• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.264-270
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• 2019

Background: To develop a rabbit epidural steroid injection (ESI) model for analyzing steroid retention in the tissue, and to assess the difference in steroid retention in the model according to the location and time elapsed after ESI. Methods: Fluoroscopy-guided ESI was performed using the interlaminar approach between the lowest two lumbar segments in 13 female New Zealand white rabbits. Four rabbits were allocated to each of three different groups according to the time of sacrifice: 3, 7, and 15 days post-ESI; the remaining rabbit was sacrificed immediately post-ESI to obtain baseline data. After sacrifice, two segments were harvested: the lowest two lumbar vertebrae and another two lumbar vertebrae immediately above these. The residual steroid amount (RSA) and residual steroid concentration (RSC) in the collected spinal columns were analyzed. A linear mixed model was used to compare RSAs and RSCs between the injected and adjacent segments, and among the number of days until sacrifice; P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Both RSA and RSC of the injected segment were significantly higher than those of the adjacent segment (P < 0.001, both). The RSA and RSC significantly decreased over time (P = 0.009 and P = 0.016, respectively). Conclusions: The developed rabbit ESI model verified that significantly more steroid was retained at the injected segment than at the adjacent segment and the residual steroid decreased over time. This model could be useful not only for comparing current steroid medications, but also for developing new, better steroid formulations.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.64 no.4
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• pp.631-643
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• 2021

Objective : Here, we evaluated whether cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) profiles and their changes after intraventricular chemotherapy for leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LMC) could predict the treatment response or be prognostic for patient overall survival (OS) along with clinical factors. Methods : Paired 1) pretreatment lumbar, 2) pretreatment ventricular, and 3) posttreatment ventricular samples and their CSF profiles were collected retrospectively from 148 LMC patients who received Ommaya reservoir installation and intraventricular chemotherapy. CSF profile changes were assessed by calculating the differences between posttreatment and pretreatment samples from the same ventricular compartment. CSF cell counts were further differentiated into total and other based on clinical laboratory reports. Results : For the treatment response, a decreased CSF 'total' cell count tended to be associated with a 'controlled' increase in intracranial pressure (ICP) (p=0.059), but other profile changes were not associated with either the control of increased ICP or the cytology response. Among the pretreatment CSF profiles, lumbar protein level and ventricular cell count were significantly correlated with OS in univariable analysis, but they were not significant in multi-variable analysis. Among CSF profile changes, a decrease in 'other' cell count showed worse OS than 'no change' or increased groups (p=0.001). The cytological response was significant for OS, but the hazard ratio of partial remission was paradoxically higher than that of 'no response'. Conclusion : A decrease in other cell count of CSF after intraventricular chemotherapy was associated with poor OS in LMC patients. We suggest that more specific CSF biomarkers of cancer cell origin are needed.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.193-200
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• 2021

Background: Local anesthetic infiltration at the site of a surgical wound is commonly used to control postoperative pain. In this study, we examined the effectiveness of continuous local infiltration at an abdominal surgical site in patients undergoing anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) surgery. Methods: Sixty-one patients who underwent ALIF surgery were enrolled. For thirtyone of them, a continuous local anesthetics infiltration system was used at the abdominal site. We collected data regarding the patients' sleep quality; satisfaction with pain control after surgery; abilities to perform physical tasks and the additional application of opioids in the postoperative 48 hours. Results: The On-Q system group showed reduced visual analogue scale scores for pain at the surgical site during rest and movement at 0, 12, 24, and 48 hours; and more was satisfied with pain control management at the first postoperative day (7.0 ± 1.2 vs. 6.0 ± 1.4; P = 0.003) and week (8.1 ± 1.6 vs. 7.0 ± 1.8; P = 0.010) than the control group. The number of additional patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) bolus and pethidine injections was lower in the On-Q group (PCA: 3.67 ± 1.35 vs. 4.60 ± 1.88; P = 0.049 and pethidine: 2.09 ± 1.07 vs. 2.73 ± 1.38; P = 0.032). Patients who used the On-Q system performed more diverse activity and achieved earlier ambulation than those in the control group. Conclusions: Continuous wound infiltration with ropivacaine using an On-Q system may be effective for controlling postoperative pain after ALIF surgery.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.403-412
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• 2022

