Objectives: . The relationships among positional obstructive sleep apnea (POSA), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) remain unclear. We investigated these relationships with respect to the severity of OSA and explored the underlying mechanisms. Methods: . We retrospectively reviewed 6,140 eligible participants who underwent full-night diagnostic polysomnography at four clinical centers over a 5-year period, utilizing event-synchronized analysis. We evaluated the periodic limb movement index (PLMI) and the periodic limb movement with arousal index (PLMAI). The impacts of POSA on the PLMI, PLMAI, and PLMS were analyzed in relation to the severity of OSA. Results: . The mean PLMI, the mean PLMAI, and the prevalence of PLMS were significantly lower in participants with severe OSA compared to the mild and moderate OSA groups. The mean PLMI among those with mild OSA exceeded that of control participants. Furthermore, the mean PLMI (4.8±12.7 vs. 2.6±9.8 events/hr, P<0.001), the mean PLMAI (0.9±3.7 vs. 0.5±3.3 events/hr, P<0.001), and the prevalence of PLMS (11% vs. 5.3%, P<0.001) were higher in patients with POSA than in those with non-positional OSA. This PLMS finding was particularly pronounced among those with severe OSA (odds ratio [OR], 1.554; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.065–2.267) and was less evident in the mild (OR, 0.559; 95% CI, 0.303–1.030) and moderate (OR, 1.822; 95% CI, 0.995–3.339) groups. Conclusion . Patients with POSA, especially those with severe OSA, exhibit a comparatively high prevalence of PLMS. In cases involving prominent PLMS, the diagnosis and treatment of POSA and OSA should be considered.

Purpose: Although advancements in medical treatments have been made, approximately half of patients with intestinal Crohn’s disease (CD) require intestinal resections during their lifetime. It is well-known that the nutritional status of CD patients can impact postoperative morbidity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in patients with intestinal CD who underwent primary bowel resection. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively investigated patients who were diagnosed with CD and underwent intestinal surgery at Severance Hospital between January 2005 and October 2018. The patients were divided into two groups: PNI ≤40 (n=150) and PNI >40 (n=77). We assessed the clinical significance of PNI in terms of the incidence of postoperative infectious complications (PICs) and the postoperative recurrence of CD. Results: The low PNI group had significantly higher rates of infectious complications (32.0% vs. 10.4%, p=0.001) compared to the high PNI group. Multivariable analysis identified low PNI (≤40) and longer operation time (>180 min) as independent risk factors associated with PICs [odds ratio (OR)=2.754, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.140–6.649, p=0.024; OR=2.986, 95% CI=1.451–6.143, p=0.003]. PICs were significantly associated with surgical recurrence (hazard ratio=2.217, 95% CI=1.064–4.617, p=0.034). Conclusion Preoperative PNI could serve as a predictive factor for PICs in CD patients who undergo intestinal resection. Additionally, PICs are significantly associated with a higher risk of surgical recurrence in CD.

