• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.235-240
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• 2022

Background: A spinal extension and intensive rehabilitation program reduced the symptoms and pain of kyphosis, and improved function. Objects: This study aimed to demonstrate the effect of a spine extension device on the degree of thoracic kyphosis and extension angles, confirm reduction of the kyphosis angle and an increase in flexibility. Methods: Thirteen adults were enrolled in the experiment, using the spine extension device, which was set to passively extend the spine. The angle between the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra and the spinous process of the twelfth thoracic vertebra was measured by dual inclinometer before and after using the spine extension device. Results: In the static posture, the thoracic kyphosis decreased after using the spine extension device in the thoracic extension posture, and there was a significant difference (p < 0.05); thoracic extension angle increased with statistical significance (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In this study, the thoracic kyphosis angle and thoracic extension angle of the subjects before and after using spine extension device was compared and analyzed, which proved that the spine extension device can effectively improve the mobility of spinal extension.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.329-334
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• 2022

Objective: Low back pain (LBP) is a symptom that accounts for a large proportion of musculoskeletal pain. Among them, non-specific LBP (NSLBP) means that the pathological cause is unknown, and belongs to the most common LBP. Studies on the mechanism of muscle control in LBP are insufficient, and quantitative studies are needed. Design: Observational cross-sectional study design Methods: A Thirty participants with NSLBP symptoms were enrolled, and their pressure pain thresholds (PPT) and muscle and fat thickness were measured. Participants measured the paraspinal muscles (PM) of the thoracic and lumbar spine and medial hamstring (semitendinosus) on the dominant and non-dominant sides in the prone position. Results: Among the variables that were significant in the correlation analysis, PM of the thoracic and lumbar spine showed a significant relationship in the PPT ([thoracic spine PM]=1.141+0.912 [lumbar spine PM]). Also, there was a significant relationship between the lumbar spine PM in the PPT and the thoracic spine PM in the muscle thickness ([lumbar spine PM of PPT]=4.057+0.117 [thoracic spine PM of muscle thickness]) Conclusions: Although there was no muscle imbalance according to the dominant and non-dominant side, there is a correlation between the pressure pain threshold and the muscle thickness between the paraspinal muscles of the thoracic spine and the lumbar spine.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.12
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• pp.1677-1681
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• 2000

Microsurgical transthoracic extrapleural approach for thoracic discectomy in three cases were modified and simplified in order to achieve better exposure of ventral extradural space than posterolateral extrapleural(lateral extracavitary) approach and less pulmonary complications than transthoracic transpleural approach. These approaches were optimized by microscope and video-assistance. Surgery was followed by clinical improvement in all patients. The results of treatment seem to support the use of these modified techniques as adequate surgical treatment of thoracic disc herniations without any complications.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.313-315
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• 2005

A 66 year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for progressive weakness of both lower extremities since a month ago. Imaging study, based on plain X-ray, computed tomography and magnetic resonance image revealed spinal stenosis owing to anterior slipping of T10/11 segment. Degenerative spondylolisthesis is common in the lumbar spine and rarely occurs in the cervical spine. But there was no report of degenerative spondylolisthesis in thoracic spine. The authors experienced a case of degenerative spondylolisthesis in the thoracic spine. And we achieved a satisfactory result with posterior decompressive laminectomy alone.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.190-199
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• 2022

Ultrasound-guided injection is useful for managing thoracic spine and chest wall pain. With ultrasound, pain physicians perform the injection with real-time viewing of major structures, such as the pleura, vasculature, and nerves. Therefore, the ultrasound-guided injection procedure not only prevents procedure-related adverse events but also increases the accuracy of the procedure. Here, ultrasound-guided interventions that could be applied for thoracic spine and chest wall pain were described. We presented ultrasound-guided thoracic facet joint and costotransverse joint injections and thoracic paravertebral, intercostal nerve, erector spinae plane, and pectoralis and serratus plane blocks. The indication, anatomy, Sonoanatomy, and technique for each procedure were also described. We believe that our article is helpful for clinicians to conduct ultrasound-guided injections for controlling thoracic spine and chest wall pain precisely and safely.

• International Journal of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.173-179
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• 2020

In this study, we present the difference in thoracic reposition sense in young people (24.00 ±2.20 years old) with and without habitual slouched posture in two target positions of half flexion and half extension. People with habitual slouched posture (n = 20; 11 men and 9 women) and people without slouched posture (n = 20; 10 men and 10 women) were recruited from three universities. Thoracic spine (T-spine) repositioning errors were measured in two target positions (half flexion and half extension). People with habitual slouched posture showed significantly higher thoracic repositioning error in the extension target position than did people without slouched posture (P<0.05). There was no difference in repositioning error in the flexion target position between the two groups (P>0.05). In conclusion, people with habitual slouched posture show lower T-spine repositioning sense in extension than do people without slouched posture. A rehabilitation program to treat habitual slouched posture, such as postural correction education, should be implemented for individuals with decreased position sense of the T-spine.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.34-37
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• 2013

