Prophylactic Decompression for Cervical Stenosis in Jeune Syndrome: Report From a Single Institution.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a level IV retrospective descriptive study at a single institution. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the preoperative signs or symptoms prompting cervicomedullary imaging in Jeune syndrome. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Jeune syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that results in pulmonary compromise from abnormal development of the thorax. Multiple medical comorbidities complicate timely diagnosis of cervicomedullary stenosis, which neurologically jeopardizes this patient population with regards to improper cervical manipulation. Currently, explicit screening of the cervicomedullary junction is not advocated in national guidelines. METHODS: The User Reporting Workbench and Center for Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome (CTIS) Safety Registry was queried for patients with Jeune syndrome under the age of 18 with cervicomedullary stenosis with or without suboccipital craniectomy/craniotomy evaluated at the authors' institution from January 1, 2007 to August 21, 2018. The primary outcome was the clinical reason for cervicomedullary screening. Secondary outcomes were: age at time of surgery, preoperative myelopathy (spasticity, urinary retention), hydrocephalus, postoperative deficits (respiratory, motor, swallowing difficulty), and need for cervical fusion. RESULTS: Of 32 patients with Jeune syndrome, four (12.5%) had cervicomedullary stenosis requiring decompression. The average age at surgery was 5.25 months (2-9 mo). Two patients underwent imaging due to desaturation events while the other two patients were diagnosed with cervical stenosis as an incidental finding. No patients exhibited clinical myelopathy. Two patients had baseline preoperative swallowing difficulties. None of the patients postoperatively required cervical fusions, nor did they exhibit respiratory deficits, motor deficits, or worsening swallowing difficulties. CONCLUSION: Jeune patients should be routinely screened for cervicomedullary stenosis and undergo subsequent prophylactic decompression to minimize or eliminate the development of irreversible neurologic compromise. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Suprascapular Ligament Release From an Anterior Approach: An Anatomic Feasibility Study.

PURPOSE: The results of spinal accessory to suprascapular nerve transfers have been less reliable than other nerve transfers in the upper limb, possibly owing to compression of the nerve by the suprascapular ligament. The posterior approach has been advocated to allow for release of the ligament. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a ligament release is possible from the anterior approach. METHODS: Nine fresh-frozen cadavers were dissected to determine whether the ligament could be approached and released from the anterior approach. Complete ligament release was demonstrated by subluxation of the nerve out of the suprascapular notch. RESULTS: Ligament release was achieved in all specimens, although in one, confirmation of complete release required a posterior approach. CONCLUSIONS: Release of the suprascapular ligament to eliminate a potential source of compression of the suprascapular nerve during spinal accessory to suprascapular nerve transfer is possible through an anterior approach. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Release of the suprascapular ligament through an anterior approach allows this procedure to be performed through the same approach as brachial plexus exploration and spinal accessory nerve to suprascapular nerve transfer. This method could reduce surgical time and patient repositioning and avoid additional incisions.

High resolution real time ultrasonography of the sural nerve after percutaneous repair of the Achilles tendon.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous Achilles tendon repair has been developed to minimise soft tissue complications following treatment of tendon ruptures. However, there are concerns because of the risk of sural nerve injury. Few studies have investigated the relationship between the Achilles tendon, the sural nerve and its several anatomical course variants. METHODS: We studied 7 cadaveric limbs (7 Achilles tendons) in which a percutaneous repair of the Achilles tendon was performed. On each tendon, high resolution real time ultrasonography examination was performed by an experienced musculoskeletal radiologist before and after the procedure, with the surgeons blind to the results of the scan both before and after surgery. RESULTS: In two instances, high resolution real time ultrasonography examination revealed nerve entrapment at the level of most proximal lateral suture. CONCLUSIONS: Since the sural nerve can be easily visualised using high-frequency high resolution real time ultrasonography, intraoperative ultrasound can be of assistance during percutaneous repair of Achilles tendon rupture. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The sural nerve can be readily visualised by high-frequency high resolution real time ultrasonography probes. It could be beneficial to use high resolution real time ultrasonography intraoperatively or perioperatively to minimise the risks of sural nerve injury when undertaking percutaneous repair of Achilles tendon tears.

Optic neuropathy after anterior communicating artery aneurysm clipping: 3 cases and techniques to address a correctable pitfall.

