• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.57-64
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• 1996

Spinal cord injury in child often occurs without evidence of fracture or dislocation. The mechanisms of neural damage in this syndrome of spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality(SCIWORA) include flexion, hyperextension, longitudinal distraction, and ischemia. Inherent elasticity of the vertebral column in infants and young children, among other age-related anatomical peculiarities, render the pediatric spine exceedingly vulnerable to deforming forces. The neurological lesions encountered in this syndrome include a high incidence of complete and severe partial cord lesions. Children younger than 8years old sustain more serious neurological damage and suffer a larger number of upper cervical cord lesions than children aged over 8 years. Of the children with SCIWORA. 52% have delayed onset of paralysis up to 4 days after injury, and most of these children recall transient paresthesia, numbness, or subjective paralysis. The long-term prognosis in cases of SCIWORA is grim. Most children with complete and severe lesions do not recover; only those with initially mild neural injuries make satisfactory neurological recovery.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.23-39
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• 2001

Dysfunction of the anterior and dorsal muscles of the trunk have been studied in relation to low back pain of many years. Many muscles of the trunk are capable of contributing to the stabilization and protection of the lumbar spine, recent evidence has suggested that transversus abdominis may be critically involved and has been the focus of rehabilitation. The delay in onset of contraction of trunk muscles associated with movement of the upper or lower limb in patients with low back pain indicates a significant deficit in the automatic motor command for control of disturbance to the spine. The function of transversus abdominis has been largely ignored in the evaluation of spinal stabilization and protection. The most essential stabilizing muscles for the lumbar column are the transversus abdominis and the multifidus. Sling exercise therapy(SET) concept consists of a system of diagnosis and treatment. The system of diagnosis involves testing the muscle's tolerance through progressive loading in open and close kinetic chains. The SET system contains elements such as relaxation, increasing the range of movement, traction, training the stabilizing musculature, sensorimotor exercises, training in open and close kinetic chains, dynamic training of the mobilizing musculature, cardiovasc+ular exercises, group exercise, personal exercise at home. Sensorimotor training is an essential element of the SET concept. The emphasis is on closed kinetic chain exercises on an unstable surface, thereby achieving optimum stimulation of the sensorimotor apparatus.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.8
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• pp.1055-1062
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• 2000

Objectives : Burst fracture of the lower lumbar spine(L3-L5) is rare and has some different features compare to that of thoracolumbar junction. Lower lumbar spine is flexible segments located deeply, and has physiologic lordosis. All of these contribute to making surgical approach difficult. Generally, lower lumbar burst fracture is managed either anteriorly or posteriorly with various fixation and fusion methods. But there is no general guideline or consensus regarding the proper approach for such lesion. We have tried to find out the influencing factors for selecting the surgical approach through the analysis of lower lumbar burst fractures treated for last 4 years(1994.3-1998.3). Method : This study includes 15 patients(male : 10, female : 5, age range 20-59 years with mean age of 36.7 years, L3 : 8 cases, L4 : 5 cases, L5 : 2 cases). Patients were classified into anterior(AO) and posterior operated(PO) groups. We investigated clinical findings, injured column, operation methods, and changes in follow-up radiologic study (kyphotic angle) to determine the considerable factors in selecting the surgical approaches. Results : There were 5 AO and 10 PO patients. Anterior operation were performed with AIF with Kaneda or Z-plate and posterior operation were done with pedicle screw fixation with PLIF with cages or posterolateral fusion. Canal compression was 46.6% in AO and 38.8% in PO. The degree of kyphotic angle correction were 10.7 degree(AO) and 8.5 degree(PO), respectively. There was no statistical difference between anterior and posterior operation group. All patients showed good surgical outcome without complications. Conclusion : Anterior operation provided good in kyphotic angle correction and firm anterior strut graft, but it difficulty arose in accessing the lesions below L4 vertebra. While posterior approach showed less correction of kyphotic angle, it required less time and provided better results for accompanied adjacent lesion and pathology such as epidural hematoma. The level of injury, canal compression, biomechanics, multiplicity, and pathology are considered to be important factors in selection of the surgical approach.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.62 no.1
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• pp.96-105
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• 2019

