• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.59-71
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• 2013

Objectives The aim of this review is to figure out which acupoints are frequently used to treat low back pain and which exercises are effective to low back pain. Methods We searched the three electronic database (RISS, KISS, KTKP) and manually checked related Korean journals and reference lists up to June 2013. We investigated the frequency of acupoints for using treatment of low back pain. We Introduce exercise therapies we can do easily at home without professional skills for treatment low back pain. Results We included 72 articles in this study. The most frequently adopted acupoints were BL25, BL23, BL24, GB30, BL40, BL26, BL60, GB34, BL52, BL57, GB39. The most frequently adopted meridian pathways were BL, GB, GV, ST. The most frequently adopted disease causing low back pain were HIVD (Herniated intervertebral disc), Lumbar sprain, Spinal stenosis, Compression fracture, Cauda equina syndrome, Spondylolisthesis, Ankylosing spondylitis. There are many exercise therapies (Lumbar stabilizing exercise, Resistance exercise, Bareunmom physical exercise, Mckenzie exercise, Williams exercise, Emblass exercise, Swiss ball exercise, Thera band exercise, Yoga) for treatment low back pain. Conclusions These results suggest that most frequently adopted acupoints were foot taeyang urinary bladder channel acupoints. Beacuse foot taeyang urinary bladder channel is passes through the waist, it will be effective for treatment of low back pain. Also exercise therapy is effective for enhance Muscular strength. In order to treatment of low back pain, Acupuncture treatment is also important, as well as exercise therapy.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.221-226
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• 2008

Objective : The aim of the present study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the dynamic stabilization system in the treatment of degenerative spinal diseases. Methods : The study population included 20 consecutive patients (13 females, 7 males) with a mean age of $61{\pm}6.98$ years (range 46-70) who underwent decompression and dynamic stabilization with the Dynesys system between January 2005 and August 2006. The diagnoses included spinal stenosis with degenerative spondylolisthesis (9/20, 45%), degenerative spinal stenosis (5/20, 25%), adjacent segmental disease after fusion (3/20, 15%), spinal stenosis with degenerative scoliosis (2/20, 10%) and recurrent intervertebral lumbar disc herniation (1/20, 5%). All of the patients completed the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Korean version of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The following radiologic parameters were measured in all patients : global lordotic angles and segmental lordotic angles (stabilized segments, above and below adjacent segments). The range of motion (ROM) was then calculated. Results : The mean follow-up period was $27.25{\pm}5.16$ months (range 16-35 months), and 19 patients (95%) were available for follow-up. One patient had to have the implant removed. There were 30 stabilized segments in 19 patients. Monosegmental stabilization was performed in 9 patients (47.3%), 9 patients (47.3%) underwent two segmental stabilizations and one patient (5.3%) underwent three segmental stabilizations. The most frequently treated segment was L4-5 (15/30, 50%), followed by L3-4 (12/30, 40%) and L5-S1 (3/30, 10%). The VAS decreased from $8.55{\pm}1.21$ to $2.20{\pm}1.70$ (p<0.001), and the patients' mean score on the Korean version of the ODI improved from $79.58%{\pm}15.93%$ to $22.17%{\pm}17.24%$ (p<0.001). No statistically significant changes were seen on the ROM at the stabilized segments (p=0.502) and adjacent segments (above segments, p=0.453, below segments, p=0.062). There were no patients with implant failure. Conclusion : The results of this study show that the Dynesys system could preserve the motion of stabilized segments and provide clinical improvement in patients with degenerative spinal stenosis with instability. Thus, dynamic stabilization systems with adequate decompression may be an alternative surgical option to conventional fusion in selected patients.

