• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.290-294
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• 2023

Generally, patients with severe burst fractures, instability, or neurological deficits require surgical treatment. In most cases, circumferential reconstruction is performed. Surgical methods for three-column reconstruction include anterior, lateral, and posterior approaches. In cases involving an anterior or lateral approach, collaboration with general or thoracic surgeons may be necessary because the adjacent anatomical structures are unfamiliar to spinal surgeons. Risks include vascular or lumbar plexus injuries and cage displacement, and in most cases, additional posterior fusion surgery is required. However, the posterior approach is the most common and anatomically familiar approach for surgeons performing spinal surgery. We present a case in which three-column reconstruction was performed using only the posterior approach to treat a patient with a severe lumbar burst fracture.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.165-170
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• 1998

Diagnostic radiology and conservative management for S75 patient with L1 lumbar fracture by traffic accidents were discussed with references, and then the obtained results were as follows ; 1. Wedging compression fractures with 10% deformity was confirmed at anterior vertebral body of L1 lumbar spine through lateral plain X-ray film. 2. Irregular bony fractures were observed at anterior vertebral body of L1 lumbar spine by CT scans, anatomically T12-L1 sites showed highly frequency of injuries, Denis's fracture type was classified as multiple compression fracture at anterior column without abnormal middle and posterior column, also no Cobb's angle, and then Frankel's neurological classification was E grade. 3. Orthopaedic treatments were performed with conservative methods. With rest on the bed, anti-in-flammatory medication, electrolyte and nutritional solution, the pain diminished. 4. After 3 weeks, rehabilitation was worked with putting on polyethylene back corset, although pains remained slightly until after 8 weeks, thereafter the spine showed gradually stability.

• 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.30 no.12
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• pp.1388-1393
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• 2001

Objective : In the retrospective analyzing 19 consecutive patients with subaxial cervical spine(C3~T1) injury treated by posterior cervical fixation and fusion, clinical manifestation, radiologic finding, operative technique, and postoperative results following 6 months were analyzed. Materials and Methods : Most common fracture level was C4-5, mean age 41, and male to female ratio 13 : 6. The most common cause of injury was motor vehicle accident(17 cases). In 19 cervical procedures, interspinous triple wiring was done in 14 cases, lateral mass plating in 5 cases, and additional anterior fusion in 2 cases. Results : Twelve weeks after operation, all cases were reviewed by plain cervical radiogram. In 17 cases that treated by posterior fusion only, 14 cases(81%) had kyphotic angle change less than $5^{\circ}$, 2 cases(12%) $5-20^{\circ}$, and 1 case(6%) more than $20^{\circ}$. Overall fusion rate was 88%, and there was no significant difference of bone fusion rate between autogenous bone graft and allogenous bone graft. Conclusion : In the case of severe posterior column injury or displacement, posterior approach seems superior to anterior approach, but in the case of combined anterior column injury, anterior approach is considered necessary. In this study, posterior fixation and fusion might be acceptable procedure for subaxial cervical fracture and dislocation, owing to its high fusion rate, low kyphotic angulation and low operation related complication rate.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.1-9
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• 2009

목적 : 한양방 협진을 통한 보존적 입원 치료를 받은 급성 흉요추 압박골절 환자군에서의 압박골절 compression ratio의 급성기 내의 변화를 기록 분석하여 차후 환자군의 예후를 예측하고자 하였다. 방법 : 한양방 협진병원 척추센터에 입원하여 보존치료를 시행한 발병 2주 내의 압박골절 환자 중 2회 이상의 시점에서 압박골절 부위의 측면 X-ray 영상이 있는 환자 16명의 기록을 수집하였다. X-ray상 급성 압박골절이 발생한 추체(n=19)의 anterior wall과 posterior wall의 높이를 입원 1주차, 입원 2주차, 입원 3주차와 최종 영상 확보 시점의 X-ray에서 측정해 wedge fracture에 해당하는 anterior column fracture가 있는 추체(n=14)에 한해 anterior height/posterior height의 공식을 통해 compression ratio를 산출하였다. 2차적 지표로 입원 1주차에서 입원 3주차까지 환자의 VAS(visual analog scale) 통증 척도 점수를 분석하였다. 그 외 연령, 성별, 입원 기간, 총 치료기간, 당뇨, 골다공증, 골밀도, 압박골절 기왕력, 압박골절의 형태의 빈도와 비율을 분석하였다. 결과 : 1. 전방 골주 단독 골절에서의 compression ratio는 입원 1주차에서 3주차, 그리고 최종 영상 확보시점까지 각각 20.92${\pm}$10.42, 25.22${\pm}$10.90, 25.57${\pm}$11.04, 25.07${\pm}$11.94로 기록되었다. 시점간에는 통계적으로 유의한 compression ratio의 차이가 나타나지 않았다. 2. 통증 VAS 점수 평균은 입원 1주차부터 3주차까지 각각 7.44${\pm}$2.07, 4.67${\pm}$1.63, 3.00${\pm}$1.80으로 기록되었다. 시점간 모두 통계적으로 유의한 감소가 있었다(1주차-2주차 p=.003, 1주차-3주차 p<.000 2주차-3주차 p=0.021). 결론 : 본 연구의 협진 입원치료 압박골절의 compression ratio는 입원 1주차 시점에서 최종 follow-up 시점까지 유의한 차이를 보일 만큼의 추가적인 추체 높이 감소를 보이지 않아 향후 좋은 예후를 예상할 수 있다. 통증 VAS 점수는 모든 주별 시점간에서 유의하게 감소되었다.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.107-111
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• 2005

