• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.81-90
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• 2009

Objectives : To analyze the therapeutic outcomes of back pain modalities in patients with disc herniation according to the change of Magnetic Resonanse Imaging(MRI) whom were treated with herbal medicine, chuna, acupuncture, bee-venom acupuncture. Methods : Clinical outcomes of 35 patients diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation by MRI examination, treated conservatively, were analyzed according to MRI follow-up change. Patients underwent MRI examaintion at baseline and after 24th week of treatment. Patients are divided into three groups ; improved, unchanged, worsened. 35 patients with lumbar disc herniation were treated with chuna therapy, acupuncture, bee-venom acupuncture once a week and took herbal medicine after a meal two times daily. The patients' clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline, 12th week, 24th week by Visual analogue scale(VAS), Oswestry disability index(ODI). Results : 1. MRI follow-up exams on regression of disc herniation resulted on 42.86% of cases by conservative treatment. 2. VAS(low back pain and sciatica) and ODI of disability of daily activities showed significant decrease in "improved" and "unchanged" groups compared to "worsened" group(P<0.05). 3. VAS(low back pain and sciatica) and ODI change after treatment did not show any relationship with MRI follow-up change(P<0.05). Conclusions : This study suggests that "improved" and "unchanged" groups compared to "worsened" group on MRI follow-up in patients with lumbar disc herniation were more effective when treated with herbal medicine, chuna therapy, acupuncture, bee-venom acupuncture. MRI follow-up change does not affect clinical changes in patients with lumbar disc herniation.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.49-56
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• 2007

Objectives : This study is to investigate the clinical application of conservative treatment to a patient who has the paresthesia and migration on L-spine MRI. Methods : A male patient, 34 years old, who has paresthesia and migration on L-spine MRI was evaluated after conservative oriental medical and chuna treatment by Visual Analog Scale(VAS), Numeric Rating Scale(NRS), Straight Leg Rasing Test(SLRT), Sensation, MRI follow-up. Results : 1. Visual Analog Scale(VAS), Numeric Rating Scale(NRS), Straight Leg Rasing Test(SLRT), Sense was significantly improved after conservative oriental medical and chuna treatment. 2. Also it was observed that herniated disc was decreased by L-spine MRI follow-up. Conclusions : Conservative oriental medical and chuna treatment can be effective for decreasing pain and improving paresthesia, also decreasing the volume of herniated disc.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.176-187
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• 1998

This study was performed to identify the significant variables affecting Follow-up after psychiatric consultation in General medical units and the trends of psychiatric consultation at the Hallym University hospital in Chunchon. Subjects of this study were 107 patients from April 1, 1998 to August 31, 1998, who were referred for psychiatric consultation during hospitalization. The results were as follows ; 1) Referral rate of General medical units was 7.5% and ordered Gastroenterology, Cardiology, nephrology, Other part. 2) The rate of total follow-up was 58% and the rate of No-follow-up was 42%. 3) In the cases of referral timing over admission 8th days, the days hospitalized after consultation performed were lengthened, significantly. 4) Common reasons for no follow-up of consultation were 'early- discharge' and 'patient's unwillingness to psychiatric reconsult. 5) Significant variables affecting follow-up were 'treatment recommendation', 'concordance with psychiatric drug recommendation', 'concordance with laboratory recommendation', 'total days hospitalized', 'Days hospitalization after consult was performed' and 'referral reason'.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.226-235
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• 2015

Objective: The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate short-term and long-term skeletodental outcomes of Class III activator treatment. Methods: A Class III activator treatment group (AG) comprised of 22 patients (9 boys, 13 girls) was compared with a Class III control group (CG) comprised of 17 patients (6 boys, 11 girls). The total treatment period was divided into three stages; the initial stage (T1), the post-activator treatment or post-mandibular growth peak stage (T2), and the long-term follow-up stage (T3). Cephalometric changes were evaluated statistically via the Mann-Whitney U-test and the Friedman test. Results: The AG exhibited significant increases in the SNA angle, ANB angle, Wits appraisal, A point-N perpendicular, Convexity of A point, and proclination of the maxillary incisors, from T1 to T2. In the long-term follow-up (T1-T3), the AG exhibited significantly greater increases in the ANB angle, Wits appraisal, and Convexity of A point than the CG. Conclusions: Favorable skeletal outcomes induced during the Class III activator treatment period were generally maintained until the long-term follow-up period of the post-mandibular growth peak stage.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.260-265
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• 2014