• Composites Research
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.98-104
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• 2012

In recent years, degenerative spinal instability has been effectively treated with a cage. However, little attention is focused on the stiffness of the cage. Recent advances in the medical implant industry have resulted in the use of medical carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) cages. The biomechanical advantages of using different cage material in terms of stability and stresses in bone graft are not fully understood. A previously validated three-dimensional, nonlinear finite element model of an intact L2-L5 segment was modified to simulate posterior interbody fusion cages made of CFRP and titanium at the L4-L5 disc with pedicle screw, to investigate the effect of cage stiffness on the biomechanics of the fused segment in the lumbar region. From the results, it could be found that the use of a CFRP cage would not only reduce stress shielding, but it might also have led to increased bony fusion.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.53-60
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• 2011

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to find out the relation between the height of intercrestal line, and HIVD(Herniated Intervertebral Disc)of Lumbar spine. Methods : We investigated 445 cases (208 male, 237 female) of patients who were diagnosed as HIVD of L-spine at either L4/5 or L5/S1 level. We analysed the relation between the height of intercrestal line and the level of HIVD. Results : 1. Among 445 cases, the level of intercrestal line with HIVD of L-spine at the specific location was different between male and female. In male, the intercrestal line is more likely to be located at L4 level, while in female more likely to be located at L5 level. 2. Among 445 cases, L5/S1 HIVD patients(272, 61.1%) were more than L4/5 HIVD patients(173, 38.9%). At L4 body area, L4/5 HIVD patients were more than L5/S1 HIVD patients, however, at L4/5 intervertebral area and L5 body area, L5/S1 HIVD patients were more than L4/5 HIVD patients. (p<0.01) 3. When the line is located at higher level, HIVD of L-spine tends to be occurred at L4/5 level. Contrastly, when the line is located at lower level, HIVD of L-spine tends to be occurred at L5/S1 level. (p<0.01) Conclusions : High intercrestal line leads to L4/5 HIVD, while low intercrestal line leads to L5/S1 HIVD. Possibly, it is caused by different length and thickness of the iliolumbar ligament.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.62 no.5
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• pp.561-566
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• 2019

Objective : Functional outcomes have traditionally been evaluated and compared using subjective surveys, such as visual analog scores (VAS), the Oswestry disability index (ODI), and Short Form-36 (SF-36), to assess symptoms and quality of life. However, these surveys are limited by their subjective natures and inherent bias caused by differences in patient perceptions of symptoms. The Fitbit $Charge^{(R)}$ (Fitbit Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA) provides accurate and objective measures of physical activity. The use of this device in patients after laminectomy would provide objective physical measures that define ambulatory function, activity level, and degree of recovery. Therefore, the present study was conducted to identify relationships between the number of steps taken by patients per day and VAS pain scores, prognoses, and postoperative functional outcomes. Methods : We prospectively investigated 22 consecutive patients that underwent laminectomy for spinal stenosis or a herniated lumbar disc between June 2015 and April 2016 by the same surgeon. When patients were admitted for surgery and first visited after surgery, preoperative and postoperative functional scores were recorded using VAS scores, ODI scores, and SF-36. The VAS scores and physical activities were recorded daily from postoperative day (POD) 1 to POD 7. The relationship between daily VAS scores and daily physical activities were investigated by simple correlation analysis and the relationship between mean number of steps taken and ODI scores after surgery was subjected to simple regression analysis. In addition, Wilcoxon's signed-rank test was used to investigate the significance of pre-to-postoperative differences in VAS, ODI, and SF-36 scores. Results : Pre-to-postoperative VAS (p<0.001), ODI (p<0.001), SF-36 mental composite scores (p=0.009), and SF-36 physical composite scores (p<0.001) scores were found to be significantly different. Numbers of steps taken from POD 1 to POD 7 were negatively correlated with daily VAS scores (r=-0.981, p<0.001). In addition, the mean number of steps from POD 3 to POD 7 and the decrease in ODI conducted one month after surgery were statistically significant (p=0.029). Conclusion : Wearable devices are not only being used increasingly by consumers as lifestyle devices, but are also progressively being used in the medical area. This is the first study to demonstrate the usefulness of a wearable device for checking patient physical activity and predicting pain and prognosis after laminectomy. Based on our experience, the wearable device used to provide measures of physical activity in the present study has the potential to provide objective information on pain severity and prognosis.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.62 no.4
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• pp.414-421
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• 2019

