• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제29권1호
• /
• pp.87-94
• /
• 2000

Objective : Various surgical approaches have been implemented to fulfill the ideal goals of treatment for cervical spondylotic lesions. Conventional approaches are represented by anterior approach with or without fusion and posterior approach. The authors has applied newly developed anterior cervical microforaminotomy for these lesions on minimally invasive basis. Materials and Method : Twenty-one patients, with cervical HIVD, or stenosis, or both, underwent anterior cervical microforaminotomy between March, 1998 and April, 1999. Fifteen patients underwent unilateral decompression, and 6 bilateral decompression via unilateral foraminotomy. Operation of one level was performed in 16 patients, 2 levels in 4 patients, and 3 in 1 patient. The foraminotomy was accomplished by resecting the uncovertebral joint. Through this hole, compressed nerve root was decompressed by removing the spondylotic spur or disc fragment, and diagonal removing of posterior osteophyte from foraminotomy site to begining of contralateral nerve root made spinal cord decompression. Results : The outcome was excellent in 17 patients(81%) and good in 4 patients(19%) based on Odom's criteria. No complication was encounterd, and average post-operation hospital stay was 3.7 days. Conclusions : These results indicate that anterior cervical microforaminotomy provide adequate neural decompression, minimum postoperative discomfort and fast recovery.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
• /
• 제25권4호
• /
• pp.258-261
• /
• 2012

Posterior neck pain is a common complaint of patients in the pain clinic. The atlas (C1) burst fracture is known to be a cause of posterior neck pain and instability. Although the atlas burst fracture and instability can be discovered by plain X-rays which show lateral mass displacement or widening of the atlantodental interval, assessment of an atlas burst fracture can be difficult if there is no instability in the imaging study. Here we report a case of a 46-year-old female patient who had complained of sustained posterior neck pain for 6 months. Plain X-rays showed only disc space narrowing at C4/5 and C5/6, without any cervical instability. However, an unrecognized C1 lateral mass fracture was detected by CT and MRI. The patient's pain was then successfully treated after atlantoaxial joint injection with a C2 DRG block.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제65권4호
• /
• pp.549-557
• /
• 2022

Objective : This study analyzed the risk factors in patients who developed distal junctional kyphosis (DJK) after posterior cervical fusion. Methods : We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and radiographic outcomes of 64 patients, aged ≥18 years (51 and 13 male and female patients, respectively), who underwent single-staged multilevel (3-6 levels) posterior cervical fusion surgery due to multiple cervical spondylotic myelopathy. The surgeries were performed by a single spinal surgeon between January 2012 and December 2017. Demographic data, clinical outcomes, and radiological results were collected. We divided the patients into a DJK group and a non-DJK group according to the presence of DJK and investigated the risk factors by comparing the differences between the two groups. Results : Of the 64 patients, 13 developed DJK. No significant differences in clinical results were observed between the two groups before and immediately after the surgery. At the final follow-up, a higher visual analog score for neck pain was observed in the DJK group compared to the non-DJK group (p<0.01). The DJK group had a significantly lower T1 slope and a significantly higher C2-7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA) before surgery compared to the non-DJK group (p=0.03 and p<0.01, respectively). Immediately after surgery, the difference between the two groups decreased and no significant difference was observed. However, at the last follow-up, a significantly higher C2-7 SVA was observed in the DJK group (p<0.01). At the last follow up, there is no discrepancy in T1S-CL. In multiple logistic regression analysis, preoperative higher C2-7 SVA and preoperative lower T1 slope were identified as independent risk factors (p=0.03 and p<0.01, respectively). As a result, it was confirmed that DJK occurred along the process of returning to preoperative values. Conclusion : DJK can be considered to be caused by cervical misalignment due to excessive change in the surgical site in patients with low T1 slope and high C2-7 SVA before surgery. This also affects the clinical outcome after surgery. It is recommended to refrain from excessive segmental lordosis changes during multilevel cervical post fusion surgery, especially in patients with a small preoperative T1 slope and a large SVA value.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제52권2호
• /
• pp.107-113
• /
• 2012

Objective : Various procedures have been introduced for anterior interbody fusion in degenerative cervical disc disease including plate systems with autologous iliac bone, carbon cages, and cylindrical cages. However, except for plate systems, the long-term results of other methods have not been established. In the present study, we evaluated radiologic findings for cylindrical cervical cages over long-term follow up periods. Methods : During 4 year period, radiologic findings of 138 patients who underwent anterior cervical fusion with cylindrical cage were evaluated at 6, 12, 24, and 36 postoperative months using plain radiographs. We investigated subsidence, osteophyte formation (anterior and posterior margin), cage direction change, kyphotic angle, and bone fusion on each radiograph. Results : Among the 138 patients, a minimum of 36 month follow-up was achieved in 99 patients (mean follow-up : 38.61 months) with 115 levels. Mean disc height was 7.32 mm for preoperative evaluations, 9.00 for immediate postoperative evaluations, and 4.87 more than 36 months after surgery. Osteophytes were observed in 107 levels (93%) of the anterior portion and 48 levels (41%) of the posterior margin. The mean kyphotic angle was $9.87^{\circ}$ in 35 levels showing cage directional change. There were several significant findings : 1) related subsidence [T-score (p=0.039) and anterior osteophyte (p=0.009)], 2) accompanying posterior osteophyte and outcome (p=0.05). Conclusion : Cage subsidence and osteophyte formation were radiologically observed in most cases. Low T-scores may have led to subsidence and kyphosis during bone fusion although severe neurologic aggravation was not found, and therefore cylindrical cages should be used in selected cases.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제60권4호
• /
• pp.433-440
• /
• 2017