Objective : The aims in the management of thoracolumbar spinal fractures are not only to restore vertebral column stability, but also to obtain acceptable alignment of the thoracolumbar junction (T-L junction) to prevent complications. However, insufficient surgical correction of the thoracolumbar spine would be likely to cause late progression of abnormal kyphosis. Therefore, we identified the surgical factors that affected unfavorable radiologic outcomes of the thoracolumbar spine after surgery. Methods : This study was conducted in a single institution from January 2007 to December 2013. A total of 98 patients with unstable thoracolumbar spine fracture were included. In these patients, fixation was done through transpedicular screws with rods by three surgical patterns. We reviewed digital radiographs and analyzed the images preoperatively and postoperatively during follow-up visits to compare the change of the thoracolumbar Cobb angle with radiologic parameters and clinical outcomes. The unfavorable radiologic group was defined as the patients who were measured as having greater than 20 degrees of thoracolumbar Cobb angle on the last follow-up, or who underwent kyphotic progression of thoracolumbar Cobb angle greater than 10 degrees from the immediate postoperative state to final follow-up, or who had overt instrument failure with/without additional surgery. We assessed the risk factors that affected the unfavorable radiologic outcomes. Results : We had 43 patients with unfavorable radiologic outcomes, including 35 abnormal thoracolumbar alignments and 14 instrumental failures with/without additional surgery. The multivariate logistic regression test showed that immediate postoperative T-L junction Cobb angle less than 10.5 degrees was a statistically significant risk factor, as well as the presence of osteoporosis (p=0.017 and 0.049, respectively). Conclusion : Insufficient correction of thoracolumbar kyphosis was considered to be a major factor of an unfavorable radiological outcome. The spinal surgeon should consider that having a T-L junction Cobb angle larger than 10.5 degrees immediately after surgery could result in an unfavorable radiological outcome, which is related to a poor clinical outcome.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.23-36
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• 2006

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of back muscle stretching on the flexibility of spinal column. Methods : The subjects were consisted of healthy adults (18 of females, 22 males ; mean aged 21.83) from 18 to 29. All subjects randomly assigned to the control group, back muscle stretching group. back muscle stretching group received back muscles stretching for 20 minutes per day and 3 times a week during 3 week period. Spine motion analyzer (Spinal Mouse) was used to measure the flexibility of spinal column. All measurement of each subjects were measured at pre-experiment, after 10 days, and after 21 days. Results : The results of this study were summarized below 1. The sacral tilt angle of the hip joint of control group, back muscle stretching group was no significantly differences at pre-experiment and after 10 days(p>0.5), but differency of each group occurred at after 21 days(p<0.5). the sacral tilt angle significantly increased at the back muscle stretching group rather than the control group. 2. The thoracic vertebral tilt angle of the control group, back muscle stretching group was no significantly differences at pre-experiment, after 10 days, after 21 days(p>0.5). 3. The lumbar vertebral tilt angle of the control group, back muscle stretching group was no significantly differences at pre-experiment, after 10 days, after 21 days(p>0.5). 4. The spinal tilt angle of control group, back muscle stretching group was no significantly differences at pre-experiment and after 10 days(p>0.5), but differency of each group occurred at after 21 days(p<0.5). the spinal tilt angle significantly increased at the back muscle stretching group rather than the control group(p>0.5). 5. The length of the spinal column of control group, back muscle stretching group was no significantly differences at pre-experiment and after 10 days (p>0.5), but differency of each group occurred at after 21 days(p<0.5). the length of the spinal column significantly increased at the back muscle stretching group rather than the control group(p<0.5). Conclusion : These data suggests that 3-week back muscle stretching improved the flexibility of sacrum, spinal column, and also improved spinal column lengthening. Additional randomized controlled trials to more fully investigate treatment effects and factors that may mediate these effects are needed.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.1-15
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• 2006

