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BACKGROUND CONTEXT Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) in the cervical spine is known as a rare, complex genetic disease, its complexity being partly because OPLL is diagnosed by radiological findings regardless of clinical or genetic evaluations. Although many genes associated with susceptibility have been reported, the exact causative genes are still unknown. PURPOSE We performed an analysis using next-generation sequencing and including only patients with a clear involved phenotype. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING This was a case control study. PATIENT SAMPLE A total of 74 patients with severe OPLL and 26 healthy controls were included. OUTCOME MEASURES Causal single-nucleotide variant (SNV), gene-wise variant burden (GVB), and related pathway METHOD We consecutively included the severe OPLL patients with continuous-/mixed-type and an occupying ratio of ≥ 40%, and performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) and bioinformatic analysis. Then, a validation test was performed for candidate variations. Participants were divided into 4 groups (rapidly-growing OPLL, growing rate ≥ 2.5%/y; slow-growing, RESULTS WES was performed on samples from 74 patients with OPLL (rapidly-growing, 33 patients; slow-growing, 37; and uncertain, 4) with 26 healthy controls. Analysis of 100 participants identified a newly implicated SNV and 4candidate genes based on GVB. The GVB of CYP4B1 showed a more deleterious score in the OPLL than the control group. Comparison between the rapidly growing OPLL and control groups revealed seven newly identified SNVs. We found significant association for 2 rare missense variants; rs121502220 (odds ratio [OR] = infinite; minor allele frequency [MAF] = 0.034) in NLRP1 and rs13980628 (OR= infinite; MAF = 0.032) in SSH2. The 3 genes are associated with inflammation control and arthritis, and SSH2 and NLRP1 are also related to vitamin D modulation. CONCLUSIONS Identification of unique variants in novel genes such as CYP4B1 gene may induce the development of OPLL. In subgroup analysis, NLRP1 and SSH2 genes coding inflammation molecules may related with rapidly-growing OPLL.

Objective We evaluated the effect of the total psoas area index (TPAI = total psoas muscle area [cm2]/height squared [m2]) on neurological complications and clinical outcomes after lateral lumbar interbody fusion and identified the appropriate TPAI to achieve a substantial clinical benefit (SCB). Methods A consecutive series of 123 patients who had undergone single-level lateral lumbar interbody fusion at a single center with ≥2 years of follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. The patient characteristics and operative data were evaluated. The neurological complications were classified as transient and persistent symptoms. The visual analog scale score for back pain was assessed preoperatively and at 1 and 2 years postoperatively. Results The present study included 31 men and 92 women. The mean TPAI was 8.97 cm2/m2 for the men and 5.04 cm2/m2 for the women. The mean TPAI was not significantly different between the patients with and without perioperative neurological complications. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that solid interbody fusion was the most significant factor for achieving an SCB regarding back pain in men (odds ratio [OR], 2.453; P = 0.019) and women (OR, 2.906; P = 0.042). The TPAI was one of the predictors for achieving an SCB in men (OR, 1.251; P = 0.038) and women (OR, 1.795; P = 0.023). The optimal cutoff point of the TPAI for an SCB was 8.18 cm2/m2 for the men and 4.43 cm2/m2 for the women. Conclusions The TPAI had little effect on the incidence of perioperative neurological complications. However, the TPAI was identified as one of the predictors for achieving an SCB regarding back pain.

