Comparison of the Effects of Ultrasound-Guided Interfascial Pulsed Radiofrequency and Ultrasound-Guided Interfascial Injection on Myofascial Pain Syndrome of the Gastrocnemius

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the comparative treatment effects of ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency treatment (UG-PRF) in the gastrocnemius interfascial space and ultrasound-guided interfascial injection (UG-INJ) on myofascial pain syndrome. METHODS: Forty consecutive patients with myofascial pain syndrome of the gastrocnemius were enrolled and were allocated to one of the two groups. Twenty patients were treated by UG-PRF delivered to the gastrocnemius interfascial space (UG-PRF group) and the other 20 patients were treated by interfascial injection (UG-INJ group). The primary outcome measure was the numeric rating score (NRS) for pain on pressing the tender point in the gastrocnemius, and the secondary outcome measure was health-related quality of life as determined by the Short Form-36 questionnaire (SF-36). NRSs were obtained at the first visit, immediately after treatment, and at 2 and 4 weeks post-treatment, and physical component summary scores (PCS) and mental component summary scores (MCS) of the SF-36 questionnaire were measured at the first visit and at 4 weeks post-treatment. RESULTS: Immediately after treatments, mean NRS in the UG-PRF group was significantly higher than that in the UG-INJ group (p<0.0001). However, at 2 and 4 weeks post-treatment, the mean NRS was significantly lower in the UG-PRF group (both p<0.0001). Similarly, at 4 weeks post-treatment, mean PCS and MCS were significantly higher in the UG-PRF group (p<0.0001 and p=0.002, respectively). CONCLUSION: Based on these results, the authors conclude that ultrasound-guided gastrocnemius interfascial PRF provides an attractive treatment for myofascial pain syndrome of the gastrocnemius.

The Effect of GCSB-5 a New Herbal Medicine on Changes in Pain Behavior and Neuroglial Activation in a Rat Model of Lumbar Disc Herniation

OBJECTIVE: Lumbar disc herniation can induce sciatica by mechanical compression and/or chemical irritation. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of GCSB-5 (Shinbaro(R)) and NSAIDs on pain-related behavior and on the expressions of microglia, astrocytes, CGRP, TRPV1, IL-6, and CX3CL1 in a rat model of lumbar disc herniation. METHODS: 112 male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent implantation of nucleus pulposus to a dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Rats were divided into five groups as follows; a saline group (the vehicle control group) (n=27), a 10 mg/kg aceclofenac group (the aceclofenac group) (n=22), and 100, 300 or 600 mg/kg GCSB-5 groups (the GCSB-5 100, 300, or 600 groups) (n=21 for each group). Rats were tested for mechanical allodynia at 3 days after surgery and at 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, 21 days, 28 days, 35 days, 42 days, 49 days, and 56 days after treatment commencement. Immunohistochemical staining of microglia (Iba1), astrocytes (GFAP), CGRP, and TRPV1, and PCR for IL-6 and CX3CL1 were performed on spinal dorsal horns and DRGs at 56 days after medication commencement. RESULTS: After 56 days of GCSB-5 300 administration, mechanical withdrawal thresholds were significantly increased (p<0.05), and immunohisto-chemical expressions of Iba1, GFAP, CGRP, and TRPV1 were reduced than other groups, but this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: These results indicate GCSB-5 reduces mechanical allodynia and downregulates neuroglial activity and the expressions of CGRP and TRPV1 in the spinal segments of a rat model of lumbar disc herniation.

