Endovenous laser ablation of saphenous veins - favorable clinical results confirm theoretical advantages of the 1940nm diode laser.

INTRODUCTION: Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is a recognized alternative to surgical treatment of varicose veins, although an optimal laser generator and its settings still remain a matter of debate. The aim of our study was to correlate clinical results with the theoretical advantage of the 1940nm diode laser characterized by high absorption of heat in a thin layer of coagulated tissue. METHODS: From 1/2010 to 12/2021 EVLA was performed in a total of 3529 consecutive patients with varicose veins and ultrasonographically documented superficial venous reflux of lower extremities. Three types of laser were used successively with the wavelengths of 1064 nm, 1470 nm and 1940 nm, respectively. All patients were prospectively enrolled in our registry. An early postoperative followup visit was scheduled including an assessment of venous closure; additional visits were performed only in case of complications. RESULTS: The success of venous closure did not differ (p=0.054) between the three laser types and was over 98%. The catheterbased method made it possible to perform multiple ablations in one procedure the trend was 1.08, 1.31 and 1.62. In 2021 the number of ablations per patient with the laser DL Tethys 1940 nm was 1.79. With this laser it was possible to reduce the total energy applied to one half (8 W, 5080 J/cm). The postoperative course of patients treated using the 1940nm laser was smoother - no other but the early followup visit was needed in 95.6% cases (p.

[Die-Punch Fracture of the Scaphoid Fossa of the Distal Radius]. / Die-punch zlomenina fossa scaphoidea distálního radia.

Even though the die-punch fragment of the distal radius fracture was described as early as in 1962, its detection may be crucial to select the optimal therapy even nowadays. Typically, the die-punch fragment is located in the lunate fossa. It can, however, also be located in the radial column. The patient with the die-punch fracture of the scaphoid fossa, treated by us with open reduction and plate osteosynthesis from two surgical approaches, is presented in our case report. Key words: die-punch fracture, distal radius, surgical treatment.

Endovenous laser ablation of saphenous vein - mid-term results confirm permanent closure and possibility to treat more lesions in one procedure.

INTRODUCTION: Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) is a common alternative to surgical treatment of varicose veins. The aim of our study was to demonstrate that laser occlusion is durable, that we can treat all patients in a one day setting, even with veins >10mm in diameter, and that multiple EVLAs can be done at the same time. METHODS: In the period from 1/2017 to 12/2019 EVLA was performed in a total of 1551 consecutive patients with varicose veins and ultrasonographically documented venous reflux. The mid-term results were evaluated in a group of patients operated from 1/2017 to 6/2017 (316 pts.). We compared a risk group that consisted of patients with veins >10mm in diameter (40 pts.) with a control group (the remaining 276 pts.). Patients with veins >10mm are traditionally considered as candidates for conventional surgery. RESULTS: The catheter-based method enabled us to perform more ablations in one procedure. In 2019 we performed 1.44 EVLA procedures per patient. There was only one postoperative follow-up visit, indicating an uncomplicated postoperative course, in 87.5% of patients of the risk group. In the control group 100% of patients had only one follow-up visit including ultrasound examination, showing an uncomplicated postoperative course (p.

Catheter laser ablation of superficial veins of the lower extremities in the symptomatic treatment of venous reflux comparison of the immediate results of two types of laser.

