Analgesic Efficacy and Safety of Prolonged-Release Oxycodone/Naloxone in Korean Patients with Chronic Pain from Spinal Disorders

BACKGROUND: A prolonged-release formulation of oxycodone/naloxone has been shown to be effective in European populations for the management of chronic moderate to severe pain. However, no clinical data exist for its use in Korean patients. The objective of this study was to assess efficacy and safety of prolonged-release oxycodone/naloxone in Korean patients for management of chronic moderate-to-severe pain. METHODS: In this multicenter, single-arm, open-label, phase IV study, Korean adults with moderate-to-severe spinal disorder-related pain that was not satisfactorily controlled with weak opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs received prolonged-release oral oxycodone/naloxone at a starting dose of 10/5 mg/day (maximum 80/40 mg/day) for 8 weeks. Changes in pain intensity and quality of life (QoL) were measured using a numeric rating scale (NRS, 0–10) and the Korean-language EuroQol-five dimensions questionnaire, respectively. RESULTS: Among 209 patients assessed for efficacy, the mean NRS pain score was reduced by 25.9% between baseline and week 8 of treatment (p < 0.0001). There was also a significant improvement in QoL from baseline to week 8 (p < 0.0001). The incidence of adverse drug reactions was 27.7%, the most common being nausea, constipation, and dizziness; 77.9% of these adverse drug reactions had resolved or were resolving at the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged-release oxycodone/naloxone provided significant and clinically relevant reductions in pain intensity and improved QoL in Korean patients with chronic spinal disorders. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01811238)

Radiologic and Clinical Courses of Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis (10°–25°) after a Short-Segment Fusion

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: We report the surgical outcomes of small degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) patients treated by a short-segment fusion and followed for a minimum of 5 years. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Several surgical options are available for the treatment of DLS, such as decompression only, decompression plus a short-segment fusion, or decompression with a long segment fusion. Few studies have evaluated the results of a short-segment fusion in patients with DLS over time. METHODS: Seventy small DLS patients (Cobb's angle, 10°–25°) with a minimum follow-up of 5 years were treated with a short-segment fusion between March 2004 and February 2010. The mean patient age was 71 (male:female=16:54), with a follow-up of 6.5 years (range, 5.0–11.6). The Cobb's angle, 1 and 2 segment coronal upper intervertebral angle, 1 and 2 segment sagittal upper intervertebral angle, the lumbar lordosis angle, and the C7 plumb lines (coronal and sagittal) were evaluated using simple radiographs, and visual analog scale (VAS), back pain was assessed preoperatively, immediately after surgery, and at 3, 6, and 12 months and 3 and 5 years after surgery. To identify factors influencing the radiologic progression, age, number of fusion segments, vertebral levels of fusion, body mass index, lowest instrumented vertebra (L5 or S1), bone mineral density (>–2.5, ≤–2.5), and the presence of an interbody fusion were analyzed. RESULTS: The Cobb's angle and 1 segment coronal upper intervertebral angle showed more progression during follow up, particularly at 6 and 12 months after surgery. Clinical outcomes and radiological results were found to be significantly associated (p=0.041). No statistically significant association was found between other factors affecting radiologic progression from postoperative 6 months to 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Radiologic variables (the Cobb's angle and coronal upper intervertebral angle–1) should be carefully considered and clinical caution exercised from 6 to 12 months after short-segment fusion in small DLS (10°–25°).

Abscess of the Cervical Spine Caused by Klebsiella Peumoniae with Acute Compressive Flexion Injury: A Case Report