Comparative Effectivenesses of Pulsed Radiofrequency and Transforaminal Steroid Injection for Radicular Pain due to Disc Herniation: a Prospective Randomized Trial

Transforaminal Epidural steroid injections (TFESI) have been widely adopted to alleviate and control radicular pain in accord with current guidelines. However, sometimes repeated steroid injections have adverse effects, and thus, this prospective randomized trial was undertaken to compare the effectivenesses of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) administered to a targeted dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and TFESI for the treatment of radicular pain due to disc herniation. Subjects were recruited when first proved unsuccessful (defined as a score of > 4 on a visual analogue scale (VAS; 0-10 mm) and of > 30% according to the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) or the Neck Disability Index (NDI)). Forty-four patients that met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. The 38 subjects were randomly assigned to receive either PRF (PRF group; n = 19) or additional TFESI (TFESI group; n = 19) and were then followed for 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. To evaluate pain intensity were assessed by VAS. ODI and NDI were applied to evaluate functional disability. Mean VAS scores for cervical and lumbar radicular pain were significantly lower 12 weeks after treatment in both study groups. NDI and ODI scores also declined after treatment. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the PRF and TFESI groups in terms of VAS, ODI, or NDI scores at any time during follow-up. PRF administered to a DRG might be as effective as TFESI in terms of attenuating radicular pain caused by disc herniation, and its use would avoid the adverse effects of steroid.

Comparative Effectivenesses of Pulsed Radiofrequency and Transforaminal Steroid Injection for Radicular Pain due to Disc Herniation: a Prospective Randomized Trial

Transforaminal Epidural steroid injections (TFESI) have been widely adopted to alleviate and control radicular pain in accord with current guidelines. However, sometimes repeated steroid injections have adverse effects, and thus, this prospective randomized trial was undertaken to compare the effectivenesses of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) administered to a targeted dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and TFESI for the treatment of radicular pain due to disc herniation. Subjects were recruited when first proved unsuccessful (defined as a score of > 4 on a visual analogue scale (VAS; 0-10 mm) and of > 30% according to the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) or the Neck Disability Index (NDI)). Forty-four patients that met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. The 38 subjects were randomly assigned to receive either PRF (PRF group; n = 19) or additional TFESI (TFESI group; n = 19) and were then followed for 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. To evaluate pain intensity were assessed by VAS. ODI and NDI were applied to evaluate functional disability. Mean VAS scores for cervical and lumbar radicular pain were significantly lower 12 weeks after treatment in both study groups. NDI and ODI scores also declined after treatment. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the PRF and TFESI groups in terms of VAS, ODI, or NDI scores at any time during follow-up. PRF administered to a DRG might be as effective as TFESI in terms of attenuating radicular pain caused by disc herniation, and its use would avoid the adverse effects of steroid.

Short-Term Effect of Percutaneous Bipolar Continuous Radiofrequency on Sacral Nerves in Patients Treated for Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity After Spinal Cord Injury: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the short-term effects of bipolar radiofrequency applied to sacral nerves to treat neurogenic detrusor overactivity in patients with spinal cord injury. METHODS: Ten patients with spinal cord injury with neurogenic detrusor overactivity were recruited. These subjects were randomized to two groups: intervention (n=5) and control (n=5), members of which received conventional treatment. Voiding diary, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) and the urinary incontinence quality of life scale (IQOL) data were obtained and an urodynamic study (UDS) was performed before and after intervention. In the intervention group, percutaneous bipolar continuous radiofrequency (CRF) was performed on both the S2 and S3 nerves in each patient. RESULTS: In a comparison of daily frequency and number of urinary incontinence and ICIQ and IQOL scores at baseline and at 1 and 3 months after intervention, all variables achieved a significant effect for time (p0.05). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous bipolar CRF applied to sacral nerves might be an effective therapy for neurogenic overactive bladder that reduces urinary incontinence and improves quality of life.

