• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.60 no.5
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• pp.584-590
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• 2017

Objective : Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children under age 24 months has characteristic features because the brain at this age is rapidly growing and sutures are opened. Moreover, children this age are completely dependent on their parents. We analyzed the demographic data and risk factors for outcomes in TBI patients in this age group to elucidate their clinical characteristics. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and radiological films of children under 24 months who were admitted to Kyungpook National University Hospital from January 2004 to December 2013 for TBI. Specifically, we analyzed age, cause of injury, initial Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score, radiological diagnosis, seizure, hydrocephalus, subdural hygroma, and Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) score, and we divided outcomes into good (GOS 4-5) or poor (GOS 1-3). We identified the risk factors for post-traumatic seizure (PTS) and outcomes using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results : The total number of patients was 60, 39 males and 21 females. Most common age group was between 0 to 5 months, and the median age was 6 months. Falls were the most common cause of injury (n=29, 48.3%); among them, 15 were falls from household furniture such as beds and chairs. Ten patients (16.7%) developed PTS, nine in one week; thirty-seven patients (61.7%) had skull fractures. Forty-eight patients had initial GCS scores of 13-15, 8 had scores of 12-8, and 4 had scored 3-7. The diagnoses were as follows : 26 acute subdural hematomas, 8 acute epidural hematomas, 7 focal contusional hemorrhages, 13 subdural hygromas, and 4 traumatic intracerebral hematomas larger than 2 cm in diameter. Among them, two patients underwent craniotomy for hematoma removal. Four patients were victims of child abuse, and all of them had PTS. Fifty-five patients improved to good-to-moderate disability. Child abuse, acute subdural hematoma, and subdural hygroma were risk factors for PTS in univariate analyses. Multivariate analysis found that the salient risk factor for a poor outcome was initial GCS on admission. Conclusion : The most common cause of traumatic head injury in individuals aged less than 24 months was falls, especially from household furniture. Child abuse, moderate to severe TBI, acute subdural hematoma, and subdural hygroma were risk factors for PTS. Most of the patients recovered with good outcomes, and the risk factor for a poor outcome was initial mental status.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.129-133
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• 2010

Objective : The use of segmental instrumentation technique using pedicle screw has been increasingly popular in recent years owing to its biomechanical stability. Recently, intralaminar screws have been used as a potentially safer alternative to traditional fusion constructs involving fixation of C2 and the cervicothoracic junction including C7. However, to date, there have been few clinical series of C7 laminar screw fixation in the literature. Thus, the purpose of this study is to report our clinical experiences using C7 laminar screw and the early clinical outcome of this rather new fixation technique. Methods : Thirteen patients underwent C7 intralaminar fixation to treat lesions from trauma or degenerative disease. Seventeen intralaminar screws were placed at C7. The patients were assessed both clinically and radiographically with postoperative computed tomographic scans. Results : There was no violation of the screw into the spinal canal during the procedure and no neurological worsening or vascular injury from screw placement. The mean clinical and radiographic follow up was about 19 months, at which time there were no cases of screw pull-out, screw fracture or non-union. Complications included two cases of dorsal breech of intralaminar screw and one case of postoperative infection. Conclusion : Intralaminar screws can be potentially safe alternative technique for C7 fixation. Even though this technique cannot be used in the cases of C7 laminar fracture, large margin of safety and the ease of screw placement create a niche for this technique in the armamentarium of spine surgeons.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.37-45
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• 2010

Objective : Craniovertebral junction (CVJ) consists of the occipital bone that surrounds the foramen magnum, the atlas and the axis vertebrae. The mortality and morbidity is high for irreducible CVJ lesion with cervico-medullary compression. In a clinical retrospective study, the authors reviewed clinical and radiographic results of occipitocervical fusion using a various methods in 32 patients with CVJ instability. Methods : Thirty-two CVJ lesions (18 male and 14 female) were treated in our department for 12 years. Instability resulted from trauma (14 cases), rheumatoid arthritis (8 cases), assimilation of atlas (4 cases), tumor (2 cases), basilar invagination (2 cases) and miscellaneous (2 cases). Thirty-two patients were internally fixed with 7 anterior and posterior decompression with occipitocervical fusion, 15 posterior decompression and occipitocervical fusion with wire-rod, 5 C1-2 transarticular screw fixation, and 5 C1 lateral mass-C2 transpedicular screw. Outcome (mean follow-up period, 38 months) was based on clinical and radiographic review. The clinical outcome was assessed by Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score. Results : Nine neurologically intact patients remained same after surgery. Among 23 patients with cervical myelopathy, clinical improvement was noted in 18 cases (78.3%). One patient died 2 months after the surgery because of pneumonia and sepsis. Fusion was achieved in 27 patients (93%) at last follow-up. No patient developed evidence of new, recurrent, or progressive instability. Conclusion : The authors conclude that early occipitocervical fusion to be recommended in case of reducible CVJ lesion and the appropriate decompression and occipitocervical fusion are recommended in case of irreducible craniovertebral junction lesion.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.108-114
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• 2014