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: To report an unusual case of an abscess of the cervical spine caused byKlebsiella peumoniae accompanied by an acute compressive flexion injury. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Spondylitis caused by Klebsiella peumoniae is very rare, and an unrecognized epidural abscess complicated with spinal cord compression can lead to severe neurologic deficits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 66-year-old male patient diagnosed with a liver abscess caused by Klebsiella peumoniae was referred from the internal medicine department to our department due to abrupt posterior neck pain and limitation of motion after a fall from the bed. He showed persistent fever and progressive dysphagia. We diagnosed the condition as a massive cervical abscess caused by Klebsiella peumoniae accompanied by an acute compressive flexion injury. We performed drainage of the massive abscess, anterior fusion to treat the loss of the intervertebral discs at the C3/4 level, and corpectomy for a compression fracture of the C6 vertebral body using a cage and plate via an anterior approach. Subsequently, we performed posterior laminectomy with drainage at the C3-6 level and posterior instrumentation of C2-7 via a posterior approach. RESULTS: Starting on the second postoperative day, the patient showed a decreased fever and gradual restoration of muscle strength and function in the upper extremities and hands. CONCLUSIONS: Klebsiella peumoniae may cause spinal infection as an opportunistic infection in patients with impaired immune function, and cervical infections in particular require aggressive early treatment because serious neurological symptoms may occur, even in cases of minor trauma.

The Relationship between Superior Disc-Endplate Complex Injury and Correction Loss in Young Adult Patients with Thoracolumbar Stable Burst Fracture

BACKGROUND: To determine the relationship between superior disc-endplate complex injury and correction loss after surgery in a group of young adult patients with a stable thoracolumbar burst fracture. METHODS: The study group was comprised of young adult patients who had undergone short-segment posterior fixation and bone grafting under the diagnosis of a stable thoracolumbar burst fracture from March 2008 to February 2014. Follow-up was available for more than 1 year. Before surgery, magnetic resonance imaging was performed to determine injury to the anterior longitudinal ligament, posterior longitudinal ligament, and superior and inferior intervertebral discs and endplates. Correction loss was evaluated by the Cobb angle, intervertebral disc height, upper intervertebral disc angle, vertebral wedge angle, and vertebral body height. RESULTS: No significant relation was noted between correction loss and an injury to the anterior longitudinal ligament, posterior longitudinal ligament, inferior intervertebral disc/endplate, and fracture site, whereas an injury to the superior endplate alone and superior disc-endplate complex showed a significant association. Specifically, a superior intervertebral disc-endplate complex injury showed statistically significant relation to postoperative changes in Cobb angle (p = 0.026) and vertebral wedge angle (p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: A superior intervertebral disc-endplate complex injury may have an influence on the prognosis after short-segment fixation in young adult patients with a stable thoracolumbar burst fracture.

Clinical Usefulness of Long-term Application of Fentanyl Matrix in Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: Improvement of Pain and Physical and Emotional Functions

BACKGROUND: Opioids are recently recommended for those who do not gain adequate pain relief from the use of acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Medical opioids are administered in various routes, and transdermal opioid products that can make up for the weaknesses of the oral or intravenous products have been developed. This study is to evaluate the clinical usefulness of fentanyl matrix in terms of the long-term improvement in pain and physical and mental functions. METHODS: This was a multicenter, open, prospective, observational study that was conducted in 54 institutions in Korea. Patients with non-cancerous chronic pain completed questionnaires, and investigators also completed questionnaires. A total of 1,355 subjects participated in this study, and 639 subjects completed the study. Subjects received transdermal fentanyl matrix (12 µg/hr, 25 µg/hr, or 50 µg/hr depending on the patient's response and demand). Subjects visited at 29 ± 7 days, 85 ± 14 days, and 169 ± 14 days after administration, respectively, to receive drug titration and fill out the questionnaires. The results were analyzed using the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, full analysis set (FAS), and per-protocol (PP) analysis. The FAS analysis included only 451 participants; the PP analysis, 160 participants; and the ITT analysis, 1,355 participants. RESULTS: The intensity of pain measured by the Numeric Rating Scale decreased from 7.07 ± 1.78 to 4.93 ± 2.42. The physical assessment score and mental assessment score of the Short-Form Health Survey 12 improved from 28.94 ± 7.23 to 35.90 ± 10.25 and from 35.80 ± 11.76 to 42.52 ± 10.58, respectively. These differences were significant, and all the other indicators also showed improvement. Adverse events with an incidence of ≥ 1% were nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and pruritus. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term administration of fentanyl matrix in patients with non-cancerous pain can reduce the intensity of pain and significantly improves activities of daily living and physical and mental capabilities.

