Is the Agricultural Work a Risk Factor for Koreans Elderly Spinal Sagittal Imbalance?

Objective@#: A primary degenerative sagittal imbalance has been considered because of unique lifestyles such as the prolonged crouched posture during agricultural work and performing activities of daily living on the floor. Previous papers have reported that sagittal imbalance disease is often seen distinctly in the farming districts of “oriental” countries such as Korea and Japan. However, this finding was only evaluated with the use of X-ray, and other factors such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), muscle volume, compression fracture, and laboratory results were not considered. Thus, using these, we evaluate the agricultural work-associated factors for Korean elderly spinal sagittal imbalance. @*Methods@#: We recruited 103 Korean participants who had a sagittal vertical axis (SVA) of >5 cm in this Korean Elderly Sagittal Imbalance Cohort Study. The following were evaluated : radiological parameters, MRI, compression fracture, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, C-telopeptide, osteocalcin, bone mineral density and muscle fatty change, muscle volume, and health-related quality of life from patients’ survey. Moreover, in this survey, the farmers’ annual working hours were investigated. Subsequently, we analyzed the associated factors for spinal sagittal imbalance depending on occupation. @*Results@#: A total of 46 participants were farmers, and the others were housewives, sellers, and office workers. The farmer group had more SVA (141 vs. 99 mm, p=0.001) and pelvic tilt (31° vs. 24°, p=0.004) and lesser lumbar lordosis (20° vs. 30°, p=0.009) and thoracic kyphosis (24° vs. 33°, p=0.03) than non-farmer group. A significantly positive correlation was noted between the working hour and SVA in the farmer group (p=0.014). The visual analogue scale score for back pain (8.26 vs. 6.96, p=0.008) and Oswestry Disability Index (23.5 vs. 19.1, p=0.003) in the farmer group were higher than that in the non-farmer group, but the Short Form-36 score was not significantly different between the two groups. The Mini-Mental State Exam score was significantly lower in the farmer group than in the non-farmer group (24.85 vs. 26.98, p=0.002). @*Conclusion@#: The farmer group had more sagittal imbalance and back pain in proportion to the working hours even though the muscle and bone factors and general laboratory condition were not significantly different between the two groups. These results supported that the long hours spent in the crouched posture while performing agricultural work were a risk factor for severe sagittal imbalance.

Giant Sacral Schwannoma: A Case Report / 전남의대학술지

No abstract available.

Spinal Extradural Meningeal Cyst: A Case Report / 전남의대학술지

No abstract available.

Outcomes of Anterior Cervical Fusion Using Polyetheretherketone Cage with Demineralized Bone Matrix and Plate for Management of Subaxial Cervical Spine Injuries / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the usefulness of a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage filled with demineralized bone matrix (DBM) and plate fixation in anterior interbody fusions for subaxial cervical spine injuries. METHODS: A retrospective review of 98 patients (58 women, 40 men; mean age, 49.7 years; range, 17–78 years) who underwent single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using a PEEK cage filled with DBM and plate fixation for subaxial cervical spine injuries from March 2005 to June 2018 was conducted. Bone fusion, interbody height (IBH), segmental lordosis, and adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) development were assessed with plain radiographs and computed tomography. Clinical outcomes were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and the Frankel grade for neurologic function. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 27.6 months (range, 6–142 months). Twenty-one patients (21.4%) had an improvement of at least one Frankel grade. The mean preoperative and final follow-up neck pain VAS scores were 8.3±0.9 and 2.6±1.5 (p < 0.05). All patients showed solid fusion at the final follow-up. The mean preoperative and final Cobb's angles were −3.7±7.9° and 1.9±5.1° (p < 0.05). The mean preoperative and final IBHs were 36.9±1.7 mm and 38.2±1.8 mm (p < 0.05). Five patients (5%) showed ASD. CONCLUSION: ACDF using a PEEK cage filled with DBM and plate fixation yielded high fusion rates and satisfactory clinical outcomes without donor-site morbidity. This procedure is safe and effective for single-level subaxial cervical spine injuries.

