• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.129-136
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• 2014

The "WuQinXi" exercise, one of the medical Qi-gongs, is an exercise maximizing human's self healing power and has been confirmed to be effective significantly at several modern researches. There are many exercise therapies in western medcine, such as Willams's flexion exercise, Mckenzie's extension exercise, vertebral stabilization exercise and so on. However, there isn't a special exercise therapy which can be applied for medical practice in oriental medicine. So we selected 24 motions which are related with lumbar movements from 3 type "WuQinXi" exercises ; 20 mode, 30 mode, and 40 mode. And then, we classified them according to lumbar movements as flexion, extention, lateral bending and rotation, and also functions as stabilization and rubbing. Next, with these classifications, we assorted them by kinds of lumbar spinal disease as HIVD(herniation of intervertebral disc), spinal stenosis, spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis, facet joint syndrome, compression fracture and spondylosis. We expect that "WuQinXi" exercise be a exercise therapy for lumbar spinal disease at an oriental medical clinic in this way. Oriental medical doctors will be able to teach easily patients "WuQinXi" exercise's motions at clinic, depending on kinds of lumbar spinal disease each patient suffers from. We plan to study the effect of "WuQinXi" exercise by comparing patients who do the "WuQinXi" exercise with the patients who do the western medical exercise therapy.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.288-293
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• 2008

Objective : Bone cement leakage is a well-known potential complication of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) in patients with osteoporotic compression fracture. Even though there has been a controversy in the efficacy of antecedent venography to prevent this complication, many authors have performed intra osseous venography before bone cement injection. The goal of this study was to classify the venous drainage patterns of spine before PVP, and compare their patterns at different vertebral levels. Methods : The authors retrospectively reviewed 1,042 intraosseous venographic patterns in 321 patients with 574 osteoporotic compression fractures during six-year period in one institution. To classify venogram patterns, we selected simple lateral X-ray of spine taken immediately after injection of the contrast dye. We classified the venography patterns according to contrast leakage pattern and leakage direction as follows; trabecular (TR), trabecular anterior (TA), trabecular posterior (TP), trabecular anterior-posterior (TAP), trabecular lateral (TL), venous anterior(VA), venous posterior (VP), venous anterior-posterior (VAP), soft tissue (ST). Also, we compared venogram patterns according to different spinal levels. Results : In overall, the most common pattern was TP type accounting for 37.4% (390/1042) of all intraosseous venograms. This is followed by TAP in 21.5%, TR 17.4%, TA 116%, TL 5.8%, ST 4.1%, VA 1.2%, VP 0.6%, and VAP 0.4% in descending order of frequency. According to the spinal level, TR and TAP types were most common in thoracic spine (T6-T10), TP type was most common in thoraco-Iumbar spine (T11-L2), and TP and TAP types were most common in lumbo-sacral spine (L3-S1). Contrast dye leakage to soft tissue such as psoas muscle or disc were detected in 43 (4.1%) venograms. Direct venous drainage without staining of vertebral body was found in 23 (2.2%) venograms. The 8.3% of thoracic venogram showed direct venous drainage. Thoracic level showed a more tendency of direct venous drainage than other spine levels (p<001). Conclusion : The authors propose a new classification system of intra osseous venography during PVP. The trabecular-posterior (TP) type is most common through all spine, and venous-filling (V) type was most frequent in thoracic spine. Further study would be necessary to elucidate the efficacy of this classification system to prevent bone cement leakage during PVP.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.11
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• pp.1271-1277
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• 2001

Objectives : Since vertebroplasty has been introduced, we performed short segment pedicle screw fixation with augmented intra-operative vertebroplasty in patients with unstable thoraco-lumbar fracture. Our intentions are to demonstrate the efficacy and indication of this new technique compare to conventional methods. Material and Methods : The surgery comprised of pedicle screw fixations on one level above and below the fracture site, and the fractured level itself, if pedicle is intact, and intra-operative vertebroplasty under the fluoroscopic guide with in-situ postero-lateral bone graft. Also, in cases of bone apposition, we removed those with small impactor through a transfascetal route. During the last 2 years, we performed in seven(7) unstable thoraco-lumbar fracture patients who consisted of two different characteristics, those four(4) with primary or secondary osteoporosis and three(3) of young and very healthy. All patients were followed clinically by A.S.I.A. score and radiography. Results : Mean follow up period was 14 months. We observed well decompressed state via transfascetal route in cases of bone fragments apposition and no hardware pullout in osteoporotic cases, no poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA) leakage through the fracture sites into the spinal canal, and no kyphotic deformities in both cases during follow-up periods. All patients demonstrated solid bony fusion except one following osteoporotic compression fracture on other sites. Conclusions : In the management of unstable thoraco-lumbar fracture, we believe that this short segment pedicle screw fixation with augmented intra-operative vertebroplasty reduce the total length or levels of pedicle screw fixation without post-operative kyphotic deformity.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.75-80
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• 2018

