• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.576-585
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• 2022

In determining the cause of dysmenorrhea, it is necessary to investigate postural alignment and balance. The purpose of this study is to compare and analyze whether there is a difference in posture alignment and foot pressure balance according to the dysmenorrhea degree. The subjects were twenty female students in their 20s, who had pain caused by dysmenorrhea. According to the degree of dysmenorrhea, the subjects were divided into mild and severe groups. In the results, there was a significant difference only in shoulder height asymmetry angle between the mild and severe groups (p<0.05), and there was no significant difference in pelvic and knee joint alignment. In the correlation analysis, there was a significant positive correlation between the dysmenorrhea score (MDQ) and shoulder height asymmetry angle was found. These results indicate that dysmenorrhea symptom and asymmetric alignment of shoulder are related. To analyze these factors, further research will need to investigate the correlation between dysmenorrhea and spinal alignment.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.90-94
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• 2020

Percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty is an option for pain relief in pathological vertebral compression fractures. Complications related to cement leakage through cortical defects have been reported. On the other hand, dural compression due to retropulsion of the tumor mass is rarely reported. The authors report a case of a 65-year female patient who had cauda equina syndrome after a percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty in a pathological vertebral fracture, even though epidural compression were not found prior to surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed retropulsion of the tumor mass into the spinal canal through the disrupted posterior vertebral cortex.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.56-60
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• 2022

The most common cause of foot drop is lumbar degenerative disc herniation, particularly at L4/5. We present a rare case of spinal cord injury accompanied by a thoracolumbar lesion that presented with bilateral foot drop. A 69-year-old male patient presented with sudden-onset severe bilateral leg pain and bilateral foot drop. Radiologic findings revealed T12 spondylitis compressing the conus medullaris. He had undergone vertebroplasty for a T12 compression fracture after a fall 6 months before. A physical examination showed bilateral foot drop, paresthesia of both L5 dermatomes, increased deep tendon reflex, and a positive Babinski sign. An acute bilateral L5 root lesion and a conus medullaris lesion were suspected based on electromyography. A surgical procedure was done for decompression and reconstruction. After the operation, bilateral lower extremity muscle strength recovered to a good grade from the trace grade, and the patient could walk without a cane. The current case is a very rare report of bilateral foot drop associated with T12 infectious spondylitis after vertebroplasty. It is essential to keep in mind that lesions of the thoracolumbar junction can cause atypical neurological symptoms. Furthermore, understanding the conus medullaris and nerve root anatomy at the T12-L1 level will be helpful for treating patients with atypical neurological symptoms.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.65 no.4
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• pp.201-208
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• 2022

Background: According to the National Family Health Survey-4, in India, 78.9% of deliveries occur in institutions, although only 42.6% of new mothers initiate breastfeeding within 1 hour of delivery. Purpose: To estimate the proportion of early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) among new mothers at discharge from a tertiary care hospital and identify the determinants of delayed initiation of breastfeeding among them. Methods: This was a hospital-based analytical cross-sectional study of 108 new mothers. After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval and informed consent, we interviewed the new mothers on the day of discharge. Multivariate logistic regression was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics ver. 24. Results: The median breastfeeding initiation time was 90 minutes (interquartile range, 30-180 minutes). Overall, 43.5% of the mothers practiced EIBF, 77.4% practiced exclusive breastfeeding, and 43.5% were rooming in at discharge. Reasons for breastfeeding delays included extended recovery time from spinal anesthesia, maternal lassitude, and uncomfortable breastfeeding position due to post-cesarean pain. In the multivariate analysis, a birth weight less than 2,500 g (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-16.82; P=0.03), cesarean section delivery (aOR, 4.68; 95% CI, 1.57-13.92; P=0.005), and mother's poor knowledge of breastfeeding (aOR, 4.61; 95% CI, 1.44-14.72; P=0.010) were more likely to delay the initiation of breastfeeding. Conclusion: EIBF was practiced by less than half of the new mothers as determined by the cesarean section, baby's birth weight, and mothers' awareness of breastfeeding. Thus, it is vital to improve breastfeeding and nutritional counseling among mothers during the antenatal period and improve healthcare professionals' training to facilitate EIBF, even in circumstances such as cesarean section.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.13-30
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• 2014

