A neurosurgical research team at Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong has been recognized for developing a surgical approach that significantly reduces the risk of nerve injury and paralysis during complex spine procedures.
The hospital announced on the 9th that a team led by Cho Dae-jin and Bae Seong-su, professors in the Department of Neurosurgery at the hospital's Spine Center, received the top prize at the 17th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Korean Society for Basic Research in Spine, held on the 5th at the Bundang CHA Bio Complex.
Their award-winning study, titled Clinical effectiveness and biomechanical rationale for fusion and stabilization alone without direct neural decompression for complex spinal disorders, presents a technique for high-difficulty spinal conditions that stabilizes and fuses the spine without directly dissecting or decompressing compressed nerves. The strategy aims to eliminate the heightened risk of nerve damage that occurs when surgeons manually manipulate severely compromised neural tissue.
High Risk of Direct Decompression in Severe Compression Cases
Severe spinal conditions—such as ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OYL), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and tuberculous spondylitis—can progressively compress the spinal cord. Patients often experience numbness in the limbs, loss of fine motor skills, gait instability, and, in advanced stages, progressive paralysis.
Standard surgical protocols typically involve decompression surgery to physically remove bone or ligament tissue and create space around the spinal cord. However, when nerves are severely compressed or adhered to surrounding structures, operating directly around the spinal cord carries a high risk of causing permanent neurological deficits or worsening existing paralysis.
Stabilization Over Decompression Prevents Repetitive Micro-Injury
To address this challenge, the team proposed fusing and stabilizing the affected spinal segment while omitting direct nerve decompression. The biomechanical rationale centers on eliminating spinal instability. In an unstable spine, normal movement causes repetitive mechanical irritation and micro-trauma to an already vulnerable spinal cord. By firmly fixating the spine, the team demonstrated that eliminating this mechanical stress allows the spinal cord to recover and neurological symptoms to improve even without direct decompression.
While the team confirmed noticeable neurological recovery in patients suffering from progressive paralysis, they emphasized that the approach is not a universal substitute for all nerve compression cases. Because optimal surgical strategy depends on the location and severity of spinal cord compression, degree of instability, and progression rate of symptoms, thorough patient-specific evaluation remains essential.
“This study provides a meaningful treatment alternative for high-risk patients who previously faced daunting chances of surgical paralysis,” said Cho Dae-jin. “Having confirmed clear neurological improvement in patients with progressive paralysis, we will continue research to minimize surgical complications and support safe patient recovery.”
Cho Dae-jin serves as professor and head of the Department of Neurosurgery at Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, chair professor at Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, and vice president of the Korean Society for Spinal Deformity Research.
