• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.62 no.1
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• pp.61-70
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• 2019

Objective : Corpectomy of the first lumbar vertebra (L1) for the management of different L1 pathologies can be performed using either an anterior or posterior approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of a retroperitoneal extrapleural approach through the twelfth rib for performing L1 corpectomy. Methods : Thirty consecutive patients underwent L1 corpectomy between 2010 and 2016. The retroperitoneal extrapleural approach through the 12th rib was used in all cases to perform single-stage anterior L1 corpectomy, reconstruction and anterior instrumentation, except for in two recurrent cases in which posterior fixation was added. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for pain intensity measurement and ASIA impairment scale for neurological assessment. The mean follow-up period was 14.5 months. Results : The sample included 18 males and 12 females, and the mean age was 40.3 years. Twenty patients (67%) had sensory or motor deficits before the surgery. The pathologies encountered included traumatic fracture in 12 cases, osteoporotic fracture in four cases, tumor in eight cases and spinal infection in the remaining six cases. The surgeries were performed from the left side, except in two cases. There was significant improvement of back pain and radicular pain as recorded by VAS. One patient exhibited postoperative neurological deterioration due to bone graft dislodgement. All patients with deficits at least partially improved after the surgery. During the follow-up, no hardware failures or losses of correction were detected. Conclusion : The retroperitoneal extrapleural approach through the 12th rib is a feasible approach for L1 corpectomy that can combine adequate decompression of the dural sac with effective biomechanical restoration of the compromised anterior loadbearing column. It is associated with less pulmonary complication, no need for chest tube, no abdominal distention and rapid recovery compared with other approaches.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.12-18
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• 2022

Purpose: Pedicle screw fixation provides 3-column stabilization, multidimensional control, and a higher rate of interbody fusion. Although computed tomography (CT) is recommended for the postoperative assessment of pedicle screw fixation, its use is limited due to the radiation exposure dose. The purpose of this preliminary retrospective study was to assess the clinical usefulness of low-dose mobile cone-beam CT (CBCT) for the postoperative evaluation of pedicle screw fixation. Methods: The author retrospectively reviewed postoperative mobile CBCT images of 15 patients who underwent posterior pedicle screw fixation for spinal disease from November 2019 to April 2020. Pedicle screw placement was assessed for breaches of the bony structures. The breaches were graded based on the Heary classification. Results: The patients included 11 men and four women, and their mean age was 66±12 years. Of the 122 pedicle screws, 34 (27.9%) were inserted in the thoracic segment (from T7 to T12), 82 (67.2%) in the lumbar segment (from L1 to L5), and six (4.9%) in the first sacral segment. Although there were metal-related artifacts, the image of the screw position (according to Heary classification) after surgery could be assessed using mobile CBCT at all levels (T7-S1). Conclusions: Mobile CBCT was accurate in determining the location and integrity of the pedicle screw and identifying the surrounding bony structures. In the postoperative setting, mobile CBCT can be used as a primary modality for assessing the accuracy of pedicle screw fixation and detecting postoperative complications.

• Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.439-447
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• 2018

Background: Since open Wiltse approach allows limited visualization for foraminal stenosis leading to an incomplete decompression, we report the short-term clinical and radiological results of unilateral biportal endoscopic foraminal decompression using $0^{\circ}$ or $30^{\circ}$ endoscopy with better visualization. Methods: We examined 31 patients that underwent surgery for neurological symptoms due to lumbar foraminal stenosis which was refractory to 6 weeks of conservative treatment. All 31 patients underwent unilateral biportal endoscopic far-lateral decompression (UBEFLD). One portal was used for viewing purpose, and the other was for surgical instruments. Unilateral foraminotomy was performed under guidance of $0^{\circ}$ or $30^{\circ}$ endoscopy. Clinical outcomes were analyzed using the modified Macnab criteria, Oswestry disability index, and visual analogue scale. Plain radiographs obtained preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively were compared to analyze the intervertebral angle (IVA), dynamic IVA, percentage of slip, dynamic percentage of slip (gap between the percentage of slip on flexion and extension views), slip angle, disc height index (DHI), and foraminal height index (FHI). Results: The IVA significantly increased from $6.24^{\circ}{\pm}4.27^{\circ}$ to $6.96^{\circ}{\pm}3.58^{\circ}$ at 1 year postoperatively (p = 0.306). The dynamic IVA slightly decreased from $6.27^{\circ}{\pm}3.12^{\circ}$ to $6.04^{\circ}{\pm}2.41^{\circ}$, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.375). The percentage of slip was $3.41%{\pm}5.24%$ preoperatively and $6.01%{\pm}1.43%$ at 1-year follow-up (p = 0.227), showing no significant difference. The preoperative dynamic percentage of slip was $2.90%{\pm}3.37%$; at 1 year postoperatively, it was $3.13%{\pm}4.11%$ (p = 0.720), showing no significant difference. The DHI changed from $34.78%{\pm}9.54%$ preoperatively to $35.05%{\pm}8.83%$ postoperatively, which was not statistically significant (p = 0.837). In addition, the FHI slightly decreased from $55.15%{\pm}9.45%$ preoperatively to $54.56%{\pm}9.86%$ postoperatively, but the results were not statistically significant (p = 0.705). Conclusions: UBEFLD using endoscopy showed a satisfactory clinical outcome after 1-year follow-up and did not induce postoperative segmental spinal instability. It could be a feasible alternative to conventional open decompression or fusion surgery for lumbar foraminal stenosis.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.207-209
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• 2007