Objective Even if analyzed through meta-analyses or systemic reviews ensued lately, we could say that at least it is inconclusive which of the surgical or non-surgical treatment to lumbar spinal stenosis is better particularly in short to intermediate-term. This study compared non-surgical and surgical outcomes in surgical candidates for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Methods Surgical candidates for LSS were prospectively screened. Patients were offered the option to be enrolled in a randomized cohort, an observational cohort, or not to participate. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated at baseline, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary outcomes were measures of pain and functional outcomes such as the Korean version of the Oswestry Disability Index (K-ODI), the EuroQol 5-Dimension instrument (EQ-5D), and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Results One hundred and ten patients were enrolled in the randomized cohort and 37 patients in the observational cohort. Among them, 97 patients received non-surgical treatment, and 50 patients underwent surgical treatment. At 12 months, the non-surgical treatment group had less improvements in the primary outcome measures of back pain (mean change: non-surgery, 2.34 vs. surgery, 3.99), leg pain (2.92 vs. 3.40), K-ODI (5.12 vs. 8.31), EQ-5D utility index (0.19 vs. 0.25), and EQ-5D VAS (9.68 vs. 16.0). Most SF-36 section parameters also showed less improvement in the non-surgical treatment group than in the surgical treatment group throughout the 12-month follow-up. Conclusions In LSS patients without instability, non-surgical treatment resulted in less pain improvement and functional recovery through 1 year.

Full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy (FELD) is a minimally invasive surgical option for recurrent lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Nonetheless, patients' clinical outcomes may be poorer after surgery for recurrent LDH than for primary LDH. Therefore, we compared patients' longitudinal clinical outcomes after FELD for recurrent LDH or primary LDH.The medical records of patients who underwent FELD for primary LDH (group A) or recurrent LDH (group B) were retrospectively reviewed. The inclusion criteria were: 1) single-level LDH or recurrent LDH at L4-5 or L5-S1, 2) age ≤60 years, 3) previous open discectomy (group B), and 4) ≥6 months of follow-up. In total, 244 patients (group A, 211; group B, 33) were included. Clinical outcomes (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]; visual analogue pain score for the back and leg [VAS-B] and [VAS-L]) over 24 months of follow-up were compared between groups with a linear mixed-effects model.All clinical outcomes significantly improved from pre-operation to 3 months postoperatively (p 0.01), and the improvement was maintained for 24 months postoperatively in both groups. The clinical outcomes of groups A and B were not significantly different during 24 months follow-up (ODI, p = 0.94; VAS-B, p = 0.11; and VAS-L, p = 0.48). The reoperation rate was 3.3% in group A and 3.0% in group B, but the overall complication rate was higher in group B (9.8%) than in group A (6.6%).The longitudinal clinical outcomes after FELD for recurrent LDH may not be poor as feared. However, the higher complication rate in patients undergoing FELD for recurrent LDH should be noted.

Few studies directly comparing minimally invasive (MI) transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and open TLIF offering long-term follow-up data have been performed to date. Therefore, we sought to compare mid- to long-term outcomes between these two surgical approaches.This was a retrospective data analysis of two surgical groups. We analyzed the details of 97 patients with degenerative lumbar disease who were treated with MI TLIF (n = 55) or open TLIF (n = 42) between 2011-2014 and had at least seven years of follow-up data available. Peri- and postoperative outcomes were compared. To evaluate rates of adjacent segment disease (ASD) and revisions, frequencies of radiologic, symptomatic, and operative ASD were analyzed accordingly.In terms of clinical outcome, the Oswestry Disability Index and visual analog scale scores were significantly reduced, with no difference between the groups. However, data for several peri- and postoperative outcomes, including perioperative blood loss, ambulation day, hospital stay, and operation time, varied in a manner favoring the MI TLIF group (Patients undergoing MI TLIF showed favorable immediate postoperative outcomes and less radiographic ASD. However, the rates of fusion and operative ASD remained similar between the two groups after 7 years of follow-up.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes of C3–C6 laminoplasty and C3–C6 laminoplasty with C7 dome-like laminectomy for the treatment of patients with stenosis at the C6–7 level. Methods: Forty-nine patients who underwent C3–C6 laminoplasty and 39 patients who underwent C7 dome-like laminectomy were selected based on strict criteria, including the presence of stenosis grade 2 at the C6–7 level preoperatively. The clinical and radiologic outcomes were compared at admission and at 1 and 2 years postoperatively. Results: The baseline clinical characteristics did not differ significantly between the two groups. The Japanese Orthopedic Association score improved more significantly in the C7 dome-like laminectomy group (p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in neck pain between the two groups (p = 0.15). The spinal cord diameter at the C6–7 level was significantly increased in the dome-like laminectomy group (p = 0.01). There were no significant differences in the cross-sectional area of the paraspinal muscles, the cervical lordotic angle between C2–C7 and the cervical range of motion between the two groups (p = 0.33, 0.46, and 0.41, respectively). Neurological deterioration was not observed in C7 dome-like laminectomy group while 4 patients developed neurological deterioration in C3–C6 laminoplasty group. Conclusions: C7 dome-like laminectomy can be a surgical option for patients with stenosis grade 2 at the C6–7 level. It is possible to obtain adequate spinal cord decompression while obtaining good clinical and radiologic outcomes. Keywords: Cervical spine, C3–C6 laminoplasty, C3–C7 laminoplasty, C3–C6 laminoplasty with C7 dome-like laminectomy

