• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.141-144
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• 2007

A vertebral arte [VA] injury presents a difficult problem in atlantoaxial fixation. Recent technical reports described posterior C2 fixation using bilateral, crossing C2 laminar screws. The translaminar screw technique has the advantages of producing little risk of VA injury and the unconstrained screw placement. In addition, biomechanical studies have demonstrated the potential of the translaminar screw technique to provide a firmer construct that is equivalent to methods currently used. We report the successful treatment of C1-2 instability with a left-side high-riding VA. Because of the potential risk of VA injury, we performed a posterior C1-2 fixation with a combination of pedicle screws and a laminar screw in C2. We first placed bilateral C1 lateral mass screws and a right-side C2 pedicle screw. However, placement of the left- side C2 pedicle screw was technically difficult due to a narrow isthmus and pedicle. A laminar screw was inserted instead and authors believe that this posterior C1-C2 fixation with a combination of pedicle screws and a laminar screw in C2 can be a useful alternative technique for the treatment of C1-C2 instability in the presence of a unilateral high-riding VA.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.29-35
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the radiologic and clinical results of syndesmotic screw fixation and posterior malleolar fixation for syndesmotic injury in Lauge-Hansen classification pronation-external rotation (PER) stage IV ankle fractures with posterior malleolus fracture. Materials and Methods: We designed a retrospective study that included patients with Lauge-Hansen classification PER stage IV ankle fracture with posterior malleolus fracture. Of 723 patients who underwent ankle fracture surgery from March 2005 to November 2012, 29 were included in this study. In this study, syndesmotic injury was treated with syndesmotic screw fixation or posterior malleolus fixation. There were 15 cases of syndesmotic screw fixation and 14 cases of posterior malleolar fixation. We compared the radiologic and clinical results at one year postoperatively. Posterior malleolus fragment size on a pre-operative computed tomographic image, and tibiofibular overlap, medial clear space, articular step-off, Kellgren-Lawrence grade, and Takakura classification on a postoperative one year followup radiograph were used for comparison of the radiologic results. The clinical results were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score, visual analogue scale score, and patient subjective satisfaction score. Results: Posterior malleolar fragment size was $12.62%{\pm}3.01%$ of the joint space in the syndesmotic screw fixation group and $27.04%{\pm}4.34%$ in the posterior malleolar fixation group. A statistical difference was observed between the two groups. However, other results, including tibiofibular overlap, medial clear space, articular step-off, Kellgren-Lawrence grade, Takakura classification, and clinical scores showed no statistical difference. Conclusion: In the Lauge-Hansen classification PER stage IV ankle fracture with posterior malleolus fracture, if the posterior malleolus fracture can be reduced anatomically and fixated rigidly, syndesmotic screw fixation, which can cause several complications, is usually not required for achievement of a satisfactory syndesmotic stability; this would be a recommendable option for treatment of syndesmotic injury.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.61 no.1
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• pp.114-119
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• 2018

Objective : The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of screw fixation in previously augmented vertebrae with bone cement. We also investigated the influence of cement distribution pattern on the surgical technique. Methods : Fourteen patients who required screw fixation at the level of the previous percutaneous vertebroplasty or balloon kyphoplasty were enrolled in this study. The indications for screw fixation in the previously augmented vertebrae with bone cement included delayed complications, such as cement dislodgement, cement leakage with neurologic deficits, and various degenerative spinal diseases, such as spondylolisthesis or foraminal stenosis. Clinical outcomes, including pain scale scores, cement distribution pattern, and procedure-related complications were assessed. Results : Three patients underwent posterior screw fixation in previously cemented vertebrae due to cement dislodgement or progressive kyphosis. Three patients required posterior screw fixation for cement leakage or displacement of fracture fragments with neurologic deficits. Eight patients underwent posterior screw fixation due to various degenerative spinal diseases. It was possible to insert screws in the previously augmented vertebrae regardless of the cement distribution pattern; however, screw insertion was more difficult and changed directions in the patients with cemented vertebrae exhibiting a solid pattern rather than a trabecular pattern. All patients showed significant improvements in pain compared with the preoperative levels, and no patient experienced neurologic deterioration as seen at the final follow-up. Conclusion : For patients with vertebrae previously augmented with bone cement, posterior screw fixation is not a contraindication, but is a feasible option.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.280-285
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• 2000

