What Do You Think about the Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society? : Survey of Korean Neurosurgical Society Members

Park, Chul-Kee,Yi, Min-A,Yang, Hee-Jin,Chung, Hyun-Tai,Kim, Dong-Gyu The Korean Neurosurgical Society 2006 Journal of Korean neurosurgical society Vol.40 No.4

The editorial department of Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society[JKNS] polled more than 1,210 members of the Korean Neurosurgical Society[KNS] to evaluate the present status of JKNS from a viewpoint of readers or authors. The survey form includes questions about the impressions and opinions of JKNS regarding to its contents, style, and service. There responses were collected by means of e-mail and a total of 107 replies could be gathered during 2 months. Analysis of the responses revealed that majority of members of the KNS recognized the efforts to improve the quality of JKNS during recent years. However, there was also apprehensions and discontent about the quality of articles and review process in some KNS members.

Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society from 2001 to 2006, the Pivotal Period of Transition and Preparation for Making Great Stride

Yang, Hee-Jin The Korean Neurosurgical Society 2019 Journal of Korean neurosurgical society Vol.62 No.2

In the circumstances of overflowing numbers of medical journals, progress of their own medical journal is one of the primary concerns of many medical societies. Among the 46-year-history of Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society (JKNS), it undertook a period of important transition and preparation to take off for journal with international reputation during the period from 2001 to 2006. The overall process of manuscript handling, peer review, and editorial work has undergone systematic improvement. Workshops for authors, reviewer and editors were held, which were very helpful to improve the quality of submitted manuscript, peer review and editorial processing. Articles on the history, current status of the JKNS, citations and the change of proportion of types of articles were published, which provided insight about present condition and direction for further progress. It was changed into English journal in 2005. These efforts resulted in registration of the journal Chemical Abstract Service in 2005 and Science Citation Index Expanded in 2008 and SCOPUS in 2009. Now JKNS has become international journal, with about half of the submitted manuscripts from abroad, with increasing impact factor. Along with the effort of Korean Neurosurgical Society (KNS) members and support of KNS, dedication of Professor Dong Gyu Kim for the progress of JKNS is worth remembering, who served as Editor-in-Chief of JKNS during this period.

Epidemiology and Outcomes of Traumatic Brain Injury in Elderly Population : A Multicenter Analysis Using Korean Neuro-Trauma Data Bank System 2010-2014

Eom, Ki Seong The Korean Neurosurgical Society 2019 Journal of Korean neurosurgical society Vol.62 No.2

Objective : Although traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs in people of all age groups, the elderly population is at a particular risk. The proportion of elderly population in the society is markedly increasing and Korea is one of the most rapidly aging societies. Here, we analyzed the data from 904 patients older over 65 years who were registered in the Korean Neuro-Trauma Data Bank System (KNTDBS). Methods : The Korean Society of Neurotraumatology recorded data from 20 institutions between September 2010 and March 2014. This retrospective study examined the clinical epidemiology, sex difference, outcome epidemiology, sociodemographic variables, and outcomes in the geriatric population related to TBI based on data from the KNTDBS. Results : The study included 540 men and 364 women. The age distributions in the male and female groups were statistically significantly different. The most common cause of trauma was a fall and diagnosis was acute subdural hematoma. The incidence was the highest in men aged 80-84 years and in women aged 75-79 years. The most common time of arrival to hospital after TBI was within 1 hour and 119 rescue team provided first aid earliest to patients with TBI. The mortality rate stratified according to the cause of trauma was significantly different, with mortality rates of 3.77% in fall and 11.65% in traffic accident. The mortality rates according the severity of brain injury, Glasgow Coma Scale score, and treatment were statistically significant. Conclusion : To our knowledge, this study is the first to focus on elderly patients with TBI in Korea and particularly investigate mortality and characteristics related to TBI-related death based on data from the KNTDBS. Although the study has some limitations, our results may be used to obtain useful information to study targeted prevention and more effective treatment options for older TBI patients and establish novel treatment guidelines and health polish for the geriatric population.