Factors Associated with Early Postoperative Complications in Patients with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective. OBJECTIVES: To investigate factors related to early postoperative complications of surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Factors associated with increased risk of complications from surgery for CSM are greater age, greater estimated blood loss, longer operative duration, and anterior-posterior combined procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of patients (male 32, female 19, mean age 61 years) who underwent surgery for CSM between November 2004 and December 2014 were investigated for early postoperative complications and potentially related factors. Factors considered were age, gender, duration of symptoms, diabetes, smoking, comorbidity, preoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, numbers of cervical levels involved, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), operative approach, fusion, operative duration, estimated blood loss (EBL), maximal cord compression ratio on MRI, and cord signal intensity change on T2-weighted MRI. RESULTS: Early postoperative complications were observed in 12 of 51 patients and included motor weakness in 3, pneumonia in 2, and delirium, dysphagia, hematoma, pulmonary thromboembolism, sore, seizure, wound dehiscence, and superficial infection, each in 1. Factors associated with early postoperative complications were operative duration (p=0.024), maximal cord compression ratio on MRI (p=0.009), and cord signal intensity change on T2-weighted MRI (p=0.009). The other factors were not found to correlate significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Factors associated with early postoperative complications for CSM are operative duration, compression ratio at the level of maximal cord compression on MRI, and cord signal intensity change on T2-weighted MRI.

Hemodynamic Analysis in Patients Who Underwent Lumbar Spine Fusion Surgery without Blood Transfusion / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Lumbar fusion surgery was performed on transfusion-free patients and hemodynamic changes were analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 36 transfusion-free patients who had undergone lumbar fusion surgery using recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) before surgery from April 2007 to March 2014 were included in the study. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were measured before surgery, immediately after surgery, 12 hours after surgery, on day 1, day 2, day 3, and day 7. Changes in levels were investigated and the factors affecting the changes in hemoglobin levels were analyzed. RESULTS: Changes in hemoglobin and hematocrit were -18.11% before surgery and -22.92% on day 7, respectively, and they tended to recover from day 2 after surgery. Depending on the patient's age, gender, body mass index, blood loss, and surgery method (presence of lumbar interbody fusion), the changes in hemoglobin level did not show statistically significant differences; however, significant differences were observed in the surgical time and extent of the operation. CONCLUSION: Transfusion alternatives during lumbar spinal fusion are deemed safe methods, leading to good, postoperative hemodynamic outcomes. However, the surgical time and extent of the operation must be determined before surgery.

A Nationwide Retrospective Study of Opioid Management Patterns in 2,468 Patients with Spinal Pain in Korea

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective patient data collection and investigator survey. PURPOSE: To investigate patterns of opioid treatment for pain caused by spinal disorders in Korea. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Opioid analgesic prescription and adequacy of consumption measures in Korea have markedly increased in the past decade, suggesting changing patterns in pain management practice; however, there is lack of integrated data specific to Korean population. METHODS: Patient data were collected from medical records at 34 university hospitals in Korea. Outpatients receiving opioids for pain caused by spinal disorders were included in the study. Treatment patterns, including opioid types, doses, treatment duration, outcomes, and adverse drug reactions (ADRs), were evaluated. Investigators were interviewed on their perceptions of opioid use for spinal disorders. RESULTS: Among 2,468 analyzed cases, spinal stenosis (42.8%) was the most common presentation, followed by disc herniation (24.2%) and vertebral fracture (17.5%). In addition, a greater proportion of patients experienced severe pain (73.9%) rather than moderate (19.9%) or mild (0.7%) pain. Oxycodone (51.9%) and fentanyl (50.8%) were the most frequently prescribed opioids; most patients were prescribed relatively low doses. The median duration of opioid treatment was 84 days. Pain relief was superior in patients with longer treatment duration (≥2 months) or with nociceptive pain than in those with shorter treatment duration or with neuropathic or mixed-type pain. ADRs were observed in 8.6% of cases. According to the investigators' survey, "excellent analgesic effect" was a perceived advantage of opioids, while safety concerns were a disadvantage. CONCLUSIONS: Opioid usage patterns in patients with spinal disorders are in alignment with international guidelines for spinal pain management. Future prospective studies may address the suitability of opioids for spinal pain treatment by using appropriate objective measurement tools.

