• 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 Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.177-181
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• 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the two prosthesis that used for total ankle arthroplasty. Materials and Methods: From Sept. 2003 to Jun 2006, 13 patients and 14 ankles that could be follow up more than 1 months. Semiconstrained type (Group I, 7 cases) and Unconstrained type (Group II, 7 cases) were used for total ankle arthroplasty. Mean age was 63.2 year-old, 12 ankles are men and 2 ankles were women. Mean follow up periods were 29 months. The criteria to compare the clinical result were postoperative range of motion, AOFAS score and residual bone stock of medial malleolus. Results: Postoperative range of motion of group I was $43.6{\pm}9.4$ degrees and of group II was $50.7{\pm}7.3$ degrees (p=0.115). Postoperative AOFAS score of group I was $77.1{\pm}13.0$ points and of group II was $86.0{\pm}5.7$ points (p=0.094). Resected bone stock in medial malleolus of group I was $10.7{\pm}2.5\;mm$ and of group II was $5.1{\pm}1.2\;mm$ (p=0.003). Total number of complication in our study was 9 cases. 3 cases were a malleolar fracture, two occurred at intra-operation, the other at follow-up period. Re-operation was done in 6 cases, 3 cases were calcaneal corrective osteotomy, 2 cases were resection of a heterotopic bone and one case was pedicular flap operation for skin problem. Conclusion: In our hospital, mobile bearing type prosthesis shows good result than a semiconstrained type in respect of residual bone stock in medial malleolus. Postoperative range of motion and AOFAS score between two groups shows no significant difference. But small number of patients and short term follow up period is a defect in our study, afterward more population and long term follow up period are needed.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.59 no.6
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• pp.270-277
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• 2015

There is a lack of evidence on the impact of pharmacist interventions in diabetes care in South Korea. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pharmacist counseling on clinical and humanistic outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. An uncontrolled before-and-after study was conducted at the outpatient diabetes clinic in a teaching hospital in Gyeongnam, South Korea between January 2 and November 30, 2014. A total of 37 patients were enrolled. During the study periods, the participants and pharmacists met every 2 weeks via follow-up telephone calls in addition to face-to-face meetings upon returning for care visit. At each meeting, a structured patient counseling was performed and the average duration of each meeting was 15~30 minutes. The participants were requested to record daily self-care activities. At the end of this study, patients' satisfaction on pharmacist care was evaluated using the questionnaire developed by us. Compared to baseline, significant reductions (mean${\pm}$standard deviation, p<0.05) in HbA1c were observed at each follow-up period: $-0.32{\pm}0.72%$ from baseline to 3 months; $-0.52{\pm}0.76%$ from baseline to 6 months; $-0.72{\pm}0.76%$ from baseline to 9 months. Over the same follow-up period, the proportions of patients achieving target HbA1c (defined as HbA1c<6.5%) were 3.1%, 10.3%, and 20%, respectively. The proportions of patients who never missed a dose during the same follow-up period were 43.8%, 31.0%, and 20.0%, respectively. The results from the patient satisfaction survey indicated that pharmacist counseling improved patients' knowledge about diabetes and possible drug interactions. Especially, the information on a healthy diet and lifestyle was the most satisfying. To conclude, follow-up telephone calls combined with face-to-face meetings improved clinical and humanistic outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.55 no.5
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• pp.464-474
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• 2022

Objectives: We introduced the cohort studies included in the Korean Cohort Consortium (KCC), focusing on large-scale cohort studies established in Korea with a prolonged follow-up period. Moreover, we also provided projections of the follow-up and estimates of the sample size that would be necessary for big-data analyses based on pooling established cohort studies, including population-based genomic studies. Methods: We mainly focused on the characteristics of individual cohort studies from the KCC. We developed "PROFAN", a Shiny application for projecting the follow-up period to achieve a certain number of cases when pooling established cohort studies. As examples, we projected the follow-up periods for 5000 cases of gastric cancer, 2500 cases of prostate and breast cancer, and 500 cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The sample sizes for sequencing-based analyses based on a 1:1 case-control study were also calculated. Results: The KCC consisted of 8 individual cohort studies, of which 3 were community-based and 5 were health screening-based cohorts. The population-based cohort studies were mainly organized by Korean government agencies and research institutes. The projected follow-up period was at least 10 years to achieve 5000 cases based on a cohort of 0.5 million participants. The mean of the minimum to maximum sample sizes for performing sequencing analyses was 5917-72 102. Conclusions: We propose an approach to establish a large-scale consortium based on the standardization and harmonization of existing cohort studies to obtain adequate statistical power with a sufficient sample size to analyze high-risk groups or rare cancer subtypes.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.25 no.10
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• pp.1030-1034
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• 1992