Potential Risk Factors for Subsequent Fractures according to Treatment of Primary Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the potential risk factors for subsequent vertebral fractures according to the treatment of primary vertebral fractures. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Many previous studies have been reported on bone mineral density, bone loss, and mechanical properties as risk factors for osteoporotic vertebral fractures. However, few studies have investigated subsequent osteoporotic vertebral fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 57 patients who had undergone follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine were divided into two groups depending on the development of subsequent vertebral fractures: the fracture group with 40 cases and the non-fracture group with 17 cases. The patients' clinical and radiographic data including bone mineral density, medication for osteoporosis, body mass index, vertebroplasty of primary vertebral fractures, thoracic kyphotic angle and lumbar lordotic angle, fat infiltration of the back extensor muscle, and primary multiple fractures were examined. RESULTS: The subsequent new vertebral fractures occurred at a mean of 24 +/- 19 months after primary osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Vertebroplasty for primary fractures was associated with a higher incidence of subsequent new vertebral fractures (p=0.001). There was a significant increase in fat infiltration of the back extensor muscle after the primary vertebral fractures in the fracture group (p=0.001). A multiple logistic regression analysis showed the significance of vertebroplasty (odds' ratio: 4.623, 95% confidence interval: 1.145-18.699, p=0.031). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that vertebroplasty for primary vertebral fractures and increased fat infiltration of the back extensor muscle could be risk factors related to the development of subsequent osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

Changes in the Expressions of Iba1 and Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide in Adjacent Lumbar Spinal Segments after Lumbar Disc Herniation in a Rat Model

Lumbar disc herniation is commonly encountered in clinical practice and can induce sciatica due to mechanical and/or chemical irritation and the release of proinflammatory cytokines. However, symptoms are not confined to the affected spinal cord segment. The purpose of this study was to determine whether multisegmental molecular changes exist between adjacent lumbar spinal segments using a rat model of lumbar disc herniation. Twenty-nine male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to either a sham-operated group (n=10) or a nucleus pulposus (NP)-exposed group (n=19). Rats in the NP-exposed group were further subdivided into a significant pain subgroup (n=12) and a no significant pain subgroup (n=7) using mechanical pain thresholds determined von Frey filaments. Immunohistochemical stainings of microglia (ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1; Iba1), astrocytes (glial fibrillary acidic protein; GFAP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) was performed in spinal dorsal horns and dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) at 10 days after surgery. It was found immunoreactivity for Iba1-positive microglia was higher in the L5 (P=0.004) dorsal horn and in the ipsilateral L4 (P=0.009), L6 (P=0.002), and S1 (P=0.002) dorsal horns in the NP-exposed group than in the sham-operated group. The expression of CGRP was also significantly higher in ipsilateral L3, L4, L6, and S1 segments and in L5 DRGs at 10 days after surgery in the NP-exposed group than in the sham-operated group (P<0.001). Our results indicate that lumbar disc herniation upregulates microglial activity and CGRP expression in many adjacent and ipsilateral lumbar spinal segments.

Activations of Deep Lumbar Stabilizing Muscles by Transcutaneous Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation of Lumbar Paraspinal Regions

OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes in lumbar multifidus (LM) and deep lumbar stabilizing abdominal muscles (transverse abdominis [TrA] and obliquus internus [OI]) during transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) of lumbar paraspinal L4-L5 regions using real-time ultrasound imaging (RUSI). METHODS: Lumbar paraspinal regions of 20 healthy physically active male volunteers were stimulated at 20, 50, and 80 Hz. Ultrasound images of the LM, TrA, OI, and obliquus externus (OE) were captured during stimulation at each frequency. RESULTS: The thicknesses of superficial LM and deep LM as measured by RUSI were greater during NMES than at rest for all three frequencies (p<0.05). The thicknesses in TrA, OI, and OE were also significantly greater during NMES of lumbar paraspinal regions than at rest (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The studied transcutaneous NMES of the lumbar paraspinal region significantly activated deep spinal stabilizing muscle (LM) and the abdominal lumbar stabilizing muscles TrA and OI as evidenced by RUSI. The findings of this study suggested that transcutaneous NMES might be useful for improving spinal stability and strength in patients having difficulty initiating contraction of these muscles.

