• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.419-422
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• 2006

Objective : Radiofrequency facet rhizotomy[RFFR] has been widely performed for treatment of chronic neck pain caused by cervical dorsal ramus syndrome[CDRS]. To evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of RFFR in the patients with CDRS, we analyzed patients with various cervical pathologic conditions. Methods : The therapeutic results in forty-four patients who underwent RFFR for CDRS from January, 2000 to December, 2002 were analyzed according to the underlying pathologic conditions causing CDRS. The pathologic conditions were sprain [33 cases], herniated nucleus pulposus [6], foraminal stenosis [4], and compression fracture [1]. The therapeutic results were evaluated one month after the operation and graded as excellent, good, fair of poor. Treatments were considered successful if the therapeutic results were graded as either excellent of good. Results : The overall success rate in all patients was 72.7%. The success fate for treatment of cases with cervical sprain was 87.9%, but treatment of cases with herniated nucleus pulposus, foraminal stenosis, and fracture showed unsatisfactory results [mean success rate was 27.3%]. Some patients complained of transient hypesthesia [4 cases] of transient dull pain at the electrode insertion sites [2 cases]. Conclusion : RFFR is an effective and safe treatment for CDRS caused by cervical sprain, regardless of the patient's age, the duration of the symptoms, and the presence of radiating pain.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.369-374
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• 2009

Objective : Percutaneous vertebroplasty (VP) can provide immediate stabilization in pathologic fractures of spinal tumors. However, long term follow-up data in cases of pathologic fractures are lacking. The authors report follow-up results of VP in 185 pathologic fractures of 102 spinal tumor patients. Methods : Percutaneous VP was performed at 185 vertebral bodies of 102 patients from 2001 to 2007. Retrospective analysis was done with medical records and radiological data. The change of visual analogue score (VAS), vertebral body (VB) height and kyphotic angle were measured preoperatively and on postoperative one day and at 3, 6, and 12 months. Results : The patients were composed of metastatic spine tumors (81%) and multiple myeloma (19%). Involved spinal segments were between T6 and L5. Mean follow-up period was 12.2 months. VAS for back pain was 8.24 preoperatively, 3.59 (postoperative one day), 4.08 (three months) and 5.22 (one year). VB compression ratio changed from 21.33% preoperatively to 13.82% (postoperative one day), 14.36% (three month), and 16.04% (one year). Kyphotic angle changed from $15.35^{\circ}$ preoperatively to $12.03^{\circ}$ (postoperative one day), $13.64^{\circ}$ (three month), and $15.61^{\circ}$ (one year). Conclusion : Immediate pain relief was definite after VP in pathologic compression fracture of osteolytic spinal disease. Although VAS was slightly increased on one year follow-up, VP effect was maintained without significant change. These results indicate that VP could be a safe and effective procedure as a palliative treatment of the spinal tumor patients.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.37-41
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• 2017

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the implication of third molars in postoperative complications of mandibular angle fracture with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Materials and Methods: Data were collected on patients who presented with mandibular angle fracture at our Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery between January 2011 and December 2015. Of the 63 total patients who underwent ORIF and perioperative intermaxillary fixation (IMF) with an arch bar, 49 patients were identified as having third molars in the fracture line and were followed up with until plate removal. The complications of postoperative infection, postoperative nerve injury, bone healing, and changes in occlusion and temporomandibular joint were evaluated and analyzed using statistical methods. Results: In total, 49 patients had third molars in the fracture line and underwent ORIF surgery and perioperative IMF with an arch bar. The third molar in the fracture line was retained during ORIF in 39 patients. Several patients complained of nerve injury, temporomandibular disorder (TMD), change of occlusion, and postoperative infection around the retained third molar. The third molars were removed during ORIF surgery in 10 patients. Some of these patients complained of nerve injury, but no other complications, such as TMD, change in occlusion, or postoperative infection, were observed. There was no delayed union or nonunion in either of the groups. No statistically significant difference was found between the non-extraction group and the retained teeth group regarding complications after ORIF. Conclusion: If the third molar is partially impacted or completely nonfunctional, likely to be involved in pathologic conditions later in life, or possible to remove with the plate simultaneously, extraction of the third molar in the fracture line should be considered during ORIF surgery of the mandible angle fracture.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.125-128
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• 2010

