Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Simplified Acute Physiology Score II in Predicting Hospital Mortality of Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit Patients

We study the predictive power of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) in neurosurgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Retrospective investigation was conducted on 672 consecutive ICU patients during the last 2 yr. Data were collected during the first 24 hours of admission and analyzed to calculate predicted mortality. Mortality predicted by two systems was compared and, multivariate analyses were then performed for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. Observed mortality was 24.8% whereas predicted mortalities were 37.7% and 38.4%, according to APACHE II and SAPS II. Calibration curve was close to the line of perfect prediction. SAPS II was not statistically significant according to a Lemeshow-Hosmer test, but slightly favored by area under the curve (AUC). In SAH patients, SAPS II was an independent predictor for mortality. In TBI patients, both systems had independent prognostic implications. Scoring systems are useful in predicting mortality and measuring performance in neurosurgical ICU setting. TBI patients are more affected by systemic insults than SAH patients, and this discrepancy of predicting mortality in each neurosurgical disease prompts us to develop a more specific scoring system targeted to cerebral dysfunction.

Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Simplified Acute Physiology Score II in Predicting Hospital Mortality of Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit Patients

We study the predictive power of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) in neurosurgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Retrospective investigation was conducted on 672 consecutive ICU patients during the last 2 yr. Data were collected during the first 24 hours of admission and analyzed to calculate predicted mortality. Mortality predicted by two systems was compared and, multivariate analyses were then performed for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. Observed mortality was 24.8% whereas predicted mortalities were 37.7% and 38.4%, according to APACHE II and SAPS II. Calibration curve was close to the line of perfect prediction. SAPS II was not statistically significant according to a Lemeshow-Hosmer test, but slightly favored by area under the curve (AUC). In SAH patients, SAPS II was an independent predictor for mortality. In TBI patients, both systems had independent prognostic implications. Scoring systems are useful in predicting mortality and measuring performance in neurosurgical ICU setting. TBI patients are more affected by systemic insults than SAH patients, and this discrepancy of predicting mortality in each neurosurgical disease prompts us to develop a more specific scoring system targeted to cerebral dysfunction.

The Effect of Acetylcholine Esterase Inhibitor on Cerebrospinal Fluid beta-Amyloid 1-42 and Phosphorylated Tau Protein in Korean Alzheimer's Disease Patients: Preliminary Study

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the pathology of amyloid plaques and tau-associated neurofibrillary tangles. Acetylcholine esterase (AChE) transforms the beta-amyloid monomer into an oligomer, and increases beta-amyloid aggregation in the brain. Increased beta-amyloid breaks the cytoskeleton of the brain by hyperphosphorylation of the tau protein. Previous studies support that AChE inhibitor has an inhibitory effect on toxicity of the beta-amyloid and phophorylated tau protein. The purpose of this study was to analyze the CSF beta-amyloid 1-42 (A beta 1-42) and phosphorylated tau protein in AD and determine their difference depending on whether AChE inhibitor was taken or not. METHODS: Subjects included 16 AD, 14 normal controls, and 15 disease controls. Nine of AD group had taken an AChE inhibitor while the remainder had not. The CSF A beta 1-42 and phosphorylated tau were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: The CSF A beta 1-42 levels were lower in AD patients than in other groups (p<0.01). We also found increased CSF A beta 1-42 levels in the AChE inhibitor users, compared with non-users. CONCLUSIONS: The level of CSF A beta 1-42 may have a diagnostic value in the patients with cognitive impairments. Also, we may expect the effect of AChE inhibitor on Alzheimer's pathology by measuring CSF A beta 1-42 levels. Therefore, the level of CSF A beta 1-42 may serve as a biological surrogate marker for AD treatment.