Background: Most pain management techniques for challenging procedures are still performed under the guidance of the C-arm fluoroscope although it is sometimes difficult for even experienced clinicians to understand the modified three-dimensional anatomy as a two-dimensional X-ray image. To overcome these difficulties, the development of a virtual simulator may be helpful. Therefore, in this study, the authors developed a virtual simulator and presented its clinical application cases. Methods: We developed a computer program to simulate the actual environment of the procedure. Computed tomography (CT) Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) data were used for the simulations. Virtual needle placement was simulated at the most appropriate position for a successful block. Using a virtual C-arm, the authors searched for the position of the C-arm at which the needle was visualized as a point. The positional relationships between the anatomy of the patient and the needle were identified. Results: For the simulations, the CT DICOM data of patients who visited the outpatient clinic was used. When the patients revisited the clinic, images similar to the simulated images were obtained by manipulating the C-arm. Transforaminal epidural injection, which was difficult to perform due to severe spinal deformity, and the challenging procedures of the superior hypogastric plexus block and Gasserian ganglion block, were successfully performed with the help of the simulation. Conclusions: We created a pre-procedural virtual simulation and demonstrated its successful application in patients who are expected to undergo challenging procedures.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.67-75
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• 2022

Background: Scapular winging is a rare disorder that is commonly caused by nerve damage of the dorsal scapular nerve, spinal accessory nerve, or the long thoracic nerve. This affects the scapulohumeral rhythm which may cause abnormal kinetic motion of the shoulder. The purpose of this case report is to describe a self-exercise oriented management incorporating shoulder strengthening to reduce symptoms in a shoulder pain patient with winging scapular. Methods: A 45 year old male patient complained of pain in his both shoulders without any trauma. Shoulders were treated with steroid injections for supraspinatus tendonitis, but although pain improved to some extent, pain and disability continued for 3 months. Both shoulders had pain, decreased active range of motions, muscles weakness, and scapular winging. The patient underwent 9 interventional sessions over 3 months and was managed mainly by self-exercise. The intervention method involved push up plus, sling, muscle strengthening, and stabilization exercises. Loads were increased as symptoms improved. Results: Clinical outcomes were measured at every session. Pain in both shoulders reduced to 0 on a numerical pain rate scale by the 4th session, and the active range of motion was fully recovered. During the 9th session, the strength of the serratus anterior had improved from grade P to G on the right side and grade G to N grade on the left. Conclusion: In this case study, the self-exercise program was effective in reducing pain, increasing active range of motion, and improving muscle strength in subjects with scapular winging.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.378-385
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• 2020

Background: The thoracic paravertebral block is an effective analgesic technique for postoperative pain management after breast surgery. The ultrasound-guided retrolaminar block (RLB) is a safer alternative to conventional paravertebral block. Thus, we assessed the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided RLB for postoperative pain management after breast surgery. Methods: Patients requiring breast surgery were randomly allocated to group C (retrolaminar injection with saline) and group R (RLB with local anesthetic mixture). The RLB was performed at the level of T3 with local anesthetic mixture (0.75% ropivacaine 20 mL + 2% lidocaine 10 mL) under general anesthesia before the skin incision. The primary outcome was cumulative morphine consumption using intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) at 24 hour postoperatively. The secondary outcomes were the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at 1, 6, 24, and 48 hour postoperatively and the occurrence of adverse events and patient satisfaction after the surgery. Results: Forty-six patients were included, 24 in group C and 22 in group R. The cumulative morphine consumption using IV-PCA did not differ between the two groups (P = 0.631). The intraoperative use of remifentanil was higher in group C than in group R (P = 0.025). The resting and coughing VAS scores at 1 hour postoperatively were higher in group R than in group C (P = 0.011, P = 0.004). The incidence of adverse events and patient satisfaction was not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: A single injection of ultrasound-guided RLB did not reduce postoperative analgesic requirements following breast surgery.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.207-212
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• 2006

