Chang Hwa Ham

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is the main source of intractable lower back pain, and symptomatic IVD degeneration could be due to different degeneration mechanisms. In this article, we describe the molecular basis of symptomatic IVD degenerative disc diseases (DDDs), emphasizing the role of degeneration, inflammation, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix (ECM) regulation during this process. In symptomatic DDD, pro-inflammatory mediators modulate catabolic reactions, resulting in chan

BACKGROUND: Risser's sign is an established radiological marker for predicting growth potential in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, but the accuracy of Risser's staging has been debated. This research was designed to evaluate the accuracy of Risser's staging and to identify causes of errors in Risser's staging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plain radiographs of 89 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients were evaluated for Risser's stage using both the Original and French methods. A three-dimensional c

The outbreak of COVID-19 affected our daily practice as OPD and ER visits reduced but did not affect the number of surgeries. We believe that this report will be informative to spinal specialists worldwide fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction. To compare the biomechanical stability of the femur following the removal of proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA-II) and dynamic hip screw (DHS). Material and Methods. 56 paired cadaveric femurs were used as experimental and control groups. In the experimental group, PFNA-II and DHS were randomly inserted into femurs on both sides and then removed. Thereafter, compression load was applied until fracture occurred; biomechanical stability of the femurs and associated fracture pa

Soft tissue reaction following metallic debris formation with the use of guided growing rod system has not been previously reported in human. The purpose of this study is to report complications caused by metallosis in a guided growing rod system. A 9-year-old female patient, who underwent treatment for the progressive idiopathic scoliosis (with Cobb's angle of 71°) with the guided growing rod system. Her Cobb's angle was corrected to 13° with the index surgery. During the 5 years postoperative

OBJECTIVE: We developed a novel multi-torsional mechanical stretch stress loading device for ligamentum flavum cells and evaluated its influence on the development of ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, a common cause of lumbar spinal canal stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Stretch strength of the device was optimized by applying 5% and 15% MSS loads for 24, 48, and 72 h. A cytotoxicity assay of human ligamentum flavum cells was performed and the results were compared to control (0% stress). Inflammat

OBJECTIVE: Classification systems for cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) have traditionally focused on the morphological characteristics of ossification. Although the classification describes many clinical features associated with the shape of the ossification, including the concept of spondylosis seems necessary because of the similarity in age distribution. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with OPLL who presented with increase signal intensity (ISI) on magnetic reso

Spinal cord injury (SCI) following high-energy trauma often leads to lasting neurologic deficits and severe socioeconomic impact. Effective neurointensive care, particularly in the early stages post-injury, is essential for optimizing outcomes. This review discusses the role of neurointensive care in managing SCI, emphasizing early assessment, stabilization, and intervention strategies based on recent evidence-based practices. SCI results from primary mechanical damage to the spinal cord, trigge

BACKGROUND: Sagittal spinopelvic alignment (SSPA) parameters are essential for the diagnosis of adult spinal deformities (ASDs) and their progression. Certain clinical symptoms that occur in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) may distort the SSPA and mimic ASD. OBJECTIVE: To differentiate SSPA in symptomatic patients from asymptomatic patients within 10 minutes in the standing position. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study evaluated changes in SSP

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate psychosocial effect of brace treatment in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) using EuroQoL 5-dimension (EQ-5D) depression and anxiety category. BACKGROUND: AIS is a structural abnormality of the spine often affecting patients during the puberty, a critical period of developing psychosocial problems. Many questionnaires had been adapted to evaluate mental health and health-related quality of life of AIS patients. However, these q

BACKGROUND: Perioperative prophylactic antibiotic (PPA) use in spine surgery is known to reduce the rate of surgical site infections. In the past decade, several evidence-based guidelines have been published and surveillance systems to monitor the proper use of antimicrobials had been adapted by many institutes. OBJECTIVE: To report the trends of PPA prescription in lumbar fusion surgeries nationwide in the Republic of Korea. METHODS: This is a nationwide registry study. Using the population-bas

IFF is a safe and less invasive alternative method of lumbar spinal arthrodesis with a comparable fusion rate and clinical outcome. This method shows a relatively low revision rate.