Objective : Although minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy (MI-PCF) is an established approach for motion preservation, the outcomes are variable among patients. The objective of this study was to identify significant factors that influence motion preservation after MI-PCF. Methods : Forty-eight patients who had undergone MI-PCF between 2004 and 2012 on a total of 70 levels were studied. Cervical parameters measured using plain radiography included C2-7 plumb line, C2-7 Cobb angle, T1 slope, thoracic outlet angle, neck tilt, and disc height before and 24 months after surgery. The ratios of the remaining facet joints after MI-PCF were calculated postoperatively using computed tomography. Changes in the distance between interspinous processes (DISP) and the segmental angle (SA) before and after surgery were also measured. We determined successful motion preservation with changes in DISP of ${\leq}3mm$ and in SA of ${\leq}2^{\circ}$. Results : The differences in preoperative and postoperative DISP and SA after MI-PCF were $0.03{\pm}3.95mm$ and $0.34{\pm}4.46^{\circ}$, respectively, fulfilling the criteria for successful motion preservation. However, the appropriate level of motion preservation is achieved in cases in which changes in preoperative and postoperative DISP and SA motions are 55.7 and 57.1%, respectively. Based on preoperative and postoperative DISP, patients were divided into three groups, and the characteristics of each group were compared. Among these, the only statistically significant factor in motion preservation was preoperative disc height (Pearson's correlation coefficient=0.658, p<0.001). The optimal disc height for motion preservation in regard to DISP ranges from 4.18 to 7.08 mm. Conclusion : MI-PCF is a widely accepted approach for motion preservation, although desirable radiographic outcomes were only achieved in approximately half of the patients who had undergone the procedure. Since disc height appears to be a significant factor in motion preservation, surgeons should consider disc height before performing MI-PCF.

• 대한치과교정학회지
• /
• 제17권2호
• /
• pp.185-200
• /
• 1987

This paper was undertaken to observe the displacement of craniofacial complex with cervical headgear and to compare narrowing or widening effect of palate by use of contraction or expansion face-bow, respectively. The 3-dimensional finite element method(FEM) was used for a mathematical model composed of 597 nodes and 790 elements and an electrical resistance strain gauge investigation was performed to validate the finite element model. The outer bow of cervical headgear was adjusted to be placed below the occlusal plane by $25^{\circ}$ and met the midsagittal plane by $40^{\circ}$, and was loaded 1kg on each right and left hook toward posterior direction. The results were as follows 1. Generally, the maxillary teeth and facial bone were displaced in posterior, medial and downward direction. 2. It was the maxillary 2nd bicuspid that moved bodily. 3. The craniofacial complex rotated in a clockwise direction around the rotating axis which lay from the most posterior and lowest point connecting nasal crest of maxillary bone and vomer, progressively toward a more posterior, lateral and upward direction, anterior and upper area of pterygomaxillary fissure, base of medial pterygoid plate and laterally to the contact area of zygomatic arch with squamous part of temporal bone. 4. No contraction effect was observed by contraction face-bow when compared to the standard face-bow. 5. In case of expansion face-bow, the areas of maxillary 2nd bicuspid, molars and palate were expanded remarkably.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제47권5호
• /
• pp.358-364
• /
• 2010

Objective : Morphometric data on dorsal cervical anatomy were examined in an effort to protect the nerve root near the lateral mass during posterior foraminotomy. Methods : Using 25 adult formalin-fixed cadaveric cervical spines, measurements were taken at the lateral mass from C3 to C7 via a total laminectomy and a medial one-half facetectomy. The morphometric relationship between the nerve roots and structures of the lateral mass was investigated. Results from both genders were compared. Results : Following the total laminectomy, from C3 to C7, the mean of the vertical distance from the medial point of the facet (MPF) of the lateral mass to the axilla of the root origin was 3.2-4.7 mm. The whole length of the exposed root had a mean of 4.2-5.8 mm. Following a medial onehalf facetectomy, from C3 to C7, the mean of the vertical distance to the axilla of the root origin was 2.1-3.4 mm, based on the MPF. Mean vertical distances from the MPF to the medial point of the root that crossed the inferior margin of the intervertebral disc were 1.2-2.7 mm. The mean distance of the exposed root was 8.2-9.0 mm, and the mean angle between the dura and the nerve root was significantly different between males and females, at $53.4-68.4^{\circ}$. Conclusion : These data will aid in reducing root injuries during posterior cervical foraminotomy.

