Effect of acupuncture on patients with mild cognitive impairment assessed using functional near-infrared spectroscopy on week 12 (close-out): a pilot study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is no clearly established therapy to treat mild cognitive impairment (MCI); consequently, alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, have been attempted. In many clinical studies, the potential benefits of acupuncture for cognitive improvement have been identified in clinical outcomes; however, the mechanism remains unclear. Accordingly, this study aims to investigate the therapeutic mechanism of acupuncture therapy using functional near-infrared spectroscopy and its feasibility in treating individuals with impaired cognitive function. METHODS: This study is designed to be a prospective, two-arm, parallel clinical trial involving 24 participants. The patient group will be treated with acupuncture twice per week for 12 weeks; meanwhile, the healthy control group will not undergo acupuncture treatment. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy assessment and a working memory test will be performed at baseline and every 6 weeks to investigate the therapeutic mechanism of acupuncture. The primary outcome will be measured using the Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. The secondary outcomes will be the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale score, working memory task accuracy, response rate, response time, and hemodynamic response of the prefrontal lobe. The outcomes will be evaluated at baseline, and at 6 and 12 weeks after subject allocation. DISCUSSION: This clinical pilot trial is designed to determine the feasibility of acupuncture as an effective and safe treatment for improving cognitive function in patients with MCI. Results of this study may provide guidance for future larger-scale clinical trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS), Republic of Korea: KCT0002451. Registered September 5, 2017.

Posterior Fusion for Thoracolumbar Fractures with a Neurologic Deficit: A Comparison of Fusion and Additional Decompression

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To understand the necessity of additional posterior decompression when treating a patient with posterior fusion for thoracolumbar fractures with a neurologic deficit. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Additional posterior decompression is still controversial when treating a patient with posterior fusion for thoracolumbar fractures with neurologic a deficit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 40 patients who underwent posterior fusion surgery for thoracolumbar fractures with a neurologic deficit were evaluated. The posterior fusion group (Group 1) included 23 patients (M:F=14:9), and the posterior decompression with laminectomy and posterolateral fusion group (Group 2) included 17 patients (M:F=9:8). According to the Frankel grade, the most common neurologic deficit was grade D in both groups. Unstable burst fractures were the most commonly observed fractures in both groups according to the McAfee classification. A radiographic evaluation was carried out along with a comparison of the spinal canal encroachment and the kyphotic angle. We evaluated neurologic improvement as the clinical criterion. RESULTS: The l-kyphotic angle at last follow-up was smaller than the preoperative kyphotic angle in both groups. The preoperative canal encroachment was 53.4% (Group 1) and 59.8% (Group 2). Further, neurologic improvement was observed in 19 cases (Group 1) and 14 cases (Group 2). There was no significant difference in the proportion of cases with neurologic improvement between the two groups (improvement in 19 cases in Group 1 and in 14 cases in Group 2) (p0.05). CONCLUSION: We concluded that additional posterior decompression in the case of thoracolumbar fractures with neurologic deficit is not required for neurologic improvement.

Thoracolumbar Epidural Pannus Causing Paraplegia in Rhematoid Arthritis / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Rheumatoid pannus involvement of the cervical spine like the atlanto-axial instability is common, but rheumatoid pannus involvement of the thoracolumbar spine is very rare. A 70-year-old woman with a 20-year medication history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) came to a hospital because of paraparesis without trauma. Radiologic examination showed that the mass in the posterior aspect of the spinal canal of T12 to L2 was compressing the spinal cord. She underwent mass removal and posterior decompression. Histologic findings revealed lymphocytes with chronic inflammation which was seen in histologic findings of RA. Therefore, we supposed that the mass was a rheumatoid pannus and that it had caused paraparesis. We report a good result of paraparesis caused by thoracolumbar epidural pannus by RA in a patient who was treated with pannus removal and posterior decompression.

