• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.59 no.5
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• pp.512-517
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• 2016

Objective : The pathophysiology of idiopathic Chiari malformation (CM) type 1 is disturbance of free cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow and restoration of normal CSF flow is the mainstay of treatment. Additional migration of the medulla oblongata in pediatric patients is referred to as CM type 1.5, but its significance in adult patients is unknown. This study is to compare surgical outcomes of adult idiopathic CM type 1.5 with that of type 1. Methods : Thirty-eight consecutive adult patients (M : F=11 : 27; median, 33.5; range, 18-63) with syringomyelia due to idiopathic CM type 1 were reviewed. Migration of the medulla oblongata was noted in 13 patients. The modified McCormick scale (MMS) was used to evaluate functional status before and one year after surgery. All patients underwent foramen magnum decompression and duroplasty. Factors related to radiological success (${\geq}50%$ decrease in the diameter of the syrinx) were investigated. The follow-up period was $72.7{\pm}55.6$ months. Results : Preoperative functional status were MMS I in 11 patients and MMS II in 14 of CM type 1 and MMS I in 8 and II in 5 of CM type 1.5. Of patients with MMS II, 5/14 patients in group A and 3/5 patients in group B showed improvement and there was no case of deterioration. Radiological success was achieved in 32 (84%) patients and restoration of the cisterna magna (p=0.01; OR, 46.5) was the only significant factor. Conclusion : Migration of the medulla oblongata did not make a difference in the surgical outcome when the cisterna magna was restored.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.62-64
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• 2013

Hemifacial spasm is defined as unilateral, involuntary, irregular twitching of all or parts of the muscles innervated by facial nerves. Here, we present a case of recurrent hemifacial spasm after microvascular decompression (MVD) treated with pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment with good results. A 35-year-old woman suffered from recurrent hemifacial spasm after MVD that was refractory to medical treatment and botulinum toxin injections. We attempted a left facial nerve block twice. Then, we applied PRF at a maximum temperature of $42^{\circ}C$ for 120 sec. Some response was observed, so we applied PRF two additional times. The frequency of twitch decreased from 3-4 Hz to < 0.5 Hz, and subjective severity on a visual analogue scale also decreased from 10/10 to 2-3/10. PRF treatment might be an effective medical treatment for refractory hemifacial spasm and has fewer complications and is less invasive compared with those of surgery.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.107-112
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• 1972

Recently we experienced a case of the portal hypertension, extrahepatlc origin in the National Medical Center, Seoul. The case was a male aged 19 who was undergone the elective splenorenal shunt with splenectomy 9 years ago and emergency ligation of the coronary vein because of recurred variceal rupture 6 years later and had recurring esophageal varices with bleeding this time.At the age of 10 he had been occasionally suffering from nasal bleeding and visited to our Pediatric department, when there was encountered for the first time the splenomegaly, esophageal varices in the lower third esophagus on the esophagogram, and stenosis and kinking of the portal vein with rich collateral circulation on the splenoportography without hepatic functional impairment.The elective splenorenal shunt with splenectomy was undergone under the diagnosis of portal hypertension due to congenital anomaly of the portal vein and postoperatlvely no troubles had been obtained until postoperative 1st attack of massive hematemesis due to esophagenl variceal rupture recurred about 6 years later which was confirmed by control esophagogram and it was resulted by stenosis of previous anastomotic site of the splenorenal shunt.Then emergency ligation of the coronary vein was only made for bleeding control and no episodes of hematemesis had been encountered thereafter until April 1972 about 3 years after the 2nd operation, when hematemesis recurred again. In this time, recurring esophageal varices were noted in the lower third esophagus on the control esophagogram and he was employed side to end mesocaval shunt as the final step of portal decompression,and following results were obtained. 1] No postoperatlve troubles as leg edema or pain: Postoperatively leg elevation and elastic bandage on the both legs were employed until discharge. 2] During operation the portal pressure was 300 mm $H_2O$ and immediately lowered to 170 mm $H_2O$ after shunt.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.188-191
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• 2006

