Posterior Thoracic Cage Interbody Fusion Offers Solid Bone Fusion with Sagittal Alignment Preservation for Decompression and Fusion Surgery in Lower Thoracic and Thoracolumbar Spine

Objective@#: It is challenging to make solid fusion by posterior screw fixation and laminectomy with posterolateral fusion (PLF) in thoracic and thoracolumbar (TL) diseases. In this study, we report our experience and follow-up results with a new surgical technique entitled posterior thoracic cage interbody fusion (PTCIF) for thoracic and TL spine in comparison with conventional PLF. @*Methods@#: After institutional review board approval, a total of 57 patients who underwent PTCIF (n=30) and conventional PLF (n=27) for decompression and fusion in thoracic and TL spine between 2004 and 2019 were analyzed. Clinical outcomes and radiological parameters, including bone fusion, regional Cobb angle, and proximal junctional Cobb angle, were evaluated. @*Results@#: In PTCIF and conventional PLF, the mean age was 61.2 and 58.2 years (p=0.46), and the numbers of levels fused were 2.8 and 3.1 (p=0.46), respectively. Every patient showed functional improvement except one case of PTCIF. Postoperative hematoma as a perioperative complication occurred in one and three cases, respectively. The mean difference in the regional Cobb angle immediately after surgery compared with that of the last follow-up was 1.4° in PTCIF and 7.6° in conventional PLF (p=0.003), respectively. The mean durations of postoperative follow-up were 35.6 months in PTCIF and 37.3 months in conventional PLF (p=0.86). @*Conclusion@#: PTCIF is an effective fusion method in decompression and fixation surgery with good clinical outcomes for various spinal diseases in the thoracic and TL spine. It provides more stable bone fusion than conventional PLF by anterior column support.

Current Concept of Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury: A Review / 대한신경손상학회지

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a catastrophic condition associated with significant neurological deficit, social, and financial burdens. Over the past decades, various treatments including medication, surgery, and rehabilitation therapy for SCI have been performed, but there were no definite treatment option to improve neurological function of patients with chronic SCI. Therefore, new treatment trials with stem cells have been studied to regenerate injured spinal cord. Among various types of stem cells, bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells is highly expected as candidates for the stem cell therapy. The result of the current research showed that direct intramedullary injection to the injured spinal cord site in subacute phase is most effective. Neurological examination, electrophysiologic studies, and magnetic resonance imaging are commonly used to assess the effectiveness of treatment. Diffusion tensor imaging visualizing white matter tract can be also alternative option to identify neuronal regeneration. Despite various challenging issues, stem cell therapy will open new perspectives for SCI treatment.

Spinal Intradural Ventral Arteriovenous Fistula Mimicking an Intramedullary Ependymoma: A Case Report

We present a rare case of an intradural ventral arteriovenous fistula (AVF) mimicking an intramedullary ependymoma. A 46-year-old woman presented with sudden onset of right leg weakness, which she had been experiencing for two weeks. Whole-spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan revealed a 0.5-cm-sized intramedullary lesion of high signal with a dark signal rim on a T2-weighted image at the T9 level. The T1-weighted MRI after contrast enhancement revealed a nodular and rim-like enhancement. However, a signal void, likely to be seen in the case of an engorged vein, was not obvious, thus giving the impression of an intramedullary ependymoma. Surgery was planned, but was aborted due to the observation of a large engorged vein as soon as the dura was opened.

Analysis of Clinical Outcome and Complications After Microsurgical Clipping of Unruptured Paraclinoid Aneurysms / 대한뇌혈관외과학회지

OBJECTIVE: The study reports the clinical outcomes and complication rates of microsurgical clipping of unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms. METHODS: From July 1997 to December 2008, 61 patients underwent microsurgical clipping for 61 unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms in our institute. Entire medical records, radiographic data, and operation records were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: After the microsurgical clipping, complete obstruction was achieved in 56 patients (91.8%). Visual disturbance (nine cases, 14.8%) was the most frequent complication. Overall, 59 patients (96.7%) had a good long-term outcome (Glasgow outcome scale score of 4-5 3 months post-operatively). CONCLUSION: For patients with paraclinoid aneurysms, satisfactory outcomes can be achieved by microneurosurgical management. These results will be useful when considering treatment of an unruptured paraclinoid aneurysm.