Evaluation of the Source and Quality of Information Regarding Cervical Disc Herniation on Websites

Objectives@#The purpose of this study was to assess the source and quality of information regarding cervical disc herniation available to patients on websites.Summary of Literature Review: Studies have shown that 92% of the Korean population regularly accesses and searches for medical information on websites. While a large amount of information exists on websites, there is a possibility that patients will be misled due to inaccurate information because there are no established criteria for qualitative evaluation. In addition, little research has been conducted on websites that provide information about cervical disc herniation. @*Materials and Methods@#The search term ‘‘cervical disc herniation’’ was entered into the three most popular search engines in Korea (Naver, Daum, and Google). The first 50 websites displayed by each engine were selected for inclusion in this study and were categorized as academic, commercial, physician, non-physician, government organization, and unspecified. Information was assessed in terms of DISCERN, accuracy, and exhaustivity scores, and a total summary score was calculated for each website. @*Results@#Among the theoretical total of 150 websites, 83 unique and relevant websites were identified. The distribution by source was as follows: non-physician, 34.9%; physician, 27.7%; commercial, 13.3%; unspecified, 10.8%; academic, 9.6%; and government, 3.6%. Academic and government websites obtained the highest total summary scores, with statistical significance when compared to other types (p=0.03). @*Conclusions@#Website information on cervical disc herniation is generally limited. Institutional improvement efforts are needed to foster an environment where patients can receive high-quality medical information, and physician groups should play a central role in this process.

Multiple Lumbar Osteoporotic Compression Fractures in a Patient in Her 20s - A Case Report -

Objectives@#To report our experience of a patient in her 20s with multiple contiguous osteoporotic compression fractures.Summary of Literature Review: It is uncommon to develop multiple contiguous osteoporotic compression fractures at a young age. @*Materials and Methods@#A 26-year-old woman was admitted with lower back pain. On radiologic examinations, compression fractures of L1, L2 and L5 were observed. Bone mineral density testing indicated severe osteoporosis. Secondary osteoporosis was suspected, and further examinations were performed. The patient was diagnosed with adrenocorticotropic hormone–independent Cushing’s syndrome.On abdominal computed tomography, a tumor suspected to be an adenoma was observed on the left adrenal gland. Tumor resection surgery was then performed. @*Results@#Pathologic findings confirmed that the tumor was an adenoma. The lumbar fractures had healed at 3 months after the fracture. @*Conclusions@#If osteoporotic lumbar compression fracture occurs in a young patient, secondary osteoporosis should be suspected and the underlying cause must be found and treated.

Multiple Lumbar Osteoporotic Compression Fractures in a Patient in Her 20s - A Case Report -

Objectives@#To report our experience of a patient in her 20s with multiple contiguous osteoporotic compression fractures.Summary of Literature Review: It is uncommon to develop multiple contiguous osteoporotic compression fractures at a young age. @*Materials and Methods@#A 26-year-old woman was admitted with lower back pain. On radiologic examinations, compression fractures of L1, L2 and L5 were observed. Bone mineral density testing indicated severe osteoporosis. Secondary osteoporosis was suspected, and further examinations were performed. The patient was diagnosed with adrenocorticotropic hormone–independent Cushing’s syndrome.On abdominal computed tomography, a tumor suspected to be an adenoma was observed on the left adrenal gland. Tumor resection surgery was then performed. @*Results@#Pathologic findings confirmed that the tumor was an adenoma. The lumbar fractures had healed at 3 months after the fracture. @*Conclusions@#If osteoporotic lumbar compression fracture occurs in a young patient, secondary osteoporosis should be suspected and the underlying cause must be found and treated.

Comparative Measurements of Preoperative and Postoperative Radiological and Clinical Parameters of Direct Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Degenerative Spinal Disease Patients

OBJECTIVES@#To evaluate the radiological outcomes of direct lateral lumbar interbody fusion (DLIF).SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: DLIF, as a minimally invasive spinal surgical procedure, is useful for degenerative spinal diseases. However, few reports have evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes of DLIF in Korea.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#We analyzed 44 patients who underwent DLIF at our hospital from September 2015 to September 2017. Of these patients, 89 segments were included in this study. We measured preoperative and postoperative radiological values including the disc height, central canal area, height of the foramen, and segmental sagittal angle on magnetic resonance imaging. We also measured patients' visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores as clinical parameters.@*RESULTS@#Statistically significant improvements were found in the height of the left and right foramina (20.8% and 25.6%, respectively), the height of the intervertebral discs (86.0% and 84.3%, respectively), the cross-sectional area of the central nervous system (33.1%), lumbar lordosis, and the lumbar segmental angle (2.7° and 8.7°, respectively) after surgery. The VAS and ODI scores also showed significant improvements (65.7% and 67.7%, respectively) when compared with the preoperative level.@*CONCLUSIONS@#DLIF was found to be effective for the treatment of diseases such as foraminal stenosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, and adjacent segment diseases through indirect neuro-decompression of the bilateral foramina and central vertebrae.