Neurochemical Characterization of the TRPV1-Positive Nociceptive Primary Afferents Innervating Skeletal Muscles in the Rats

OBJECTIVE: Transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily type 1 (TRPV1), a most specific marker of the nociceptive primary afferent, is expressed in peptidergic and non-pepetidergic primary afferents innervating skin and viscera. However, its expression in sensory fibers to skeletal muscle is not well known. In this study, we studied the neurochemical characteristics of TRPV1-positive primary afferents to skeletal muscles. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with total 20 microliter of 1% fast blue (FB) into the gastrocnemius and erector spinae muscle and animals were perfused 4 days after injection. FB-positive cells were traced in the L4-L5 (for gastrocnemius muscle) and L2-L4 (for erector spinae muscle) dorsal root ganglia. The neurochemical characteristics of the muscle afferents were studied with multiple immunofluorescence with TRPV1, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and P2X(3). To identify spinal neurons responding to noxious stimulus to the skeletal muscle, 10% acetic acids were injected into the gastrocnemius and erector spinae muscles and expression of phospho extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK) in spinal cords were identified with immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: TRPV1 was expressed in about 49% of muscle afferents traced from gastrocnemius and 40% of erector spinae. Sixty-five to 60% of TRPV1-positive muscles afferents also expressed CGRP. In contrast, expression of P2X3 immnoreaction in TRPV1-positive muscle afferents were about 20%. TRPV1-positive primary afferents were contacted with spinal neurons expressing pERK after injection of acetic acid into the muscles. CONCLUSION: It is consequently suggested that nociception from skeletal muscles are mediated by TRPV1-positive primary afferents and majority of them are also peptidergic.

The Effect of Early Percutaneous Vertebroplasty in Occult Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture

OBJECTIVE: Recently, the definition of occult osteoporotic vertebral fracture has been established, and its clinical significance has come to our interest. We report the effect of early percutaneous vertebroplasty in occult osteoporotic vertebral fracture. METHODS: From January 2006 to January 2008, we performed percutaneous vertebroplasty for 50 levels in 47 patients. 21 levels (21 patients) of them were classified into occult osteoporotic vertebral fracture group, 29 levels (26 patients) were categorized into control group (not occult osteoporotic vertebral fracture) by the Pham T..s criteria. We obtained VAS score and measured the compression ratio at first hospital day and 1 day, 1 month, 3 months after procedure. RESULTS: There are noticeable improvements in VAS score. The mean VAS score at admission was 6.44 in occult group and 6.15 in control group, which changed 2.23 in occult group and 2.68 in control group after procedure. The compression rate was 1.008, 1.018, 1.016 in occult group and 0.862, 0.891, 0.881 in control group at admission and 1 month, 3 months after procedure. The conservative effect for vertebral height was higher than control group (p=0.011). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous vertebroplasty in occult osteoporotic compression fracture provided significant pain relief and conservative effect for vertebral height. It is probable that it can lower the rate of secondary adjacent vertebral compression fracture.

The expression of TRAIL and its receptors in human osteoarthritic cartilages / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The apoptosis of chondrocytes is assumed to be involved in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA), and the TNF related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) is thought to have a pivotal role in the apoptosis of chondrocytes. We investigated the expression of TRAIL and its receptors in human osteoarthritic cartilages. METHODS: Human OA cartilage tissues were obtained from the medial side of the cartilage in the knee joints of 25 patients who underwent total knee replacement surgery, and the normal human cartilages of the knee joint were obtained at autopsy from seven young adults who had no history of joint diseases. The expressions of TRAIL and the death receptor were analyzed by immunohistochemistry or immunofluorscent staining. The concentration of TRAIL in the synovial fluid was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: TRAIL and its receptors were expressed in the OA cartilage, but not in the normal cartilage. TUNEL staining and immunohistochemistry for TRAIL on the serial sections showed that most TRAIL positive cells were TUNEL positive. The OA joint fluid contained concentrations of TRAIL that were readily detectable (80 and 120 microgram/ppm in the synovial fluid of each, respectively). However, the synovial fluid of the knee joint obtained at autopsy from the seven young adults contained low concentrations of detectable TRAIL (0~2 microgram/ppm). CONCLUSIONS: These results support the notion that TRAIL and its receptors are involved in the pathogenesis of human OA. A better understanding of TRAIL induced apoptosis in chondrocytes might lead to the development of a new therapeutic strategy for OA.

