• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.95-103
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• 2020

Objectives The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of korean medicinal admission treatment for degenerative lumbar diseases with spondylolysis and analyze their radiological findings. Methods This study was performed on 25 cases' medical records of spondylolysis patients with both X-rays and MRI images. Their general characteristics, morphologies of intervertebral discs, grades of spondylolisthesis, grades of intervertebral foraminal stenosis were analyzed. The efficacy of treatment was evaluated by numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) changes and statistically assessed by paired t-test using program R Studio. Results After admission treatment, NPRS scores significantly decreased from 6.76±2.07 to 2.38±1.22 (p<0.01). Spondylolysis was associated with degenerative disc change and intervertebral foraminal stenosis at the same or adjacent vertebral level. In spondylolisthesis cases (76%), forward slippage occurred at the same level of spondylolysis in every case. Conclusions Spondylolysis could play a key role in the lumbar degenerative mechanism and korean medicinal admission treatment is effective on pain relief of degenerative lumbar diseases with spondylolysis.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.55-64
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• 2008

Objective : Spondylothesis is a disease which sagittal facet of vertebral body's invariable alignment is being broken and vertebral body being pushed forward. Main pattern of spondylothesis is isthmic spondylothesis by isthmus defect or fracture, degenerative spondylothesis occurred by desiccated change of intervertebral disc or vertebral condyle joint's ligament. The purpose of this study is to assess the difference of the Pelvic angles, Lumbosacral angles, Pelvic tilt, and Lumbar lordotic angles of the spondylothesis patients. Methods : We analyzed the lateral view of lumbar spine of 49 isthmic spondylothesis patients, 45 degenerative spondylothesis patients and 26 patients who haven't been diagnosed as vertebra disease. We investigated each patient's pelvic angle, lumbosacral angle, pelvic tilt and lumbar lordotic angle. Results and Conclusion : 1. Pelvic incidence, in cases of degenerate spondylothesis patients, is higher than spondylothesis patients but shows less significance. On the contrary significance is higher than the group haven't been diagnosed as vertebra disease. 2. Lumbosacral incidence, in cases of isthmic spondylothesis patients, shows higher significance than degenerative spondylothesis patients and the group haven't been diagnosed as vertebra disease. 3 Pelvic tilt, in cases of degenerative spondylothesis patients, shows higher significance than isthmic spondylothesis patients and the group haven't been diagnosed as vertebra disease. 4. Lumbar lordotic angle, in cases of isthmic spondylothesis patients, shows higher significance than degenerative spondylothesis patients and the group haven't been diagnosed as vertebra disease. 5. Degenerative spondylothesis patient shows specific impression, a forwardly moved high femoral axial and as a result of large lumbrosacral angle and lumbar lordotic angle shows specific impression, an increased weight pressure on sacrum.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.221-226
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• 2008

Objective : The aim of the present study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the dynamic stabilization system in the treatment of degenerative spinal diseases. Methods : The study population included 20 consecutive patients (13 females, 7 males) with a mean age of $61{\pm}6.98$ years (range 46-70) who underwent decompression and dynamic stabilization with the Dynesys system between January 2005 and August 2006. The diagnoses included spinal stenosis with degenerative spondylolisthesis (9/20, 45%), degenerative spinal stenosis (5/20, 25%), adjacent segmental disease after fusion (3/20, 15%), spinal stenosis with degenerative scoliosis (2/20, 10%) and recurrent intervertebral lumbar disc herniation (1/20, 5%). All of the patients completed the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Korean version of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The following radiologic parameters were measured in all patients : global lordotic angles and segmental lordotic angles (stabilized segments, above and below adjacent segments). The range of motion (ROM) was then calculated. Results : The mean follow-up period was $27.25{\pm}5.16$ months (range 16-35 months), and 19 patients (95%) were available for follow-up. One patient had to have the implant removed. There were 30 stabilized segments in 19 patients. Monosegmental stabilization was performed in 9 patients (47.3%), 9 patients (47.3%) underwent two segmental stabilizations and one patient (5.3%) underwent three segmental stabilizations. The most frequently treated segment was L4-5 (15/30, 50%), followed by L3-4 (12/30, 40%) and L5-S1 (3/30, 10%). The VAS decreased from $8.55{\pm}1.21$ to $2.20{\pm}1.70$ (p<0.001), and the patients' mean score on the Korean version of the ODI improved from $79.58%{\pm}15.93%$ to $22.17%{\pm}17.24%$ (p<0.001). No statistically significant changes were seen on the ROM at the stabilized segments (p=0.502) and adjacent segments (above segments, p=0.453, below segments, p=0.062). There were no patients with implant failure. Conclusion : The results of this study show that the Dynesys system could preserve the motion of stabilized segments and provide clinical improvement in patients with degenerative spinal stenosis with instability. Thus, dynamic stabilization systems with adequate decompression may be an alternative surgical option to conventional fusion in selected patients.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.300-304
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• 1991