Objective : To evaluate 3-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of Kambin's safe zone to calculate maximum cannula diameter permissible for safe percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy. Methods : Fifty 3D MRIs of 19 males and 31 females (mean, 47 years) were analysed. Oblique, axial and sagittal views were used for image analysis. Three authors calculated the inscribed circle (cannula diameter) individually, within the neural (original) and bony Kambin's triangle in oblique views, disc heights on sagittal views and root to facet distances at upper and lower end plate levels on axial views and their averages were taken. Results : The mean root to facet distances at upper end plate level measured on axial sections increased from $3.42{\pm}3.01mm$ at L12 level to $4.57{\pm}2.49mm$ at L5S1 level. The mean root to facet distances at lower end plate level measured on axial sections also increased from $6.07{\pm}1.13mm$ at L12 level to $12.9{\pm}2.83mm$ at L5S1 level. Mean maximum cannula diameter permissible through the neural Kambin's triangle increased from $5.67{\pm}1.38mm$ at L12 level to $9.7{\pm}3.82mm$ at L5S1 level. The mean maximum cannula diameter permissible through the bony Kambin's triangle also increased from $4.03{\pm}1.08mm$ at L12 level to $6.11{\pm}1mm$ at L5S1 level. Only 2% of the 427 bony Kambin's triangles could accommodate a cannula diameter of 8mm. The base of the bony Kambin's triangle taken in oblique view (3D MRI) was significantly higher than the root to facet distance at lower end plate level taken in axial view. Conclusion : The largest mean diameter of endoscopic cannula passable through "bony" Kambin's triangle was distinctively smaller than the largest mean diameter of endoscopic cannula passable through "neural" Kambin's triangle at all levels. Although proximity of exiting root to the facet joint is always taken into consideration before PELD procedure, our 3D MRI based anatomical study is the first to provide actual maximum cannula dimensions permissible in this region.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.64 no.4
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• pp.562-574
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• 2021

Objective : This study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of demineralized bone matrix (DBM) gel versus DBM gel with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) used in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Methods : This study was designed as a prospective, multi-center, double-blind method, randomized study. All randomized subjects underwent TLIF with DBM gel with rhBMP-2 group (40 patients) as an experimental group or DBM gel group (36 patients) as a control group. Post-operative observations were performed at 12, 24, and 48 weeks. The spinal fusion rate on computed tomography scans and X-rays films, Visual analog scale pain scores, Oswestry disability index and SF-36 quality of life (QOL) scores were used for the efficacy evaluation. The incidence rate of adverse device effects (ADEs) and serious adverse device effects (SADEs) were used for safety evaluation. Results : The spinal fusion rate at 12 weeks for the DBM gel with rhBMP-2 group was higher with 73.68% compared to 58.82% for the DBM gel group. The 24 and 48 weeks were 72.22% and 82.86% for the DBM gel with rhBMP-2 group and 78.79% and 78.13%, respectively, for the DBM gel group. However, there were no significant differences between two groups in the spinal fusion rate at 12, 24, and 48 weeks post-treatment (p=0.1817, p=0.5272, p=0.6247). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the incidence rate of ADEs (p=0.3836). For ADEs in the experimental group, 'Pyrexia' (5.00%) was the most common ADE, followed by 'Hypesthesia', 'Paresthesia', 'Transient peripheral paralysis', 'Spondylitis' and 'Insomnia' (2.50%, respectively). ADEs reported in control group included 'Pyrexia', 'Chest discomfort', 'Pain', 'Osteoarthritis', 'Nephropathy toxic', 'Neurogenic bladder', 'Liver function analyses' and 'Urticaria' (2.86%, respectively). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the incidence rate of SADEs (p=0.6594). For SADE in the experimental group, ''Pyrexia' and 'Spondylitis' were 2.50%. SADE reported in the control group included 'Chest discomfort', 'Osteoarthritis' and 'Neurogenic bladder'. All SADEs described above were resolved after medical treatment. Conclusion : This study demonstrated that the spinal fusion rates of DBM gel group and DBM gel with rhBMP-2 group were not significantly different. But, this study provides knowledge regarding the earlier postoperative effect of rhBMP-2 containing DBM gel and also supports the idea that the longer term follow-up results are essential to confirm the safety and effectiveness.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.21-35
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• 2006