Background: To evaluate the results of conventional radiofrequency thermorhizotomy (CRT) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) in patients with failed medical management. Methods: Patients with Trigeminal neuralgia who were referred to us for 'limited intervention' during the time frame July-2011 to Jan-2013 were enrolled for this study. CRT was administered by the Sweet technique. Pain relief was evaluated by the principle investigator. Results: Eighteen patients were enrolled and completed a mean follow-up of 18.0 months. Pain relief was observed in 14 of 18 (77.8%) patients on the post-operative day, 14 of 18 (77.8%) at 1-month follow-up, 14 of 17 (82.4%) at 3-months follow-up, 12 of 15 (80%) at 6-months follow-up, 7 of 11 (63.6%) at 1-year follow-up and 2 of 6 (33.3%) 1.5 years of follow-up. Four patients required a repeat cycle of CRT; two at six months of follow-up and two at one year of follow-up. One patient was transferred for surgical intervention at six months of follow-up. Side-effects included facial hypoesthesia (n = 6); nausea/vomiting (n = 2), diminished corneal reflex (n = 13) and difficulty in chewing (n = 11). Severity of adverse effects gradually diminished and none of the patients who are beyond 6 months of follow-up have any functional limitation. Conclusions: CRT is an effective method of pain relief for patients with Trigeminal neuralgia. Successful outcome (excellent or good) can be expected in 66.7% of patients after first cycle of CRF. The incidence and severity of adverse effects is less and the procedure is better tolerated by the patients.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.26-32
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• 2014

Purpose: Needlestick injuries (NSI) is the most frequent occupational hazard for healthcare personnel (HCP), and immediate report and adequate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is essential in preventing occupational transmission of blood-borne pathogens. Methods: From June 2010 to October 2010, 544 NSI were reported through websites from 21 general hospitals in Korea. Among those, 499 cases of NSI were analyzed to identify the rate of follow-up treatment completion and for seroconversion. Results: 88.2% of the cases were completed with follow-up treatment, 8.8% of the NSI were not completed with follow-up treatment, and 5 cases were unavailable to trace. 4.2% cases of NSI required a hepatitis B vaccination concurrent with hepatitis B immunoglobulin. 41.1% of the cases and 31.1% of the cases needed to be tested for anti HCV and anti HIV, respectively. Prophylaxis medication for HIV was prescribed in 3 cases, and all cases completed required 1 month of medication. There was 1 case (0.2%) of seroconversion to HCV. Conclusion: The PEP completion rate was not satisfactory, and the importance of completion of PEP treatment should be emphasized through education and counseling. Also, a careful risk assessment is needed for HCP who are exposed to HCV or HIV.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.244-251
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• 2020

Objective: Physical therapy techniques are required for patients with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), but the effects of treatment have not been compared. Therefore, effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and low level laser (LLL), which are most commonly used interventions, were compared. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty-six participants with pain in the temporomandibular joint were enrolled, and 12 participants were randomly assigned to either the TENS group, LLL group, or placebo group. Each intervention was performed for a total of 6 sessions for 2 weeks. For the evaluation of the participants, the mouth opening (MO), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and stress were measured at three time periods: baseline, post-test, and follow-up at 2 weeks. Results: Significant interaction between groups according to each evaluation point was found only in PPT-masseter (p<0.05). The evaluation time point at which a significant difference appeared was at the post-test and follow-up at 2 weeks time periods. As a result of the post-test, the LLL group showed a significant improvement compared to the TENS group (p<0.05), and at 2 weeks follow-up, the TENS group showed a significant improvement compared to the placebo group (p<0.05). Conclusions: In this study, an experiment was conducted to compare the treatment effects when TENS, LLL, and placebo were given to patients with TMD. In addition, by quantitatively presenting the effect size of each treatment, this study suggests clinical use of TENS and LLL treatment for TMD.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.259-264
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• 2008