Brain shifts following microsurgical clip ligation of anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms can lead to mechanical compression of the optic nerve by the clip. Recognition of this condition and early repositioning of clips can lead to reversal of vision loss. The authors identified 3 patients with an afferent pupillary defect following microsurgical clipping of ACoA aneurysms. Different treatment options were used for each patient. All patients underwent reexploration, and the aneurysm clips were repositioned to prevent clip-related compression of the optic nerve. Near-complete restoration of vision was achieved at the last clinic follow-up visit in all 3 patients. Clip ligation of ACoA aneurysms has the potential to cause clip-related compression of the optic nerve. Postoperative visual examination is of utmost importance, and if any changes are discovered, reexploration should be considered as repositioning of the clips may lead to resolution of visual deterioration.

[Long Term Complications Due to Polyethylene Wear in Total Knee Arthroplasty: a Case Report]. / Langzeitkomplikationen durch Polyethylenabrieb bei Knietotalendoprothese: ein Fallbericht.

This is the case of an 84-year-old patient 18 years after total knee replacement. Regular follow-up examinations did not take place beyond 10 years of implantation, so that subsequent wear of the polyethylene insert was not detected. The patient presented because of knee pain, swelling of the calf, and a drop foot. Examination showed a large ganglion with pressure on the peroneal nerve, and a loose knee replacement with severe inlay wear and extensive osteolysis around the tibial and femoral implants. This rare case demonstrates the importance of regular clinical and radiological follow-up examinations after total joint replacements, particularly in the long term.

Cyclic Sciatica and Back Pain Responds to Treatment of Underlying Endometriosis: Case Illustration.

BACKGROUND: Multiple causes outside the spine can mimic spinal back pain. Endometriosis is an important gynecologic disorder, which commonly affects the lower region of the female pelvis and less frequently the spine and soft tissues. The lumbosacral trunk is vulnerable to pressure from any abdominal mass originating from the uterus and the ovaries. Therefore symptoms of endometriosis include severe reoccurring pain in the pelvic area as well as lower back and abdominal pain. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report on a 39-year-old gymnast with cyclic sciatica and back pain, whose initial presentation initially led to a spinal fusion at L4/5 and L5/S1, but that procedure did not change her symptoms. Her diagnosis of endometriosis was not made until 2 years after her spinal fusion. Ultimately, once diagnosed with endometriosis of the retroperitoneal spinal and neural elements, her back and leg pain responded completely to hormonal therapy and then to a hysterectomy and a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Because her true diagnosis of endometriosis was unknown and she had some degenerative changes in her spine, she underwent a spinal fusion that would probably not have been done if the diagnosis of endometriosis had been suggested. CONCLUSIONS: It is critical for any clinician who deals with back pain to at least consider the diagnosis of endometriosis in female patients who have a history of pelvic pain. The diagnosis of endometriosis should be considered in candidate patients by asking whether there is a significant hormonal cyclic nature to the symptoms, to prevent such unnecessary surgical adventures.

A Case of Optic Neuritis Concomitant with Pituitary Tumor During Pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Optic neuritis (ON) is unilateral painful optic nerve inflammation in a young healthy female diagnosed by excluding glaucoma. ON onset during pregnancy is rare, with only 2 cases reported to date. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 35-year-old previously healthy parous woman who was pregnant with her second child suffered rapidly progressive visual acuity loss. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a pituitary tumor. Emergency surgery was performed for optic nerve compression; however, her visual impairment worsened. Postoperative diffusion-weighted MRI showed high intensity in the bilateral optic nerves, and ON was diagnosed. Administration of methylprednisolone was effective, and her visual acuity recovered over 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Associated pituitary macroadenoma complicated the true diagnosis of ON, because contrast medium cannot be used in pregnant women. The diffusion-weighted MRI findings were useful for diagnosing this complex clinical condition.

Open Anterior Release of the Superior Transverse Scapular Ligament for Decompression of the Suprascapular Nerve During Brachial Plexus Surgery.

Reconstruction of the suprascapular nerve (SSN) after brachial plexus injury often involves nerve grafting or a nerve transfer. To restore shoulder abduction and external rotation, a branch of the spinal accessory nerve is commonly transferred to the SSN. To allow reinnervation of the SSN, any potential compression points should be released to prevent a possible double crush syndrome. For that reason, the authors perform a release of the superior transverse scapular ligament at the suprascapular notch in all patients undergoing reconstruction of the upper trunk of the brachial plexus. Performing the release through a standard anterior open supraclavicular approach to the brachial plexus avoids the need for an additional posterior incision or arthroscopic procedure.

