• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.183-186
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• 1996

When medical therapy fail to relieve pain at tolerable level for patients confirmed with trigeminal neuralgia, presence of mass lesion excluded, surgery is indicated. Innumerable surgical strategies have been attempted for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia but only four have proven appropriate: (1)stereotactic radiofrequency gasserian ganglionotomy, (2) percutaneous glycerol gangliolysis, (3) percutaneous microcompression, (4) microvascular decompression. Radiofrequency thermocoagulation of the gasserian ganglion stems from the efforts of Sweet. This technique is the surgical treatment of choice around the world for surgical treatment for trigeminal neuralgia. Since 1986, over 14,000 cases have been reported utilizing this technique. To improve the treatment method further, an electrode with a flexible curved tip has been developed for easier and more precise electrode placement and lesion production during the thermocoagulation of gasserian ganglion. This operation was performed recently on three patients at Hallym University Hospital. using a curved tip electrode. Complete relief of pain was achieved for all patient. However, some complications were noted.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.569-573
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• 2000

Spinal meningeal cyst of the sacrum is uncommon congenital lesion. We experienced two cases of sacral meningeal cyst, so called Tarlov's cyst, who presented with radiating pain. Magnetic resonance imaging is a highly effective way of locating and approximating the size of these entities, which generally appear as intraspinal masses of low intensity on T1-weighted and high intensity on T2-weighted images, similar to cerebrospinal fluid(CSF). We evaluated 2 patients who had Tarlov's cyst diagnosed with conventional MRI. The clinical features, radiological findings, gross appearances of the lesion at surgery, surgical technique, histopathological features of the cyst wall, and surgical outcome are described. We conclude that excellent result can be expected in the case of symptomatic Tarlov's cyst by surgical decompression.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.23-26
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• 2009

Purpose: Artificial dura maters are commonly used in cranioplasty, but sometimes they can result in serious postoperative infection. Once complications such as epidural abscess or chronic draining ulcer arise, they are very difficult to treat. In this case, reclosure of dura defect using artificial dura mater may give rise to recurrence of infection. We experienced a case of intractable epidural abscess caused by use of artificial dura. To avoid repeated infection, we decided to use autologous tissue for the coverage of dura and soft tissue defect. Therefore, autologous tensor fascia lata graft and anterolateral thigh free flap were harvested at the same donor site incision to cover composite defect on the scalp and dura mater. Methods: A 13 year old male patient, who underwent the decompression cranioplasty and duroplasty, suffered from the intractable infection lesion. Twice, the epidural abscess was removed, both times the infection recurred. And eventually dura mater was exposed through the infected open wound. Nine months after dura exposed, infected aritificial dura mater was removed and extensive debridement was performed. Through a surgical incision on donor thigh, first, tensor fascia lata graft was harvested in process of the anterolateral thigh flap elevation. After the fascia lata graft was fixed over the dural defect, the anterolateral thigh flap was used to fill the dead space as well as the scalp defect. Results: Postoperatively, no recurrent infection and cerebrospinal fluid leakage are observed for a year. After the surgery, on the first and second day, venous congestion of the flap was observed, this problem was solved by thrombectomy and vein reanastomosis. And partial necrosis of flap occurred, but completely healed as conservative treatment for two weeks. Conclusion: Using the autologous tensor fascia lata graft and anterolateral thigh flap, we could obtain satisfactory results as treatment for the intractable infection lesion after duroplasty. Autologous tensor fascia lata in conjunction with anterolateral thigh flap is useful method for covering composite defect of scalp and dura mater.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.11-15
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• 2009

Objective: Two findings easily found at coronal source images of MR myelography (MRM) were evaluated : dorsal root ganglion (DRG) swelling and running course abnormality (RCA) of L5 exiting root at foramen or extraforamen. We tried to find the sensitivity of each finding when root was compressed. Methods: From 2004 July to 2006, one hundred and ten patients underwent one side paraspinal decompression for their L5 root foraminal or extraforaminal compression at L5-S1 level. All kinds of conservative treatments failed to improve leg symptom for several months. Before surgery, MRI, CT and MRM were done. Retrospective radiologic analysis for their preoperative MRM coronal source images was done to specify root compression sites and L5 root morphologic changes. Results: DRG swelling was found in 66 (60%) of 110 patients. DRG swelling has statistically valuable meaning in foraminal root compression (chi-square test, p<0.0001). Seventy-two (66%) in 110 patients showed abnormal alteration of running course. Abnormal running course has statistically valuable meaning in foraminal or extraforaminal root compression (chi-square test, p<0.0001). Conclusion: Three-dimensional MRM provides precise thin sliced coronal images which are most close to real operative views. DRG swelling and running course abnormality of L5 exiting root are two useful findings in diagnosing L5 root compression at L5-S1 foramen or extraforamen. MRM is thought to provide additional diagnostic accuracy expecially in L5-S1 foraminal and extraforaminal area.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.162-165
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• 2014