Background: The epidural injection technique is a commonly used intervention in the management of chronic spinal pain, which has the advantage of delivering various drugs, such as local anesthetics or steroids, in higher concentrations to the inflamed nerve root. A guidewire-reinforced epidural catheter was introduced through a Tuohy needle during the caudal epidural procedure, with a catheter threaded into the affected nerve roots and the spread-pattern of contrast agents observed under fluoroscopy. Methods: Sixty-seven patients with low back pain, who showed evidence of a herniated nucleus pulposus on magnetic resonance imaging, were included. All patients received fluoroscopically guided caudal epidural injections, with the guidewire-reinforced epidural catheter introduced through a Tuohy needle and threaded either to the right or left side toward the target nerve roots. After confirming the catheter tip position at the affected nerve root, 2 ml increments of contrast agents (up to 6 ml) were injected, and their corresponding AP fluoroscopic views were obtained. Three radiologists reviewed all the radiographic findings and measured the proportion of the area of contrast spread at the side of target nerve roots. Results: Greater proportion of the area of contrast spread was observed at the side of the target nerve roots (P < 0.0001). At each level of contrast injection (2-⁣, 4- ⁣ and 6 ml), more than 70% of the spread of contrast dye was observed at the side of the target nerve roots in 85%, 70%, and 55% of cases, respectively. Conclusions: The combination of a caudal epidural injection and use of a guidewire-reinforced epidural catheter significantly enhances the target specificity, as revealed by the selective spread of contrast dye at the side of target nerves.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.40.1-40.15
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• 2020

The protein encoded by the Gene Associated with Retinoid-Interferon-Induced Mortality-19 (GRIM-19) is located in the mitochondrial inner membrane and is homologous to the NADH dehydrogenase 1-alpha subcomplex subunit 13 of the electron transport chain. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease that damages the brain and spinal cord. Although both the cause and mechanism of MS progression remain unclear, it is accepted that an immune disorder is involved. We explored whether GRIM-19 ameliorated MS by increasing the levels of inflammatory cytokines and immune cells; we used a mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) to this end. Six-to-eight-week-old male C57BL/6, IFNγ-knockout (KO), and GRIM-19 transgenic mice were used; EAE was induced in all strains. A GRIM-19 overexpression vector (GRIM19 OVN) was electrophoretically injected intravenously. The levels of Th1 and Th17 cells were measured via flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemical analysis. IL-17A and IFNγ expression levels were assessed via ELISA and quantitative PCR. IL-17A expression decreased and IFNγ expression increased in EAE mice that received injections of the GRIM-19 OVN. GRIM19 transgenic mice expressed more IFNγ than did wild-type mice; this inhibited EAE development. However, the effect of GRIM-19 overexpression on the EAE of IFNγ-KO mice did not differ from that of the empty vector. GRIM-19 expression was therapeutic for EAE mice, elevating the IFNγ level. GRIM-19 regulated the Th17/Treg cell balance.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.64-73
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• 1988

