• Journal of the Korean Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2009

Purpose : We investigated the effects of microcurrent(MC) electrical stimulation on each intensity($100{\mu}A,\;200{\mu}A,\;500{\mu}A$ - 30pps frequency was same) on delayed onset muscle soreness(DOMS). Methods : Subjects were assigned randomly divided into three groups of eight for three different treatment protocoals($100{\mu}A,\;200{\mu}A,\;500{\mu}A$-experimental groups). Twenty-four healthy males and females subjects were participated in this study. All subjects performed eccentric exercise of elbow flexor(biceps brachii) until exhausted. The measured items of elbow flexor muscle strength were Nicholas Manual Muscle Taster(NMMT). The measured items of elbow joint range of motion ROM) were Goniometer. The measured items of elbow flexor muscle pain were visual analogue scale(VAS). Treatment were applied at 30 minute exercise after and again at 24 hours and at 48 hours and at 72 hours after. Measurements were taken after treatment. Analysis of Results using repeated measures analysis of variance(ANOVA) and post hoc tests were as follows: two-way ANOVA with repeated measurement for muscle strength, flexion ROM, extension ROM and VAS. Results : This results showed eccentric exercise casused DOMS, DOMS response to eccentric exercise were reduces by microcurrent therapy. DOMS was significant decreased at $100{\mu}A,\;200{\mu}A,\;500{\mu}A$. Muscle strength was significant difference at all intensity. Elbow flexion ROM was significant difference at all intensity but elbow extension ROM was insignificant difference at all intensity. VAS score was significant difference at $100{\mu}A$ and $500{\mu}A$ but insignificant difference at $200{\mu}A$. All experimental groups showed insignificant difference with all intensity MENS. Conclusion : These findings indicate that microcurrent therapy is had effect on recovery from exercise induced muscle damage. In our's suggestion, microcurrent therapy is particularly more appropriate therapeutic modality.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.59 no.2
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• pp.172-181
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• 2016

To describe the details of the foraminoplastic superior vertebral notch approach (FSVNA) with reamers in percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) and to demonstrate the clinical outcomes in limited indications of PELD. Retrospective data were collected from 64 patients who underwent PELD with FSVNA from August 2012 to April 2014. Inclusion criteria were high grade migrated disc, high canal compromised disc, and disc protrusion combined with foraminal stenosis. The clinical outcomes were assessed using by the visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and modified MacNab criteria. Complications related to the surgery were reviewed. The procedure used a unique approach, using the superior vertebral notch as the target and performing foraminoplasty with only reamers under C-arm control. The mean age of the 55 female and 32 male patients was 52.73 years. The mean F/U period was $12.2{\pm}4.2$ months. Preoperative VAS ($8.24{\pm}1.25$) and ODI ($67.8{\pm}15.4$) score improved significantly at the last follow-up (VAS, $1.93{\pm}1.78$; ODI, $17.14{\pm}15.7$). Based on the modified MacNab criteria, excellent or good results were obtained in 95.3% of the patients. Postoperative transient dysthesia (n=2) and reoperation (n=1) due to recurred disc were reported. PELD with FSVNA could be a good method for treating lumbar disc herniation. This procedure may offer safe and efficacious results, especially in the relatively limited indications for PELD.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.59 no.2
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• pp.143-148
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• 2016

Objective : We evaluated postoperative outcomes in patients who have lumbar foraminal or extraforaminal disc herniation (FELDH) and suggested the risk factors for poor outcomes. Methods : A total of 234 patients were selected for this study. Pre- and post-operative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Korean version Oswestry Disability Index (KODI) were evaluated and the changes of both score were calculated. Outcome was defined as excellent, good, fair, and poor based on Mcnab classification. The percentage of superior facetectomy was calculated by using the Maro-view 5.4 Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS). Results : Paramedian lumbar discectomy was performed in 180 patients and combined lumbar discectomy was performed in 54 patients. Paramedian lumbar discectomy group showed better outcome compared with combined discectomy group. p value of VAS change was 0.009 and KODI was 0.013. The average percentage of superior facetectomy was 33% (range, 0-79%) and it showed negative correlation with VAS and KODI changes (Pearson coefficient : -0.446 and -0.498, respectively). Excellent or good outcome cases (Group I) were 136 (58.1%) and fair or poor outcome cases (Group II) were 98 (41.9%). The percentage of superior facetectomy was 26.5% at Group I and 42.5% at Group II. There was significant difference in superior facetectomy percentage between Group I and II (p=0.000). Conclusion : This study demonstrated that paramedian lumbar discectomy with preservation of facet joints is an effective and good procedure for FELDH. At least 60% of facet should be preserved for excellent or good outcomes.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.95-100
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• 2018