Objectives : Herniation of Nucleus Pulposus(HNP) of Cervical is the most important reason that causes Cervical pain. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of Carthmi-Flos Herbal acua-acupuncture therapy for Cervical disc Herniation patients. Methods : To evaluate the effectiveness of Carthmi-Flos Herbal acua-Acupuncture Therapy, 20 patients were treated by Carthmi-Flos Herbal acua-acupuncture therapy. To estimate the efficacy of treatment, we used Quardruple Visual Analog Scale (QVAS). Results & Conclusion : 1. As a objectivity treatment record, they test treatment record good 35%, fair 35%, excellent 30%. 2. After Carthmi-Flos acua-acupuncture therapy, pain rate changed from 8.80 to 5.40 3. By the results which puts out the statistics in sex , a pain rate of male changed from 8.57$({\pm}1.51)$ to 2.71$({\pm}2.63)$, a pain rate of female 8.92$({\pm}0.95)$ to 3.77$({\pm}2.09)$. Intentional difference is none as a therapy. 4. By the results which puts out the statistics in age, after forties changed from 9.07$({\pm}0.88)$ to 3.80$({\pm}2.43)$ and before forties changed from 8.00$({\pm}1.58)$ to 2.20$({\pm}1.30)$. Intentional difference is none as a therapy. 5. By the results which puts out the statistics in Duration, pain rate of the acutest group changed from 8.36$({\pm}1.12)$ to 2.18$({\pm}1.08)$, pain rate of the subacute group changed from 9.80$({\pm}0.45)$, to 5.20$({\pm}2.68)$, pain rate of the chronic group changed from 8.67$({\pm}1.53)$ to 3.33$({\pm}1.53)$. Intentional difference is none as a therapy. 6. By the results which puts out the statistics in the reading of Lumbar MID, pain rate of the Bulging type changed from 9.00$({\pm}1.05)$ to 4.30$({\pm}2.67)$, pain rate of the Protruded type changed from 8.50$({\pm}1.00)$, to 3.50$({\pm}1.29)$, pain rate of the Extruded type changed from 6.00 to 1.00, pain rate of the Mixed type changed from 9.20$({\pm}0.84)$ to 2.00$({\pm}1.23)$, Intentional difference is none as a therapy.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.496-500
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• 2010

Objective : Surgical treatment of lumbosacral foraminal stenosis requires an understanding of the anatomy of the lumbosacral area in individual patients. Unilateral facetectomy has been used to completely decompress entrapment of the L5 nerve root, followed in some patients by posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) with stand-alone cages Methods : We assessed 34 patients with lumbosacral foraminal stenosis who were treated with unilateral facetectomy and PLIF using stand-alone cages in our center from January 2004 to September 2007. All the patients underwent follow-up X-rays, including a dynamic view, at 3, 6, 12, 24 months, and computed tomography (CT) at 24 months postoperatively. Clinical outcomes were analyzed with the mean numeric rating scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Odom's criteria. Radiological outcomes were assessed with change of disc height, defined as the average of anterior, middle, and posterior height in plain X-rays. In addition, lumbosacral fusion was also assessed with dynamic X-ray and CT. Results : Mean NRS score, which was 9.29 prior to surgery, was 1.5 at 18 months after surgery. The decrease in NRS was statistically significant. Excellent and good groups with regard to Odom's criteria were 31 cases (91%) and three cases (9%) were fair. Pre-operative mean ODI of 28.4 decreased to 14.2 at post-operative 24 months. In 30 patients, a bone bridge on CT scan was identified. The change in disc height was 8.11 mm, 10.02 mm and 9.63 mm preoperatively, immediate postoperatively and at 24 months after surgery, respectively. Conclusion : In the treatment of lumbosacral foraminal stenosis, unilateral facetectomy and interbody fusion using expandable stand-alone cages may be considered as one treatment option to maintain post-operative alignment and to obtain satisfactory clinical outcomes.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.381-385
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• 2008

A 69-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for deep vein thrombosis, and he had experienced two episodes of left leg swelling: one happened after an 11 hour-air trip from Europe in June 2007, and the other developed 3 days after an operation for a herniated lumbar disc in July 2007. We treated him for a deep vein thrombosis of the deep femoral vein after admission. However, we arrived at the final diagnosis of angioleiomyosarcoma after the operation for the tentative diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis. We removed the firmly engorged deep femoral vein on the second operation. We report here on a case of angioleiomyosarcoma that arose from the deep femoral vein.