• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.234-240
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• 2017

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of breathing exercises and lumbar segmental exercises on the segmental stability of patients with chronic back pain. Methods: Fifty-nine patients, who suffered from chronic low back pain, were enrolled in this examination. They were divided randomly into three groups: experiment group 1 underwent breathing and segmental stabilization exercises (n=20), experiment group 2 experienced segmental stabilization exercises (n=20), and the control group was given the modality treatment (n=19). The measurements were assessed through an Oswestry disability questionnaire (ODQ), as well as a lumbar segmental instability test (LSIT). Results: The ODQ results for experimental groups 1 and 2 were similar (p<0.05), both before and after six weeks of exercise, but different among the three groups (p>0.05). The differences in segmental instability of each of the three groups were similar (p<0.05), and also similar among the three groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: These findings suggest that lumbar segmental stabilization exercises are efficient in increasing the segmental stability and alleviating pain in patients with chronic back pain. Additional studies on this subject will be needed to improve the clinical applications in the future.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.329-334
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• 2009

Objective: To evaluate the ratio between bone-contact length and inter-segmental length of the rigid fixation screw used in bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO) for mandibular setback. Material and Methods: Records of 40 patients with Class III malocclusion were selected. 20 of them had BSSRO, while the other 20 had BSSRO with maxillary LeFort I osteotomy. All of the patients had three noncompressive bicortical screws inserted at the gonial angle through transcutaneous approach. Two screws were inserted antero-posteriorly above inferior alveolar nerve and one screw was inserted below. The lengths of bone-contact and that of inter-segmental part were measured using cone-beam computed tomography. Ratio between these two measured lengths was calculated. Results: Both bone-contact and inter-segmental lengths were longer in BSSRO group than in BSSRO with maxillary LeFort I osteotomy group. Ratio of bone-contact to inter-segmental length was lower in BSSRO group than in BSSRO with Lefort I group. Both bone-contact and inter-segmental lengths were longer at the antero-superior position than at the inferior position. However, their ratio showed little difference. Conclusion: This study suggest that stability of screws in BSSRO group was greater than in BSSRO with Lefort I group. Stability of screws at the antero-superior position was greater than at the inferior position. Ratio of bone-contact to inter-segmental lengths was 0.2 in average.

• Asian Spine Journal
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.1037-1042
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• 2018

Study Design: Retrospective study. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate whether segmental lumbar hyperlordosis of the affected vertebra in patients with spondylolysis occurs only at L5 or also occurs at L4. Overview of Literature: To the best of our knowledge, increase in segmental lordosis of the spondylolytic vertebrae has only been investigated in bilateral L5 spondylolysis; it has not been examined at different levels of bilateral spondylolysis. According to the characteristics of segmental lordosis in bilateral L5 spondylolysis, patients with bilateral L4 spondylolysis may also have increased segmental lordosis of the L4 vertebra. Methods: Patients with bilateral spondylolysis of the L5 or L4 vertebra in 2013-2015 were retrospectively identified from the hospital database. Standing lateral lumbar radiographs were assessed for the angle of segmental lordosis of the L5 and L4 vertebra, sacral slope, and lumbar lordosis. The differences in segmental lordosis of the L5 and L4 vertebra, sacral slope, and lumbar lordosis were determined using non-paired Student t-test. Results: Overall, 15 cases of bilateral L4 spondylolysis and 41 cases of bilateral L5 spondylolysis satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Lordosis of the L4 vertebra was significantly greater in the bilateral L4 spondylolysis group ($24.2^{\circ}{\pm}7.0^{\circ}$) than that in the L5 spondylolysis group ($20.3^{\circ}{\pm}6.1^{\circ}$, p=0.047). Lordosis of the L5 vertebra was significantly lower in the L4 spondylolysis group ($27.7^{\circ}{\pm}8.2^{\circ}$) than that in the L5 spondylolysis group ($32.5^{\circ}{\pm}7.3^{\circ}$, p=0.040). The sacral slope and lumbar lordosis did not significantly differ between the groups. Conclusions: Adolescent patients with bilateral spondylolysis have segmental hyperlordosis of the affected vertebra not only at the L5 level but also at the L4 level.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.24-31
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• 2009