Objectives This study was designed to investigate the effects of Bambusae caulis in liquamen and Bambusae concretio silicae on blood sugar reduction and improvement of peripheral nerve function in diabetic rat models. Methods Diabetic rat models induced by streptozotocin were divided into five groups. We fed experimental group I of rats basal diet and administered normal saline (3 ml, 1 time/1 day) for 6 weeks. We fed experimental group II of rats basal diet and administered Bambusae caulis in liquamen (100 mg/kg, 1 time/1 day) for 6 weeks. We fed experimental group III, IV, V of rats basal diet and administered Bambusae concretio silicae (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg once a day) for 6 weeks. We investigated weight and glucose level of rats, and carried out touch test, hot plate test, sensory & motor nerve conduction velocity test and immunohistochemical study after 48 hours, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks. Results 1. The weight of all experimental group was gradually decreased. And glucose level was significantly decreased in the experimental group II, III, IV, V as compared with experimental group I. Especially experimental group II, IV, V were significantly decreased as compared with experimental group III. 2. In the quantitative analysis by touch test and hot plate test, mechanical pain threshold and heat pain threshold were significantly decreased in the other experimental groups as compared with experimental group I. Especially experimental group II, IV, V were significantly decreased as compared with experimental group III. 3. In the sensory and motor nerve conduction velocity test, sensory and motor nerve conduction velocity were significantly increased in the other experimental groups as compared with experimental group I. Especially experimental group II, IV, V were significantly increased as compared with experimental group III. 4. In the substance P immunohistochemical study, experimental group II, IV, V showed strong immune response in spinal cord. Conclusions Bambusae caulis in liquamen and Bambusae concretio silicae were probably useful to treat patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.115-129
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• 2004

Objectives : To investigate the analgesic effect and its cholinergic mechanism of electroacupuncture(EA) in the rat model of collagen-induced arthritis(CIA). Methods : Immunization of male Sprague-Dawley rats with bovine typeII (CII) collagen emulsified in Freund's incomplete adjuvant, followed by a booster injection 14 days later, leads to development of arthritis in more than 70% of rats by 21 days postinjection. After three weeks of first immunization, EA stimulation(2 Hz, 0.07 mA, 0.3 ms) was delivered into Jogsamni($ST_{36}$) for 30 minutes. Analgesic effect was evaluated by tail flick latency(TFL). We compared the analgesic effect of EA with TFLs between pretreatment of normal saline and pretreatment of Atropine (1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) and Neostigmine ($100{\mu}g/kg$, intraperitoneal) in CIA. Results : 1. TFLs were gradually decreased in CIA as increasing severity of arthritis. 2. Jogsamni($ST_{36}$) EA stimulation in CIA increased TFLs and the effect lasted for 60 minutes. 3. Increased TFLs with Jogsamni($ST_{36}$) EA stimulation were inhibited with pretreatment of atropine in CIA 4. Increased TFLs with Jogsamni($ST_{36}$) EA stimulation did not show an obvious synergistic effect with pretreatment of neostigmine in CIA. Conclusions: Jogsamni($ST_{36}$) EA showed analgesic effects in CIA. The analgesic effects of Jogsamni($ST_{36}$) EA were inhibited by atropine pretreatment and combined application of Jogsamni(ST36) EA and neostigmine did not show an synergistic effect. These observations suggest that intrinsic muscarinic cholinergic pathways represent an important modulating system in pain perception of inflammatory pain in CIA It is suggested that, the active mechanism of analgesic effect in EA may involve the release of acetylcholine in the spinal cord.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.468-471
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• 2009

Objective : The adolescent presentation of tethered cord syndrome (TCS) is well-recognized, but continues to pose significant diagnostic and management controversies. The authors conducted a retrospective study of clinical outcomes after surgical intervention in 24 school-aged children, adolescents, and young adults with TCS. Methods : All 83 patients with a lipomyelomeningocele (LMMC) underwent untethering surgery for caudal cord tethering between 1987 and 2007. The clinical charts and follow-up data were reviewed. Of these patients, 24 school-aged children, adolescents, and young adults with TCS were studied with respect to the clinical, radiologic, pathologic features, and surgical outcomes. Results : Untethering procedures were performed in 24 patients (age range, 7-25 years) for TCS of various origins (lipoma, lipomyelomeningocele, and tight filum terminale). Specific circumstances involving additional tugging of the already tight conus, and direct trauma to the back precipitated the onset of symptom in 50% of the patients. Diffuse and non-dermatomal leg pain, often referred to the anorectal region, was the most common presenting symptom. Progressive sensorimotor deficits in the lower extremities, as well as bladder and bowel dysfunction, were also common findings, but progressive foot and spinal deformities were noted less frequently. The most common tethered lesions were intradural lipomas, thickened filum and fibrous band adhesions into the placode sac. The surgical outcome was gratifying in relation to pain and motor weakness, but disappointing with respect to resolution of bowel and bladder dysfunction. Of the 24 patients with TCS, pre-operative deficits improved after surgery in 14 (58.3%). remained stable in 8 (33.4%). and worsened in 2 (8.3%). Conclusion : The pathologic lesions of tethered cord syndrome in school-aged children, adolescents, and young adults, are mostly intradural lipomas and tight filum. It is suggested that the degree of cord traction results in neurologic dysfunction in late life due to abnormal tension, aggravated by trauma or repeated tugging of the conus during exercise. Early diagnosis and adequate surgical release might be the keys to the successful outcome in school-aged children, adolescents, and young adults with TCS.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.147-156
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• 2015

