• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.357-363
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• 2005

Objective: The microvascular decompression(MVD) for trigeminal neuralgia(TN) is known as an effective surgical technique. But the failed MVD cases have been reported in long term follow-up studies. This study is to evaluate the efficacy of MVD through our operative techniques, offending vessels in operative field, failed cases with the review of the literatures. Methods: We analyzed total 63 cases of TN which underwent MVD from 1955 to 2003 according to characters of pain, operative findings, operative results related to causative vessel compression and operative method, progonotic factor. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-test with SPSS Ver 11.0. Results: In TN, the most common offending vessel was superior cerebellar artery(45.0%). In compression group of nerve root by offending vessel, the cure rate was 91.7%. However, the cure rate of the contact group was 64.7% and the cure rate of the negative group was 37.5%. There was no statistical significance between the degree of compression by vessel and the operative result(p=0.076). In 51 cases with MVD only, the cure rate was 84.3% and in 3 cases with PSR only, 42.8% and in 2 cases with PSR(partial sensory rhizotomy) with MVD, 50.0%. TN recurred in 7 cases within the follow-up period and reoperations(PSR) were added in 2 cases of them. Conclusion: This study shows that MVD provided a high rate of success with a minor risk of complications, which has been regarded as the most safe and effective procedure for trigeminal neuralgia. Additional MVD in recurred TN by severe adhesion of teflon showed poor outcome. But, revisional operation(PSR) in recurred TN showed relatively good outcome. PSR should be considered for treatment of recurrent TN after MVD.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.65 no.5
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• pp.730-740
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• 2022

Objective : Although several commercialized bone cements are used during percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF), there are no reports using domestic products from South Korea. In this study, we investigated the safety and efficacy of Spinofill^® (Injecta Inc., Gunpo, Korea), a new polymethyl methacrylate product. Methods : A prospective, single-center, and single-arm clinical trial of 30 participants who underwent PVP using Spinofill^® for painful thoracolumbar OVCF was performed with 6-months follow-up. Clinical and surgical outcomes included the Visual analog scale (VAS), Korean-Oswestry disability index (K-ODI), and Odom's criteria, complication rate, and recurrence rate. Radiological outcomes were evaluated by measuring the findings of postoperative computed tomography and simple radiograph. Results : The pain of VAS (from 8.95±1.05 to 4.65±2.06, p<0.001) and the life quality based on K-ODI (from 33.95±5.84 to 25.65±4.79, p<0.001) improved significantly, and successful patient satisfaction were achieved in 20 patients (66.7%) 1 day after surgery. These immediate improvements were maintained or more improved during the follow-up. There was no surgery- or product-related complications, but OVCF recurred in two patients (6.7%). Favorable cement interdigitation was reported in 24 patients (80.0%), and extra-vertebral cement leakage was reported in 13 patients (43.0%). The mean vertebral height ratio (from 60.49%±21.97% to 80.07%±13.16%, p<0.001) and segmental kyphotic angle (from 11.46°±8.50° to 7.79°±6.08°, p=0.002) improved one day after surgery. However, these short-term radiological findings somewhat regressed at the end. Conclusion : The overall outcomes of PVP using Spinofill^® were as favorable as those of other conventionally used products.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.38-46
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• 2012

