• The Korean Journal of Pain
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.111-115
• /
• 2007

Background: Selective diagnostic blocks of the medial branches of the dorsal primary ramus are usually performed under the guidance of fluoroscopic or computed tomography. Recently, however, ultrasound guidance has been suggested as an altemative method. In this study, the distances between the vertebral structures were measured and compared with the values measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the clinical feasibility of using ultrasound-guided block in Korean patients. Methods: Five male and 15 female patients were enrolled in this study. The target point of the medial branch block in our study was the groove at the base of the superior articular process, We measured the depth from the skin to the target point at the transverse process (d-TP) and to the most superficial point of the superior articular process (d-AP). Results: The d-TP and d-AP values measured under ultrasound guidance were concordant with the values measured using MRI. Conclusions: The images of the bony landmarks obtained under ultrasound examination could be useful for ultrasound-guided lumbar medial branch block.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.63 no.6
• /
• pp.747-756
• /
• 2020

Objective : To evaluate the effectiveness and long-term outcome predictors of percutaneous sacroplasty (PSP). Methods : This single-center study assessed 40 patients with sacral insufficiency fractures using the short-axis technique under C-arm flat-panel detector computed tomography (CT). Two radiologists reviewed the patients' magnetic resonance and CT images to obtain imaging findings before PSP and determine technical success, respectively. The short-term outcomes were visual analog scale score changes and opioid usage reductions. Long-term outcomes were determined using telephone interviews and the North American Spine Society (NASS) patient-satisfaction index at least one year after PSP. Results : Technical success was achieved without any significant complications in 39 patients (97.5%). Telephone interviews were possible with 12 patients and failed in 10 patients; death was confirmed in 18 patients. Fifteen patients (50%) re-visited the hospital and received conservative treatment, including spinal injections. Nine patients reported positive satisfaction (NASS patient-satisfaction index 1 or 2), while the negative satisfaction group (NASS patient-satisfaction index 3 or 4, n=3) showed a higher incidence of compression fractures at the thoracolumbar spine level (66.7% vs. 22.2%) and previous spinal injection history (66.7% vs. 33.3%). The poor response group also showed higher incidences of facet joint arthrosis (100% vs. 55.6%), central canal stenosis (100% vs. 22.2%), neural foraminal stenosis (33.3% vs. 22.2%), scoliosis (100% vs. 33.3%), and sagittal malalignment (100% vs. 44.4%). Conclusion : PSP was effective for sacral insufficiency fractures and showed good long-term outcomes. Combined compression fractures in the thoracolumbar spine and degenerative lumbar pathologies could be possible poor outcome predictors.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
• /
• v.56 no.4
• /
• pp.351-356
• /
• 2021

A 67-year-old male patient with a history of epididymectomy and anti-tuberculosis treatment for epididymis tuberculosis was admitted for acute low back pain and radiating pain. The patient had no history of gout but showed hyperuricemia and a bone destruction lesion in the facet joint and lamina of the lumbar spine. A histology examination was performed after a computed tomography-guided needle biopsy, and the findings were compatible with gout spondyloarthropathy and tuberculous spondylitis. The acute symptoms improved after conservative treatment for gouty arthritis. When patients with hyperuricemia risk factors, such as taking anti-tuberculosis drugs, complain of acute low back pain, gout spondyloarthropathy should be considered in a differential diagnosis.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.255-260
• /
• 2002

