• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제60권2호
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• pp.174-180
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• 2017

Objective : Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) is radiologic finding, and is defined as kyphosis of >$10^{\circ}$ at the proximal end of a construct. The aim of this study is to identify factors associated with PJK after segmental spinal instrumented fusion in adults with spinal deformity with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Methods : A total of 49 cases of adult spinal deformity treated by segmental spinal instrumented fusion at two university hospitals from 2004 to 2011 were enrolled in this study. All enrolled cases included at least 4 or more levels from L5 or the sacral level. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of PJK during follow-up, and these two groups were compared to identify factors related to PJK. Results : PJK was observed in 16 of the 49 cases. Age, sex and mean follow-up duration were not statistically different between two groups. However, mean bone marrow density (BMD) and mean back muscle volume at the T10 to L2 level was significantly lower in the PJK group. Preoperatively, the distance between the C7 plumb line and uppermost instrumented vertebra (UIV) were no different in the two groups, but at final follow-up a significant intergroup difference was observed. Interestingly, spinal instrumentation factors, such as, receipt of a revision operation, the use of a cross-link, and screw fracture were no different in the two groups at final follow-up. Conclusion : Preoperative BMD, sagittal imbalance at UIV, and thoracolumbar muscle volume were found to be strongly associated with the presence of PJK.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제62권5호
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• pp.577-585
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• 2019

Objective : Comparing the effects of magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) and traditional growing rod (TGR) techniques on the sagittal plane in the treatment of early-onset scoliosis (EOS). Methods : Twelve patients were operated using dual MCGR technique in one center, while 15 patients were operated using dual TGR technique for EOS in another center. Patients' demographic characteristics, complications and radiological measurements such as cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, T1-S1 range (mm), proximal junctional angle, distal junctional angle, sagittal balance, coronal balance, pelvic incidence, sacral slope and pelvic tilt were assessed and compared in preoperative, postoperative and last follow-up period. Results : Age and sex distributions were similar in both groups. The mean number of lengthening in the MCGR group was 12 (8-15) and 4.8 (3-7) in the TGR group. Two techniques were shown to be effective in controlling the curvature and in the increase of T1-S1 distance. In TGR group, four patients had rod fractures, six patients had screw pull-out and four patients had an infection, whereas three patients had screw pull-out and one patient had infection complications in the MCGR group. Conclusion : There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of cobb angle, coronal and sagittal balance and sagittal pelvic parameters. MCGR can cause hypokyphosis and proximal junctional kyphosis in a minimum 2-year follow-up period. The implant-related complications were less in the MCGR group. However, larger case groups and longer follow-up periods are required for the better understanding of the superiority of one method on other in terms of complications.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제64권3호
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• pp.437-446
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• 2021

Objective : To investigate the radiographic characteristics of the uppermost instrumented vertebrae (UIV) and UIV+1 compression fractures that are predictive of revision surgery following long-segment spinal fixation. Methods : A total 27 patients who presented newly developed compression fracture at UIV, UIV+1 after long segment spinal fixation (minimum 5 vertebral bodies, lowest instrumented vertebra of L5 or distal) were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups according to following management : revisional surgery (group A, n=13) and conservative care (group B, n=14). Pre- and postoperative images, and images taken shortly before and after the occurrence of fracture were evaluated for radiologic characteristics Results : Despite similar degrees of surgical correction of deformity, the fate of the two groups with proximal junctional compression fractures differed. Immediately after the fracture, the decrement of adjacent disc height in group A (32.3±7.6 mm to 23.7±8.4 mm, Δ=8.5±6.9 mm) was greater than group B (31.0±13.9 mm to 30.1±15.5 mm, Δ=0.9±2.9 mm, p=0.003). Pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging indicated that group A patients have a higher grade of disc degeneration adjacent to fractured vertebrae compared to group B (modified Pfirrmann grade, group A : 6.10±0.99, group B : 4.08±0.90, p=0.004). Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that decrement of disc height was the only associated risk factor for future revision surgery (odds ratio, 1.891; 95% confidence interval, 1.121-3.190; p=0.017). Conclusion : Proximal junctional vertebral compression fractures with greater early-stage decrement of adjacent disc height were associated with increased risk of future neurological deterioration and necessity of revision. The condition of adjacent disc degeneration should be considered regarding severity and revision rate of proximal junctional kyphosis/proximal junction failures.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제38권1호
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• pp.77-79
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• 2005

