• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제30권7호
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• pp.883-890
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• 2001

Objectives : An in vitro biomechanical study of posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PLIF) with threaded cage using two different approaches was performed on eighteen functional spinal units of bovine lumbar spines. The purpose of this study was to compare the segmental stiffnesses among PLIF with one long posterolateral cage, PLIF with one long posterolateral cage and simultaneous facet joint fixation, and PLIF with two posterior cages. Methods : Eighteen bovine lumbar functional spinal units were divided into three groups. All specimens were tested intact and with cage insertion. Group 1(n=12) had a long threaded cage($15{\times}36mm$) inserted posterolaterally and oriented counter anterolaterally on the left side by posterior approach with left unilateral facetectomy. Group 2(n=6) had two regular length cages($15{\times}24mm$) inserted posteriorly with bilateral facetectomy. Six specimens from group 1 were then retested after unilateral facet joint screw fixation in neutral(group 3). Likewise, the other six specimens from group 1 were retested after fixation with a facet joint screw in an extended position(group 4). Nondestructive tests were performed in pure compression, flexion, extension, lateral bending, and torsion. Results : PLIF with a single cage, group 1, had a significantly higher stiffnesses than PLIF with two cages, group 2, in left and right torsion(p<0.05). Group 1 showed higher stiffness values than group 2 in pure compression, flexion, left and right bending but were not significantly different. Group 3 showed a significant increase in stiffness in comparison to group 1 for pure compression, extension, left bending and right torsion(p<0.05). For group 4, the stiffness significantly increased in comparison to group 1 for extension, flexion and right torsion(p<0.05). Although there was no significant difference between groups 3 and 4, group 4 had increased stiffness in extension, flexion, right bending and torsion. Conclusion : Posterior lumbar interbody fusion with a single long threaded cage inserted posterolaterally with unilateral facetectomy enables sufficient decompression while maintaining a majority of the posterior elements. In combination with a facet joint screw fixation, adequate postoperative stability can be achieved. We suggest that posterolateral insertion of a long threaded cage is biomechanically an ideal alternative to PLIF.

• 동서간호학연구지
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• 제11권1호
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• pp.33-41
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• 2005

This study was conducted to identify the effect of meridian acupressure on defecation of patients with post spinal operation. The nonequivalent control group posttest only design was used. The data were obtained from 77 post spinal operative patients, 34 in the experimental 43 in control group in Y Hospital, Seoul, Korea. The neurosurgical unit A and B ward, assigned by matched sample by the name of operation such as laminectomy and posterior lumbar interbody fusion are performed. Meridian acupressure meant the method that an examiner presses response points distributed in the pass of energy vessel. In this study, meridian acupressure program was performed on as points in order of Hegue (LI-4), Zhigou (TE-6), Zusanli (S-36), Shangjuxu (S-37), Xiajuxu (S-39), Tianshu (S-25), Taichong (L-3) which was known to be related to large intestine. Data were collected from 1, July 2003 to 1, September 2003. Meridian acupressure program was carried out for 20 minutes 4 hours after operation twice daily. In order to evaluate the effect of meridian acupressure intervention, they were asked time of bowel recovery, gas passing, and defecation though questionnaire method. Data were analyzed by the SPSS/ WIN 11.0 program. The results of this study were summarized as follows; 1. Homogeneity tests of general characteristics and operation related characteristics of the experimental group and the control group were performed. General characteristics included age, sex, defecation habit, eating pattern, fluid intake, life style, activity, usage of laxative and etc. 2. Hypotheses were verification as follows; 1) Recovery of bowel sound of the experimental group who received meridian acupressure intervention was faster than that of the control group after spinal operation (t=-6.770,P=.000). 2) Time of gas passing of the experimental group who received meridian acupressure program was faster than that of the control group after spinal operation (t=-8.003, P=.000). 3) Time to defecation of the experimental group who received meridian acupressure program was faster than that of the control group after spinal operation (t=-9.026, P=.000). 4) Abdominal discomfort due to defecation of the experimental group who received meridian acupressure program was lesser than that of the control group after spinal operation (t=-3.431, P=.001). From these results, meridian acupressure intervention was effective for recovery of bowel sound, reduce time to gas passing, time to defecation and lessen abdominal discomfort due to defecation on post spinal operative patients. And therefore this intervention can probably considered on clinical practice.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제62권4호
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• pp.432-441
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• 2019

