• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제21권3호
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• pp.217-223
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• 2008

Background: Lumbar transforaminal epidural injections (LTEIs) have been utilized in the treatment of radicular pain, and LTEIs have the advantage of target-specificity. However, there have not been enough studies on the contrast patterns in LTEIs with using fluoroscopy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the spreading epidural contrast patterns that are seen during real-time fluoroscopic guided LTEIs. Methods: A total of 131 patients who underwent fluoroscopic guided LTEIs were studied. The inclusion criteria were those patients with low back pain and/or lower extremity pain that was caused by a herniated nucleus pulposus, lumbar spinal stenosis, failed back surgery syndrome, and herpes zoster-associated pain. We classified the contrast patterns in regard to the contrast flow spreading to the nerve root and/or the unilateral, bilateral or cylinderic type of epidural spreading on the AP view of the fluoroscopy and the ventral or dorsal epidural filling on the lateral view. In addition to the pattern analysis, we evaluated the range of contrast spreading from the cranial to the caudal epidural filling and the incidence of an intravascular flow pattern. Results: Epidural spreading was seen in 126 cases (96.2%) of the total patients through the nerve root. Ventral spreading occurred in 120 cases (95.2%). On the AP view, a nerve root with unilateral, bilateral and cylinderic epidural filling was noted for 108 (85.7%), 9 (7.1%) and 9 (7.1%) cases, respectively. The contrast spreading to vertebral segments was smaller for the patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and failed back surgery syndrome than for the other groups (P < 0.0083). The incidence of intravascular injection was 11.1% (14/126). Conclusions: LTEIs using fluoroscopic visualization provided excellent assessment of the ventral epidural filling as well as nerve root filling. However, unilateral epidural spreading was prominent for the LTEIs.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제21권3호
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• pp.202-205
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• 2008

Background: Lumbar radicular pain is a frequent and often debilitating event. Although many treatment methods have been described in several studies, the available evidences regarding efficacy is not sufficient enough to draw definitive conclusions on an optimal therapy regime. Pulsed radiofrequency (RF) treatment was found to exert a beneficial effect on intractable radicular pain in individuals. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of pulsed RF of the dorsal root ganglion for chronic lumbar radicular pain. Methods: Twenty five patients with chronic lumbar radicular pain that was refractory to selective nerve root blockage met the inclusion criteria of our study and received pulsed RF treatment. The average numeric rating scale (NRS) for leg pain during usual activities and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) were measured at 1 and 3 months after the procedure. Results: Of the 25 patients accepted for pulsed RF treatment, one dropped out due to a vertebral compression fracture during this study. ODI and NRS showed a positive trend in favor of the pulsed RF treatment. No significant complications were observed during the study period. Conclusions: It appears that pulsed RF treatment of the lumbar spinal dorsal root ganglion may be an effective treatment method for patients suffering from lumbar radicular pain, and who were not responsive to selective nerve root blockage.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제14권2호
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• pp.199-206
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• 2001

Background: The lumbar sympathetic ganglia are variable in both position and numbers. The aim of this study was to detect the appropriate lumbar vertebral level where the lumbar sympathetic ganglia primarily aggregate. Methods: Forty patients comprising of hyperhidrosis (26 cases), complex regional pain syndrome (10 cases), peripheral artery occlusion disease (3 cases) and postherpetic neuralgia (1 case) underwent lumbar sympathetic block. We randomly selected one of two (L2 or L3) levels and the L4 level. The position of the needle tip and distribution of dye was verified by injection of a mixture of radio-opaque dye (1.5 ml) and 4% lidocaine (1.5 ml) and subsequently confirmed by L-spine anteroposterior and a lateral view X-ray. We considered the response positive when the skin temperature increased more than $1^{\circ}C$ in 5 min. Results: In general, the positive response ratio was greater when the needle tip located at the L2 or L4 level vice L3 and when the drug was distributed on the lower half of the L4 body and in the L4/5 intervertebral disc space. In a right side block, the positive response ratio was greater when the drug was distributed on the lower half of the L4 body and in the L4/5 intervertebral disc space, although in a left side block there was no significant difference seen between the levels. The complications of the neurolytic block were alcohol neuritis (7.5%) and hypoesthesia (5%) on the L1 or L2 dermatome. Conclusions: The best effect with least chance of complication may be induced by spreading the drug on the lower half of the L4 body and/or into the L4/5 intervertebral disc space by placing the needle tip on the L4 body.