Posterior transarticular screw fixation for atlantoaxial instability due to trauma or rheumatoid arthritis provides immediate rigid fixation of the C1-2 vertebral segment while preserving motion between the occiput and C1. This technique provides more resistance to translational and rotational forces than wiring technique. However, the technique of transarticular screw fixation is inherently demanding because of the complex anatomy of the occipitocervical region and vertebral artery(VA) at risk for arterial damage. VA injury may lead to serious subsequent neurological deficits and possibly death from bilateral VA injury. We report a case of a vertebral artery-to-epidural venous plexus fistula after posterior transarticular screw fixation which was treated with balloon occlusion.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.11
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• pp.1469-1475
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• 2000

Objective : The goal of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of the posterior C1-2 transarticular screw fixation without C1-2 sublaminar wiring in atlantoaxial instability. Methods : Between Apr. 1995 and Feb. 2000, we used this technique in treat randomly selected 17 patients (11 men, 6 women) who had atlantoaxial instability. The causes of instability were : type II-A odontoid process fracture(10 cases) ; type II-P odontoid process fracture(1 case) ; Os odontoideum(2 cases) ; transverse ligament laxity due to rheumatoid disease(1 case) ; and, transverse ligament injury without bone fracture(3 cases). All cases were operated with posterior C1-2 transarticular screw fixation with 3.5mm cortical screw and interlaminar iliac graft without sublaminar wire fixation. The mean follow-up period was 28 months(5 to 58 months) and the mean age at the time of operation was 41 years(15 to 68 years). All Patients were allowed to ambulate with Philadelphia neck collar on the first post-operation day. Results : Bony fusion was successfully achieved in all cases demonstrated at 3-month follow-up studies. There was no operative mortality or morbidity. Conclusion : The authors conclude that the posterior transarticular screw fixation without C1-2 sublaminar wiring provide adequate stability with high bony union rate in atlantoaxial instability of various causes.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.46-52
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• 2010

Objective : In cervico-thoracic junction (CTJ), the use of strong fixation device such as pedicle screw-rod system is often required. Purpose of this study is to analyze the anatomical features of C7 and T1 pedicles related to screw insertion and to evaluate the safety of pedicle screw insertion at these levels. Methods : Nineteen patients underwent posterior CTJ fixation with C7 and/or T1 included in fixation levels. Seventeen patients had tumorous conditions and two with post-laminectomy kyphosis. The anatomical features were analyzed for C7 and T1 pedicles in 19 patients using computerized tomography (CT). Pedicle screw and rod fixation system was used in 16 patients. Pedicle violation by screws was evaluated with postoperative CT scan. Results : The mean values of the width, height, stable depth, safety angle, transverse angle, and sagittal angle of C7 pedicles were $6.9{\pm}1.34\;mm$, $8.23{\pm}1.18\;mm$, $30.93{\pm}4.65\;mm$, $26.42{\pm}7.91$ degrees, $25.9{\pm}4.83$ degrees, and $10.6{\pm}3.39$ degrees. At T1 pedicles, anatomic parameters were similar to those of C7. The pedicle violation revealed that 64.1% showed grade I violation and 35.9% showed grade II violation, overall. As for C7 pedicle screw insertion, grade I was 61.5% and grade II 38.5%. At T1 level, grade I was 65.0% and grade II 35.0%. There was no significant difference in violation rate between the whole group, C7, and T1 group. Conclusion : C7 pedicles can withstand pedicle screw insertion. C7 pedicle and T1 pedicle are anatomically very similar. With the use of adequate fluoroscopic oblique view, pedicle screw can be safely inserted at C7 and T1 levels.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.79-83
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• 2010

Purpose: To compare the clinical and radiological results between the anterior and posterior screw fixation for the treatment of talar neck fracture. Materials and Methods: Among 30 patients who received surgical treatment for talar neck fracture from 2001 to 2008. Twenty-seven patients with a follow-up period of more than 1 year were divided into two groups. Twelve patients were treated with anterior screw fixation and 15 patients with posterior approaches. We analyzed preoperative, postoperative and follow-up radiographs. Clinical results were evaluated by Hawkins criteria. Results: The posteriorly inserted screws were placed across the more central portion of the talar neck and perpendicular to the plane of fracture (p<0.05). There were no difference in clinical results, the duration of union, and complications including avascular necrosis between two groups. However, 2 patients complained of pain around the talonavicular joint in the anterior insertion group. Conclusion: Although the clinical results were good irrespective of insertion methods, the posterior approach of screw fixation for talar neck fractures allows for a better mechanical advantage than anterioly placed screws. This may allow early motion with a reduced risk of failure of fixation or of displacement of the fracture.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.129-133
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• 2010

