Exoskeleton-assisted Gait Training in Spinal Disease With Gait Disturbance / 대한신경손상학회지

Objective@#Gait impairment reduces a patient’s quality of life. Exoskeletons and wearable robotics enable patients with gait disturbance to stand up and walk. An exoskeleton was developed for use in patients with stroke and spinal cord injuries. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of overground exoskeleton-assisted gait training (OEGT) in spine diseases with gait disturbance. @*Methods@#This was a single-group preliminary study. Five participants with gait disorders because of root dysfunction accompanying spinal stenosis were included in this study. All participants underwent surgical treatment and an exoskeleton training protocol scheduled for 2 or 3 days per week for 4 weeks. Each session was 60 minutes. Clinical tests were performed before (T1) and at the end of the training (T2). @*Results@#One patient dropped out of the study because of medical issues that were not associated with the exoskeleton. Exoskeleton-assisted rehabilitation was feasible for all participants. All participants showed positive changes in gait performance, balance, proximal muscle strength, psychological state, and satisfaction with the rehabilitation. However, there was no significant improvement in neurological deficits. @*Conclusion@#OEGT is a feasible rehabilitation method for patients with gait disorders caused by degenerative spinal disease.

First line Treatment of Traumatic Carotid Cavernous Fistulas Using Covered Stents at Level 1 Regional Trauma Center

Objective@#: The widely accepted treatment option of a traumatic carotid cavernous fistula (TCCF) has been detachable balloon or coils based fistula occlusion. Recently, covered stent implantation has been proving an excellent results. The purpose of this study is to investigate our experiences with first line choice of covered stent implantation for TCCF at level 1 regional trauma center. @*Methods@#: From November 2004 to February 2020, 19 covered stents were used for treatment of 19 TCCF patients. Among them, 15 cases were first line treatment using covered stents. Clinical and angiographic data were retrospectively reviewed. @*Results@#: Procedures were technically successful in all 15 cases (100%). Immediate angiographic results after procedure were total occlusion in 12 patients (80%). All patients except two expired patients had image follow-up (mean 15 months). Recurred symptomatic three patients underwent additional treatments and achieved complete occlusion. Mean clinical follow-up duration was 32 months and results were modified Rankin Scale 1–2 in five, 3–4 in five, and 5 in three patients. @*Conclusion@#: The covered stent could be considered as fist line treatment option for treating TCCF patients especially in unstable vital sign. Larger samples and expanded follow-up are required to further develop their specifications and indications.

First line Treatment of Traumatic Carotid Cavernous Fistulas Using Covered Stents at Level 1 Regional Trauma Center

Objective@#: The widely accepted treatment option of a traumatic carotid cavernous fistula (TCCF) has been detachable balloon or coils based fistula occlusion. Recently, covered stent implantation has been proving an excellent results. The purpose of this study is to investigate our experiences with first line choice of covered stent implantation for TCCF at level 1 regional trauma center. @*Methods@#: From November 2004 to February 2020, 19 covered stents were used for treatment of 19 TCCF patients. Among them, 15 cases were first line treatment using covered stents. Clinical and angiographic data were retrospectively reviewed. @*Results@#: Procedures were technically successful in all 15 cases (100%). Immediate angiographic results after procedure were total occlusion in 12 patients (80%). All patients except two expired patients had image follow-up (mean 15 months). Recurred symptomatic three patients underwent additional treatments and achieved complete occlusion. Mean clinical follow-up duration was 32 months and results were modified Rankin Scale 1–2 in five, 3–4 in five, and 5 in three patients. @*Conclusion@#: The covered stent could be considered as fist line treatment option for treating TCCF patients especially in unstable vital sign. Larger samples and expanded follow-up are required to further develop their specifications and indications.

Relationship between Clinical Outcomes and Superior Sagittal Sinus to Bone Flap Distance during Unilateral Decompressive Craniectomy in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury: Experience at a Single Trauma Center / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) to bone flap distance and clinical outcome in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) who underwent decompressive craniectomy (DC). METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records identified 255 adult patients who underwent DC with hematoma removal to treat TBI at our hospital from 2016 through 2017; of these, 68 patients met the inclusion criteria and underwent unilateral DC. The nearest SSS to bone flap distances were measured on postoperative brain computed tomography images, and patients were divided into groups A (distance ≥20 mm) and B (distance < 20 mm). The estimated blood loss (EBL) and operation time were evaluated using anesthesia records, and the time spent in an intensive care unit (ICU) was obtained by chart review. The clinical outcome was rated using the extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS-E) at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The male to female ratio was 15:2 and the mean subject age was 55.12 years (range, 18–79 years). The mean EBL and operation times were significantly different between groups A and B (EBL: 655.26 vs. 1803.33 mL, p < 0.001; operation time: 125.92 vs. 144.83 min, p < 0.001). The time spent in the ICU and GOS-E scores did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSION: We recommend that when DC is indicated due to TBI, an SSS to bone flap distance of at least 20 mm should be maintained, considering the EBL, operation time, and other outcomes.

