus of metastasis or even a malignant primary tumor of the spine is more likely to explain this patient's condition.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.18-22
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• 2017

Inevitable immobilization after surgery on lower extremities can induce chronic constipation. Elderly diabetic women usually express ambiguous gastrointestinal symptoms and signs. We present here a case of panperitonitis developed from severe fecal impaction in an elderly diabetic woman after hand reconstruction using material harvested from the lower extremities. A 68-year-old diabetic female underwent anterolateral thigh free flap and wound revision twice on the left thumb. Three weeks after surgery, she complained about mild abdominal pain though she had daily defecation. Despite encouraging ambulation, her compliance was low. Resection of the sigmoid colon and colostomy were performed after diagnosis with bowel perforation. However, the patient went into septic shock and died with multiorgan failure after the guardians issued a DNR (do not resuscitate) order. For preventing bowel perforation, increased uptake of dietary fiber and early ambulation postoperatively should be encouraged, after even hand surgeries.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.64-71
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• 2021

Objective: This study investigated the different in isokinetic peak strength of the knee joint, and kinetics and kinematics in drop landing pattern of lower limb between the patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) patients and normal. Method: 30 adult females were divided into the PFPS (age: 23.13±2.77 yrs; height: 160.97±3.79 cm, weight: 51.19±4.86 kg) and normal group (age: 22.80±2.54 yrs, height: 164.40±5.77 cm, weight: 56.14±8.16 kg), with 15 subjects in each group. To examine the knee isokinetic peak strength, kinematics and kinetics in peak vertical ground reaction force during drop landing. Results: The knee peak torque (Nm) and relative strength (%) were significantly weaker PFPS group than normal group. In addition, PFPS group had significantly greater hip flexion angle (°) than normal group. Moreover, normal group had significantly greater moment of hip abduction, hip internal rotation, and left ankle eversion than PFPS group, and PFPS group had significantly greater moment of knee internal rotation. Finally, there was significant differences between the groups at anteroposterior center of pressure. Conclusion: The PFPS patients had weakened knee strength, and which can result in an unstable landing pattern and cause of more stress in the knee joints despite to effort of reduce vertical ground reaction force.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.80-86
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• 2010

Purpose: The skeleton is commonly affected by metastatic cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of treating metastatic pathologic fractures in lower extremities using locking plates. Materials and Methods: Between 2004 and 2010, we evaluated 12 patients (13 cases) of metastatic pathologic fractures in lower extremities, treated with the locking plate. Mean patient age was 62.2 years (range, 50-81 years), the locations of the fractures were; proximal femur in 2 cases, femoral mid-shaft in 3, distal femur in 3, proximal tibia in 4, and distal tibia in 1 case. The interval to wheelchair ambulation, pain relief and complications were evaluated. Additionally, we assessed operation time and postoperative blood loss. Results: Mean time from operation to wheelchair ambulation was 3.2 days (range, 1-6 days). Mean VAS scores improved from a preoperative score of 8.1 points (range, 7-9 points) to a score of 2.7 points (range, 2-4 points) at 1 week postoperatively. No early complications associated with surgery were encountered. Mean operation time was 88.4 minutes (range, 70-105 minutes), and mean postoperative blood loss was 246.5 ml (range, 130-320 ml). Conclusion: Internal fixation of metastatic pathologic fractures using a locking plate in the lower extremity can be an effective treatment option in the meta- or diaphyseal area of long bones with massive bony destruction or poor bone stock by offering early ambulation, pain relief and low postoperative complications.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.211-220
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• 2023

Background: Smartphone addiction has emerged as a significant social problem. Numerous studies have indicated the association between smartphone use and discomfort in the musculoskeletal system of the upper extremities. Objects: This cross-sectional survey aimed to compare the characteristics of musculoskeletal pain in the neck, trunk, and upper limbs between individuals with smartphone addiction and those without addiction. Methods: We collected a total of 326 healthy individuals' data from China and Korea who had owned and used smartphones for more than 5 years between 20-50s through an online questionnaire consisting of 84 questions in four major sections. The first part contained basic information on the participant's personal characteristics and smartphones. The second part contained questions about smartphone use and posture. The third part was the smartphone addiction. The fourth part was to investigate musculoskeletal pain in various upper body parts. Results: Smartphone addiction has a weak negative correlation with age (r = -0.20, p < 0.01) and a weak positive correlation with the hours of smartphone use (r = 0.376, p < 0.01). Frequent musculoskeletal pain symptoms related to smartphone use were observed in the neck, shoulder, lower back, and wrists. The hours of smartphone use was slightly positively associated with the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the shoulder (r = 0.162, p < 0.05) and lower back (r = 0.125, p < 0.05). The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the neck (χ² = 3.993, p < 0.05), shoulder (χ² = 6.465, p < 0.05), and wrist (χ² = 4.645, p < 0.05) was significantly higher among females than males. Conclusion: The results suggest that smartphone addiction should be recognized as a dual concern encompassing both physical health and psychosocial aspects. Furthermore, healthcare professionals, including physicians and physical therapists, should consider clients' smartphone usage patterns when assessing and treating with musculoskeletal pain.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.1186-1197
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• 2022

Objectives: A case study about the effectiveness of integrative Korean medicine treatment in a psychogenic tremor patient. Case presentation: A 36-year-old male diagnosed with psychogenic tremor with low back pain underwent 29 days of inpatient treatment and 4 weeks of outpatient treatment. His pattern identification was a psychogenic tremor of the weakness of the heart and gall bladder (SimDamHeoGup) type. The treatments were herbal medicine and acupuncture. He took Cheongshimondam-tang for 29 days and Chunwangbosim-dan for 6 weeks when he had symptoms. He also received acupuncture for 20 minutes twice a day at GB20 (Pungji), L14 (Hapgok), HT4 (Yeongdo), PC6 (Naegwan), HT7 (Sinmun), GB34 (Yangleungcheon), ST36 (Joksamni), SP6 (Sameumgyo), and LR3 (Taechung). After 8 weeks of treatment, the Fahn Tolosa Marin rating (FTM) scale of his tremor, at rest, dropped from Grade 4 on both upper extremities, trunk, and both lower extremities at the time of admission to Grade 2 in both upper extremities and trunk, and Grade 0 in both lower extremities at the time of discharge. His Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) score decreased from 38 to 7, and his numerical rating scale (NRS) decreased from 8 to 1 for low back pain and from 9 to 2 for tremor. A follow-up visit to the hospital 2 months after the end of treatment confirmed continued symptom improvements and no significant side effects. Conclusions: This study suggests the possibility of treating psychogenic tremor using only Korean medicine treatments. Further studies with control groups and long-term follow-up are needed.