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and complications of hook plate fixation in acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations and distal clavicle fractures. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a series of 60 consecutive patients with hook plate fixation for AC joint dislocation (group I) and distal clavicle fracture (group II). Groups I and II had 39 and 21 patients, respectively. Clinical results were evaluated using the pain visual analogue scale (VAS), simple shoulder test, and Constant-Murley scores. In addition, subacromial erosion and stiffness were evaluated as complications. Results: At the removal, the pain VAS was $2.69{\pm}1.30$ and $4.10{\pm}2.14$ in groups I and II, respectively, which were significantly different (p=0.003). The simple shoulder test score was $9.59{\pm}1.60$ and $7.81{\pm}2.67$ in groups I and II, respectively, which were also significantly different (p=0.002). Subacromial erosion was significantly more frequent in group II (14/21 patients, 66.7%) than in group I (15/39 patients, 38.5%) (p=0.037), and stiffness was also higher in group II (17/21 patients, 81.0%) than in group I (22/39 patients, 56.4%), but it was not significant. Conclusions: Hook plate fixation showed good clinical and functional results for the treatment of acute unstable AC joint dislocation and distal clavicle fracture. But, in distal clavicle fractures, there are more subacromial erosion and stiffness compare with acute unstable AC joint dislocation.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.532-545
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• 2014

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect of Korean medical treatments such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, and electroacupuncture by using the portable gas chromatograph OralChroma$^{TM}$ (Abimedical, Japan) in halitosis patients. Methods: We surveyed 30 halitosis patients who had visited the Oral Diseases Clinic in the Korean Medical Hospital of Kyunghee University from October, 2013 to November, 2014. Before starting Korean medical treatment, the subjects were evaluated on sociodemographic characteristics, severity of discomfort using visual analogue scale (VAS), unstimulated salivary flow rate (USFR), and halitosis associated life-quality test (HALT) score. To evaluate the therapeutic effect, we measured the volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in breath by using OralChroma$^{TM}$ before and after 3 weeks treatment. Results: The concentration of total VSCs measured by OralChroma$^{TM}$ significantly decreased (p=0.001). Furthermore, the level of hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan also significantly decreased (p<0.05). However, although the level of dimethyl sulfide decreased as well, there was no significance(p>0.05). Conclusions: Korean medical treatment was effective in treating halitosis by decreasing VSCs. Further study, with well-designed randomized controlled trials with larger number of cases will be needed in the future.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.15-20
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• 2001

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of CF herbal acupuncture for low back pain by Oswestry Disability Index Methods: Ten patients with back pain were selected and CF herbal acupuncture was administered one time per 5 days after admission. The degree of improvement was evaluated by Oswestry Disability Index and visual analogue scale(VAS). Oswestry Disability Index consisted of eleven items and they were scored as 5 or 6 points per one item. Results: All of the 10 patients, after CF herbal acupuncture, showed decreased score by Oswestry Disability Index and VAS. It means that the patient's satisfaction increased after treatment. Conclusion: These results suggest that the CF herbal acupuncture was effective for low back pain

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.289-294
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• 2016