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of abdominal muscle strengthening exercises and back muscle stretching on the flexibility of spinal column. Methods: The subjects were consisted of healthy adults ( 28 of females, 32 males; mean aged 21.6) from 18 to 29. All subjects randomly assigned to the control group, back muscle stretching group, abdominal muscle strengthening exercises group. back muscle stretching group received back muscles stretching for 20 minutes, abdominal muscle strengthening exercises group received abdominal muscle strengthening exercises for 30 minutes per day and 3 times a week during 3 week period. Spine motion analyzer (Spinal Mouse) was used to measure the flexibility of spinal column. All measurement of each subjects were measured at pre-experiment, after 10 days, and after 21 days. Results: The results of this study were summarized below 1. The sacral tilt angle of the hip joint of control group, back muscle stretching group, abdominal strengthening exercises group was no significantly differences at pre-experiment and after 10 days(p>0.5), but differency of each group occurred at after 21 days(p<0.5). the sacral tilt angle significantly increased at the back muscle stretching group, abdominal muscle strengthening exercises group, rather than the control group. 2. The thoracic vertebral tilt angle of the control group, back muscle stretching group, abdominal muscle strengthening exercises group was no significantly differences at pre-experiment, after 10 days, after 21 days(p>0.5). 3. The lumbar vertebral tilt angle of the control group, back muscle stretching group, abdominal muscle strengthening exercises group was no significantly differences at pre-experiment, after 10 days, after 21 days(p>0.5). 4. The spinal tilt angle of control group, back muscle stretching group, abdominal muscle strengthening exercises group was no significantly differences at pre-experiment and after 10 days(p>0.5), but differency of each group occurred at after 21 days(p<0.5). the spinal tilt angle significantly increased at the back muscle stretching group, abdominal muscle strengthening exercises group, rather than the control group(p<0.5). 5. The length of the spinal column of control group, back muscle stretching group, abdominal muscle strengthening exercises group was no significantly differences at pre-experiment and after 10 days (p>0.5), but differency of each group occurred at after 21 days(p<0.5). the length of the spinal column significantly increased at the back muscle stretching group, abdominal muscle strengthening exercises group, rather than the control group(p<0.5). Conclusion: these data suggests that 3-week abdominal muscle strengthening exercises and back muscle stretching improved the flexibility of sacrum, spinal column, and also improved spinal column lengthening. Additional randomized controlled trials to more fully investigate treatment effects and factors that may mediate these effects are needed.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.63 no.2
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• pp.218-227
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• 2020

Objective : To evaluate and compare the clinical and radiographic features of 25 patients with infectious spondylitis treated with anterior debridement and reconstruction using autogenous bone grafts vs. a metal cage with allogenic bone grafts. Methods : The study analyzed 25 patients diagnosed with infectious thoracolumbar spondylitis who underwent anterior radical debridement and reconstruction. Autogenous bone grafts were used in 13 patients (group 1), and a metal cage with allogenic bone grafts was used in 12 patients (group 2). Clinical outcomes were assessed by the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and neurological status. Additionally, the serological results and the radiographic results using the sagittal Cobb angle were compared. Fusion was evaluated by computed tomography (CT) imaging at 24 months postoperatively. Results : Both groups showed a significant decrease in the postoperative mean VAS scores; however, only, group 1 patients showed a significantly higher VAS score than group 2 patients, 1 month postoperatively (p=0.002). The postoperative neurological status significantly improved. Elevated C-reactive protein levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rate values returned to normal limits at the 2-year follow-up without recurrent infection. No significant intergroup difference was observed in Cobb angle. Bony fusion was confirmed in all patients at CT 24 months postoperatively. Conclusion : Although the use of a metal cage with allogenic bone grafts for anterior column reconstruction remains controversial, our results suggest that it can be considered as an effective treatment of option for anterior column reconstruction in patients with infectious spondylitis.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.63 no.1
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• pp.99-107
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• 2020

