• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.56 no.2
• /
• pp.121-129
• /
• 2014

Objectives : Patients with cervical ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) are susceptible to cord injury, which often develops into myelopathic symptoms. However, little is known regarding the prognostic factors that are involved in minor trauma. We evaluated the relationship between minor trauma and neurological outcome of OPLL and investigated the prognostic factors with a focus on compressive factors and intramedullary signal intensity (SI). Methods : A total of 74 patients with cervical myelopathy caused by OPLL at more than three-levels were treated with posterior decompression surgeries. We surveyed the space available for spinal cord (SAC), the severity of SI change on T2-weighted image, and diabetes mellitus (DM). The neurological outcome using Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scale was assessed at admission and at 12-month follow-up. Results : Among the variables tested, preoperative JOA score, severity of intramedullary SI, SAC, and DM were significantly related to neurological outcome. The mean preoperative JOA were $11.3{\pm}1.9$ for the 41 patients who did not have histories of trauma and $8.0{\pm}3.1$ for the 33 patients who had suffered minor traumas (p<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the recovery ratios between those two groups. Conclusions : Initial neurological status and high intramedullary SI in the preoperative phase were related to poorer postoperative outcomes. Moreover, the patients with no histories of DM and larger SACs exhibited better improvement than did the patients with DM and smaller SACs. Although the initial JOA scores were worse for the minor trauma patients than did those who had no trauma prior to surgery, minor trauma exerted no direct effects on the surgical outcomes.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.58 no.6
• /
• pp.539-546
• /
• 2015

Objective : To report the learning curve of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) for a surgeon who had not been previously exposed to this procedure based on the period and detailed technique with a retrospective matched comparative design. Methods : Of 213 patients with lumbar disc herniation encountered during the reference period, 35 patients who were followed up for 1 year after PELD were enrolled in this study. The patients were categorized by the period and technique of operation : group A, the first 15 cases, who underwent by the 'in-and-out' technique; group B, the next 20 cases, who underwent by the 'in-and-out-and-in' technique. The operation time, failure rate, blood loss, complication rate, re-herniation rate, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for back and leg were checked. The alteration of dural sac cross-sectional area (DSCSA) between the preoperative and the postoperative MRI was checked. Results : Operative time was rapidly reduced in the early phase, and then tapered to a steady state for the 35 cases receiving the PELD. After surgery, VAS scores for the back and leg were decreased significantly in both groups. Complications occurred in 2 patients in group A and 2 patients in group B. Between the two groups, there were significant differences in operative time, improvement of leg VAS, and expansion of DSCSA. Conclusion : PELD learning curve seems to be acceptable with sufficient preparation. However, because of their high tendency to delayed operation time, operation failure, and re-herniation, caution should be exercised at the early phase of the procedure.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.52 no.2
• /
• pp.85-91
• /
• 2012

Objective : Hemifacial spasm (HFS) caused by vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia (VBD) is very rare, and in theses cases, it is difficult to decompress the nerve from its vascular compression. The objective of this study was to investigate the outcome of microvascular decompression (MVD) for HFS caused by VBD. Methods : There were 10 patients of HFS caused by VBD at our hospital between September 1978 and September 2008. We evaluated magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and time of flight magnetic resonance imaginge (TOF MRI) findings using the criteria for VBD. We compared the clinical outcomes of MVD for the 10 patients with VBD with the overall outcomes of the total 2058 MVDs performed for HFS. Results : The results of MVD for HFS caused by VBD were successful in 90.9% of cases. The postoperative complication rate in VBD was 45.5%. Offending vessels in patients with VBD were identified visually during surgery. Adverse effects after MVD were found in 4 patients. We found that the diameter of VBD was significantly greater in patients with complications than in those with no complications (p=0.028). Conclusion : Our data shows that MVD may be a good treatment modality for HFS caused by VBD but care must be taken to avoid adverse effects from the procedure. It is important to detach the dolichoectatic artery from its surrounding structures sufficiently to allow it to be easily movable. In addition, attempts should be made to lessen the retraction of the cerebellum during release of the dolichoectatic artery.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.40 no.2
• /
• pp.90-94
• /
• 2006

