• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.29 no.11
• /
• pp.1505-1513
• /
• 2000

Objectives : Many surgical procedures have been introduced to a symptomatic lumbar stenosis. Most of these procedures still have been regarded as an extensive surgical intervention with respect to normal aging process of the lumbar spine. We adopted a microsurgical decompression procedure via unilateral exposure as a minimally invasive intervention for symptomatic lumbar stenosis without instability. Materials and Methods : Fifty-seven patients with symptomatic lumbar stenosis underwent microsurgical decompression via unilateral laminotomy between March 1998 and December 1999. The conceptual modification and technical refinements were added to the previously reported microsurgical decompression procedure. Bilateral decompression through a unilateral laminotomy hole was performed in 11 patients. These patients profile also included 9 cases of degenerative spondylolisthesis(Grade I) without instability. Results : Preoperative neurogenic intermittent claudication(NIC) was more notably improved than low back pain, 60% to 82% during the follow-up period. Overall clinical results were excellent in 20(35%), good in 29(51%), fair in 6(11%) and poor in 2(3%). Conclusions : Microsurgical decompression for lumbar stenosis with stable spine provided a satisfactory symptomatic improvement without extensive destruction of the weight-bearing structures and functional mobile segments, even bilateral symptoms existed.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.58 no.4
• /
• pp.350-356
• /
• 2015

Objective : Cases of contralateral radiculopathy after a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with a single cage (unilateral TLIF) had been reported, but the phenomenon has not been explained satisfactorily. The purpose of this study was to determine its incidence, causes, and risk factors. Methods : We did retrospective study with 546 patients who underwent a unilateral TLIF, and used CT and MRI to study the causes of contralateral radicular symptoms that appeared within a week postoperatively. Clinical and radiological results were compared by dividing the patients into the symptomatic group and asymptomatic group. Results : Contralateral symptoms occurred in 32 (5.9%) of the patients underwent unilateral TLIF. The most common cause of contralateral symptoms was a contralateral foraminal stenosis in 22 (68.8%), screw malposition in 4 (12.5%), newly developed herniated nucleus pulposus in 3 (9.3%), hematoma in 1 (3.1%), and unknown origin in 2 patients (6.3%). 16 (50.0%) of the 32 patients received revision surgery. There was no difference in visual analogue scale and Oswestry disability index between the two groups at discharge. Both preoperative and postoperative contralateral foraminal areas were significantly smaller, and postoperative segmental angle was significantly greater in the symptomatic group comparing to those of the asymptomatic group (p<0.05). Conclusion : The incidence rate is not likely to be small (5.9%). If unilateral TLIF is performed for cases when preoperative contralateral foraminal stenosis already exists or when a large restoration of segmental lordosis is required, the probability of developing contralateral radiculopathy is increased and caution from the surgeon is needed.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.57 no.2
• /
• pp.82-87
• /
• 2015

Objective : The aim of this study was to investigate voluntary wheel running behavior in the unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) rat model. Methods : Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to 2 groups : 6-OHDA group (n=17) and control group (n=8). The unilateral 6-OHDA rat model was induced by injection of 6-OHDA into unilateral medial forebrain bundle using a stereotaxic instrument. Voluntary wheel running activity was assessed per day in successfully lesioned rats (n=10) and control rats. Each behavioral test lasted an hour. The following parameters were investigated during behavioral tests : the number of running bouts, the distance moved in the wheel, average peak speed in running bouts and average duration from the running start to the peak speed. Results : The number of running bouts and the distance moved in the wheel were significantly decreased in successfully lesioned rats compared with control rats. In addition, average peak speed in running bouts was decreased, and average duration from the running start to the peak speed was increased in lesioned animals, which might indicate motor deficits in these rats. These behavioral changes were still observed 42 days after lesion. Conclusion : Voluntary wheel running behavior is impaired in the unilateral 6-OHDA rat model and may represent a useful tool to quantify motor deficits in this model.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.38 no.6
• /
• pp.740-746
• /
• 2011