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) has been closely linked with skeletal muscle atrophy in many studies, but to date no study has focused on the paraspinal muscle.To verify paraspinal muscle changes according to serum vitamin D level.A cross-sectional study of patients who visited our hospital and an in vivo animal study.We measured serum vitamin D concentration in 91 elderly women and stratified them according to their vitamin D status in three groups, control, vitamin D insufficiency, and VDD, and obtained magnetic resonance imaging data of the lumbar spine and evaluated the quality and quantity of the paraspinal muscles. Additionally, we designed experimental rat models for VDD and VDD replacement. Then, we analyzed the microcomputed tomography data and histologic data of paraspinal muscles, and the histologic data and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction data of intramyonuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR) in paraspinal muscle through comparison with control rats (n=25, each group). This work was supported by a Biomedical Research Institute grant ($40,000), Kyungpook National University Hospital (2014).In the human studies, a significant decrease was noted in the overall paraspinal muscularity (p.05) and increase in fatty infiltration in the VDD group as compared with the other groups (p.05). In the rat experiment, a decrease was noted in paraspinal muscle fiber size and VDR concentration and VDR gene expression level, and total muscle volume of the VDD rats as compared with the control rats (p.05). Vitamin D replacement after VDD could partially restore the muscle volume, muscle fiber size, and intramyonuclear VDR concentration levels (p.05) of the paraspinal muscles.VDD induces paraspinal muscle atrophy and decreases the intramyonuclear VDR concentration and VDR gene expression level in these muscles. Vitamin D replacement contributes to the recovery from atrophy and restoration of intramyonuclear VDR concentration in VDD status.

Background Context Radiofrequency denervation is commonly used for the treatment of chronic facet joint pain that has been refractory to more conservative treatments, although the evidence supporting this treatment has been controversial. Purpose We aimed to elucidate the precise effects of radiofrequency denervation in patients with low back pain originating from the facet joints relative to those obtained using control treatments, with particular attention to consistency in the denervation protocol. Study Design/Setting A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was carried out. Patient Sample Adult patients undergoing radiofrequency denervation or control treatments (sham or epidural block) for facet joint disease of the lumbar spine comprised the patient sample. Outcome Measures Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores were measured and stratified by response of diagnostic block procedures. Method We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Database for randomized controlled trials regarding radiofrequency denervation and control treatments for back pain. Changes in VAS pain scores of the radiofrequency group were compared with those of the control group as well as the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for back pain VAS. Meta-regression model was developed to evaluate the effect of radiofrequency treatment according to responses of diagnostic block while controlling for other variables. We then calculated mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using random-effects models. Results We included data from seven trials involving 454 patients who had undergone radiofrequency denervation (231 patients) and control treatments such as sham or epidural block procedures (223 patients). The radiofrequency group exhibited significantly greater improvements in back pain score when compared with the control group for 1-year follow-up. Although the average improvement in VAS scores exceeded the MCID, the lower limit of the 95% CI encompassed the MCID. A subgroup of patients who responded very well to diagnostic block procedures demonstrated significant improvements in back pain relative to the control group at all times. When placed into our meta-regression model, the response to diagnostic block procedure was responsible for a statistically significant portion of treatment effect. Studies published over the last two decades revealed that radiofrequency denervation reduced back pain significantly in patients with facet joint disease compared with the MCID and control treatments. Conclusions Conventional radiofrequency denervation resulted in significant reductions in low back pain originating from the facet joints in patients showing the best response to diagnostic block over the first 12 months when compared with sham procedures or epidural nerve blocks.