Treatment of Femur Subtrochanteric Fracture Using the Intramedullary Long Nail; Comparison of Closed Reduction and Minimal Open Reduction / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate methods for treatment of femur subtrochanteric fractures using the intramedullary long nail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 44 patients (44 cases) who were available for follow-up for at least one year. The patients had undergone intramedullary fixation specifically with a long nail for traumatic femur subtrochanteric fractures during the period from June 2005 to May 2012 in Chosun University Hospital. The study compares two groups. For group 1, closed reduction was attempted, and group 2 underwent minimal open reduction. Group 1 included 27 cases, and group 2 included 17 cases. Study parameters included injury mechanism, fracture classification according to the Seinsheimer type, nail design, size of skin incision, alignment, bony union time, malunion or nonunion, and complications. RESULTS: Bony union times were 19.4 weeks (group 1) versus 21.4 weeks (group 2), but there were no statistical differences between the two groups with respect to gender, injury mechanism, fracture classification, or nail design. However, there were significant differences between the two groups with respect to skin incision, malalignment, and complications. Gender, injury mechanism, fracture classification, nail design, size of skin incision, minimal open reduction or close reduction, did not show a significant relationship with bony union. However, in cases of malalignment, the possibility of malunion increased 1.5 times per 1degrees increase in malaligment. CONCLUSION: In treatment of femur subtrochanteric fracture using intramedullary nail, nonunion rate increases when malalignment occurs. Therefore, anatomical reduction with minimal open reduction is necessary if closed reduction is not satisfactory.

The Use of Vessel Loop Shoelace Technique for Closure of Wound Dehiscence Caused by Dural Tears Associated with Distractive Flexion Injury of Cervical Spine

STUDY DESIGN: A case report. OBJECTIVES: To report the use of the shoelace technique for treatment of wound dehiscence caused by dural tears. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: It is difficult to treat wound dehiscence caused by dural tears, as it can lead to infection, loss of soft tissue, and need for a long hospital stay. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An 18-year-old male who had been injured in a traffic accident was diagnosed with bilateral facet dislocation of C7-T1, with no neurologic deficit. Clear secretion appeared during the operation, but it disappeared after posterior fusion. The wound began to open about 3 weeks after the operation. We used the vessel loop shoelace technique to suture the wound. RESULTS: The patient had the stitches taken out in the outpatient clinic three weeks after suture. His wounds are healing without complication. CONCLUSIONS: The vessel loop shoelace technique may be a useful treatment for wound dehiscence caused by dural tears.

Surgical Treatment of Chronic Ankle Lateral Instability: Reconstruction with Tenodesis or Tendon Graft / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Numerous reconstructive procedures have been described for treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability; however, controversy remains regarding the ideal surgical option. Numerous studies of the Brostrom procedure or its modifications have followed, reporting good to excellent results. However they have some limitations regarding the instabilities for over-weight, physically high demanding patients, failed anatomical repair, and particularly for significantly deficient or attenuated ligaments. This may indicate the need for non-anatomical reconstruction using peroneus brevis tendon or anatomical reconstruction using the allo/autograft tendon.

Response to: Comment on "Comparison of Operative Results of Distal Chevron Osteotomy with and without Akin Osteotomy for Moderate to Severe Hallux Valgus" / 대한족부족관절학회지

No abstract available.

A Comparison of Bicortical and Intramedullary Screw Fixations in Jones' Fractures Using Finite Element Analysis: Preliminary Report / 대한스포츠의학회지