Thromboembolism: Another substantial cause of delayed ischemic neurologic deficits after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage / 대한뇌혈관외과학회지

Vasospasm has been known as one of the most potent causes of delayed ischemic neurologic deficits (DINDs) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). An established effective therapy for vasospasm has been used in preventing cerebral ischemia. Nevertheless, several reports suggested the possibility that there may be other causes of DINDs from the cases which couldn't be explained by hemodynamic vasospasm. Authors experienced two cases of thromboembolic infarction as a cause of DINDs after aneurysmal SAH. We propose that thromboembolism can be a considerable cause of DINDs independent of hemodynamic vasospasm.

A Case of Maxillary Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma Induced to Headache in Behcet's Disease / 대한류마티스학회지

Behcet's disease is chronic and systemic inflammatory vasculitis, characterized by immunologically involving in variable size of arteries and veins. Clinically, principal manifestations are recurrent oral ulcer, genital ulcer, skin and eye lesions. Compared to other connective tissue disease, cancer is not accompanied commonly in Behcet's disease. But, immunological confusion such as T cell depletion or B cell hyperplasia, or long-term of immunosuppressive treatment lead to occurrence of malignancy. Recently, we experienced a case of maxillary mass, induced to abrupt headache in Behcet's disease, confirmed diffuse large B cell lymphoma by biopsy, and treated by rituximab-CHOP chemotherapy. Thus we report these with literature review.

Relationship Between Leukocytosis and Vasospasms Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous approach to the middle thoracic vertebra through the transpedicular route for the patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures is difficult due to the small size of the pedicle and parasagittally oriented vertebral body anatomy. The percutaneous vertebral body access (PVBA) technique utilizing the posterolateral extrapedicular approach avoids the pedicle and provides direct access to the vertebral body. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the vertebroplasty utilizing PVBA technique for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in the middle thoracic vertebrae. METHODS: A retrospective review was done on 20 patients who underwent vertebroplasty utilizing PVBA technique performed for painful osteoporotic compression fracture in the middle thoracic vertebrae at 22 levels from May 2003 to June 2006. The average amount of the injected cement was 1.5-2.5ml. The postprocedural outcome was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: The treated vertebrae were T5 (1 level), T6 (5 levels), T7 (7 levels), and T8 (9 levels). The compression rate and kyphotic angle were improved after procedure from 18%+/-13.4 to 16%+/-13.8 (p>0.05) and from 6.9degrees+/-6.7 to 6.6degrees+/-6.2 (p>0.05), respectively. Preprocedural VAS was 8.2+/-0.70 and was decreased to 2.1+/-1.02 (p<0.01) after treatment. Postprocedural cement leakage was noted in 3 levels (13.7%). There were no cases of leakage to epidural space or neural foramen, segmental artery injury, and pneumothorax. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the complication rates are low and good results can be achieved with vertebroplasty utilizing PVBA technique for the osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures especially in the middle thoracic vertebrae.

The Usefulness of 3D-CT Angiography as a Screening Tool for Vascular Abnormalities in Spontaneous ICH Patients