Background Primary dural repair in ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) surgery via anterior is challenging because of limited space. Based on several years of our experiences, we present our concept for addressing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage following dural tear during anterior OPLL surgery. Methods We reviewed the medical records of 65 patients who underwent anterior OPLL surgery from 2003 to 2014. We included 7 patients whose operation records described dural tear followed by CSF leakage. Primary dural repair could not be performed in 6 patients because of ragged tear and limited space. We managed them with our own strategy: simple cover with an artificial dura, collagen sponge and/or fibrin glue on defect site; anatomical layer-by-layer repair without either subfascial or CSF drain, and early ambulation. Results Of 7 patients, wound problems developed in 2 patients. Wound aspiration and antibiotic treatment was done without wound compression in one patient, and simple irrigation followed by anatomical layer-by-layer re-closure was done in the other patient without either bed rest or lumbar drainage. Pseudomeningoceles were detected in 4 patients, including 2 patients who had wound problems. However, all pseudomeningoceles were absorbed spontaneously or stabilized on follow-up images without interventions such as bed rest, lumbar drain or wound compression. Conclusions Without interference of pressure equilibrium between intradural and extradural space, the defect site would heal and close. After that, the isolated pseudomeningocele would be spontaneously absorbed after certain period of time.

Background Context Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) can hinder a patient's physical activity, which in turn can impair glucose tolerance and body weight regulation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM-2). Therefore, successful lumbar surgery could facilitate glycemic control and body weight regulation. Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the effects of postoperative improvement in physical activity on body mass index (BMI) and hemoglobin A 1c (HbA 1c ) level in patients with LSS and DM-2 over a 2-year follow-up period. Study Design Prospective longitudinal observational study. Patient Sample Patients with LSS and DM-2. Outcome Measures Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for back pain and leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, JOA Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ) sections, BMI, and blood analysis for HbA 1c were carried out. Methods A total of 119 patients were enrolled for analysis of the effect of successful decompression surgery on changes in HbA 1c levels and BMI. The VAS score, ODI score, JOA score, JOABPEQ, BMI, HbA 1c were reassessed at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. Additionally, correlations between changes in HbA 1c and changes in the ODI, JOA, JOABPEQs, and BMI were analyzed. Results The overall values of HbA1c before and at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after the surgery were 7.08±0.94%, 6.58±0.87%, 6.59±0.79%, and 6.59±0.79%, respectively (p-values; 6 months: .024; 1 year: .021; 2 years: .038). In the not well-controlled sugar (non-WCS) group (preoperative HbA 1c >6.5%), the difference between pre- and postoperative HbA 1c was highly statistically significant (p 1c changes are strongly correlated with the improvements of ODI, JOA, and JOABPEQ after surgery. Conclusions The present study demonstrates that in patients with DM-2 and LSS, successful lumbar surgery may facilitate glycemic control by enabling an increase in the patient's level of physical activity. Additionally, it could help reduce body weight in overweight (BMI>25) patients with DM-2 and LSS.

Background Context Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is the most common lumbar degenerative disease, and sagittal imbalance is uncommon. Forward-bending posture, which is primarily caused by buckling of the ligamentum flavum, may be improved via simple decompression surgery. Purpose The objectives of this study were to identify the risk factors for sagittal imbalance and to describe the outcomes of simple decompression surgery. Study Design This is a retrospective nested case-control study Patient Sample This was a retrospective study that included 83 consecutive patients (M:F=46:37; mean age, 68.5±7.7 years) who underwent decompression surgery and a minimum of 12 months of follow-up. Outcome Measures The primary end point was normalization of sagittal imbalance after decompression surgery. Methods Sagittal imbalance was defined as a C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA) ≥40 mm on a 36-inch-long lateral whole spine radiograph. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for sagittal imbalance. Bilateral decompression was performed via a unilateral approach with a tubular retractor. The SVA was measured on serial radiographs performed 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The prognostic factors for sagittal balance recovery were determined based on various clinical and radiological parameters. Results Sagittal imbalance was observed in 54% (45/83) of patients, and its risk factors were old age and a large mismatch between pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis. The 1-year normalization rate was 73% after decompression surgery, and the median time to normalization was 1 to 3 months. Patients who did not experience SVA normalization exhibited low thoracic kyphosis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.10) (p Conclusions Sagittal imbalance was observed in more than 50% of LSS patients, but this imbalance was correctable via simple decompression surgery in 70% of patients.