Objective : Few studies have reported direct comparative data of lumbar spine angles between direct lateral interbody fusion (DLIF) and oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF). The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes of DLIF and OLIF, and determine influential factors. Methods : The same surgeon performed DLIF from May 2011 to August 2014 (n=201) and OLIF from September 2014 to September 2016 (n=142). Radiological parameters, cage height, cage angle (CA), cage width (CW), and cage location were assessed. We checked the cage location as the distance (mm) from the anterior margin of the disc space to the anterior metallic indicator of the cage in lateral images. Results : There were significant differences in intervertebral foramen height (FH; $22.0{\pm}2.4$ vs. $21.0{\pm}2.1mm$, p<0.001) and sagittal disc angle (SDA; $8.7{\pm}3.3$ vs. $11.3{\pm}3.2^{\circ}$, p<0.001) between the DLIF and OLIF groups at 7 days postoperatively. CA ($9.6{\pm}3.0$ vs. $8.1{\pm}2.9^{\circ}$, p<0.001) and CW ($21.2{\pm}1.6$ vs. $19.2{\pm}1.9mm$, p<0.001) were significantly larger in the OLIF group compared to the DLIF group. The cage location of the OLIF group was significantly more anterior than the DLIF group ($6.7{\pm}3.0$ vs. $9.1{\pm}3.6mm$, p<0.001). Cage subsidence at 1 year postoperatively was significantly worse in the DLIF group compared to the OLIF group ($1.0{\pm}1.5$ vs. $0.4{\pm}1.1mm$, p=0.001). Cage location was significantly correlated with postoperative FH (${\beta}=0.273$, p<0.001) and postoperative SDA (${\beta}=-0.358$, p<0.001). CA was significantly correlated with postoperative FH (${\beta}=-0.139$, p=0.044) and postoperative SDA (${\beta}=0.236$, p=0.001). Cage location (${\beta}=0.293$, p<0.001) and CW (${\beta}=-0.225$, p<0.001) were significantly correlated with cage subsidence. Conclusion : The cage location, CA, and CW seem to be important factors which result in the different-radiological outcomes between DLIF and OLIF.

• Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery
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• 제10권4호
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• pp.439-447
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• 2018

Background: Since open Wiltse approach allows limited visualization for foraminal stenosis leading to an incomplete decompression, we report the short-term clinical and radiological results of unilateral biportal endoscopic foraminal decompression using $0^{\circ}$ or $30^{\circ}$ endoscopy with better visualization. Methods: We examined 31 patients that underwent surgery for neurological symptoms due to lumbar foraminal stenosis which was refractory to 6 weeks of conservative treatment. All 31 patients underwent unilateral biportal endoscopic far-lateral decompression (UBEFLD). One portal was used for viewing purpose, and the other was for surgical instruments. Unilateral foraminotomy was performed under guidance of $0^{\circ}$ or $30^{\circ}$ endoscopy. Clinical outcomes were analyzed using the modified Macnab criteria, Oswestry disability index, and visual analogue scale. Plain radiographs obtained preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively were compared to analyze the intervertebral angle (IVA), dynamic IVA, percentage of slip, dynamic percentage of slip (gap between the percentage of slip on flexion and extension views), slip angle, disc height index (DHI), and foraminal height index (FHI). Results: The IVA significantly increased from $6.24^{\circ}{\pm}4.27^{\circ}$ to $6.96^{\circ}{\pm}3.58^{\circ}$ at 1 year postoperatively (p = 0.306). The dynamic IVA slightly decreased from $6.27^{\circ}{\pm}3.12^{\circ}$ to $6.04^{\circ}{\pm}2.41^{\circ}$, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.375). The percentage of slip was $3.41%{\pm}5.24%$ preoperatively and $6.01%{\pm}1.43%$ at 1-year follow-up (p = 0.227), showing no significant difference. The preoperative dynamic percentage of slip was $2.90%{\pm}3.37%$; at 1 year postoperatively, it was $3.13%{\pm}4.11%$ (p = 0.720), showing no significant difference. The DHI changed from $34.78%{\pm}9.54%$ preoperatively to $35.05%{\pm}8.83%$ postoperatively, which was not statistically significant (p = 0.837). In addition, the FHI slightly decreased from $55.15%{\pm}9.45%$ preoperatively to $54.56%{\pm}9.86%$ postoperatively, but the results were not statistically significant (p = 0.705). Conclusions: UBEFLD using endoscopy showed a satisfactory clinical outcome after 1-year follow-up and did not induce postoperative segmental spinal instability. It could be a feasible alternative to conventional open decompression or fusion surgery for lumbar foraminal stenosis.