Load Carriage-Related Paresthesias: Part 1: Rucksack Palsy and Digitalgia Paresthetica.

This is the first of a two-part article discussing loadcarriage- related paresthesias, including brachial plexus lesions (rucksack palsy), digitalgia paresthetica, and meralgia paresthetica. Paresthesias are sensations of numbness, burning, and/or tingling, usually experienced as a result of nerve injury, compression, traction, or irritation. Rucksack palsy is a traction or compression injury to the brachial plexus, caused by the shoulder straps of the rucksack. The patient presents with paresthesia, paralysis, cramping with pain, and muscle weakness of the upper limb. Muscle-strength losses appear to be greater in those carrying heavier loads. Hypothetical risk factors for rucksack palsy include improper load distribution, longer carriage distances, and load weight. Nerve traction, compression, and symptoms may be reduced by use of a rucksack hip belt; wider, better-padded, and proper adjustment of the shoulder straps; reduction of weight in the rucksack; a more symmetric distribution of the load; and resistance training to improve the strength and hypertrophy of the shoulder muscles. Assessment and neck joint and nerve mobilization may relieve brachial plexus tension and reduce symptoms. Another load-carriage-related disorder is digitalgia paresthetica, likely caused by compression of the sensory digital nerves in the foot during load carriage. Patients have paresthesia in the toes. Although no studies have demonstrated effective prevention measures for digitalgia paresthetica, reducing loads and march distances may help by decreasing the forces and repetitive stress on the foot and lower leg. Specialty evaluations by a physical therapist, podiatrist, or other healthcare provider are important to rule out entrapment neuropathies such as tarsal tunnel syndrome. Part 2 of this article will discuss meralgia paresthetica.

Assessment of Anatomic Risk During Syndesmotic Stabilization With the Suture Button Technique.

The suture button technique represents an accepted method of fixation for acute or chronic injury to the tibiofibular syndesmosis. The objective of the present investigation was to assess the anatomic risk to the superficial medial neurovascular structure with insertion of a syndesmotic suture button and to measure the distance of the button to the greater saphenous vein during a standardized insertion. A syndesmotic suture button was inserted with a standardized technique in 20 fresh frozen cadaveric limbs. Of 20 suture buttons, 14 (70.0%) were inserted posterior to the greater saphenous vein, 2 (10.0%) were inserted anterior to the greater saphenous vein, and 4 (20.0%) were inserted directly onto the greater saphenous vein. A total of 11 suture buttons (55.0%) were inserted with some entrapment of a medial neurovascular structure. The absolute mean ± standard deviation distance of the suture button to the greater saphenous vein was 4.88 ± 4.44 mm. The results of the present investigation have indicated that a risk of entrapment of superficial medial neurovascular structures exists with insertion of a suture button for syndesmotic fixation and that a medial incision should be used to ensure that structures are not entrapped.

The course of the posterior interosseous nerve in relation to the proximal radius: is there a reliable landmark?

PURPOSE: The posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) is closely related to the proximal radius, and it is at risk when approaching the proximal forearm from the ventral and lateral side. This anatomic study analyzes the location of the PIN in relation to the proximal radius depending on forearm rotation by means of a novel investigation design. The purpose of this study is to define landmarks to locate the PIN intraoperatively in order to avoid neurological complications. METHODS: We dissected six upper extremities of fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens. The mean donor age at the time of death was 81.2 years. The PIN was dissected and marked on its course along the proximal forearm with a 0.3-mm flexible radiopaque thread. Three-dimensional (3D) X-ray scans were performed, and the location of the nerve was analyzed in neutral rotation, supination, and pronation. RESULTS: In the coronal view, the PIN crosses the radial neck/shaft at a mean of 33.4 (±5.9)mm below the radial head surface (RHS) in pronation and 16.9 (±5.0)mm in supination. It crosses 4.9 (±2.2)mm distal of the most prominent point of the radial tuberosity (RT) in pronation and 9.6 (±5.2)mm proximal in supination. In the sagittal view, the PIN crosses the proximal radius 61.8 (±2.9)mm below the RHS in pronation and 41.1 (±3.6)mm in supination. The nerve crosses 29.2 (±6.2)mm distal of the RT in pronation and 11.0 (±2.8)mm in supination. CONCLUSION: With this novel design, the RT could be defined as a useful landmark for intraoperative orientation. On a ventral approach, the PIN courses 10mm proximal of it in supination and 5mm distal of it in pronation. Laterally, pronation increases the distance of the PIN to the RT to approximately 3cm.

