• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제46권4호
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• pp.285-291
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• 2009

Objective : This study examined the change of range of motion (ROM) at the segments within the dynamic posterior stabilization, segments above and below the system, the clinical course and analyzed the factors influencing them. Methods : This study included a consecutive 27 patients who underwent one-level to three-level dynamic stabilization with Bioflex system at our institute. All of these patients with degenerative disc disease underwent decompressive laminectomy with/without discectomy and dynamic stabilization with Bioflex system at the laminectomy level without fusion. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for back and leg pain, whole lumbar lordosis (from L1 to S1), ROMs from preoperative, immediate postoperative, 1.5, 3, 6, 12 months at whole lumbar (from L1 to S1), each instrumented levels, and one segment above and below this instrumentation were evaluated. Results : VAS scores for leg and back pain decreased significantly throughout the whole study period. Whole lumbar lordosis remained within preoperative range, ROM of whole lumbar and instrumented levels showed a significant decrease. ROM of one level upper and lower to the instrumentation increased, but statistically invalid. There were also 5 cases of complications related with the fixation system. Conclusion : Bioflex posterior dynamic stabilization system supports operation-induced unstable, destroyed segments and assists in physiological motion and stabilization at the instrumented level, decrease back and leg pain, maintain preoperative lumbar lordotic angle and reduce ROM of whole lumbar and instrumented segments. Prevention of adjacent segment degeneration and complication rates are something to be reconsidered through longer follow up period.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제53권3호
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• pp.174-179
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• 2013

Objective : Many studies have investigated paraspinal muscle changes after posterior lumbar surgery, including lumbar fusion. However, no study has been performed to investigate back muscle changes after pedicle based dynamic stabilization in patients with degenerative lumbar spinal diseases. In this study, the authors compared back muscle cross sectional area (MCSA) changes after non-fusion pedicle based dynamic stabilization. Methods : Thirty-two consecutive patients who underwent non-fusion pedicle based dynamic stabilization (PDS) at the L4-L5 level between February 2005 and January 2008 were included in this retrospective study. In addition, 11 patients who underwent traditional lumbar fusion (LF) during the same period were enrolled for comparative purposes. Preoperative and postoperative MCSAs of the paraspinal (multifidus+longissimus), psoas, and multifidus muscles were measured using computed tomographic axial sections taken at the L4 lower vertebral body level, which best visualize the paraspinal and psoas muscles. Measurements were made preoperatively and at more than 6 months after surgery. Results : Overall, back muscles showed decreases in MCSAs in the PDS and LF groups, and the multifidus was most affected in both groups, but more so in the LF group. The PDS group showed better back muscle preservation than the LF group for all measured muscles. The multifidus MCSA was significantly more preserved when the PDS-paraspinal-Wiltse approach was used. Conclusion : Pedicle based dynamic stabilization shows better preservation of paraspinal muscles than posterior lumbar fusion. Furthermore, the minimally invasive paraspinal Wiltse approach was found to preserve multifidus muscles better than the conventional posterior midline approach in PDS group.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• 제28권4호
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• pp.221-226
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• 2016

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of neck and trunk stabilization exercise on static and dynamic balance in older adults. Methods: A total of 30 older adults participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to the neck and trunk stabilization exercise group (NTSG) (n=15) or the trunk stabilization exercise group (TSG) (n=15). The NTSG performed a trunk stabilization exercise added to a neck stabilization exercise that included biofeedback. Both groups received training for 30 minutes per day three times per week for eight weeks. The anterior, posterior limit of stability and sway length was used to measure static balance ability, while the timed up and go (TUG) test was used to measure dynamic balance ability. Results: Participants showed significant differences in sway length, anterior limit of stability, posterior limit of stability, and the results of the TUG test between their pre- and post mediation evaluations (p<0.05). The NTSG showed a more significant increase than the TSG (p<0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, both exercises effectively improved static and dynamic balance ability. However, the neck and trunk stabilization exercise is more efficient for increasing the balance ability of older adults.

