• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2010

Objective: On the basis of preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans, we studied the change of the size of anterior primary division (APD) of the L5 spinal root in the presence of foraminal/extraforaminal entrapment of the L5 spinal root. Methods: Two independent radiologists retrospectively reviewed the preoperative CT scans of 27 patients treated surgically and compared the sizes of the APDs on bilateral L5 spinal roots. If one side APO size was larger than the other side APD size, it was described as left or right "dominancy" and regarded this as "consensus (C)" in case that there was a consensus between the larger APD and the location of sciatica, and regarded as "non-consensus (NC)" in case that there was not a consensus. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were used for preoperative and postoperative evaluation. Results: On CT scans, twenty-one (77%) of 27 patients were the consensus group (APD swelling) and 6 (22%) were a non-consensus group (APD no swelling). In 9 patients with acute foraminal disc herniations, asymmetric enlargement of the APD on L5 spinal root was detected in all cases (100%) and detected in 11 (64%) of 17 patients with stenosis. Preoperative ODI score was 75-93 (mean 83) and postoperative 001 scores were improved to 13-36 (mean 21). The mean follow-up period was 6 months (range, 3-11 months). Conclusion: An asymmetric enlargement of the APD on L5 spinal root on CT scans is meaningfully associated with a foraminal or extraforaminal entrapment of the L5 spinal root on the lumbosacral junction.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.31.1-31.13
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• 2021

Objectives: To evaluate postoperative pain after endodontic treatment of necrotic teeth using large intentional foraminal enlargement (LIFE). Materials and Methods: The sample included 60 asymptomatic necrotic teeth (with or without chronic apical periodontitis), and a periodontal probing depth of 3 mm, previously accessed and referred to perform endodontic treatment. After previous procedures, the position and approximate size of the apical foramen (AF) were determined by using an apex locator and K flexo-files, respectively. The chemomechanical preparation was performed with Profile 04 files 2 mm beyond the AF to achieve the LIFE, using 2.5 mL of 2.5% NaOCl at each file change. The filling was performed by Tagger's hybrid technique and EndoFill sealer. Phone calls were made to all the patients at 24, 48 and 72 hours after treatment, to classify postoperative pain. Statistical analysis was performed by different tests with a significance level of 5%. Results: Age, gender, periradicular status and tooth type did not influence postoperative pain (p > 0.05). Only 1 patient (1.66%) reported severe pain after 72 hours. Moderate pain was reported by 7, 4 and 3 patients after 24, 48 and 72 hours, respectively (p = 0.0001). However, paired analyses showed a statistically significant difference only between 24 and 72 hours (p = 0.04). Sealer extrusion did not influence the postoperative pain (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Acute or moderate postoperative pain was uncommon after endodontic treatment of necrotic teeth with LIFE.