• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제62권4호
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• pp.422-431
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• 2019

Objective : In an aging society, the number of patients with symptomatic degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) is increasing and there is an emerging need for fusion surgery. However, few studies have compared transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) for the treatment of patients with DS. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes between TLIF and LLIF in DS. Methods : We enrolled patients with symptomatic DS at L4-5 who underwent TLIF with open pedicle screw fixation (TLIF group, n=41) or minimally invasive LLIF with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (LLIF group, n=39) and were followed-up for more than one year. Clinical (visual analog scale and Oswestry disability index) and radiological outcomes (spondylolisthesis rate, segmental sagittal angle [SSA], mean disc height [MDH], intervertebral foramen height [FH], cage subsidence, and fusion rate) were assessed. And we assessed the changes in radiological parameters between the postoperative and the last follow-up periods. Results : Preoperative radiological parameters were not significantly different between the two groups. LLIF was significantly superior to TLIF in immediate postoperative radiological results, including reduction of spondylolisthesis rate (3.8% and 7.2%), increase in MDH (13.9 mm and 10.3 mm) and FH (21.9 mm and 19.4 mm), and correction of SSA ($18.9^{\circ}$ and $15.6^{\circ}$) (p<0.01), and the changes were more stable from the postoperative period to the last follow-up (p<0.01). Cage subsidence was observed significantly less in LLIF (n=6) than TLIF (n=21). Fusion rate was not different between the two groups. The clinical outcomes did not differ significantly at any time point between the two groups. Complications were not statistically significant. However, TLIF showed chronic mechanical problems with screw loosening in four patients and LLIF showed temporary symptoms associated with the surgical approach, such as psoas and ileus muscle symptoms in three and two cases, respectively. Conclusion : LLIF was more effective than TLIF for spondylolisthesis reduction, likely due to the higher profile cage and ligamentotactic effect. In addition, LLIF showed mechanical stability of the reduction level by using a cage with a larger footprint. Therefore, LLIF should be considered a surgical option before TLIF for patients with unstable DS.

• 한국정밀공학회:학술대회논문집
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• 한국정밀공학회 2006년도 춘계학술대회 논문집
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• pp.513-514
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• 2006

Recently intradiscal electrothermal therapy is introduced, which is a new and minimally invasive technique fer the treatment of discogenic low back pain. This procedure involves the percutaneous threading of a flexible catheter into the disc under fluoroscopic guidance. The catheter, composed of thermal resistive coil, heats the posterior annulus of the disc, causing contraction of collagen fibers and destruction of afferent nociceptors. This study tries to investigate the effects of the important factors of this procedure such as heat source temperature and heat applying time on the temperature distribution within the intervertebral disc. This study utilized both computer simulation and the experiment for the verification of finite element analysis. FE analysis was carried out with ANSYS v7.0 (ANSYS Inc, USA) using 10,980 number of brick element and 12,551 number of node. The functional spinal units of 5 month old swine were used for the experiment and the temperature was monitored using 10 channel temperature measurement device MV200. Through this study, it was able to analyze the temperature range of inner intervertebral disc by two mechanisms which are known to alleviate pain clinically. The results showed that when the heat source temperature was kept up 80 degree for 1,020 seconds, the temperature of inner annulus reached at 45 degree up to the distance of 15.6mm from heat source, which explains coagulation of inner annulus by heat. When the same heat source was used, the temperature of inner nucleus reached at 60 degree up to the distance of 9mm from heat source, which explains contraction of inner nucleus by heat.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제29권12호
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• pp.1577-1583
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• 2000

Objectives : Among the various types of minimally invasive spine surgeries, thoracoscopic surgery is becoming more widely accepted and increasingly utilized. This report delineates our clinical experience using thoracoscopy to resect herniated thoracic discs in 16 patients who suffered from myelopathy or intolerable radiculopathy. Patients and Methods : Between Mar. 1997 and Sep. 1999, 16 consecutive patients underwent thoracoscopic discectomy for treatment of herniated thoracic discs. There were 12 men and 4 women(mean age 43.5 years ; range 18-61 years). Eleven patients presented with myelopathic signs and symptoms from spinal cord compression and 5 patients had incapacitating thoracic radicular pain without myelopathy. The surgical level was varied between T3 and T12. The pathology of specimen were 11 hard discs and 5 soft discs herniations. Thoracoscopic techniques were performed with long narrow spine instruments and high speed drill through 3 or 4 ports under one lung ventilated general anesthesia. During the operation three patients were converted to open thoracotomy due to intolerable one lung ventilation, excessive bleeding and inadequate operation field. The mean operation time was 264min.(range : 100-420min.), and postoperative mean admission period was 11 days. Results : Clinical and neurological outcomes were good in all patients(mean follow-up period 20 months). Among the eleven myelopathic patients, 8 improved neurologically, and 3 stabilized. Among the five radiculopathic patients, 4 recovered completely and no patient had worsened. Postoperative complications were pleural effusion in one case, intercostal neuralgia in one, delayed hemopneumothorax in one, prolonged air leakage in one and pneumonia in one case. Conclusions : Thoracoscopic discectomy needs a steep learning curve to be familiar to anatomical space and handling of endoscopic instruments. However, it is technically feasible and can be effectively performed with acceptable results.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제52권5호
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• pp.491-494
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• 2012