Objective : The use of segmental instrumentation technique using pedicle screw has been increasingly popular in recent years owing to its biomechanical stability. Recently, intralaminar screws have been used as a potentially safer alternative to traditional fusion constructs involving fixation of C2 and the cervicothoracic junction including C7. However, to date, there have been few clinical series of C7 laminar screw fixation in the literature. Thus, the purpose of this study is to report our clinical experiences using C7 laminar screw and the early clinical outcome of this rather new fixation technique. Methods : Thirteen patients underwent C7 intralaminar fixation to treat lesions from trauma or degenerative disease. Seventeen intralaminar screws were placed at C7. The patients were assessed both clinically and radiographically with postoperative computed tomographic scans. Results : There was no violation of the screw into the spinal canal during the procedure and no neurological worsening or vascular injury from screw placement. The mean clinical and radiographic follow up was about 19 months, at which time there were no cases of screw pull-out, screw fracture or non-union. Complications included two cases of dorsal breech of intralaminar screw and one case of postoperative infection. Conclusion : Intralaminar screws can be potentially safe alternative technique for C7 fixation. Even though this technique cannot be used in the cases of C7 laminar fracture, large margin of safety and the ease of screw placement create a niche for this technique in the armamentarium of spine surgeons.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.141-146
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• 2021

Background: The purpose of the present study was to determine how long superior screws alone or in combination with posterior placement of metaglene screws protruding and penetrating into the scapular spine in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty affect the strength of the scapular spine in a fresh cadaveric scapular model. Methods: Seven fresh cadaver scapulas were allocated to the control group (short posterior and superior screws) and seven scapulars to the study group (spine base fixation with a four long screws, three with both long superior and long posterior screws). Results: The failure load was lower in the spine fixation group (long screw, 869 N vs. short screw, 1,123 N); however, this difference did not reach statistical significance (p>0.05). All outside-in long superior or superior plus posterior screws failed due to scapular spine base fracture; failures in the short screw group were due to acromion fracture. An additional posterior outside-in screw failed to significantly decrease the failure load of the acromion spine. Conclusions: The present study highlights the significance of preventing a cortical breach or an outside-in configuration when a superior or posterior screw is inserted into the scapular spine base.

• Asian Spine Journal
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.967-972
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• 2018

Study Design: Biomechanical study. Purpose: To investigate the relative stiffness of a new posterior pelvic fixation for unstable vertical fractures of the sacrum. Overview of Literature: The reported operative fixation techniques for vertical sacral fractures include iliosacral screw, sacral bar fixations, transiliac plating, and local plate osteosynthesis. Clinical as well as biomechanical studies have demonstrated that these conventional techniques are insufficient to stabilize the vertically unstable sacral fractures. Methods: To simulate a vertically unstable fractured sacrum, 12 synthetic pelvic models were prepared. In each model, a 5-mm gap was created through the left transforaminal zone (Denis zone II). The pubic symphysis was completely separated and then stabilized using a 3.5-mm reconstruction plate. Four each of the unstable pelvic models were then fixed with two iliosacral screws, a tension band plate, or a transiliac fixation plus one iliosacral screw. The left hemipelvis of these specimens was docked to a rigid base plate and loaded on an S1 endplate by using the Zwick Roell z010 material testing machine. Then, the vertical displacement and coronal tilt of the right hemipelves and the applied force were measured. Results: The transiliac fixation plus one iliosacral screw constructions could withstand a force at 5 mm of vertical displacement greater than the two iliosacral screw constructions (p=0.012) and the tension band plate constructions (p=0.003). The tension band plate constructions could withstand a force at $5^{\circ}$ of coronal tilt less than the two iliosacral screw constructions (p=0.027) and the transiliac fixation plus one iliosacral screw constructions (p=0.049). Conclusions: This study proposes the use of transiliac fixation in addition to an iliosacral screw to stabilize vertically unstable sacral fractures. Our biomechanical data demonstrated the superiority of adding transiliac fixation to withstand vertical displacement forces.