• Asian Spine Journal
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• 제12권6호
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• pp.1043-1052
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• 2018

Study Design: Level III retrospective cross-sectional study. Purpose: To define and characterize the presentation, symptom duration, and patient/surgical risk factors associated with 'post-decompressive neuropathy (PDN).' Overview of Literature: PDN is characterized by lower extremity radicular pain that is 'different' from pre-surgical radiculopathy or claudication pain. Although it is a common constellation of postoperative symptoms, PDN is incompletely characterized and poorly understood. We hypothesize that PDN is caused by an intraoperative neuropraxic event and may develop early (within 30 days following the procedure) or late (after 30 days following the procedure) within the postoperative period. Methods: Patients who consented to undergo lumbar laminectomy with or without an instrumented fusion for degenerative lumbar spine disease were followed up prospectively from July 2013 to December 2014. Relevant data were extracted from the charts of the eligible patients. Patient demographics and surgical factors were identified. Patients completed postoperative questionnaires 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. Questions were designed to characterize the postoperative pain that differed from preoperative pain. A diagnosis of PDN was established if the patient exhibited the following characteristics: pain different from preoperative pain, leg pain worse than back pain, a non-dermatomal pain pattern, and nocturnal pain that often disrupted sleep. A Visual Analog Scale was used to monitor the pain, and patients documented the effectiveness of the prescribed pain management modalities. Patients for whom more than one follow-up survey was missed were excluded from analysis. Results: Of the 164 eligible patients, 118 (72.0%) completed at least one follow-up survey at each time interval. Of these eligible patients, 91 (77.1%) described symptoms consistent with PDN. Additionally, 75 patients (82.4%) described early-onset symptoms, whereas 16 reported symptoms consistent with late-onset PDN. Significantly more female patients reported PDN symptoms (87% vs. 69%, p=0.03). Patients with both early and late development of PDN described their leg pain as an intermittent, constant, burning, sharp/stabbing, or dull ache. Early PDN was categorized more commonly as a dull ache than late-onset PDN (60% vs. 31%, p=0.052); however, the difference did not reach statistical significance. Opioids were significantly more effective for patients with early-onset PDN than for those with late-onset PDN (85% vs. 44%, p=0.001). Gabapentin was most commonly prescribed to patients who cited no resolution of symptoms (70% vs. 31%, p=0.003). Time to symptom resolution ranged from within 1 month to 1 year. Patients' symptoms were considered unresolved if symptoms persisted for more than 1 year postoperatively. In total, 81% of the patients with early-onset PDN reported complete symptom resolution 1 year postoperatively compared with 63% of patients with late-onset PDN (p=0.11). Conclusions: PDN is a discrete postoperative pain phenomenon that occurred in 77% of the patients who underwent lumbar laminectomy with or without instrumented fusion. Attention must be paid to the constellation and natural history of symptoms unique to PDN to effectively manage a self-limiting postoperative issue.