Objective : Total laminectomy (TL) is an effective surgical technique for the treatment of cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) along multiple levels. However, kyphosis and probable neurological deterioration have been frequently reported after laminectomy. We analyzed the changes in the cervical curvature after TL and subsequent changes in neurological status. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the records of 14 patients who underwent TL for the treatment of cervical OPLL between Jan. 1998 and Dec. 2003. TL was selected according to the previously determined criteria. The curvature of the cervical spine was visualized on a lateral cervical spine X-ray and measured using Ishihara's Curvature Index (CI) before the operation and at the last follow-up examination. Perioperative neurological status was estimated using the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score and the Improvement Rate (IR) at the same time as the images were evaluated. Results : The mean age of the patients was 57 years, the male/female ratio was 10:4, and the mean follow-up period was 41 months. The mean number of OPLL was 4.9, and the mean number of operated levels was also 4.9. The CI decreased after TL (p=0002), which was indicative of a kyphotic change. However, this kyphotic change showed no correlation with the length of the follow-up period, number of operated levels and preoperative CI. Neurological examination at the last follow-up showed an improved neurological status in all patients (p=0.001). There was no neurological deterioration in any case during the follow-up period. Moreover, there was no correlation between IR and the degree of kyphotic change. Postoperative complications, such as C5 radiculopathy and epidural bleeding, resolved spontaneously without neurological sequelae. Conclusion : Kyphotic change was observed in all but one patient who underwent TL for the treatment of cervical OPLL. However, we did not find any contributing factors to kyphosis or evidence of postoperative neurological deterioration.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.163-178
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• 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical factors affecting the longevity of fixed retainers and the influence of fixed retainers on periodontal health in periodontitis patients. Methods: In total, 52 patients with at least 2 years of follow-up after periodontal and orthodontic treatment were included in this study. After scaling and root planing, orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances or clear aligners was performed. Fixed retainers with twist-flex stainless steel wires were bonded to the palatal or lingual sides of anterior teeth. Changes in clinical parameters, including the plaque index, gingival index, calculus index (CI), probing pocket depth, and radiographic bone levels, were evaluated before bonding of fixed retainers and at a 12-month follow-up. Cumulative survival rates (CSRs) for retainer failure were evaluated according to sex, site, CI, stage of periodontitis, and the severity of the irregularity with the log-rank test and hazard ratios (HRs). Results: Twelve months after bonding of fixed retainers, improvements were observed in all clinical parameters except CI and radiographic bone gain. The overall CSR of the retainers with a CI <1 at the 12-month follow-up after bonding of fixed retainers was significantly higher than that of the retainers with a CI ≥1 at the 12-month follow-up (log-rank test; P<0.001). Patients with stage III (grade B or C) periodontitis had a higher multivariate HR for retainer failure (5.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.22-23.91; P=0.026) than patients with stage I (grade A or B) periodontitis. Conclusions: Although fixed retainers were bonded in periodontitis patients, periodontal health was well maintained if supportive periodontal treatment with repeated oral hygiene education was provided. Nonetheless, fixed retainer failure occurred more frequently in patients who had stage III (grade B or C) periodontitis or a CI ≥1 at 12-month follow-up after bonding of fixed retainers.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.240-247
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• 2013

Purpose: Regurgitation is known to peak at the age of 3-4 months, with a sharp decrease around the age of 6 months. Little is known about the natural evolution of infants who still regurgitate after the age of 6 months. Methods: Hundred thirty-one infants older than 6 months regurgitating more than once a day were followed for a period of 3 months. Results: According to our data, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is seldom at this age. Most of the infants regurgitated 3 or more times/day and spit up an estimated volume of more than 15 mL. Eighty-five parents were educated regarding frequency of feeding. There were only 6 infants that still had frequent regurgitation (>3 times/day) despite an appropriate feeding schedule. The Infant GER Questionnaire score reached a score of 0 in 50% of the infants after one month of follow-up and in 81.9% at the third month of follow-up. There was an increase of the "weight for age z-score" trends in infants that still regurgitated at the end of follow-up and a declining z-score in infants that no longer regurgitated. An explanation may be that infants that regurgitate drink larger volumes than infants who do not regurgitate. Conservative treatment (reassurance, dietary treatment, behavioral advice) resulted in a significant better outcome than natural evolution. Conclusion: Regurgitation that persisted after the age of 6 months, strongly decreased during a 3-month follow-up with conservative treatment. GERD is rare in this age group; therefore, anti-reflux medication is only seldom needed.