INTRODUCTION: Catheter-Based Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) is a commonly used alternative to surgical treatment of varicose veins. Recently, catheterization methods have proved to be methods of choice due to the preference of patients who value minimal invasiveness. Research of EVLA currently focuses on optimization of the procedure, which includes study of the benefits of the individual types of laser generators and the wavelengths used. In this observational study we compared our early results in a non-selected population of consecutive patients treated with two different types of lasers. METHODS: In the period from February 2010 to June 2017, EVLA was performed in a total of 1747 consecutive patients (74% were female) with venous reflux. The average vein width was 8.5 mm (525 mm). Our study sought to compare a more economical 1470nm diode laser (DL) generator (Velas 2, China) - used to operate on 630 patients - with a Nd-Yag crystal generator (Fotona - Slovenia) used in 1117 patients. All operations were performed using the same methodology, in an outpatient setting, in one specialized center. All procedures were completed in local tumescent anesthesia under peroperative ultrasound control. Postoperative sonography was performed in all patients. RESULTS: The results did not show a statistically significant difference in early closure rates (98.8% for Nd-Yag versus 99.8 for DL p-ns). Early recurrence was observed in 9 patients (15 vein segments) and managed successfully with early re-intervention and closure in all cases. The causes of incomplete closure included mainly the known risk factors (anticoagulation therapy, history of varicophlebitis). There was no correlation with larger venous diameter. In 6 patients, thrombus prolapse was observed in the deep femoral vein lumen. All cases were successfully cured after a week of low-molecular-weight heparin therapy. Only one case of low-risk pulmonary embolism was reported in a patient who failed to follow the regime recommendations. CONCLUSION: This evidence did not show a significant difference in closure reliability and the amount of complications of the endovenous laser ablation of large and small saphenous vein with a 1060nm Nd-Yag crystal compared to the more economical 1470nm diode laser generator.

[Middle-third clavicle fracture with ipsilateral acromioclavicular dislocation]. / Zlomenina strední tretiny klícní kosti spojená s ipsilaterální akromioklavikulární luxací

A rare case of a middle-third clavicle fracture concurrent with ipsilateral acromioclavicular dislocation in a 46-year-old women who had fallen off her bicycle is presented. The clavicular fracture was managed by locking plate osteosynthesis. The acromioclavicular joint was stabilised by traction osteorrhaphy that was removed at 7 weeks after the procedure. Both the radiographic and clinical outcomes were very good. The epidemiology, aetiology, diagnosis and therapy of this injury are discussed.

[Posterior dislocation of the talus]. / Zadní luxace talu.

This report presents a rare case of an open total talar extrusion. The patient was treated by reduction and transarticular Kirschner-wire fixation of the talus, suture of an associated Achilles tendon rupture and plaster cast immobilisation. The plaster cast and Kirschner wires were removed after 6 weeks. At 10 weeks after injury, the patient started to walk with full weight-bearing of the operated extremity. At 18 months after injury, the patient was free from subjective complaints, with persisting slight restriction of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and recurrent perimalleolar oedema. Neither MRI nor radiographic examination showed any avascular necrosis of the talus. The authors discuss the aetiology, diagnosis, therapeutic options and the most serious complications of this injury.

[Patent foramen ovale and the risk of paradoxical embolization of venous bubbles in divers - cave for foam sclerotization of varicose veins]. / Perzistence foramen ovale patens a riziko paradoxní embolizace zilních bublin u potápecu - cave pro sklerotizaci varixu penovou metodou.

INTRODUCTION: Foam sclerotization of varicose veins may cause paradoxical embolization through patent foramen ovale (PFO). The aim of our study was to: 1) select an optimal screening method for the detection of PFO; 2) determine the prevalence of PFO in a non-selected population; and 3) test the risk of paradoxical embolization of venous bubbles in patients with PFO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A diver after decompression is a suitable model for determining the risk of paradoxical embolization of venous gas bubbles. 329 Czech divers were screened for PFO. In a pilot study, we compared Transcranial Doppler Sonography (TCD) with Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) in 100 patients. TCD alone was used for further screening. In 31 divers with PFO, nitrogen bubbles were detected after simulated dives. Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE) was used to detect venous bubbles in right-sided heart chambers; TTE and TCD were used to detect arterial bubbles. The right-to-left shunt was rated as non-significant (<20 arterial bubbles) or significant (20 arterial bubbles). Different decompression regimens were compared. RESULTS: In the pilot study, TCD was compared with the gold standard in PFO detection - TEE. The negative predictive value of TCD was 100%, positive predictive value was 92%. Screening was performed in a total of 329 divers, PFO was detected in 85 (25%), significant R-L shunt in 45 (14%). In simulated dive to 50 m maximum depth, venous nitrogen bubbles were detected in 7/8 (88%) divers. In 6/8 (75%) divers, paradoxical embolization was confirmed - nitrogen bubbles were detected in the systemic circulation. CONCLUSION: PFO prevalence with significant R-L shunt was 14% in the non-selected population of Czech divers. Simulated dives indicate that PFO represents a risk factor for paradoxical embolization of gas bubbles. TCD is a suitable screening method for the detection of PFO and the evaluation of R-L shunt significance. These results are indicative of a possible high risk of paradoxical embolization of gas bubbles and the trombogenic substance in patients with a larger PFO and significant R-L shunt undergoing foam sclerotization of varicose veins.