Idiopathic hypertrophic spinal pachymeningitis (IHSP) is a chronic, progressive, inflammatory disorder characterized by marked fibrosis of the spinal dura mater with unknown etiology. According to the location of the lesion, it might induce neurologic deficits by compression of spinal cord and nerve root. A 58-year old female with a 3-year history of progressive weakness in both lower extremities was referred to our institute. Spinal computed tomography (CT) scan showed an osteolytic lesion involving base of the C6 spinous process with adjacent epidural mass. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an epidural mass involving dorsal aspect of cervical spinal canal from C5 to C7 level, with low signal intensity on T1 and T2 weighted images and non-enhancement on T1 weighted-enhanced images. We decided to undertake surgical exploration. At the operation field, there was yellow colored, thickened fibrous tissue over the dura mater. The lesion was removed totally, and decompression of spinal cord was achieved. Symptoms improved partially after the operation. Histopathologically, fibrotic pachymeninges with scanty inflammatory cells was revealed, which was compatible with diagnosis of idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis. Six months after operation, motor power grade of both lower extremities was normal on physical examination. However, the patient still complained of mild weakness in the right lower extremity. Although the nature of IHSP is generally indolent, decompressive surgery should be considered for the patient with definite or progressive neurologic symptoms in order to prevent further deterioration. In addition, IHSP can present as an osteolytic lesion. Differential diagnosis with neoplastic disease, including giant cell tumor, is important.

• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.41-45
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• 2012

Among the various reasons that can cause entrapment of suprascapular nerve, suprascapular cyst is not commonly found and more often, overlooked or misdiagnosed. Authors experienced one case of suprascapular cyst causing suprascapular nerve entrapment confirmed by ultrasonography and MRI. Symptom of the patient was confined to infrascapular nerve. Percutaneous aspiration of cyst was done under the guidance of ultrasonography through Neviaser portal on out-patient department. After 8 weeks of follow-up, no recurrent lesion was found and objective functional improvement was identified. When clinicians confront with the symptoms compatible with suprascapular nerve entrapment, every effort should be put on finding lesion under ultrasonography before attempting any further cost-ineffective or time-wasting evaluation. Symptoms caused by space-occupying cyst will be soothed by simple decompression. However, always be aware of concomitant lesions that might be the reason for the cystic lesion and in some cases, further evaluation is inevitable.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.58 no.6
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• pp.571-577
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• 2015

Direct removal of beak-type ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament at thoracic spine (T-OPLL) is a challenging surgical technique due to the potential risk of neural injury. Slipping off the cutting surface of a high-speed drill may result in entrapment in neural structures, leading to serious complications. Removal of T-OPLL with an ultrasonic osteotome, utilizing back and forth micro-motion of a blade rather than rotatory-motion of drill, may reduce such complications. We have applied the ultrasonic osteotome for posterior circumferential decompression of T-OPLL for three consecutive patients with beak-type OPLL and have described the surgical techniques and patient outcomes. The preoperative chief complaint was gait disturbance in all patients. Japanese orthopedic association scores (JOA) was used for functional assessment. Scores measured 2/11, 5/11, 2/11, and 4/11 for each patient. The ventral T-OPLL mass was exposed after posterior midline approach, laminotomy and transeversectomy. The T-OPLL mass was directly removed with an ultrasonic osteotome and instrumented segmental fixation was performed. The surgeries were uneventful. Detailed surgical techniques were presented. Gait disturbance was improved in all patients. Dural tear occurred in one patient without squeal. Postoperative JOA was 6/11, 10/11, 8/11, and 8/11 (recovery rate; 44%, 83%, 67%, and 43%) respectively at 18, 18, 10, and 1 months postoperative. T-OPLL was completely removed in all patients as confirmed with computed tomography scan. We hope that surgical difficulties in direct removal of T-OPLL might be reduced by utilizing ultrasonic osteotome.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.107-110
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• 2005