Intraoperative corticosteroid injections in migraine surgery: efficacy in preventing refractory symptoms.

BACKGROUND: A subset of patients have been noted to have refractory migraine symptoms in site IV (occipital triggers) following primary surgery. It was postulated that the cause of refractory migraine symptoms is new scar tissue formation causing irritation of the greater occipital nerve. The goal of this study was to determine whether intraoperative corticosteroid injections have the potential to prevent these refractory symptoms. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients operated on by the senior author (B.G.) from 2000 to 2010 was undertaken. All patients who had site IV decompression and at least 1 year of follow-up were included. Patients were divided into two groups, those who had corticosteroids injected and those who did not. Data analyzed included demographics and preoperative and postoperative migraine headache symptoms review based on the migraine headache questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 476 patients were included in the study. There were 282 patients in the corticosteroid group and 194 in the no-corticosteroid group. A significant reduction was found in the frequency of migraine headaches (-9.8 versus -8.0; p = 0.03) and the migraine headache index (-92.9 versus -65.2; p = 0.0065). There was no significant reduction in migraine headache duration (-0.50 versus -0.70; p = 0.10) or severity (-3.50 versus -3.80; p = 0.38). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative injection of corticosteroids during site IV migraine surgery may reduce migraine frequency and migraine headache index postoperatively. Corticosteroid injection in migraine site IV surgery is an effective adjunctive measure in reducing the migraine headache index. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

An alternative endoscopic portal for suprascapular nerve approach: an anatomic study.

PURPOSE: Arthroscopic approaches have been less preferred than open techniques for treating suprascapular nerve entrapment, possibly because current arthroscopic portals are based on distances to reference points, resulting in discrepancies from differing shoulder sizes. This study reports a portal placement based on proportions rather than absolute length. METHODS: Open dissection (12 left shoulders) and arthroscopy (12 contralateral shoulders) of the suprascapular notch were performed. In left shoulders, the posterolateral prominence of the acromion, the T1 spinous process, and the suprascapular notch were marked (K-wires). Distances from the posterolateral prominence of the acromion to the suprascapular notch and to the T1 spinous process were measured, and the proportion of those distances (distance to the suprascapular notch/distance to the T1 spinous process) was calculated to indicate the portal's location. In right shoulders, arthroscopy anatomically assessed that proportion's reliability. RESULTS: Median distances from the posterolateral prominence of the acromion to the T1 spinous process and to the suprascapular notch were 175.7 mm (average 180.4, SD 11.8 mm) and 72.3 mm (average 73.9, SD 4.9), respectively. The medians of the proportions of the defined distances were 40.9 % (range 40-42 %) and 41 % (range 39.3-42.1 %), respectively. CONCLUSION: Locating the portal at the lateral, 41 % of the distance between the posterolateral prominence of the acromion and the T1 spinous process was accurate and reproducible for suprascapular notch visualization. Clinically, this portal seems to eliminate perioperative morbidity by reducing excessive soft-tissue dissection with a shorter arthroscopic route and avoiding the ligamentous damage.

Perioperative upper extremity peripheral nerve traction injuries.

Peripheral nerve traction injuries may occur after surgical care and can involve any of the upper extremity large peripheral nerves. In this review, injuries after shoulder or elbow surgical intervention are discussed. Understanding the varying mechanisms of injury as well as classification is imperative for preoperative risk stratification as well as management.

Perioperative lower extremity peripheral nerve traction injuries.

Peripheral nerve traction injuries may occur after surgical care and can involve any of the lower extremity large peripheral nerves. In this review, the authors discuss injuries after knee or hip surgical intervention. The diagnosis, including electrodiagnostic studies, is time sensitive and also relies on a detailed history and physical examination. Successful prevention and treatment involve familiarity with risk and predisposing factors as well as prophylactic measures.

[Hypoglossal nerve neuropraxia after shoulder hemiarthroplasty]. / Neuroapraxia del nervio hipogloso tras hemiartroplastia de hombro.