Recent studios have shown that narcotic drags produce an unusually intense, prolonged and segmental analgesic action in man whoa injected into the spinal subarachnoid or epidural space (Wang et al, 1979; Behar et al, 1979; Cousins et al, 1979; Magora et a., 1980, Johnston and McCaughey, 1980). Since 1960, many investigators claimed that low molecular weight(LMW) dextran increased the clinical duration of lidocaine(Loder, 1960; Loder, 1962), tetracaine (Chinn and Wirjoatmadja, 1967) and bupivacaine(Kaplan et al, 1975) in man but the mechanism of the action of dextran was unclear. But Curtiss and Scurlock(1979), and Buckled and Fink(1979) claimed that LMW dextran has no effect on the duration of action of bupivacaine in animal studies. The present study was performed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of analgesia by the thoracic epidural injection of morphine and bupivacaine mixture for the relief of pain due to fractured or contused ribs, to evaluate the duration of analgesic effect by the use of the above mixture in a hypertonic solution(dextran 70 or 50% dextrose in water) and to observe the possibility of improvement in the lung function after the pain block. The complications following the pain block were also observed. The 50 single thoracic epidural injections of the mixture were divided into three groups : Group 1(n=15) served as a control group and drags used for the relief of pain were as follows(Mean$\pm$S.D.): morphine($2.13{\pm}1.64\;mg$), 0.5% bupivacaine($3.10{\pm}1.04\;ml$) and 0.9% saline($3.64{\pm}1.11\;ml$). Group 2(n=16) serves as an experimental group and drugs were as follows(Mean$\pm$S.D.): morphine($2.13{\pm}0.72\;mg$), 0.5% bupivacaine($3.06{\pm}0.77\;ml$) and dextran 70($3.75{\pm}1.29\;ml$). Group 3 (n=19) served as an experimental group and drags were as follows(Mean$\pm$S.D.) : morphine($2.42{\pm}0.51\;mg$), 0.5% bupivacaine($3.21{\pm}0.71\;ml$) and 50% dextrose in water($3.58{\pm}1.11\;ml$). The results are were follows: 1) The Dumber of patients who obtained excellent and good analgesic effects following the block were greater in the experimental Croup 2(94%) and Group 3 (90%) than theme of the control Group 1 (80%). 2) The duration of pain relief which lasted more than 3 days after the epidural block was longer in the experimental Group 2 (81%) and Group 3 (75%) than those of the control Croup 1(67%). 3) The pulmonary reserve(FVC%+FEV 1.0%) of 27 cases who were treated by the pain block between 1 and 31 drys following the chest injury was increased to about 13% than those before the block, and that of 13 cases between 32 and 82 days following the chest injury was decreased to about 4% than those before the block. 4) Of the complications following the pain block, there were 5 cased(10%) of nausea within 2 hours following the block, 4 cases(8%) of vomiting after 2 hours following the block, 10 cases(20%) of pruritus after 3~4 hours following the block, 17 cases(34%) of transient urinary retention which tasted 8 to 19 hours, 3 cases(6%) of headache within 2 hoers following the block and 2 cases(4%) of dural puncture. In conclusion, it is suggested that the clinical duration of analgesic effect produced by morphine and bupivacaine mixture can be prolonged by addition of the hypertonic solution to the mixture.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.55 no.5
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• pp.418-425
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• 2020

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to introduce the ultrasound-guided transmeniscal injection in medial compartment knee osteoarthritis and analyze the clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: The electronic medical records of 36 patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis who were treated with an ultrasound-guided transmeniscal injection from March 2019 to July 2019 were accessed for this retrospective review. Using an ultrasound guided spinal needle, the patients received an intra-articular steroid injection at the medial compartment of the knee. A physical examination was conducted at the initial visit (pre-injection), and at one week, four weeks, and eight weeks after the injection. The numeric pain rating scale (NRS), Lequesne index, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) score were measured at each visit and analyzed over time. The percentage change of the patients who revealed substantial improvement was analyzed. The NRS, Lequesne index, and percentage of patients, who revealed substantial improvement over time classified by osteoarthritis grade, were analyzed. Results: The NRS and Lequesne index decreased at one week, four weeks, and eight weeks after the injection compared to the initial baseline, and the pain-relief effect continued without change until eight weeks. The percentage of patients who showed substantial improvement at one, four, and eight weeks was 50.0%, 47.2%, and 52.8%, respectively. The WOMAC scores decreased at one, four, and eight weeks compared to the initial baseline, and the decrease was continued without any difference until eight weeks. The percentage of patients with osteoarthritis stage 1 or 2 who revealed more than substantial improvement was significantly higher at one, four, and eight weeks than those with osteoarthritis stages 3 or 4 (p<0.05). Conclusion: In patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis, the pain reduction and functional improvement persisted for at least eight weeks after the ultrasound-guided transmeniscal injection at the medial compartment. In particular, patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis stage 1 or 2 showed more effective pain reduction.