• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.267-272
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• 2011

Objective : Although iliac crest autograft is the gold standard for lumbar fusion, the morbidity of donor site leads us to find an alternatives to replace autologous bone graft. Ceramic-based synthetic bone grafts such as hydroxyapatite (HA) and b-tricalcium phosphate (b-TCP) provide scaffolds similar to those of autologous bone, are plentiful and inexpensive, and are not associated with donor morbidity. The present report describes the use of Polybone$^{(R)}$ (Kyungwon Medical, Korea), a beta-tricalcium phosphate, for lumbar posterolateral fusion and assesses clinical and radiological efficacy as a graft material. Methods : This study retrospectively analyzed data from 32 patients (11 men, 21 women) who underwent posterolateral fusion (PLF) using PolyBone$^{(R)}$ from January to August, 2008. Back and leg pain were assessed using a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and clinical outcome was assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Serial radiological X-ray follow up were done at 1, 3, 6 12 month. A computed tomography (CT) scan was done in 12 month. Radiological fusion was assessed using simple anterior-posterior (AP) X-rays and computed tomography (CT). The changes of radiodensity of fusion mass showed on the X-ray image were analyzed into 4 stages to assess PLF status. Results : The mean NRS scores for leg pain and back pain decreased over 12 months postoperatively, from 8.0 to 1.0 and from 6.7 to 1.7, respectively. The mean ODI score also decreased from 60.5 to 17.7. X-rays and CT showed that 25 cases had stage IV fusion bridges at 12 months postoperatively (83.3% success). The radiodensity of fusion mass on X-ray AP image significantly changed at 1 and 6 months. Conclusion: The present results indicate that the use of a mixture of local autologous bone and PolyBone$^{(R)}$ results in fusion rates comparable to those using autologous bone and has the advantage of reduced morbidity. In addition, the graft radiodensity ratio significantly changed at postoperative 1 and 6 months, possibly reflecting the inflammatory response and stabilization.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.137-140
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• 2007

HNP [Herniation of the necleus pulposus] generally occurs at ventral portion of lumbar thecal sac due to the anatomical position. We report two unusual cases of herniated dorsal portion of lumbar thecal sac causing diagnostic difficulties. Two patients with posteriorly migrated epidural disc fragments were evaluated with plain X-ray, and magnetic resonance imaging. These patients responded well to operation with complete relief of symptoms. Definite diagnosis of posteriorly located disc fragments is difficult because the radiological images of disc fragments may mimic those of other more common posterior epidural lesions.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.227-239
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• 2009

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to investigate the relation of Ferguson's angle, Lumbar lordotic angle, Lumbar IVD angle in traffic accident patients. Methods : Total patients were classified into TA(traffic accident) inpatients and non-TA(lumbago) inpatients. We analyzed the characteristics of each group Ferguson's angle, Lumbar lordotic angle, L4-5 IVD angle, L5-S1 IVD angle on X-ray film. Results : 1. Ferguson's angle and Lumbar lordotic angle were smaller than normal range. Non-TA group's angles were smaller than TA group's angles. 2. L4-5 IVD angle of female showed smaller than that of male in TA groups. The older age was, the smaller L4-5 IVD angle was at non-TA groups. 3. L5-S1 IVD angle of female showed smaller than that of male in total groups. The older age was, the smaller L5-S1 IVD angle was at non-TA groups. 4. Ferguson's angle, Lumbar lordotic angle, Lumbar IVD angle were related with direct proportion in total groups. 5. Non-TA groups showed more effective VAS variation than TA groups. Conclusions : Lumbar angles were intimately related with each others. And lumbar angles have an effect on curative value.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.78-86
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• 2000