Cauda Equina Syndrome due to Lumbar Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament: A Case Report

STUDY DESIGN: A case report. OBJECTIVES: To report a rare case of cauda equina syndrome due to lumbar ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Lumbar OPLL with neurologic symptoms is very rare. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 49-year-old female had experienced weakness in both lower extremities and radiating pain for 1 day prior to presentation. Simple radiography and CT showed OPLL at the L1-L2 level. We performed a total laminectomy and posterolateral fusion at the L1-L2 level using a posterior approach. RESULTS: After treatment, the patient showed improvement of symptoms and is currently living without discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: Cauda equina syndrome due to lumbar OPLL is rare; however, rapid neurologic recovery can be achieved through early diagnosis and surgery.

The Relationship of Minor Trauma with the Surgical Outcome in Patients with Cervical Myelopathy

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To determine the influence of trauma on the neurologic course in patients who have undergone surgery for cervical myelopathy. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: The postsurgical outcomes were worse from trauma in patients who had a cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) or cervical canal stenosis, in comparison with patients who did not. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 70 patients who had undergone surgery due to cervical myelopathy from January 2004 to December 2013 and had at least 1 year of follow-up. Depending on trauma history, the patients were divided into two groups, and their radiological (simple radiographic, computed tomographic, and magnetic resonance imaging) and clinical (Japanese Orthopaedic Association [JOA] score, motor power of upper extremities) results were compared retrospectively. RESULTS: Among 70 patients in total, 18 patients were in the trauma group and 52 were in the non-trauma group, and all cases in the trauma group had a history of minor trauma (11 cases of drivers traffic accidents, 4 cases of slipping and falling, 2 cases of minor pedestrian accidents, and 1 case of falling). Radiologically narrower diameter of the spinal canal showed statistically significant difference between two groups (p=0.042). The JOA scores before and after surgery and the recovery rate did not have a clinically meaningful difference with trauma. However, the degree of motor improvement was significantly higher for the trauma group within 1 week after surgery (p=0.040). CONCLUSIONS: Minor trauma itself may adversely affect the patients' clinical courses.

Prevalence Study of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis in Ten-, Eleven-Year Olds for 10 Years / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: School screening for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) was conducted for 10 years and the prevalence of scoliosis as well as the size and types of curvature were investigated. The outcomes and existing research results were comparatively analyzed and the usefulness of the moire topography as a screening tool was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Moire topography was used in screening of 413,351 10- and 11-year-old from 2002 to 2011; simple standing entire spine x-rays of selected examinees were taken. When the Cobb angle was 10degrees or higher, the condition was deemed to be scoliosis, and the size, location, and types of curvature were recorded. RESULTS: The average prevalence over the 10 years was 0.4% (0.3%-0.5%) and the trends in yearly prevalence did not change significantly. The ratio of boys-to-girls prevalence rates for the 10 years was 1.0:3.8. The rate of those with scoliosis whose curvature was 10degrees-19degrees, 20degrees-29degrees, and 30degrees-39degrees was 71%, 24%, and 4%, respectively. King-Moe type III accounted for the largest portion at 45%, followed by type IV at 35%, type II at 11%, type I at 7%, and type V at 5%. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of scoliosis in the subjects was similar for the 10 years but differed from previous research results. The size, location, and types of curvature were similar to those reported in previous research. The differences in prevalence from existing research are considered to be due to the screening method used. Therefore, conduction of additional research on effective screening tests is necessary.