• 대한의용생체공학회:의공학회지
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• 제29권2호
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• pp.139-145
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• 2008

Many recent studies suggest that the posterior dynamic stabilization(PDS) can be a more physiologically-relevant alternative to the rigid fixation for the patients suffering from low back pain. However, its biomechanical effects or clinically proven efficacies still remain unknown. In this study, we evaluated kinematic behaviors of the lower lumbar spine with the PDS system and then compared to those of the rigid fixation system using finite element (FE) analysis. A validated FE model of intact lumbar spine(L2-L5) was developed. The implanted model was then constructed after modification from the intact to simulate two kinds of pedicle screw systems (PDS and the rigid fixation). Hybrid protocol was used to flex, extend, laterally bend and axially rotate the FE model. Results showed that the PDS systems are more flexible than rigid fixation systems, yet not flexible enough to preserve motion. PDS system allowed $16.2{\sim}42.2%$ more intersegmental rotation than the rigid fixation at the implanted level. One the other hand, at the adjacent level it allowed more range of motion ($2.0%{\sim}8.3%$) than the rigid fixation. The center of rotation of the PDS model remained closer to that of the intact spine. These results suggest that the PDS system could be able to prevent excessive motion at the adjacent levels and restore the spinal kinematics.

• 구강회복응용과학지
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• 제38권4호
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• pp.204-212
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• 2022

목적: 수면이갈이 환자에서 한달 간 수면 시 교합안정장치를 장착하였을 때 교합력과 교합 접촉 면적 및 동기능적교합분석의 변화량을 비교하고자 하였다. 연구 재료 및 방법: 2021년 10월부터 2022년 7월까지 연세대학교 치과대학병원 구강내과 외래에 방문한 수면이갈이 환자 30명 중 교합안정장치를 수면 중 착용하는 실험군(treatment; n = 15)과 교합안정장치를 착용하지 않는 대조군(control; n = 15)으로 구성하였다. 교합안정장치 장착 전, 장착 1개월 후에 교합력 검사와 동기능적교합분석(측방, 전후방 하악 운동 시 좌/우 힘의 균형, 평균 교합력, 최대 교합력, 최대 접촉 개수)을 진행하였다. 결과: 한달 간 수면 중 교합안정장치를 착용하는 실험군과 교합안정장치를 착용하지 않는 대조군에서 교합력과 교합 접촉 면적은 차이가 없었으나 측방 및 전후방 운동에서 평균 교합력과 최대 교합력, 전후방 운동에서 최대 접촉 개수가 유의한 차이가 있었음을 관찰하였다. 결론: 교합안정장치가 측방, 전후방 운동을 하는 이갈이 환자에게 도움이 될 것으로 사료되며, 향후 추가적으로 대단위 집단을 대상으로 하는 이중 맹검연구가 필요할 것으로 사료된다.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제51권6호
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• pp.343-349
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• 2012

Objective : Pedicle-based dynamic stabilization systems, in which semi-rigid rods or cords are used to restrict or control spinal segmental motion, aim to reduce or eliminate the drawbacks associated with rigid fusion. In this study, we analyzed the two-year clinical outcomes of patients treated with the NFlex (Synthes Spine, Inc.), a pedicle-based dynamic stabilization system. Methods : Five sites participated in a retrospective study of 72 consecutive patients who underwent NFlex stabilization. Of these 72 patients, 65 were available for 2-year follow-up. Patients were included based on the presence of degenerative disc disease (29 patients), degenerative spondylolisthesis (16 patients), lumbar stenosis (9 patients), adjacent segment degeneration (6 patients), and degenerative lumbar scoliosis (5 patients). The clinical outcome measures at each assessment were Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to measure back pain, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) to measure functional status. Radiographic assessments included evidence of instrumentation failure or screw loosening. Results : Sixty-five patients (26 men and 39 women) with a mean age of 54.5 years were included. Mean follow-up was 25.6 months. The mean VAS score improved from 8.1 preoperatively to 3.8 postoperatively, representing a 53% improvement, and the ODI score from 44.5 to 21.8, representing a 51% improvement. Improvements in pain and disability scores were statistically significant. Three implant-related complications were observed. Conclusion : Posterior pedicle-based dynamic stabilization using the NFlex system seems effective in improving pain and functional scores, with sustained clinical improvement after two years. With appropriate patient selection, it may be considered an effective alternative to rigid fusion.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제57권1호
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• pp.61-64
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• 2015

A number of dynamic stabilization systems have been used to overcome the problems associated with spinal fusion with rigid fixation recently and the demand for an ideal dynamic stabilization system is greater for younger patients with multisegment disc degeneration. Nitinol, a shape memory alloy of nickel and titanium, is flexible at low temperatures and regains its original shape when heated, and the Nitinol shape memory loop (SML) implant has been used as a posterior tension band mostly in decompressive laminectomy cases because the Nitinol implant has various characteristics such as high elasticity and a tensile force, flexibility, and biological compatibility. The reported short-term outcomes of the application of SMLs as posterior column supporters in cervical and lumbar decompressive laminectomies seem to be positive, and complications are minimal except for the rare occurrence of pullout and fracture of the SML. However, there was no report of neurological complications related to neural compression in spite of the use of the loop of SML in the epidural space. The authors report a case of delayed development of radiating pain caused by subsidence of the SML resulting epidural compression.