Posterior Cervical Microscopic Foraminotomy and Discectomy with Laser for Unilateral Radiculopathy / 전남의대학술지

Surgical decompression for cervical radiculopathy includes anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, anterior or posterior cervical foraminotomy, and cervical arthroplasty after decompression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of a CO2 laser in posterior-approach surgery for unilateral cervical radiculopathy. From January 2006 to December 2008, 12 consecutive patients with unilateral cervical radiculopathy from either foraminal stenosis or disc herniation, which was confirmed with imaging studies, underwent posterior foraminotomy and discectomy with the use of a microscope and CO2 laser. For annulotomy and discectomy, we used about 300 joules of CO2 laser energy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate the extent of disc removal or foraminal decompression. Clinical outcome was evaluated by using visual analogue scale scores for radicular pain and Odom's criteria. For evaluation of spinal stability, cervical flexion and extension radiographs were obtained. Single-level foraminotomy was performed in 10 patients and two-level foraminotomies were performed in 2 patients. Preoperative radicular symptoms were improved immediately after surgery in all patients. No surgery-related complications developed in our cases. Postoperative MRI demonstrated effective decompression of ventral lesions and widened foraminal spaces in all cases. There was no development of cervical instability during the follow-up period. Posterior foraminotomy and discectomy using a microscope and CO2 laser is an effective surgical tool for unilateral cervical radiculopathy caused by lateral or foraminal disc herniations or spondylotic stenosis. Long-term follow-up with radiographs showed no significant kyphotic changes or spinal instability.

Three Cases of Spine Fractures after an Airplane Crash / 대한신경손상학회지

While injuries to the spine after an airplane crash are not rare, most crashes result in fatal injuries. As such, few studies exist that reported on spine fractures sustained during airplane accidents. In this report, we demonstrate three cases of spine fractures due to crash landing of a commercial airplane. Three passengers perished from injuries after the crash landing, yet most of the passengers and crew on board survived, with injuries ranging from minor to severe. Through evaluating our three spine fracture patients, it was determined that compression fracture of the spine was the primary injury related to the airplane accident. The first patient was a 20-year-old female who sustained a T6-8 compression fracture without neurologic deterioration. The second patient was a 33-year-old female with an L2 compression fracture, and the last patient was a 49-year-old male patient with a T8 compression fracture. All three patients were managed conservatively and required spinal orthotics. During the crash, each of these patients were subjected to direct, downward high gravity z-axis (Gz) force, which gave rise to load on the spine vertically, thereby causing compression fracture. Therefore, new safety methods should be developed to prevent excessive Gz force during airplane crash landings.

Posterior Cervical Microscopic Foraminotomy and Discectomy with Laser for Unilateral Radiculopathy / 전남의대학술지

Surgical decompression for cervical radiculopathy includes anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, anterior or posterior cervical foraminotomy, and cervical arthroplasty after decompression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of a CO2 laser in posterior-approach surgery for unilateral cervical radiculopathy. From January 2006 to December 2008, 12 consecutive patients with unilateral cervical radiculopathy from either foraminal stenosis or disc herniation, which was confirmed with imaging studies, underwent posterior foraminotomy and discectomy with the use of a microscope and CO2 laser. For annulotomy and discectomy, we used about 300 joules of CO2 laser energy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate the extent of disc removal or foraminal decompression. Clinical outcome was evaluated by using visual analogue scale scores for radicular pain and Odom's criteria. For evaluation of spinal stability, cervical flexion and extension radiographs were obtained. Single-level foraminotomy was performed in 10 patients and two-level foraminotomies were performed in 2 patients. Preoperative radicular symptoms were improved immediately after surgery in all patients. No surgery-related complications developed in our cases. Postoperative MRI demonstrated effective decompression of ventral lesions and widened foraminal spaces in all cases. There was no development of cervical instability during the follow-up period. Posterior foraminotomy and discectomy using a microscope and CO2 laser is an effective surgical tool for unilateral cervical radiculopathy caused by lateral or foraminal disc herniations or spondylotic stenosis. Long-term follow-up with radiographs showed no significant kyphotic changes or spinal instability.