The Therapeutic Effect of Tibia Counter Rotator With Toe-Out Gait Plate in the Treatment of Tibial Internal Torsion in Children

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of a Tibia Counter Rotator (TCR) with toe-out gait plate (GP) upon tibial internal torsion by a comparative analysis of transmalleolar angle (TMA) and gait analysis with GP alone. METHODS: Twenty participants with tibial internal torsion were recruited for this study. Each 10 participants were included in group A with TCR and GP application and in group B with GP application only. The TMA and the kinematic results were used for the evaluation of the therapeutic effects of orthoses. RESULTS: Within each group, TMA showed a significant increase after treatment. Group A showed a continuous improvement up to six months, however, group B showed an improvement up to five months only. Group A showed a significantly higher correction effect than group B after treatment. Regarding kinematic data, both groups showed a significantly decreased mean ankle adduction angle after treatment. However, group A showed a significantly lower mean ankle adduction angle than group B after six months. CONCLUSION: The group with TCR and GP showed a significantly better outcome and continued correction force compared to the group with GP only. Our results suggest that TCR with GP may be useful therapeutic orthoses for children with tibial internal torsion.

The Therapeutic Effect of Tibia Counter Rotator With Toe-Out Gait Plate in the Treatment of Tibial Internal Torsion in Children

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of a Tibia Counter Rotator (TCR) with toe-out gait plate (GP) upon tibial internal torsion by a comparative analysis of transmalleolar angle (TMA) and gait analysis with GP alone. METHODS: Twenty participants with tibial internal torsion were recruited for this study. Each 10 participants were included in group A with TCR and GP application and in group B with GP application only. The TMA and the kinematic results were used for the evaluation of the therapeutic effects of orthoses. RESULTS: Within each group, TMA showed a significant increase after treatment. Group A showed a continuous improvement up to six months, however, group B showed an improvement up to five months only. Group A showed a significantly higher correction effect than group B after treatment. Regarding kinematic data, both groups showed a significantly decreased mean ankle adduction angle after treatment. However, group A showed a significantly lower mean ankle adduction angle than group B after six months. CONCLUSION: The group with TCR and GP showed a significantly better outcome and continued correction force compared to the group with GP only. Our results suggest that TCR with GP may be useful therapeutic orthoses for children with tibial internal torsion.

Surgical versus Conservative Treatment for Lumbar Disc Herniation with Motor Weakness

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess outcomes during first one year for patients with severe motor weakness caused by lumbar disc herniation that underwent surgical or nonsurgical treatment. METHODS: The 46 patients with motor weakness because of lumbar disc herniation who were treated at neurosurgical department and rehabilitation in our hospital from 2006 to 2010, retrospectively. Each group had 26 surgical treatments and 20 conservative treatments. We followed up 1, 3, 6 months and 12 month and monitored a Visual Analogue rating Scale (VAS) of back and leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and degree of motor weakness. We analyzed the differences between surgical and nonsurgical groups using Mann-Whitney U test and repeat measure ANOVA in each follow-up periods. RESULTS: In the recovery of motor weakness, surgical treatment uncovered a rapid functional recovery in the early periods (p=0.003) and no difference between groups at the end of follow-up period was found (p>0.05). In VAS of back and leg, the interaction between time and group was not found (p>0.05) and there was no difference between groups (p>0.05). In ODI, the interaction between time and group was not found (p>0.05) and there was no difference between groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment for motor weakness caused by herniated intervertebral disc resulted in a rapid recovery in the short-term period, especially 1 month. We think early and proper surgical treatment in a case of motor weakness from disc herniation could be a good way for providing a chance for rapid alleviation.

