Objective This study aimed to evaluate and compare the structural and functional characteristics of commercially available percutaneous epidural neuroplasty (PEN) catheters. Correlations among catheter properties were also examined to identify potential implications for clinical practice.
Methods Nine PEN catheter products from different manufacturers were analyzed. Various physical properties were assessed, including catheter diameter, length, lever rotation angle, bending degree, and advancing force. Bending degree was measured at maximal and half-maximal lever rotation angles, with and without the guidewire inserted. Advancing force was determined by measuring pressure generated at the catheter tip upon contact with the electronic scale plate. Wilcoxon signed-rank and Spearman correlation tests were used for statistical analysis.
Results Catheters exhibited considerable variations in structural and functional properties. The average catheter diameter and length were 2.0±0.6 mm and 287.8±30.3 mm, respectively; the mean lever rotation angle was 57°±21°. When the steering lever was rotated to its maximum allowable angle, proximal bend angle significantly increased in the wire-off state relative to the wire-on state, suggesting a trade-off between flexibility and structural support. Advancing force significantly varied across products; a positive correlation was observed between catheter diameter and advancing force.
Conclusion This study identified substantial variations in catheter characteristics across different products. Increased catheter flexibility after guidewire removal may lead to positional instability, requiring careful consideration during PEN procedures. Larger catheter diameters were correlated with increased advancing force, which could influence ease of insertion and patient comfort. These findings emphasize the need for standardized PEN catheter specifications to optimize safety and efficacy in clinical practice.
Jong Joo Lee, Min Cheol Chang, Dong Ah Shin, Jin Hoon Park, Miyoung Choi, Hyung-Youl Park, In Soo Kim, Jung-Kil Lee, Chung-Kee Chough, Seung Hwan Yoon, Seong-Soo Choi, Sung-Woo Choi, The Korean Pain Society, The Korean Spinal Pain Society, The Korean Spinal Neurosurgery Society
Neurospine 2025;22(2):366-383. Published online June 30, 2025
Objective In this study, we aimed to develop evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) with radiculopathy, tailored to South Korean clinical settings.
Methods The guideline development process used followed the evidence-based medicine principles. Literature searches were conducted across databases, including MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane, Embase, and KoreaMed, using predefined search strategies. Titles and abstracts were reviewed to identify the best research evidence. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the GRADE method. Quantitative meta-analyses or qualitative synthesis were conducted based on data heterogeneity. Recommendations were assigned strength grades (A, B, C, D, I) reflecting evidence reliability.
Results In these guidelines, comprehensive recommendations for managing LDH with radiculopathy in clinical settings were provided. International evidence and multidisciplinary expert opinions were integrated. Four key clinical questions were identified and divided into sections: surgical treatment, interventional treatment, and physical treatment/exercise. The recommendations for these questions are summarized in this article.
Conclusion The aim of establishing these CPGs was to enhance treatment outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and promote public health. By recognizing limitations in domestic data and the dynamic healthcare circumstances, the need for continuous revision was emphasized in these guidelines. Nonetheless, in future updates, the guidelines will be refined to improve their quality and applicability in clinical practice.
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Objective Precise knowledge regarding the mechanical stress applied to the intervertebral disc following each individual spine motion enables physicians and patients to understand how people with discogenic back pain should be guided in their exercises and which spine motions to specifically avoid. We created an intervertebral disc degeneration model and conducted a finite element (FE) analysis of loaded stresses following each spinal posture or motion.
Methods A 3-dimensional FE model of intervertebral disc degeneration at L4–5 was constructed. The intervertebral disc degeneration model was created according to the modified Dallas discogram scale. The von Mises stress and range of motion (ROM) regarding the intervertebral discs and the endplates were analyzed.
Results We observed that mechanical stresses loaded onto the intervertebral discs were similar during flexion, extension, and lateral bending, which were greater than those occurring during torsion. Based on the comparison among the grades divided by the modified Dallas discogram scale, the mechanical stress during extension was greater in grades 3–5 than it was during the others. During extension, the mechanical stress loaded onto the intervertebral disc and endplate was greatest in the posterior portion. Mechanical stresses loaded onto the intervertebral disc were greater in grades 3–5 compared to those in grades 0–2.
Conclusion Our findings suggest that it might be beneficial for patients experiencing discogenic back pain to maintain a neutral posture in their lumbar spine when engaging in daily activities and exercises, especially those suffering from significant intravertebral disc degeneration.
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Objective Cervical myelopathy (CM) describes the compressive cervical spinal cord state, often accompanied by serious clinical condition, by herniated disc or hypertrophied spurs or ligament. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) has been frequently employed as conventional surgical solution for this CM despite its inherent biomechanical handicap. Alternatively, an artificial disc replacement (ADR) preserves cervical motion while still decompressing the spinal canal and neural foramen. This analysis elaborated to clarify the potential benefits of ADR application to CM over ACDF from the conglomerated results of the past references.
Methods A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane review, and KMbase databases from the studies published until March 2023. Six studies (3 randomized controlled study [RCTs] and 3 non-RCTs) were included in a qualitative and quantitative synthesis. Data were extracted and analyzed using a random effects model to obtain effect size and its statistical significance. Quality assessment and evidence level were established in accordance with the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology.
Results Among 6 studies, 2 studies showed that ADR group achieved significantly better clinical improvement than the ACDF group, while the rest 4 studies revealed no significant difference. A meta-analysis showed better clinical outcomes with or without statistical significance. The level of evidence was low because of inconsistency and imprecision.
Conclusion ADR was superior or at least, not inferior to ACDF in terms of functional recovery. However, its application to the CM patients is merely empowered with weak strength due to low level of evidence.
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