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the incidence of the vascular abnormalities associated with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) using three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography (3D-CTA). METHODS: We prospectively assessed consecutive 76 patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) who underwent 3D-CTA between June 2003 and May 2005. The patients with a recent history of trauma or mainly subarachnoid hemorrhage were excluded. We investigated relationship between vascular abnormality and ICH location. The findings of 3D-CTA were classified as one of three patterns with ICH; type A (without evidence of vascular abnormality), type B (with no vascular abnormality as the source of hemorrhage, but with incidental vascular abnormality), and type C (presence of a vascular abnormality as the source of hemorrhage). RESULTS: Sites of ICH were lobar 26, basal ganglia 23, thalamus 17, posterior fossa 6 and dominant intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) 4. Among 76 patients, sixteen (21.1%) vascular abnormalities were noted excluding 13 cases of stenoocclusive disease. Sixteen cases included 6 cases of cerebral aneurysms (7.9%), 5 moyamoya diseases (6.6%), 4 arteriovenous malformations (5.3%) and 1 dural sinus thrombosis (1.3%). Lobar ICH (30.8%) had a higher vascular abnormalities than other types, and younger age (<40) group had a higher incidence of vascular abnormalities than old age group. The patterns of 3D-CTA include sixty cases (79.0%) of type A, 6 cases (7.8%) of type B and 10 cases (13.2%) of type C. The vascular abnormalities were found in 8 (13.5%) of 59 hypertensive patients and 8 (47.0%) of 17 non-hypertensive patients (p=0.006). CONCLUSION: 3D-CT angiography is considered a useful screening tool for ICH patients with suspected cerebrovascular abnormalities and should be considered in such clinical settings, especially in lobar type and in non-hypertensive younger patients.

A Case of Probable Moyamoya Disease (Unilateal Moyamoya Disease) Coexisting Arteriovenous Malformation

The authors report a unique case of unilateral Moyamoya disease with a rare combination of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) who presented with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). A 50-year-old man suffered from sudden onset of mental deterioration and right hemiparesis. Brain computed tomography (CT) showed intracerebral hemorrhage on left thalamus. Brain CT angiography and cerebral digital subtraction angiography (DSA) revealed AVM combined with unilateral moyamoya disease involving left middle cerebral artery (MCA) and choroid plexus in left lateral ventricle. Intraventricular hemorrhage and hydrocephalus were managed conservatively. A rare case of unilateral Moyamoya disease accompanied by a cerebral arteriovenous malformation is described and discussed with review of pertinent literature.

Postoperative Changes in Paraspinal Muscle Volume: Comparison between Paramedian Interfascial and Midline Approaches for Lumbar Fusion

In this study, we compared the paramedian interfascial approach (PIA) and the traditional midline approach (MA) for lumbar fusion to determine which approach resulted in the least amount of postoperative back muscle atrophy. We performed unilateral transforaminal posterior lumbar interbody fusion via MA on the symptomatic side and pedicle screw fixation via PIA on the other side in the same patient. We evaluated the damage to the paraspinal muscle after MA and PIA by measuring the preoperative and postoperative paraspinal muscle volume in 26 patients. The preoperative and postoperative cross-sectional area, thickness, and width of the multifidus muscle were measured by computed tomography. The degree of postoperative paraspinal muscle atrophy was significantly greater on the MA side than on the contralateral PIA side (-20.7% and -4.8%, respectively, p<0.01). In conclusion, the PIA for lumbar fusion yielded successful outcomes for the preservation of paraspinal muscle in these 26 patients. We suggest that the success of PIA is due to less manipulation and retraction of the paraspinal muscle and further studies on this technique may help confirm whether less muscle injury has positive effects on the long-term clinical outcome.

Predictable Risk Factors for Adjacent Segment Degeneration After Lumbar Fusion

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate predictable risk factors for radiologic degeneration of adjacent segment after lumbar fusion and preoperative radiologic features of patients who underwent additional surgery with adjacent segment degeneration. METHODS: Between January 1995 and December 2002, 201 patients who underwent lumbar fusion for degenerative conditions of lumbar spine were evaluated. We studied radiologic features, the method of operation, the length of fusion, age, sex, osteoporosis, and body mass index. Special attention was focused on, preoperative radiologic features of patients who required additional surgery were studied to detect risk factors for clinical deterioration. RESULTS: Follow-up period ranged from 3 to 11 years. In our study, 61 (30%) patients developed adjacent segment degeneration, and 15 (7%) patients required additional surgery for neurologic deterioration. Age, the postoperative delay, facet volume, motion range, laminar inclination, facet tropism, and preexisting disc degeneration of adjacent segment considered as possible risk factors. Among these, laminar inclination and preexisting disc degeneration of adjacent segment were significantly correlated with clinical deterioration. CONCLUSION: The radiologic degeneration of adjacent segment after lumbar fusion can be predicted in terms of each preoperative radiologic factor, age and the postoperative delay. Laminar inclination and preexisting disc degeneration of adjacent segment have shown as strong risk factors for neurologic deterioration. Thus, careful consideration is warranted when these risk factors are present.