[Kyphotic deformities of the cervical spin]. / Kyfotické deformity krcní pátere.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The development of a cervical kyphotic deformity can be associated with a degenerative disease, trauma, tumour, developmental anomaly and also a surgical procedure. Post-operative kyphosis can develop after both the anterior and posterior surgical approaches. The deformity can also result from systemic diseases, such as ankylosing spondylitis or rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of the study was to make the clinical and radiographic evaluation of a group of patients with kyphotic deformity treated at our department. MATERIAL: Between May 2005 and April 2010, a total of 102 patients underwent correction of cervical kyphosis at our department. (Center for Spinal Surgery). Of them, 90 patients with complete medical records and post-operative periods longer than 6 months were included in this study. There were 36 men and 54 women ranging in age from 13 to 90 years and with an average of 56.7 years. In six patients cervical kyphosis was caused by an inveterate injury, in 71 by degenerative disease, in six it developed in association with rheumatoid arthritis, and in seven patients it was due to previous surgery. Patients with acute trauma, tumour, infectious disease or congenital anomaly were not included. METHODS: All patients were examined before surgery by radiography in antero-posterior and lateral projection, including flexion- extension bending films, and by CT scanning of ultrathin cross-sections with sagittal, frontal and recently also 3D reconstructions. Magnetic resonance imaging in three planes was also performed. On the basis of the results and clinical examination, the operative strategy was planned. Surgery was carried out from the anterior or the posterior approach, or the combined approach was used. Three-stage surgery was performed in one patient. The surgical outcome was assessed using the Nurick score and Neck Disability Index (NDI), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate pain intensity or paraesthesia. Statistical analysis was done using the Chi-square test and paired t-test. RESULTS: The average NDI value was 25.5 before surgery and 14.3 and 14.9 at one and two years after surgery, respectively. Compared with the pre-operative state, improvement or no changes were recorded in 89.7 % of the patients; transient deterioration occurred in 10.3 %. Improvements found were as follows: by one degree in 46.2 % of the patients, by two degrees in 18 %, by three degrees in 5.1 % and by five degrees in 2.6 % of the patients. The condition remained unchanged in 18 % of the patients. The average outcome was an improvement by one degree. The average pre-operative Nurick score was 0.7; an average post-operative value of 0.6 was recorded at both one and two years of follow-up. The average VAS value for neck and radicular pain was 5.7 pre-operatively, and 2.5 and 2.7 at one and two post-operative years, respectively. Out of 90 patients, complete bone union was achieved at 6 months after surgery in 88 patients (97.8 %). The average pre-operative value for the cervical curvature index (Ishihara) was -13.7; the average pre-operative cervical kyphosis was -14.4 degrees, ranging from -2.2 to -44.0 degrees. After surgery, the average Ishihara index was +15.3 and the average lordosis was +13.5 degrees, with a range of -16.0 to + 37.4 degrees. DISCUSSION: A single/isolated anterior approach can be used for fixed deformities without ankylosing spondylitis. It allows for decompression of the anterior pathology and for correction of cervical kyphosis with use of instrumentation and structural graft. A combined ventral-dorsal approach is appropriate in fixed deformities or deformities involving the cervico-thoracic junction. The main principle of correction is to lengthen the cervical spinal column in the front and to shorten it at the back by anterior decompression with or without instrumentation and by subsequent posterior stabilisation. An isolated/single dorsal correction can be used in the case of successful correction by traction or specific head positioning on the table without anterior nerve compression. In severe fixed deformities such as Bekhterev's disease, the chin can be so close to the chest as to interfere with eating and breathing. The deformity most often develops at the cervico-thoracic junction and requires treatment by osteotomy. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study showed a marked improvement in the patients' quality of life after kyphosis correction, improved neurological status and an improved posture seen on radiograms of the cervical spine. The study also revealed a higher number of potential complications associated, in particular, with corrective osteotomy. The best results were achieved with the combined surgical approach; however, the choice of a surgical method was independent of the patient's clinical status.