Purpose: Alcohol ingestion is a significant risk factor for injuries. However, the influence of high blood alcohol concentration about the severe traumatic injury is controversial. The aim of study was to analyze the injury severity, prognosis in severe traumatic patients according to alcohol ingestion. Methods: This study was performed retrospectively with severe traumatic patients (Injury Severity $Score{\geq}16$) who visited the emergency department at Pusan National University Hospital from January 2013 to December 2013. Results: In total 98 severe traumatic patients, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) positive group (BAC>30 mg/dl) is 42 (42.90%) patients and BAC negative group ($BAC{\leq}30mg/dl$) is 56 (57.10% )patients. Head and neck injury is significantly high in BAC positive group (35 patients, 83.3%) compared to BAC negative group (33 patients, 58.9%). Comparison of injury severity, outcome and mortality is not significantly different between two groups. Conclusion: In severe traumatic patients, head and neck injury occurred high in BAC positive group. Alcohol ingestion did not influence injury severity, outcome in severe traumatic patients. However, effort to decreasing injury related to alcohol ingestion and prospective multi-center study is needed.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.195-199
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• 2014

Objective : Age is a strong predictor of mortality in traumatic brain injuries. A surgical decision making is difficult especially for the elderly patients with severe head injuries. We studied so-called 'withholding a life-saving surgery' over a two year period at a university hospital. Methods : We collected data from 227 elderly patients. In 35 patients with Glasgow Coma Score 3--8, 28 patients had lesions that required operation. A life-saving surgery was withheld in 15 patients either by doctors and/or the families (Group A). Surgery was performed in 13 patients (Group B). We retrospectively examined the medical records and radiological findings of these 28 patients. We calculated the predicted probability of 6 month mortality (IPM) and 6 month unfavorable outcome (IPU) to compare the result of decision by the International Mission for Prognosis and Analysis of Clinical Trials in TBI (IMPACT) calculator. Results : Types of the mass lesion did not affect on the surgical decision making. None of the motor score 1 underwent surgery, while all patients with reactive pupils underwent surgery. Causes of injury or episodes of hypoxia/hypotension might have affected on the decision making, however, their role was not distinct. All patients in the group A died. In the group B, the outcome was unfavorable in 11 of 13 patients. Patients with high IPM or IPU were more common in group A than group B. Wrong decisions brought futile cares. Conclusion : Ethical training and developing decision-making skills are necessary including shared decision making.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.143-150
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• 2018

Purpose: We have implemented a multi-disciplinary Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) protocol to prevent individuals who sustained alcohol-related traumatic injuries. We therefore conducted this single-center, prospective, randomized, controlled trial (RCT) to assess its efficacy. Methods: All the enrolled patients (n=30) were randomized to either the SBIRT group or the control group. In the current RCT, the proportion of the patients who reduced the amount of alcohol consumption and those who received a specialized treatment served as primary outcome measures. Moreover, changes in a 3-item version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test Consumption (AUDIT-C), Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-6) scores at 3 months from baseline served as secondary outcome measures. Results: At 3 months, the proportion of the patients who reduced the amount of alcohol consumption was significantly higher in the SBIRT group as compared with the control group (86.7% vs. 57.1%, p=0.02). Moreover, the proportion of the patients who received a specialized treatment was also significantly higher as compared with the control group (26.7% vs. 1.4%, p=0.01). Furthermore, there were significant differences in changes in the AUDIT, SDS and K-6 scores at 3 months from baseline between the two groups (p<0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, our results indicate that the SBIRT is effective in reducing hazardous and harmful levels of drinking, the degree of alcohol dependence and that of psychological distress in at-risk drinkers.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.38 no.1 s.246
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• pp.56-62
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• 2005

Because of high morbidity and mortality, traumatic diaphragm injury remains a diagnostic challenge. In this study, we evaluate that some factors and scores can be used as predictors. Material and Method: From May 1995 to June 2003, 23 patients with traumatic diaphragm injury were enrolled. We examined the clinical features of patients. RTS, TRISS, ISS and APACHE II scores for each patient are calculated for analyzing the relationship of mortality and ICU duration. Result: The study identified 15 men $(65.2{\%})$ and 8women $(34.8{\%})$. There are right sided diaphragmatic injury in 11 patients $(47.8{\%})$, left sided in 11 $(47.8{\%})$, and both sided in 1 ($0.4{\%}$). Plain X-ray, CT, upper GI contrast study and esophagogastroscopy were used as diagnostic tools. Age, hemodynamic status, early diagnosis are not associated with outcome. As prognostic factor, RTS and ISS are associated with mortality and there was negative relationship between RTS and ICU duration (r=0.737, p=0.026). Conclusion: An early diagnosis of traumatic diaphragm injury can frequently be missed in the acute trauma setting. So high index of suspicion and a careful examination are important in multiple trauma patients. An RTS can probably be used effectively as a predictor for the severity and prognosis in patients with traumatic diaphragm injury.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.232-240
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• 2015