Comparative Measurements of Preoperative and Postoperative Radiological and Clinical Parameters of Direct Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Degenerative Spinal Disease Patients / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of prospectively-collected data.OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the radiological outcomes of direct lateral lumbar interbody fusion (DLIF).SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: DLIF, as a minimally invasive spinal surgical procedure, is useful for degenerative spinal diseases. However, few reports have evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes of DLIF in Korea.MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 44 patients who underwent DLIF at our hospital from September 2015 to September 2017. Of these patients, 89 segments were included in this study. We measured preoperative and postoperative radiological values including the disc height, central canal area, height of the foramen, and segmental sagittal angle on magnetic resonance imaging. We also measured patients' visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores as clinical parameters.RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements were found in the height of the left and right foramina (20.8% and 25.6%, respectively), the height of the intervertebral discs (86.0% and 84.3%, respectively), the cross-sectional area of the central nervous system (33.1%), lumbar lordosis, and the lumbar segmental angle (2.7° and 8.7°, respectively) after surgery. The VAS and ODI scores also showed significant improvements (65.7% and 67.7%, respectively) when compared with the preoperative level.CONCLUSIONS: DLIF was found to be effective for the treatment of diseases such as foraminal stenosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, and adjacent segment diseases through indirect neuro-decompression of the bilateral foramina and central vertebrae.

Effects of Beraprost Sodium Evaluated by Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging in Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of beraprost sodium on digital infrared thermal images in patients with peripheral arterial disease caused by type 2 diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five diabetic patients with peripheral arterial disease were treated with beraprost sodium in a prospective, multicenter, cohort study from February 2013 to December 2014. Beraprost sodium (40 μg) was administered orally 3 times daily (120 μg/day) for 6 months. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI) were performed to compare the blood flow improvement between before and after dosing. RESULTS: Among the 25 patients included in the evaluation, 22 patients completed the study. A significant increase in body temperature was observed in the front and left side, particularly in the plantar side in DITI compared to that before and after administration. An increase in body temperature was observed at the frontal part from 28.1℃±2.3℃ to 29.1℃±2.1℃ (p=0.021), at the left side from 27.8℃±2.4℃ to 28.6℃±1.9℃ (p=0.028), at the plantar part at 24.0℃±1.5℃, and at the plantar part at 27.1℃±2.4℃ (p < 0.01). The VAS decreased significantly from 5.4±1.3 to 2.7±2.0 after 6 months of treatment (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Beraprost sodium is a safe and easy-to use oral medication for diabetes peripheral arterial disease. It can be expected to increase the blood flow and decrease the lower extremity pain statistically after being taken for 6 months.

External Snapping Hip Treated by Effective Designed N-plasty of the Iliotibial Band / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to present the effective design of N-plasty of the iliotibial band and surgical results of its use as a treatment for refractory external snapping hip. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 17 patients (24 cases) with external snapping hip who underwent N-plasty between October 2013 and May 2016 and who were followed up for at least 12 months. All patients were male and the mean age was 20.8 years. The mean duration of symptoms prior to surgical intervention was 28.5 months with an average follow up of 24.5 months. Surgery was defined as being successful when patients could carry out their daily activities and exercise without a clicking sensation or pain 6 months after surgery until their last follow-up. Failure was defined when either a clicking sensation or pain was present. The visual analog scale (VAS) and modified Harris hip score (mHHS) were measured and compared preoperatively and at last follow-up. RESULTS: All patients had complete resolution of pain and snapping. The VAS decreased from 6.77 preoperatively to 0.09 postoperatively and mHHS improved from 69.5 to 97.8 after surgery. CONCLUSION: Modified designed N-plasty is considered to be an excellent treatment method facilitating operation reproducibility with maximum elongation effect of the iliotibial band.