Intramedullary screw fixation and bicortical screw fixation are widely used operation methods in the surgical treatment of Jones fractures. The purpose of this study is to evaluate of mechnical stability in two kind of Jones fracture. Using Mimics, three-dimensional models of the fifth metatarsal were reconstructed form computed tomography images of a 23-year-old Korean healthy male. Normal and osteoporotic bone models were made by changing bone density or thickness of cortical and cancellous bone. Two kinds of fixation techniques, i.e., intramedullary and bicortical screw fixation models, were simulated and muscles forces related to the fifth metatarsal base were applied. Maximum contact pressure difference were measured as 20,818 MPa, 12,155 MPa in normal bone, 23,371 MPa, 13,765 MPa in 85% cancellous osteoporotic bone, 24,310 MPa and 14,264 MPa in 75% cancellos osteoporotic model, 21,337 MPa, 20,971 MPa in -0.5 mm cortical osteoporotic bone, 26,322 MPa and 36,153 MPa in -1 mm cortical osteoporotic model, respectively for intramedullary screw fixation and bicortical screw fixation. Displacements on fracture interface were 0.208 mm, 0.126 mm in normal bone while 0.229 mm, 0.127 mm in 85% cancellos osteoporotic model, 0.241 mm, 0.127 mm in 75% cancellos osteoporotic model, 0.223 mm, 0.271 mm in -0.5 mm cortical osteoporotic model, 0.292 mm, 0.480 mm in -1 mm cortical osteoporotic model, respectively for intramedullary screw fixation and bicortical screw fixation. Bicortical screw fixation is superior in mechanical stability than intramedullary screw fixation for normal bone quality Jones fractures. For cortical osteoporotic bone Jones fractures, however, intramedullary screw fixation can give a better mechanical stability than bicortical screw fixation.

Comparison of Operative Results of Distal Chevron Osteotomy with and without Akin Osteotomy for Moderate to Severe Hallux Valgus / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: This study was conducted among patients with moderate to severe hallux valgus who underwent distal chevron osteotomy and groups of patients with or without Akin osteotomy were compared for evaluation of the relationship between their radiological and clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2009 to January 2012, among patients with moderate to severe hallux valgus who underwent distal chevron osteotomy at our institution, 28 cases with additional Akin osteotomy and 35 cases without Akin osteotomy available to follow up of more than one year were included in this study. For radiologic evaluation, hallux valgus angle, 1, 2 intermetatarsal angle, and hallux interphalangeal angle were measured before and after surgery. For clinical assessment, visual analogue scale score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score, subjective satisfaction of the patients, and passive range of motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joints were evaluated. RESULTS: At the final follow up, correction of valgus hallux angle and 1, 2 intermetatarsal angle was obtained from radiation results of both groups and it was found that patients who underwent Akin osteotomy showed radiographically larger angle correction but less subjective satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Patients with moderate to severe hallux valgus who underwent distal chevron osteotomy showed not only functional but also radiographically satisfactory results, and patients who underwent additional Akin osteotomy showed decreased subjective satisfaction. Therefore, if an incongruent first metatarsophalangeal joint is not observed, distal chevron osteotomy without Akin osteotomy seems preferable.

Encapsulated Unresolved Subdural Hematoma Mimicking Acute Epidural Hematoma: A Case Report / 대한신경손상학회지

Encapsulated acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) has been uncommonly reported. To our knowledge, a few cases of lentiform ASDH have been reported. The mechanism of encapsulated ASDH has been studied but not completely clarified. Encapsulated lentiform ASDH on a computed tomography (CT) scan mimics acute epidural hematoma (AEDH). Misinterpretation of biconvex-shaped ASDH on CT scan as AEDH often occurs and is usually identified by neurosurgical intervention. We report a case of an 85-year-old man presenting with a 2-day history of mental deterioration and right-sided weakness. CT scan revealed a biconvex-shaped hyperdense mass mixed with various densities of blood along the left temporoparietal cerebral convexity, which was misinterpreted as AEDH preoperatively. Emergency craniectomy was performed, but no AEDH was found beneath the skull. In the subdural space, encapsulated ASDH was located. En block resection of encapsulated ASDH was done. Emergency craniectomy confirmed that the preoperatively diagnosed AEDH was an encapsulated ASDH postoperatively. Radiologic studies of AEDH-like SDH allow us to establish an easy differential diagnosis between AEDH and ASDH by distinct features. More histological studies will provide us information on the mechanism underlying encapsulated ASDH.