Purpose: SAPHO syndrome is well known to various disease entities including synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and polyarthritis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate sicntigraphic findings and to compare with radiologic findings in SAPHO syndrome. Materials and Methods: Five patients (M:F=5.0, Age $22.8{\pm}4.78$ yrs) with SAPHO syndrome were enrolled in our study. All patients underwent whole-body bone scintigraphy with intravenous administration of 740 MBq of Tc-99m MDP. Among them, two patients were additionally perfomed SPECT of the spine to evaluate the location and extort of spinal lesion. Results: All patients were demonstrated abnormal increased uptakes in sternoclavicular joint (SC), sacroiliac joint (SI), and small joints of both hands. Among them, three patients were bilateral involvement (3/5) and two were unilateral (2/5) in SC. involvement of SI showed bilateral in four patients (4/5) and unilateral in one (1/5). SPECT images demonstrate that the lesion sites of the lumbar spine are more likely facet joints than vertebral bodies or pedicles. Conclusion: As SAPHO syndrome is the disease entity involved polyarticular joints with various dermatologic manifestations, the bone scintigraphy may be a very useful method to evaluate the location and extent of joint involvement, and to avoid inadequate surgical management or ineffective antibiotic treatment.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
• /
• v.38 no.6
• /
• pp.522-527
• /
• 2004

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) of bone using Tc-99m MDP in the diagnosis of osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Materials and Methods: Thirty two patients with osteoporotic vertebral fracture were included in this study (mean age: $67{\pm}8$, male: 5, female: 27). Seventy nine vertebral fractures were detected (38 thoracic/thoracolumbar lesions and 41 lumbar lesions), which were classified by type of deformity (wedge, biconcave or compression). The patterns and locations of increased uptakes were examined and analyzed. Results: Forty seven wedge fractures, 20 biconcave fractures and 12 compression fractures were found. Diffuse and asymmetric uptakes were common in fractured bodies. More than one uptake were examined in 69 posterior elements of fractured vertebrae (87.3%) including 40 of 47 wedge fractures (85.1%), 17 of 20 biconcave fractures (85.0%) and 12 of 12 compression fractures (100%). Wedge fractures were predominant fracture in thoracic/thoracolumbar spine whereas incidence of biconcave or compression type war similar to that of wedge fracture in lumbar spine (p=0.04). Spinous process uptake was more frequently seen in lumbar lesions than thoracic/thoracolumbar lesions (p=0.009). Facet joint uptake in biconcave fracture was more common in lumbar spine (92.3%) than thoracic/thoracolumbar spine (57.1%). Spinous process uptake in biconcave fracture was also more frequently detected in lumbar spine (p=0.043). Conclusion: Bone SPECT was useful in the evaluation of osteoporotic vertebral fracture, especially posterior elements of vertebrae.

• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
• /
• v.7 no.1
• /
• pp.33-38
• /
• 2014

Purpose: To determine the therapeutic effectiveness of ultrasound-guided medial branch block (MBB) for the herniated lumbar disc patients who did not relieve their symptoms after percutaneous epidural neuroplasty (PEN). Materials and Methods: From August 2011 to February 2013, 559 patients with herniated lumbar disc have undergone PEN. Among them, ultrasound-guided MBBs were performed for the patients who had sustained low back pain and refered pain to lower extremities. Eighty eight patients were followed at 1 month and 39 patients could be followed at 6 month. All procedures have been performed by the one operator, and 23 G, 10 cm needle was placed and 0.5% lidocaine was injected under ultrasound guide. To target medial branches from L1 to L5, the groove at the root of transverse process and the base of superior articular process has been identified on transverse scan. Patients were evaluated by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at each follow-up. Significant pain relief was described as a 50% or more reduction in VAS and significant improvement in function was described as at least a 40% reduction in ODI. Results: VAS showed that preprocedure pain ($7.35{\pm}1.68$; $mean{\pm}SD$) significantly decreased 1 month after block ($3.36{\pm}2.98$) and 6 month ($3.05{\pm}2.27$) (p<0.05). ODI also showed that preprocedure score ($32.82{\pm}8.77$) significantly decreased at 1 month ($15.14{\pm}14.01$) and 6 month ($12.97{\pm}8.82$) (p<0.05). Significant pain relief was observed in 64.49% at 1 month and 64.10% at 6 month. Significant functional improvement in 59.81% at 1 month and 61.54% at 6 month. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided medial branch block may sufficiently treat the facet problems secondary from disc disease.