Limited sequence MRI to improve standards of care for suspected cauda equina syndrome.

AIMS: Early cases of cauda equina syndrome (CES) often present with nonspecific symptoms and signs, and it is recommended that patients undergo emergency MRI regardless of the time since presentation. This creates substantial pressure on resources, with many scans performed to rule out cauda equina rather than confirm it. We propose that compression of the cauda equina should be apparent with a limited sequence (LS) scan that takes significantly less time to perform. METHODS: In all, 188 patients with suspected CES underwent a LS lumbosacral MRI between the beginning of September 2017 and the end of July 2018. These images were read by a consultant musculoskeletal radiologist. All images took place on a 3T or 1.5T MRI scanner at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, UK, and Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, UK. RESULTS: The 188 patients, all under the age of 55 years, underwent 196 LS lumbosacral MRI scans for suspected CES. Of these patients, 14 had cauda equina compression and underwent emergency decompression. No cases of CES were missed. Patients spent a mean 9.9 minutes (8 to 10) in the MRI scanner. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that a LS lumbosacral MRI could be used to diagnose CES safely in patients under the age of 55 years, but that further research is needed to assess safety and efficacy of this technique before changes to existing protocols can be recommended. In addition, work is needed to assess if LS MRIs can be used throughout the spine and if alternative pathology is being considered. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(4):501-505.

Preventing venous thromboembolism in elective upper limb surgery.

BACKGROUND: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) have considerable clinical and economic consequences. The prevention of venous thrombosis and PE are increasingly seen as quality markers for surgery. Guidance is available from a number of sources to stratify risk for different patients and procedures and to define an appropriate standard of care. Despite this, best practice is unclear. METHODS: We reviewed the available guidance for orthopedic surgeons undertaking elective upper limb surgery with respect to prescribing DVT prophylaxis. Material was identified from publications produced by professional and regulatory bodies, including United States Surgeon General, United Kingdom Department of Health, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, and the American College of Chest Physicians, as well as a structured MEDLINE database search. RESULTS: The picture is particularly confused in the case of elective upper limb surgery. Much of the evidence for prescribing DVT prophylaxis is related to lower limb surgery or trauma surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Failing to prescribe prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism (VTE) may be presented as a failure of care. We present a review of current guidance and the supporting evidence in order to establish evidence-based best practice and a standard of care for elective upper limb surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Review Article.