• 한국수산과학회지
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• 제48권4호
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• pp.474-482
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• 2015

This study aims to investigate the patterns and incidence rates of morphological deformities during artificial fingerling production of blackhead seabream (BSB, Acanthopagrus schlegeli) juveniles by visual and soft X-ray observations of BSB juveniles (n=881) collected from four industrial hatcheries. Using both methods, we observed seven types of external deformity ($11.2{\pm}4.4%$) and eight types of skeletal deformity ($53.4{\pm}5.1%$). Lordosis occurred in all hatcheries with the highest frequency and the mean frequency was $13.1{\pm}4.4%$ (24.5% in total abnormal) by soft X-ray. Although they had a similar standard length (SL), juveniles with lordosis had a significantly lower condition factor and body weight than normally developed juveniles (P<0.05); normal distribution curves of histogram of body proportions, i.e., body height (BH)/head length (HL) and trunk (=SL-HL)/BH, indicated differences between normally developed juveniles and those with lordosis. In addition, 59% of juveniles with lordosis had vertebral curvature of less than $20^{\circ}$, generally at the $17^{th}$ vertebrae. It is expected that the above results will be used as basic data necessary for determining the cause of lordosis and for developing techniques to prevent this symptom in the fingering production industry of BSB juveniles.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제29권5호
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• pp.623-627
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• 2000

Objective : Spontaneous lumbar epidural hematoma is a rare entity, although the precipitating factors such as anticoagulation therapy frequently precede it. The authors report four cases of surgically confirmed spontaneous epidural hematoma mimicking lumbar disc herniation. Methods : Between 1995 and 1998, four patients with spontaneous lumbar epidural hematoma were diagnosed. The clinical findings which are identical to that of acute disc herniation are included in this study. The operative findings and radiological characteristics are also included. Results : The magnetic resonance(MR) image findings demonstrated epidural lesions of intermediate to low signal intensity equivalent to those of normal discs on $T_1$-weighted images, and epidural lesions of high signal intensity higher than these normal discs on a $T_2$-weighted image. The image findings also showed rim enhanced pattern of the gadolinium-enhanced $T_1$-weighted MR images. All of the hematomas was associated with a small concomitant disc herniation or underlying annular tear. Conclusion : The authors speculate that spontaneous lumbar epidural hematoma results from tearing of the fragile penetrating vein caused by underlying disc or annulus disruption between Batson' plexus and vertebral body.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제42권5호
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• pp.363-366
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• 2007

Objective : Kyphoplasty performed in the middle thoracic spine presents technical challenges that differ from those in the lower thoracic or lumbar region due to small pedicle size and angular severity for thoracic kyphosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of balloon kyphoplasty through extrapedicular approach for the treatment of intractable osteoporotic compression fractures in the middle thoracic spine. Methods : The patients who were performed with one level balloon kyphoplasty through extrapedicular approach due to painful osteoporotic compression fractures at T5-T8 from June 2003 to July 2005 were retrospectively analyzed. Imaging and clinical features were analyzed including involved vertebrae level, vertebral height, Injected cement volume, clinical outcome and complications. Results : Eighteen female patients (age ranged from 60 to 77 years old) were included in this study. The average amount of the implanted cement was $4.2{\pm}1.5\;cc$. The mean cobb angle and compression rate were improved from $12.1{\pm}6.5^{\circ}$ to $8.5{\pm}7.2^{\circ}$ and from 30% to 15%, respectively. The mean pain score (visual analogue scale) prior to kyphoplasty was 7.9 and it decreased to 3.0 after the procedure. Cement leakage to the adjacent disc (2 cases) and paravertebral soft tissues (1 case) were seen but there were no major complications such as pneumothorax, segmental arte 이 Injury, pulmonary embolism, or epidural leakage. Conclusion : Balloon kyphoplasty through extrapedicular approach is considered as a safe and effective in treating the middle thoracic regions with low complication rate.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제29권4호
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• pp.255-261
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• 2016

Background: Thoracic epidural anesthesia is frequently used to maintain intraoperative and postoperative analgesia. Frequently, 3 ml of local anesthetic is used as a test dose, or for intermittent epidural injection. We assessed the extent of the spread of 3 ml of contrast medium in the thoracic epidural space and attempted to identify any correlating factors affecting the epidurography. Methods: A total of 70 patients were enrolled in the study, and thoracic epidural catheterizations were performed under fluoroscopic guidance. Using 3 ml of contrast medium, epidurography was evaluated to confirm the number of spinal segments covered by the contrast medium. Correlation analysis was performed between patient characteristics (sex, age, body mass index, weight, height, and location of catheter tip) and the extent of the contrast spread. Results: The mean number of vertebral segments evaluated by contrast medium was $7.9{\pm}2.2$ using 3 ml of contrast medium. The contrast spread in the cranial direction showed more extensive distribution than that in the caudal direction, with statistical significance (P < 0.01). Patient height demonstrated a negative correlation with the extent of distribution of contrast medium (r = -0.311, P < 0.05). Conclusions: Thoracic epidurography using 3 ml of contrast medium results in coverage of a mean of $7.9{\pm}2.2$ spinal segments, with more extensive cranial spread, and patient height showed a weak negative correlation with the distribution of contrast medium.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제24권3호
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• pp.141-145
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• 2011

