Comparison of the Effectiveness of Three Lumbosacral Orthoses on Early Spine Surgery Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study

Objective@#To compare the convenience and effectiveness of the existing lumbosacral orthoses (LSO) (classic LSO and Cybertech) and a newly developed LSO (V-LSO) by analyzing postoperative data. @*Methods@#This prospective cohort study was performed from May 2019 to November 2019 and enrolled and analyzed 88 patients with degenerative lumbar spine disease scheduled for elective lumbar surgery. Three types of LSO that were provided according to the time of patient registration were applied for 6 weeks. Patients were randomized into the classic LSO group (n=31), Cybertech group (n=26), and V-LSO group (n=31). All patients were assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) preoperatively and underwent plain lumbar radiography (anteroposterior and lateral views) 10 days postoperatively. Lumbar lordosis (LS angle) and frontal imbalance were measured with and without LSO. At the sixth postoperative week, a follow-up assessment with the ODI and orthosis questionnaire was conducted. @*Results@#No significant differences were found among the three groups in terms of the LS angle, frontal imbalance, ODI, and orthosis questionnaire results. When the change in the LS angle and frontal imbalance toward the reference value was defined as a positive change with and without LSO, the rate of positive change was significantly different in the V-LSO group (LS angle: 41.94% vs. 61.54% vs. 83.87%; p=0.003). @*Conclusion@#The newly developed LSO showed no difference regarding its effectiveness and compliance when compared with the existing LSO, but it was more effective in correcting lumbar lordosis.

Comparisons of Radiological and Clinical Characteristics between Traumatic and Non-traumatic Subdural Hematoma Patients / 대한신경손상학회지

Objective@#Subdural hematoma (SDH) primarily occurs in elderly patients. While most patients have good prognosis, some do not. Hematoma recurrence is one of the factors influencing prognosis. Moreover, some characteristic radiological factors may increase the recurrence rate. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence of trauma influenced radiological characteristics and hematoma recurrence in SDH patients treated with burr hole trephination. @*Methods@#From January 2012 to December 2014, we selected 83 patients diagnosed with unilateral SDH using computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging. We divided the patients into 2 groups based on the presence of trauma. We compared the 2 groups with multiple parameters, such as patient factors, radiological characteristics, and recurrence rate. @*Results@#Patients who had a prolonged international normalized ratio (INR) were significantly more common in the non-traumatic SDH group (22.2%:55.2%, p=0.002). There was no statistical difference in radiological parameters between the 2 groups. The recurrence rate was marginally higher in the non-traumatic SDH group (14.8%:17.2%, p=0.502), but this difference was not statistically significant. @*Conclusion@#There were no statistically significant differences in the radiological findings, including brain atrophy, hematoma density, thickness of hematoma, and degree of midline shifting between the 2 groups. The associated trauma history may not influence recurrence. Anticoagulants medication influence INR prolongation, and commonly shown in nontraumatic group, but not statistically. INR prolongation was statistically more common in non-traumatic SDH patients than in traumatic SDH patients. INR prolongation is only a different characteristic between 2 groups.

QTc Prolongation due to Psychotropic Drugs Intoxication and Its Risk Assessment

Purpose@#The aims of the present study were twofold. First, the research investigated the effect of an individual’s risk factors and the prevalence of psychotropic drugs on QTc prolongation, TdP (torsades de pointes), and death. Second, the study compared the risk scoring systems (the Mayo Pro-QT risk score and the Tisadale risk score) on QTc prolongation. @*Methods@#The medical records of intoxicated patients who visited the emergency department between March 2010 and February 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Among 733 patients, the present study included 426 psychotropic drug-intoxicated patients.The patients were categorized according to the QTc value. The known risk factors of QTc prolongation were examined, and the Mayo Pro-QT risk score and the Tisadale risk score were calculated. The analysis was performed using multiple logistic regression, Spearman correlation, and ROC (receiver operating characteristic). @*Results@#The numbers in the mild to moderate group (male: 470≤QTc<500 ms, female: 480≤QTc<500 ms) and severe group (QTc≥500 ms or increase of QTc at least 60ms from baseline, both sex) were 68 and 95, respectively. TdP did not occur, and the only cause of death was aspiration pneumonia. The statically significant risk factors were multidrug intoxications of TCA (tricyclic antidepressant), atypical antipsychotics, an atypical antidepressant, panic disorder, and hypokalemia. The Tisadale risk score was larger than the Mayo Pro-QT risk score. @*Conclusion@#Multiple psychotropic drugs intoxication (TCA, an atypical antidepressant, and atypical antipsychotics), panic disorder, and hypokalemia have been proven to be the main risk factors of QTc prolongation, which require enhanced attention. The present study showed that the Tisadale score had a stronger correlation and predictive accuracy for QTc prolongation than the Mayo Pro-QT score. As a result, the Tisadale risk score is a crucial assessment tool for psychotropic drug-intoxicated patients in a clinical setting.