We report a case of early stress fracture of the pelvic ring following an extension of a multilevel instrumented lumbosacral fusion in an osteopenic female. Surgeons should be aware of possibilities of pelvic complications in osteopenic patients with lumbosacral arthrodesis and should take care when harvesting iliac bone graft.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제47권2호
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• pp.95-101
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• 2010

Objective : Clinical, radiographic, and outcomes assessments, focusing on complications, were performed in patients who underwent pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) to assess correction effectiveness, fusion stability, procedural safety, neurological outcomes, complication rates, and overall patient outcomes. Methods : We analyzed data obtained from 13 consecutive PSO-treated patients presenting with fixed sagittal imbalances from 1999 to 2006. A single spine surgeon performed all operations. The median follow-up period was 73 months (range 41-114 months). Events during peri operative course and complications were closely monitored and carefully reviewed. Radiographs were obtained and measurements were done before surgery, immediately after surgery, and at the most recent follow-up examinations. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index and subjective satisfaction evaluation. Results : Following surgery, lumbar lordosis increased from $-14.1^{\circ}{\pm}20.5^{\circ}$ to $-46.3^{\circ}{\pm}12.8^{\circ}$ (p<0.0001). and the C7 plumb line improved from $115{\pm}43\;mm$ to $32{\pm}38\;mm$ (p<0.0001). There were 16 surgery-related complications in 8 patients; 3 intraoperative, 3 perioperative, and 10 late-onset postoperative. The prevalence of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) was 23% (3 of 13 patients). However, clinical outcomes were not adversely affected by PJK. Intraoperative blood loss averaged 2,984 mL. The C7 plumb line values and postoperative complications were closely correlated with clinical results. Conclusion : Intraoperative or postoperative complications are relatively common following PSO. Most late-onset complications in PSO patients were related to PJK and instrumentation failure. Correcting the C7 plumb line value with minimal operative complications seemed to lead to better clinical results.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제65권1호
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• pp.84-95
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• 2022

Objective : To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of the controlled distraction-compression technique using an expandable titanium cage (ETC) in posttraumatic kyphosis (PTK). Methods : We retrospectively studied and collected data on 20 patients with PTK. From January 2014 to December 2017, the controlled distraction-compression technique using ETC was consecutively performed in 20 patients with PTK of the thoracolumbar zone (range, 36-82 years). Among them, nine were males and 11 were females and the mean age was 61.5 years. The patients were followed regularly at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, and the last follow-up was more than 2 years after surgery. Results : The mean follow-up period was 27.3±7.3 months (range, 14-48). The average operation time was 286.8±33.1 minutes (range, 225-365). The preoperative regional kyphotic angle (RKA) ranged from 35.6° to 70.6° with an average of 47.5°±8.1°. The immediate postoperative mean RKA was 5.9°±3.8° (86.2% correction rate, p=0.000), and at the last follow-up more than 2 years later, the mean RKA was 9.2°±4.9° (80.2% correction rate, p=0.000). The preoperative mean thoracolumbar kyphosis was 49.1°±9.2° and was corrected to an average of 8.8°±5.3° immediately after surgery (p=0.000). At the last follow-up, a correction of 11.9°±6.3° was obtained (p=0.000). The preoperative mean back visual analog scale (VAS) score was 7.9±0.8 and at the last follow-up, the VAS score was improved to a mean of 2.3±1.0 with a 70.9% correction rate (p=0.000). The preoperative mean Oswestry disability index (ODI) score was 32.3±6.9 (64.6%) and the last follow-up ODI score was improved to a mean of 6.85±2.9 (3.7%) with a 78.8% correction rate (p=0.000). The overall complication was 15%, with two of distal junctional fractures and one of proximal junctional kyphosis and screw loosening. However, there were no complications directly related to the operation. Conclusion : Posterior vertebral column resection through the controlled distraction-compression technique using ETC showed safe and good results in terms of complications, and clinical and radiologic outcomes in PTK. However, to further evaluate the efficacy of this surgical procedure, more patients need long-term follow-up and there is a need to apply it to other diseases.