The Prognostic Factors of Neurologic Recovery in Spinal Cord Injury

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare the factors affecting recovery of spinal cord injury following cervical and thoracolumbar spine injuries. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Several authors have reported the factors to predict the prognosis of spinal cord injury, but the objective prognostic factors are still controversial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 2006 to March 2013, a total of 44 patients with spinal cord injury were evaluated. Prognostic factors analyzed were sex, age, neurologic status, fracture type, time to operation, use of steroid, and signal change on MRI. We analyzed the relation between each factor and the neurologic recovery. The mean follow-up period was 12 months. The neurologic recovery was analyzed by the ASIA impairment scale at the first and the last neurologic examination. RESULTS: Among 44 patients, 15 sustained complete cord injury while 29 had incomplete cord injury. Significant neurologic recovery using the ASIA impairment scale was evaluated in the incomplete spinal cord injury group. Among this group, the prognosis for Brown-sequard syndrome is better than for central cord syndrome and anterior cord syndrome. There was no significant difference in other factors (fracture site, time to operation, use of steroid or signal change on MRI). CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis in spinal cord injury is determined by the initial neurologic damage and neurologic recovery is not related with the fracture type, time to operation, use of steroid and signal change on MRI.

The Effect of Teriparatide in Women with Osteoporosis after Lumbar Posterolateral Fusion or Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To investigate radiologic and clinical outcomes of teriparatide in women with osteoporosis after instrumented lumbar posterolateral fusion (PLF) or posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Teriparatide accelerated lumbar posterolateral fusion in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-six women older than 65 years old with osteoporosis underwent PLF or PLIF with bone graft between Februar, 2011 ato May, 2012 pPatients were divided into four group: teriparatide group with local bone (A-1: 13 patients;, teriparatide group with composite bone (A-2: 27 patients; non-teriparatide group with local bone (B-1: 14 patients; and non-teriparatide group with composite bone (B-2: 32 patients). At 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS), fusion rate, and period of bone union were evaluated. RESULTS: VAS and ODI improved after surgery in all groups, but no significant differences were notell among the groupses Further, there was no significant difference among the groups for agef fusion level, and fusiops(p>0.05). Fusion rate was 94.44% in the A-1 group, 92.59% in the A-2 group, 79.17% in the B-1 group, and 76.92% in the B-2 group. Average period of bone union was 3.25 months, 3.65 months, 5.67 months, anand 5.65 months respectively. Fusion rate and average bone union time made no significant differeneen among the groups divided by graft materials (p>0.05). However, those in the teriparatide group were significantly superior to those in the non-teriparatide group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In women with osteoporosis after PLF or PLIF with bonegraft, teriparatide showed superiority in the rate of fusion and the period of bone union.

The Outcomes of Short and Long Segment Posterior Instrumentation of Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures with a Load Sharing Score of 7 or More

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective. OBJECTIVES: To investigate outcomes between short and long segment posterior instrumentation of thoracolumbar burst fractures with a load sharing score of 7 or more. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Short segment instrumentation has been recommended in thoracolumbar burst fractures with a load sharing score of 6 or less, and long segment instrumentation has been recommended for those with a score of 7 or more. However, this standard is controversial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2006 to January 2014, 45 patients with thoracolumbar fractures with a load sharing score of 7 or more were treated with posterior instrumentation. They were divided into two groups: short (group S) and long segment (group L) groups. Radiologic results were evaluated on the basis of the kyphotic angle and anterior column height. Complications were also reviewed. RESULTS: Groups S and L consisted of 13 and 32 patients and had mean ages of 48.3 and 47.3 years, respectively. In group S, the anterior column height increased from 56.62% to 76.23% postoperatively, and remained at 71.15% at follow-up. The kyphotic angle decreased from 16.27degrees to 7.55degrees postoperatively, and was 13.17degrees at follow-up. In group L, the anterior column height recovered from 49.67% to 70.52% postoperatively, and was 63.73% at follow-up. The kyphotic angle decreased from 20.08degrees to 6.80degrees postoperatively, and was 14.18degrees at follow-up. The changes in the anterior column height and kyphotic angle were not significantly different between groups S and L. Seven cases had complications and the number of cases with complications was not significantly different between groups S and L. CONCLUSIONS: Short and long segment instrumentation of thoracolumbar fractures with a load sharing score of 7 or more did not achieve significantly different results.