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of conducting a clinical study of using acupuncture for chronic pain in patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) in the outpatient setting. Methods: A prospective case-series attempting to recruit 20 participants was performed from February 11, 2016, to December 31, 2016. We provided Manual and electrical acupuncture was provided one 1 to three 3 times a week, for 6 weeks, up to 18 sessions. The primary clinical outcome was the average pain intensity as measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) at 6 weeks. Secondary outcomes included back-specific dysfunction (Oswestry disability index), quality of life (quality of life questionnaire-26), patient-reported improvement, use of other healthcare resources, and adverse events at 6 weeks. Use of healthcare resources and adverse events were additionally followed-up at 12 weeks by telephone. Results: Of 33 patients screened, a total of 7 were enrolled in the study. Manual and electrical acupuncture was provided 1 to 3 times a week, for 6 weeks, up to 18 sessions. We observed reduced pain intensity at 6 weeks in all participants. The change in the quality of life and back-specific dysfunction was inconsistent among participants. Mild, temporary adverse events were observed in three patients. Conclusion: In our clinical setting, it was not feasible to recruit sufficient participants and to assess the efficacy of acupuncture for chronic pain after osteoporotic thoracolumbar VCFs under a year. Strategies to improve recruitment and to identify barriers to participation are required for future clinical trials.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.63 no.5
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• pp.623-630
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• 2020

Objective : A primary degenerative sagittal imbalance has been considered because of unique lifestyles such as the prolonged crouched posture during agricultural work and performing activities of daily living on the floor. Previous papers have reported that sagittal imbalance disease is often seen distinctly in the farming districts of "oriental" countries such as Korea and Japan. However, this finding was only evaluated with the use of X-ray, and other factors such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), muscle volume, compression fracture, and laboratory results were not considered. Thus, using these, we evaluate the agricultural work-associated factors for Korean elderly spinal sagittal imbalance. Methods : We recruited 103 Korean participants who had a sagittal vertical axis (SVA) of >5 cm in this Korean Elderly Sagittal Imbalance Cohort Study. The following were evaluated : radiological parameters, MRI, compression fracture, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, C-terminal telopeptide, osteocalcin, bone mineral density and muscle fatty change, muscle volume, and health-related quality of life from patients' survey. Moreover, in this survey, the farmers' annual working hours were investigated. Subsequently, we analyzed the associated factors for spinal sagittal imbalance depending on occupation. Results : A total of 46 participants were farmers, and the others were housewives, sellers, and office workers. The farmer group had more SVA (141 vs. 99 mm, p=0.001) and pelvic tilt (31° vs. 24°, p=0.004) and lesser lumbar lordosis (20° vs. 30°, p=0.009) and thoracic kyphosis (24° vs. 33°, p=0.03) than non-farmer group. A significantly positive correlation was noted between the working hour and SVA in the farmer group (p=0.014). The visual analogue scale score for back pain (8.26 vs. 6.96, p=0.008) and Oswestry Disability Index (23.5 vs. 19.1, p=0.003) in the farmer group were higher than that in the non-farmer group, but the Short Form-36 score was not significantly different between the two groups. The Mini-Mental State Exam score was significantly lower in the farmer group than in the non-farmer group (24.85 vs. 26.98, p=0.002). Conclusion : The farmer group had more sagittal imbalance and back pain in proportion to the working hours even though the muscle and bone factors and general laboratory condition were not significantly different between the two groups. These results supported that the long hours spent in the crouched posture while performing agricultural work were a risk factor for severe sagittal imbalance.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.sup2
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• pp.322-327
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• 2001

Objectives : There are many kinds of method to evaluate neural decompression during operation. They are direct visual and manual inspection, intraoperative ultrasound, endoscope, intraoperative computed tomography and intraoperative myelography. We used intraoperative myelography to evaluate the proper decompression of neural elements during the decompressive surgery. Methods : We injected 10-20cc of nonionic water-soluble contrast materials through direct puncture site of exposed dura during operation or lower lumbar level or lumbar drain inserted preoperatively. 12 patients were included in this study. They were 7 patients of centrally herniated lumbar disc disease, 1 patient of multiple lumbar spinal stenosis, 2 patients of thoracic extradural tumor and 2 cervical fracture & dislocations. Results : 5 of 12 patients showed remained neural compression through intraoperative myelography, so they were operated further through other approach. Myelographic dye is heavier than CSF, so the dependent side of subarachnoid space was visualized only. In one case, CSF leakage through hemovac was detected, but it was treated only bed rest for 5 days after hemovac removal. Conclusion :Intraoperative myelography is an effective method to evaluate neural decompression during spinal surgery. This technique is easy and familiar to us, neurosurgeons.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.161-165
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• 2007