Background: Stellate ganglion block is usually performed at the transverse process of C6, because the vertebral artery is located anterior to the transverse process of C7. The purpose of this study is to estimate the location of the transverse process of C6 using the cricoid cartilage in the performance of stellate ganglion block. Methods: We reviewed cervical lateral neutral-flexion-extension views of 48 patients who visited our pain clinic between January and June of 2010. We drew a horizontal line at the surface of the cricoid cartilage in the neutral and extension views of cervical lateral x-rays. We then measured the change in the shortest distance from this horizontal line to the lowest point of the transverse process of C6 between the neutral and extension views. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the shortest distance from the horizontal line at the surface of the cricoid cartilage to the lowest point of transverse process of C6 between neutral position and neck extension position in both males and females, and between males and females in both neutral position and neck extension position. The cricoid cartilage level was 4.8 mm lower in males and 14.4 mm higher in females than the lowest point of transverse process of C6 in neck extension position. Conclusions: Practitioners should recognize that the cricoid cartilage has cephalad movement in neck extension. In this way, the cricoid cartilage can be still useful as a landmark for stellate ganglion block.

• 대한물리치료과학회지
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• 제9권3호
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• pp.97-106
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• 2002

Purpose. This study was tried to compare the effect of the change in postural deviation caused by the pain side Subjects and Methods. Inpatients and outpatients (n=71) were selected from I hospital who have a musculoskeletal low back pain and shoulder pain without any history of the central nervous system (CNS) lesions, orthopaedic problems of the both lower extremities, or the vestibular and the visual default. For the control group, normal and healthy subjects (n=30) were selected without any history of weight bearing disorders. the weight bearing was rated by the computerized force plate. Results. 1) Postural deviation was not significant difference between patients and control group(p<0.01). But postural deviation in patients was more pronounced than control group. 2) There was significant difference of postural deviation between in patients according to the pain side(p<0.01). When the pain side was on the left side, postural deviation tended to the right. When the pain side was on the right side and vertebral body, postural deviation tended to the left. 3) There was no significant difference of postural deviation between regional pain in shoulder and regional pain in low back(p<0.01). Discussions and Conclusion. As a result, the pain, for sure, affected the good posture and its keeping process directly or/and indirectly. Therefore, as the postural deviation increases, the additional energy consumption increased by the works of the muscles to keep the good posture. Preponderated postural deviation, furthermore, could load too much to the musculoskeletal system, leading to increase the pain. The postural deviation, a result of the pain, can cause a secondary deformity of the distal area as a compensatory reaction, and this compensation actually become a cause of the musculoskeletal symptom back in a cycle. Therefore, the appropriate treatment of the musculoskeletal problem and the education of the posture correction should be given to decrease the pain, preventing the secondary deformities, and increasing muscle energy efficiency of the posture remaining muscles.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제42권3호
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• pp.179-183
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• 2007

Objective : Posterior arthrodesis in atlantoaxial instability has been performed using various posterior C1-2 wiring techniques. Recently, transarticular screw fixation (TASF) technique was introduced to achieve significant immediate stability of the C1-2 joint complex. The purpose of this study is to assess the clinical outcomes associated with posterior C1-2 TASF for the patient of atlantoaxial instability. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed data obtained from 17 patients who underwent C1-2 TASF and supplemented Posterior wiring technique (PWT) with graft between 1994 and 2005. There were 8 men and 9 women with a mean age of 43.5 years (range, 12-65 years). An average follow-up was 26 months (range, 15-108 months). Results : Successful fusions were achieved in 16 of 17 (94%). The pain was improved markedly (3 patients) or resolved completely (14 patients). There was no case of neurological deterioration, hypoglossal nerve injury, or vertebral artery injury. Progression of spinal deformity, screw pullout or breakage, and neurological or vascular complications did not occur. Conclusion : The C1-2 TASF with supplemental wiring provided a high fusion rate. Our result demonstrates that C1-2 TASF supplemented by PWT is a safe and effective procedure for atlantoaxial instability. Preoperative evaluation and planning is mandatory for optimal safety.