There are follow-up data according to thirteen patients recieved the surgical resection for metastatic lung cancer arising from different primary tumor. The patients were received the surgical resection at Korean Cancer Center Hospital from July 1987 to Setember 1991 and followed-up to August 1992. There were 9 men and 4 women, ranging in age from 16 to 70 years[mean age, 42.8 years]. The primary tumors were 2 synovial sarcoma, 2 sarcoma, 2 osteosarcoma, 3 laryngeal ca, 1 melanoma, 1 ovarian ca and 1 bladder ca. The operative procedures were 5 wedge resections, 1 segmental resection, 5 lobectomies, 1 bil-obectomy and 1 pneumonectomy. There was no operative and hospital death. There were 3 deaths[each survival period: 2, 9 and 20 months, average 10.3 months]and 5 tumor recurrence during follow-up. At now, the average survival period of aliving patients is 29.1 months.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.63 no.2
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• pp.228-236
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• 2020

Objective : It can be assumed that the progression of scoliosis in the juvenile period will increase the asymmetry in the rib cage, and thus will contribute to an increase in the breast asymmetry (BA) in the future. We are looking for answers to the questions; "How will the breasts look with respect to each other and what is the possibility of developing BA in the early follow-up period following the early surgical treatment and final fusion surgery of juvenile idiopathic scoliosis (JIS)?" For this reason, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the breast asymmetries of patients in the period after the final fusion. Methods : Following growing rod treatment, final fusion was achieved in 12 females with JIS. We used the anthropomorphic measurement of the modified BREAST-V formula to assess whether there was an asymmetry between the breasts after an average of 4.8 years (2-11) following final fusion. Results : In comparison, the mean volume of the left breast (222.4 mL [range, 104.1-330.2]) was larger than the mean volume of the right breast volume (214.5 mL [range, 95.2-326.7]) (p=0.034). The left breast was larger in 75% of the patients. BA was observed in 50% of the patients. No correlation was detected between the Cobb angle of the patient after final fusion and BA (p=0.688). Conclusion : In the late follow-up period, BA was detected in 50% of the patients with JIS who achieved final fusion after treatment with growing rod. In majority of the patients, left breast was larger. The patients with JIS and their families can be informed prior to the operation about the probability of BA seen in the follow-up period after fusion.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.154-159
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• 2007

Purpose: The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the proximal metatarsal chevron osteotomy outcomes for moderate to severe hallux valgus more than seven year follow up. Materials and Methods: Between 1996 and 1998, hallux valgus 61 cases were evaluated. The follow up period was more than seven years. The clinical review analyzed by the hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, radiologic review by the hallux valgus angle, first and second intermetatarsal angle. Complication also evaluated. Results: Clinically, preoperative AOFAS score was average 43 points (range; $16{\sim}60$ points) which significantly improved to 88 points (range; $61{\sim}100$ points) at last follow up periods. Radiologically, the mean preoperative, postoperative, last follow up hallux valgus angle was $34^{\circ}$, $5.2^{\circ}$, $10.9^{\circ}$. The mean preoperative, postoperative, last follow up intermetatarsal angle was $15.3^{\circ}$, $3.3^{\circ}$, $5.3^{\circ}$. Postoperative angle change were no statistical significance (p>0.05). Complication were hallux varus 6 cases, metatarsophalangeal joint arthritis 2 cases, recurrence 1 case. Conclusion: Proximal metatarsal chevron osteotomy shows satisfactory outcome for moderate to severe hallux valgus more than seven year follow up.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.166-171
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• 2021

