• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.46 no.4
• /
• pp.305-311
• /
• 2009

Objective : The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy, radiological findings, clinical outcomes and complications in patients with lumbar stenosis and osteoporosis after the use of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) augmentation of a cannulated pedicle screw. Methods : Thirty-seven patients with degenerative spinal stenosis and osteoporosis (T-score < -2.5) underwent lumbar fusion using the Dream Technology Pedicle Screw ($DTPS^{TM}$, Dream Spine Total Solutions, Dream STS, Seoul. Korea) between 2005 and 2007. The clinical outcomes were evaluated by using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Prolo scale. Radiologic findings were documented through computed tomography (CT) and plain films. Results : Thirty-seven patients were evaluated and included, 2 males and 35 females with an average bone mineral density (BMD) of $0.47g/cm^2$. The average age of the patients was 68.7 (range, 57-88). The preoperative VAS for low back and leg pain ($7.87{\pm}0.95$ and $8.82{\pm}0.83$) were higher as compared with postoperative VAS ($2.30{\pm}1.61$ and $1.42{\pm}0.73$) with statistical significance (p = 0.006, p = 0.003). According to the Prolo scale, 11, 22, one and three patients were in excellent, good, fair and poor conditions, respectively. The average amount of the injected cement per one cannulated screw was $1.83{\pm}0.11\;mL$. Conclusion : The results show favorable outcome both clinically and radiographically for 37 patients who underwent lumbar fusion using $DTPS^{TM}$ and PMMA. Based on the results, the use of this surgical method can be a safe and effective option for the operation on the osteoporotic spine.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
• /
• v.31 no.1
• /
• pp.165-173
• /
• 2021

Objectives The objective of this study is to propose postoperative rehabilitation for spondylolisthesis after posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) in Korean medicine and to report its effectiveness. Methods There were two patients who were received Korean medicine with acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping and exercise treatment after PLIF. Patients were evaluated numeric rating scale (NRS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), pain free walking distance (PFWD), Korean modified index (K-MBI), EuroQol-5 dimension (EQ-5D) index. Results Case 1 was improved NRS from 7 to 3, Case 2 was improved NRS from 7 to 2. Also, ODI, PFWD, K-MBI, EQ-5D score were improved in both cases. Conclusions This study suggests that Korean medicine rehabilitation could be effective for spondylolisthesis after PLIF.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• /
• v.18 no.2
• /
• pp.55-61
• /
• 2009

Purpose: To analyze the clinical and radiologic results of the shoulder arthrodesis in brachial plexus injury patients with flail upper extremity. Material and Method: From Aug 1978 to April 2008, 29 shoulders in 29 patients with brachial plexus injury with shoulder fusion, we evaluated 20 shoulders in 20 patients, more than 1 year follow up. The average follow-up period was 6.45years (range: 1year~24years). There were 13 men and 7 women, and the mean age at the time of trauma was 32.0years(2~65 years). The type of injury was a motorcycle accident in 11 patients, in car accident in 5, pedestrian accident in 3, and fall from a height in 1. The lesion of injury was root and trunk in 1 patient, trunk and cord in 1, trunk in 18. Surgery was performed on the whole arm type paralysis in 12 patients, lower arm type paralysis in 8 patients. The preoperative visual analog scale score was 8.7(7~10). When the trapezius and serratus anterior muscle were in function, operation was performed. 18 patients were processed to the additional operation. Gracilis free flap in 6 patients, neurotization in 3, Steindler flexor plasty in 6, and tendon transfer in 3 were performed. Fixation was conducted with cancellous screws in 13 patients, Knoles pins in 5, and cancellous screws and Knoles pins in 2. The position of the arthrodesis at operation was $28.5^{\circ}$($20~45^{\circ}$) in abduction, $30.3^{\circ}$($20~45^{\circ}$) in flexion, and $30.8^{\circ}$($20~40^{\circ}$) in internal rotation. Result: The follow up visual analog scale score was 3.4(0~7). Postoperatively, shoulder spica cast was applied for 15.3weeks(8-20weeks). The median time to bony union was 17.7weeks(9~28weeks). Average range of motion was $32.0^{\circ}$($15~40^{\circ}$) of abduction, $24.0^{\circ}$($10~40^{\circ}$) of flexion, and $18.5^{\circ}$($10~30^{\circ}$)of internal rotation. Conclusion: The shoulder fusion in brachial plexus injury patients is one of the good methods to relieve pain, improve the function and stabilize the flail shoulder joint.

