• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.31-41
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• 2009

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the evolution of lumbar disc herniation in patients treated with oriental medicine. Methods: 14patients(15 cases) with lumbar disc herniation proved at MRI(Magnetic resonance imaging) underwent a follow-up MRI study. Follow-up MRI was performed $4{\sim}14$months(mean 7 months) after initial MRI. Results & Conclusions: 1. 13 cases(87%) had reduction of disc herniation. 1 showed no change in amount of disc herniation. 1 had an increase in disc herniation. 2. Comparison initial MRI with follow-up MRI showed that 2 of the herniations decreased between 0% and 25%, 3 decreased between 25% and 50%, 5 decreased between 50% and 75%, 3 decreased between 75% and 100%. The size of the herniation decreased on average by 49% in 14patients(15 cases). 3. On axial images, the proportion of the cross-sectional area of the spinal canal occupied by the herniated disc was 54.41% on the average on the initial scan, 29.65% on the follow-up scan.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.24-31
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• 2009

Objective : To investigate the effectiveness of radiographic parameters on segmental instability in the lumbar spine using Kinetic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods : Segmental motion, defined as excessive (more than 3 mm) translational motion from flexion to extension, was investigated in 309 subjects (927 segments) using Kinetic MRI. Radiographic parameters which can help indicate segmental instability include disc degeneration (DD), facet joint osteoarthritis (FJO), and ligament flavum hypertrophy (LFH). These three radiographic parameters were simultaneously evaluated, and the combinations corresponding to significant segmental instability at each level were determined. Results : The overall incidence of segmental instability was 10.5% at L3-L4, 16.5% at L4-L5, and 7.3% at L5-S1. DD and LFH at L3-L4 and FJO and LFH at L4-L5 were individually associated with segmental instability (p<0.05). At L4-L5, the following combinations had a higher incidence of segmental instability (p<0.05) when compared to other segments : (1) Grade IV DD with grade 3 FJO, (2) Grade 2 or 3 FJO with the presence of LFH, and (3) Grade IV DD with the presence of LFH. At L5-S1, the group with Grade III disc and Grade 3 FJO had a higher incidence of segmental instability than the group with Grade I or II DD and Grade 1 FJO. Conclusion : This study showed that the presences of either Grade IV DD or grade 3 FJO with LFH at L4-L5 were good indicators for segmental instability. Therefore, using these parameters simultaneously in patients with segmental instability would be useful for determining candidacy for surgical treatment.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.185-196
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• 2009

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of oriental medicine conservative treatment on patients who show symptoms at the legion opposed to that shown in Magnetic Resonance Image(MRI) findings. Subject & Method: Oriental medicine treatment such as acupuncture and herbs was applied to two patients who were diagnosed as lateral herniated intervertebral disc of lumbar spine via MRI but whose pain and muscular force attenuation were shown at the opposed lower limb, for measuring its effects. Results: As for the two cases, the patients were favored in the Visual Analog Score (VAS) and the Straight leg Raising(SLR) test after the oriental medicine conservative treatment. In one case, the muscular force in the lower limb was favored. Conclusion: Based on the results in this study, oriental medicine conservative treatment might be effective on patients who show symptoms at the legion opposed to that shown in MRI findings.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.167-173
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• 2013

Objective : There are many cases in which degenerative changes are prevalent in both the cervical and lumbar spine, and the relation between both spinal degenerative findings of MRI is controversial. The authors analyzed the prevalence of abnormal findings on MRI, and suggested a model to explain the relationship between cervical and lumbar disc in asymptomatic Korean subjects. Methods : We performed 3 T MRI sagittal scans on 102 asymptomatic subjects (50 men and 52 women) who visited our hospital between the ages of 14 and 82 years (mean age 46.3 years). Scores pertaining to herniation (HN), annular fissure (AF), and nucleus degeneration (ND) were analyzed. The total scores for the cervical and lumbar spine were analyzed using correlation coefficients and multiple linear regression with various predictive parameters, including weight, height, sex, age, smoking, occupation, and sedentary fashion. Results : The correlation coefficients of HN, AF, and ND were 0.44, 0.50, and 0.59, respectively. We made the best model for relationship by using multiple linear regression. Conclusion : The results of the current study showed that there was a close relationship between the cervical score (CS) and lumbar score (LS). In addition, the correlation between CS and LS, as well as the LS value itself, can be altered by other explanatory variables. Although not absolute, there was also a linear relationship between degenerative changes of the cervical and lumbar spine. Based on these results, it can be inferred that degenerative changes of the lumbar spine will be useful in predicting the degree of cervical spine degeneration in an actual clinical setting.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.151-163
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• 2009