QTc Prolongation due to Psychotropic Drugs Intoxication and Its Risk Assessment

Purpose@#The aims of the present study were twofold. First, the research investigated the effect of an individual’s risk factors and the prevalence of psychotropic drugs on QTc prolongation, TdP (torsades de pointes), and death. Second, the study compared the risk scoring systems (the Mayo Pro-QT risk score and the Tisadale risk score) on QTc prolongation. @*Methods@#The medical records of intoxicated patients who visited the emergency department between March 2010 and February 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Among 733 patients, the present study included 426 psychotropic drug-intoxicated patients.The patients were categorized according to the QTc value. The known risk factors of QTc prolongation were examined, and the Mayo Pro-QT risk score and the Tisadale risk score were calculated. The analysis was performed using multiple logistic regression, Spearman correlation, and ROC (receiver operating characteristic). @*Results@#The numbers in the mild to moderate group (male: 470≤QTc<500 ms, female: 480≤QTc<500 ms) and severe group (QTc≥500 ms or increase of QTc at least 60ms from baseline, both sex) were 68 and 95, respectively. TdP did not occur, and the only cause of death was aspiration pneumonia. The statically significant risk factors were multidrug intoxications of TCA (tricyclic antidepressant), atypical antipsychotics, an atypical antidepressant, panic disorder, and hypokalemia. The Tisadale risk score was larger than the Mayo Pro-QT risk score. @*Conclusion@#Multiple psychotropic drugs intoxication (TCA, an atypical antidepressant, and atypical antipsychotics), panic disorder, and hypokalemia have been proven to be the main risk factors of QTc prolongation, which require enhanced attention. The present study showed that the Tisadale score had a stronger correlation and predictive accuracy for QTc prolongation than the Mayo Pro-QT score. As a result, the Tisadale risk score is a crucial assessment tool for psychotropic drug-intoxicated patients in a clinical setting.

Intramuscular Hematoma on the Psoas Muscle / 대한신경손상학회지

Intramuscular hematomas on the psoas muscle are rare and usually occur as a result of trauma, iatrogenic etiology during lumbar surgery, rupture of the aortic aneurysm, and hematologic diseases. The incidence of spontaneous psoas muscle hematomas has slowly increased as a result of using anticoagulation and antiplatelet agents. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a more sensitive option compared to computed tomography (CT) when diagnosing a hematoma. Coronal T2-weighted images are more useful. CT imaging is also useful to establish the rapid diagnosis of hematoma. When a prolonged prothrombin time and international normalized ratio and decrease platelet count are noted, psoas muscle hematomas should be considered, if there was no lesion in the spinal canal. Most hematomas resolve spontaneously without clinical complications if the hematoma is not large or it is not compressing the surrounding important structures, irrespective of cause.

Angiolipoma on the Lumbar Spine

Angiolipomas are composed of mature adipose tissue and blood vessels. Spinal angiolipomas are rare benign tumors with a good prognosis, and most symptoms are due to progressive compression of the spinal cord and root. The treatment of choice is total resection without any additional therapy. We report a case of an epidural angiolipoma on the lumbar spine in a 69-year-old man with weakness of the lower extremities. Lumbar magnetic resonance images revealed a well-enhanced epidural mass. He underwent laminectomy, and the tumor was completely removed. Pathologic examination confirmed the tumor was an angiolipoma. The patient’s symptoms gradually improved postoperatively.

Iatrogenic Vascular Injury Occurring during Discectomy in a Spondylodiscitis Patient / 대한신경손상학회지

All iatrogenic vascular injury occurring during discectomy is a rare complication, but fatal if not immediately diagnosed. When a vascular injury is highly suspected during discectomy, immediate vascular evaluation is needed even vital signs are stable during and immediately after the operation. We describe a case of iatrogenic abdominal aortic injury that occurred during discectomy in a spondylodiscitis patient, which was treated by endovascular repair.