This is case report of open reduction of condylar fractures with or without discal injury. Many articles described open reduction and internal fixation of condylar fractures emphasize the method of bony reduction and fixation without mention of the position of the disc. So we like to present our cases of open reduction of condylar fractures in conjunction with reconstruction of the disc and associated structures. The pupose of this presentation is to emphasize several well - established principles of trauma management and management of temporomandibular joint injuries, such as 1) in situations of traumatic injury, anatomic restoration is the goal of treatment and, 2) anatomic alignment of the TMJ disc over the condyle is preferable to disc subluxation because the latter may lead to chronic pain, limitation of opening and degenerative arthritis. Although our case is small with short term follow up, we believe that open reduction and internal fixation of condylar fractures in conjunction with disc repair is a biologically sound approach to those fractures indicated for open surgery. Long term follow up will allow better judge the validity of this treatment approach to us.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.343-347
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• 2014

Objective : To evaluate the relationship between postoperative increase in intervertebral disc space height (IVH) and posterior axial neck in cases of degenerative cervical disease treated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Methods : A total of 155 patients who underwent ACDF with more than 1 year follow up were included. Radiologically, IVH and interfacet distance (IFD) of the operated segment were measured preoperatively and postoperatively. We clinically evaluated neck and arm pains according to visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and assessed neck disability index (NDI) scores preoperatively, postoperatively, at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. The relationship between radiological parameters, and clinical scores were analyzed using a regression analysis. Results : The mean increase in IVH was 2.62 mm, and the mean increase in IFD was 0.67 mm. The VAS scores for neck pain preoperatively, postoperatively, and at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year postoperatively were 4.46, 2.11, 2.07, 1.95, and 1.29; those for arm pain were 5.89, 3.24, 3.20, 3.03, and 2.18. The NDI scores were improved from 18.52 to 7.47. No significant relationship was observed between the radiological evaluation results regarding the increase in intervertebral height or interfacet distance and clinical changes in VAS or NDI scores. Conclusion : The increase in intervertebral space or interfacet distance by the insertion of a large graft material while performing ACDF for the treatment of degenerative cervical disease was not related with the change in VAS scores for neck and arm pains and NDI scores postoperatively and during the follow-up period.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.30 no.10
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• pp.1170-1176
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• 2001

Objective : The purpose of the study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results after discectomy and Lubboc bone graft in the surgical management of the cervical diseases with a new titanium interbody implant and integrated screw fixation(PCB) by anterior approach. Methods : The authors retrospectively analyzed 28 cases of anterior cervical fusion with PCB system and Lubboc bone(xeno graft) from september 1998 to december 2000. Twenty-eight patients with cervical diseases underwent decompression cervical lesion and followed from 5 to 27 months with a mean follow-up of 14 months. There patients were evaluated with clinically and radiologically at immediate postoperative period and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Result : The authors investigated the pre- and postoperative intervertebral disc space, clinical outcomes, radiography fusion rate, and Cobb angle in the fixed segments by anterior approach. The lordotic angles and height of disc space were increased after the operation. The clinical outcome of patients follow-up was good or excellent result based on Odom's criteria with improvement of clinical symptom in about 92.9% of the cervical diseases. Two patients showed loosening of the lower and upper cervical screw of PCB instruments, and two patients showed swallowing difficulty and wound infection Conclusion : The PCB system is a new implant for anterior cervical interbody fusion in the degenerative cervical disease and disc herniations. It provides immediate stability and segment distraction. The results of this study indicate that the PCB system is safe, easy handling of hardware, less complications, high fusion rate, and has provide the keeping the intervertebral disc space height and lordotic angles.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.65-72
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiologic features of juxtafacet cyst and determine the correlation between these features and clinical outcome. Materials and Methods: We analyzed a total of 23 patients. The degree of facet joint degeneration was classified using the Fujiwara method. The facet joint angles were measured with an magnetic resonance imaging to determine whether there was a difference between the cystic lesion that was occupied and the cystic lesion that was not occupied. Disc degeneration was measured by the Pfirrmann classification method. The clinical result was evaluated using the Oswestry disability index score and visual analogue scale. Results: The L4-5 level of juxtafacet cyst was mostly affected, as found in previous studies. Facet joint arthritis was more severe within the side with the cystic lesion. Significant correlation was found between disc degeneration and juxtafacet joint cyst. All patients underwent wide decompression and fusion. Clinical result was excellent. No patients had signs of recurrence during the follow-up periods. Conclusion: Juxtafacet cyst has a significant correlation with facet joint degeneration. Therefore, aggressive surgical treatment-not just simple cyst excision-should be considered as the treatment option for juxtafacet cyst associated with degenerative lumbar disease.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.162-167
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• 2010