Objective : The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and necessity of combined anterior approach [discectomy and fusion] and posterior approach[open-door laminoplasty] in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Methods : The authors reviewed 14 cases in whom combined anterior and posterior approach performed for cervical myelopathy due to simultaneous anterior and posterior pathology such as huge central disc herniation with narrow spinal canal between January 2000 and December 2002. Clinical symptoms were evaluated by Japanese Orthopaedic Association [JOA] score and then the cervical curvature, change of spinal canal to vertebral body[SC/VB] ratio and canal widening were measured and compared to the clinical symptoms. Results : The mean JOA score increased from $10.4{\pm}3.1$ preoperatively to $14.8{\pm}1.2$ at the final follow up with a mean recovery rate 66.4%. In all cases, there were not neurologic deterioration. Mild postoperative complications developed in two cases. One patient had a limitation of range of neck motion and the other one showed kyphotic change. Postoperative radiography showed an improvement of body to canal ratios [average $0.70{\pm}0.08$ before surgery to $1.05{\pm}0.12$ after surgery and mainte nance or recovery of cervical lordosis. Canal widening of antero-posterior diameter and dimension after operation is 6.8mm. $116.61mm^2$. Conclusion : Combined anterior and posterior procedure could be helpful in decompression of the spinal cord and good functional recovery in spondylotic myelopathy patients with combined anterior and posterior pathology such as huge disc herniation accompanying narrow spinal canal.

• 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.66 no.3
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• pp.324-331
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• 2023

Objective : We aimed to analyze the effectiveness of external neurolysis on the common peroneal nerve (CPN) in patients with posture-induced compressive peroneal neuropathy (PICPNe). Further, we aimed to examine the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in assessing the severity of denervation status and predicting the postoperative prognosis. Methods : We included 13 patients (eight males and five females) with foot drop who underwent CPN decompression between 2018 and 2020. We designed a grading system for assessing the postoperative functional outcome. Additionally, we performed MRI to evaluate the denervation status of the affected musculature and its effect on postoperative recovery. Results : The median time to surgery was 3 months. The median preoperative ankle dorsiflexion and eversion grades were both 3, while the average functional grade was 1. Posterior crural intermuscular septum was the most common cause of nerve compression, followed by deep tendinous fascia and anterior crural intermuscular septum. There was a significant postoperative improvement in the median postoperative ankle dorsiflexion and eversion grades and average postoperative functional (4, 5, and 2.38, respectively). Preoperative ankle eversion was significantly correlated with denervation status. Additionally, the devernation status on MRI was positively correlated with the outcome favorability. However, denervation atrophy led to a less favorable outcome. Conclusion : Among patients with intractable PICPNe despite conservative management, surgical intervention could clinically improve motor function and functional ability. Additionally, MRI examination of the affected muscle could help diagnose CPNe and assess the postoperative prognosis.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.66 no.4
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• pp.426-437
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• 2023

Objective : To investigate the efficacy and safety of the posterior endoscopic cervical foraminotomy (PECF) using ultrasonic osteotome for the treatment of cervical osseous foraminal stenosis, focusing on introduction of the advantages of ultrasonic osteotome in partial pediculectomy and ventral osteophyte resection in PECF. Methods : Nineteen patients with cervical osseous foraminal stenosis who underwent PECF using ultrasonic osteotome in our institution between April 2018 and April 2021 were enrolled in this study. All the patients were followed up more than 12 months. The patients' medical data, as well as pre- and postoperative radiologic findings were thoroughly investigated. The visual analogue score (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, cervical dysfunction index (Neck disability index, NDI), and modified MacNab criteria were used to assess the surgical efficacy. Results : All the patients were successfully treated with PECF using ultrasonic osteotome. The pre- and postoperative VAS, NDI, and JOA scores were significantly improved (p<0.05). According to the modified MacNab criteria, 17 patients were assessed as "excellent", two patients were assessed as "good" at the last follow-up. There was no dura tear, nerve root damage, incision infection, neck deformity, or other complications. Conclusion : Adequate nerve root decompression can be accomplished successfully with the help of ultrasonic osteotome in PECF, which has the advantage of reducing the probability of damage to the nerve root and dura mater, in addition to the original merits of endoscopic surgery.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.232-237
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• 2005