[Radical operation of infected aortofemoral prosthesis using fresh arterial allograft: our mid-term experience]. / Radikální operace infekce cévní protézy v aortofemorální pozici s pomocí cerstvého tepenného allograftu: nase strednedobé zkusenosti.

INTRODUCTION: The mid-term experience with the use of the fresh arterial allografts in the treatment of aortic or aortofemoral prosthetic infection is presented. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2001-2010 24 patients (23 with the infected graft in aortic or aortofemoral position and one with a mycotic aneurysm of the aortic bifurcation) were operated with the use of the fresh arterial allograft. Male/female ratio was 15/9, average age 65.8 (36-81) years. The gastrointestinal comorbidities dominated this cohort. The total of 70 previous vascular operations (1-9; m. 2.9/patient) were performed with the median of 5.8 years between the first and the last procedure. Seven patients had sepsis (29.2%), aortoeneteric fistula occurred in three. Various technical modifications of the aortobifemoral (13), aortounifemoral (8) bypass, aortic and aortoiliac replacement (3) were performed including the sequential distal reconstructions. The arterial allograft was used within 8-48 hours following harvest (the median cold ischemic time of 20 hours) and all patients were given cyclosporine A perioperatively. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality was 20.8% (5/24), twice caused by postoperative hemorrhage from either the aortic anastomosis or the graft necrosis. The remaining deaths were not related to the allograft itself. Two limbs, preoperatively ischemic, were amputated (8.3%). The median follow-up is 4.6 years (3 m.-8 yrs.). The three-years survival was 68.4% and the known causes of death had no relation to the allograft. The late occlusion of the graft limb occurred twice, stenoses within its course twice and three femoral anastomotic stenoses were disclosed. All were treated either surgically or by PTA/stent and the redo procedures' rate has thus reached 20.5% in the mid-term follow-up interval. One graft has shown a slight diffuse dilatation since requiring but follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of the ABO compatibility tolerance and ongoing postimplantation immunosuppression the shortly ischemic arterial graft helds its anatomic structure and function and within the hostile setting of the previous infection represents a valuable alternative of the surgical treatment of the vascular prosthetic infection in the aortofemoral position or of the mycotic aneurysm.

[Current trends in the surgical management of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms]. / Soucasné trendy v chirurgické lécbe výdute torakoabdominální aorty.

INTRODUCTION: The authors present a group of patients, who underwent standard procedures on thoracic (TAA) and thoracoabdominal (TAAA) aortic aneurysms from 01-01-2009 to 15-09-2010. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the above time period, a total of 29 patients were operated. The authors employed as many known organ protection procedures as possible, including reduced heparinization, mild hypothermia (32-34 degrees C), sequential aortic clamping cerebrospinal drainage, left heart bypass (a biopump) with non-ischemic canylation of the femoral artery, selective visceral blood perfusion (superior mesenteric artery and coeliac trunk) and renal arteries perfusion using cold crystallic solution. For technical reasons, monitoring of somatosensory and motor evoked potentials was used only twice. In the majority of TAAA procedures, the thoracoretroperitoneal approach was used. RESULTS: During the studied period, the overall mortality rate was 24%. In 2009, a total of 16 patients were operated, out of which 14 subjects underwent elective procedures. Two subjects underwent urgent procedures for ruptures and both of them died. In 2009, the mortality rate was 21% for planned procedures. In the following year, from January to September 15, a total of 13 patients underwent surgery, out of whom 11 underwent elective and two urgent procedures. The group's overall mortality rate was 15.4%, the mortality rate in elective surgery patients was 9% . One patient undergoing urgent surgery survived and one exited. Postoperative paraplegia was reported in one subject (3,4%), postoperative dialysis due to postoperative renal insufficiency was used in 6.9% and other postoperative complications occurred in 10,3% of the subjects. CONCLUSION: Mortality and morbidity rates in the surgical management of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms remain considerably high, although new procedures of organ protection help to reduce it. These highly specialized procedures require a multispecialty approach and a well- coordinated surgical team, specialized in this problematics.