We report a case of hypoglossal nerve damage after shoulder hemiarthroplasty with the patient in "beach chair" position, performed with general anesthesia with orotracheal intubation, and without complications. An ultrasound-guided interscalene block was previously performed in an alert patient. After the intervention, the patient showed clinical symptomatology compatible with paralysis of the right hypoglossal nerve that completely disappeared after 4 weeks. Mechanisms such as hyperextension of the neck during intubation, endotracheal tube cuff pressure, excessive hyperextension, or head lateralization during surgery have been described as causes of this neurological damage. We discuss the causes, the associated factors and suggest preventive measures.

[Nerve entrapment syndromes in athletes]. / Engpasssyndrome peripherer Nerven bei Sportlern.

Sports-related injuries most commonly involve the musculoskeletal system. However, physicians are less familiar with damage to the peripheral nerves attributable to particular sports activities. Nerve entrapment syndromes associated with physical activity may affect all nerves for which entrapment syndromes are known. Peripheral nerve lesions are serious and may delay or preclude the athletes' return to sports, especially in cases with a delayed diagnosis. The aim of the paper is to give an overview of chronic sports-related nerve lesions. Acute nerve injuries are not the focus of this review. A literature search regarding sports-related nerve lesions was conducted. Due to the lack of prospective epidemiological studies, case reports were included (evidence level 4). Nerve entrapment syndromes specific for particular sports activities are described including clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up and treatment. Repetitive and vigorous use or overuse makes the athlete vulnerable to disorders of the peripheral nerves, additionally sports equipment may cause compression of the nerves. The treatment is primarily conservative and includes modification of movements and sports equipment, shoe inserts, splinting, antiphlogistic drugs and local administration of glucocorticoids. Most often cessation of the offending physical activity is necessary. When symptoms are refractory to conservative therapy a referral to surgery is indicated. The outcome of surgical treatment regarding the return of the athlete to competitive sports is not sufficiently investigated in many nerve entrapment -syndromes. This article was primarily published in "Akt Neurol 2012; 6: 292-308".

[Macular pathology as a cause of visual impairment?]. / Makulapathologie als Ursache einer Visusminderung?

This article reports a case of a pituitary adenoma as the cause of unilateral visual impairment and concomitant unilateral macular pathology. Pituitary adenomas can be classified into hormone-secreting and inactive tumors of the adenohypophysis and lead to typical symptoms in cases of hypersecretion of hormones or hypopituitarism. A pituitary adenoma classically presents with bitemporal hemianopia when compression occurs at the optic chiasm. Imaging is crucial in diagnosing pituitary adenomas. Microsurgical or endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery, hormone therapy and radiotherapy are the treatment options.

Dancers' and musicians' injuries.

This overview is based on the over 30 years of performing arts medicine experience of the author, an orthopaedic surgeon who devoted his professional life entirely to the prevention, diagnostics, and treatment of dancers' and musicians' injuries. After a short introduction on the specific demands of professional dance and music making, it describes some general principles of orthopaedic dance medicine and causes of injuries in dancers. The relation of dance injuries with compensatory mechanisms for insufficient external rotation in the hips is explained, as well as hypermobility and the importance of 'core-stability'. As a general principle of treatment, the physician must respect the 'passion' of the dancer and never give an injured dancer the advice to stop dancing. Mental practice helps to maintain dance technical capabilities. The specific orthopaedic dance-medicine section deals with some common injuries of the back and lower extremities in dancers. An important group of common dance injuries form the causes of limited and painful 'relevé' in dancers, like 'dancer's heel' (posterior ankle impingement syndrome), 'dancer's tendinitis' (tenovaginitis of the m.flexor hallucis longus) and hallux rigidus. The second half of the overview deals with the general principles of orthopaedic musicians' medicine and causes of injuries in musicians, like a sudden change in the 'musical load' or a faulty playing posture. Hypermobility in musicians is both an asset and a risk factor. As a general principle of treatment, early specialized medical assessment is essential to rule out specific injuries. Making the diagnosis in musicians is greatly facilitated by examining the patient during playing the musical instrument. The playing posture, stabilisation of the trunk and shoulder girdle and practising habits should always be checked. Musicians in general are intelligent and the time spent on extensive explanation and advice is well spent. In overuse injuries, relative rest supported by 'mental practice' is effective. The specific orthopaedic musicians' medicine section deals with some common injuries of the neck and upper extremities, like (posture related) cervicobrachialgia, and thoracic outlet syndrome. An important group of causes of musicians' injuries form the entrapment neuropathies (especially ulnaropathy), osteoarthritis of the hands and hypermobility.