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of arthroscopic direct cystic removal of popliteal cyst using 70 degree arthroscopy and posteromedial portal. Materials and Methods: From January 2003 to January 2004, 21 patients(23 cases) with popliteal cyst have been treated by direct cystic decompression with arthroscopy. The average age of the 21 patients was 54 years(range 35 to 78 years). There were 5 males and 16 females. Of the 23 cases,8 cases were occured in right side and 11 cases were occured in left side. 4 cases were both sides. In all cases, preoperative MRI were performed to detect combined intraarticular pathology. At 6 months and 1 year postoperatively, follow-up ultrasonography were performed to detect recurrence of cyst. We used Rauschning and Lindgren criteria for clinical evaluation. Results: All cases had no recurrence and no complaints of pain, swelling, or functional impairment at 1 year after surgery. At ultrasonography, no recurrence were founded. One complication was occurred. Postoperatively, Rauschning and Lindgren criteria were more than grade 1. Conclusion: Arthroscopic direct cystic removal using arthroscopy and posteromedial portal is an effective method in popliteal cyst surgery.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.805-812
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• 2001

Objectives : The goal of the surgical management of large and giant aneurysm is complete extirpation of the aneurysms with preservation or reconstruction of the parent artery. To improve the surgical management results of those aneurysms in the future, we review our experience and discuss technical maneuvers and strategies used to avoid potential complications of those aneurysm surgery. Material and Methods : During the past 12 years, thirty six cases of large and giant aneurysms(diameter>19mm) were managed by surgery. The clinical characteristics, treatment methods, surgical complications and outcome of those cases were analyzed and, based on the review of the literatures, the preventive methods of surgical complication related to the clipping of those aneurysms were discussed. Results : The locations of those aneurysms were anterior circulation in 34 cases and posterior circulation in 2 cases. The most frequent site of aneurysmal location was a paraclinoidal region of the anterior circulation. The aneurysms were managed surgically by direct clipping of aneurysmal neck in 31 cases, aneurysmal trapping followed by extracranial-intracranial bypass in 2 cases, proximal clipping of parent artery, aneurysmorrhaphy, and excision of aneurysm followed by end to end anastomosis of parent artery in each one case. Surgical complications occurred in 13 cases. A parent vessel occlusion by thrombus formation and parent vessel stenosis after clipping of aneurysm were the main complications. We obtained good outcome in 27, fair 5, poor 1 and dead in 3 case(s). Conclusion : We conclude that selection of suitable management method for each case, high quality of surgical technique and prevention of complication during operation are important key points for the successful treatment of large and giant aneurysm. The heparinization prior to application of temporary clip on parent vessels, aneurysmal decompression during dissection and clipping of aneurysm, complete closing of the aneurysmal neck and avoiding the narrowing of parent vessel after clipping of aneurysm were the main technical maneuvers used to avoid complications of those aneurysm surgery.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.59-64
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• 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of bioabsorbable knotless suture anchoring for isolated type II SLAP. Materials and Methods: Fourteen patients with isolated type II SLAP underwent a surgical repair with bioabsorbable knotless anchor arthroscopically. Instability, rotator cuff tears or simple subacromial decompression were excluded. The UCLA and pain of VAS (Visual Analogue Scale), ADL (Activity of Daily Living, from the American Shoulder and Elbow Society) were evaluated and patients underwent a thorough shoulder examination at a minimum follow-up period of 2 years postoperatively. Results: At a mean of 27.1 months follow-up. The mean UCLA score improved from 14.4 pre-operatively to 31.2 on last follow-up. The mean VAS for pain was 4.9 and on last follow-up 1.0. The mean VAS for instability was 2.6 and on last follow-up 0.5. The mean ADL was 10.4 and on last follow-up 25.0. 12 patients reported their satisfaction as good to excellent and 10 of the 14 patients returned to their pre-injury level of activity (athletics) (P<0.05). Conclusion: Arthroscopic repair with bioabsorbable knotless suture anchors is an effective surgical technique for the treatment of an isolated unstable type II SLAP lesion. Overall satisfaction was only 85.7%. 1 patient had severe stiffness and 1 patient had shoulder pain.