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Study Design: Animal study. Objectives: To investigate the effects of microelectric treatment by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on functional recovery and histological changes in a rat model of spinal cord injury (SCI). Summary of Literature Review: The effects of TENS on spasticity and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Materials and Methods: SCI was induced by a 1.5-mm impactor with 200,000–260,000 dyne after laminectomy. Rats were divided into the following groups: group I (normal control), group II (microelectric treatment of 0 A), group III (microelectric treatment of 100 μA for 1 hr/day), group IV (microelectric treatment of 400 μA for 1 hr/day), and group V (microelectric treatment of 400 μA for 24 hr/day). After inducing SCI, rats were assessed by a sensory test with von Frey filaments and the locomotor recovery test (BBB rating scale) at 1, 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. To evaluate spinal cord damage, histopathological studies were performed with hematoxylin and eosin. Brainderived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and TrkB immunohistochemistry studies were performed at 28 days. Results: In groups IV and V, the BBB score had significantly improved on days 21 and 28 after SCI, and the TENS-treated groups showed significant neuronal recovery. After SCI, groups IV and V showed a significant recovery of locomotor function and the motor sensory response of the withdrawal threshold to 3.5 g. In addition, necrotic tissue and cystic spaces in the spinal cord were significantly reduced and BDNF/TrkB-positive cells were highly expressed in groups III, IV, and V. Conclusions: Microelectric treatment can play a role in facilitating the recovery of locomotion following SCI.

Study Design: Prospective pilot study Objectives: The efficacy and safety of ‘PF-72’ for management of postoperative acute pain through a mixed ‘PF-72’ and 0.75% ropivacaine hydrochloride solution in patients with posterior spine surgery was evaluated as ‘0.75% ropivacaine’ and ‘untreated’ controls. Summary of Literature Review: Postoperative acute pain is major surgical side effect that lead to the deterioration of the quality of life. Traditional pain control results in variable side effects, and multimodal pain management has been recommended as an alternative. Local anesthetics is a short-acting time lower than 12 hours. There is controversy about the efficiency and stability of thermoreactive hydrogel products as a drug delivery system. Materials and Methods: Patients scheduled for posterior spine surgery were enrolled by the inclusion criteria. In the treated group, PF- 72 and ropivacaine mixture was injected to the surgical wound before closure. In control group 1, only 0.75% ropivacaine hydrochloride was injected. In the control group 2, the surgical site was without injection. Ten patients were randomly assigned to each group and standardized drugs for pain control were applied postoperatively and rescue regimens were applied when necessary. Postoperative pain score and the cumulative area under the curve (AUC) of pain score were compared. The percentage of subjects who were painless (pain score ≤ 3) was examined at each observation point. The first time of injection and the total dose of the rescue regimen were examined. Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) were also evaluated. Results: There was no significant difference in demographic data. The sum AUC of pain scores in the treated group was significantly lower than that in the control group 1 and 2 at all observation times. The proportion of painless patients was significantly higher in the treated group than in the control group 2. There was no significant difference between the first administration time and the total usage of the rescue regimen, and the percentage of patients with PONV at all time points. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse events. Conclusion: PF-72 and ropivacaine mixture showed significant effects for pain management up to 72 hours postoperatively for the patients who underwent posterior spinal surgery without fatal complications.

Study Design: Case report. Objectives: To document unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) as a treatment for acute radiculopathy after osteoporotic vertebral fracture. Summary of Literature Review: Acute radiculopathy after osteoporotic vertebral fracture leads to claudication. Treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures with accompanying radiating pain is challenging. Materials and Methods: A 74-year-old woman was diagnosed with an osteoporotic vertebral fracture at L3 after slipping and falling. Vertebroplasty was performed for the osteoporotic vertebral fracture at L3. She still complained of right lower extremity radiating pain. UBE was performed to treat acute radiculopathy. Results: Foraminal decompression using UBE was performed at the L3-4 right foraminal area. Her symptoms resolved after surgery. Conclusions: UBE is a useful treatment method for acute radiculopathy after osteoporotic vertebral fracture.

Study Design: Review article. Objectives: To present the latest knowledge on spine surgery using augmented reality (AR). Summary of Literature Review: AR is a new technology that simulates interactions with real-world surroundings using computer graphics, and it is a field that has recently been highlighted as part of the fourth industrial revolution. Materials and Methods: Review of related literature and introduction of latest research. Results: Spine surgery using AR is currently in its early stages. If industry, academia, and research institutes cooperate and develop, spine surgery using AR is highly likely to develop to the next level. Conclusions: Spine surgeons should strive to develop relevant technology.