External Snapping Hip Treated by Effective Designed N-plasty of the Iliotibial Band / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to present the effective design of N-plasty of the iliotibial band and surgical results of its use as a treatment for refractory external snapping hip. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 17 patients (24 cases) with external snapping hip who underwent N-plasty between October 2013 and May 2016 and who were followed up for at least 12 months. All patients were male and the mean age was 20.8 years. The mean duration of symptoms prior to surgical intervention was 28.5 months with an average follow up of 24.5 months. Surgery was defined as being successful when patients could carry out their daily activities and exercise without a clicking sensation or pain 6 months after surgery until their last follow-up. Failure was defined when either a clicking sensation or pain was present. The visual analog scale (VAS) and modified Harris hip score (mHHS) were measured and compared preoperatively and at last follow-up. RESULTS: All patients had complete resolution of pain and snapping. The VAS decreased from 6.77 preoperatively to 0.09 postoperatively and mHHS improved from 69.5 to 97.8 after surgery. CONCLUSION: Modified designed N-plasty is considered to be an excellent treatment method facilitating operation reproducibility with maximum elongation effect of the iliotibial band.

Sciatic Nerve Palsy Caused by Ruptured and Contracted Short External Rotator Muscles after Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty / 대한고관절학회지

Although the incidence of sciatic nerve palsy following total hip arthroplasty is low, this complication can cause devastating permanent nerve palsy. The authors experienced a case of sciatic nerve palsy caused by ruptured and contracted external rotator muscles following total hip arthroplasty in a patient suffering from osteonecrosis of the femoral head. We report this unusual case of sciatic nerve palsy with a review of the literature.

Osteochondral Lesion of Humeral Head Associated with Shoulder Internal Impingement: Report of Three Cases / 대한스포츠의학회지

Internal impingement syndrome is characterized by the posterior shoulder pain when the arm is abducted and external rotated, and articular partial rotator cuff tear with posterosuperior labral fraying in throwing athletes. Osteochondral lesion of humeral head as an associated lesion is reported in some cases but, not considered to be a main origin of the symptoms. We found the similar features of osteochondral lesion on humeral head in three cases of internal impingement syndrome irrespective of conservative treatment for over three months and report good results obtained from arthroscopic debridement and microfracturing for these lesions with a review of the literatures.

Conus Medullaris Syndrome Caused by Delayed Recollapse after Surgery of Burst Fracture: A Case Report

STUDY DESIGN: A case report. OBJECTIVES: Lumbar burst fracture was treated with operation, which delayed recollapse of L1 and led to conus medullaris syndrome. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: After operation, conus medullaris syndrome causing by delayed recollapse is not frequently reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 56-year-old male was admitted with lower back pain caused by a fall. Radiologic findings showed L1 burst fracture with about 42% of height loss. There was no neurologic deficit. Posterior fusion was performed using instrumentation. Five weeks after the operation, the patient was admitted for urination and defecation difficulty. Radiologic findings showed that the L1 had recollapsed with about 38% of height loss. To resolve the problem, anterior surgery was performed. RESULTS: Two years after surgery, bladder and anal sphincter dysfunction wasn't recovered. CONCLUSIONS: Lumbar burst fracture should be follow up carefully until union of the fracture because burst fracture leads to delayed recollapse.

Early Comminuted Fracture of an Alumina Liner in a Ceramic on Ceramic Total Hip Arthroplasty / 대한정형외과학회잡지

The authors experienced a case of early fracture of an alumina ceramic liner after ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty, without any history of trauma. A 47-year-old male visited our center, due to a sudden crunching sound from the right hip at three weeks, after a ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty for the osteonecrosis of right femoral head. Plain radiographs revealed multiple radio-opaque fragments around the displaced neck of the femoral stem. There were severely comminuted fracture of the ceramic liner with slight black staining of the surrounding tissue, and even damaged the surface of the ceramic head, on the operative field. The fractured liner and a damaged head were replaced with a new ceramic liner and head, after the removal of the fractured ceramic fragments, as completely as possible. Careful follow up with a caution for early ceramic liner fracture should be required in ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty.

Repeated Unplanned Excision of Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma (Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma Misdiagnosed as the Simple Cyst): A Case Report / 대한골관절종양학회지

A 73-year-old male was admitted for unhealed wound. Eight months ago, the patient had been operated for excision of soft tissue mass on left distal thigh area in previous hospital and after 4 months from first operation, had been reoperated because of recurrence. The pathologic diagnosis of previous operation was simple cyst. In operating finding, the mass invaded the vastus lateralis fascia and had irregular margin and adhesion. We carried out simple excision with retaining 5 cm of free margin from the mass. The pathologic diagnosis of our hospital was malignant fibrous histiocytoma, and then the patient was performed radiation therapy. In 1 year follow-up, there was no significant finding either increasing mass size or metastasis. We misdiagnosed as simple cyst and then performed simple excision, however finally pathologic diagnosis confirmed as malignant fibrous histiocytoma. It is considered to operate a mass that preoperative proper evaluation and diagnosis are required.