Gradual Height Decrease of Augmented Vertebrae after Vertebroplasty at the Thoracolumbar Junction / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: Vertebroplasty is an effective treatment for vertebral compression fracture, but may progress gradual vertebral height decrease in spite of vertebroplasty. Gradual vertebral height decrease also may induce aggravation of kyphotic change without severe pain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors for gradual vertebral height decrease in the absence of recurrent severe back pain. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 44 patients who were diagnosed with a first osteoporotic compression fracture at a single level at the thoracolumbar junction. All patients were taken vertebroplasty. Possible risk factors for gradual vertebral height decrease, such as sex, age, bone mineral density, body mass index, level of compression fracture, volume of injected cement, cement leakage into disc space, and air clefts within fractured vertebrae, were analyzed. RESULTS: Gradual vertebral height decrease of augmented vertebrae occurred commonly when more than 4 cc of injected cement was used, and when air clefts within fractured vertebrae were seen on admission. In addition, the sagittal Cobb angle more commonly increased during the follow-up period in such cases. CONCLUSION: Injection of more than 4 cc of cement during vertebroplasty and air cleft within fractured vertebrae on admission induced gradual vertebral height decrease in augmented vertebrae. Thus, longer follow-up will be needed in such cases, even when patients do not complain of recurrent severe back pain.

Spinal Teratoma Concomitant with Intracranial Lipid Droplet Dissemination

A teratoma is a neoplasm that contains tissues originating from three germ cell layers at ectopic sites. The embryology of teratomas remains unclear. Teratomas are usually composed of cystic and solid components, and they are usually associated with syringomyelia. Cystic lesions of teratomas may rupture in a spontaneous, iatrogenic, or traumatic manner. Lipid droplets in the ventricles and subarachnoid space are rare. We managed a case of a spinal teratoma in the lumbar region in a 67-year-old man. He complained of nocturia, frequent urination, and difficulty in walking for 2 months. Radiographic imaging revealed a lumbar spinal intradural mass. Intracranial lipid droplets dissemination was also existed. The patient underwent surgery, and a diagnosis of mature teratoma was confirmed histopathologically. During the operation, the cystic portion of the intradural mass ruptured. During the hospital stay, the patient's mental status declined. On radiological examination, slightly enlarged ventricle size was observed. Dissemination of lipid droplets within ventricles occurs because of spontaneous, iatrogenic, or traumatic rupture. Additional lipid droplet dissemination to the intracranial space associated with neurologic deterioration after a spinal teratoma surgery should be considered when iatrogenic rupture of the cyst portion occurs.

Traumatic Spinal Subdural Hematoma with Intracranial Subdural Hematoma / 대한신경손상학회지

Traumatic spinal subdural hematoma associated with intracranial subdural hematoma is a rare condition. Herein, we report the case of a 62-year-old man with lower back pain, radiating pain, and numbness in both lower extremities, without motor weakness, for 2 weeks. Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed high signal intensity on T1-weighted image (WI), and low signal intensity on T2-WI from L2 to L5. Two weeks after conservative management, follow-up lumbar MRI did not show the hematoma and his symptoms were relieved and there was no neurological deficit; therefore, he was discharged. However, subsequently, intracranial subdural hematoma increased and upper extremity motor weakness appeared. This was treated surgically. If there is no neurological deficit, conservative treatment may be a good option. Follow-up evaluation for asymptomatic cranial subdural hematoma is necessary.

Spinal Paraganglioma Adherent to the Cauda Equina

Paragangliomas are rare among intradural spinal tumors. Most of them are benign, but aggressive behavior and local recurrence can occur. Cases of paraganglioma are, difficult to diagnose radiologically; hence, diagnosis is confirmed histopathologically. Radiologically, paragangliomas are similar to ependymomas, and, histopathologically, they are similar to neuroendocrine tumors. We evaluated the case of a 76-year-old woman with a spinal paraganglioma that was associated with back pain and radiating pain in both the lower extremities. She underwent an operation, and her symptoms were relieved. Here, we describe a rare case of paraganglioma that was adherent to the cauda equina.