Background: Many studies have reported that minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) provides satisfactory treatment comparable to other fusion methods. However, in the case of MI-TLIF, there are concerns about the long-term outcome compared to conventional bilateral PLIF due to the small amount of disc removal and the lack of autogenous bone graft. Long-term follow-up studies are still lacking as most of the previous reports have follow-up periods of up to 5 years. Methods: Thirty patients who underwent MI-TLIF were followed up for > 10 years (mean, 11.1 years). Interbody fusion rates were determined using a modified Bridwell grading system.Adjacent segment disease (ASD) was defined as radiological adjacent segment degeneration (R-ASDeg) as seen on plain X-rays; reoperated adjacent segment disease referred to the subsequent need for revision surgery. Clinical outcomes after surgery were assessed based on back and leg pain as well as the Oswestry disability index (ODI). Results: The overall radiological fusion rate, at the 1-, 5-, and 10-year follow-up was 77.1%, 91.4%, and 94.3%, respectively. The incidence of R-ASDeg 1, 5, and 10 years after surgery was 6.7%, 16.7%, and 43.3% at the proximal adjacent segment and 4.8%, 14.3%, and 28.6% at the distal adjacent segment, respectively. R-ASDeg at either the proximal or distal segment was determined in 50.0% of the patients 10 years postoperatively. All clinical parameters improved significantly during follow-up, although the ODI and the visual analog scale (VAS) for leg pain at the 10-year follow-up were significantly worse in the R-ASDeg group than in the other patients (P = 0.009, P = 0.040). Conclusion MI-TLIF improved both clinical and radiological outcomes, and the improvements were maintained for up to 10 years after surgery. However, R-ASDeg developed in up to 50% of the patients within 10 years, and both leg pain on the VAS and the ODI were worse in patients with R-ASDeg.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the source and quality of information regarding cervical disc herniation available to patients on websites.Summary of Literature Review: Studies have shown that 92% of the Korean population regularly accesses and searches for medical information on websites. While a large amount of information exists on websites, there is a possibility that patients will be misled due to inaccurate information because there are no established criteria for qualitative evaluation. In addition, little research has been conducted on websites that provide information about cervical disc herniation. Materials and Methods: The search term ‘‘cervical disc herniation’’ was entered into the three most popular search engines in Korea (Naver, Daum, and Google). The first 50 websites displayed by each engine were selected for inclusion in this study and were categorized as academic, commercial, physician, non-physician, government organization, and unspecified. Information was assessed in terms of DISCERN, accuracy, and exhaustivity scores, and a total summary score was calculated for each website. Results: Among the theoretical total of 150 websites, 83 unique and relevant websites were identified. The distribution by source was as follows: non-physician, 34.9%; physician, 27.7%; commercial, 13.3%; unspecified, 10.8%; academic, 9.6%; and government, 3.6%. Academic and government websites obtained the highest total summary scores, with statistical significance when compared to other types (p=0.03). Conclusions Website information on cervical disc herniation is generally limited. Institutional improvement efforts are needed to foster an environment where patients can receive high-quality medical information, and physician groups should play a central role in this process.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of prospectively-collected data.OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the radiological outcomes of direct lateral lumbar interbody fusion (DLIF).SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: DLIF, as a minimally invasive spinal surgical procedure, is useful for degenerative spinal diseases. However, few reports have evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes of DLIF in Korea.MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 44 patients who underwent DLIF at our hospital from September 2015 to September 2017. Of these patients, 89 segments were included in this study. We measured preoperative and postoperative radiological values including the disc height, central canal area, height of the foramen, and segmental sagittal angle on magnetic resonance imaging. We also measured patients' visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores as clinical parameters.RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements were found in the height of the left and right foramina (20.8% and 25.6%, respectively), the height of the intervertebral discs (86.0% and 84.3%, respectively), the cross-sectional area of the central nervous system (33.1%), lumbar lordosis, and the lumbar segmental angle (2.7° and 8.7°, respectively) after surgery. The VAS and ODI scores also showed significant improvements (65.7% and 67.7%, respectively) when compared with the preoperative level.CONCLUSIONS: DLIF was found to be effective for the treatment of diseases such as foraminal stenosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, and adjacent segment diseases through indirect neuro-decompression of the bilateral foramina and central vertebrae.
Animals ; Central Nervous System ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc ; Korea ; Lordosis ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Diseases ; Spinal Fusion ; Spinal Stenosis ; Spine ; Spondylolisthesis

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the radiological outcomes of direct lateral lumbar interbody fusion (DLIF).SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: DLIF, as a minimally invasive spinal surgical procedure, is useful for degenerative spinal diseases. However, few reports have evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes of DLIF in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 44 patients who underwent DLIF at our hospital from September 2015 to September 2017. Of these patients, 89 segments were included in this study. We measured preoperative and postoperative radiological values including the disc height, central canal area, height of the foramen, and segmental sagittal angle on magnetic resonance imaging. We also measured patients' visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores as clinical parameters. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements were found in the height of the left and right foramina (20.8% and 25.6%, respectively), the height of the intervertebral discs (86.0% and 84.3%, respectively), the cross-sectional area of the central nervous system (33.1%), lumbar lordosis, and the lumbar segmental angle (2.7° and 8.7°, respectively) after surgery. The VAS and ODI scores also showed significant improvements (65.7% and 67.7%, respectively) when compared with the preoperative level. CONCLUSIONS DLIF was found to be effective for the treatment of diseases such as foraminal stenosis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, and adjacent segment diseases through indirect neuro-decompression of the bilateral foramina and central vertebrae.

