• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.264-274
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• 2024

Background: Radiofrequency ablation is an effective treatment modality in the symptomatic treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Our aim was to compare the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation of the superomedial and inferomedial genicular nerves (2 branches) with the superolateral, superomedial, and inferomedial genicular nerves (3 branches) and to show whether the 2-branch procedure is inferior to the 3-branch procedure. Methods: This study is a prospective, randomized, single-blind clinical study. Eligible participants were randomized into 2 groups: group A, which applied the procedure to the superomedial and inferomedial genicular nerves, and group B, which applied it to the superomedial, superolateral and inferomedial genicular nerves. Pain was evaluated with the numerical rating scale, quality of life with the Short Form-36 (SF-36), and disability with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index before, and at 1 and 3 months after the procedure. Results: A total of 41 patients were included. There were no differences between the groups except for the SF-36 physical health sub-score at baseline. A significant improvement was seen in the numeric rating scale (NRS) score, SF-36 sub-scores, WOMAC Index total, as well as pain and physical function scores in both groups, though no significant difference was detected between the groups during follow-up. Conclusions: Although we were unable to establish the noninferiority of conventional radiofrequency ablation (CRFA) applied to 2 branches to CRFA applied to 3 branches, in this trial, significant and similar improvement was observed in NRS, WOMAC total, pain, and physical function and SF-36 scores in both groups.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.2599-2605
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• 2013

The study aimed to evaluate immune-stimulating effects of a well-known Thai folkloric remedy when used for adjuvant therapy with conventional chemotherapeutics for treatment of breast cancer. Immunostimulating influence of the remedy (215 mg/kg body weight per day) on NK cell activity and TNF-${\alpha}$ release from the monocytes/macrophages were investigated in a total of 15 healthy women and 13 female patients with breast cancer (Group 1). The effect of breast tumor surgery on NK cell activity was further investigated in 18 female patients with breast cancer (Group 2). NK cell cytotoxic activity was determined by chromium release cytotoxic assay using K562, an erythroleukemic cell line. TNF-${\alpha}$ release from monocytes/macrophages separated from blood samples was determined through a biological assay using actinomycin D-treated L929 mouse fibroblast cells in the presence and absence of LPS. Baseline NK cell activity of the monocytes/macrophages separated from Group 2 patients expressed as %cytotoxicity was significantly lower than in the healthy subjects at E:T ratios of 100:1 and 25:1. In healthy subjects, there was no change in NK cell cytotoxic activity (%cytotoxicity or LU) following 1 and 2 weeks of treatment with the remedy compared with the baseline at various E:T ratios but the binding activity (%binding) was significantly increased after 2 weeks of treatment. The addition of one or two conventional chemotherapeutic regimens did not significantly reduce the NK cytotoxic activity but did affect release of TNF-${\alpha}$ in both unstimulated and LPS-stimulated samples. Surgery produced a significant suppressive effect on NK cell activity. The use of the remedy as an adjunct therapy may improve therapeutic efficacy and safety profiles of conventional chemotherapeutic regimens through stimulation of the immune system in cancer patients.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.686-692
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• 2014

Background Restoring orbital volume in large blowout fractures is still a technically challenge to the orbital surgeon. In this study, we restored the orbital wall using the combination of transorbital and transnasal approach with additional supports from the paranasal sinuses, and we compared the surgical outcome to that of a conventional transorbital method. Methods A retrospective review of all patients with pure unilateral blowout fractures between March 2007 and March 2013 was conducted. 150 patients were classified into two groups according to the surgical method: conventional transorbital method (group A, 75 patients, control group), and the combination of transorbital and transnasal approach with additional supports from the paranasal sinuses (group B, 75 patients, experimental group). Each group was subdivided depending on fracture location: group I (inferior wall), group IM (inferomedial wall), and group M (medial wall). The surgical results were assessed by the Hertel scale and a comparison of preoperative and postoperative orbital volume ratio (OVR) values. Results In the volumetric analysis, the OVR decreased more by the experimental groups than each corresponding control groups (P<0.05). Upon ophthalmic examination, neither the differences among the groups in the perioperative Hertel scale nor the preoperative and postoperative Hertel scales were statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusions Our surgical results suggest that orbital volume was more effectively restored by the combination of transorbital and transnasal approach with additional supports from the paranasal sinuses than the conventional method, regardless of the type of fracture.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.446-449
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• 2007

