Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis of spine diagnosis and management: An institutional experience of 21 cases.

Background: We aimed to establish a standardized protocol for managing multidrug-resistant (MDR) spinal tuberculosis (TB), addressing the surgical options, ranging from computed tomography-guided biopsy to intraoperative sampling. Methods: This study developed a treatment/management protocol based on an analysis of clinical, radiological, and postoperative outcomes for 21 patients with spinal MDR-TB. Over 24 months, 21 patients with multidrug-resistant spinal TB underwent the following testing: erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), numerical rating scale (NRS), and the American Spinal Injury Association Scale. Radiological criteria were based upon a comparison of preoperative and 6-month to 2-year postoperative plain radiographs. Results: The 21 patients underwent guided biopsies (35%) or intraoperative sampling (65%). For the surgical cases, dorsal vertebrae were most frequently involved (75%), and 90% underwent posterior surgical procedures. Postoperatively, ESR, CRP, kyphosis angle, and NRS score were significantly reduced. The 3 MDR patients who failed treatment were transitioned to the extensively drug-resistant (XDR) protocol wherein bedaquiline, linezolid, cycloserine, and clofazimine were given after drug sensitivity testing drug regimen, needed no further surgery, and none exhibited additional neurological deterioration. Conclusion: Regular clinical, laboratory, radiological, and outcome analysis is vital for following MDR spinal TB patients; early detection of relatively rare treatment failures (i.e., 3/21 patients in this series) allows for prompt initiation of XDR treatment, resulting in better outcomes.

Ancient Schwannoma Along the Patellar Tendon: Unveiling a Rare Clinical Phenomenon With Literature Review.

Ancient schwannoma, a rare subtype of schwannoma, a benign tumor originating from nerve sheaths, can arise from various nerves, except for the optic, olfactory, spinal, and autonomic nervous systems. Schwannomas are typically characterized by the presence of neoplastic Schwann cells and tend to develop eccentrically. Malignant transformations of schwannomas are exceptionally uncommon. In this case report, a 42-year-old male presented with a painful lump on the front of his left knee. The lump was described as an extra-articular swelling below the kneecap, situated over the patellar tendon. Initially, ultrasonography (USG) indicated the presence of a slow-flow vascular malformation in the infrapatellar region of the left knee. However, subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a well-defined mass in the subcutaneous plane below the knee, with minimal septations, leading to an initial suspicion of a large sebaceous cyst. Further investigation through histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of an extra-articular schwannoma. This finding highlights the importance of thorough examination and diagnostic techniques in differentiating between various types of soft tissue masses. Schwannomas, although uncommon in certain locations, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of painful lumps, even in atypical anatomical sites such as the knee.

The Glomus Tumor of Finger - A Case Series.

Introduction: Glomus tumor is a rare hamartoma, common in young female which is excruciatingly painful and affects daily activities. It is usually present in distal phalanx (subungual) but may occur in different locations. A clinician needs high-level suspicion to diagnose this condition. Case Report: We hereby reviewed five cases (four females and one male) of this rare entity selected from patients attending our outpatient department since 2016 and were operated on. Out of these five cases, four were primary cases and one reoccurrence. Each of these was managed with en bloc excision of tumor and confirming it with biopsy after diagnosing it clinically and radiologically. Conclusion: Glomus tumors are rare, benign, and slow-growing tumors that arise from neuromuscular-arterial structures called glomus bodies. Radiologically, magnetic resonance imaging classically shows T1 weight isointense and T2 mild hyperintense. Approaching a subungual glomus tumor through transungual approach with complete excision of the nail plate has reduced the risk of reoccurrence due to complete view/access of the tumor and placing intact the nail plate after excision reduces the incidence of post-operative nail deformity.

Analysis of Functional Outcomes Following Surgical Management of Neglected Multiple Carpometacarpal Dislocations: A Series of four Cases and Review of Literature.

Introduction: Dislocation of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is a rare injury that results following high-velocity trauma. Although there are a few anecdotal reports of isolated CMC joint dislocations, there is scarce literature concerning dislocations involving multiple joints, especially those that are neglected and present late after injury. The injury is often missed when the patient presents to the surgeon since the swelling obscures the characteristic deformity, and the fracture may not be apparent on radiographs. When missed at the initial presentation, they can frequently result in pain, swelling, reduced grip strength, and arthritis. Such injuries require surgical management, along with prompt post-operative physiotherapy to enable the patient to regain satisfactory grip strength and range of motion. Case Report: We retrospectively analyzed four cases of multiple CMC joint dislocations that were managed surgically at our tertiary apex center. The average duration between injury and presentation to our center was five weeks. We used the quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) scores and the maximum handgrip strength to assess the functional outcomes and the visual analog scale (VAS) to assess the pain at regular intervals. All patients showed an improvement in the Quick DASH scores, VAS scores, and the handgrip strength at the latest follow-up. All patients were able to return to their occupation. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and stabilization followed by early mobilization is the key to managing multiple CMC dislocations. The cases that present late are generally associated with contracted soft-tissue structures that prevent the relocation of the injury. Such cases require open reduction, along with a release of the contracted structures and internal fixation. Supervised physiotherapy in the post-operative period is essential to regain a satisfactory range of motion and grip strength.