Tumescent local anesthetic technique for inguinal hernia repairs

PURPOSE: We evaluated the adequacy and feasibility of a tumescent solution containing lidocaine and bupivacaine for inguinal hernia repairs. METHODS: The medical records of 146 consecutive inguinal hernia patients with 157 hernia repairs using the tumescent local anesthesia technique performed by a single surgeon between September 2009 and December 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The mean operation time (+/-standard deviation) and hospital stay were 64.5 +/- 17.6 minutes and 2.7 +/- 1.5 days. The postoperative complication rate was 17.8%. There were four cases of recurrences (2.5%) at a mean follow-up of 24 +/- 14 months. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that local anesthesia with the tumescent technique is an effective and safe modality for inguinal hernia repairs.

Differences in the Survival of Gastric Cancer Patients after Gastrectomy according to the Medical Insurance Status

PURPOSE: In Korea, the entire population must enroll in the national health insurance system, and those who are classified as having a lower socioeconomic status are supported by the medical aid system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of the medical insurance status of gastric cancer patients with their survival after gastrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 247 patients who underwent surgical treatment for gastric cancer between January 1999 and December 2010 at the Seoul Medical Center were evaluated. Based on their medical insurance status, the patients were classified into two groups: the national health insurance registered group (n=183), and the medical aid covered group (n=64). The survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The median postoperative duration of hospitalization was longer in the medical aid covered group and postoperative morbidity and mortality were higher in the medical aid group than in the national health insurance registered group (P<0.05). The overall 5-year survival rate was 43.9% in the medical aid covered group and 64.3% in the national health insurance registered group (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The medical insurance status reflects the socioeconomic status of a patient and can influence the overall survival of gastric cancer patients. A more sophisticated analysis of the difference in the survival time between gastric cancer patients based on their socioeconomic status is necessary.

Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty Using the Conical Femoral Stem / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of cementless total hip arthroplasty using a conical stem. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 2005 to December 2007, total hip arthroplasty using the conical stem was performed in 47 patients and 51 hips. The most common causes for total hip arthroplaty were osteonecrosis of the femoral head in 32 cases. The mean follow-up period was 74.3 months (range: 62-93 months) and the mean age was 51.2 years (range: 36-84 years). The clinical evaluation included the Harris hip score, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, and pain on the inguinal area or thigh. Radiographic evaluation was performed for determination of the fixation status of the implant, the radiolucent line, subsidence, loosening and heterotopic ossification around the acetabular cup and the femoral stem. RESULTS: At the most recent follow-up, the mean Harris hip score was 94.1 points and the WOMAC score was 11.3 points. Radiologically, bone ongrowth was seen in all cases without migration of acetabular cup, femoral stem, changing of the position, subsidence and loosening. Complications included two cases of posterior dislocation, one case of heterotopic ossification, and one case of deep vein thrombosis. CONCLUSION: Cementless total hip arthroplasty using the conical femoral stem shows good clinical and radiologic results in treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head with normal canal flare index and femur neck fracture with stove pipe type.

Outcomes and Analysis of Factors Affecting Bone Union after Interlocking Intramedullary Nailing in Segmental Tibia Fractures

PURPOSE: To evaluate the radiological results and complications of interlocking intramedullary nailing for segmental tibia fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients (26 cases) who underwent interlocking intramedullary nailing for segmental tibia fractures between January 2003 and May 2011 were followed for more than one year. We evaluated the complications and statistically analyzed the factors influencing bone union, including open fracture, fracture site, reaming, postoperative angulation, and postoperative fracture gap. RESULTS: Nineteen cases (73%) achieved bone union with one operation at an average of 7 months (range, 5 to 11). Seven cases had secondary procedures before achieving union. Complications included 7 cases of nonunion, 3 cases of incomplete peroneal nerve injury, 2 cases of superficial infection, 1 case of compartment syndrome. Factors showing statistically significant differences were open fracture, postoperative angulation, and postoperative fracture gap. Factors showing no statistically significant difference were fracture site and reaming. CONCLUSION: Nonunion is the most common complication in interlocking intramedullary nailing for segmental tibia fractures. To minimize this complication, comprehension of surgical techniques to reduce anatomically and careful evaluation of the fracture are required.