Changes in Tip-Apex Distance by Position and Film Distance Measured by Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: The tip-apex distance (TAD) is used to predict the clinical outcome of intertrochanteric fracture fixation. We aimed to measure the changes in TAD by position and film distance using Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used a femur replica with a 10degrees femoral neck anteversion and a 130degrees neck shaft angle. Proximal femoral nail antirotation nail and a helical blade were inserted into the replica. Radiographs were taken at the neutral position and after applying 10degrees, 20degrees, 30degrees, 40degrees internal/external rotation, 10degrees abduction, and 10degrees and 40degrees adduction to the mechanical axis. Radiographs were taken at the replica-film distance of 10 cm and 20 cm under the same conditions, mimicking the differences in Focus-film distance (FFD), which reflect the patient's contour in clinical settings. A radiologist and an orthopedic surgeon measured the TAD twice using PACS. The average error was 2 mm (4.5%) and the standard error was +/-3.04. TADs in the neutral position constituted the standard values to measure the relative errors. RESULTS: TADs increased with an increase in the external rotation and abduction of the replica. TADs decreased with an increase in the internal rotation and adduction of the replica. For comparable measurements, relative errors were higher at FFDs of 20 cm compared to FFDs of 10 cm. CONCLUSION: Since the femur is internally rotated and adducted for reduction, orthopedic surgeons would assess the lag screw to be closer to the apex of femur on intraoperative radiographs. To have a correct measurement of the TAD after fixation of intertrochanteric fractures, radiographs should be taken in neutral position and measurement errors should be considered based on the patient's size.

Comparisons of Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty for Thoracolumbar Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures / 대한골다공증학회지

OBJECTIVES: To examine and compare the effects of vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty on change in the vertebral height and kyphotic angle and presence of new vertebral fracture of adjacent level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 patients with vertebral compression fractures or stable burst fractures underwent vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty from Jan, 2007 to April, 2014 were included in the study. Preoperative, postoperative and last follow-up radiographs were analyzed to quantify presence of new vertebral fractures and preoperative and postoperative vertebral height and kyphotic angle at fracture levels were also measured. Changes in the vertebral body height and kyphotic angle at fracture levels were compared for vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty to determine if there was a significant differences. RESULTS: Measurements revealed that vertebroplasty increased vertebral body height at fracture level by an average 5.5mm or or by 33% of preoperative height and reduced local kyphotic angle by an average 3.5 degrees and kyphoplasty increased vertebral body height at fracture level by an average 5.8mm or by 36% of preoperative height and reduced local kyphotic angel by an average 3.6 degrees. New vertebral fractures occurred in 8 patients (24%) after vertebroplasty and 4 patients (14%) after kyphoplasty. CONCLUSION: There was no significant statistically greater improvement of changes in the vertebral body height at fracture level and kyphotic angle found with vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. But the vertebroplasty has statistically greater risk of new fracture than kyphoplasty.

Comparison of Pyogenic Spondylitis and Tuberculous Spondylitis

Pyogenic spondylitis and tuberculous spondylitis are common causes of spinal infection. It is difficult to differentiate tuberculous spondylitis and pyogenic spondylitis clinically and radiologically. Recently magnetic resonance imaging has been reported to be beneficial for early diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the spondylitis, and is being used extensively for diagnosis. However, the diagnosis must be considered in combination with corresponding changes in clinical manifestations, radiological findings, blood and tissue cultures and histopathological findings. Conservative treatments, including antimicrobial medications, are started initially. Surgical treatments, which include anterior or posterior approach, single-stage or two-stage surgery, with or without instrumentation, may be performed as indicated.