Objectives : This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Korean medicine for a thoracolumbar compression fracture. Methods : We searched six Korean databases (DBPIA, Korean Studies Information Service System, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, National Digital Science Library, Research Information Sharing Service, KoreaMed) (up to June 2015) and the Journal of Korean Acupuncture and Moxibustion Society. Unpublished studies were also searched. Clinical research, other than case reports involving less than 10 patients, were eligible. The effectiveness and safety of Korean Medicine was analyzed. The 'Risk of Bias' was assessed using the 'Risk of Bias' assessment tool for non-randomized studies as well as the Cochrane Collaboration's 'Risk of Bias' tool. Results : We found 12 before-after studies (374 patients). There was no randomized trial. All studies combined at least three different types of Korean medicine treatments. The period of treatment varied between less a week and 154 days. All the included studies reported improvements in pain, functional disability related to lower back pain, global assessment, and benefits in the compression ratio of a fractured vertebrae and skin temperature measured by digital infrared thermal imaging in comparison with the baseline. However, all studies had a high risk of bias and three studies reported mild adverse events. Conclusions : There is no randomized trial for the role of Korean medicine for patients with a thoracolumbar compression fracture. The effectiveness and safety of Korean medicine for this population remains unclear. Findings in this review are seriously biased due to observational design and a high risk of bias included in the studies. Future high-quality randomized trials are warranted.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.63 no.6
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• pp.827-833
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• 2020

Objective : Spine surgery is associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates in elderly patients. The modified Frailty Index (mFI) is an evaluation tool to determine the frailty of an individual and how preoperative status may impact postoperative survival and outcomes. This study aimed to determine the usefulness of mFI in predicting postoperative complications in patients aged ≥75 years undergoing surgery with instrumentation. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the perioperative course of 137 patients who underwent thoracolumbar-instrumentation spine surgery between 2011 and 2016. The preoperative risk factors were the 11 variables of the mFI, as well as body mass index (kg/㎠), preoperative hemoglobin, platelet, albumin, creatinine, anesthesia time, operation time, estimated blood loss, and transfusion amount. The 60-day occurrences of complication rates were used for outcome assessment. Results : Major complications after spinal instrumentation surgery occurred in 34 of 138 patients (24.6%). The mean mFI score was 0.18±0.12. When we divided patients into a pre-frail group (mFI, 0.09-0.18; n=94) and a frail group (mFI ≥0.27; n=44), only the rate of sepsis was statistically higher in the frail group than in the pre-frail group. There were significantly more major complications in patients with low albumin levels or in patients with infection or who had experienced trauma. The mFI was a more useful predictor of postoperative complications than the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status score. Conclusion : The mFI can successfully predict postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients aged ≥75 years undergoing spine surgery. The mFI improves perioperative risk stratification that provides important information to assist in the preoperative counselling of patients and their families.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.177-186
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• 2013

Objectives This study is to evaluate the current situation of Russian tourists for medical tourism of Spine Specialty Korean Medicine Hospital. Methods 133 Russian tourists visiting Spine Specialty Korean Medicine Hospital from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012, were analysed in the statistics. Their data was sourced from the computerized medical records. And 87 of them answer a questionnaire about reasons for selection of Spine Specialty Korean Medicine Hospital and satisfactory for medical service. Results A total of 133 Russian visited Spine Specialty Korean Medicine Hospital for medical service, consisting of 73 females (54.8%), the fourties to fifties 58.9% by age. They avoided visiting in the winter. The average number of visiting was 7.1 times. The average treatment period was 9.9days. Majority of the elapsed time from the onset to the arrival was more than 1 year (56.6%). Low back pain (56.4%) is the most in musculoskeletal disorders and obesity (21.7%) and gynecological diseases (30.4%) were the most in a non-musculoskeletal disorders. Medication and acupuncture was the major treatment. 89.2% of the prescribed medication was the efficacy of musculoskeletal. Russian medical tourists most visited by support of travel agent (58.6%). The main reason of their visiting was non-surgical treatment for spinal disorder (31%). 96.6% of them were satisfied because rapid pain relief and kindness. Conclusions For this study, we confirmed a possibility for the Korean medical treatment of Russian tourists for medical tourism. Still, more research and goverment support for the expansion of Korean medical tourism is needed.