Objective : Acute vertebral burst fractures warrant extensive fixation and fusion on the spine. Osteoplasty [vertebroplasty with high density resin without vertebral expansion] has been used to treat osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. We report our experiences with osteoplasty in acute vertebral burst fractures. Methods : Twenty-eight cases of acute vertebral burst fracture were operated with osteoplasty. Eighteen patients had osteoporosis concurrently. Preoperative MRI was performed in all cases to find fracture level and to evaluate the severity of injury. Preoperative CT revealed burst fracture in the series. The patients with severe ligament injury or spinal canal compromise were excluded from indication. Osteoplasty was performed under local anesthesia and high density polymethylmethacrylate[PMMA] was injected carefully avoiding cement leakage into spinal canal. The procedure was performed unilaterally in 21 cases and bilaterally in 7 cases. The patients were allowed to ambulate right after surgery. Most patients discharged within 5 days and followed up at least 6 months. Results : There were 12 men and 16 women with average age of 45.3[28-82]. Five patients had 2 level fractures and 2 patients had 3 level fractures. The average injection volume was 5.6cc per level Average VAS [Visual Analogue Scale] improved 26mm after surgery. The immediate postoperative X-ray showed 2 cases of filler spillage into spinal canal and 4 cases of leakage into the retroperitoneal space. One patient with intraspinal leakage was underwent the laminectomy to remove the resin. Conclusion : Osteoplasty is a safe and new treatment option in the burst fractures. Osteoplasty with minimally invasive technique reduced the hospital stay and recovery time in vertebral fracture patients.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
• /
• v.9 no.1
• /
• pp.23-26
• /
• 2008

Salivary duct carcinoma is a high-grade adenocarcinoma arising from the ductal epithelium and has very low prevalence. We report a case of salivary duct carcinoma in high risk group with satisfactory result. A 65-year-old male was referred to our clinic complaining of mass on Rt. cheek. Preoperative CT and MRI shows $2.0{\times}1.9cm$ sized multilobulated, cystic mass on the superficial lobe of Rt. parotid gland and multiple lymph node enlargement thorough the Rt. internal jugular chain. Total parotidectomy and modified radical neck dissection with adjuvant radiation therapy was performed. Pathologic result was salivary duct carcinoma and resection margin was free. Postoperative radiation therapy with 6400 cGy($200cGy{\times}12fx$) was performed. During the 24-months of follow up periods, recurrence or complications associated with operation and radiation therapy was not observed. Salivary duct carcinoma is rare disease with very poor prognosis. Lymph node metastasis is commonly accompanied at the time of diagnosis. Distant metastasis is the most common cause of death. Total parotidectomy, radical neck disssection and adjuvant radiation therapy can be the appropriate modality for the control of the salivary duct carcinoma especially in high risk group.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.128-130
• /
• 2010

Femoral avulsion fracture of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is rare, especially in adult. We experienced a case of femoral bony avulsion fracture of PCL. The patient was seventy one year old man with limitation of motion in the knee joint due to previous trauma and he was injured by fall down from 2 m height. We took CT scan and MRI study. We treated with arthroscopic repair technique using transfemoral two wire sutures. Second look arthroscopy was done for removal of the wires at postoperative one year.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.269-276
• /
• 2011

Purpose: To determine the incidence, risk factors, and clinical characteristics of pelvic insufficiency fracture (PIF) in patients with cervical cancer. Materials and Methods: Between July 2004 and August 2009, 235 patients with non-metastatic cervical cancer were treated with definitive chemoradiation or postoperative radiotherapy. Among 235 patients, 117 (49.8%) underwent the first positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) within 1 year after radiotherapy. The median radiation dose was 55 Gy (range, 45 to 60 Gy). Medical charts and imaging studies, including PET/CT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT. bone scintigraphy were reviewed to evaluate the patients with PIF. Results: Among 235 patients, 16 developed PIF. The 5-year detection rate of PIF was 9.5%. The 5-year detection rate of PIF in patients who underwent the first PET/CT within a year was 15.6%. The median time to development of PIF was 12.5 months (range, 5 to 30 months). The sites of fracture included 12 sacroiliac joints, 3 pubic rami, 3 iliac bones, and 1 femoral neck. Eleven of 16 patients having PIF complained of hip pain requiring medications. One patient required hospitalization for pain control. The significant risk factors of PIF were old age, body mass index less than 23, bone mineral density less than -3.5 SD, and the first PET/CT within a year after radiotherapy. Radiation dose and concurrent chemotherapy had no impact on PIF rate. Conclusion: PIFs were not rare after pelvic radiotherapy in cervical cancer patients in the era of PET/CT. Timely diagnosis and management of PIF can improve quality of life in patients with cervical cancer, in addition to reducing unnecessary medical expenses.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
• /
• v.1 no.1
• /
• pp.116-122
• /
• 1997