Objective : Persistent trigeminal artery variant (PTAV) is an anastomosis between the internal carotid artery (ICA) and the cerebellar artery without any interposing basilar artery segment. We discuss its probable embryological origin and emphasize clinical implications. Methods : Retrospectively 1250 conventional cerebral angiograms and 2947 cranial magnetic resonance angiographies (MRAs) were evaluated for the patients with PTAV. Results : Five patients (four men and one woman, 23 to 76 years of age, median age 65 years) had a PTAV. Three patients who underwent MRA had a PTAV (3/2947=0.1%). Four of the patients who underwent cerebral angiography had a PTAV (4/1250=0.32%). Two of 143 patients who underwent both conventional angiography and cranial MRA showed PTAV. The PTAV was an incidental finding in all five patients. The PTAV originated from the cavernous segment of the left ICA in four patients and from the cavernous segment of the right ICA in one patient. The terminal branch of the PTAV was the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) and superior cerebellar artery (SCA) in two patients and the AICA only in the other three patients. Conclusion : Neurosurgeons should be aware of possible presence of PTAV. Manipulation of this vessel during a surgical approach to the parasellar region and percutaneous gasserian ganglion procedure may result in hemorrhage or ischemia.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.225-229
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• 2010

Objective : The authors introduce a minimally invasive muscle sparing transmuscular microdiscectomy (MSTM) to treat herniated lumbar disc disease. Its results are compared with conventional subperiosteal microdiscectomy (CSM) to validate the effectiveness. Methods : Muscle sparing transmuscular microdiscectomy, which involves muscle dissection approach using the natural fat cleavage plane between the multifidus to expose the interlaminar space, was performed in 23 patients to treat a single level unilateral lumbar radiculopathy. The creatine phosphokinase (CPK)-MM serum levels were measured on admission and at 1, 3, and 5 days postoperatively. Postoperative pain was evaluated using a 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS) and recorded on admission and at 1, 3, and 5 days postoperatively. The results were compared to those from the conventional subperiosteal microdiscectomy (43 patients). Results : The CPK-MM levels were significantly lower in the serum of the MSTM group compared to the CSM group on postoperative days three and five (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02, respectively). The clinical scales for back pain using VAS were significantly lower in the MSTM group than in the CSM group on postoperative days three (p = 0.04). The mean VAS scores for leg pain in both groups showed no significant differences during the early postoperative period. Conclusion : Muscle sparing transmuscular microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgical option to treat lumbar radiculopathy due to herniated disc. The approach affected minimal injury to posterior lumbar supporting structures with alleviated postoperative back pain.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.227-238
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• 2011

Objectives : This study was to investigate the effects on using Virtual reality exercise program($Wii-Fit^{TM}$) for dynamic balance and walking ability in patients with stroke. Methods : The 22 subjects were randomly selected from the patients of the S hospital who met the study conditions. They were divided into a $Wii-Fit^{TM}$ balance game group of 12 patients and a conventional physical therapy group of 10 patients. The $Wii-Fit^{TM}$ balance game group received $Wii-Fit^{TM}$ balance game group general physiotherapy for 5 days a weeks, 30 minutes a day, for a 4 weeks and the conventional physical therapy group received general physiotherapy for the same period. The subjects were measured and compared for Brunel balance assessment, functional gait assessment, 6 minute walk test, GAITRite system before and after the program. Results : The experimental group tend to improve more than control group in shifting the weight to the affected side(p=0.040) and tap test(p<0.001). The experimental group tend to improve more than control group in FGA(p=0.016). The experimental group improved significantly more than control group in 6MWT(p=0.008). The experimental group improved significantly more than control group in gait speed, cadence, stride length. Conclusions : Virtual Reality program($Wii-Fit^{TM}$) with conventional physical therapy shows the benefits on dynamic balance and gait parameters in patients with stroke.

• Kosin Medical Journal
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.191-199
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• 2018

Objectives: We designed the study to compare the oncologic and renal function outcomes of off-clamp, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (OCLPN) and conventional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (HCLPN) for renal tumors. Methods: Between March 2008 and July 2015, 114 patients who underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) of a renal neoplasm were studied. We performed LPN without hilar clamp on 40 patients (OCLPN, Group 1), and conventional LPN with hilar control and renorrhaphy on another 40 patients (HCLPN, Group 2). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of each patient's age, sex, R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score (RNS), operation time, complications, hospitalization period, tumor size, positive resection margin, histologic classification of tumor, pathologic stage, Fuhrman grade, estimated blood loss (EBL), warm ischemic time (WIT), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) before and one year after surgery. Results: There were no significant differences in age, sex, preoperative eGFR, EBL, surgical (anesthesia) time, and tumor size between the two groups. The mean eGFR was not significantly different between the OCLPN and HCLPN groups 1 month (95 and $86.2mL/min/1.73m^2$, respectively; P = 0.106), 6 months (92.9 and $83.6mL/min/1.73m^2$, respectively; P = 0.151) and 12 months (93.8 and $84.7mL/min/1.73m^2$, respectively; P = 0.077) postoperatively. The change in eGFR after one year was 3.9% in the OCLPN group and -7.9% in the HCLPN group. Conclusions: OCLPN was superior to HCLPN in preserving renal function one year after surgery, and there was no statistically significant difference in tumor treatment results.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.462-469
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• 2022