[Changes in the true and false visceral segment lumen sizes following endovascular treatment of type B aortic dissections]. / Zmeny velikosti pravého a falesného lumen ve viscerálním segmentu po endovaskulární lécbe disekcí aorty typu B.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to assess technical success rates of endovascular procedures in acute and chronic type B aortic dissections and changes in the right (PL) and false (FL) lumen diameters in the visceral segment region during short-term and long-term follow up study periods. METHODS: From 2004 to 2009, the authors performed a prospective study, which included a total of 33 patients with acute and subacute (n = 16; 48.5%) or chronic (n = 17; 51.5%) type B dissections of the descending aorta, with dissections spreading as far as the visceral or infrarenal regions. The patients underwent successful implantations of stent grafts (SG) into the descending aorta. The study group included 7 female and 26 male subjects, at the time of the procedure, their mean age was 59 years, (34-70, the median of 56 y.o.a.). The mean follow up time was 39.3 months (8-68, the median of 41 months). During the study period, one of the patients exited due to another internal disorder, three subjects were converted to open replacements for progressing dilatation of the total diameter in the visceral or subrenal region. The true (PL) and false (FL) lumen diameters were measured at four levels: above the origin of truncus coeliacus (L 1), between the origin of truncus coeliacus and the origin of a. mesenterica superior (L 2), between the origin of a. mesenterica superior and the origin of aa. renales (L 3) and just distal to the origin of aa. renales (L 4). The measurements were performed 1 and 6 months after SG implantations and at the end of the study period. RESULTS: The primary entry was successfully sealed in all the study subjects. Significant widening of the true lumen in the region sealed by the stentgraft was recorded in all the subjects, however, the false lumen did not completely disappear in 3 (9%) patients. The false lumen was completely filled with thrombus down to the celiac trunk level (L 1) within one month in 7 (21.2%) patients, within 6 months in 14 (42.4%) subjects and by the end of the study period in 19 (58.6%) patients. The true lumen continued to enlarge at all the measured levels. The most significant enlargement was recorded at L 1 during the first postoperative month (the mean change of 5.9 mm). Furthermore, narrowing of the originally patent false lumen was observed as well, with the most significant change at L1 level during the first postoperative month (the mean change of 6.5 mm). At six months and during the whole follow up study period, further increases in the right lumen diameter and in the total aortic diameter were recorded at all the measured levels. At the same time, the false lumen diameters at all the measured levels continued to narrow, if patent at all. CONCLUSION: False lumen thrombosis along the extent of SG was recorded in 30 (91%) patients, SG filled the lumen completely and the false lumen disappeared. The true lumen expanded at all the measured visceral segment levels. The change was most significant during the first postimplantation month, and the true lumen expansions and the false lumen narrowing proceeded over the whole follow up study period, however, the progression was slower. The visceral segment true and false lumen changes will be monitored further.

Contribution to FDG-PET/CT diagnostics and post-operative monitoring of patients with mycotic aneurysm of the thoracic aorta.

Bacterial infection of the aorta is a life threatening condition calling for timely diagnostics and therapy. In the short communication presented here, the authors offer a case report on a patient of 70 years of age with aneurysm of the descending aorta caused by salmonella. The advantages of a new diagnostic hybrid modality are demonstrated and also the possibility of using it in the course of long-term monitoring of patients.