Purpose: In the treatment of the unilateral cleft lip nasal deformities, the correction of the low-nostril height and short-columella are very difficult problems. We report the treatment outcomes of web uni-limb Z-plasty used for correction of unilateral cleft lip nasal deformities by using photographic analysis. Methods: A total of 36 patients with unilateral cleft lip nasal deformities were enrolled in this study, who underwent web uni-limb Z-plasty and were followed up for at least 6 months. First, a triangular flap was made on the medial side of alar-columella web. The nostril apex of cleft side was corrected to a higher point compared to noncleft side by 2 mm. The flap was transposed into the defect of the vestibule. To reduce the bulging of the flap, horizontal cinching sutures were added. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated by using photographic analysis. 2 indices and 1 angle were measured on their photographs taken before and after the surgery. Symmetry was also evaluated by means of the noncleft side to cleft side index. For anthropologic assessment, observers described postoperative outcomes, using Ordinary Scale Method. Results: The postoperative values obtained in photographic analysis improved compared to preoperative ones. More improving anthropologic assessment was shown in post-than pre-operative. Conclusion: Although, further long term follow up is needed, we found this technique to be an effective procedure to the symmetry of nostril apex level and the lengthening of columella in the unilateral cleft lip nasal deformities.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.42 no.3
• /
• pp.195-199
• /
• 2007

Objective : Bilateral laminotomy and unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression are becoming the minimally invasive procedures for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). With the aim of less invasiveness and better preservation of spinal stability. these techniques have been developed. But there are no large randomized studies to show the surgical results between these two techniques. The objective of this study was to examine the safety and efficacy of these two minimally invasive techniques. Methods : A total of 80 patients were included in this study (Group I : bilateral laminotomy, Group II : Unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression). Perioperative parameters and complications were analyzed. Symptoms and scores such as visual analog scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, and SF-36 scores of prospectively accrued patients were assessed preoperatively and at 1 month and 12 months after surgery. Paired-t test, two-sample student-t tests, and non parametric tests were used to determine cross-sectional differences between two groups. Results : No major complications such as spinal instability or deaths occurred during follow-up periods. VAS, ODI scores and SF-36 body pain and physical function scores showed statistically significant improvements in both groups (p<0.001). The significant widening of the spinal canal diameter was also noted in both groups. But, in Group II. there were minor postoperative complications such as dural tear (2 cases 5.0%), fracture of ipsilateral inferior facet (1 case 2.5%), and 5 cases of transient leg symptoms of contralateral side. Conclusion : Both bilateral laminotomy and unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression allow achievement of adequate and long-lasting operative results in patients with LSS. But postoperative complications are more frequent in Group II (unilateral laminotomy and bilateral decompression). These results indicate that bilateral laminotomy is the preferred minimally invasive technique to treat symptomatic LSS.

• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.58-68
• /
• 2015

This study aimed to determine the effect of lower trapezius muscle strengthening exercises on pain, neck disability index (NDI), cervical range of motion (ROM), and lower trapezius muscle strength in patients with unilateral neck pain. Following baseline measurements, the subjects (N=40) with unilateral neck pain were randomized into one of two 5 weeks exercise intervention groups: a experimental group (EG, $n_1=20$) that received strength training of the lower trapezius muscles or a control group (CG, $n_2=20$) that received routine physical therapy program. Each group participated in the intervention for 30 minutes, 3 times a week, for 5 weeks. All participants performed 2 repetitions of each intervention per day. The numeric pain rating scale for pain, NDI, ROM, and lower trapezius strength were recorded both pre- and post-intervention for both groups. Paired t-tests were used to determine significant changes post-intervention compared with pre-intervention and independent t-tests were used to analyze differences in the dependent variables between the 2 groups. After the 5-weeks intervention, both groups experienced significantly decreased pain and disability level (p<.05) and significantly increased cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation ROM (p<.05). The EG that received strength training of the lower trapezius muscles showed greater improvements in pain and functional disability level, cervical rotation, and lower trapezius strength than the CG (p<.05). These results suggest that a lower trapezius strengthening exercises reduce neck pain and neck disability level and enhance cervical ROM and lower trapezius strength level in patients with unilateral neck pain.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• /
• v.41 no.3
• /
• pp.156-164
• /
• 2015

Bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy is considered a standard technique in mandibular orthognathic surgeries to reduce unexpected bilateral stress in the temporomandibular joints. Unilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (USSO) was recently introduced to correct facial asymmetry caused by asymmetric mandibular prognathism and has shown favorable outcomes. If unilateral surgery could guarantee long-term postoperative stability as well as favorable results, operation time and the incidence of postoperative complications could be reduced compared to those in bilateral surgery. This report highlights three consecutive cases with long-term follow-up in which USSO was used to correct asymmetric mandibular prognathism. Long-term postoperative changes in the condylar contour and ramus and condylar head length were analyzed using routine radiography and computed tomography. In addition, prior USSO studies were reviewed to outline clear criteria for applying this technique. In conclusion, patients showing functional-type asymmetry with predicted unilateral mandibular movement of less than 7 mm can be considered suitable candidates for USSO-based correction of asymmetric mandibular prognathism with or without maxillary arch surgeries.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
• /
• v.37 no.6
• /
• pp.539-544
• /
• 2011