Operative Treatment of Unstable Pelvic Ring Injury

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical and radiological results of the different fixation methods according to the type and displacement of unstable pelvic ring injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients with unstable pelvic ring injuries from January 2005 to December 2009 were classified according to the AO/OTA classification system. When patients had been diagnosed with unstable pelvic ring injuries with partial instability, they were treated by anterior fixation with a plate and posterior percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation. When patients had been diagnosed with unstable pelvic ring injuries with complete instability, they were treated by open reduction and anterior to posterior fixation with a plate through the ilioinguinal approach. The radiological results were evaluated using Matta and Saucedo's method, and the clinical results were evaluated using Rommens and Hessmann's method. RESULTS: The outcomes from the radiological evaluation were that the displacement of the posterior pelvic ring were improved by about 6.65 mm in unstable pelvic ring injuries with partial instability. The displacement of the posterior pelvic ring were improved by about 7.8 mm in unstable pelvic ring injuries with complete instability. The clinical results were excellent in 13 cases and good in 6 cases on latest follow-up. CONCLUSION: Good results can be achieved by selecting the treatment method according to the type of unstable pelvic ring injurie and displacement.

Clinical Correlation between Gastric Cancer Type and Serum Selenium and Zinc Levels

PURPOSE: We conducted this study to study the clinical correlation between the characteristics of gastric cancer and serum selenium and zinc levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The following data were measured in the baseline serum selenium and zinc levels of 74 patients with curative gastrectomy subsequent to confirmed gastric cancer, from March 2005 to August 2012. RESULTS: Among the 74 gastric cancer patients, 53 patients were male. Mean serum selenium and zinc levels were 118.7+/-33.1 ug/L and 72.2+/-24.3 ug/dl, respectively. Seven patients (9.5%) showed lower selenium level, and 33 patients (44.6%) showed lower zinc level. Serum Selenium level was 99.1+/-31.8 ug/L in cardia cancer group (10 cases) and 121.8+/-32.4 ug/L in non-cardia cancer group (64 cases)(P=0.044). According to tumor gross type, zinc level was 78.7+/-29.6 ug/dl in early gastric cancer (33) and 66.9+/-17.8 ug/dl in advanced gastric cancer (41) (P=0.064). CONCLUSIONS: The serum selenium level was highly correlated with the location of gastric cancer. The serum zinc level was lower in advanced gastric cancer.

Clinical Correlation between Gastric Cancer Type and Serum Selenium and Zinc Levels

PURPOSE: We conducted this study to study the clinical correlation between the characteristics of gastric cancer and serum selenium and zinc levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The following data were measured in the baseline serum selenium and zinc levels of 74 patients with curative gastrectomy subsequent to confirmed gastric cancer, from March 2005 to August 2012. RESULTS: Among the 74 gastric cancer patients, 53 patients were male. Mean serum selenium and zinc levels were 118.7+/-33.1 ug/L and 72.2+/-24.3 ug/dl, respectively. Seven patients (9.5%) showed lower selenium level, and 33 patients (44.6%) showed lower zinc level. Serum Selenium level was 99.1+/-31.8 ug/L in cardia cancer group (10 cases) and 121.8+/-32.4 ug/L in non-cardia cancer group (64 cases)(P=0.044). According to tumor gross type, zinc level was 78.7+/-29.6 ug/dl in early gastric cancer (33) and 66.9+/-17.8 ug/dl in advanced gastric cancer (41) (P=0.064). CONCLUSIONS: The serum selenium level was highly correlated with the location of gastric cancer. The serum zinc level was lower in advanced gastric cancer.