Objective : Lumbar spinal instability occurs when normal biomechanics support in lumbar vertebrae interrupted. Despite the recent enthusiastic studies, the precise radiological assessment has not been fully established, yet. Therefore, we carefully studied our cases to analyze the radiologic findings in lumbar spinal instability. Patients and Methods : We have put together radiological analysis and assessment based on 38 patients who have been diagnosed and treated for lumbar spinal instabilities from June 1994 to December 1998, Patients who have been diagnosed and treated for trauma were excluded from study. Results : The outcomes are as follows : 1) Lumbar lordotic curve was statistically significant in unstable group by 23.7, compared to the control group ($17.0^{\circ}$). 2) According to the resting x-ray, sagittal plane angulation measured on unstable group was $21.1^{\circ}$, control group $18.0^{\circ}$. Therefore unstable group was noticeably higher(p<0.01). 3) According to the resting x-ray sagittal plane displacement, unstable group had 4.3mm, the comparison had 1.2mm. Therefore measurement from the unstable group were significantly higher(p<0.01). 4) According to stress view, sagittal plane translation was 4.1mm for the unstables and 2.7mm for the comparisons. Therefore unstables were noticeably higher(p<0.01). 5) According to stress view, sagittal plane rotation was $15.1^{\circ}$ at L3-4, $22.0^{\circ}$ at L4-5, $27.9^{\circ}$ at L5S1 for the unstable group and $11.3^{\circ}$, $18.1^{\circ}$, $21.0^{\circ}$ each for the comparison. 6) Facet angle for unstable group, left $29.3^{\circ}-61.5^{\circ}$, right $24.4^{\circ}-63.2^{\circ}$ and the mean for each are $43.1^{\circ}$, $47.2^{\circ}$. The difference between left and right facet angle was $3.5^{\circ}-20.7^{\circ}$ and the mean value $15.3^{\circ}$. Facet angle for the comparisons for the left was $29.3^{\circ}-59.5^{\circ}$, right was in between $25.7^{\circ}-64.5^{\circ}$ range and the each mean are $44.9^{\circ}$ and $47.6^{\circ}$. Also, the difference between left and right facet angle was $4.1^{\circ}-9.3^{\circ}$ and the average was $17.1^{\circ}$. The average and the difference between the left and right angle are found not to have statistic necessity for both unstable and stable measurements(p>0.01). 7) 19 patients were found to have vacuum facet phenomenon among unstable group etc. results were collected. Conclusion : According to above results, we attempted to prepare the application to the patient of radiological analysis and assessment for lumbar spinal instability early checkup.

• Journal of Radiation Industry
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.311-316
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• 2018

Average life expectancy is getting longer due to medical developments and improvements in living standards. So much so that the elderly have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis. Therefore, it is important to prevent, diagnose, and treat the senile disease at an early stage through a bone density test. Bone density is measured by dual energy X-ray absorption (DXA). In this study, while using DXA, in cases when the measurements for both the lumbar and the femur could not be taken simultaneously, the correlation between both measurements were known, and the measurement of one area was used to make a clinical inference for the value of the other. Measurements were taken using Lunar Prodigy Advance (GE) for 43 participant with clinically significant fractures. Statistical calculations were produced and analysed regarding bone density. In case of T-score, lumbar spine produced a statistical result of $-2.112{\pm}1.836$ and femur neck was $-1.716{\pm}1.565$. In case of Z-score lumbar spine produced a statistical result of $-0.151{\pm}1.513$, and femur neck $-0.026{\pm}1.283$. It is indicated that the pearson correlation coefficient of T-score between lumbar spine and femur neck is high at 0.699, and the pearson correlation coefficient of Z-score is considered relatively high at 0.503. The correlation of bone density between lumbar spine and femur neck is shown to be statistically meaningful in T-score's p-value at 0.000 and Z-score's p-value at 0.001. In conclusion, it seems to have clinical usefulness that we can infer the result of one measurement through that of the other part tested, based on the knowledge of the correlation coefficients between lumbar spine and femur neck.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.43-50
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• 2004

Objective : Obesity is associated with degenerative arthropathy giving stress on joints. It also amplifies loads of weight bearing joints by changing the gravity line of the body. Our aim is to investigate the correlation between obesity and lumbar lordosis in obese pre-menopausal Korean females. The hypothesis was tested that there is a correlation between obesity and lumbar lordosis. Methods : A cross-sectional evaluation of 44 Females (baseline age 30.77 ± 6.46) with BMI 31.53 ± 3.82 (kg/㎡) was done. Body composition was measured using bio-impedance analysis (BIA), and anthropometry was done by the same observer. A lateral whole spine X-ray was taken in standing position to measure the lumbar lordotic angle (LLA), Ferguson angle (FA) and lumbar gravity line (LGL). A Pearson correlation was used to measure the correlation between obesity and lumbar lordosis (SPSS 10.0 for windows). Results : Body mass index (BMI kg/㎡) had a negative relationship with LLA((equation omitted)=-0.469), FA((equation omitted) =-0.347) and LGL((equation omitted)=-0.389). Body fat rate had a negative relationship with LLA only(γ=-0.385). Waist circumference had a negative relationship with LLA((equation omitted)=-0.345) and LGL((equation omitted)=-0.346). WH ratio had no relationship with lumbar lordosis. Conclusion : These data show that obesity is related to mechanical structures, such as lumbar lordosis. BMI was the most useful index, which reflects a change of mechanical structure of lumbar, more than other variables in this study.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.54 no.5
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• pp.384-389
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• 2013

Objective : Use of quantitative computed tomography (CT) to evaluate bone mineral density was suggested in the 1970s. Despite its reliability and accuracy, technical shortcomings restricted its usage, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) became the gold standard evaluation method. Advances in CT technology have reduced its previous limitations, and CT evaluation of bone quality may now be applicable in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to determine if the Hounsfield unit (HU) values obtained from CT correlate with patient age and bone mineral density. Methods : A total of 128 female patients who underwent lumbar CT for back pain were enrolled in the study. Their mean age was 66.4 years. Among them, 70 patients also underwent DXA. The patients were stratified by decade of life, forming five age groups. Lumbar vertebrae L1-4 were analyzed. The HU value of each vertebra was determined by averaging three measurements of the vertebra's trabecular portion, as shown in consecutive axial CT images. The HU values were compared between age groups, and correlations of HU value with bone mineral density and T-scores were determined. Results : The HU values consistently decreased with increasing age with significant differences between age groups (p<0.001). There were significant positive correlations (p<0.001) of HU value with bone mineral density and T-score. Conclusion : The trabecular area HU value consistently decreases with age. Based on the strong positive correlation between HU value and bone mineral density, CT-based HU values might be useful in detecting bone mineral diseases, such as osteoporosis.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.27-34
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• 2012