Objective : Percutaneous approach to the middle thoracic vertebra through the transpedicular route for the patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures is difficult due to the small size of the pedicle and parasagittally oriented vertebra body anatomy. The percutaneous vertebral body access [PVBA] technique utilizing the posterolateral extrapedicular approach avoids the pedicle and provides direct access to the vertebral body. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the vertebroplasty utilizing PVBA technique for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in the middle thoracic vertebrae. Methods : A retrospective review was done on 20 patients who underwent vertebroplasty utilizing PVBA technique performed for painful osteoporotic compression fracture in the middle thoracic vertebrae at 22 levels from May 2003 to June 2006. The average amount of the injected cement was 1.5-2.5ml. The postprocedural outcome was assessed using a visual analogue scale [VAS]. Results : The treated vertebrae were T5 [1 level], T6 [5 levels], 17 [7 levels], and T8 [9 levels]. The compression rate and kyphotic angle were improved after procedure from $18%{\pm}13.4$ to $16%{\pm}13.8$ [p > 0.05] and from $6.9^{\circ}{\pm}6.7$ to $6.6^{\circ}{\pm}6.2$ [p>005], respectively. Preprocedural VAS was $8.2{\pm}0.70$ and was decreased to $2.1{\pm}1.02$ [p < 0.01] after treatment. Postprocedural cement leakage was noted in 3 levels [13.7%]. There were no cases of leakage to epidural space or neural foramen, segmental artery injury, and pneumothorax. Conclusion : These results suggest that the complication rates are low and good results can be achieved with vertebroplasty utilizing PVBA technique for the osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures especially in the middle thoracic vertebrae.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.30-35
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• 1989

Two hundred patients with acute and chronic pain were treated with a low power laser and 115 patients among them were divided into several groups by their pathology and evaluated their response rate to the laser therapy was evaluated through follow-up study. 1) The ages of patients were between the early twenties and late sixties, and there was no differences between sexes. 2) Degenerative spondylosis and chronic lumbar sprain were the most common diseases among those patients. 3) The average duration of therapy was about 16 days and response to the therapy appeared from the fourth day of laser therapy. 4) Acute lumbar sprain and acute spinal compression fracture showed rapid response to laser therapy. 5) The spinal pathology group was the most common at 37.5% of cases and the response rate to laser therapy was the lowest at 58.7%. 6) The articular pathology group occupied 24.6% and the response rate was the highest at 81.3%. 7). The response rate of the posttraumatic and postsurgical pathology group was 76.5%. 8) The response rate of the tendinous and sports pathology group was 75%. 9) The response rate of the miscellaneous group was 66.7%. 10) The mean response rate of all patients was 71.6%.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.416-421
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• 2005

Objective: Despite general agreement on the goals of surgical treatment in thoracolumbar burst fractures, considerable controversy exists regarding the choice of operative techniques. This study is to evaluate the efficacy of short-segment fixation for thoracolumbar burst fractures after long-term follow-up and to analyze the causes of treatment failures. Methods: 48 out of 60 patients who underwent short-segment fixation for thoracolumbar burst fractures between January 1999 and October 2002 were enrolled in this study. Their neurological status, radiological images, and hospital records were retrospectively reviewed. Simple radiographs were evaluated to calculate kyphotic angles and percentages of anterior body compression (%ABC). Results: The average kyphotic angles were $20.0^{\circ}$ preoperatively, $9.6^{\circ}$ postoperatively, and $13.1^{\circ}$ at the latest follow-up. The average %ABC were 47.3% preoperatively, 31.2% postoperatively, and 33.3% at the latest follow-up. The treatment failure, defined as correction loss by $10^{\circ}$ or more or implant failure, was detected in 6 patients (12.5%). 5 out of 6 patients had implant failures. 2 out of 5 patients were related with osteoporosis, and the other 2 were related with poor compliance of spinal bracing. 3 patients with poor initial postoperative alignment had implant failure. 4 patients with screws only on the adjacent vertebrae and not on the injured vertebra itself showed poor initial and overall correction. Conclusion: With proper patient selection, adequate intraoperative reduction with screw fixation involving the injured vertebra, and strict postoperative spinal bracing, the short-segment fixation is an efficient and safe method in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fracture.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.79-85
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• 2015

Objectives: A vertebral compression fracture (VCF) is characterized by back pain and fracture of a vertebral body on spinal radiography. VCFs of the thoraco lumbar spine are common in the elderly. In general, appropriate analgesics should be prescribed to reduce pain and, thus, promote early mobilization. The ideal treatment approach for VCFs has not been determined. In Korea, acupuncture and herbal medication have been used to treat VCFs for many years. There is empirical evidence that acupuncture might benefit patients with a VCF. However, no randomized, controlled, clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and the safety of acupuncture for treating a VCF have been published. Therefore, we designed a randomized, controlled, pilot, clinical trial to obtain information for the design of a further full scale trial. Methods: A five week protocol for a randomized, controlled, pilot, clinical trial is presented. Fourteen patients will be recruited and randomly allocated to two groups: a control group receiving interlaminar epidural steroid injections once a week for three weeks, and an experimental group receiving interlaminar epidural steroid injections plus acupuncture treatment (three acupuncture sessions per week for three weeks, nine sessions in total). The primary outcomes will be the pain intensity (visual analogue scale and PainVision$^{TM}$ system). The secondary outcome measurements will be the answers on the short form McGill pain questionnaire and the oswestry disability index. Assessments will be made at baseline and at one, three, and five weeks. The last assessment (week five) will take place two weeks after treatment cessation. This study will provide both an indication of feasibility and a clinical foundation for a future large scale trial. The outcomes will provide additional resources for incorporating acupuncture into existing treatments, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, narcotics and vertebral augmentation. This article describes the protocol.