Objective : Lumbar spinal stenosis is increasingly recognized as a common cause of low back pain in elderly patients. Conservative treatment has been initially applied to elderly patients, however, surgical treatment is sometimes indispensable to relieve severe pain. We retrospectively examine the age-related effects on the surgical risk, and results following general anesthesia and operative procedure in geriatric patients for two different age groups of at least 65years old. Methods : Consecutive 51 patients [${\ge}$ 65years], who underwent open surgical procedure for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis, were selected in the study. Patients were divided into two groups. Group A included all patients who were between 65 and 69years of age at the time of surgery. Group B included all patients who were at least 70years of age at the time of surgery. We reviewed medical history including preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists[ASA] classification of physical status, anesthetic risk factor, operative time, estimated blood loss, transfusion requirements, hospital stay, operated level, and clinical outcome to look for comparisons between two age groups [$65{\sim}69$ and over 70years]. Results : In preoperative evaluation, mean anesthetic risk factor of patients was numerically similar between the groups. The American Society of Anesthesiologists classification of physical status was similar between two groups. There was no difference in operated level, operative time, estimated blood loss, hospital stay, and anesthetic risk factor between the two groups. The clinical successful outcome showed 82.7% for Group A and 81.8% for group B. The overall postoperative complication rates were similar for both group A and B. Conclusion : We conclude that advanced age per se, did not increase the associated morbidity and mortality in surgical decompression for spinal stenosis.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.213-218
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• 2010

Objective : Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is described as a clinical syndrome characterized by sudden headache, vomiting, visual impairment, and meningismus caused by rapid enlargement of a pituitary adenoma, We retrospectively analyzed the clinical presentation and surgical outcome in PA presenting with cranial neuropathy. Methods : Twelve cases (33%) of PA were retrospectively reviewed among 359 patients diagnosed with pituitary adenoma, The study included 6 males and 6 females, Mean age of patients was 49,0 years, with a range of 16 to 74 years, Follow-up duration ranged from 3 to 20 months, with an average of 12 months, All patients were submitted to surgery, using the transsphenoidal approach (TSA). Results : Symptoms included abrupt headache (11/12), decreased visual acuity (12/12), visual field defect (11/12), and cranial nerve palsy of the third (5/12) and sixth (2/12) Mean height of the mass was 29.0 mm (range 15-46) Duration between the ictus and operation ranged from 1 to 15 days (mean 7.0) The symptom duration before operation and the recovery period of cranial neuropathy correlated significantly (p = 0.0286) TSA resulted in improvement of decreased visual acuity in 91.6%, visual field defect in 54.5%, and cranial neuropathy in 100% at 3 months after surgery. Conclusion : PA is a rare event, complicating 3.3% in our series, Even in blindness following pituitary apoplexy cases, improvement of cranial neuropathy is possible if adequate management is initiated in time, Surgical decompression must be considered as soon as possible in cases with severe visual impairment or cranial neuropathy.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.224-230
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• 2011

Objective : This study aimed to show the possibility of neural canal enlargement and restoration of bony fragments through laminectomy and minimal facetectomy without pediculectomy or an anterior approach, and also to prove the adequacy of posterior stabilization of vertebral deformities after thoracolumbar bursting fracture. Methods : From January 2003 to June 2009, we experienced 45 patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures. All patients enrolled were presented with either a neural canal compromise of more than 40% with a Benzel-Larson Grade of VI, or more than 30% compromise with less than a Benzel-Larson Grade of V. Most important characteristic of our surgical procedure was repositioning retropulsed bone fragments using custom-designed instruments via laminectomy and minimal facetectomy without removing the fractured bone fragments. Beneath the dural sac, these custom-designed instruments could push the retropulsed bone fragments within the neural canal after the decompression and bone fragment repositioning. Results : The mean kyphotic deformities measured preoperatively and at follow-up within 12 months were 17.7 degrees (${\pm}6.4$ degrees) and 9.6 degrees (${\pm}5.2$ degrees), respectively. The mean midsagittal diameter improved from 8.8 mm (${\pm}2.8$ mm) before surgery to 14.2 mm (${\pm}1.6$ mm) at follow-up. The mean traumatic vertebral body height before surgery was 41.3% (${\pm}12.6%$). At follow-up assessment within 12 months, this score showed a statistically significant increase to 68.3% (${\pm}12.8%$). Neurological improvement occurred in all patients. Conclusion : Though controversy exists in the treatment of severe thoracolumbar burst fracture, we achieved effective radiological and clinical results in the cases of burst fractures causing severe canal compromise and spinal deformity by using this novel custom-designed instruments, via posterior approach alone.