Effects of Abdominal Hollowing During Stair Climbing on the Activations of Local Trunk Stabilizing Muscles: A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE: To examine using surface electromyography whether stair climbing with abdominal hollowing (AH) is better at facilitating local trunk muscle activity than stair climbing without AH. METHODS: Twenty healthy men with no history of low back pain participated in the study. Surface electrodes were attached to the multifidus (MF), lumbar erector spinae, thoracic erector spinae, transverse abdominus - internal oblique abdominals (TrA-IO), external oblique abdominals (EO), and the rectus abdominis. Amplitudes of electromyographic signals were measured during stair climbing. Study participants performed maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) for each muscle in various positions to normalize the surface electromyography data. RESULTS: AH during stair climbing resulted in significant increases in normalized MVCs in both MFs and TrA-IOs (p<0.05). Local trunk muscle/global trunk muscle ratios were higher during stair climbing with AH as compared with stair climbing without AH. Especially, right TrA-IO/EO and left TrA-IO/EO were significantly increased (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Stair climbing with AH activates local trunk stabilizing muscles better than stair climbing without AH. The findings suggest that AH during stair climbing contributes to trunk muscle activation and trunk stabilization.

Attenuation of Spinal Cord Injury-Induced Astroglial and Microglial Activation by Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Rats

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes not only loss of sensory and motor function below the level of injury but also chronic pain, which is difficult and challenging of the treatment. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to the motor cortex, of non-invasive therapeutic methods, has the motor and sensory consequences and modulates pain in SCI-patients. In the present study, we studied the effectiveness of rTMS and the relationship between the modulation of pain and the changes of neuroglial expression in the spinal cord using a rat SCI-induced pain model. Elevated expressions of Iba1 and GFAP, specific microglial and astrocyte markers, was respectively observed in dorsal and ventral horns at the L4 and L5 levels in SCI rats. But in SCI rats treated with 25 Hz rTMS for 8 weeks, these expressions were significantly reduced by about 30%. Our finding suggests that this attenuation of activation by rTMS is related to pain modulation after SCI. Therefore, rTMS might provide an alternative means of attenuating neuropathic pain below the level of SCI.

Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty in Dysplastic Hips

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiological results after cementless total hip arthroplasty in dysplastic hips. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 36 cases that underwent total hip arthroplasty using a cementless prosthesis in our hospital from July 1990 to May 2008. The average time of of follow-up was 103.7 months. In total, 27 cases about 24 patients were women, and 8 cases about 7 patients were men. The average age at the time of operation was 55.7 years(29-80 years). In total, 26 cases were Crowe type I and 8 cases were Crowe type II. One case was Crowe type IV. Acetabular cup angles and the contact ratio between the acetabular cup and the host bone were measured, and the grafting bone was observed for absorption in the follow-up radiographs. Revision of components was defined as a failure. RESULTS: Harris hip score was improved from 55.1 points pre-operatively to 86.1 points in the last follow-up. Revision was done in 12 cases(33.3%). Altogether, 10 cases revised the acetabular cup for osteolysis and polyethylene wear and 2 cases exchanged a polyethylene liner for only liner wear. CONCLUSION: Total hip arthroplasty in the dysplastic hip using a cementless acetabular cup, not a hydroxyapatite-coated acetabular cup, showed good clinical and radiological results when the contact ratio between acetabular cup and bone was above 70%.

Total Hip Arthroplasty Using AML(R) Prosthesis: Minimum 20-Year Follow-Up of the Patients / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We reviewed the radiological outcomes and survival rate of the total hip arthroplasty (THA) with AML(R) (Anatomic Medullary Locking, DePuy, Warsaw, IN, USA) hip prosthesis on long-term follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 1988 to December 1990, 93 hip arthroplasties were performed on 77 patients in our hospital. In this study, 30 patients, of whom 41 hips underwent the procedure, were alive and able to be included. Follow-up was average of 21.4 years. The mean patient age was 45 years (35-60 years) at the time of operation. Of the hip procedures included in our study, the reasons for THA were osteonecrosis of the femoral head in 25 hips, rheumatoid arthritis in 3 and acetabular dysplasia in 2. We analyzed the wear rate of the polyethylene, osteolysis of the femur and acetabulum and stress shielding of the femur on the follow-up radiographs. In addition, we investigated the survival rate of the prosthesis and causes of revision in the last follow-up. RESULTS: The polyethylene wear rate of the surviving acetabular cup was 0.15 mm/yr. Acetabular osteolysis was detected in 33 hips and was mostly in zone 2 and 3. Femoral osteolysis was showed in 32 hips in zone 1 and 7. Stress shielding over grade 3 was found in 5 of 21 femoral stems in over 13.5 mm in diameter. The grade of stress shielding did not progress with follow-up. Of the 33 hips, 26 (63.4%) cups were revised for polyethylene wear and osteolysis. There were 6 (21%) femoral stems revised for osteolysis. CONCLUSION: The cause of a high revision rate of the prosthesis was polyethylene wear and osteolysis. We predict that THA using AML(R) prosthesis with wear-resistant bearing surfaces could increase the survival rate on long-term follow-up over 20 years.