How Does Chronic Back Pain Influence Quality of Life in Koreans: A Cross-Sectional Study

STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. PURPOSE: To explore the impact of chronic low back pain (CLBP) on individuals' quality of life; to understand current treatment practices and level of satisfaction with treatment in patients with CLBP. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Assessing subjective, patient-reported outcomes such as quality of life is essential to health care research. METHODS: Influences of the CLBP were analyzed via a questionnaire, which contained the character of CLBP, effect of pain management, Korean version Oswestry Disability Index (K-ODI) and Korean version of 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12v2). RESULTS: Of 3,121 subjects who responded, 67.3% had moderate to severe pain; 43.5% presented prolonged CLBP of more than two years; and 32.4% had suffered from sleep disturbance due to pain. 22.8% of the patients were not satisfied with current pain management. The mean K-ODI score was 37.63; and it was positively correlated with the mean pain intensity (r=0.6, p<0.001). The SF-12v2 result was negatively correlated with mean pain intensity (PCS: r=-0.5, p<0.001; MCS: r=-0.4, p<0.001) and also negatively correlated with the K-ODI score (PCS: r=-0.75, p<0.001; MCS: r=-0.5, p<0.001). The conformity between patients and doctors in pain assessment was fair (kappa=0.2463). CONCLUSIONS: CLBP negatively affects quality of life. Of total 22.8% of the patients were not satisfied with current pain management. Such needs to be taken more seriously by doctors for improvement of satisfaction and quality of life in patients with CLBP.

Suspicious Reperfusion Injury of Spinal Cord After Multilevel Cervical Posterior Decompression without Remarkable Surgical Insult: Two Case Reports

STUDY DESIGN: Two case reports. OBJECTIVES: We present two cases of quadriplegia after posterior decompression with fusion caused by a suspicious reperfusion injury of spinal cord without remarkable surgical insult. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Posterior decompression and posterolateral fusion have been reported as effective procedures in patients with multilevel myelopathy. However, postoperative spinal cord injury without remarkable intraoperative technical damage has been reported in a few articles. Reperfusion mechanism was suggested as one of the leading causes and reported in some animal models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There was one case of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and one developmental multilevel stenosis that underwent laminectomy with lateral mass instrumentation. After surgery, the patients presented with quadriplegia; MRI demonstrated swelling of the spinal cord and intramedullary lesion in two cases. RESULTS: After surgery, the patients presented with quadriplegia; MRI demonstrated swelling of the spinal cord and intramedullary lesion in two cases. CONCLUSION: Although patients with such a medical condition are rare, it is difficult to predict postoperative swelling of the spinal cord before surgery. The surgeon should thus be aware of such rare disease conditions involving the spinal cord before the surgical procedure.

The Analysis of the Outcome of Short- and Long-Segment Posterior Instrumentation for Thoracolumbar Bursting Fractures

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. SUMMARY OF THE LITERATURE REVIEW: The reports comparing short- and long-segment instrumentation are insufficient. OBJECTIVES: To determine the postoperative results and to analyze relative factors affecting results between short- and long-segment instrumentation in thoracolumbar fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2006 to March 2012, 97 patients with thoracolumbar fracture were treated with posterior instrumentation. They were divided into 2 groups, the short- (Group I) and long-segment groups (Group II). To analyze factors affecting results, several factors including age, anterior column height (ACH), and the kyphotic angle were reviewed. For radiologic evaluation, postoperative and follow-up radiographs were evaluated by measuring the kyphotic angle and ACH. Additionally, the presence of complications was reviewed. RESULTS: Groups I and II consisted of 45, 52 cases and had mean ages of 50.3, 55.8 years, respectively. In Group I, the ACH increased from 44.2% to 75.3% postoperatively, and remained 72.8% at follow-up. The kyphotic angle decreased from 19.4degrees to 10.6degrees postoperatively, and remained at 12.8degrees at follow-up. In Group II, the ACH recovered from 41.6% to 76.4% postoperatively, and was 74.8% at follow-up. The kyphotic angle decreased from 21.6degrees to 12.6degrees postoperatively, and was 13.9degrees at follow-up. The canal compromise, age, and comminution were not directly related with results. However, the mean age of the 7 cases showing complications was 72 years, and the 7 cases had severe comminuted fractures. CONCLUSIONS: The short- and long-segment instrumentations of thoracolumbar fractures are not significantly different with respect to the results attained. However, in order to decrease complications, we should pay attention to age and fracture comminution.