Evaluation of Global Sagittal Balance in Koreans Adults

Cho, Yongjae The Korean Neurosurgical Society 2017 Journal of Korean neurosurgical society Vol.60 No.5

Objectvie : The global sagittal postural patterns as characterized by Roussouly classification have been previously described in various ethnicities, there were no studies investigated in Koreans. To analyze the distribution of the global sagittal postural patterns in Korean adults using Roussouly classification, the author prospectively studied. Methods : 252 asymptomatic Korean adults was recruited. Data was obtained by reviewing the films for each subject. Spinopelvic parameters were measured and sagittal postural patterns were then determined according to Roussouly classification. We compared the data across different ethnicities from our study and a previous study to further characterize Korean sagittal postures. Results : The subject included 151 males and 101 females, with mean age of $33.2{\pm}8.2years$. The average descriptive results were as below : thoracic kyphosis $28.6{\pm}7.7^{\circ}$, lumbar lordosis $48.3{\pm}10.2^{\circ}$, sacral slope $37.8{\pm}5.8^{\circ}$, pelvic incidence $45.1{\pm}7.5^{\circ}$, pelvic tilt $9.4{\pm}6.7^{\circ}$, spinosacral angle $130.1{\pm}5.4^{\circ}$, and sagittal vertical axis $16.25{\pm}22.5mm$. 125 subjects among 252 (49.6%) belonged to Roussouly type 3 (namely neutral). There were also 58 (23%), 33 (13.1%), and 36 (14.3) subjects in type 1, 2, and 4 (namely non-neutral), respectively. Conclusion : Enrolling 252 asymptomatic Korean adults, this prospective study found that 49.6% of asymptomatic Korean adults possessed a sagittal posture of Roussouly type 3. All radiologic parameters follows general concept of spinal sagittal balance pattern. Overall, this study might be a basis for further investigation of spinal sagittal balance.

Surgical Outcomes and Complications Following All Posterior Approach for Spinal Deformity Associated with Neurofibromatosis Type-1

Park, Byoung-Joo,Hyun, Seung-Jae,Wui, Seong-Hyun,Jung, Jong-Myung,Kim, Ki-Jeong,Jahng, Tae-Ahn The Korean Neurosurgical Society 2020 Journal of Korean neurosurgical society Vol.63 No.6

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to evaluate surgical outcomes and complications of spinal deformity associated with neurofibromatosis type-1 (NF-1). Methods : From 2012 to 2018, patients suffering from spinal deformity associated with NF-1 who underwent surgical correction were identified. Demographic data and radiographic measures were retrospectively reviewed. Pre- and postoperative whole spine radiograph images were used to determine both coronal and sagittal Cobb angles. All of patients underwent 3-dimentional computed tomographic scan and magnetic resonance imaging scan to confirm dystrophic features. For evaluation of clinical outcomes, we surveyed the pre- and postoperative scoliosis research society-22r (SRS-22r) score. Results : Seven patients with spinal deformity associated with NF-1 were enrolled in this study. The mean age of patients was 29.5±1.2 years old. The mean follow-up period was 2.8±1.4 years. The apex of the deformity was located in cervicothoracic (n=1), thoracic (n=4), and lumbar region (n=2). Most patients have poor bone quality and decreased bone mineral density with average T-score of -3.5±1.0. All patients underwent surgical correction via posterior approach. The pre- and postoperative mean coronal and sagittal Cobb angle was 61.6±22.6° and 34.6±38.1°, 56.8±18.5° and 40.2±9.1°, respectively. Mean correction rate of coronal and sagittal angle was 44.7% and 23.1%. Ultimate follow-up SRS-22r score (average score, 3.9±0.4) improved comparing to preoperative score (average score, 3.3±0.9). Only one patient received revision surgery due to rod fracture. No serious complication occurred, such as neurological deficit, and viscerovascular injury. Conclusion : The surgical correction of patients having spinal deformity associated with NF-1 is challenging, however the radiographic and clinical outcomes are satisfactory. The all posterior approach can be a safe and effective surgical option for patients having dystrophic curves associated with NF-1.