The Relationship between Stud Morphology and 5th Metatarsal Proximal Stress Fractures on Soccer Players / 대한스포츠의학회지

This research sets out to define the relationship between stud morphology of soccer shoes and 5th metatarsal proximal stress fractures on soccer players by comparison and analysis. After the pre-survey of 132 soccer players in Gwangju, 107 players who seem to have a 5th metatarsal fracture were selected. We investigated the shape of the studs and asked whether they had ever had a 5th metatarsal proximal stress fracture. We also asked them some questions on factors, which cause stress fracture, such as what position they play, how long they have been playing soccer as athletes and average playing time. And we analyzed correlation between these several factors and whether they had ever had stress fracture using chi-square (x2) test and Logistic regression analysis. We concluded that soccer players who wore bar type studs shoes had a much greater possibility of stress fracture than soccer players who wore the round type. Also we learned that soccer players who play mid-fielder have a much greater possibility of stress fracture than soccer players who play other positions. And the result of logistic regression analysis of relevance between soccer shoes stud morphology and stress fracture shows a statistically significant odd ratio, 6.840. It has been suggested that the morphology of the soccer shoes stud has relevance to the occurrence of stress fracture. Therefore, according to the result of this study, soccer shoes with the round shape are more helpful in preventing 5th metatarsal proximal stress fracture than soccer shoes with the bar shape.

Comparison of Proximal and Modified Distal Chevron Osteotomy for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Hallux Valgus Deformity / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study is the comparison of radiological and clinical outcomes between modified distal chevron osteotomy and proximal metatarsal osteotomy for the patients who had moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we included 54 patients (65 feets) who underwent the operation of moderate to severe hallux valgus in our hospital from May 2007 to August 2010. Our study compares two groups. For Group 1, a modified distal chevron osteotmy and a distal soft tissue procedure were done and for Group 2, a proximal metatarsal osteotmy and a distal soft tissue procedure were done. The group 1 were 29 feets; the group 2 were 36 feets, and the average follow up was 9 months. RESULTS: The radiological results show that the hallux valgus angle and the first-second intermetatarsal angle were significantly decreased in two groups. In each parameter, the correction of the hallux valgus angle was 19.1degrees (Group 1) and 24.3degrees (Group 2), the correction of the first-second intermetatarsal angle was 9.6degrees (Group 1) and 10.3degrees (Group 2). Shortening of the first metatarsal length was 0.87 mm (Group 1) and 0.77 mm (Group 2). There are no significant clinical results (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score, AOFAS score) in two groups. CONCLUSION: It is thought that a modified distal chevron osteotomy and a distal soft tissue procedure are a considerable operative treatment of moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity because of the similar cilinical results, more simple operative techniques, and less complications than a proximal metatarsal osteotomy.

Is It Necessary to Add Anterior Decompression after Posterior Decompression for Thoracolumbar and Lumbar Fractures with Neurologic Deficit?

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To understand the necessity of additional anterior decompression when treating with posterior decompression for thoracolumbar and lumbar fractures, with neurologic deficit. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Additional anterior decompression is still a controversy after a posterior decompression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 38 patients who were treated with a decompression surgery for thoracolumbar and lumbar spine fractures with neurologic deficit. In the posterior decompression group, there were 26 patients, and there were 12 patients in the posterior and anterior decompression group. According to the Frankel grade, neurologic deficit was grade A 3, B 1, C 3, D 31, respectively. Unstable burst fractures were 22, flexion-distraction injuries 12, Chance fractures 2 and translational injuries 2 by the McAfee classification. Radiographic evaluation was carried out with comparison of the spinal canal encroachment and kyphotic angle. We evaluated the improvement of neurology, and compared with that of the preoperative canal encroachment. RESULTS: During the posterior decompression, 5 neural injuries were found in the post. decompression group, and 4 in the post. and ant. decompression group. There was no significant difference of neurologic improvement between the two groups (improvement in 18(69%) and 8(67%), respectively) (p>0.05). Preoperative canal encroachment was 62% and 76%, respectively. But, preoperative canal encroachment and final neurologic improvement showed no significant correlations between the two groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We could not find the difference of neurologic improvement between the post. decompression group and post. and ant. decompression group. We suggest that an additional ant. decompression for the thoracolumbar and lumbar spine fractures treated with post. decompression is not necessary.