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the advantages of post-tetanic motor-evoked potential (p-MEP) and conventional motor-evoked potential (c-MEP) in terms of MEP inter-trial variability and accuracy. Methods c-MEP and p-MEP were quantified in subjects who underwent brain surgery. c-MEP was generated by transcranial electrical stimulation (TES). p-MEP was generated using a preconditioning process involving tetanic stimulation at the left tibial nerve followed by TES. The presence of significant MEP deterioration was monitored during major surgical process. An additional 5–8 MEP obtained after major surgical process were used to analyze amplitude parameters such as mean, standard deviation, range, coefficient of variation (CV), and range to mean ratio. Results When only irreversible MEP deteriorations were considered as positive results, the false-positive rate was identical for p-MEP and c-MEP. When total MEP deteriorations were considered as positive results, the false-positive rate of p-MEP was lower and p-MEP had higher specificity than c-MEP. The mean amplitude of p-MEP was significantly higher than that of c-MEP. The CV and range to mean ratio of p-MEP were less than those of c-MEP. Conclusion The p-MEP technique is useful for augmenting MEP amplitude and reducing inter-trial variability. Significance p-MEP has clinical significance as a useful technique for intraoperative monitoring.

Background Context Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are drugs used to treat osteoporosis. Selective estrogen receptor modulators improve bone mineral density and bone mechanical strength. However, there is a lack of data on the effect of SERMs on osteoporotic spinal fusion. Purpose This study aimed to investigate whether treatment with a SERM enhances spinal fusion in an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model. Study Design An in vivo animal study was carried out. Methods Female Sprague Dawley rats (n=90) were OVX or sham-operated, and randomized into three groups: control (sham-operated+fusion procedure+saline administration), OVX (OVX+fusion procedure+saline administration), and SERM (OVX+fusion procedure+administration of SERM). Eight weeks after OVX, a bilateral lumbar spinal fusion procedure was performed using autologous iliac bone. In each group, gene expression was evaluated at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the fusion procedure, histologic analysis was performed at 4 and 8 weeks after the procedure, and bone parameters were measured by micro-computed tomography at 2 days, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks after the procedure. Results Bone mineral density and trabecular quality of the vertebral body were significantly higher in the SERM group compared with the OVX group 16 weeks after OVX. The fusion rate and bone volume ratio were higher in the fusion bed of the SERM group compared with the OVX group 8 weeks after the fusion procedure. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction at 4 and 8 weeks after the fusion procedure showed increased expression of the genes for osteoblast-related markers (alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, runt-related transcription factor 2, and transforming growth factor) in the SERM group compared with the OVX group. The OVX group showed sparse bone mass between transverse processes. By contrast, the SERM group exhibited a compact bridging fusion mass within the fusion bed at 8 weeks after the fusion procedure. Conclusions Selective estrogen receptor modulator treatment improved the trabecular quality of the vertebral body, enhanced spinal fusion, and increased the amount of compact bone mass within the fusion bed in rats that had received an ovariectomy. Therapeutic SERM treatment may be recommended to improve the fusion rate in osteoporotic patients who undergo spinal fusion.