Objective : The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal volume of injected cement and its distribution when used to treat vertebral compression fractures, and to identify factors related to subsequent vertebral fractures. Methods : A retrospective analysis of newly developing vertebral fractures after percutaneous vertebroplasty was done. The inclusion criteria were that the fracture was a single first onset fracture with exclusion of pathologic fractures. Forty-three patients were included in the study with a minimum follow up period of six months. Patients were dichotomized for the analysis by volume of cement, initial vertebral height loss, bone marrow density, and endplate-to-endplate cement augmentation. Results : None of the four study variables was found to be significantly associated with the occurrence of a subsequent vertebral compression fracture. In particular, and injected cement volume of more or less that 3.5 cc was not associated with occurrence (p = 0.2523). No relation was observed between initial vertebral height loss and bone marrow density (p = 0.1652, 0.2064). Furthermore, endplate-to-endplate cement augmentation was also not found to be significantly associated with a subsequent fracture (p = 0.2860) by Fisher's exact test. Conclusion : Neither volume of cement, initial vertebral height loss, bone marrow density, or endplate-to-endplate cement augmentation was found to be significantly related to the occurrence of a subsequent vertebral compression fracture. Our findings suggest that as much cement as possible without causing leakage should be used.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.249-253
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• 1995

The fibrous dysplasia is a progressive and disabling condition that lead to deformity, especially weight bearing bones. The morbidity that is associated with the polyostotic fibrous dysplasia is the recurrent fracture and deformity. Various methods of treatment had been failed to control this problem. We used osteotomy and reconstruction nailing for polyostotic fibrous dysplasia occured in the proximal part of right femur with varus deformity and reconstruction nailing in left femur without osteotomy, and interlocking intramedullary nailing in right tibia to prevent pathologic fracture. These methods brought a good result of bone union and full weight bearing ambulation after 1 year and 6 month follow up. We think these methods are useful methods to control refracture and deformity, so we reported this case with bibliographic reviews.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.44-52
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• 1998

We treated 19 cases of unicameral bone cysts with methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) from January 1988 to December 1995. We evaluated the effect of MPA injections through simple follow-up radiographs according to Oppenheim's, classification and retrospectively reviewed the sites of cyst, age of the patients at diagnosis, the incidence of pathologic fracture, cystic nature, and cystic proximiy to the growth plate, We then analyzed the relationship between these variables with the results of MPA injections. According to Oppenheim's classification, the results with the use of MPA injections were as follows: healed in six cases, improved in seven cases, incomplete obliteration in five cases and recurred in one case, If healed and improved were considered satisfactory results, then 13 cases(68.4%) were satisfactory at the last follow-up. Sites of cyst, age of the patients at diagnosis, incidence of pathologic fracture, cystic nature and cystic proximiy to the growth plate appeared not to influence the results of MPA injections statistically. On these data, we thought that the treatment of unicameral bone cysts with MPA injection was the most effective first choice of treatment before operative options such as curettage and bone graft.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2003

Purpose: To analysis of the result of the treatment of metastatic diaphyseal fracture of the humerus with closed interlocking intrameduallry nailing. Materials and Methods: Among surgically treated 29 patients with pathologic or impending fracture of diaphysis of the humeurs, 13 patients (16 cases) treated with closed intramedullary interlocking nail were selected for the study. The final result of pain relief and functional recovery was evaluated by modified rating system of Perez et al. Results: Primary cancer was diagnosed after fracture was developed in 2 patients and pathologic or impending fracture was occurred average period of 28.9 months after primary cancer was diagnosed. The main primary malignancies were multiple myeloma, lung cancer and breast cancer. Mean survival after humeral metastasis was 11.7 months. The final result was superior to fair in 13 of 16 cases, and poor in 3 cases with progression of tumor spread or distant dissemination to the ipsilateral fingers. Except the latter 3 patients and other 3 patients, who died before 3 months postoperatively, bony union was achieved in 10 cases. There were no complications related to surgery. Conclusion: Closed interlocking intrameduallry nailing is accomplished with brief operative time, small amount of bleeding and provides immediate stability with resultant early return of function to the arm. Additionally it allows early postoperative irradiation. However, some of our cases shows that intramedullary nailing can accelerate tumor spread and metastases elsewhere, so that serious consideration must be given in planning this treatment. In conclusion, the functional status before fracture, life expectancy, type of tumor and extent of involvement should be carefully considered to decide operative treatment of metastatic disease.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.164-172
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• 2006