Anatomical Variants of "Short Head of Biceps Femoris Muscle" Associated with Common Peroneal Neuropathy in Korean Populations : An MRI Based Study

Yang, Jinseo,Cho, Yongjun,Cho, Jaeho,Choi, Hyukjai,Jeon, Jinpyeong,Kang, Sukhyung The Korean Neurosurgical Society 2018 Journal of Korean neurosurgical society Vol.61 No.4

Objective : In Asians, kneeling and squatting are the postures that are most often induce common peroneal neuropathy. However, we could not identify a compatible compression site of the common peroneal nerve (CPN) during hyper-flexion of knees. To evaluate the course of the CPN at the popliteal area related with compressive neuropathy using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of healthy Koreans. Methods : 1.5-Tesla knee MRI scans were obtained from enrolled patients and were retrospectively reviewed. The normal populations were divided into two groups according to the anatomical course of the CPN. Type I included subjects with the CPN situated superficial to the lateral gastocnemius muscle (LGCM). Type II included subjects with the CPN between the short head of biceps femoris muscle (SHBFM) and the LGCM. We calculated the thickness of the SHBFM and posterior elongation of this muscle, and the LGCM at the level of femoral condyles. In type II, the length of popliteal tunnel where the CPN passes was measured. Results : The 93 normal subjects were included in this study. The CPN passed through the "popliteal tunnel" formed between the SHBFM and the LGCM in 36 subjects (38.7% type II). The thicknesses of SHBFM and posterior portions of this muscle were statistically significantly increased in type II subjects. The LGCM thickness was comparable in both groups. In 78.8% of the "popliteal tunnel", a length of 21 mm to <40 mm was measured. Conclusion : In Korean population, the course of the CPN through the "popliteal tunnel" was about 40%, which is higher than the Western results. This anatomical characteristic may be helpful for understanding the mechanism of the CPNe by posture.

Three Cases of Intracranial Clear Cell Meningioma

Kim, Yeon-Seong,Kim, In-Young,Jung, Shin,Lee, Min-Cheol The Korean Neurosurgical Society 2005 Journal of Korean neurosurgical society Vol.38 No.1

The clear cell meningioma[CCM] is a rare and recently described as a histologic variant of meningioma. It has been identified and included in new World Health Organization[WHO] classification of the Central Nervous System[CNS] tumors recently. The CCMs are histologically characterized by sheets of spindled to polygonal cells with clear cytoplasm, which is the expression of high glycogen concentration. The CCMs occur in younger patients and usually are located in the spinal canal and posterior fossa. The most interesting aspect of CCM is the high recurrence rate and aggressiveness. Poor outcome has been shown in intracranial and spinal tumor location, but the indicators that predict outcome have not been established. Until now 22 intracranial CCM cases had been reported in English literature and 3 cases in Korean. The authors report two cases of CCM located at cerebral convexity and one at cavernous sinus those were totally removed [Simpson Grade $I{\sim}II$] by subfrontal, frontal and orbitocranial approaches. The clinical, radiological, histopathological, and neurosurgical features of these cases are discussed with the relevant literatures.

Deciding not to Operate in Head Injuries and Legal Considerations

Choi, Il,Lee, Kyeong-Seok,Shim, Jai-Joon,Choi, Weon-Rim The Korean Neurosurgical Society 2007 Journal of Korean neurosurgical society Vol.42 No.2

It is not the best way to treat a hopeless patient with life-sustaining medical devices until the heart beats stop. Advanced medical technology may prolong the life for a significant period without recovery from the disease. However, it would give an unbearable economic burden to the family and the society. In 2006, we decided not to operate 9 patients with traumatic intracranial hematomas. We examined those patients with special references to possible legal and ethical problems. It is reasonable to withhold a treatment after documentation that the family never wants any life sustaining treatment when the treatment does not guarantee the meaningful life.