• Journal of Internet Computing and Services
• /
• v.24 no.6
• /
• pp.81-89
• /
• 2023

In modern society, blind people face difficulties in navigating common environments such as sidewalks, elevators, and crosswalks. Research has been conducted to alleviate these inconveniences for the visually impaired through the use of visual and audio aids. However, such research often encounters limitations when it comes to practical implementation due to the high cost of wearable devices, high-performance CCTV systems, and voice sensors. In this paper, we propose an artificial intelligence fusion algorithm that utilizes low-cost video sensors integrated into smartphones to help blind people safely navigate their surroundings during walking. The proposed algorithm combines motion capture and object detection algorithms to detect moving people and various obstacles encountered during walking. We employed the MediaPipe library for motion capture to model and detect surrounding pedestrians during motion. Additionally, we used object detection algorithms to model and detect various obstacles that can occur during walking on sidewalks. Through experimentation, we validated the performance of the artificial intelligence fusion algorithm, achieving accuracy of 0.92, precision of 0.91, recall of 0.99, and an F1 score of 0.95. This research can assist blind people in navigating through obstacles such as bollards, shared scooters, and vehicles encountered during walking, thereby enhancing their mobility and safety.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
• /
• v.16 no.1
• /
• pp.38-46
• /
• 2012

Purpose: This study was performed retrospectively to evaluate clinical outcomes of distal metatarsal osteotomy using bio-compression screw as the joint preservation method for advanced hallux rigidus. Materials and Methods: Eleven cases were followed up for more than 1 year after distal metatarsal dorsal wedge osteotomy for advanced hallux rigidus. The clinical evaluation was performed according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and patient's satisfaction score. The range of motion, and the period to return to running exercise, tip-toeing gait, squatting, walking down the stairs were evaluated. As the radiographic evaluation, the interval of $1^{st}$ MTP (metatarsophalangeal) joint space and the period to union were measured. Results: The AOFAS hallux score had improved significantly from preoperative average 50.7 points to 87.6 points at the last follow-up (p=0.005). The subjective satisfaction score was average 90.6 points. There were no case of subsequent fusion or additional operation, and no complication associated with bio-compression screw. The period to return to running exercise, tip-toeing gait, squatting, walking down the stairs were average of 24.8 weeks, 20.4 weeks, 16.8 weeks, 18.5 weeks respectively. Dorsiflexion of $1^{st}$ MTP joint had improved significantly from preoperative average $17.5^{\circ}$ to $44^{\circ}$ (p<0.001). All cases achieved union of osteotomy site, and the period to union was average 10.4 weeks. The interval of $1^{st}$ MTP joint space had improved significantly from preoperative average 1.2 mm to 3.5 mm (p=0.014). Conclusion: Distal metatarsal osteotomy using bio-compression screw seems to be one of effective treatment methods for advanced hallux rigidus, because of restoration of the first MTP joint motion, and reliable pain relief, and needlessness of hardware removal.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.62 no.4
• /
• pp.442-449
• /
• 2019

Objective : Bone mineral density (BMD) is an important consideration during fusion surgery. Although dual X-ray absorptiometry is considered as the gold standard for assessing BMD, quantitative computed tomography (QCT) provides more accurate data in spine osteoporosis. However, QCT has the disadvantage of additional radiation hazard and cost. The present study was to demonstrate the utility of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithm for assessing osteoporosis using Hounsfield units (HU) of preoperative lumbar CT coupling with data of QCT. Methods : We reviewed 70 patients undergoing both QCT and conventional lumbar CT for spine surgery. The T-scores of 198 lumbar vertebra was assessed in QCT and the HU of vertebral body at the same level were measured in conventional CT by the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) system. A multiple regression algorithm was applied to predict the T-score using three independent variables (age, sex, and HU of vertebral body on conventional CT) coupling with T-score of QCT. Next, a logistic regression algorithm was applied to predict osteoporotic or non-osteoporotic vertebra. The Tensor flow and Python were used as the machine learning tools. The Tensor flow user interface developed in our institute was used for easy code generation. Results : The predictive model with multiple regression algorithm estimated similar T-scores with data of QCT. HU demonstrates the similar results as QCT without the discordance in only one non-osteoporotic vertebra that indicated osteoporosis. From the training set, the predictive model classified the lumbar vertebra into two groups (osteoporotic vs. non-osteoporotic spine) with 88.0% accuracy. In a test set of 40 vertebrae, classification accuracy was 92.5% when the learning rate was 0.0001 (precision, 0.939; recall, 0.969; F1 score, 0.954; area under the curve, 0.900). Conclusion : This study is a simple machine learning model applicable in the spine research field. The machine learning model can predict the T-score and osteoporotic vertebrae solely by measuring the HU of conventional CT, and this would help spine surgeons not to under-estimate the osteoporotic spine preoperatively. If applied to a bigger data set, we believe the predictive accuracy of our model will further increase. We propose that machine learning is an important modality of the medical research field.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.46 no.1
• /
• pp.5-10
• /
• 2009

Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of unilateral decompression and pedicle screw fixation for the unilateral symptomatic foraminal stenosis. Methods: The study group comprises consecutive 16 patients who underwent unilateral decompression and bone cement augmented pedicle screw fixation from May 2003 to January 2006. The patients were evaluated by visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the scoring system of the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) for low back pain. The result of surgery was also evaluated with McNab's classification. Excellent or good outcome was considered as successful. The patients were followed at postoperative 1 month, 3 month, 6 month, and 1 year with standing AP and lateral films. Results: The average VAS and JOA score of the 16 patients were 7.8(range, 6-9) and 5.8(range, 3 - 10) before surgery and 2.2(range, 0 - 5)and 12.3(range, 9 - 15) at the time of last follow up. Both VAS and JOA score improved significantly after the surgery (p<0.05, t-test). All patients improved after the operation and no revision surgery was required. No metal failure or pseudoarthrosis was observed during the follow-up. The success rate was 87.5%. Conclusion: Our data suggest that unilateral decompression and pedicle screw fixation for the unilateral symptomatic foraminal stenosis is an effect method for obtaining satisfactory clinical outcome. Its possible advantage is shorter operation time and reduced surgical extent. We believe that the reduced stiffness of unilateral fixation was compensated by pedicle screw augmentation and interbody fusion.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
• /
• v.19 no.4
• /
• pp.171-175
• /
• 2015

Purpose: Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis has been used as a treatment option for severe deformity including Charcot arthropathy, avascular necrosis of the talus, and severe osteoarthritis of the ankle and subtalar joint. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the result of the surgical outcome of tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using a retrograde intramedullary nail. Materials and Methods: Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using a retrograde intramedullary nail was performed by one surgeon in 36 cases. Clinical and radiological finding was evaluated using assessment of fusion time, 5th metatarsal-tibial angle, possibility of postoperative complication, visual analogue scale for pain and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. Results: Union was achieved in 33 cases at an average of 23 weeks (11~29 weeks). There were 3 cases of nonunion and 1 case of reoperation. Nail-tibial angle tended to be larger in nonunion cases. AOFAS score showed significantly poor outcome at malalignment (${\geq}5^{\circ}$), negative value of 5th metatarsal-tibial angle. Conclusion: Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using a retrograde intramedullary nail is considered a useful treatment option for severe destruction and deformity involving ankle and subtalar joint.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
• /
• v.11 no.2
• /
• pp.226-231
• /
• 2007

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcomes and radiographic results of open reduction and internal fixation for intraarticular calcaneal fractures. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 20 cases of calcaneal fractures managed with open reduction and internal fixation from March 2003 to January 2005. We used the computed tomographic classification system proposed by Sanders et al to classify these fractures. Preoperative and postoperative Bohler's angle, heel height (calcaneal facet height) and calcaneal length, calcaneal width were measured. The Creighton-Nebraska Health Foundation Assessment score was used for clinical evaluation. Results: There were 12 cases of type II fractures, 5 of type III fractures and 3 of type IV fractures. The mean clinical score was 84.3 for type II, 82.6 for type III and 56.1 for type IV. The mean preoperative $B{\ddot{o}}hler$ angle was $6.1^{\circ}$ and final was $22.8^{\circ}$. The mean preoperative calcaneal facet height was 76.6 mm and final was 80.3 mm (The mean calcaneal facet height was changed from preop 76.6 mm to postop 80.3 mm). The mean preoperative calcaneal length was 88.2 mm and final was 92.6 mm. The mean preoperative width was 38.1 mm and final was 35.6 mm. Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation showed good results for type II and III fractures, but for type IV fractures the clinical result was significantly worse than the other types. However, type IV fractures still had restoration of (should be restored in) $B{\ddot{o}}hler's$ angle, calcaneal facet height, calcaneal length and width which may be helpful in later subtalar fusion.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
• /
• v.13 no.2
• /
• pp.142-145
• /
• 2009

Purpose: The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical and radiological results of the first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis with two crossed screws fixation. Materials and Methods: We treated 23 patients (24 cases) with arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint using two crossed screws fixation between December 2000 and May 2005. There were 3 male patients and 20 female patients. Ages ranged from 28 to 74 years (mean, 50 years). Follow-up ranged from 4.1 to 8.2 years (mean, 6.5 years). The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and their satisfaction was evaluated clinically, foot anteroposterior and lateral radiograph, radiologically. Results: Of the 24 cases, 6 had surgery for dorsal plate and screws fixation because of failure to acquire firm fixation with two crossed screws fixation. All 6 cases acquired bony union. Fusion of the hallux first metatarsophalangeal joint occurred in 16/18 cases (89%). Nonunion occurred in 2 cases (11%) and was asymptomatic. At last follow-up, hallux valgus angle ranged from 11 to 25 degrees(mean, 17.7 degrees), dorsiflexion ranged from 15 to 25 degrees (mean, 22 degrees).The mean preoperative AOFAS score of 37 points(range, 28 to 45 points) improved to a mean of 77 points (range, 65~90 points) postoperatively. The result of the procedure as rated subjectively by the patient was excellent for 5 cases, good for 11 cases and fair for 2. Conclusion: Comparatively, the arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint with crossed screws fixation showed a satisfactory clinical results, we thought that require technical attention for firm fixation in operation.