We have studied the results of reconstruction by freeze-dried patellar allografts or patellar autografts in ACL-deficient patients prospectively. From January 1995 to December 1995, we performed ACL reconstruction using an arthroscopic-assisted technique with patellar autografts in 21 patients and patellar allografts in 13 patients. Minimum followup time was 1 year(average 26 months). All patients were evaluated by using KT-2000 arthrometer and MRI as well as by physical examination. Final results were rated as satisfactory or unsatisfactory by using a modified Feagin knee scoring scale. Good or excellent were considered to have satisfactory results and fair or poor were considered to have unsatisfactory results. As measured by the KT-2000, 19 cases$(90.5\%)$ had a 5-mm or Jess side-to-side differential, a satisfactory results in autograft group, 2 cases of unsatisfactory results had joint instability. In allograft group, 10 cases$(76.9\%)$ had a 5-mm or less side-to-side differential, a satisfactory results, 3 cases of unsatisfactory results had joint instability including postoperative infection(1 case). In conclusion, the results of ACL reconstruction with autografts were better than those with allografts. The problem of allograft reconstruction were rehydration, aseptic control and improper mechanical tensioning. So, we thought that success of allograft reconstruction was depended on careful implant preparation including pretensioning technique.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.44 no.3
• /
• pp.151-155
• /
• 2008

Objective : Microscopic and endoscopic transsphenoidal approach (TSA) are major surgical techniques in the treatment of pituitary adenoma. Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach (EETSA) has been increasingly used for pituitary adenomas, however, its surgical outcome particularly in functioning pituitary adenoma has been debated. Here, we investigated the endocrine outcome of the patients with growth hormone (GH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secreting pituitary adenoma treated by EETSA. Methods : We treated 80 patients with pituitary adenoma by EETSA since 2004, of which 12 patients were affected by functioning pituitary adenomas (9 GH, 3 ACTH, 0 PRL; 9 macro, 3 micro). Surgical outcome of those patients treated by EETSA was compared with that of the 11 functioning pituitary adenoma patients (8 GH, 3 ACTH; 8 macro, 3 micro) who underwent sublabial microscopic TSA between 1997 and 2003. Results : Imaging remission based on postoperative MRI was achieved in 8 (73%) and hormonal remission in 5 (45%) of 11 patients treated by sublabial microscopic TSA. Imaging remission was observed in 10 (83%, p=0.640) and hormonal remission in 10 (83%, p=0.081) of 12 patients by EETSA. CSF leakage was noticed in 2 (17%) of EETSA group and in 2 (18%) of sublabial microscopic TSA group. Panhypopituitarism was observed in 1 (9%) of EETSA group and in 3 (27%) of sublabial microscopic TSA group. Conclusion : EETSA appears to be an effective and safe method for the treatment of functioning pituitary adenomas.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.150-155
• /
• 2006

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the results of the autologous osteochondral grafting harvested from medial side of talus for relatively large osteochondral lesion of the medial talar dome. Materials and Methods: From October 2004 to September 2005, 12 patients with osteochondral lesion measured more than 10 mm in axial MRI who were followed up more than 1 year after operation were analyzed. We evaluated postoperative symptoms by Mann and Reynolds scale, morbidity of donor site, and compared the range of both ankle motion. We also evaluated the union at the medial malleolar osteotomy site, trabecular connection between the grafted osteochondral mass and talus, irregularity of the articular surface in lesion. Results: Clinical results were rated as excellent in 4, good in 7, fair in 1. The mean angle of the total range of motion in affected ankle was decreased by 3 degrees compared to that in unaffected ankle. We did not observe abnormal findings at donor site. The osteotomized bone was united at mean 9 weeks (range, 8-12 weeks). We observed trabecular connection between grafted osteochondral mass and talus at mean 14 weeks (range, 12-16 weeks). We also observed irregular articular surface in osteochondral lesions in 6, smooth articular surface in 6. Conclusion: The local autologous osteochondral graft for relatively large osteochondral lesion of the medial talar dome is useful operative method with advantages of wide operative field, low morbidity of donor site, and high satisfaction rate.