Useful Method for Neutral Positioning of the Femoral Stem in Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of a method for positioning the femoral stem in neutral position refer to the measured value of "lateral distance" in pre-operative templating and the femoral stem position post-operatively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 81 hips in 76 patients underwent cementless total hip arthroplasty between March 2008 and April 2012 using the C2 stem (Lima Corporate S.P.A, Udine, Italy). We measured the perpendicular distance from the lateral outermost part of the greater trochanter to the lateral outermost part of the femoral stem (lateral distance, LD) in pre-operative templating. We aimed to insert the femoral stem in neutral position by comparing LD measured intra-operatively. We evaluated the position of the femoral stem on post-operative plain radiography. We compared the result of post-operative re-measurement of the LD with that of pre-operative measurement. RESULTS: In all of the 81 cases, the femoral stem was inserted in neutral position, defined as the femoral stem position within 3degreesvalgus or varus. The average angle of the inserted femoral stem was 1.20degrees(0.003-2.85degrees). LD measured in preoperative templating was 15.6 mm(10-21.5 mm), and it showed no correlation ratio with LD; LD re-measured post-operatively was 15.9 mm(10.3-23.5 mm) (P=0.781). CONCLUSION: Measuring LD pre-operatively and using the value intra-operatively is an effective method for insertion of the femoral stem in neutral position.

Myelopathy due to Thoracic Intradural Extramedullary Tumor Misdiagnosed as the Cerebral Infarction: A Case Report

STUDY DESIGN: A Case report. OBJECTIVES: We report a case of thoracic intradural extramedullary tumor that has been misdiagnosed as the cerebral infarction. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Spinal meningioma is one of the common spinal tumors. Clinical symptoms were characteristically progressive myelopathy, rather than radiculopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 66-year-old female patient who had a history of cerebral infarction admitted as suffering from progressive lower extremities weakness for 6 months. The patient was diagnosed and has been treated as the cerebral infarction at another hospital. However, the patient showed worsening symptoms. In magnetic resonance imaging, an intradural extramedullary space occupying mass compressing the spinal cord, between T8 and T9 level, was shown. By undergoing an operation, resected the mass. In a pathologic report, mass was confirmed to be meningioma. RESULTS: After the operation, symptoms were improved. The patient was able to walk 2 weeks after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: We report the correct diagnosis and a successful surgical treatment of myelopathy, due to thoracic myelopathy that has been misdiagnosed as the cerebral infarction in another hospital.

Anatomical Measurement of Normal Korean Proximal Femur Using Plain Radiography: A Problem when using Proximal Femoral Nail Anti-rotation

PURPOSE: We propose to improve the use of Proximal Femoral Nail Anti-rotation in Korea by reporting anatomical measurements of the normal Korean proximal femur. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 230 patients were enrolled who had all experienced a femoral intertrochanteric fracture and undergone the Proximal Femoral Nail Anti-rotation surgical procedure between February 2007 and April 2011. We measured the neck-shaft angle and endosteal width at the isthmus of a normal femur, and the distance between the greater trochanter and the nail tip of the Proximal Femoral Nail Anti-rotation in post-operative plain radiography. We analyzed the average and standard deviations of the measurements. We also investigated correlations with the patient gender. RESULTS: The average neck-shaft angle and endosteal width at the isthmus were 129.7degrees(111.0~138.3degrees) and 14.5 mm (9.7~23.1 mm), respectively. The average protruded nail length was 4.9 mm (1.0~15.0 mm). The femur neck-shaft angle had a correlation ratio with gender (p=0.000). However, the endosteal width at the isthmus level and the protruded nail length had no correlation ratio with gender (p=0.108, 0.573, respectively). CONCLUSION: Until now, in intertrochanteric fracture operations using Proximal Femoral Nail Anti-rotation, the selection of devices has been extremely limited. Through this study we present the average Korean anatomical neck-shaft angle, endosteal width of the femur, and protruding length of the nail tip. We expect that these numerical values can be used in the production of new devices with shorter proximal nails, which would be more appropriates for Koreans.