Background: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is used to treat carotid stenosis, which is associated with cerebral infarction and may result in neurologic deficits such as stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), and local nerve injury. To decrease surgery-related complications and improve patient satisfaction with esthetic outcomes, efforts have been made to minimize incision size instead of using a standard longitudinal incision. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 151 cases of CEA, of which 110 used conventional incisions and 41 used high mini-skin incisions (HMIs), from March 2015 to December 2021 at a single institution. Short-term (30-day) postoperative results were evaluated for rates of mortality, stroke, TIA, and cranial/cervical nerve injuries. Risk factors for nerve injury were also assessed. Results: The HMI group showed significantly (p<0.01) shorter operative and clamp times than the conventional group. The HMI group also had significantly shorter incision lengths (5.3±0.9 cm) than the conventional group (11.5±2.8 cm). The rates of stroke, TIA, and death at 30 days were not significantly different between the 2 groups. There was no significant difference in the rate of cranial and cervical nerve injuries, and all injuries were transient. A high lesion level (odds ratio [OR], 9.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.21-28.42; p<0.01) and the clamp time (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03-1.12; p<0.01) were found to be risk factors for nerve injuries. Conclusion: Use of the HMI in CEA for carotid stenosis was advantageous for its shorter operative time, shorter internal carotid artery clamp time, reduced neurologic complications, and improved esthetics.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.276-286
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• 2023

Background: The transosseous anchorless repair (ToR) technique was recently introduced to avoid suture anchor-related problems. While favorable outcomes of the ToR technique have been reported, no previous studies on peri-implant cyst formation with the ToR technique exist. Therefore, this study compared the clinical outcomes and prevalence of peri-implant cyst formation between the ToR technique and the conventional transosseous equivalent technique using suture anchors (SA). Methods: Cases with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) between 2016 and 2018 treated with the double-row suture bridge technique were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into ToR and SA groups. To compare clinical outcomes, 19 ToR and 57 SA cases without intraoperative implant failure were selected using propensity score matching (PSM). While intraoperative implant failure rate was analyzed before PSM, retear rate, peri-implant cyst formation rate, and functional outcomes were compared after PSM. Results: The intraoperative implant failure rate (ToR, 8% vs. SA, 15.3%) and retear rate (ToR, 5.3% vs. SA, 19.3%) did not differ between the two groups (all P>0.05). However, peri-implant cysts were not observed in the ToR group, while they were observed in 16.7% of the SA group (P=0.008). Postoperative functional outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions: The ToR technique produced comparable clinical outcomes to conventional techniques. Considering the prospect of potential additional surgeries, the absence of peri-implant cyst formation might be an advantage of ToR. Furthermore, ToR might reduce the medical costs related to suture anchors and, thereby, could be a useful option for ARCR. Level of evidence: III.

• Hip & pelvis
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.35-44
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• 2022

Purpose: Osteosynthesis has been recommended for treatment of Pauwels type III femoral neck fractures in young patients. However, no implant of choice has been reported so far. This study was conducted in order to compare the fixation stability of two conventional fixation methods with three different novel fixed angle devices in this type of fracture. Materials and Methods: A total of 25 composite femurs (4th Generation Saw bone; Pacific Research Laboratories, USA) corresponding to human bone were used. Pauwels type III fracture type was uniformly reproduced. Specimens were fixed with a cannulated screw, cannulated screw with cable, and Intertan nail, dynamic hip screw, and IKEY nail. Measurement of failure loads and the rotational change of the femoral head fragment was performed for evaluation of fixation stability. Results: All implants were compared with cannulated screw and dynmaic hip screw. No meaningful improvement was observed for the cannulated screw with cable compared with the cannulated screw and dynamic hip screw. Meaningful improvement in load-to-failure and y-rotation and z-rotation was observed for both the Intertan nail and IKEY nail compared with the cannulated screw. However, compared with the dynamic hip screw, only the IKEY nail showed improvement in the same profile but the Intertan nail did not. Conclusion: Among novel fixed angle devices, meaningful improvement was observed for the IKEY nail compared with conventional implants. Strengths of this implant include biomechanical stability and simplicity of surgical technique, indicating that it may be another good option for osteosynthesis of Pauwels type III femoral neck fractures.