Surgical Outcomes of Post-Fusion Lumbar Flatback Deformity with Sagittal Imbalance

Kim, Jin Seong,Kim, Sung Min The Korean Neurosurgical Society 2016 Journal of Korean neurosurgical society Vol.59 No.6

Objectives : To review surgical results of post-fusion lumbar flatback treated with pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) or Smith-Petersen osteotomies (SPOs). Methods : Twenty-eight patients underwent osteotomies. Radiological outcomes by sagittal vertical axis (SVA), and pelvic tilt (PT), T1 pelvic angle (T1PA), and pelvic incidence (PI)-lumbar lordosis (LL) at preoperative, postoperative 1 month, and final were evaluated. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS) score of back pain/leg pain, and Scoliosis Research Society-22 score (SRS-22r) were analyzed and compared. Patients were divided into 2 groups (SVA ${\leq}5cm$ : normal, SVA >5 cm : positive) at final and compared outcomes. Results : Nineteen patients (68%) had PSO and the other 9 patients had SPOs with anterior lumbar interbody fusions (ALIFs) (Mean age : 65 years, follow-up : 31 months). The PT, PI-LL, SVA, T1PA were significantly improved at 1 month and at final (p<0.01). VAS score, ODI, and SRS-22r were also significantly improved at the final (p<0.01). 23 patients were restored with normal SVA and the rest 5 patients demonstrated to positive SVA. SVA and T1PA at 1 month and SVA, PI-LL, and T1PA at final were significantly different (p<0.05) while the ODI, VAS, and SRS-22r did not differ significantly between the groups (p>0.05). Common reoperations were early 4 proximal junctional failures (14%) and late four rod fractures. Conclusion : Our results demonstrate that PSO and SPOs with ALIFs at the lower lumbar are significantly improves sagittal balance. For maintenance of normal SVA, PI-LL might be made negative value and T1PA might be less than $11^{\circ}$ even though positive SVA group was also significantly improved clinical outcomes.

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Treated by Posterior Spinal Segmental Instrumented Fusion : When Is Fusion to L3 Stable?

Hyun, Seung-Jae,Lenke, Lawrence G.,Kim, Yongjung,Bridwell, Keith H.,Cerpa, Meghan,Blanke, Kathy M. The Korean Neurosurgical Society 2021 Journal of Korean neurosurgical society Vol.64 No.5

Objective : The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for distal adding on (AO) or distal junctional kyphosis (DJK) in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) treated by posterior spinal fusion (PSF) to L3 with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Methods : AIS patients undergoing PSF to L3 by two senior surgeons from 2000-2010 were analyzed. Distal AO and DJK were deemed poor radiographic results and defined as >3 cm of deviation from L3 to the center sacral vertical line (CSVL), or >10° angle at L3-4 on the posterior anterior- or lateral X-ray at ultimate follow-up. New stable vertebra (SV) and neutral vertebra (NV) scores were defined for this study. The total stability (TS) score was the sum of the SV and NV scores. Results : Ten of 76 patients (13.1%) were included in the poor radiographic outcome group. The other 66 patients were included in the good radiographic outcome group. Lower Risser grade, more SV-3 (CSVL doesn't touch the lowest instrumented vertebra [LIV]) on standing and side bending films, lesser NV and TS score, rigid L3-4 disc, more rotation and deviation of L3 were identified risk factors for AO or DJK. Age, number of fused vertebrae, curve correction, preoperative coronal/sagittal L3-4 disc angle did not differ significantly between the two groups. Multiple logistic regression results indicated that preoperative Risser grade 0, 1 (odds ratio [OR], 1.8), SV-3 at L3 in standing and side benders (OR, 2.1 and 2.8, respectively), TS score -5, -6 at L3 (OR, 4.4), rigid disc at L3-4 (OR, 3.1), LIV rotation >15° (OR, 2.9), and LIV deviation >2 cm from CSVL (OR, 2.2) were independent predictive factors. Although there was significant improvement of the of Scoliosis Research Society-22 average scores only in the good radiographic outcome group, there was no significant difference in the scores between the groups. Conclusion : The prevalence of AO or DJK at ultimate follow-up for AIS with LIV at L3 was 13.1%. To prevent AO or DJK following fusion to L3, we recommend that the CSVL touch L3 in both standing and side bending, TS score is -4 or less, the L3/4 disc is flexible, L3 is neutral (<15°) and ≤2 cm from the midline and the patient is ≥ Risser 2.