Background: This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of steroid injections during the rehabilitation period after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ACRC). Methods: Among patients who underwent ARCR, 117 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled. Pain and range of motion (ROM) recovery at the 3-, 6-, and 24-month follow-up visits and functional outcome at the 24-month follow-up were compared between 45 patients who received ultrasound-guided subacromial steroid injection at postoperative week 4 or 6 and 72 patients who did not. Functional outcome was assessed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and Constant score. Healing of the repaired tendon and retear were observed at the 6-month follow-up via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) arthrography. Results: At the 3-month follow-up, the steroid injection group showed lower visual analog scale scores than the control group (p<0.05) and showed faster recovery of forward flexion and internal rotation (p<0.05). From the 6-month follow-up, the two groups did not show differences in pain and ROM, and the ASES score and Constant score also did not significantly differ at the 24-month follow-up. The two groups did not differ in retear rate as determined by MRI or CT arthrography at the 6-month follow-up. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that ultrasound-guided subacromial steroid injection at 4 or 6 weeks after ARCR leads to quick pain reduction and ROM recovery until 3 months after surgery. Therefore, subacromial steroid injection is speculated to be an effective and relatively safe method to assist rehabilitation.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.52-58
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• 2005

Purpose: To analyze the overall clinical outcome, overall assessment, and patient's satisfaction rate of subtalar arthrodesis using the cannulated compression screw. Materials and Methods: This study is based on 17 patients, 17 feet who underwent subtalar arthrodesis using the cannulated compression screw from March, 1997 to March, 2004 with at least 1 year follow-up. The average follow-up period was 33.0 months (12 to 72 months). Functional results were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot (AOFAS) score, and Visual Analysis Scale (VAS) pain score, patients' returning to previous occupation and patients' satisfaction rate were also evaluated. Results: The mean AOFAS scores at final follow-up were 80.4 points (range $66{\sim}92$). The satisfactory rates were as follow. Thirteen patients (76.4%) were at least satisfied with surgical result at final follow-up. Patients' VAS pain score was average 2.8 points ($1{\sim}6$). Fourteen (82.3%) patients returned to previous job at mean postoperative period of 11.3 months (range 3-18 months). Patients' work efficiency after returning to previous occupation was 68.7% (range $33{\sim}100%$). There were 9 complications which were 3 cases of sural nerve injury, 1 case of valgus malunion, and 5 cases of the hindfoot residual pain. Conclusion: We obtained the satisfactory functional results with relatively high patient satisfaction rate of 76%. So we conclude that subtalar arthrodesis using the cannulated compression screw is a reliable method for addressing the painful end-stage subtalar osteoarthritis and unreconstructible comminuted calcaneal fractures. However we also found out that average 11 months were necessary for patients to return to their job.

• Korea journal of population studies
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.195-213
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• 2006

Follow-up surveys with 700 smoking male adults and 300 nonsmoking male adults were performed before 20-days and after one month, three months and six months since government's price increase enforcement. 572 smokers among 700 and 198 non-smokers among 300 were remained and followed up till the end of the surveys. The cessation rate of smokers are 6.6%(after one month), 10.3%(after three months) and 11.0%(after six months). Smoking cessation ratio of new smoking quilters who considered that price increase as a motive of their giving-up smoking are 76.3%, 81.3% and 65.1%. The smokers estimates of short-run price elasticities from follow-up surveys are -0.6853, -0.6230 and -0.5482 at each survey period. Including non-smokers, estimates of short-run price elasticities from follow-up surveys are -0.3920, -0.3739 and -0.3481 at each survey period. The effect of demand decrease caused by KR\500 price increase stayed with little difference for six months because price elasticities between each survey period showed no much change. Effectiveness and validity of tobacco control by price increase was confirmed through the survey results. Therefore if the government want to attain long term strategic goal to decrease general smoking rate among male adult smokers by 30%, the strong smoking prohibition policy, just like the price increase of December 2004, should be continuously driven.