• 대한기계학회논문집B
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• 제36권11호
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• pp.1099-1104
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• 2012

본 연구에서는 새로운 후방요추간체의 고정재로서 뼈에 나사를 삽입고정하지 않고 후방요추간체에 걸어 시술하는 형상기억합금을 이용한 오메가형 스프링 유동적 고정재의 기계적 변형특성을 평가하였다. 사용된 오메가와형 스프링 고정재에 대해 인장, 압축, 동적피로시험을 실시하였다. 또한, 기존에 시판 중인 후방요추간체에 나사를 삽입하여 시술되는 나선형 스프링 유동적 고정재와 함께 유한요소방법을 이용하여 허리를 굽힐 때 가해지는 굽힘에 대한 변형해석을 실시하였다. 오메가형 스프링 고정재의 양단 고리중심간 거리가 60 mm인 시편의 평균 극한 인장하중은 3981.7 N, 평균 극한 압축하중은 535.6 N으로 나타났으며, 5 Hz의 반복주기로 10 N/1N의 압축피로하중을 가할 경우 5백만회 반복하는 동안 파단 없이 8~9 mm의 압축변위가 발생하였다. FEA 결과에서 보면 오메가형 스프링 고정재가 나선형 스프링 고정재보다 허리 굽힘에 대해 유연한 변형특성을 보였다.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제58권5호
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• pp.412-418
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• 2015

Objective : To investigate the effects of posterior implant rigidity on spinal kinematics at adjacent levels by utilizing a cadaveric spine model with simulated physiological loading. Methods : Five human lumbar spinal specimens (L3 to S1) were obtained and checked for abnormalities. The fresh specimens were stripped of muscle tissue, with care taken to preserve the spinal ligaments and facet joints. Pedicle screws were implanted in the L4 and L5 vertebrae of each specimen. Specimens were tested under 0 N and 400 N axial loading. Five different posterior rods of various elastic moduli (intact, rubber, low-density polyethylene, aluminum, and titanium) were tested. Segmental range of motion (ROM), center of rotation (COR) and intervertebral disc pressure were investigated. Results : As the rigidity of the posterior rods increased, both the segmental ROM and disc pressure at L4-5 decreased, while those values increased at adjacent levels. Implant stiffness saturation was evident, as the ROM and disc pressure were only marginally increased beyond an implant stiffness of aluminum. Since the disc pressures of adjacent levels were increased by the axial loading, it was shown that the rigidity of the implants influenced the load sharing between the implant and the spinal column. The segmental CORs at the adjacent disc levels translated anteriorly and inferiorly as rigidity of the device increased. Conclusion : These biomechanical findings indicate that the rigidity of the dynamic stabilization implant and physiological loading play significant roles on spinal kinematics at adjacent disc levels, and will aid in further device development.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제46권5호
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• pp.431-436
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• 2009

Objective : This study examines whether functional motion is present at one or more years after Bioflex System placement. BioFlex System is a flexible rod system which has been used to preserve motion at the area of implantation. There has not been a scientific study showing how much motion is preserved after implantation. Methods : A total of 12 consecutive patients underwent posterior dynamic stabilization using the BioFlex System. Six patients were treated using a L3-4-5 construct and other six patients using a L4-5-S1 construct. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 33 months and standing neutral lateral, extension, flexion and posteroanterior (PA) radiographs were obtained at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months and at more than 12 months postoperatively. Range of motion (ROM), whole lumbar lordosis, and ROMs of motion segments from L2 to S1 were determined. Results : Patients with a L3-4-5 construct demonstrated a decrease in mean ROM for whole lumbar decreased from 40.08 to 30.77. Mean ROM for L3-4 (6.12 to 2.20) and L4-5 (6.55 to 1.67) also decreased after one year. Patients with a L4-5-S1 construct demonstrated L4-5 (8.75 to 2.70) and L5-S1 (9.97 to 3.25) decrease of mean ROM at one year postoperatively. Lumbar lordosis was preservep at both L3-4-5 and L4-5-S1 constructs. Clinical results showed significant improvements in both study groups. Conclusion : The present study provides preliminary information regarding the BioFlex motion preservation system. We conclude that the BioFlex System preserves functional motion to some degree at instrumented levels. However, although total lumbar lordosis was preserved, ROMs at implantation segments were lower than preoperative values.