Purpose: This study was performed retrospectively to evaluate clinical outcomes of distal metatarsal osteotomy using bio-compression screw as the joint preservation method for advanced hallux rigidus. Materials and Methods: Eleven cases were followed up for more than 1 year after distal metatarsal dorsal wedge osteotomy for advanced hallux rigidus. The clinical evaluation was performed according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and patient's satisfaction score. The range of motion, and the period to return to running exercise, tip-toeing gait, squatting, walking down the stairs were evaluated. As the radiographic evaluation, the interval of $1^{st}$ MTP (metatarsophalangeal) joint space and the period to union were measured. Results: The AOFAS hallux score had improved significantly from preoperative average 50.7 points to 87.6 points at the last follow-up (p=0.005). The subjective satisfaction score was average 90.6 points. There were no case of subsequent fusion or additional operation, and no complication associated with bio-compression screw. The period to return to running exercise, tip-toeing gait, squatting, walking down the stairs were average of 24.8 weeks, 20.4 weeks, 16.8 weeks, 18.5 weeks respectively. Dorsiflexion of $1^{st}$ MTP joint had improved significantly from preoperative average $17.5^{\circ}$ to $44^{\circ}$ (p<0.001). All cases achieved union of osteotomy site, and the period to union was average 10.4 weeks. The interval of $1^{st}$ MTP joint space had improved significantly from preoperative average 1.2 mm to 3.5 mm (p=0.014). Conclusion: Distal metatarsal osteotomy using bio-compression screw seems to be one of effective treatment methods for advanced hallux rigidus, because of restoration of the first MTP joint motion, and reliable pain relief, and needlessness of hardware removal.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.59 no.2
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• pp.98-105
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• 2016

Objective : Lumbar disc herniation can induce sciatica by mechanical compression and/or chemical irritation. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of GCSB-5 (Shinbaro$^{(R)}$) and NSAIDs on pain-related behavior and on the expressions of microglia, astrocytes, CGRP, TRPV1, IL-6, and CX3CL1 in a rat model of lumbar disc herniation. Methods : 112 male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent implantation of nucleus pulposus to a dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Rats were divided into five groups as follows; a saline group (the vehicle control group) (n=27), a 10 mg/kg aceclofenac group (the aceclofenac group) (n=22), and 100, 300 or 600 mg/kg GCSB-5 groups (the GCSB-5 100, 300, or 600 groups) (n=21 for each group). Rats were tested for mechanical allodynia at 3 days after surgery and at 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, 21 days, 28 days, 35 days, 42 days, 49 days, and 56 days after treatment commencement. Immunohistochemical staining of microglia (Iba1), astrocytes (GFAP), CGRP, and TRPV1, and PCR for IL-6 and CX3CL1 were performed on spinal dorsal horns and DRGs at 56 days after medication commencement. Results : After 56 days of GCSB-5 300 administration, mechanical withdrawal thresholds were significantly increased (p<0.05), and immunohistochemical expressions of Iba1, GFAP, CGRP, and TRPV1 were reduced than other groups, but this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion : These results indicate GCSB-5 reduces mechanical allodynia and downregulates neuroglial activity and the expressions of CGRP and TRPV1 in the spinal segments of a rat model of lumbar disc herniation.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.194-200
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• 2013

Objective : Lumbar spine stenosis (LSS) can result in symptomatic compression of the neural elements, requiring surgical treatment if conservative management fails. Minimally invasive surgery has come to be more commonly used for the treatment of LSS. The current study describes outcomes of bilateral microdecompression by unilateral or bilateral laminotomy (BML) for degenerative LSS after a minimum follow-up period of 3 years and investigates factors that result in a poor outcome. Methods : Twenty-one patients who were followed-up for at least 3 years were included in this study. For clinical evaluation, the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scoring system for low back pain was used. The modified grading system of Finneson and Cooper was used for outcome assessment. Radiographic evaluation was also performed for spondylolisthesis, sagittal rotation angle, and disc height. Results : Twenty-one patients (10 men, 11 women) aged 53-82 years ($64.1{\pm}8.9$ years) were followed-up for a minimum of 3 years (36-69 months). During follow-up, two patients underwent reoperation. Average preoperative JOA score and clinical symptoms, except persistent low back pain, improved significantly at the latest follow-up. There were no significant differences in radiological findings preoperatively and postoperatively. Thirteen patients (61.9%) had excellent to fair outcomes. Conclusion : BML resulted in a favorable and persistent outcome for patients with degenerative LSS without radiological instability over a mid-term follow-up period. Persistent low back pain unrelated to postoperative instability adversely affects mid-term outcomes.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.55-65
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• 2017