We report a rare complication of iatrogenic spinal intradural following minimally invasive extradural endoscopic procedues in the lumbo-sacral spines. To our knowledge, intradural cyst following epiduroscopy has not been reported in the literature. A 65-year-old woman with back pain related with previous lumbar disc surgery underwent endoscopic epidural neuroplasty and nerve block, but her back pain much aggravated after this procedure. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large intradural cyst from S1-2 to L2-3 displacing the nerve roots anteriorly. On T1 and T2-weighted image, the signal within the cyst had the same intensity as cerebrospinal fluid. The patient underwent partial laminectomy of L5 and intradural exploration, and fenestration of the cystic wall was accomplished. During operation, the communication between the cyst and subarachnoid space was not identified, and the content of the cyst was the same as that of cerebrospinal fluid. Postoperatively, the pain attenuated immediately. Incidental durotomy which occurred during advancing the endoscope through epidural space may be the cause of formation of the intradural cyst. Intrdural cyst should be considered, if a patient complains of new symptoms such as aggravation of back pain after epiduroscopy. Surgical treatment, simple fenestration of the cyst may lead to improved outcome. All the procedures using epiduroscopy should be performed with caution.

• 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.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제50권4호
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• pp.332-340
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• 2011

Objective : Pyogenic spondylitis often results in acute neurological deterioration requiring adequate surgical intervention and appropriate antibiotic treatment. The purpose of this study was to conduct an analysis of the clinical effect of continuous irrigation via laminotomy in a series of patients with pyogenic spondylitis in thoracic and lumbar spine. Methods : The authors conducted a retrospective investigation of 31 consecutive patients with pyogenic thoracic and lumbar spondylitis who underwent continuous irrigation through laminotomy from 2004 to 2008. The study included 22 men and 9 women, ranging in age from 38 to 78 years (mean 58.1 years). The average follow-up duration was 13.4 months (range, 8-34 months). We performed debridement and abscess removal after simple laminotomy, and then washed out epidural and disc space using a continuous irrigation system. Broad spectrum antibiotics were administered empirically and changed according to the subsequent culture result. Clinical outcomes were based on the low back outcome scale (LBOS), visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and Frankel grade at the last follow-up. Radiological assessment involved plain radiographs, including functional views. Results : Common predisposing factors included local injection for pain therapy, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, and liver cirrhosis. Causative microorganisms were identified in 22 cases (70.9%) : Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp. were the main organisms. After surgery, LBOS, VAS score, and Frankel grade showed significant improvement in most patients. Spinal stability was maintained during the follow-up period, making secondary reconstructive surgery unnecessary for all patients, except one. Conclusion : Simple laminotomy with continuous irrigation by insertion of a catheter into intervertebral disc space or epidural space was minimally invasive and effective in the treatment of pyogenic spondylitis. This procedure could be a beneficial treatment option in patients with thoracolumbar spondylitis combined with minimal or moderate destructive change of vertebrae.

• 대한골관절종양학회지
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• 제10권2호
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• pp.88-95
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• 2004

목적: 통증을 동반한 유골 골종의 치료는 일반적으로 수술적 절제로 이루어졌으나, 그 침습성으로 인하여 술후 통증 및 일정 동안의 회복 시간이 필요하였다. 최소 침습적인 방법인 경피적 고주파 열치료를 이용한 유골 골종의 치료는 술 후 통증이 적고, 회복이 빠르며, 재발은 수술적 방법과 비슷한 것으로 보고되어 있다. 이에 저자들은 본원에서 시행한 경피적 고주파 열치료의 임상 결과를 보고하고자 한다. 대상 및 방법: 1999년 4월에서 2004년 5월 사이에 삼성서울병원에 내원하여 유골 골종으로 진단된 환자 22명, 22례를 전산화 단층 촬영 도움 하에 경피적 고주파 열치료를 시행하였다. 평균 연령은 26.5(7~55)세였고, 남자가 15명, 여자가 7명이었다. 이 중 2례는 외부에서 치료 받은 후 재발한 경우였다. 병변의 위치는 대퇴골 13, 경골 4, 비골 1, 상완골 1, 장골 1, 좌골 1, 천골 1례였다. 시술 전 3례에서 경피적 생검을 시행하여 확진 하였고, 나머지는 임상양상 및 방사선 소견으로 진단하였다. 전신 또는 척추 마취 하에 전산화 단층 촬영으로 병소의 위치를 확인한 후 고주파 전극을 병소의 중심부에 위치한 후, 섭씨 80에서 90도로 평균 6(3~8)분간 가열하였다. 외래 추시 및 전화 통화로 증상 호전 여부 및 일상 생활 정도를 추적 관찰하였으며, 평균 추시 기간은 30(4~62)개월 이었다. 결과: 추시 중 19례(86%)에서 통증이 소실되었고, 2례에서는 시술 후 각각 5개월, 12개월에 병변이 재발하였으며, 1례에서는 재발의 증거 없이 지속되는 통증이 있었다. 시술 후 4시간 정도 침상 안정 후 바로 보조기 없이 보행이 가능하였으며, 화상으로 인한 근육 손상이 발생한 1례를 제외한 21례 환자들은 합병증 없이 시술 후 평균 1.9일에 퇴원하였다. 재발이 확인된 2례는 다시 고주파 열치료를 시행하여 증상이 모두 소실되었다. 결론: 유골 골종의 치료에 있어서 전산화 단층 촬영 도움 하 경피적 고주파 열치료는 최소 침습적인 방법으로 술후 통증이 적으며, 회복이 빠르고, 안전하면서, 이제까지 보고된 수술적 절제의 결과와 비교할 만한 우수한 성적을 나타내었다.