[Pulmonary polymethylmetacrylate embolism: a rare complication of percutaneous vertebroplasty]. / Plicní embolizace polymetylmetakrylátu - vzácná komplikace perkutánní vertebroplastiky.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive surgical technique involving transpedicular injection of polymethylmetacrylate into the vertebral body. The aim of this procedure is to enhance the mechanical strength of a pathologically changed vertebra. Currently, the method is most often used for painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures, aggressive haemangiomas, necrotic lesions and spinal tumours, particularly the metastatic ones. Although this method is less invasive, relatively straight-forward and effective, there may be complications. The authors present the case of a 70-year-old woman who, on the second day after surgery, developed a rare symptomatic pulmonary polymethylmetacrylate embolism after per- cutaneous vertebroplasty performed for osteoporotic fractures of the lumbar spine.

Diagnostics of "non-acute" vascular prosthesis infection using 18F-FDG PET/CT: our experience with 96 prostheses.

INTRODUCTION: Vascular prosthesis infection (VPI) is a life-threatening complication that occurs in 0.5-5% of prostheses. Low-grade infections in non-acute patients are a diagnostic challenge requiring a new method with good diagnostic accuracy. The aim of this work was to define the accuracy of (18)F-FDG PET/CT in these settings and to identify essential parameters of the evaluation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PET/CT was performed prospectively in 76 consecutive patients with a total of 96 vascular prosthetic grafts in which infection was suspected. PET/CT scans were analysed in terms of the presence and intensity of focal and diffuse FDG uptake, the presence of an anastomotic pseudoaneurysm, the presence of an irregular boundary of infiltration, a combination of these, and the uptake ratio between the graft and blood background. The gold standard was based on operative/histopathological finding or a clinical follow up of >6 months. RESULTS: Among the various assessed parameters only focal FDG uptake and an irregular graft boundary were significant predictors of VPI. Focal intense FDG uptake together with an irregular boundary of the lesion on CT scan predicted VPI with 97% probability, while smooth lesion boundaries and no focal FDG uptake predicted a probability of VPI of less than 5%. Even in lesions with nondiagnostic inhomogeneous focal FDG uptake (18/96) an irregular boundary effectively helped in decision-making with a probability of 28% (smooth) or 77% (irregular) for VPI. CONCLUSION: PET/CT gave reliable results with an accuracy >95% in 75% of prostheses. PET/CT can identify those prostheses (25% of prosthesis) for which its diagnostic accuracy is diminished to 70-75%. In our series PET/CT was an excellent diagnostic modality for suspected VPI.