Prevalence, Distribution, and Significance of Incidental Thoracic Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum in Korean Patients with Back or Leg Pain : MR-Based Cross Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE: Thoracic ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) is a relatively rare disease. Because of ambiguous clinical symptom, it is difficult for early diagnosis of OLF and subsequent treatment can be delayed or missed. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to comprehensively assess the prevalence and distribution of thoracic OLF by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and coexisting spinal disease in Korean patients with back pain or leg pain. METHODS: The sample included 2134 Korean patients who underwent MRI evaluation for back pain. The prevalence and distribution of thoracic OLF were assessed using lumbar MRI with whole spine sagittal images. Additionally, we examined the presence of coexisting lumbar and cervical diseases. The presence of thoracic OLF as well as clinical parameters such as age, sex, and surgery were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The prevalence of thoracic OLF in total patients was 16.9% (360/2134). The prevalence tended to increase with aging and was higher in women than in men. The lower thoracic segment of T10-11 was the most frequently affected segment. Of the 360 patients with OLF, 31.9% had coexisting herniated thoracic discs at the same level. Approximately 74% of the patients with OLF had coexisting lumbar and cervical disease. Nine (2.5%) of 360 OLF patients underwent surgery for thoracic lesion. CONCLUSION: The prevalenceof thoracic OLF was relatively higher than those of previous reports. And coexisting lumbar and cervical disease were very frequent. Therefore, we should check coexisting spinal diseases and the exact diagnostic localization of ossification besides lumbar disease.

Polymethylmethacrylate-Augmented Screw Fixation for Stabilization of the Osteoporotic Spine : A Three-Year Follow-Up of 37 Patients

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy, radiological findings, clinical outcomes and complications in patients with lumbar stenosis and osteoporosis after the use of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) augmentation of a cannulated pedicle screw. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with degenerative spinal stenosis and osteoporosis (T-score < -2.5) underwent lumbar fusion using the Dream Technology Pedicle Screw (DTPS(TM), Dream Spine Total Solutions, Dream STS, Seoul, Korea) between 2005 and 2007. The clinical outcomes were evaluated by using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Prolo scale. Radiologic findings were documented through computed tomography (CT) and plain films. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were evaluated and included, 2 males and 35 females with an average bone mineral density (BMD) of 0.47g/cm2. The average age of the patients was 68.7 (range, 57-88). The preoperative VAS for low back and leg pain (7.87 +/- 0.95 and 8.82 +/- 0.83) were higher as compared with postoperative VAS (2.30 +/- 1.61 and 1.42 +/- 0.73) with statistical significance (p = 0.006, p = 0.003). According to the Prolo scale, 11, 22, one and three patients were in excellent, good, fair and poor conditions, respectively. The average amount of the injected cement per one cannulated screw was 1.83 +/- 0.11 mL. CONCLUSION: The results show favorable outcome both clinically and radiographically for 37 patients who underwent lumbar fusion using DTPS(TM) and PMMA. Based on the results, the use of this surgical method can be a safe and effective option for the operation on the osteoporotic spine.

Coexisting Dissecting Aneurysms of the Internal Carotid and Basilar Arteries Following Flexion Injury: Case Report / 대한뇌혈관외과학회지

Traumatic or sponataneous arterial dissections have been well recognized at the cervical portion of the internal carotid artery and extracranial vertebral artery as an important cause of stroke, especially in young and middle-aged patients. Multiple arterial dissections following craniocervical injury are exceedingly rare. We describe a patient with brain stem infarction caused by basilar occlusion secondary to basilar artery dissection, associated with left ICA dissecting aneurysm after following minor craniocervical trauma without known underlying arteriopathy.