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to find out the relation between 4th lumbar rotational malposition and scoliosis. Methods : We investigated 22 cases of patients who were diagnosed as scoliosis. We used AP & Lateral view X-ray for patients. And we analysed the relation between 4th lumbar rotational malposition and scoliosis. Results : P-value was 0.436 between 4th lumbar rotational amount and lordotic angle, and was 0.758 between 4th lumbar rotational amount and wedge angle(p>0.05). And p-value was 0.022 between 4th lumbar rotational amount and scoliotic apex rotational amount(p<0.05), but was 0.286 between 4th lumbar rotational amount and Cobb's angle(p>0.05). Conclusions : The results suggest that 4th lumbar rotational malposition was statistically correlation with scoliotic apex rotational malposition, was not Cobb's angle, 4th lumbar lordotic & wedge angle.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.345-353
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• 2024

The purpose of this study was to suggest an appropriate collimation size and central X-ray incidence point by analyzing the correlation between the collimation size used in lumbar lateral examination and factors affecting the collimation size. the lumbar lateral examination results of 148 patients suitable for the purpose of this study were analyzed. The measurement method was to set the total horizontal width shown in the image to the size of the irradiation field(collimation) used during the examination. The distance connected vertically from the end of the dorsal field to the apophyseal joint of the third lumbar vertebra(AJD), the distance from the dorsal end of the image field to the center of the body of the third lumbar vertebra(BD), and the distance from the end of the dorsal field of the image to the center of the pedicle of the third lumbar vertebra(PD). The distance was measured. For comparative analysis of the mean values of dependent variables according to gender, age, height, weight, and body mass index, the mean values were compared using the independent samples t test and one-way ANOVA. For post hoc analysis, duncan was used. The correlation between independent and dependent variables was analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis. In this study, statistical significance was set at a p value of 0.05 or lower. The average value of the collimation size during the lumbar spine lateral examination was 252.45 mm, AJD was 102.11 mm, BD was 141.17 mm, and PD was 119.73 mm. The mean values of collimation size, AJD, BD, and PD were larger in men than in women, but statistical significance for the difference in mean values by gender was found only in BD (p<0.05). There was a slight difference in the mean value of each group according to age, but there was no statistical significance (p>0.05). The collimation size and mean values of AJD, BD, and PD according to height, weight, and body mass index differed depending on the independent variables, and the differences were all statistically significant (p<0.05). As a result of the correlation analysis, field size and AJD, BD, and PD showed no correlation with gender and age, a weak positive correlation with height, and a medium positive correlation with weight and body mass index. The results of this study showed that CS was correlated with height, weight, and BMI during lumbar lateral examination. If the entrance point of the central X-ray is moved to the appophyseal joint by considering weight and BMI when adjusting the collimation size in clinical practice, it is expected that the collimation size can be reduced bu about 5%.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.185-190
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• 2000

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the difference of Lumbar Lordosis Angle(LLA) between patients with Low Back Pain(LBP) and control groups. Methods: Questionnaires were completed by 40 adult LBP patients seeking physical therapy services and by 40 controls at the Department of Physical Therapy. Saejong Neurosurgical Clinic in Taegu city from October 1999 to March 2000. LLA was measured on lateral x-ray films in a standing position. The angle between a line parallel to the top of the first Lumbar(L1) and the top of the fifth Lumbar(L5) was defined LLA. Results: LLA of $29.88^{\circ}$ for LBP patients was a statistically significant decrease from that of $35.31^{\circ}$ for controls in the difference of lumbar lordosis(p<0.01). There were statistically significant differences between senders in patient groups. Females$(32.32^{\circ})$ had significantly greater angles than males$(27.32^{\circ})$(p<0.05), while $36.63^{\curc}$ for female was also greater than $34.12^{\circ}$ for male in the controls. No significant difference was found between age. In patient groups, $27.95^{\circ}$ for below age 40 was a smaller than $32.32^{\circ}$ for above, however, $35.82^{\circ}$ for below age 40 was a little greater than $34.27^{\circ}$ for above in controls. Patients in a sitting posture had greater LLA$(31.35^{\circ}$ than those standing$(28.93^{\circ})$, however values for controls were similar to each other. Conclusion: Results from this study indicate that distinct differences exist among patients and controls and gender, whereas little difference exists in age and working posture.