Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine (동의생리병리학회지)

The Physiological Society of Korean Medicine and The Society of Pathology in Korean Medicine (대한동의생리학회·한의병리학회)
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A Case Report of Integrative Korean and Western Medical Collaboration in a Patient with Spinal Cord Injury

척수손상 환자 1례에 의·한 협진 치료를 적용한 증례보고

  • Linae Kim (Research Institute for Korean Medicine, Pusan National University) ;
  • Seok-Seon Roh (Daejeon Rehabilitation Hospital) ;
  • Namkwen Kim (College of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University)
  • 김린애 (부산대학교 한의과학연구소) ;
  • 노석선 (대전재활병원) ;
  • 김남권 (부산대학교 한의학전문대학원)
  • Received : 2025.11.05
  • Accepted : 2026.02.25
  • Published : 2026.02.25
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Abstract

This case report aims to describe the application of collaboration between Western and Korean medicine in the treatment of a patient with paraplegia due to spinal cord injury caused by T11-12 herniated nucleus pulposus at a rehabilitation hospital. The patient, diagnosed with paraplegia and underwent surgery, received combined rehabilitation therapy, Western medical treatment, and traditional Korean medicine including acupuncture, moxibustion, and wet cupping therapy. The main symptoms included decreased lower limb muscle strength, inability to ambulate, and impaired bladder and bowel function. Treatment outcomes were assessed using the Manual Muscle Test(MMT), Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (SCIM III), and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). The patient showed objective improvements in lower limb motor function, bladder and bowel function, and overall independence in activities of daily living. This case suggests that integrative collaboration between Western and Korean medicine in a typical rehabilitation hospital setting can be safely implemented and may contribute positively to functional recovery in patients with paraplegia. It may serve as a reference model for future clinical implementation of integrative collaborative care systems.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

본 연구는 보건복지부의 2026년 의·한협진모니터링센터 운영지원사업에 의하여 이루어졌습니다.(과제번호 : 20260121000003674399)

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