Objectives The purpose of this review is to analyze results of case studies and controlled studies about Carthmi-Flos pharmacopuncture. Based on the review, authors desire to suggest the study model including precise information and evident the effect of Carthmi-Flos pharmacopuncture objectively in treating clinical disorders. Methods We search 44 studies about Carthmi-Flos pharmacopuncture from 6 Korean web databases, using words 'Carthmi-Flos pharmacopuncture' in Korean alphabet. This study had been conducted throughout 1 month (July, 2017). We selected case studies and controlled trials in investigated 44 thesis, excluding experimental research and thesis not using the Carthmi-Flos pharmacopuncture for major treatment. Results We analyze 13 case reports and 7 controlled trials. As a result, Carthmi-Flos Pharmacopuncture was used mostly in musculoskeletal, neurological diseases. But this can be applied to internal diseases. Disorders reported effectively were carpal tunnel syndrome, degenerative knee joint arthritis, posterior neck pain, low back pain, radial nerve palsy, shoulder pain, lumbar compression fracture, alopecia areata, chronic daily headache, duverney fracture, oligomenorrhea, cervical disc herniation, rheumatoid arthritis and cervical headache. Conclusions As we analyzed, Carthmi-Flos pharmacopuncture is specifically effective in musculoskeletal and neurologic diseases. But there are various problems in study design. To design accurately, the study design should include much more specific information. And the result can be more precise by excluding other methods.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.60 no.2
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• pp.189-194
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• 2017

Objective : We evaluated the validity of bone cement-augmented percutaneous screw fixation for treating malignant spinal metastases. Methods : Between 2011 and 2015, 14 patients (eight men and six women) who underwent bone cement-augmented percutaneous screw fixation for malignant spinal metastases were enrolled in this study. Their life expectancy was considered to be more than one month and less than one year, based on the revised Tokuhashi scoring system. Clinical findings including the back pain scale score, functional outcome, procedure related complications, and survival were assessed preoperatively, postoperatively, and then six months after the procedure. Results : Twelve of the patients (86%) survived up to six months after the procedure. Three required mini-open decompressive laminectomy for severe epidural compression. Bone cement-augmented percutaneous screw fixation was performed one level above, one level below, and at the pathologic level itself. The mean operation time was 60 minutes (45-180) and blood loss was less than 100 mL. Prior to surgery, the mean pain score on the visual analogue scale was 8.8, while one month after the procedure, it had reduced to 3.0; this improvement was maintained until the six-month assessment in the surviving patients. All patients were able to sit within the first two days after surgery, and no patient experienced neurological deterioration at the one-month follow up after the surgery. No patient experienced screw loosening during the six months of follow-up. Asymptomatic cement leakage into the epidural space was observed in two patients, but no major complications were observed. Conclusion : For selected patients with malignant spinal metastases, bone cement-augmented percutaneous screw fixation can provide significant pain relief and improve quality of life.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.175-179
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• 2010

Purpose: Sternal fractures after blunt thoracic trauma can cause significant pain and disability. They are relatively uncommon as a result of direct trauma to the sternum and open reduction is reserved for those with debilitating pain and fracture displacement. We reviewed consecutive 11 cases of open reduction and fixation of sternum and tried to find standard approach to the traumatic sternal fractures with severe displacement. Methods: From December 2008 to August 2010, the medical records of 11 patients who underwent surgical reduction and fixation of sternum for sternal fractures with severe displacement were reviewed. We investigated patients' characteristics, chest trauma, associated other injuries, type of open reduction and fixation, combined operations, preoerative ventilator support and postoperative complications. Results: The mean patient age was 59.3years (range, 41~79). The group comprised 6 male and 5 female subjects. Among 11 patients who underwent open reduction and fixation for sternal fracture with severe displacement, 6 cases had isolated sternal fractures and the other 5 patients had associated other injuries. Sternal fractures were caused by car accidents (9/11, 81.8%), falling down (1/11, 9.1%) and direct blunt trauma to the sternum (1/11, 9.1%), respectively. 3 of the 7 patients (42.9%) who underwent sternal plating with longitudinal plates showed loosening of fixation. Otherwise, none of the 4 patients who underwent surgical fixation using T-shaped plate had stable alignment of the fracture. Conclusion: Sternal fractures with severe displacement need to be repaired to prevent chronic pain, instability of the anterior chest wall, deformity of the sternum, and even kyphosis. In the present study, a T-shaped plate with a compression-tension mechanism constitutes the treatment of choice for displaced sternal fractures.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.143-150
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• 1999