This is a case report about patient who had suffered from degenerative joint disease and treated by TMJ reconstruction with condylar prosthesis. The patient visited Korea University An-am hospital on 2007 complaining symptom about both TMJ pain, mouth opening limitation and open bite. From CT view there was severe resorption of both condylar head, therefore condylar prosthesis reconstruction was planned. After 3D RP model analysis for preparation, the patient was operated under general anesthesia for condylar prosthesis reconstruction and the symptom was alleviated. (increased mouth opening, reduced anterior open bite, full mouth occlusal contact achieved) Follow up was carried out monthly, but after this, patient refused follow up. After 26 months from the operation, the patient revisited for anterior open bite. In clinical evaluation, occlusal contact was remained, but anterior open bite was relapsed. From cephalometry analysis, severe resorption of glenoid fossa was found. Therefore, Autogenous disc reconstruction with alloplastic material was planned on August 2009. After another surgery, condylar prosthesis was regained its normal position in glenoid fossa, and occlusion was recovered properly.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.343-349
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• 2012

Objective : Pedicle-based dynamic stabilization systems, in which semi-rigid rods or cords are used to restrict or control spinal segmental motion, aim to reduce or eliminate the drawbacks associated with rigid fusion. In this study, we analyzed the two-year clinical outcomes of patients treated with the NFlex (Synthes Spine, Inc.), a pedicle-based dynamic stabilization system. Methods : Five sites participated in a retrospective study of 72 consecutive patients who underwent NFlex stabilization. Of these 72 patients, 65 were available for 2-year follow-up. Patients were included based on the presence of degenerative disc disease (29 patients), degenerative spondylolisthesis (16 patients), lumbar stenosis (9 patients), adjacent segment degeneration (6 patients), and degenerative lumbar scoliosis (5 patients). The clinical outcome measures at each assessment were Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to measure back pain, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) to measure functional status. Radiographic assessments included evidence of instrumentation failure or screw loosening. Results : Sixty-five patients (26 men and 39 women) with a mean age of 54.5 years were included. Mean follow-up was 25.6 months. The mean VAS score improved from 8.1 preoperatively to 3.8 postoperatively, representing a 53% improvement, and the ODI score from 44.5 to 21.8, representing a 51% improvement. Improvements in pain and disability scores were statistically significant. Three implant-related complications were observed. Conclusion : Posterior pedicle-based dynamic stabilization using the NFlex system seems effective in improving pain and functional scores, with sustained clinical improvement after two years. With appropriate patient selection, it may be considered an effective alternative to rigid fusion.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.85 no.1
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• pp.54-76
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• 2024

Facet joint arthrosis is a progressive degenerative disease that is frequently associated with other spinal degenerative disorders such as degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis. Lumbar facet joint arthrosis can induce pain in the proximal lower extremities. However, symptoms and imaging findings of "facet joint syndrome" are not specific as they mimic the pain from herniated discs or nerve root compression. Currently, evidence for therapeutic intra-articular lumbar facet joint injections is still considered low, with a weak recommendation strength. Nevertheless, some studies have reported therapeutic effectiveness of facet joint injections. Moreover, the use of therapeutic facet joint injections in clinical practice has increased. This review article includes opinions based on the authors' experience with facet joint injections. This review primarily aimed to investigate the efficacy of lumbar facet joint injections and consider their associated safety aspects.