• 대한정형외과학회지
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• 제55권5호
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• pp.405-410
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• 2020

목적: 퇴행성 요추부 척추 질환에 대한 수술적 치료로 척추 경 나사못(pedicle screw) 삽입술이 전통적으로 사용되어왔다. 이에 대한 대안으로 제시된 피질골 궤도 나사못(cortical-bone trajectory screw)은 덜 침습적인 후방 요추부 고정이 가능한 점과 몇몇의 생체 역학 연구에서 보고한 우수한 기계적 안정성을 장점으로 가지고 있다. 본 연구의 목적은 후방 감압술 후 후방 고정술 및 유합을 시행한 환자에 있어 피질골 궤도 나사못 고정술의 초기 실패에 관한 사례의 임상적 및 방사선적 결과를 알아보고자 함에 있다. 대상 및 방법: 요추의 퇴행성 척추 협착 및 척추 전방 전위에 대한 전통적인 척추 경 나사못 고정을 대안하여 피질골 궤도 나사못을 사용하여 2013년부터 2018년까지 수술적 치료를 시행한 311명의 환자를 대상으로 하였다. 수술 후 조기 고정 실패는 수술 후 6개월째, 외래 추시에서 시행한 컴퓨터 단층촬영(computed tomography) 및 방사선 사진상 나사못의 이완, 이탈 및 파손과 같은 고정 실패가 일어날 시로 정의하였다. 결과: 조기 고정 실패는 311예 중 46예(14.8%), 나사못 이완이 46예(14.8%), 이탈이 12예(3.9%), 파손이 4예(1.3%)에서 발생하였다. 해당 고정 실패가 일어난 부위 분석 시, L1이 7예(15.2%), L2가 3예(6.5%), L3가 4예(8.7%), L4가 4예(8.7%), L5가 4예(8.7%), 그리고 S1이 24예(52.2%)였다. 주로 말단 피질골 궤도 나사못 중에서도 S1 나사못에서 이완, 이탈 및 파손과 같은 고정 실패가 주로 발생하였다. 결론: 피질골 궤도 나사못 고정은 기존의 척추 경 나사못 고정과 비교했을 때 동등한 임상 결과 또는 적은 합병증을 나타낼 수 있는 하나의 대안이 될 수 있으나 골다공증이 있거나 특히 L5-S1 유합부위에서 전방지지구조가 되지 않는 조건일 때, 이완, 이탈, 파손 등의 조기 고정 실패가 나타나는 결과가 있었다.

• Composites Research
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• 제25권4호
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• pp.98-104
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• 2012

본 논문에서는 척추체 간 유합용 케이지의 응력방패현상을 감소시키기 위하여 강성 차이에 대한 연구를 수행하였다. 최근 의료 임플란트 분야에서는 탄소섬유강화 폴리머를 이용하여 좋은 결과를 보여 왔다. 그러나 생체 역학적으로 이 재료에 대하여 요추체의 안정성과 골 이식재가 받는 응력에 관련한 연구는 없었다. 따라서 이전에 유효화한 요추체 (L2-L5) 비선형 유한 요소 모델을 이용하여 L4-L5 분절의 케이지의 강성 차이에 따른 효과를 알아보기 위하여 탄소섬유강화 폴리머와 티타늄 케이지를 이용한 후방 요추체 유합 모델을 만들었다. 자가골 보다 강성이 작은 탄소 섬유강화폴리머 케이지는 인접 분절의 하종판에 응력이 적게 걸리며, 골 이식재에 응력은 증가시켰다. 위의 결과로 탄소섬유강화 폴리머 케이지는 응력 방패 현상을 감소시킬 수 있을 뿐만 아니라 골 유합률을 증가시킬 수 있다.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제50권2호
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• pp.134-138
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• 2011