Effect of Intradiscal Monopolar Pulsed Radiofrequency on Chronic Discogenic Back Pain Diagnosed by Pressure-Controlled Provocative Discography: A One Year Prospective Study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous intradiscal monopolar pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) in patients with chronic disabling discogenic back pain. METHOD: Twenty-six subjects (7 males; mean age 43.2 years) with chronic back pain refractory to active rehabilitative management were recruited. All subjects underwent MRI for evaluation of Modic changes, and monopolar PRF (20 min at 60 V) at the center of target lumbar intervertebral disc confirmed by pressure-controlled provocative discography. Clinical outcomes were measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and sitting tolerance time (ST) for 12 months after treatment. Successful clinical outcome was described as a minimum of 2 point reduction in VAS compared with the baseline at each follow-up period. RESULTS: The mean VAS for low back pain reduced significantly from 6.4+/-1.1 at pre-treatment to 4.4+/-1.9 at 12 months (p<0.05). The mean ODI score was 47.3+/-15.4 points at pre-treatment and 36.7+/-19.5 at 12 months (p<0.001). The ST was 27.8+/-20.4 minutes at pre-treatment and 71.5+/-42.2 at 12 months (p<0.001). However, successful clinical outcome was achieved at 58%, 50%, and 42%, measured at 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment. There were no significant relationship between the clinical outcome and Modic changes; no adverse events were recorded. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that the application of intradiscal monopolar PRF might be relatively effective but limited; successful intervention for chronic refractory discogenic back pain is needed. To achieve the optimal outcome through intradiscal PRF, we suggested further studies about stimulation duration, mode, and intensity of PRF.

Effect of Intradiscal Methylene Blue Injection for the Chronic Discogenic Low Back Pain: One Year Prospective Follow-up Study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of intradiscal methylene blue (MB) injection in patients with chronic discogenic low back pain. METHOD: Twenty patients with discogenic low back pain (4 males, 16 females; mean age 45.6 years) refractory to conservative management were recruited. All subjects underwent MB injection in target lumbar intervertebral discs confirmed by provocative discography. The clinical outcome was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) at baseline and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment. Successful outcome was described as minimum of 2 points reduction in pain intensity compared with the baseline. RESULTS: VAS and ODI significantly decreased after one injection. The average VAS and ODI were reduced significantly from 5.1 and 38.0 at baseline to 3.2 and 27.4 at 3 months after injection (p<0.05). However, the mean score of VAS at 12 month follow-up was 4.5 and we could not observe any difference between 12 months after injection and pretreatment. Eleven of twenty patients (55%) reported successful outcomes after intradiscal MB injection at 3 month follow up and the average VAS was reduced by 3.3+/-1.1 (p<0.05). At the time of 12 month follow up, pain had relapsed in 6 patients who have had satisfactory effect at 3 month follow up. Successful outcome was maintained in only 5 patients (20%) for 1 year. CONCLUSION: The intradiscal MB injection is a short-term effective minimally invasive treatment indicated for discogenic back pain but it may lose its effectiveness long-term.