Clinical Features of Post-Traumatic Syringomyelia / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical manifestations, radiological findings, treatment results, and clinical significance of post-traumatic syringomyelia (PTS). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of nine surgical patients with symptomatic PTS between 1992 and 2012. RESULTS: The most common clinical manifestation was development of new motor weakness. The mean interval between the initial injury and the onset of new symptoms 21.9 years. The mean length of the syringes observed on preoperative magnetic resonance images was 7.8 spinal levels. Shunting procedures were performed in five patients. Four patients underwent arachnoidolysis and duraplasty. Patients developed mechanical shunt failure. Postoperatively, one patient showed clinical improvement, four patients were stable, and four patients showed deterioration. CONCLUSION: PTS is a disabling sequelae of spinal cord injury, which develops months to years after spinal injury. We have to consider that patients with PTS may have poor long-term outcome.

Risk Factors for Subsequent Fracture after Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous vertebroplasty is an effective treatment that relieves pain caused by vertebral compression fracture. However, vertebroplasty may increase the risk for subsequent vertebral compression fracture. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence of and risk factors for subsequent fracture after vertebroplasty. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for 112 patients who were diagnosed with a first osteoporotic compression fracture at a single level and underwent vertebroplasty at that level. Possible risk factors for subsequent fracture, such as age, sex, bone mineral density (BMD), location of treated vertebrae, pattern of cement distribution, cement volume, presence of intradiscal cement leakage, and direction of cement leakage, were analyzed. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, 18 new subsequent vertebral fractures developed (16.1%). Subsequent fractures were more common in osteoporotic patients (T-score or =3.5 cc were also associated with a significantly higher risk of fracture (p=0.012, r=0.238). CONCLUSION: Low BMD and volume of intravertebral cement were the factors most strongly associated with subsequent fracture after percutaneous vertebroplasty.

Risk Factors for Subsequent Fracture after Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous vertebroplasty is an effective treatment that relieves pain caused by vertebral compression fracture. However, vertebroplasty may increase the risk for subsequent vertebral compression fracture. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence of and risk factors for subsequent fracture after vertebroplasty. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for 112 patients who were diagnosed with a first osteoporotic compression fracture at a single level and underwent vertebroplasty at that level. Possible risk factors for subsequent fracture, such as age, sex, bone mineral density (BMD), location of treated vertebrae, pattern of cement distribution, cement volume, presence of intradiscal cement leakage, and direction of cement leakage, were analyzed. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, 18 new subsequent vertebral fractures developed (16.1%). Subsequent fractures were more common in osteoporotic patients (T-score or =3.5 cc were also associated with a significantly higher risk of fracture (p=0.012, r=0.238). CONCLUSION: Low BMD and volume of intravertebral cement were the factors most strongly associated with subsequent fracture after percutaneous vertebroplasty.

Analysis of Factors Contributing to Postoperative Spinal Instability after Lumbar Decompression for Spinal Stenosis

OBJECTIVE: Decompressive laminectomy is one of the most commonly used surgical methods for the treatment of spinal stenosis. We retrospectively examined the risk factors that induce spinal instability, including slippage (spondylolisthesis) and/or segmental angulation after decompressive laminectomy on the lumbar spine. METHODS: From January 1, 2006 to June 30, 2010, 94 consecutive patients underwent first-time single level decompressive laminectomy without fusion and discectomy. Of these 94 patients, 42 with a follow-up period of at least 2 years were selected. We measured the segmental angulation and slippage in flexion and extension dynamic lumbar radiographs. We analyzed the following contributing factors to spinal instability: age/sex, smoking history, disc space narrowing, body mass index (kg/m2), facet joint tropism, effect of the lordotic angle on lumbar spine, asymmetrical paraspinal muscle volume, and surgical method and level. RESULTS: Female patients, normal lordotic angle, and asymmetrical paraspinal muscle volume were factors more significantly associated with spondylolisthesis (p-value=0.026, 0.015, <0.01). Statistical results indicated that patients with facet tropism were more likely to have segmental angulation (p-value=0.046). Facet tropism and asymmetry of paraspinal muscle volume were predisposing factors to spinal instability (p-value=0.012, <0.01). CONCLUSION: Facet joint tropism and asymmetry of paraspinal muscle volume are the most important factors associated with spinal instability; therefore, careful follow-up after decompressive laminectomy in affected patients is necessary.