Maxillary canting and vertical shortening of the unilateral mandibular ramus height is common in cases of severe facial asymmetry. Normally, mandibular distraction osteogenesis (DO) with horizontal osteotomy at the ascending ramus is used for vertical lengthening of the mandibular ramus to correct facial asymmetry with an absolute shortened ascending ramus. In this case report, vertical lengthening of the ascending ramus was performed successfully with unilateral DO and sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO), where the posterior part of the distal segment can be distracted simultaneously in an inferior direction with maxillary DO, resulting in a lengthening of the medial pterygoid muscle. This case describes the acquired unilateral mandibular hypoplasia caused by a condylar fracture at an early age, which resulted in abnormal mandibular development that ultimately caused severe facial trismus. The treatment of this case included two-stage surgery consisting of bimaxillary distraction osteogenesis for gradual lengthening of the unilateral facial height followed by secondary orthognathic surgery to correct the transverse asymmetry. At the one year follow-up after SSRO, the vertical length was maintained without complications.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.13 no.4
• /
• pp.1267-1272
• /
• 2012

Background and Objective: The optimal resection extent for clinically unilateral papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) remains controversial. The objective was to investigate risk factors associated with occult contralateral carcinoma, and put emphasis on the predictive value of preoperative BRAF mutation. Materials and Methods: 100 clinically unilateral PTMC patients all newly diagnosed, previously untreated were analyzed in a prospective cohort study. We assessed the T1799A BRAF mutation status in FNAB specimens obtained from all PTMC patients before undergoing total thyroidectomy (TT) and central lymph node dissection (CLND) for PTMC. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to reveal the incidence of contralateral occult cancer, difference of risk factors and predictive value, with respect to the following variables: preoperative BRAF mutation status, age, gender, tumor size, multifocality of primary tumor, capsular invasion, presence of Hashimoto thyroiditis and central lymph node metastasis. Results: 20 of 100 patients (20%) had occult contralateral lobe carcinoma. On multi-variate analysis, preoperative BRAF mutation (p = 0.030, OR = 3.439) and multifocality of the primary tumor (p = 0.004, OR = 9.570) were independent predictive factors for occult contralateral PTMC presence. However, there were no significant differences between the presence of occult contralateral carcinomas and age, gender, tumor size, capsular invasion, Hashimoto thyroiditis and central lymph node metastasis. Conclusions: Total thyroidectomy, including the contralateral lobe, should be considered for the treatment of unilateral PTMC if preoperative BRAF mutation is positive and/or if the observed lesion presents as a multifocal tumor in the unilateral lobe.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
• /
• v.43 no.4
• /
• pp.498-510
• /
• 2005

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the maximum occlusal force implant prostheses to natural teeth. Material and Method: Fifty nine patients treated either with $Br{\aa}anemark$ implants and ITI implants during the recent ten years were involved in this study. The maximum occlusal force were measured with unilateral bite force recorder and dental prescale system. Results: 1. The maximum occlusal forces of the implant prostheses and natural teeth were not significantly different where measured with unilateral bite force recorder and dental prescale system. 2. The maximum occlusal forces were not significantly different between $Br{\aa}nemark$ implant and ITI implant prostheses. 3. The maximum occlusal forces of the implant prostheses had lower when compared with natural teeth during 1-6 months functional periods when measured with the unilareral bite force recorder(P<0.05) and 1-12 months functional periods when measured with the dental prescale system(P<0.05). After these periods there was not statistical significant difference between the implant prostheses and natural teeth. 4. The maximum occlusal forces of the wide diameter implant prostheses were higher than the maximum occlusal forces of the regular diameter implant prostheses when measured with dental prescale system(P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the wide diameter and the regular diameter implant prostheses when measured with unilateral bite force recorder. 5. The maximum occlusal forces of the single implant prostheses were not significantly different with the splinting implants prostheses. 6. The maximum occlusal forces of the implant prostheses were not significantly different by age and sex. 7. There was significantly different between maximum occlusal forces measured with unilateral bite force recorder and dental prescale system(P<0.0001) but there was positive correlation(r=0.52. P<0.05). Conclusion: The maximum occlusal forces of the implant prostheses were not significantly different to natural teeth during clenching and unilateral maximum biting.