We present an elderly patient with unilateral foraminal stenosis treated by isthmus resection. An 83-year-old female could not walk due to severe leg pain along right L5 sensory dermatome. Despite the laminotomy for spinal stenosis on the right side at the L4-5 level, her leg pain did not improve. Careful review of computed tomography scans and coronal source images of magnetic resonance myelography revealed foraminal stenosis on the right side at the L5 vertebra. Because of medical problem, she underwent isthmus resection on the right side at the L5 level instead of total facetectomy and fusion. After surgery, her leg pain was markedly improved. Isthmus resection showed successful result for this medically compromised elderly patient with unilateral foraminal stenosis.

• Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.193-195
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• 2006

Acute paraplegia attributable to disc herniation is known to occur most frequently at the thoracic level. A 50-year-old male presented with progressive limb weakness and hypoactive deep tendon reflexes. On the basis of clinical features and neurological findings, the diagnosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome was suspected. Spinal MRI showed cervical disc herniation. He underwent emergency surgery consisting of removal of herniated disc and anterior fusion. We emphasize that there is a possibility of acute progression of paralysis secondary to nontraumatic enlargement of cervical disc herniation.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.67 no.1
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• pp.6-13
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• 2024

The integrity of the high cervical spine, the transition zone from the brainstem to the spinal cord, is crucial for survival and daily life. The region protects the enclosed neurovascular structure and allows a substantial portion of the head motion. Injuries of the high cervical spine are frequent, and the fractures of the C2 vertebra account for approximately 17-25% of acute cervical fractures. We review the two major types of C2 vertebral fractures, odontoid fracture and Hangman's fracture. For both types of fractures, favorable outcomes could be obtained if the delicately selected conservative treatment is performed. In odontoid fractures, as the most common fracture on the C2 vertebrae, anterior screw fixation is considered first for type II fractures, and C1-2 fusion is suggested when nonunion is a concern or occurs. Hangman's fractures are the second most common fracture. Many stable extension type I and II fractures can be treated with external immobilization, whereas the predominant flexion type IIA and III fractures require surgical stabilization. No result proves that either anterior or posterior surgery is superior, and the surgeon should decide on the surgical method after careful consideration according to each clinical situation. This review will briefly describe the basic principles and current treatment concepts of C2 fractures.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.59 no.2
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• pp.122-128
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• 2016

Objective : To illustrate the technique of single-stage posterior subtotal corpectomy and circumferential reconstruction for the treatment of unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures and to evaluate the radiographical and clinical outcomes of patients treated using this technique. Methods : 16 consecutive patients with unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures were treated with single-stage posterior subtotal corpectomy and circumferential reconstruction. The mean patient age was 54.8 years. The mean follower up period was 25 months. Five patients suffered from T12 fractures, 10 from L1, 1 from L2. The segmental kyphosis, neurologic status, visual analogue scale for back pain was evaluated before surgery and at follow up. Results : The segmental kyphotic angle improved from 18.5 degrees before surgery to -9.2 degrees at the last follow up. The mean correction angle was 28.9 degrees. The mean surgical time was 255 minutes, and a mean intraoperative blood loss was 1073 mL. Intraoperative complications included two dural tears, and a superficial wound infection. There were no other severe complications. The mean visual analog scale of back pain decreased from a mean value of 6.6 to 2 at the last follow up. Conclusion : The single-stage posterior subtotal corpectomy and circumferential reconstruction achieved satisfactory kyphosis correction with direct visualization of the circumferentially decompressed spinal cord, as well as good fusion with less blood loss and complications. It is a safe and reliable surgical treatment option for unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.134-138
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• 2011