Background: The authors conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the mechanism of injury, the surgical techniques, the clinical features, the combined injuries, the treatment results, and the surgical complications in patients with atlantoaxial fracture/subluxations. Methods: The authors reviewed 71 cervical fracture/dislocations during a four-year period from September 2002 to August 2006. Among them, there were twenty one C1,2 fracture/subluxations. There were thirteen men (mean age : 43.5 years) and eight women (mean age : 50 years). Their follow-up period was at least 6 months, and the mean follow-up period was 9.6 months. Gardner-Wells tongs traction was used in all patients immediately on presentation. Surgical treatment was performed, depending on the pathologic conditions. Results: Of all 21 cases, 14 cases were injured in motor vehicle accidents, 5 were falls, and 2 were miscellaneous. There were four C1 fracture (5.6%), fourteen C2 fracture (66.7%), one C1 and 2 combined fracture (4.8%), and one C1-2 subluxation (4.8%). The C1 fractures in our series were classified as two Jefferson's fractures and two C1 lateral mass fracture. The C2 fractures were classified as one odontoid type I fracture, two odontoid type II fractures, five odontoid type III fractures, one hangman's fracture, and four C2 body tear-drop fractures. Atlantoaxial fractures were associated with six (28.6%) head injuries, four (19.0%) other spinal injuries, two (9.5%) chest injuries, and three (14.3%) spinal cord injuries. Surgical treatment was performed in nine cases, which included anterior odontoid screw fixation in two cases, transarticular screw fixation with iliac bone graft in one case, posterior fixation by using C2 pedicle screw and C3 lateral mass screw in three cases, lateral mass screw fixation C1-2 with iliac bone graft in one case, O(occipito)-C1-3-4 screw fixation in one case, posterior C2-3 wiring with allograft in one case, and halo vest in six cases. Conservative management was used in the rest of the patients in our trials. Bone fusion was complete in all cases. There were no operation-related complication, except one pin site infection in the case of halo vest. Conclusion: In this study, the choice of appropriate treatment according to the fracture types resulted in safe and effective management of unique atlantoaxial fracture/subluxations.

• The Journal of the Korean bone and joint tumor society
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.80-86
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• 2010

Purpose: The skeleton is commonly affected by metastatic cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of treating metastatic pathologic fractures in lower extremities using locking plates. Materials and Methods: Between 2004 and 2010, we evaluated 12 patients (13 cases) of metastatic pathologic fractures in lower extremities, treated with the locking plate. Mean patient age was 62.2 years (range, 50-81 years), the locations of the fractures were; proximal femur in 2 cases, femoral mid-shaft in 3, distal femur in 3, proximal tibia in 4, and distal tibia in 1 case. The interval to wheelchair ambulation, pain relief and complications were evaluated. Additionally, we assessed operation time and postoperative blood loss. Results: Mean time from operation to wheelchair ambulation was 3.2 days (range, 1-6 days). Mean VAS scores improved from a preoperative score of 8.1 points (range, 7-9 points) to a score of 2.7 points (range, 2-4 points) at 1 week postoperatively. No early complications associated with surgery were encountered. Mean operation time was 88.4 minutes (range, 70-105 minutes), and mean postoperative blood loss was 246.5 ml (range, 130-320 ml). Conclusion: Internal fixation of metastatic pathologic fractures using a locking plate in the lower extremity can be an effective treatment option in the meta- or diaphyseal area of long bones with massive bony destruction or poor bone stock by offering early ambulation, pain relief and low postoperative complications.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.453-459
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• 2013

Although Serbia is recognized as an endemic country for echinococcosis, no information about precise incidence in humans has been available. The aim of this study was to investigate the skeletal manifestations of hydatid disease in Serbia. This retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the medical database of Institute for Pathology (Faculty of Medicine in Belgrade), a reference institution for bone pathology in Serbia. We reported a total of 41 patients with bone cystic echinococcosis (CE) during the study period. The mean age of 41 patients was $40.9{\pm}18.8$ years. In 39% of patients, the fracture line was the only visible radiological sign, followed by cyst and tumefaction. The spine was the most commonly involved skeletal site (55.8%), followed by the femur (18.6%), pelvis (13.9%), humerus (7.0%), rib (2.3%), and tibia (2.3%). Pain was the symptom in 41.5% of patients, while some patients demonstrated complications such as paraplegia (22.0%), pathologic fracture (48.8%), and scoliosis (9.8%). The pathological fracture most frequently affected the spine (75.0%) followed by the femur (20.0%) and tibia (5.0%). However, 19.5% of patients didn't develop any complication or symptom. In this study, we showed that bone CE is not uncommon in Serbian population. As reported in the literature, therapy of bone CE is controversial and its results are poor. In order to improve the therapy outcome, early diagnosis, before symptoms and complications occur, can be contributive.