Objectives : In the assessment of the lumbar spine by magnetic resonance imaging (hereinafter, "MRI"), changes in the paraspinal muscles are overlooked. The purpose of our study is to examine the correlation between the multifidus muscle atrophy on MRI findings and the clinical findings in low back pain (hereinafter, "LBP") patients. Methods : The retrospective study on 38 LBP patients, presenting either with or without associated leg pains, was undertaken. The MRI findings on the patients were visually analysed to find out a lumbar multifidus muscle atrophy, disc herniation, disc degeneration, spinal stenosis and nerve root compressions. The clinical history in each case was obtained from their case notes and pain drawing charts. Results : The lumbar multifidus muscle atrophy has occurred from more than 80% of the patients with LBP. Most of lumbar multifidus muscle atrophies have increased from lower level of lumbar spine. It was bilateral in the majority of the cases. In addition, multifidus muscle atrophy was correlated to the patient's age, disc degenerations and spinal stenosis. On the contrary, gender, the duration of LBP, referred leg pain, disc herniation and nerve root compressions had no relevance to multifidus muscle atrophies. Therefore, when assessing the MRIs of the lumbar spine, we should have more attetion on multifidus muscle, because it has lot's of information about spinal neuropathy problems. Conclusions : Therefore, the examination of multifidus muscle atrophies should be considered when assessing the MRIs of the lumbar spine. In addition, it helps to evaluate and plan the treatment modalities of LBP. Moreover, it prevents from LBP by discovering the importance between the multifidus muscle and the spine stabilization exercise.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.377-381
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• 2007

Objective : The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphometric changes in neuroforamen in grade I isthmic spondylolisthesis by anterior lumbar interbody fusion [ALIF]. Methods : Fourteen patients with grade I isthmic spondylolisthesis who underwent single level ALIF with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation were enrolled. All patients underwent standing lateral radiography and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] before surgery and at 1 week after surgery. For quantitative analysis, the foraminal height, width, epidural foraminal height, epidural foraminal width, and epidural foraminal area were evaluated at the mid-portion of 28 foramens using T2-weighted sagittal MRI. For qualitative analysis, degree of neural compression in mid-portion of 28 foramens was classified into 4 grades using T2-weighted sagittal MRI. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Visual Analogue Sale [VAS] scores for leg pain and Oswestry disability index before surgery and at 1 year after surgery. Results : The affected levels were L4-5 in 10 cases and L5-S1 in 4. The mean foraminal height was increased [p<0.001], and the mean foraminal width was decreased [p=0.014] significantly after surgery. The mean epidural foraminal height [p<0.001], epidural foraminal width [p<0.001], and epidural foraminal area [p<0.001] showed a significant increase after surgery. The mean grade for neural compression was decreased significantly after surgery [p<0.001]. VAS scores for leg pain [p=0.001] and Oswestry disability index [p=0.001] was decreased significantly at one year after surgery. Conclusion : Foraminal stenosis in grade I isthmic spondylolisthesis may effectively decompressed by ALIF with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.67-80
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• 2010

Objectives : This study is to investigate the clinical application of conservative oriental medical treatment to a patient who were diagnosed as 'Sequestrated disc' on MRI. Methods: We evaluated 5 patients. who were diagnosed as 'Sequestrated disc' on MRI. after conservative oriental medical treatment by Numeric Rating Scale(NRS), Straight Leg Rasing Test(SLRT) and MRI follow-up. Result: 5 patients showed significant improvement in Numeric Rating Scale(NRS). Straight Leg Rasing Test(SLRT) after conservative oriental medical treatment. Also their sequestrated disc were significantly dissapeared or decreased in volume on MRI after the treatment. Conclusion: Conservative oriental medical treatment can be effective for improving pain and volume of herniated disc for patients with sequestrated disc.

• Journal of Magnetics
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.142-149
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• 2013

We aim to monitor vascularization of early bone perfusion following rabbit lumbar intertransverse bone graft fusion surgery using magnetic resonance imaging assessment. Correlation with graft survival status was evaluated by histological method. Experimental animals were randomly divided into three groups and the model was established by operating bilateral lumbar intertransverse bone graft with different types of bone graft substitute material. The lumbar intertransverse area of three groups of rabbits was scanned via MRI. In addition, histological examinations were performed at the $6^{th}$ week after surgery and the quantitative analysis of the osteogenesis in different grafted area was carried out by an image analysis system. The MRI technique can be used for early postoperative evaluation of vascularized bone graft perfusion after transplantation of different bone materials, whereas histological examination allows direct visualization of the osteogenesis process.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.1-8
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• 2010

Objectives : The propose of this study was to observe the correlation between Cervical hypolordosis and radiological result. Methods : We randomly selected among the 110 patients with X-ray and C-spine MRI films who have visited Jaseng Hospital of Oriental Medicine with neck pain. Radiographic measures of cervical lordosis and herniated disc were collected, and statistically analyzed. Results : In this study, if the finding of a X-ray showed straightening of cervical lordotic curve, based on MRI finging, the amount of herniation was more severe. Conclusions : There was a significant correlation between Cervical hypolordosis and herniated disc. Hypolordosis group complained a severe herniated disc.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.125-128
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• 2013

A 65-year-old man who had lateral cervical disc herniation underwent cervical posterior laminoforaminotomy at C5-6 and C6-7 level right side. During the operation, there was no serious surgical bleeding event. After operation, he complained persistent right shoulder pain and neck pain. Repeated magnetic resonance image (MRI) showed diffuse cervical epidural hematoma (EDH) extending from C5 to T1 level right side and spinal cord compression at C5-6-7 level. He underwent exploration. There was active bleeding at muscular layer. Muscular active bleeding was controlled and intramuscular hematoma was removed. The patient's symptom was reduced after second operation. Symptomatic postoperative spinal EDH requiring reoperation is rare. Meticulous bleeding control is important before wound closure. In addition, if patient presents persistent or aggravated pain after operation, rapid evaluation using MRI and second look operation is needed as soon as possible.