Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is commonly used procedure for spinal fusion. However, there are no reports describing anterior cage dislodgement after surgery. This report is a rare case of anterior dislodgement of fusion cage after TLIF for the treatment of isthmic spondylolisthesis with lumbosacral transitional vertebra (LSTV). A 51-year-old man underwent TLIF at L4-5 with posterior instrumentation for the treatment of grade 1 isthmic spondylolisthesis with LSTV. At 7 weeks postoperatively, imaging studies demonstrated that banana-shaped cage migrated anteriorly and anterolisthesis recurred at the index level with pseudoarthrosis. The cage was removed and exchanged by new cage through anterior approach, and screws were replaced with larger size ones and cement augmentation was added. At postoperative 2 days of revision surgery, computed tomography (CT) showed fracture on lateral pedicle and body wall of L5 vertebra. He underwent surgery again for paraspinal decompression at L4-5 and extension of instrumentation to S1 vertebra. His back and leg pains improved significantly after final revision surgery and symptom relief was maintained during follow-up period. At 6 months follow-up, CT images showed solid fusion at L4-5 level. Careful cage selection for TLIF must be done for treatment of spondylolisthesis accompanied with deformed LSTV, especially when reduction will be attempted. Banana-shaped cage should be positioned anteriorly, but anterior dislodgement of cage and reduction failure may occur in case of a highly unstable spine. Revision surgery for the treatment of an anteriorly dislodged cage may be effectively performed using an anterior approach.
Decompression ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Leg ; Middle Aged ; Pseudarthrosis ; Spinal Fusion ; Spine ; Spondylolisthesis

OBJECTIVE: This consecutive retrospective study was designed to analyze and to compare the efficacy and outcomes of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) using a fibular and femur allograft with anterior cervical plating. METHODS: A total of 88 consecutive patients suffering from cervical degenerative disc disease (DDD) who were treated with ACDF from September 2007 to August 2010 were enrolled in this study. Thirty-seven patients (58 segments) underwent anterior interbody fusion with a femur allograft, and 51 patients (64 segments) were treated with a fibular allograft. The mean follow-up period was 16.0 (range, 12-25) months in the femur group and 19.5 (range, 14-39) months in the fibular group. Cage fracture and breakage, subsidence rate, fusion rate, segmental angle and height and disc height were assessed by using radiography. Clinical outcomes were assessed using a visual analog scale and neck disability index. RESULTS: At 12 months postoperatively, cage fracture and breakage had occurred in 3.4% (2/58) and 7.4% (4/58) of the patients in the femur group, respectively, and 21.9% (14/64) and 31.3% (20/64) of the patients in the fibular group, respectively (p<0.05). Subsidence was noted in 43.1% (25/58) of the femur group and in 50.5% (32/64) of the fibular group. No difference in improvements in the clinical outcome between the two groups was observed. CONCLUSION: The femur allograft showed good results in subsidence and radiologic parameters, and sustained the original cage shape more effectively than the fibular allograft. The present study suggests that the femur allograft may be a good choice as a fusion substitute for the treatment of cervical DDD.
Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane ; Diskectomy ; Femur ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Neck ; Retrospective Studies ; Stress, Psychological ; Transplantation, Homologous

Pulmonary artery aneurysms (PAAs) are rare, and massive hemoptysis can lead to death if appropriate diagnosis and treatment is not provided. PAAs can be of congenital, acquired, or idiopathic origin, and the clinical symptoms are various. Among all reported cases, one-third of the patients died due to rupture. Optimal treatment or guidelines for PAAs remain uncertain. Herein, we report autopsy findings from a woman with PAA. The patient was taking medication for tuberculosis. On bronchoscopy, a polypoid lesion was found, suspected to be an inflammatory polyp. Biopsy was performed and massive bleeding into the airway occurred. The bleeding could not be controlled by bronchoscopic suction, and cardiac arrest occurred 30 minutes after biopsy; the patient subsequently died. Autopsy revealed a round, calcified PAA in the bronchus of the right middle lobe; the end of the PAA was torn. Hypovolemic signs, including weak postmortem lividity and pallor of the skin and conjunctivae, were observed. Visual inspection and histopathological examination of the right lung revealed tuberculosis and congestion. Cases related PAA are not uncommon, but autopsy cases of death occurring after biopsy of PAA mimicking bronchial polyps are rarely reported.
Aneurysm* ; Autopsy ; Biopsy* ; Bronchi ; Bronchoscopy ; Conjunctiva ; Diagnosis ; Estrogens, Conjugated (USP) ; Female ; Heart Arrest ; Hemoptysis ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Hypovolemia ; Lung ; Pallor ; Polyps* ; Pulmonary Artery* ; Rupture ; Skin ; Suction ; Tuberculosis