Clinical Results about More than 5 Years Follow-up after Open Discectomy

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: We analyzed to verify clinical result and recurrence of long term follow-up after open lumbar discectomy. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: There are many reports concerning the clinical result of open discectomy. However, long-term result is not frequently reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1989 to 2000, 289 patients underwent open discectomies. 142 patients who was followed more than 5 years were enrolled in this study. Follow-up rate, clinical outcome were analyzed as gender, age at the operation and operated level. Re-operation rate was analyzed as gender, age at the operation, operated level divided into same level-same side, same level-contralateral side and other level and the time at reoperation. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by Kim and Kim criteria. RESULTS: More than 5 years follow-up rate was 49.1%. Average follow-up period were 99.2 months. Clinically successful result was obtained in 75.4%, and it was not related with gender, age at the operation and operated level. Reoperations were needed in 21 patients(14.8%). Reoperation rate was not related with gender, age at the operation. Same level-same side reherniation were frequent before 6 months after first surgery, but other side and different level were similar more than 2 years after first surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our clinical result was acceptable(75.4%). Main cause of reoperations before 6 months after first surgery was recurrence at the same level and same side, but cause of reoperation more than 2 years after first surgery were herniation at the other side and different level increased with time.

Intradural Schwannoma Associated with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Case Report / 대한골관절종양학회지

In the patient who has intradural mass associated with spinal stenosis, if the operation for spinal stenosis is performed alone, the symptom may remain. We report with literature review that we achieved the successful outcome after simultaneous decompression of spinal stenosis and space occupying mass removal in the case of intradural and extradural compression. A 71-year-old female patient suffering from low back pain and radiating pain of both lower extremities admitted. In magnetic resonance imaging, spinal stenosis on L4-5 and spondylolisthesis on L5-S1 compressed dural sac and intradural space occupying mass on L4 level compressed. By posterior approach, decompression and interbody fusion were carried out. Then mass was removed with median durotomy. Pathologic diagnosis was schwannoma and the symptom was improved remarkably.

Operative Treatment of the Bilateral Multiple Rays Brachymetatarsia using Callotasis (A Case Report) / 대한족부족관절학회지

Among congenital brachymetatarsias fourth metatarsal bone shortening is most common form and unusually involves multiple metatarsal bones. We report a case of the patient with bilateral 1st and 4th multiple rays brachymetatarsia treated with callostasis. Twenty eight months after procedure, right side showed 1st metatarsal lengthening about 11.5 mm (29.23%) and 4th metatarsal 17.86 mm (35.87%). Twenty one months later, left side showed 1st metatarsal lengthening about 14.58 mm (36.8%) and 4th metatarsal 20.52 mm (43.01%). In healing index right side showed 1st metatarsal 3.4 month/cm, 4th metatarsal 2.5 month/cm and left side showed 1st metatarsal 4.2 month/cm, 4th metatarsal 2.3 month/cm. Final follow-up results presented excellent outcome in cosmetic problem, easy wear of shoes, and measurement of patient's self satisfaction.

Comparative Analysis of Surgical Options in the Treatment of Lumbar Degenerative Kyphosis / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study OBJECTIVES: To compare the radiological and clinical outcomes of three surgical methods SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: There were many proposed surgical treatments for lumbar degenerative kyphosis but the best treatment is still controversial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty three patients (all female) had undergone surgery. The mean age at surgery was 61.2. The average follow-up period was 34.7 months. The patients were divided into three groups. Group A included 7 cases with a correction by a posterior osteotomy, Group B included 15 with a posterior correction without an osteotomy, and Group C included 11 with combined anterior-posterior surgery. The radiographic measurements of lumbar lordosis, upper lumbar lordosis, lower lumbar lordosis, and pelvic tilt were performed before surgery, after surgery, and at the final follow-up visit. The loss of correction, complication rates and the clinical results were also compared. RESULTS: Postoperative correction of the lumbar and lower lumbar lordosis were significantly higher in group A and C than group B. The correction of upper lumbar lordosis was significantly higher in group A than group C. On the final follow-up, there was no significant difference in the loss of correction and clinical results between the three groups. The number of cases with complications in groups A, B and C was 4 (57%), 2 (13.3%) and 2 (18.2%), respectively. Two patients in group A required additional surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Groups A and C were more effective than posterior-only correction. There was no significant difference in the clinical results between the three groups but complication rate was higher in Group A than the other groups. Combined anterior and posterior surgery can be a safe and effective method for correction.