• 대한치과교정학회지
• /
• 제19권1호
• /
• pp.45-59
• /
• 1989

This study was undertaken to analyze the displacement and stress distribution in the mandible according to the pulling directions during mandibular first molar cervical traction after mandibular second molar extraction. The 3-dimensional finite element method(FEM) was used for a mathematical model composed of 594 elements and 1019 nodes. An orthodontic force, 450 gm, was applied to the each mandibular first molar in parallel, and below the occlusal plane by $7^{\circ}\;and\;25^{\circ}$ and meet the midsagittal plane by $40^{\circ}$ toward posterior direction. The results were as follows: 1. Mandibular teeth were displaced in more downward, posterior and lateral direction. Especially high stress was noted in case of parallel pull than in case of below the occlusal plane by $7^{\circ}\;and\;25^{\circ}$. 2. Mandibular first molar was moved bodily. 3. Generally, alveolar bone, mandibular body, ascending ramus and mandibular angle portion were displaced in downward, posterior and lateral direction. But coronoid process was displaced in downward, forward and lateral direction, and anterior and inner middle portion of condyle head and neck were displaced in downward, forward and medial direction, and posterior and outer middle portion of condyle head and neck were displaced in upward, forward and medial direction. 4. Maximum stress was observed at the condyle head and neck portion. With steeper direction of force, condyle head and neck showed more stress than parallel relation to the occlusal plane.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제60권5호
• /
• pp.485-497
• /
• 2017

Surgical treatment of the degenerative disc disease has evolved from traditional open spine surgery to minimally invasive spine surgery including endoscopic spine surgery. Constant improvement in the imaging modality especially with introduction of the magnetic resonance imaging, it is possible to identify culprit degenerated disc segment and again with the discography it is possible to diagnose the pain generator and pathological degenerated disc very precisely and its treatment with minimally invasive approach. With improvements in the optics, high resolution camera, light source, high speed burr, irrigation pump etc, minimally invasive spine surgeries can be performed with various endoscopic techniques for lumbar, cervical and thoracic regions. Advantages of endoscopic spine surgeries are less tissue dissection and muscle trauma, reduced blood loss, less damage to the epidural blood supply and consequent epidural fibrosis and scarring, reduced hospital stay, early functional recovery and improvement in the quality of life & better cosmesis. With precise indication, proper diagnosis and good training, the endoscopic spine surgery can give equally good result as open spine surgery. Initially, endoscopic technique was restricted to the lumbar region but now it also can be used for cervical and thoracic disc herniations. Previously endoscopy was used for disc herniations which were contained without migration but now days it is used for highly up and down migrated disc herniations as well. Use of endoscopic technique in lumbar region was restricted to disc herniations but gradually it is also used for spinal canal stenosis and endoscopic assisted fusion surgeries. Endoscopic spine surgery can play important role in the treatment of adolescent disc herniations especially for the persons who engage in the competitive sports and the athletes where less tissue trauma, cosmesis and early functional recovery is desirable. From simple chemonucleolysis to current day endoscopic procedures the history of minimally invasive spine surgery is interesting. Appropriate indications, clear imaging prior to surgery and preplanning are keys to successful outcome. In this article basic procedures of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy through transforaminal and interlaminar routes, percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy, percutaneous endoscopic posterior cervical foraminotomy and percutaneous endoscopic thoracic discectomy are discussed.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
• /
• 제19권1호
• /
• pp.51-55
• /
• 2006

Background: A cervical transforaminal steroid injection is an effective therapeutic modality for radiculopathy of a herniated cervical disc or a cervical foraminal stenosis. However, there is some debate regarding the safety of the transforaminal approach under C-arm guidance compared with the posterior interlaminar approach. We report a new technique for cervical transforaminal steroid injection guided by MDCT. Methods: Patients presenting with radiating pain on their shoulder or arm were diagnosed using CT or MRI of a cervical herniated disc or a foraminal stenosis. Each patient whose symptoms were compatible with the image scan was enrolled in this study. They received a cervical transforaminal steroid injection under CT guidance, and the effectiveness and complications of this technique were evaluated over a 2-month period. Results: According to the CT scan, none of the participants had an internal jugular vein or a carotid artery invasion during the procedure. No vertebral artery injection was noted, and no patient developed a hematoma after the injection. The VAS score had improved significantly by 2, 4 and 8 weeks after the injection. Conclusions: While a conventional C-arm guided cervical transforaminal steroid injection does not appear to differentiate between the major vessels and structures in images, a CT guided approach is a more useful and safer technique for the precise placement of a needle.