Comparison of Cage and Allograft Mixed Bone Marrow for Monosegmental Instrumented Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To compare the radiological and clinical results between cage and cancellous allograft mixed with bone marrow for monosegmental instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). SUMMARY OF THE LITERATURE REVIEW: Allograft has potential problems, such as delayed union. Autologous bone marrow provides for improving the capability of bone induction with allograft. There are rare reports on PLIF using allograft mixed with autologous bone marrow. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Monosegmental instrumented PLIF was performed on 51 patients who had lumbar degenerative disease, cage for 28 patients (cage group) and allograft mixed with bone marrow for 23 patients (allograft group). The clinical and radiological results in each group were compared. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 45 (30 - 111) months. At the final follow up, there was no significant difference between the cage group and the allograft group in the Korean Version Oswestry Disability Index (p=0.72) and Visual Analogue Score for back pain (p=0.54) and radiating pain to the leg (p=0.26). The radiological fusion rate was 92.8% in the cage group, and 82.6% in the allograft group (p=0.02). At the last follow up, disc height was decreased to 1.5+/-0.8 mm of the cage group, and 3.0+/-1.5 mm of the allograft group (p=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: PLIF using cancellous allograft mixed bone marrow has low fusion rate contrast to good clinical results. It is necessary to take a careful selection of the allograft mixed bone marrow for PLIF.

Fornix Injury in a Patient with Rotavirus Encephalopathy: Diffusion Tensor Tractography Study

Rotavirus encephalopathy (RE) is a benign afebrile seizure associated with acute gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus infection. We investigated the diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) findings of a patient with RE. The patient was a 30-month-old female that had experienced a brief, generalized convulsive seizure. On the day of admission, the patient had vomiting and experienced watery diarrhea. Her stool was positive for rotavirus antigen. At onset, the patient displayed a drowsy and delirious mental status; later, a splenial lesion of the corpus callosum was found on MRI. One week later, the patient's condition improved and the splenial lesion had disappeared by conventional MRI. Initial DTI showed decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) values of fornix, as well as of the corpus callosum. A follow-up DTT showed a restored interrupted right fonical crus and increased FA values of corpus callosum and fornix. These results highlight the implications of the probability of not only a corpus callosum injury, but a fornix injury as well, in this patient with RE.

Sequential Changes of CX3CR1 in Dorsal Root Ganglion in a Rat Model of Lumbar Disc Herniation

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the pain-related behaviors and the changes of CX3CR1 expression in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in a rat model of lumbar disc herniation. METHOD: A total of 90 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. A laminectomy was performed to expose left L5 nerve roots and corresponding DRG. Autologous nucleus puplosus was implanted on the left L5 nerve root proximal to the DRG without mechanical compression. Sham operation was also done with the same procedure as mentioned above. Thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia were assessed at 1, 5, 10, 20 and 30 days after surgery. Real time PCR and immunohistochemistry after behavioral test were performed. RESULTS: In the lumbar disc herniation rats, significant reduction of thermal withdrawal latency indicating thermal hyperalgesia was shown on the ipsilateral hindpaw on postoperative day 1 (p<0.01) and peaked on day 10 (p<0.05) and maintained throughout day 30 (p<0.05). The reduction of mechanical allodynia threshold, indicating mechanical allodynia, was observed on the ipsilateral hindpaw on postoperative day 1 (p<0.01) and continued throughout day 30 (p<0.01). Real time PCR showed the decrease in mRNA expression of CX3CR1 in the ipsilateral DRG on day 1 (p<0.05) and the significant increase on day 20 (p<0.05). The immunoreactivity for CX3CR1 was also increased in ipsilateral DRG on day 10 and 20. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that lumbar disc herniation induces thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia and upregulates the expression of CX3CR1 in dorsal root ganglion. Expression of CX3CR1 might be associated with subacute neuropathic pain after intervertebral disc herniation.