Backgrounds: To evaluate the effectiveness of conservative treatment in osteoporotic thoraco-lumbar compression fractures and to identify the factors influencing the progression of compression. Materials and Methods: From January 2003 to October 2004, Patients who were admitted to our hospital for osteoporotic thoraco-lumbar compression fractures were reviewed retrospectively with follow-up more than 12 months (ave. 14.6 months). With simple x-ray lateral view, we evaluate wedge compression ratio (WCR) and kyphotic angle (KA) at initial and final follow-up. We separate the patients into two groups baesed on the amount of progression of vertebral compression and evaluate a relation with BMD, vertebral fracture level, initial WCR, initial KA. All datas were statistically analyzed. Results: An average of T-score was -3.5 and the changes of KA between initial and final follow-up were average $3.5^{\circ}$. Compression of anterior column were progressed to 8.5%. The changes between initial and final WCR in Group I (N=24) was 17.8%, and Group II (N=18) was 3.3%. T-score in group I was -3.4 and group II was -3.8 (p=0.228). vertebral fracture level were 10 T12, 12 L1, 2 L2 in group I; 6 T12, 6 L1, 6 L2 in group II (p=0.156). Initail WCR was 0.74 in group I, 0.63 in group II, and there was statistical difference between two groups(p=0002). Initial kyphotic angle was $13.9^{\circ}$in group I, $16.2^{\circ}$in group II repectively (p=0.392). Conclusion: The conservative treatment with short-term bed rest and early embulation is effective and valuable method to patients who have osteoporotic thoraco-lumbar compression fractures. There was no statistical difference between two groups according to BMD, vertebral fracture level, KA. But in comparison with initail WCR between two groups, there was statistical difference. That means, in the case of small initial compression of anterior column, the progression of compression was bigger than else. In these patients, more strict use of appropriate brace and careful follow-up should be needed.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.62 no.1
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• pp.61-70
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• 2019

Objective : Corpectomy of the first lumbar vertebra (L1) for the management of different L1 pathologies can be performed using either an anterior or posterior approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of a retroperitoneal extrapleural approach through the twelfth rib for performing L1 corpectomy. Methods : Thirty consecutive patients underwent L1 corpectomy between 2010 and 2016. The retroperitoneal extrapleural approach through the 12th rib was used in all cases to perform single-stage anterior L1 corpectomy, reconstruction and anterior instrumentation, except for in two recurrent cases in which posterior fixation was added. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for pain intensity measurement and ASIA impairment scale for neurological assessment. The mean follow-up period was 14.5 months. Results : The sample included 18 males and 12 females, and the mean age was 40.3 years. Twenty patients (67%) had sensory or motor deficits before the surgery. The pathologies encountered included traumatic fracture in 12 cases, osteoporotic fracture in four cases, tumor in eight cases and spinal infection in the remaining six cases. The surgeries were performed from the left side, except in two cases. There was significant improvement of back pain and radicular pain as recorded by VAS. One patient exhibited postoperative neurological deterioration due to bone graft dislodgement. All patients with deficits at least partially improved after the surgery. During the follow-up, no hardware failures or losses of correction were detected. Conclusion : The retroperitoneal extrapleural approach through the 12th rib is a feasible approach for L1 corpectomy that can combine adequate decompression of the dural sac with effective biomechanical restoration of the compromised anterior loadbearing column. It is associated with less pulmonary complication, no need for chest tube, no abdominal distention and rapid recovery compared with other approaches.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.142-147
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• 2014