Spontaneous hepatic rupture, which is a complication of hypertension in pregnancy, is extremely rare. However, high maternal and perinatal mortality rates are observed. Several factors, namely, age over 30 years, multiparity, severe preeclampsia, or HELLP syndrome (a group of symptoms which include hemolytic anemia, hepatic enzyme increase, and thrombocytopenia), are associated with this condition. An autopsy case of a woman with twin pregnancy was studied. She was at 36 weeks of gestational age and suffered from the sudden development and rapid progression of hypertension. Moreover, she died because of spontaneous hepatic rupture despite an emergency operation. Autopsy revealed a capsular rupture of the right lobe of the liver with numerous blood clots and hypovolemic signs, such as weak postmortem lividity and palor of the skin and conjunctiva. A close examination of the trunk and liver for the classification of the cause of rupture and an assessment of medical history, such as preeclampsia, are needed during postmortem examination of pregnant women with hepatic rupture or her fetus. To the best of our knowledge, this fatal complication in pregnant women is not yet presented in postmortem examinations in Korea. Thus, we report the findings of this case to share the knowledge.
Anemia, Hemolytic ; Autopsy* ; Classification ; Conjunctiva ; Emergencies ; Female ; Fetus ; Gestational Age ; HELLP Syndrome ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced ; Hypovolemia ; Korea ; Liver ; Parity ; Perinatal Mortality ; Pre-Eclampsia* ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy, Twin ; Pregnant Women* ; Rupture* ; Rupture, Spontaneous ; Skin

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of bile duct obstuction in the development of atrophy of the liver, using ananimal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven rabbits were divided into two groups : group 1(n=5), in which therewas selective bile duct ligation, and group 2(n=2), which underwent a sham operation. Each group was evaluated using CT for changes in hepatic volume after selective bile duct ligation or a sham operation. In group I, the diameter of dilated bile duct was measured 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks after bile duct ligation, while gross andhistologic change were evaluated in all cases. RESULTS: In group 1, bile duct dilatation was seen on CT two weeks after selective bile duct ligation, and did not change significantly during follow-up. In four of five cases, CT revealed no evidence of significant atrophy of the involved segment. Pathologic specimens, however, revealed dilatation of the bile duct, periductal fibrosis, infiltration of chronic inflammatory cells, and periportalfibrosis. One of five cases showed segmental liver atrophy after selective bile duct ligation. In addion to the above pathologic findings, there was obstruction of the portal vein by foreign body reaction. In group 2, no evidence of dilated bile duct or liver atrophy was revealed by CT or pathologic specimen after a sham operation. CONCLUSION: During long-term follow-up of 16 weeks, obstruction of the bile duct did not play a major role in the development of lobar atrophy in the rabbit.
Animals ; Atrophy ; Bile Ducts* ; Bile* ; Dilatation ; Fibrosis ; Follow-Up Studies ; Foreign-Body Reaction ; Ligation* ; Liver ; Portal Vein ; Rabbits

BACKGROUND: Cilostazol leads to inhibition of platelet aggregation and to vasodilatation. It is widely used for the secondary prevention of cerebral infarction. However, headache is a well-known adverse effect of cilostazol, and these headaches may be caused by the vasodilation of the cerebral artery. The goal of our study was to assess the frequency and severity of headaches following cilostazol treatment and to evaluate factors related to the development of these headaches. METHODS: Seventy patients with cerebral infarction were included in this study. We measured the carotid intima media thickness (IMT), the distensibility of the carotid artery (CAD), the brachial ankle index (ABI), and the brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (PWV) in order to quantify the degree of atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness. Patients were then given 100 mg of cilostazol in tablet form twice daily. For three days, we evaluated headache incidence and severity using a verbal rating scale (0-10). RESULTS: Twenty three (32.9%) patients reported headache during cilostazol medication and 7 patients had severe headache. Women were more likely to develop headaches than men (p=0.03). In addition, the mean IMT was lower in subjects with cilostazol-induced headache than in the headache-free subjects (0.8+/-0.1 vs 1.01+/-0.2 mm, p=0.001), while CAD was higher in these subjects (0.3+/-0.1 vs 0.25+/-0.1, p=0.03). There was no difference in PWV and ABI. CONCLUSIONS: Lower carotid IMT, increased CAD, and female gender may be associated with the development of cilostazol-induced headache in patients with cerebral inafarction, but not the systemic arterial stiffness.
Animals ; Ankle ; Atherosclerosis ; Carotid Arteries ; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness ; Cerebral Arteries ; Cerebral Infarction ; Female ; Headache ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Platelet Aggregation ; Pulse Wave Analysis ; Secondary Prevention ; Tetrazoles ; Vascular Stiffness ; Vasodilation