Objective : To investigate the effectiveness of radiographic parameters on segmental instability in the lumbar spine using Kinetic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods : Segmental motion, defined as excessive (more than 3 mm) translational motion from flexion to extension, was investigated in 309 subjects (927 segments) using Kinetic MRI. Radiographic parameters which can help indicate segmental instability include disc degeneration (DD), facet joint osteoarthritis (FJO), and ligament flavum hypertrophy (LFH). These three radiographic parameters were simultaneously evaluated, and the combinations corresponding to significant segmental instability at each level were determined. Results : The overall incidence of segmental instability was 10.5% at L3-L4, 16.5% at L4-L5, and 7.3% at L5-S1. DD and LFH at L3-L4 and FJO and LFH at L4-L5 were individually associated with segmental instability (p<0.05). At L4-L5, the following combinations had a higher incidence of segmental instability (p<0.05) when compared to other segments : (1) Grade IV DD with grade 3 FJO, (2) Grade 2 or 3 FJO with the presence of LFH, and (3) Grade IV DD with the presence of LFH. At L5-S1, the group with Grade III disc and Grade 3 FJO had a higher incidence of segmental instability than the group with Grade I or II DD and Grade 1 FJO. Conclusion : This study showed that the presences of either Grade IV DD or grade 3 FJO with LFH at L4-L5 were good indicators for segmental instability. Therefore, using these parameters simultaneously in patients with segmental instability would be useful for determining candidacy for surgical treatment.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.63-70
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• 2018

Objective: The aim of this study is to quantitatively evaluate the stability of the skeletal and dental widths using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) after segmental Le Fort I osteotomy in adult patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion requiring maxillary expansion. Methods: In total, 25 and 36 patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion underwent Le Fort I osteotomy (control group) and segmental Le Fort I osteotomy (experimental group), respectively. Coronal CBCT images were used to measure the dental and skeletal widths before (T1) and after (T2) surgery and at the end of treatment (T3). The correlation between the extent of surgery and the amount of relapse in the experimental group was also determined. Results: In the control group, the dental width exhibited a significant decrease of $0.70{\pm}1.28mm$ between T3 and T2. In the experimental group, dental and skeletal expansion of $1.83{\pm}1.66$ and $2.55{\pm}1.94mm$, respectively, was observed between T2 and T1. The mean changes in the dental and skeletal widths between T3 and T2 were $-1.41{\pm}1.98$ and $-0.67{\pm}0.72mm$, respectively. There was a weak correlation between the amount of skeletal expansion during segmental Le Fort I osteotomy and the amount of postoperative skeletal relapse in the experimental group. Conclusions: Maxillary expansion via segmental Le Fort I osteotomy showed good stability, with a skeletal relapse rate of 26.3% over approximately 12 months. Our results suggest that a greater amount of expansion requires greater efforts for the prevention of relapse.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.301-305
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• 2007

Objective : The postoperative subsidence of anterior cervical interbody fusion for cervical degenerative diseases gives rise to segmental kyphotic collapse, screw loosening, and chronic neck pain. So, intraoperative custom-made polymethylmethacrylate [PMMA] C-cage has been developed to prevent subsidence following anterior cervical fusion. Methods : A total of patients who underwent anterior cervical interbody fusion with a intraoperative custom - made cervical cage filled with local bone and demineralized bone matrix [group A] were analyzed prospectively from June 2004 to June 2005. These were compared with 40 patients who were treated with iliac bone graft [group B]. We evaluated subsidence ratio, change of segmental angle, distraction length and segmental angle. Statistical analysis was performed using independent sample t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient. Results : Group A had a statistically significant decrease in subsidence ratio [$0.64{\pm}0.43%$, p=0.00]. distraction length [$2.42{\pm}1.25\;mm$, p=0.02], and follow angle change [$1.78{\pm}1.69^{\circ}$, p=0.01] as compared with Group B. However, there was no statistically significant difference in postoperative segmental angle change [p=0.66]. On the analysis of the correlation coefficient, the parameters showed no interrelationships in the group A. On the other hand, subsidence ratio was affected by distraction length in the group B [Pearson correlation=0.448]. Conclusion : This operative technique would be contributed for the reduction of a postoperative subsidence after the anterior cervical interbody fusion procedure for cervical disc disease with moderate to severe osteoporotic condition and segmental loss of lordosis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.39-48
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• 2015

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the degree of lumbopelvic rotation during the active straight leg raise (ASLR) test in chronic low back pain with and without lumbar segmental instability. METHODS: A total of 71 patients with chronic low back pain were recruited for this study. The subjects who tested positive for more than three of the five lumbar segmental instability tests (prone lumbar instability, lumbar passive extension test, anterior posterior mobility test, passive straight leg raise, age) were categorized into the lumbar segmental instability positive group. Patients who tested positive for less than three of the five tests were categorized into the lumbar segmental instability negative group. The lumbopelvic rotation was measured three times during ASLR and a mean was determined. Subjective heaviness during the ASLR was measured on 6 point scale. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the lumbopelvic rotation angle between the groups with and without lumbar segmental instability (p<.01). There was no significant difference in the subjective heaviness during ASLR. The mean lumbopelvic rotation angle during ASLR was $13.54{\pm}2.86^{\circ}$, and $8.81{\pm}2.47^{\circ}$ in the positive and negative groups, respectively (p<.01). The cut-off value of the lumbopelvic rotation during was $10.5^{\circ}$, the sensitivity was 82.9%, and the specificity was 80.6%. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that lumbopelvic rotation is more prevalent in patients without lumbar segmental instability. Clinically, this important when diagnosing chronic low back pain with lumbar segmental instability, as the lumbopelvic rotation angle during the ASLR test can be used to aid in diagnosis.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.217-221
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• 2008