Objective : A thoracolumbar burst fracture is usually unstable and can cause neurological deficits and angular deformity. Patients with unstable thoracolumbar burst fracture usually need surgery for decompression of the spinal canal, correction of the angular deformity, and stabilization of the spinal column. We compared two struts, titanium mesh cages (TMCs) and expandable cages. Methods : 33 patients, who underwent anterior thoracolumbar reconstruction using either TMCs (n=16) or expandable cages (n=17) between June 2000 and September 2011 were included in this study. Clinical outcome was measured by visual analogue scale (VAS), American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale and Low Back Outcome Score (LBOS) for functional neurological evaluation. The Cobb angle, body height of the fractured vertebra, the operation time and amount of intra-operative bleeding were measured in both groups. Results : In the expandable cage group, operation time and amount of intraoperative blood loss were lower than that in the TMC group. The mean VAS scores and LBOS in both groups were improved, but no significant difference. Cobb angle was corrected higher than that in expandable cage group from postoperative to the last follow-up. The change in Cobb angles between preoperative, postoperative, and the last follow-up did not show any significant difference. There was no difference in the subsidence of anterior body height between both groups. Conclusion : There was no significant difference in the change in Cobb angles with an inter-group comparison, the expandable cage group showed better results in loss of kyphosis correction, operation time, and amount of intraoperative blood loss.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.73-91
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• 2002

Method of management of the spine injury should be determined, based on the status of neurological injury as well as on the presence of traumatic instability. At the thoracic and lumbar spine, patterns of neurological injury are different from the cervical spine due to their neuro-anatomical characteristics. Especially, at the thoracolumbar junction, neurological injury patterns with their respective prognosis vary from the complete cord injury or conus medullaris syndrome to the cauda equina syndrome according to the injury level. The concept of Holdsworth's instability based on the posterior ligament complex theory has evolved into the current 3-column theory of Denis. Flexion-rotation injury and fracture-dislocation are well known to be unstable that surgical fixation is frequently needed for these injuries. However, there have been some controversies for the stability of burst fractures and their treatment, such as indirect or direct decompression and anterior or posterior approach. In this article, current concepts and management of traumatic instabilities at the thoracic and lumbar spine have been reviewed and summarized.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.64 no.6
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• pp.944-949
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• 2021

Objective : The stability is an important factor to decide the treatment plan in thoracolumbar burst fracture patients. Patients with an unstable burst fracture generally need operative management. Decrease in vertebral body height, local kyphosis, involvement of posterior column, and/or canal compromise are considered important factors to determine the treatment plan. On the other hand, in thoracolumbar injury classification system (TLICS), surgery is recommended in patients with TLICS of more than 5 points. The purpose of this study was to apply the TLICS score in patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures and to distinguish the differences of treatment plan on burst fracture. Methods : All patients, diagnosed as a thoracolumbar burst fracture between January 2006 and February 2019 were included in this study. Unstable thoracolumbar burst fracture was defined as burst fracture with neurologic deficit, three-column injury, kyphosis over 30 degrees, decrease of anterior body height over 40 percent and canal comprise more than 50%. TLICS score was measured with morphology, neurological involvement and posterior ligamentous complex integrity. The existence of instability was compared with TLICS score. Results : Total 233 patients (131 men, 102 women) were included in this study. In Denis classification, 51 patients (21.9%) diagnosed as stable burst fracture while 182 patients (78.1%) had unstable burst fracture. According to TLICS, 72 patients (30.9%) scored less than 4, while 161 patients (69.1%) scored 4 or more. All the patients with stable burst fracture scored 2 in TLICS. Twenty-one patients (9.0) scored 2 in TLICS but diagnosed as unstable burst fracture. Thirteen patients had over 40% of vertebra body compression, four patients had more than 50% of canal compromise, three patients had both body compression over 40% and kyphosis over 30 degrees, one patients had both body compression and canal compromise. Fifteen patients presented kyphosis over 30 degrees, and three (20%) of them scored 2 in TLICS. Seventy-three patients presented vertebral body compression over 40% and 17 (23.3%) of them scored 2 in TLICS. Fifty-three patients presented spinal canal compromise more than 50%, and five (9.4%) of them scored 2 in TLICS. Conclusion : Although the instability of thoracolumbar burst fracture was regarded as a critical factor for operability, therapeutic strategies by TLICS do not exactly match with the concept of instability. According to the concept of TLICS, it should be reconsidered whether the unstable burst fracture truly unstable to do operation.