Objective : The purpose of this study was to report the results of pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) for fixed sagittal imbalance with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Besides, authors evaluated the effect of adjunctive multi-level posterior column osteotomy (PCO) on achievement of additional lumbar lordosis (LL) during PSO. Methods : A total of 31 consecutive patients undergoing PSO for fixed sagittal imbalance were enrolled and analyzed. Correction angle of osteotomized vertebra (PSO angle) and other radiographic parameters including pelvic incidence (PI), thoracic kyphosis, LL, and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were evaluated. Clinical outcomes and surgical complications were also assessed. Results : The mean age was 66.0±9.3 years with a mean follow-up period of 33.2±10.5 months. The mean number of fused segments was 9.6±3.5. The mean operative time and surgical bleeding were 475.9±160.5 minutes and 1406.1±932.1 mL, respectively. The preoperative SRS-22 score was 2.3±0.7 and improved to 3.2±0.8 at the final follow-up. The mean PI was 54.5±9.5°. LL was changed from 7.0±28.9° to -50.2±13.2°. The PSO angle was 33.7±13.5° (15.6±20.1° preoperatively, -16.1±19.4° postoperatively). The difference of correction angle of LL (57.3°) was greater about 23.6° than which of PSO angle (33.7°). SVA was improved from 189.5±93.0 mm, preoperatively to 12.4±40.8 mm, postoperatively. There occurred six, eight, and 14 cases of complications at intraoperative, early (<2 weeks) postoperative, and late (≥2 weeks) postoperative period, respectively. Additional operations were needed in nine patients due to the complications. Conclusion : PSO could provide satisfactory results for patients with fixed sagittal imbalance regarding clinical and radiographic outcomes. Additional correction of LL could be achieved with conduction of adjunctive multi-level PCOs during PSO.

• Asian Spine Journal
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.1060-1068
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• 2018

Study Design: Retrospective study. Purpose: Lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration is an important cause of low back pain. Overview of Literature: Spinal fusion is often reported to have a good course for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, many studies have reported that adjacent segment degeneration is accelerated after lumbar spinal fusion. Radiography is a simple method used to evaluate the orientation of the vertebral column. magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the method most often used to specifically evaluate intervertebral disc degeneration. The Pfirrmann classification is a well-known method used to evaluate degenerative lumbar disease. After spinal fusion, an increase in stress, excess mobility, increased intra-disc pressure, and posterior displacement of the axis of motion have been observed in the adjacent segments. Methods: we retrospectively secured and analyzed the data of 15 patients (four boys and 11 girls) with AIS who underwent a spinal fusion surgery. We studied the full-length view of the spine (anterior-posterior and lateral) from the X-ray and MRI obtained from all patients before surgery. Postoperatively, another full-length spine X-ray and lumbosacral MRI were obtained from all participants. Then, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, curve correction, and fused and free segments before and after surgery were calculated based on X-ray studies. MRI images were used to estimate the degree to which intervertebral discs were degenerated using Pfirrmann grading system. Pfirrmann grade before and after surgery were compared with Wilcoxon signed rank test. While analyzing the contribution of potential risk factors for the post-spinal fusion Pfirrmann grade of disc degeneration, we used generalized linear models with robust standard error estimates to account for intraclass correlation that may have been present between discs of the same patient. Results: The mean age of the participant was 14 years, and the mean curvature before and after surgery were 67.8 and 23.8, respectively (p<0.05). During the median follow-up of 5 years, the mean degree of the disc degeneration significantly increased in all patients after surgery (p<0.05) with a Pfirrmann grade of 1 and 2.8 in the L2-L3 before and after surgery, respectively. The corresponding figures at L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1 levels were 1.28 and 2.43, 1.07 and 2.35, and 1 and 2.33, respectively. The lower was the number of free discs below the fusion level, the higher was the Pfirrmann grade of degeneration (p<0.001). Conversely, the higher was the number of the discs fused together, the higher was the Pfirrmann grade. Conclusions: we observed that the disc degeneration aggravated after spinal fusion for scoliosis. While the degree of degeneration as measured by Pfirrmann grade was directly correlated by the number of fused segments, it was negatively correlated with the number of discs that remained free below the lowermost level of the fusion.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.54-58
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• 2012

We present the rare case of solitary xanthogranuloma in the upper cervical column mimicking a Brown-Sequard syndrome. A 29-year-old man complained with right hemiparesis and left hypoesthesia after a car accident. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance images revealed a lobulated homogenously well-enhancing mass in between posterior arch of the atlas (C1) and spinous process of the axis (C2) resulting in a marked spinal canal narrowing with cortical erosions. The patient was managed by complete resection of the tumor with partial laminectomy with lower half of C1 posterior arch and upper half of C2 spinous process. The authors advise complete removal of the xanthogranuloma and consideration as a differential diagnosis of lesions among upper cervical lesions.