• 대한정형외과학회지
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• 제55권6호
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• pp.520-526
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• 2020

목적: 척추 유합술을 받은 환자 중에서 척추 유합 재수술을 받는 경우가 증가하고 있다. 척추 유합 재수술을 위해 기존 장치와 연결기를 통해 연결하여 고정술을 연장하는 revision rod를 새롭게 개발하였다. 본 연구에서는 revision rod를 이용하여 척추 유합 재수술을 시행한 후 임상적·방사선적 결과를 분석하였다. 대상 및 방법: 2개의 대학병원에서 척추 유합술 후 유합 연장술을 시행하고 최소 1년 추적관찰이 가능했던 21명의 환자가 포함되었다. 진단명은 인접 분절 병증 16명, 흉요추 골절 4명, 황색인대골화 1명이었다. 임상 결과는 Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)와 수치평가척도(numerical rating scale, NRS)로 평가하였고, 방사선 결과는 요추 전만각, 흉추 후만각, 재수술 부위의 시상면 각도, 그리고 근위부 인접부의 후만각 및 골유합률을 평가하였다. 결과: 수술 전 평균 ODI는 54.6±12.5에서 최종 추시 시 29.8±16.5로 향상되었다. 허리 통증과 다리 통증 NRS는 5.0±1.7, 6.4±2.0에서 2.9±1.6, 2.9±2.2로 향상되었다. 요추 전만각은 수술 전 18.1±11.9도가 최종 추시 시 21.1±10.3도였고, 근위부 인접부 후만각은 수술 전 10.8±10.1도가 최종 추시 시 9.2±10.5도로 유의미한 차이를 보이지는 않았다. 골유합률은 후외측 골유합을 시행한 1명을 제외하고는 모든 예에서 성공적인 유합이 이루어졌다. 결론: Revision rod를 사용한 흉요추의 재유합술에서 우수한 임상 결과를 보였다. 새롭게 개발된 revision rod와 관련된 문제는 발생하지 않았고 방사선상 골유합은 성공적이었다.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제62권5호
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• pp.567-576
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• 2019

Objective : Minimal data exist regarding non-operative management of suspected pseudarthrosis after pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO). This study reports radiographic and clinical outcomes of non-operative management for post-PSO pseudarthrosis at a minimum 5 years post-detection. Methods : Nineteen consecutive patients with implant breakage indicating probable pseudarthrosis after PSO surgery (13 women/six men; mean age at surgery, 58 years) without severe pain and disability were treated with non-operative management (mean follow-up, 5.8 years; range, 5-10 years). Non-operative management included medication, intermittent brace wearing and avoidance of excessive back strain. Radiographic and clinical outcomes analysis was performed. Results : Sagittal vertical axis (SVA), proximal junctional angle, thoracic kyphosis achieved by a PSO were maintained after detection of pseudarthrosis through ultimate follow-up. Lumbar lordosis and PSO angle decreased at final follow-up. There was no significant change in Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores and Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) total score, or subscales of pain, self-image, function, satisfaction and mental health between detection of pseudarthrosis and ultimate follow-up. SVA greater than 11 cm showed poorer ODI and SRS total score, as well as the pain, self-image, and function subscales (p<0.05). Conclusion : Non-operative management of implant failure of probable pseudarthrosis after PSO offers acceptable outcomes even at 5 years after detection of implant breakage, provided SVA is maintained. As SVA increased, outcome scores decreased in this patient population.

• 대한정형외과학회지
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• 제52권1호
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• pp.83-91
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• 2017

목적: 고령 환자의 흉요추부 유합에서 척추경 나사못과 함께 사용된 원위부 갈고리의 임상적 결과를 알아보고자 하였다. 대상 및 방법: 본 연구는 다기관 후향적 연구로, 2008년부터 2015년까지 65세 이상 환자에서 흉요추부 병변으로 전방 지지와 함께 장분절의 후방 유합을 시행한 20명을 대상으로 하였다. 이 중에서 척추경 나사못 및 원위부 갈고리를 이용한 10명을 갈고리 군으로, 원위부 나사못 없이 척추경 나사못만을 이용한 10명을 나사못 군으로 나누어 술 후 1년째 원위부 나사못의 뽑힘 및 후방 이탈의 정도를 비교하였다. 결과: 환자들의 평균 나이는 72.4세(65-83세), 유합 분절은 평균 4.6분절(3-6분절)이었다. 두 군 간의 비교에서 나이, 성별, 원인 질환, 요추 및 근위 대퇴골 골밀도, 골다공증 유무, 유합 분절 수는 두 군 간에 유의한 차이가 없었다(p≥0.05). 술 후 1년 사이에서 발생한 원위부 나사못의 후방 이탈을 평가한 지표는 두 군 간에 유의한 차이가 있었다(p<0.05). 원위부 나사못의 후방 이탈은 총 6명에서 발견되었으며, 이는 모두 원위부 갈고리를 보강하지 않은 나사못 군에서만(60%, 6/10) 관찰되었고 갈고리 군에서는 없었다. 결론: 고령 환자의 흉요추부 장분절 유합에서 원위부 갈고리의 사용은 나사못의 후방 이탈과 관련된 합병증을 막을 수 있는 유용한 술식이다.