Study DesignThis is a retrospective study.PurposeTo evaluate the advantages and effects of posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) using allograft and posterior instrumentation in the lumbar pyogenic discitis, which are resistant to antibiotics.Overview of LiteratureTo present preliminary results of PLIF using a compressive bone graft with allograft and pedicle screw fixation in the lumbar pyogenic discitis.MethodsFifteen patients who had lumbar pyogenic discitis were treated by posterior approach from May 2004 to July 2008. The mean follow-up duration was 27.2 ± 18.68 months. The standing radiographs of the lumbar spine and clinical results were compared and analyzed in order to assess the bony union, the changes in the distance between the two vertebral bodies and the changes in the lordotic angle formed between the fused bodies immediately after surgery and at the final follow-up.ResultsFifteen solid unions at an average of 15.2 ± 3.5 weeks after operation. The mean preoperative lordotic angle of the affected segments was 14.3 ± 15.1°, compared to 20.3 ± 12.3° after surgery and 19.8 ± 15.2° at last follow-up. For the functional result according to the Kirkaldy-Willis criteria, the outcome was excellent in 9, good in 5, fair in 1, and there were no poor cases. The average visual analogue scale score was decreased from 7.4 before surgery to 3.4 at 2 weeks postoperative.ConclusionsThe main advantage in the procedure of PLIF using compressive bone graft with allograft and post instrumentation is early ambulation. We believe that this is another good procedure for patients with poor general condition because a further autograft bone harvest is not required.

Study DesignWe retrospectively assessed the results of percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty (KP) by clinical and radiological methods.PurposeTo evaluate the outcome of KP as a treatment for osteoporotic burst fractures.Overview of LiteratureMany surgeons are concerned about the possibility of neurological complications after percutaneous kyphoplasty for osteoporotic burst fractures, secondary to intra-canal cement leakage.MethodsWe performed KP as a treatment for osteoporotic burst fractures. We studied 12 patients/13 vertebrae. The two control groups consisted of patients who only underwent conservative treatment and those who underwent posterior instrumentation and fusion. We measured each preoperative/postoperative vertebral kyphotic deformity angle (KDA) using simple lateral spine images and checked for leakage of cement, as well. The preoperative/postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores for back pain, degree of daily activity, and postoperative complications were evaluated.ResultsThe mean improvement in KDA after KP was 9.7±2.2°. The mean preoperative and postoperative VAS scores for back pain were 8.3±0.4 and 3.1±0.17, respectively. Regarding the control group, the mean postoperative VAS score for the conservative group and the posterior surgery group decreased by 4.5±0.17 and 3.2±0.19, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the KP and posterior surgery groups (p=0.125). However, there was a statistically significant difference between the KP and conservative treatment groups (p=0.012).ConclusionsKP is safe and useful for treating osteoporotic burst fractures.

No abstract

No abstract

Purpose: School screening for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) was conducted for 10 years and the prevalence of scoliosis as well as the size and types of curvature were investigated. The outcomes and existing research results were comparatively analyzed and the usefulness of the moiré topography as a screening tool was evaluated. Materials and Methods: Moiré topography was used in screening of 413,351 10-and 11-year-old from 2002 to 2011; simple standing entire spine x-rays of selected examinees were taken. When the Cobb angle was 10° or higher, the condition was deemed to be scoliosis, and the size, location, and types of curvature were recorded. Results: The average prevalence over the 10 years was 0.4% (0.3%-0.5%) and the trends in yearly prevalence did not change significantly. The ratio of boys-to-girls prevalence rates for the 10 years was 1.0:3.8. The rate of those with scoliosis whose curvature was 10°-19°, 20°-29°, and 30°-39° was 71%, 24%, and 4%, respectively. King-Moe type III accounted for the largest portion at 45%, followed by type IV at 35%, type II at 11%, type I at 7%, and type V at 5%. Conclusion:The prevalence of scoliosis in the subjects was similar for the 10 years but differed from previous research results. The size, location, and types of curvature were similar to those reported in previous research. The differences in prevalence from existing research are considered to be due to the screening method used. Therefore, conduction of additional research on effective screening tests is necessary.