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of beraprost sodium on digital infrared thermal images in patients with peripheral arterial disease caused by type 2 diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five diabetic patients with peripheral arterial disease were treated with beraprost sodium in a prospective, multicenter, cohort study from February 2013 to December 2014. Beraprost sodium (40 μg) was administered orally 3 times daily (120 μg/day) for 6 months. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI) were performed to compare the blood flow improvement between before and after dosing. RESULTS: Among the 25 patients included in the evaluation, 22 patients completed the study. A significant increase in body temperature was observed in the front and left side, particularly in the plantar side in DITI compared to that before and after administration. An increase in body temperature was observed at the frontal part from 28.1℃±2.3℃ to 29.1℃±2.1℃ (p=0.021), at the left side from 27.8℃±2.4℃ to 28.6℃±1.9℃ (p=0.028), at the plantar part at 24.0℃±1.5℃, and at the plantar part at 27.1℃±2.4℃ (p < 0.01). The VAS decreased significantly from 5.4±1.3 to 2.7±2.0 after 6 months of treatment (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Beraprost sodium is a safe and easy-to use oral medication for diabetes peripheral arterial disease. It can be expected to increase the blood flow and decrease the lower extremity pain statistically after being taken for 6 months.
Body Temperature ; Cohort Studies ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Humans ; Lower Extremity ; Peripheral Arterial Disease* ; Prospective Studies ; Sodium*

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to present the effective design of N-plasty of the iliotibial band and surgical results of its use as a treatment for refractory external snapping hip. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 17 patients (24 cases) with external snapping hip who underwent N-plasty between October 2013 and May 2016 and who were followed up for at least 12 months. All patients were male and the mean age was 20.8 years. The mean duration of symptoms prior to surgical intervention was 28.5 months with an average follow up of 24.5 months. Surgery was defined as being successful when patients could carry out their daily activities and exercise without a clicking sensation or pain 6 months after surgery until their last follow-up. Failure was defined when either a clicking sensation or pain was present. The visual analog scale (VAS) and modified Harris hip score (mHHS) were measured and compared preoperatively and at last follow-up. RESULTS: All patients had complete resolution of pain and snapping. The VAS decreased from 6.77 preoperatively to 0.09 postoperatively and mHHS improved from 69.5 to 97.8 after surgery. CONCLUSION: Modified designed N-plasty is considered to be an excellent treatment method facilitating operation reproducibility with maximum elongation effect of the iliotibial band.
Follow-Up Studies ; Hip* ; Humans ; Male ; Methods ; Sensation ; Visual Analog Scale

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to present the effective design of N-plasty of the iliotibial band and surgical results of its use as a treatment for refractory external snapping hip. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 17 patients (24 cases) with external snapping hip who underwent N-plasty between October 2013 and May 2016 and who were followed up for at least 12 months. All patients were male and the mean age was 20.8 years. The mean duration of symptoms prior to surgical intervention was 28.5 months with an average follow up of 24.5 months. Surgery was defined as being successful when patients could carry out their daily activities and exercise without a clicking sensation or pain 6 months after surgery until their last follow-up. Failure was defined when either a clicking sensation or pain was present. The visual analog scale (VAS) and modified Harris hip score (mHHS) were measured and compared preoperatively and at last follow-up. RESULTS: All patients had complete resolution of pain and snapping. The VAS decreased from 6.77 preoperatively to 0.09 postoperatively and mHHS improved from 69.5 to 97.8 after surgery. CONCLUSION: Modified designed N-plasty is considered to be an excellent treatment method facilitating operation reproducibility with maximum elongation effect of the iliotibial band.
Follow-Up Studies ; Hip* ; Humans ; Male ; Methods ; Sensation ; Visual Analog Scale

Although the incidence of sciatic nerve palsy following total hip arthroplasty is low, this complication can cause devastating permanent nerve palsy. The authors experienced a case of sciatic nerve palsy caused by ruptured and contracted external rotator muscles following total hip arthroplasty in a patient suffering from osteonecrosis of the femoral head. We report this unusual case of sciatic nerve palsy with a review of the literature.
Arthroplasty ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip* ; Head ; Humans ; Incidence ; Muscles* ; Osteonecrosis ; Paralysis ; Sciatic Neuropathy*