Objective : The purposes of this study were to evaluate the prevalence, types, and locations of Modic changes (MCs) in the thoracic spine in a large number of subjects, and to investigate the relation between the distributions of MCs and disc herniations (DHs) in the thoracic spine. Methods : Two experienced musculoskeletal radiologists assessed the presence of MCs and DHs by consensus in the thoracic MRIs of 144 patients with non-specific back pain. Patient ages ranged from 22 to 88 years (mean=$53.3{\pm}14.66$ years), and 72 were female (50%). The prevalence, distribution, relation of MCs and DHs was recorded. Results : MC was observed in 8 of the 144 patients (5.6%) and 10 of 1728 segments (0.58%). The most common MC was type II. Of the 8 patients exhibiting MC, 6 had type II (75.0%), and 2 had mixed MCs (type I/II or type II/III). MCs were distributed mainly at the mid-thoracic level (from T5/6 to T9/10). DH was detected in 18 patients (12.5%), 36 of 1728 segments (2.1%). Of the 10 segments exhibiting MC, 5 had DHs at the same level (50.0%). Accordingly, DH was strongly associated with MC (p=0.000). Conclusion : A low prevalence of MC was observed in the thoracic spine, and type II MC predominated. The low prevalence of MC in the thoracic spine suggests that it was caused by a relative lack of mobility as compared with the cervical and lumbar spines. And DHs were found to be strongly associated with MCs even in the thoracic spine.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.12
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• pp.1577-1583
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• 2000

Objectives : Among the various types of minimally invasive spine surgeries, thoracoscopic surgery is becoming more widely accepted and increasingly utilized. This report delineates our clinical experience using thoracoscopy to resect herniated thoracic discs in 16 patients who suffered from myelopathy or intolerable radiculopathy. Patients and Methods : Between Mar. 1997 and Sep. 1999, 16 consecutive patients underwent thoracoscopic discectomy for treatment of herniated thoracic discs. There were 12 men and 4 women(mean age 43.5 years ; range 18-61 years). Eleven patients presented with myelopathic signs and symptoms from spinal cord compression and 5 patients had incapacitating thoracic radicular pain without myelopathy. The surgical level was varied between T3 and T12. The pathology of specimen were 11 hard discs and 5 soft discs herniations. Thoracoscopic techniques were performed with long narrow spine instruments and high speed drill through 3 or 4 ports under one lung ventilated general anesthesia. During the operation three patients were converted to open thoracotomy due to intolerable one lung ventilation, excessive bleeding and inadequate operation field. The mean operation time was 264min.(range : 100-420min.), and postoperative mean admission period was 11 days. Results : Clinical and neurological outcomes were good in all patients(mean follow-up period 20 months). Among the eleven myelopathic patients, 8 improved neurologically, and 3 stabilized. Among the five radiculopathic patients, 4 recovered completely and no patient had worsened. Postoperative complications were pleural effusion in one case, intercostal neuralgia in one, delayed hemopneumothorax in one, prolonged air leakage in one and pneumonia in one case. Conclusions : Thoracoscopic discectomy needs a steep learning curve to be familiar to anatomical space and handling of endoscopic instruments. However, it is technically feasible and can be effectively performed with acceptable results.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.60 no.5
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• pp.485-497
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• 2017

Surgical treatment of the degenerative disc disease has evolved from traditional open spine surgery to minimally invasive spine surgery including endoscopic spine surgery. Constant improvement in the imaging modality especially with introduction of the magnetic resonance imaging, it is possible to identify culprit degenerated disc segment and again with the discography it is possible to diagnose the pain generator and pathological degenerated disc very precisely and its treatment with minimally invasive approach. With improvements in the optics, high resolution camera, light source, high speed burr, irrigation pump etc, minimally invasive spine surgeries can be performed with various endoscopic techniques for lumbar, cervical and thoracic regions. Advantages of endoscopic spine surgeries are less tissue dissection and muscle trauma, reduced blood loss, less damage to the epidural blood supply and consequent epidural fibrosis and scarring, reduced hospital stay, early functional recovery and improvement in the quality of life & better cosmesis. With precise indication, proper diagnosis and good training, the endoscopic spine surgery can give equally good result as open spine surgery. Initially, endoscopic technique was restricted to the lumbar region but now it also can be used for cervical and thoracic disc herniations. Previously endoscopy was used for disc herniations which were contained without migration but now days it is used for highly up and down migrated disc herniations as well. Use of endoscopic technique in lumbar region was restricted to disc herniations but gradually it is also used for spinal canal stenosis and endoscopic assisted fusion surgeries. Endoscopic spine surgery can play important role in the treatment of adolescent disc herniations especially for the persons who engage in the competitive sports and the athletes where less tissue trauma, cosmesis and early functional recovery is desirable. From simple chemonucleolysis to current day endoscopic procedures the history of minimally invasive spine surgery is interesting. Appropriate indications, clear imaging prior to surgery and preplanning are keys to successful outcome. In this article basic procedures of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy through transforaminal and interlaminar routes, percutaneous endoscopic cervical discectomy, percutaneous endoscopic posterior cervical foraminotomy and percutaneous endoscopic thoracic discectomy are discussed.

• The Journal of Korea CHUNA Manual Medicine
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.21-30
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• 2005

Objectives : This study was designed to find The characteristics of the Moire topography in patients of HIVD of Cx-spine. Methods : The Moire topography using IBS(Intek-plus Body Scanner 2000, Seoul, Korea) were obtained in 688 people of control group and 105 patients of HIVD of Cx-spine. Each values were studied to determine the difference between controls and patients. Results : There were significantly difference between controls and patients in thoracic ratio, lumbar ratio, top of the thoracic depth ratio, top of the lumbar depth ratio, Z axis distance and DZ/DY. Conclusions : There were increase of the thoracic kyphosis and lower position in top of the thoracic kyphosis in patients of HIVD of Cx-spine than controls.