A Case of Recurred Retroperitoneal Fibrosis Treated by Combination Therapy of Steroids and Tamoxifen / 대한신장학회지

Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (IRF) is a rare disease characterized by inflammatory and fibrous tissue proliferation in the retroperitoneum, which often surrounds the adjacent retroperitoneal structure to cause compressive complications such as hydronephrosis. Its pathogenesis is still unknown, but recently the association with autoimmune disease is being suggested. Although the prognosis is generally good, if diagnosis or treatment is delayed, the disease can progress to acute or chronic renal failure. In the past, surgical procedures such as ureterolysis or transpositioning of the involved ureter were the mainstay of the treatment. But recent studies using steroids, immunosuppressants and tamoxifen have reported generally good results. However, the adequate dose or duration of medical treatment and the treatment for recurred disease have not been established yet. We report a case of that retroperitoneal fibrosis recurred 1 year after 2-weeks steroids therapy. It was successfully treated with combination therapy of steroids and tamoxifen.

Central Nervous System Involvement of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Central nervous system(CNS) involvement of acute lymphoblastic leukemia may occur. However, CNS involvement as a first manifestation of leukemia is very rare. An 8-year-old girl complained of a backache after playing in the water. Neurological examination detected progressing paraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) of the thoracolumbar spine showed a well-circumscribed homogeneous posterior extradural mass lesion extending from T7 to T9. MRI of the brain showed diffused fatty marrow replacement of the calvarium and the skull base. We report a patient with epidural Burkitt's lymphoma of the thoracic and lumbar vertebra causing compression of the spinal cord after pathologic evaluation. The tumor consisted mainly of lymphoblastic cells, which were identical to those originally seen in the bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. After decompressive laminectomy she began consolidation chemotherapy.

Comparison of Computed Tomography Findings between Aneurysmal and Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to identify any differential point in computerized tomographic(CT) findings between aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage(ASAH) and traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage(TSAH), which sometimes make us not confident in differentiation. METHODS: CT of 142 ASAH and 82 TSAH patients over the last 2 years were retrospectively reviewed. We evaluated the thickness of SAH, the laterality of sylvian cisternal hemorrhage, the location, the number of involved cisterns, and the associated other lesions between two types of SAH. RESULTS: Suprasellar cisterns and sylvian cisterns were most prominently and frequently involved cisterns in ASAH but cortical sulci and sylvian cisterns were most frequently involved in TSAH. Intraventricular and intracerebral hemorrhage were frequently seen in ASAH. Thickness of SAH over 1 mm, bilateral sylvian SAH, multiple cisternal SAH were in favor of ASAH. The number of involved cisterns were more frequently seen in ASAH than in TSAH. In ASAH, bilateral sylvian hemorrhages were more frequently seen than in TSAH. Skull fracture, subdural hematoma, subgaleal hematoma, and hemorrhagic contusion were frequently associated with TSAH. CONCLUSION: As a result of our study, the authors conclude that when IVH, hydrocephalus, thick SAH>1 mm bilateral sylvian SAH, and multiple cisternal SAH are seen in CT, immediate angiography should be performed to rule out cerebral aneurysms whether associated with other traumatic lesions or not.

Treatment Outcomes in Patients with a Vertebral Artery Dissecting Aneurysm / 대한뇌혈관외과학회지

OBJECTIVE: The vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms have been increaslingly reported with recent advent of diagnostic tools. The authors analyzed the various therapeutic modalities according to the patient's clinical presentation. METHODS: The clinical characteristics of vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm including clinical presentation, therapeutic modalities and outcomes were reviewed in eleven patients between March 2001 and August 2005. RESULTS: Six patients were presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage and five patients with ischemia. Four patients were treated with endovascular coils or stent and one patient was treated with craniotomy and aneurysmal wrapping. The other six patients were treated conservatively. Clinical outcomes were relatively good (Glawsgow outcome scale > or = 4) except one patient (Glawsgow oucome scale = 3). CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of a vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm must be choosed by characteristics of an aneurysm and the patient's clinical presentations. The patients with hemorrhage must be candidates for aggressive attempts to prevent rebleeding. On the other hand, the patients with ischemia may be good candidates for conservative treatment, and follow-up angiography is mandatory within three weeks after the symptom onset.