Objective : Although anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is the standard treatment for degenerative cervical disc disease, concerns regarding adjacent level degeneration and loss of motion have suggested that arthroplasty may be a better alternative. We have compared clinical and radiological results in patients with cervical disc herniations treated with arthroplasty and ACDF. Methods : We evaluated 53 patients treated for cervical disc herniations with radiculopathy, 21 of whom underwent arthroplasty and 32 of whom underwent ACDF. Clinical results included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score for upper extremity radiculopathy, neck disability index (NDI), duration of hospital stay and convalescence time. All patients were assessed radiologically by measuring cervical lordosis, segmental lordosis and segmental range-of-movement (ROM) of operated and adjacent disc levels. Results : Mean hospital stay (5.62 vs. 6.26 days, p<0.05) and interval between surgery and return to work (1.10 vs 2.92 weeks, p<0.05) were significantly shorter in the arthroplasty than in the fusion group. Mean NDI and extremity VAS score improved after 12 months in both groups. Although it was not significant, segmental ROM of adjacent levels was higher in the fusion group than in the arthroplasty group. And, segmental motion of operated levels in arthroplasty group maintained more than preoperative value at last follow up. Conclusion : Although clinical results were similar in the two groups, postoperative recovery was significantly shorter in the arthroplasty group. Although it was not significant, ROM of adjacent segments was less in the arthroplasty group. Motion of operated levels in arthroplasty group was preserved at last follow up.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.76-81
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• 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the data comprehensively including not only the clinical and radiographic outcomes but some parameters related to operation between the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique and intramedullary nailing (IMN) for treatment of segmental tibia shaft fractures. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 31 patients (mean age, 49.3 years, range, 27-74 years), with a mean follow-up of 14.1 months (range, 12-19 months) with acute segmental tibial fractures (AO 42-C2) who underwent either surgical treatment of MIPO or IMN. In accordance with the Gustilo-Anderson classification, 11 were type I, 5 were type II, and 15 were type III. Initial compartment syndrome was confirmed in 2 cases. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in terms of the patient demographic data between the two groups. The time to definitive fixation was longer in the MIPO group (mean $13.7{\pm}10.9days$; range, 2-27) than in the intramedullary group (mean $5.4{\pm}9.6days$; range, 0-35) with statistically significant difference (p=0.002). Bony union was observed in most of cases but except 5 cases of nonunion were diagnosed (3 in the MIPO vs 2 in IMN, p=0.188). The average bone healing time was 27.1 weeks (10 to 56 weeks) in MIPO group and 23.2 weeks (13 to 66 weeks) in IMN group, respectively (p=0.056). Overall complications were 5 cases in MIPO group and 2 cases in the IMN group. Difference in LEFS was not statistically significant between both groups (p=0.824). Conclusion: This study showed that segmental tibia shaft fractures treated with both MIPO and intramadullary nailing was challenging with relatively high complication rate. A well planned sequential strategy with keeping the soft tissue and personality of fracture in mind is utmost significant as much as the choice of surgical modalities.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.84-89
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• 2006

Objective : The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes of two methods for stabilization and fusion : Postero-Lateral Fusion [PLF, pedicle screw fixation with bone graft] and Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion [PLIF, cage insertion] for spinal stenosis and recurred disc herniation except degenerative spondylolisthesis. Methods : Seventy one patients who underwent PLF [n=36] or PLIF [n=35] between 1997 and 2001 were evaluated prospectively. These two groups were compared for the change of interbody space, the range of segmental angle, the angle of lumbar motion, and clinical outcomes by Prolo scale. Results : The mean follow-up period was 32.6 months. The PLIF group showed statistically significant increase of the interbody space after surgery. However, the difference in the change of interbody space between two groups was insignificant [P value=0.05]. The range of segmental angle was better in the PLIF group, but the difference in the change of segmental angle was not statistically significant [P value=0.0l7]. Angle of lumbar motion was similar in the two groups. Changes of Prolo economic scale were not statistically significant [P value=0.193]. The PLIF group showed statistically significant improvement in Prolo functional scale [P value=0.003]. In Prolo economic and functional scale, there were statistically significant relationships between follow-up duration [P value<0.001]. change of interbody space [P value<0.001], and range of segmental angle [P value<0.001]. Conclusion : Results of this study indicate that PLIF is superior to PLF in interbody space augmentation and clinical outcomes by Prolo functional scale. Analysis of clinical outcomes showed significant relationships among various factors [fusion type, follow-up duration, change of interbody space, and range of segmental angle]. Therefore, the authors recommend instrumented PLIF to offer better clinical outcomes in patients who needed instrumented lumbar fusion for spinal stenosis and recurred disc herniation.