OBJECTIVE: Lumbar lordotic curve on L4 to S1 level is important in maintaining spinal sagittal alignment. Although there has been no definite report in lordotic value, loss of lumbar lordotic curve may lead to pathologic change especially in degenerative lumbar disease. This study examines the changes of lumbar lordotic curve after posterior lumbar interbody fusion with wedge shape cage. METHODS: We studied 45patients who had undergone posterior lumbar interbody fusion with wedge shape cage and screw fixation due to degenerative lumbar disease. Preoperative and postoperative lateral radiographs were taken and one independent observer measured the change of lordotic curve and height of intervertebral space where cages were placed. Segmental lordotic curve angle was measured by Cobb method. Height of intervertebral space was measured by averaging the sum of anterior, posterior, and midpoint interbody distance. Clinical outcome was assessed on Prolo scale at 1month of postoperative period. RESULTS: Nineteen paired wedge shape cages were placed on L4-5 level and 6 paired same cages were inserted on L5-S1 level. Among them, 18patients showed increased segmental lordotic curve angle. Mean increased segmental lordotic curve angle after placing the wedge shape cages was 1.96? Mean increased disc height was 3.21mm. No cases showed retropulsion of cage. The clinical success rate on Prolo's scale was 92.0%. CONCLUSION: Posterior lumbar interbody fusion with wedge shape cage provides increased lordotic curve, increased height of intervertebral space, and satisfactory clinical outcome in a short-term period.
Postoperative Period

PURPOSE: Giant cell tumor is the second most common benign neoplasm in upper extremity. Unlike usual chief complaint of painless mass, an atypical case with giant cell tumor presented a distinguishing characteristics of which accompany pain and tenderness and is histologically giant-cell free. METHODS: A 31-year-old male patient complained of a rapid growing painful mass on the proximal phalanx of the left ring finger. Under microscopic operation, a 1.6 x 1.3cm sized mass was found to be surrounded by areolar tissue and attached to a tendon sheath, encircling the digital nerve and artery. Diagnostic confirmation was assisted by positive finding in histologic immunohistochemical stain-CD68. Characteristic pathologic finding is an atypical distribution of spindle cells & histiocytes without giant cells in fascicular pattern. RESULTS: Giant cell tumor was carefully removed under microscopic approach, while preserving digital nerve & artery. In postoperative 13th month, the patient presented with a 6mm of static two-point discrimination test, similar to that of the adjacent fingers. CONCLUSION: We report an atypical case with painful mass on tendon sheath, surrounding the digital nerve and artery that was diagnosed of giant cell tumor, but without giant cells on pathology. This case provides broader understanding of the giant cell tumor that should not only rely its typical findings of the painless mass and positive sign on H&E stain.
Adult ; Arteries ; Discrimination (Psychology) ; Fingers ; Giant Cell Tumors* ; Giant Cells* ; Histiocytes ; Humans ; Male ; Pathology ; Tendons ; Upper Extremity

OBJECTIVE: The AMSLU(TM) cage is a newly developed instrument, that utilizes concept of the key-stone graft in posterior lumbar interbody fusion. The authors try to prove the short-term efficacy of AMSLU(TM) cage in surgical treatment of degenerative cervical disc disease. METHODS: We investigate clinical and radiological features of 24 patients who underwent anterior cervical fusion with AMSLU(TM) cage during the period between January 2001 and February 2002. Clinical and radiological results were assessed by using Odom's criteria and regular follow-up of radiographs, respectively. RESULTS: All patients included in this study had been followed by at least 6 months. Except 3 patients, all patients underwent single-level operation, and among remaining 21 patients, C5-6 was the most commonly involved level (17 cases). Symptomatic improvement was found in 22 cases (91%). Evidence of bone fusion was invariably found by the end of the postoperative 6 months in every case and increase of disc height was also shown in all patients. Neither operation-related nor instrument-related complications was seen. CONCLUSION: Anterior cervical fusion with AMSLU(TM) cage has several advantages over the preexisting instruments, such as easy maneurability, avoidance of donor site complications, and anatomical contour which renders it to endure lateral shearing force and its relatively large contact area.
Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Tissue Donors ; Transplants

PURPOSE: Delayed rupture of flexor pollicis longus as a sequelae of the plate inserted for distal radius fracture is a very rare. This is the first case reported and published in Korea. METHODS: A 48 years old female patient visited hospital, complaining flexor disturbance of interphalangeal joint of left thumb, which suddenly occurred without any external wound. We found that she had received operation of fixing plate for fracture of left distal radius 10 years ago. As operational opinion, we have checked that flexor pollicis longus tendon has been ruptured with oblique ways being stimulated by extended plate to palmar side over long period. RESULTS: Authors performed tenorrhaphy of flexor pollicis longus without tendon graft and presented a successful active flexion of the left thumb interphalangeal joint 1 year after the operation. CONCLUSION: If the extruded part of the end plate is observed during the operation or follow-up, it is considered to be necessary to get rid of the plate as early as possible after the fracture healing.
Drug Combinations ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Joints ; Piperonyl Butoxide ; Pyrethrins ; Radius ; Radius Fractures ; Rupture ; Tendons ; Thumb ; Transplants