Background: Control of postoperative pain is an important aspect of postoperative patient management. Among the methods of postoperative pain control, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) has been the most commonly used. This study tested the convenience and safety of a PCA method in which the dose adjusted according to time. Methods: This study included 100 patients who had previously undergone orthognathic surgery, discectomy, or total hip arthroplasty, and wished to control their postoperative pain through PCA. In the test group (n = 50), the rate of infusion was changed over time, while in the control group (n = 50), drugs were administered at a fixed rate. Patients' pain scores on the visual analogue scale, number of rescue analgesic infusions, side effects, and patients' satisfaction with analgesia were compared between the two groups. Results: The patients and controls were matched for age, gender, height, weight, and body mass index. No significant difference in the mount of drug administered was found between the test and control groups at 0-24 h after the operation; however, a significant difference was observed at 24-48 h after the operation between the two groups. No difference was found in the postoperative pain score, number of side effects, and patient satisfaction between the two groups. Conclusions: Patient-controlled anesthesia administered at changing rates of infusion has similar numbers of side effects as infusion performed at a fixed rate; however, the former allows for efficient and safe management of postoperative pain even in small doses.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.5-13
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• 2010

Objectives : Herniated lumbar intervertebral disc is common reason causing back pain. Lumbar stabilization exercise prevent back pain recurrence by strengthening lumbar muscles. Sling Exercise Therapy(SET) is a system for spinal muscle stabilization and strengthening using fixed string and mobile band. The purpose of this study is to investigate and measure the effectiveness of SET and oriental medicine for Herniated lumbar intervertebral disc. Methods : The subjects for this study are 40 patients suffering from Herniated lumbar intervertebral disc in our clinic. They were measured and compared by Visual Analogue Scale(VAS), 4 grades of recovery degree and sex, age, period of disease, disc herniation type, times of exercise. Results : In the above index, the score(VAS, 4 grades of recovery degree) improved after treatments. But they make no difference between sex, age, period of disease, disc herniation type and times of exercise. Conclusions : These results suggest that SET may be used for Herniated lumbar intervertebral disc for pain management and muscle strengthening as an essential treatment regardless of sex, age, period of disease and disc herniation type.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.188-190
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• 1999

Background: The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of gabapentin on postherpetic neuralgia. Gabapentin is a known anti-seizure medication, whose cellular mechanism of action is not well understood. Unlike other anticonvulsant, gabapentin has the advantage of a low toxicity and favorable side effect profile. If has been recently recommended for use in treatment of neuropathic pain. Methods: Twelve patients with a diagnosis of postherpetic neuralgia were prescribed gabapentin after failure of routine therapeutic regimens. The dose of gabapentin ranged 300~1800 mg per day, in three divided doses. If initial dose was ineffective and no side effects were noted, the dosages was increased by 300 mg a day in divided doses, to the maximum level for 2 weeks. Patients were evaluated for analgesia using visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score (0; no pain, 10; worst possible pain) and possible side effects. Results: A significant decrease in pain scores with gabapentin were noted. There were several mild side effects such as dizziness, somnolence, dry mouth, constipation and facial edema, without need of special treatment. Conclusions: Gabapentin may be a useful adjunct for treating intractable postherpetic neuralgia with a minimal side effects.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.38-43
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• 2000

Background: Preemptive analgesia may decrease postoperative pain by preventing nociceptive inputs generated during surgery. The preemptive effect of intravenous nalbuphine was examined in gynecological surgery. Methods: Forty female patients scheduled for gynecological surgery were randomly allocated into two groups. Each patient received 10 mg of intravenous nalbuphine as a bolus dose at the closure of peritoneum in group I (n=20) and before the skin incision in group II (n=20). After the bolus dose, the intravenous patient controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) which contained 50 mg of nalbuphine, 120 mg of ketorolac, 0.25 mg of droperidol and 90 ml of 5% dextrose water was given continuously at the rate of 2 ml/min. The postoperative visual analogue scale pain score (VAS), the total amount of the analgesics used, the degree of satisfaction of the patients and the developement of side effects were examined for 2 days. Results: VAS were significantly lower in group II than in group I after 9 and 12 hours. The cumulative consumption of analgesics in group II was significantly less than in group I. Most patients were satisfied with this regimen. There were no remarkable side effects. Conclusions: Preemptive analgesia with intravenous nalbuphine decreased postoperative pain and analgesic requirement. The analgesic effect of IV-PCA with nalbuphine-ketorolac was effective in control of postoperative pain in gynecologic surgery.