Endovascular Treatment Following Gauze Packing for the Control of Massive Bleeding from Traumatic Transverse Sinus Lesion / 대한신경손상학회지

Posterior fossa epidural hematoma (EDH) is uncommon, but the related clinical deterioration can occur suddenly. Accompanying venous sinus injury and lacerations are associated with 40% to 80% mortality. The authors present one clinical case of a patient with posterior fossa EDH from transverse sinus bleeding. A 57-year-old male was injured after falling while working. He was taken to the hospital, where computed tomography scans of his brain revealed a right posterior temporal and cerebellar EDH with a right temporo-occipital fracture. He underwent a right parieto-occipital craniotomy, incorporating the fracture line. Longitudinal laceration of the right transverse sinus extending to the sigmoid sinus with profuse bleeding was identified. Four gauzes were inserted in the epidural space for tamponade of the injured sinus. Conventional angiography and coil embolization for the injured sinus were immediately performed. Subsequently, the patient was transferred to the operating room, wherein staff members removed the gauzes and remnant hematoma. Based on this experience, the authors recommend that for posterior fossa EDH from transverse sinus bleeding, bleeding control should be performed by gauze packing and endovascular treatment.

Intraoperative Transcranial Sonography for Detection of Contralateral Hematoma Volume Change in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury / 대한신경손상학회지

The authors present two clinical cases, in which intraoperative transcranial sonography (TCS) was used to detect a change in contralateral hematoma volume. A 51-year-old female and a 5-year-old male underwent osteoplastic craniotomy for epidural hematoma removal. Scant contralateral hematoma was evident by preoperative computed tomography in both patients. Intraoperative TCS was used to detect changes in contralateral hematomas. After observing a volume change in one case, a second operation was performed immediately. Based in this experience, the authors recommend intraoperative TCS for the detection of contralateral hematoma volume changes.

Retro-Odontoid Pseudotumor without Atlantoaxial Subluxation or Rheumatic Arthritis / 대한신경손상학회지

We present a case of retro-odontoid pseudotumor (ROP) without rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS). A 76-year-old woman presented with paresthesia and weakness of both lower and upper extremities. She had no laboratory or physical findings of RA. Dynamic X-ray showed no AAS and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a retro-odontoid mass compressing the spinal cord. Transdural mass debulking and biopsy were performed via minimal left suboccipital craniectomy and C1 hemilaminectomy. Two months after surgery, her symptoms were aggravated. Follow-up MRI visualized mass re-growth and spinal cord compression due to the mass and AAS. Posterior C1-2 fixation was performed without further decompression. Twelve months after posterior fixation, no symptoms were apparent and follow-up MRI showed complete resolution of the ROP with C1-2 bony fusion. The ROP with C1-2 instability might be completely resolved only C1-2 fusion without decompression. Furthermore, we speculated that osteoarthritis of C1-2 itself causes a partial tear or degradation of the transverse ligament, that induced formation of ROP.

Infectious Spondylodiscitis by Uncommon Pathogens: A Pitfall of Empirical Antibiotics

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of spondylodiscitis (SD) caused by uncommon pathogens and review the efficacy of the treatment strategy including the coverage by usual empirical broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. METHODS: Ninety-nine consecutive patients diagnosed and treated for infectious SD between January 2007 to May 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. The prevalence of uncommon SD, predisposing factors, antibiotics sensitivity, and clinical outcome were analyzed in comparison with that of common SD. RESULTS: Among 99 patients, 68 patients were culture positive. Out of 68 patients with positive culture results, 54 of them(79.4%) were common pathogen and 14 (20.6%) were uncommon pathogen. Postoperative SDs were significantly prevalent in uncommon SD(42.9%) than common SD(27.8%). Recurrence rate was higher in uncommon pathogen SD(14.3%) than common SD group (2.3%), and it showed statistically significant difference (p=0.025). Empirical antibiotics of vancomycin and 3rd or 4th generation cephalosporin covered 100% of nontuberculous common SD and 14.3% of uncommon SD. CONCLUSION: In our study, the prevalence of uncommon SD was relatively high uncommon (20.5% of culture positive SD and 14.1% of total cases) and the coverage rate of empirical antibiotics for them were only 14.3%. In particular, the possibility of SD with fun gal, polymicrobial, or multiple drug resistant organism should be considered in SD unresponsive to broad spectrum antibiotics therapy.

Addition of Resection of Temporal Muscle and Fascia in Decompressive Craniectomy in the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a widely used surgical procedure for control of severely increased intracranial pressure in various conditions. The goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the addition of resection of temporalis muscle and fascia in DC particularly in the treatment of traumatic brain injury. METHODS: Twenty patients underwent temporalis muscle and fascia resection in addition to conventional DC and duroplasty due to massive brain swelling in a single tertiary hospital from 2013 to 2015 were enrolled. Twenty other patients who received the standard techniques by other neurosurgeons in the same period were gathered for the control group. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) as well as functional outcome in both groups were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: CT volumetry showed a significant increase of 85.19 mL (p<0.001) of extracranial herniation volume in the research group compared with the control group. Using modified Rankin Scale and Glasgow Outcome Scale, there was no statistically significant difference in functional outcome between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Although preliminary, the procedure appears to show a meaningful increase in extracranial herniation volume with minimal masticatory and cosmetic impairment.