Spontaneous Regression of Extruded Lumbar Disc Herniation: Three Cases Report

Herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) is a common disease that induces back pain and radicular pain. Some cases require surgical treatment due to persistent severe pain. However, in some cases, pain can be relieved with conservative treatment or at times relived spontaneously. Therefore, the most effective treatment method for HNP is undefinable. Spontaneous regression of HNP has been recognized with the advancement of radiological diagnostic tools and can explain the reason of spontaneous relief of symptoms without treatment.

Gelfoam-induced Swallowing Difficulty after Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery

Symptomatic diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is not common. Gelfoam is one of the most commonly used topical hemostatic agents. But, in the partially moistened state, air retained in its pores may result in excessive expansion on contact with liquid. The onset of swallowing difficulty after anterior cervical spine surgery due to appling gelfoam is a rare complication. A 77-year-old man with swallowing difficulty was admitted to our hospital and we diagnosed him as DISH confirmed by radiological study. After removing the DISH, patient's symptom was relieved gradually. However, on postoperative day (POD) 7, the symptom recurred but lesser than the preoperative state. We confirmed no hematoma and esophageal perforation on the operation site. We observed him closely and controlled the diet. Three months later, he had no symptom of swallowing difficulty, and was able to be back on a regular diet, including solid foods. We present a complication case of swallowing difficulty occurring by gelfoam application.

Clinical Features of Percutaneous Hemivertebroplasty in Patients with Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: Unilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty is a widely accepted treatment for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). However, bone cement may fail to fill both hemivertebra from the single needle. We assessed the radiographic and clinical outcome of hemivertebroplasty (HVP) and evaluated the factors that affect subsequent VCFs after HVP. METHODS: Fifty two patients who underwent HVP were reviewed. VCFs were identified based on clinical and radiological findings. The patients were grouped into two groups: 1) no subsequent VCFs, 2) subsequent VCFs. We evaluated the association between age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and bone mineral density (BMD) and subsequent VCFs. We also assessed the impact of location, type and grade of fracture, endplate fracture, burst fracture, bone cement volume on subsequent VCFs. We analyzed the compression ratio, wedge angle, kyphotic angle, and visual analogue scale (VAS) score in both groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, gender, BMI, and BMD between two groups. No significant difference was also found in pre-existing VCF, location, type and grading of fracture, endplate fracture, burst fracture, amount of bone cement, and radiological findings such as compression ratio, wedge angle, and kyphotic angle between two groups. The final mean VAS scores of patients with or without subsequent VCFs were 3.11 and 4.02, respectively. CONCLUSION: No major risk factors for the subsequent VCFs after HVP were found. However, we identified adjacent fractures, refractures, and remote fractures after HVP in chronological order. Therefore, long-term follow-up is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of HVP to osteoporotic VCFs.

Factors that Influence to Chronic Subdural Hematoma Recurrence / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors that influence to chronic subdural hematoma recurrence. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 55 patients who underwent an operation for a chronic subdural hematoma using burr hole trephination and hematoma drainage from January 2010 to December 2011. We analyzed their demographics, trauma history, medication history, initial symptoms, bilaterality, postoperative pneumocephalus, and hematoma recurrence. RESULTS: Medication history (anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet agents) was not influenced the hematoma recurrence rate statistically (p=0.622). Prolongation of International Normalized Ratio and decrease of platelet count increased recurrence rate, but not significantly. An absence of trauma history was a factor that significantly influenced hematoma recurrence (p=0.037). CONCLUSION: Medication history did not significantly influence the recurrence rate, if the medication will stopped more than 3 days prior to hematoma evacuation. Chronic subdural hematomas that occurred without definite trauma history were more prevalent with recurrence.

Continuous Multiple Vertebral Compression Fractures in Multiple Myeloma Patient

Multiple myeloma is a B-cell origin tumor characterized by hypercalcemia, osteolytic bony lesions, and pathologic fractures. Back pain is one of the most common presenting symptoms of multiple myeloma and about 60% of patients have vertebral involvement at the time of diagnosis7). Minimally invasive surgeries such as vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are effective to relieve pain and improve the quality of life when a compression fracture occurs in multiple myeloma patients. We report a case of continuous multiple compression fractures associated with multiple myeloma. We should check for the possibility of pathologic vertebral fractures resulting from multiple myeloma in non-osteoporotic compression fracture patients, and especially in cases of continuous fracture occurring in relatively non-elderly patients, even though a history of trauma may be present.