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe the characteristic clinical findings and treatment of suprascapular nerve entrapment by ganglion and to evaluate its results. Materials and Methods: Seven paitents with suprascapular nerve entrapment were evaluated on an average 13 months(range, six months to three years two months) after surgical excision and decompression. There were six males and one female. The mean age at operation was 31 years(range, 23 to 40 years), Suprascapular nerve entrapment were caused by compression of ganglion cyst in suprascapular notch or spinoglenoid notch in all cases. All patients complained of pain located over posterolateral area of the shoulder. Two patients had atrophy of both the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles, In four patients, only the infraspinatus muscle was involved. Muscle strength on both forward flexion and external rotation was decreased in two patients. In four patients, only external rotation was decreased. All patients underwent open excision of ganglion cyst and decompression. Results: The most dramatic effect of operation was prompt disappearance of pain in all patients. The average visual analog scale had improved from 7.2 to 0.6 point at the latest follow-up evaluation. An atrophy of the supraspinatus or infraspinatus muscle partially disappeared in four of six patients and muscle strength of forward flexion or abduction improved in all of six patients. The overall result was excellent for five patients and good for two. Conclusion: Surpascapular nerve entrapment by ganglionic cyst had clinically unique symptoms and signs on physical examination. Surgical excision is effective for symptomatic and functional outcomes. We believe that early intervention can be one of treatment modality before an irreversible damage occurs if the ganglion is large enough to compress suprascapular nerve, and to develop severe pain and muscular atrophy.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.97-109
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• 2020

Purpose: Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is pain referred to the head/ face from the structures in vicinity of upper cervical spinal nerves via trigeminocervical pathway. Ponticulus Posticus (PP) and Elongated Styloid Process (ESP) are anatomical structures that cause compression of vasculature present around upper cervical nerve plexus. Recently, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has shown to play an essential role in identification of these high-pressure zones in the brain. The aim of this research is to study the association of ESP and PP in patients with CGH and to develop a hypothesis by CFD to analyse vertebrobasilar insufficiency as a contributing factor in occurrence of CGH. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 4500 full skull CBCT scans was done for the presence of partial or complete PP and length of Styloid Process (SP). Research was divided into two phases; In first Preliminary Phase, 150 scans that showed the presence of PP and ESP were analysed, and only 134 patients gave consent to fill the questionnaire containing 96 question items pertaining to symptoms associated with CGH. In the second phase, simulation of Vertebral and Carotid Artery was done using Fluent 14.5 Software and by CFD, pressure distribution on arteries was obtained that helped to identify high pressure regions. Results: Both PP and ESP showed a statistically significant association with CGH (p<0.001). By CFD analysis, both steady and transient phases of simulation showed drop in pressure due to constriction of internal carotid and vertebral artery by ESP and PP respectively and were found to decrease the volume of blood reaching the brain, 0.12 /0.13 mL and 0.06 mL respectively. Conclusions: Our analysis proves ESP and PP as contributing factors towards CGH. Hence for proper diagnosis and management of headache disorders, clinicians should have adequate knowledge about these anatomical structures and their resulting clinical symptoms.