Background context Lumbar spinal stenosis is one of the most common degenerative spine diseases. Surgical options are largely divided into decompression only and decompression with arthrodesis. Recent randomized trials showed that surgery was more effective than nonoperative treatment for carefully selected patients with lumbar stenosis. However, some patients require reoperation because of complications, failure of bony fusion, persistent pain, or progressive degenerative changes, such as adjacent segment disease. In a previous population-based study, the 10-year reoperation rate was 17%, and fusion surgery was performed in 10% of patients. Recently, the lumbar fusion surgery rate has doubled, and a substantial portion of the reoperations are associated with a fusion procedure. With the change in surgical trends, the longitudinal surgical outcomes of these trends need to be reevaluated. Purpose To provide the longitudinal reoperation rate after surgery for spinal stenosis and to compare the reoperation rates between decompression and fusion surgeries. Study design/setting Retrospective cohort study using national health insurance data. Patient sample A cohort of patients who underwent initial surgery for lumbar stenosis without spondylolisthesis in 2003. Outcome measures The primary end point was any type of second lumbar surgery. Cox proportional hazards regression modeling was used to compare the adjusted reoperation rates between decompression and fusion surgeries. Methods A national health insurance database was used to identify a cohort of patients who underwent an initial surgery for lumbar stenosis without spondylolisthesis in 2003; a total of 11,027 patients were selected. Individual patients were followed for at least 5 years through their encrypted unique resident registration number. After adjusting for confounding factors, the reoperation rates for decompression and fusion surgery were compared. Results Fusion surgery was performed in 20% of patients. The cumulative reoperation rate was 4.7% at 3 months, 7.2% at 1 year, 9.4% at 2 years, 11.2% at 3 years, 12.5% at 4 years, and 14.2% at 5 years. The adjusted reoperation rate was not different between decompression and fusion surgeries (p=.82). The calculated reoperation rate was expected to be 22.9% at 10 years. Conclusions The reoperation rate was not different between decompression and fusion surgeries. With current surgical trends, the reoperation rate appeared to be higher than in the past, and consideration of this problem is required.

Established in 1957, the Department of Neurosurgery at Seoul National University College of Medicine is the one of the oldest neurosurgical departments in Korea. The seven past Chairmen (Bo Sung Sim, Kil Soo Choi, Dae Hee Han, Byung-Kyu Cho, Hyun Jib Kim, Hee-Won Jung, and Dong Gyu Kim) have devoted themselves to the development of the department. The current chair, Chun Kee Chung, assumed the position in July 2010. The current department comprises several clinical programs that encompass the entire spectrum of neurosurgical disorders, with 29 specialized faculty members and care teams in three hospitals: Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH), Boramae Medical Center (BMC), and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH). The remarkable growth of the department during the last half century made it possible to perform 5,666 operations (3,299 at SNUH, 411 at BMC and 1,860 at SNUBH) during 2009. A total of 1,201 articles authored by faculty members were published in scientific journals between 1958 and 2009, approximately 32% of which were published in international journals. The department is regarded as the "Mecca" of neurosurgery in Korea because of its outstanding achievement and the many distinguished alumni with leadership roles in the academic field. This article traces the clinical, academic, and scientific development of the department, its present activities, and its future direction.

The seizure network may be different between temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (TLE+HS) and without HS (TLE-HS). Chronic seizure activity may alter the diffusion properties of a seizure network. The thalamus is known to have an anatomical connection to the medial temporal area and to play a role in seizure modulation. This study aimed to evaluate differences in thalamic changes between TLE+HS and TLE-HS with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).Nine patients with TLE+HS and nine patients with TLE-HS were included in the study. All patients underwent surgery with good seizure outcomes. Hippocampal sclerosis was verified pathologically. Sixteen right-handed, normal subjects were enrolled as controls. DTI was acquired using 3.0 T MRI. The mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) were calculated in the center of the bilateral thalamus with the DTIstudio program.The MD of bilateral thalami increased in both TLE groups compared to controls (p0.05), while FA values did not differ from controls. The MD of the thalamus ipsilateral to the epileptogenic side was higher in the TLE+HS group than in the TLE-HS group (p=0.007). Onset age, seizure duration, seizure frequency and total seizure number were not correlated with FA and MD changes (p0.05).Bilateral thalamic diffusion properties are altered in temporal lobe epilepsy. The presence of hippocampal sclerosis enhances the change ipsilaterally.