The authors report a case of epidural and extraforaminal calcification caused by repetitive triamcinolone acetonide injections. A 66-year-old woman was admitted presenting with lower extremity weakness and radiating pain in her left leg. Ten months before admission, the patient was diagnosed as having an L4-5 spinal stenosis and underwent anterior lumbar interbody fusion followed by posterior fixation. Her symptoms had been sustained and she did not respond to transforaminal steroid injections. Repetitive injections (10 times) had been performed on the L4-5 level for six months. She had been taking bisphosphonate as an antiresorptive agent for ten months after surgery. Calcification in the ventral epidural and extraforaminal space was detected. The gritty particles were removed during decompressive surgery and these were proven to be a dystrophic calcification. The patient recovered from weakness and radiating leg pain. Repetitive triamcinolone acetonide injections after discectomy may be the cause of dystrophic calcification not only in the degenerated residual disc, but also in the posterior longitudinal ligament. Possible mechanisms may include the toxicity of preservatives and the insolubility of triamcinolone acetonide. We should consider that repetitive triamcinolone injections in the postdisectomy state may cause intraspinal ossification and calcification.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.62 no.4
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• pp.422-431
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• 2019

Objective : In an aging society, the number of patients with symptomatic degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) is increasing and there is an emerging need for fusion surgery. However, few studies have compared transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) for the treatment of patients with DS. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes between TLIF and LLIF in DS. Methods : We enrolled patients with symptomatic DS at L4-5 who underwent TLIF with open pedicle screw fixation (TLIF group, n=41) or minimally invasive LLIF with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (LLIF group, n=39) and were followed-up for more than one year. Clinical (visual analog scale and Oswestry disability index) and radiological outcomes (spondylolisthesis rate, segmental sagittal angle [SSA], mean disc height [MDH], intervertebral foramen height [FH], cage subsidence, and fusion rate) were assessed. And we assessed the changes in radiological parameters between the postoperative and the last follow-up periods. Results : Preoperative radiological parameters were not significantly different between the two groups. LLIF was significantly superior to TLIF in immediate postoperative radiological results, including reduction of spondylolisthesis rate (3.8% and 7.2%), increase in MDH (13.9 mm and 10.3 mm) and FH (21.9 mm and 19.4 mm), and correction of SSA ($18.9^{\circ}$ and $15.6^{\circ}$) (p<0.01), and the changes were more stable from the postoperative period to the last follow-up (p<0.01). Cage subsidence was observed significantly less in LLIF (n=6) than TLIF (n=21). Fusion rate was not different between the two groups. The clinical outcomes did not differ significantly at any time point between the two groups. Complications were not statistically significant. However, TLIF showed chronic mechanical problems with screw loosening in four patients and LLIF showed temporary symptoms associated with the surgical approach, such as psoas and ileus muscle symptoms in three and two cases, respectively. Conclusion : LLIF was more effective than TLIF for spondylolisthesis reduction, likely due to the higher profile cage and ligamentotactic effect. In addition, LLIF showed mechanical stability of the reduction level by using a cage with a larger footprint. Therefore, LLIF should be considered a surgical option before TLIF for patients with unstable DS.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.59 no.6
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• pp.647-649
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• 2016

The device for intervertebral assisted motion (DIAM) is a dynamic implant that consists of a silicone bumper enveloped by a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber sack. Silicone and PET were used because of their biological inertness, but repetitive motion of the spine can cause wear on the implant nonetheless. The purpose of this study is to report a case of foreign body reaction (FBR) against a DIAM. A 72-year-old female patient presented with lower back pain and both legs radiating pain. She had undergone DIAM implantation at L4-5 for spinal stenosis 5 years previously. The intervertebral disc space of L4-5, where the DIAM was inserted, had collapsed and degenerative scoliosis had developed due to left-side collapse. MRI showed L3-4 thecal sac compression and left L4-5 foraminal stenosis. The patient underwent removal of the DIAM and instrumented fusion from L3 to L5. During surgery, fluid and granulation tissue were evident around the DIAM. Histopathology showed scattered wear debris from the DIAM causing chronic inflammation due to the resulting FBR. A FBR due to wear debris of a DIAM can induce a hypersensitivity reaction and bone resorption around the implant, causing it to loosen.