Purpose: Thoracic aortic injury is a life-threatening injury that has been traditionally treated by using surgical management. Recently, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has been conducted pervasively as a better alternative treatment method. Therefore, this study will focus on analyzing the outcome of TEVAR in patients suffering from a blunt thoracic aortic injury. Methods: Of the blunt thoracic aortic injury patients admitted to Eulji University Hospital, this research focused on the 11 patients who had received TEVAR during the period from January 2008 to April 2014. Results: Seven of the 11 patients were male. At the time of admission, the mean systolic pressure was $105.64{\pm}24.60mm\;Hg$, and the mean heart rate was $103.64{\pm}20.02per$ minute. The median interval from arrival to repair was 7 (4, 47) hours. The mean stay in the ICU was $21.82{\pm}16.37hours$. In three patients, a chimney graft technique was also performed to save the left subclavian artery. In one patient, a debranching of the aortic arch vessels was performed. In two patients, the left subclavian artery was totally covered. In one patient whose proximal aortic neck length was insufficient, the landing zone was extended by using a prophylactic left subclavian artery to left common carotid artery bypass before TEVAR. There were no operative mortalities, but a patient who was covered of left subclavian artery died from ischemic brain injury. Complications such as migration, endovascular leakage, collapse, infection and thrombus did not occur. Conclusion: Our short-term outcomes of TEVAR for blunt thoracic aorta injury was feasible. Left subclavian artery may be sacrificed if the proximal landing zone is short, but several methods to continue the perfusion should be considered.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.163-169
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• 2010

Purpose: Spinal epidural hematoma (EDH) is a rare condition requiring an urgent diagnosis and management. We describe here the clinical features, magnetic resonance image (MRI) findings, and outcomes of surgery in six patients with spinal EDH. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed six patients who underwent surgery for spinal EDH between April 2004 and May 2010. Preoperative MRI findings within 48 hours of symptom occurrence were analyzed for cord compression, extent of EDH, and presence of vascular abnormalities. Pre- and postoperative neurological status was also assessed comparatively. Results: Our six patients consisted of three men and three women, with a mean age of 70 years (range: 54-88 years), who presented with the back pain or motor weakness. The mean follow-up period was 34 months (range: 2-72 months). Two patients had cardiovascular disease and were taking warfarin, but the others had no history of medical comorbidity. Those two patients taking warfarin had a history of trauma, another one experienced symptoms during a strenuous effort, and the others developed spontaneously. Before surgery, motor power was grade III in three patients, grade 0 in two patients, and normal in one patient. Preoperative MRI showed no vascular abnormalities except for the EDH in any patient. At the last follow-up, all those five patients with motor weakness showed neurological improvement compared to their preoperative status. There were no complications related to surgery. All six patients were able to ambulate with or without an assistive device. Conclusion: Spinal EDH can occur in patients without trauma, bleeding diathesis, or combined vascular pathology. The surgical outcomes of spinal EDH seem to be satisfactory, even in quadriplegic patients.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.46-52
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• 2008

Purpose: This study was to evaluate the effect of arterial embolization on survival in patients with pelvic bone fractures and arterial bleeding. Methods: From January 2001 to December 2007, in all, 18 patients with pelvic bone fractures that had been treated with interventional arterial embolization were included in this retrospective study. The Injury Severity Score (ISS), the Revised Trauma Score (RTS), the initial hemodynamic status, the blood gas analysis, blood transfusion data, and mortality were the main outcome measurements. Results: Pelvic bone fractures were classified into lateral compression (LC), antero-posterior compression (APC), vertical shear (VS), and combined (CM) type according to the Young-Burgess classification. The Survivor group included 11 patients (61.1%), and the non-survivor group included 7 patients (38.9%). The mean ages for the survivor and the non-survivor groups were 40.0 and 45.6 years (p=0.517). The types of pelvic bone fractures were LC 11 (61.1%), APC 6 (33.3%), and VS 1 (5.6%): LC 7 (63.6%), and APC 4 (36.4%) in the survivor group and LC 4 (57.1%), APC 2 (28.6%), and VS 1 (14.3%) in the non-survivor group. The internal iliac artery was the predominant injured vessel among both the survivors (n = 5, 45.5%) and the non-survivors (n = 4, 57.1%). No differences in initial blood pressures, ISS, and RTS existed between the two groups, but the arterial pH was lower in the non-survivor group (pH 7.09 (${\pm}0.20$) vs 7.30 (${\pm}0.08$), p=0.018). The number of transfused 24-hour units of packed RBC was greater in the non-survivor group ($24.1{\pm}12.5$ vs $14.4{\pm}6.8$, p=0.046). Conclusion: No differences in initial blood pressure and trauma scores existed between survivors and non-survivors with pelvic bone fractures, who had been treated with arterial embolization, but arterial pH was lower the in non-survivors.