The authors report a case of epidural and extraforaminal calcification caused by repetitive triamcinolone acetonide injections. A 66-year-old woman was admitted presenting with lower extremity weakness and radiating pain in her left leg. Ten months before admission, the patient was diagnosed as having an L4-5 spinal stenosis and underwent anterior lumbar interbody fusion followed by posterior fixation. Her symptoms had been sustained and she did not respond to transforaminal steroid injections. Repetitive injections (10 times) had been performed on the L4-5 level for six months. She had been taking bisphosphonate as an antiresorptive agent for ten months after surgery. Calcification in the ventral epidural and extraforaminal space was detected. The gritty particles were removed during decompressive surgery and these were proven to be a dystrophic calcification. The patient recovered from weakness and radiating leg pain. Repetitive triamcinolone acetonide injections after discectomy may be the cause of dystrophic calcification not only in the degenerated residual disc, but also in the posterior longitudinal ligament. Possible mechanisms may include the toxicity of preservatives and the insolubility of triamcinolone acetonide. We should consider that repetitive triamcinolone injections in the postdisectomy state may cause intraspinal ossification and calcification.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제47권4호
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• pp.265-270
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• 2010

Objective : The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between asymptomatic urinary tract infection (aUTI) and postoperative spine infection. Methods : A retrospective review was done in 355 women more than 65 years old who had undergone laminectomy and/or discectomy, and spinal fusion, between January 2004 and December 2008. Previously postulated risk factors (i.e., instrumentation, diabetes, prior corticosteroid therapy, previous spinal surgery, and smoking) were investigated. Furthermore, we added aUTI that was not previously considered. Results : Among 355 patients, 42 met the criteria for aUTI (Bacteriuria ${\geq}\;10^5\;CFU/mL$ and no associated symptoms). A postoperative spine infection was evident in 15 of 355 patients. Of the previously described risk factors, multi-levels (p<0.05), instrumentation (p<0.05) and diabetes (p<0.05) were proven risk factors, whereas aUTI (p>0.05) was not statistically significant. However, aUTI with Foley catheterization was statistically significant when Foley catheterization was added as a variable to the all existing risk factors. Conclusion : aUTI is not rare in elderly women admitted to the hospital for lumbar spine surgery. The results of this study suggest that aUTI with Foley catheterization may be considered a risk factor for postoperative spine infection in elderly women. Therefore, we would consider treating aUTI before operating on elderly women who will need Foley catheterization.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• 제35권1호
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• pp.12-18
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• 2022

Purpose: Pedicle screw fixation provides 3-column stabilization, multidimensional control, and a higher rate of interbody fusion. Although computed tomography (CT) is recommended for the postoperative assessment of pedicle screw fixation, its use is limited due to the radiation exposure dose. The purpose of this preliminary retrospective study was to assess the clinical usefulness of low-dose mobile cone-beam CT (CBCT) for the postoperative evaluation of pedicle screw fixation. Methods: The author retrospectively reviewed postoperative mobile CBCT images of 15 patients who underwent posterior pedicle screw fixation for spinal disease from November 2019 to April 2020. Pedicle screw placement was assessed for breaches of the bony structures. The breaches were graded based on the Heary classification. Results: The patients included 11 men and four women, and their mean age was 66±12 years. Of the 122 pedicle screws, 34 (27.9%) were inserted in the thoracic segment (from T7 to T12), 82 (67.2%) in the lumbar segment (from L1 to L5), and six (4.9%) in the first sacral segment. Although there were metal-related artifacts, the image of the screw position (according to Heary classification) after surgery could be assessed using mobile CBCT at all levels (T7-S1). Conclusions: Mobile CBCT was accurate in determining the location and integrity of the pedicle screw and identifying the surrounding bony structures. In the postoperative setting, mobile CBCT can be used as a primary modality for assessing the accuracy of pedicle screw fixation and detecting postoperative complications.