Risk Factors for Ischemic Lesions on Computed Tomography in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / 대한뇌혈관외과학회지

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate predictive risk factors for permanent ischemic lesions visible on follow-up computerized tomography scans obtained after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). METHODS: A hundred and two patients who were treated with surgery for aneurysmal SAH from November 2002 to February 2005 were retrospectively analyzed. The predictive risk factors for permanent ischemic lesions used in this study were as follows ; age, sex, obesity, preoperative clinical condition, amount of SAH (Fisher grade), location of aneurysm, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), intraventricular hemorrhage, symptomatic vasospasm, duration of temporary artery occlusion, transfusion, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking and time of SAH. RESULTS: Permanent ischemic lesions developed in 55 (60%) patients. The presence of lesions correlated highly with preoperative clinical condition (p=0.032), amount of subarachnoid blood (p=0.007), middle cerebral artery aneurysms (p=0.041), ICH (p=0.039), symptomatic vasospasm (p=0.027), duration of temporary artery occlusion during surgery (p=0.004), diabetes mellitus (p=0.043), excessive alcohol drinking (p=0.040), cigarette smoking (p=0.037) and nocturnal occurrence of SAH (that is, between 12:01 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., p=0.044). Hypertension, obesity and other factors were not associated with the lesions. CONCLUSION: The presence of ischemic lesions can be predicted by preoperative clinical condition, amount of SAH, the location of aneurysm, ICH, symptomatic vasospasm, duration of temporary artery occlusion, diabetes mellitus, excessive alcohol drinking, cigarette smoking and time of aneurysm rupture.

Facial Nerve Schwannoma Located in Middle Cranial Fossa

Facial nerve schwannomas are uncommon tumors. A 40-year-old female presented with left-side facial weakness. Computed tomography(CT) imaging showed a 3 x 2cm lesion on the posterior portion of the left middle cranial fossa. The mass abutted the anterior aspect of the left petrous bone with a wide erosive change involving the area of the left facial nerve ganglion (geniculate ganglion). A well-circumscribed extra-axial mass was seen on magnetic resonance imaging(MRI). The tumor was completely removed through subtemporal approach and the patient was discharged without additional neurological deficit. This rare case is discussed and a review of the relevant literature is presented.

The Effect of Lumbar Medial Branch Block on Low Back Pain

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to establish the benefit and prognostic factors of lumbar medial branch block(MBB) for low back pain. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was based on the data obtained from 281 patients with low back pain, who visited our hospital between January 2001 and November 2004. Pain relief was evaluated at 2 weeks, 1 month and 3 months. The authors analyzed the results of MBB according to the patient's age, sex, symptom duration, pathologic condition, and presence of radiating pain. RESULTS: Two hundred eighty one patients had sprain (151), lumbar fracture (27), spinal stenosis (50), herniated lumbar disc (24) acute post-operative pain (8), and chronic post-operative pain (21) with success rate of 63.6%, 59.3%, 26.0%, 25.0%, 87.5% and 42.9%, respectively. The effects of MBB in sprain, lumbar fracture, and acute post-operative pain were significantly better than those in stenosis, hern iated lumbar disc and chronic post-operative pain patients. The patients in young age group (<60 years), with short symptom duration (<6 months) and without radiating pain showed good response to lumbar MBB. CONCLUSION: The lumbar MBB appears to be safe and effective for low back pain in certain selected patients. Good prognostic factors were low back pain without surgical conditions and radiating pain, with short symptom duration (<6 months), and in relatively young age (<60 years) group.