• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.12-17
• /
• 2019

Purpose: This study examined the clinical outcomes and usefulness of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injections as an option in the conservative treatment of patients with lateral malleolar bursitis of the ankle. Materials and Methods: A total of 27 patients (27 ankles), in whom TA injection had been performed between March 2016 and June 2017, were reviewed retrospectively. After the aspiration of fluid in the lateral malleolar bursal sac, 1 mL (40 mg) of TA was injected into the malleolar bursal sac. After the injection, the ankle was compressed with an elastic cohesive bandage for 2 to 4 weeks. The clinical outcomes and side effects were evaluated at the following time points: 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after TA injection therapy. The responses to treatment were assessed according to the degree of fluctuation, shrinkage of the bursal sac, and soft tissue swelling. Results: The mean age was 62.1 years (range, 41~81 years); there were 19 males and 8 females. Complete resolution was observed in 26 patients (96.3%) after the first or second application of a TA injection, and a partial response was observed in 1 patient (3.7%) after the first TA injection. The physical component scores of Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey improved from 71.1 to 76.0 at the last follow-up (p=0.001). Associated complications were 1 patient (3.7%) with skin atrophy and 3 patients (11.1%) with transient hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: TA injection is a useful and safe procedure for patients not responding to the usual conservative treatment of lateral malleolar bursitis of the ankle.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.61 no.6
• /
• pp.716-722
• /
• 2018

Objective : Lateral interbody fusion (LIF) is attractive as a less invasive technique to address anterior spinal pathology in the treatment of adult spinal deformity. Its own uses and benefits in treatment of adult degenerative scoliosis are undefined. To investigate the radiographic and clinical outcomes of LIF, and staged LIF and posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for the treatment of adult degenerative scoliosis patients, we analyzed radiographic and clinical outcomes of adult degenerative scoliosis patients who underwent LIF and posterior spinal fusion. Methods : Forty consecutive adult degenerative scoliosis patients who underwent LIF followed by staged PSF at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Long-standing 36" anterior-posterior and lateral radiographs were taken preoperatively, at inter-stage, 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery were reviewed. Outcomes were assessed through the visual analogue scale (VAS), 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Results : Forty patients with a mean age of 66.3 (range, 49-79) met inclusion criteria. A mean of 3.8 levels (range, 2-5) were fused using LIF, while a mean of 9.0 levels (range, 3-16) were fused during the posterior approach. The mean time between stages was 1.4 days (range, 1-6). The mean follow-up was 19.6 months. Lumbar lordosis was significantly restored from $36.4^{\circ}$ preoperatively up to $48.9^{\circ}$ (71.4% of total correction) after LIF and $53.9^{\circ}$ after PSF. Lumbar coronal Cobb was prominently improved from $38.6^{\circ}$ preoperatively to $24.1^{\circ}$ (55.8% of total correction) after LIF, $12.6^{\circ}$ after PSF respectively. The mean pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis mismatch was markedly improved from $22.2^{\circ}$ preoperatively to $8.1^{\circ}$ (86.5% of total correction) after LIF, $5.9^{\circ}$ after PSF. Correction of coronal imbalance and sagittal vertebral axis did not reach significance. The rate of perioperative complication was 37.5%. Five patients underwent revision surgery due to wound infection. No major perioperative medical complications occurred. At last follow-up, there were significant improvements in VAS, SF-36 Physical Component Summary and ODI scores. Conclusion : LIF provides significant corrections in the coronal and sagittal plane in the patients with adult degenerative scoliosis. However, LIF combined with staged PSF provides more excellent radiographic and clinical outcomes, with reduced perioperative risk in the treatment of adult degenerative scoliosis.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.43 no.2
• /
• pp.124-139
• /
• 2022

Objectives: This study examined the effectiveness of Korean medical treatment for two patients complaining of discomfort after receiving Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Methods: The patients were hospitalized for 50 days and 12 days, respectively. They were treated with herbal medicine, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and moxibustion. We used the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) on numbness in extremities and headache, Manual Muscle Testing Grading System (MMT), Criteria for Sweating Categorization, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) to evaluate the clinical effects of the treatment. Results: In Case 1, headache improved from peak NRS 9 and average NRS 7 on admission day to both NRS 3 on discharge. The SF-36 score was also increased, suggesting that the quality of life was improved. In Case 2, numbness in the extremities improved from NRS 8 on the day before admission to NRS 2 on discharge, and general condition also improved. Conclusions: This study suggests that Korean medicine can be an effective treatment for patients who experience long-lasting discomfort after being vaccinated with COVID-19, but with no abnormal findings in the examination.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.33 no.2
• /
• pp.115-126
• /
• 2009

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of red ginseng on women's health-related quality of life (QOL) and sexual function. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical study was performed. The main efficacy was measured using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFl) and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Twenty-four healthy, married women aged 30-45 years with FSFl scores below 25 were randomly divided into two groups: the red-ginseng group (N=12) and the placebo group (N=12). During the first six-week period (Study 1), each group was given red ginseng or placebo twice a day. Before the start of the second six-week period (Study 2), a crossover design was chosen with a two-week break (washout period). Interchanging the two groups after the washout period, red ginseng and placebo were given to each group. The outcomes were measured before and after each six-week period. Overall, 23 participants completed the study. In Study 1, the changes relative to the baseline in the FSFl total score were 22.50% and 22.99% for red ginseng and placebo, respectively. In Study 2, the relative changes were 8.14% for red ginseng and 6.29% for placebo. The results showed a greater improving trend in Study 1 with respect to all of the participants' sexual functions, but no significant difference was found between the groups (P=0.9567). After taking red ginseng, all the participants exhibited an improving trend in the desire domain of FSFl, but no significant difference was shown. In the measurement of SF-36, no significant difference was likewise shown. After taking red ginseng, though, all the participants exhibited an improving trend in the physical functioning (PF) domain of SF-36, with no significant difference. Moreover, there was no significant adverse event related to red ginseng. The QOL and sexual function of the study participants in the red-ginseng group were mostly improved, but no statistically significant effect of red ginseng was shown. It is supposed that this result was partly due to the affirmative impression of red ginseng in Korea. Thus, it is anticipated that a long-term clinical trial will show a significant effect of red ginseng on the QOL and sexual function.