• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.512-518
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• 2021

Purpose: This study compared the change in foraminal space on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the clinical outcome after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) versus foraminotomy in cervical foraminal stenosis. Materials and Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted from January 2018 to March 2019 on 186 patients who underwent ACDF and foraminotomy. One hundred and two cases were selected considering age, sex, and body mass index. MRI was performed before and on the 5^th day after surgery to compare the changes in the foraminal diameter between the ACDF group (group A-51) and foraminotomy group (group B-51). Results: Between groups A and B, the average change in foraminal vertical diameter was 1.7 mm and 1.2 mm, respectively; group A was 0.5 mm larger difference (p=0.042). The average change in foraminal transverse diameter was 1.2 mm and 1.8mm, respectively; group B showed a 0.6 mm larger change (p=0.21). Both the neck disability index (NDI) and Japanese orthopaedic association (JOA) scores improved in both groups. Group A showed more improvement, but there was no significant difference (p=0.356, p=0.607, respectively). Conclusion: Foraminotomy is a useful option for patients with foraminal stenosis of the cervical spine because it showed comparable clinical and morphological results to ACDF and could minimize motion segment loss and muscle and ligament damage.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.625-630
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• 2009

Root resorption of primary teeth usually occurs as the succeeding permanent teeth erupt, which induces differentiation of the hemopoietic cells into osteoclasts. Their root resorption pattern reflects the eruption path of the succeeding permanent teeth, and eventually the primary teeth shed as their succeeding permanent teeth erupt. Even when a permanent tooth germ is congenitally missing, root resorption of the corresponding primary tooth may still occur due to various factors, such as inflammation, traumatic occlusal force, and weakness of periodontium etc. Such congenital missing of permanent teeth is a commonly observed phenomenon in human be ing, and it often accompanies delayed retention of primary teeth. The etiologic factors for congenital missing in elude not only systemic diseases, but also local factors and human evolution process. In the radiographs of the cases in this report, the primary teeth without succeeding permanent teeth show pathologic root resorption. Root resorption progressed about 1/2~3/4 of the roots, and the surfaces of the resorption area were irregular. Considering high susceptibility of the periodontal ligament of primary teeth to root resorption, pathologic root resorption of primary teeth with delayed retention can be explained by the increased masticatory muscle force and abnormal occlusion developed during the mixed dentition. When the primary teeth without succeeding permanent teeth are lost, decision for space maintenance is required and long-term treatment plan for further prosthetic or orthodontic treatment should be establsihed.