[Occipitocervical fixation: long-term follow-up in fifty-seven patients]. / Okcipitocervikální fixace: dlouhodobé sledování 57 pacientu.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Occipitocervical fixation and spondylodesis is indicated in various cases of occipitocervical instability. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the results of occipitocervical fixation at our institutions. MATERIAL: Between 1997 and 2007, a total of 57 patients underwent occipitocervical fixation (OC) there were 25 men and 32 women, from four to 77 years of age, with an average of 58.7 years. The patients were allocated to two groups according to the method of OC fixation used: tying wires or cables (group 1) screw-rod or screw-plate systems (group 2). Indications for OC fixation included trauma in 15, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 28, destruction due to psoriasis in one, tumour in eight, and congenital anomalies of the cervico-cranial junction in five patients. In five patients with tumour, OC fixation was completed with a transoral or transmandibular procedure. The C0-T 1 or C0-T 2 segments were fixed in 22 patients, C0-C2 segments in 14, C0-C3 segments in six, C0-C4 segments in two, C0-C5 segments in eight and C0-C6 segments in five patients. METHODS: In atlanto-occipital dislocation, comminuted fractures of the ;atlas or similar injuries, C0-C1-C2 segments were fused in congenital anomaly, the C0-to-lower cervical spine was fixed, with C1 being avoided. The RA patients were treated by fixation of the C0 to T1 or T2 segments. The atlas was fixed by the screw method of Goel, the C2 joint by that of Judet, or stable fusion of the two vertebrae was carried out by the Magerl transarticular technique. For the middle and lower cervical spine, lateral mass screw fixation by the Magerl method was used, and from C7 caudally the vertebrae were fixed transpedicularly. Occasionally, in small children in particular, a Ransford frame fixed with wires or cables was used. In principle, an extent of fixation as small as possible was employed. The patients were evaluated at a final follow-up ranging between 12 and 132 months after the primary surgery (average, 42.7 months). Indications for surgery and the method and extent of instrumentation were recorded. The evaluation included pain and neurological deficit assessment, radiographic evidence of the stability of fixation and bone union and intra-operative and early and late post-operative complications. RESULTS: Of the 57 patients, bone fusion was the objective of surgery in 52. Further five patients died of associated injuries or serious medical complications shortly after the operation. Of the remaining 47, bone union was achieved in 44 patients (93.6%). Pseudoarthrosis developed in three patients who, however, because of a higher age and minimal complaints did not require revision surgery. In terms of bone union, there was no difference between a short (C0-C2) and a long (C0-CX or C-T) fixation. No differences among fixation materials were found. The differences in percent bone union after spondylodesis between the tying-wire and screw-rod fixation systems were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In the patients treated for RA, psoriasis or congenital anomaly, the Nurick scale score significantly improved at 2 years after surgery (p < 0.05). In comparison with the others, the RA patients had a significantly higher number of complications (p < 0.05). The patients treated for tumour showed a significant difference between the pre- and post-operative VAS values (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: Of the patients with RA, psoriasis or congenital anomaly, 57.6% showed post-operative improvement in the Nurick scale score by 1-2 but never more than by 2. A decrease in pain intensity and neurological findings was recorded in 88.2% of the patients. This is in agreement with the results published in the international literature. In the patients treated for trauma, a high proportion (53.3%) had neurological deficit, which is unusually high for craniocervical injuries. This can be explained by the fact that OC fixation is used only in the most serious injuries. Of five patients with neurological deficit of Frankel grade A or B, three died and two required mechanical ventilation. Less serious neurological findings of Frankel grade C or D in three patients improved to a normal condition. CONCLUSIONS: Rigid OC fixation is a very effective method for the treatment of craniocervical junction instability. The currently used implants allow us to achieve high stability and efficiency of bone union. Regardless of the instrumentation used, fusion is achieved in more than 90%, and clinical improvement in more than 80% of the patients.

[Cauda equina syndrome after elective lumbar spine surgery]. / Syndrom kaudy po elektivním výkonu na bederní páteri.

In this case study, three patients are presented who had incomplete cauda equina syndrome following elective lumbar spine surgery for degenerative disease. In all patients, the neurological symptoms developed due to post-operative arachnoiditis. Its aetiology, pathogenesis and diagnostics are discussed, as well as the methods of prevention and therapy which are still limited and often not beyond experimentation.

[Hyperextension trauma in patients with cervical spondylosis]. / Hyperextenzní poranení krcní pátere pri spondylóze.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY To evaluate retrospectively a group of patients with hyperextension injury to the cervical spine who were treated at the Department of Spinal Surgery of the University Hospital in Motol, Prague, between 2003 and 2006. MATERIAL The group comprised 22 patients, 17 men (77 %) and five women (23 %) in the age range of 35 to 81 years, with an average of 59.5 years. All patients had, in association with the injury, neurological deficit of varying degree. METHODS All patients underwent X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging examination and received methylprednisolone according to the National Acute Spinal Cord Injury Study (NASCIS) 2 trial. Eleven patients had urgent surgery within 24 hours of injury; eight patients were operated on within an interval of 3 days to 2 months because of the seriousness of their state and multiple morbidity; and three patients were treated conservatively. Neurological deficit in terms of upper- and lower-limb mobility was evaluated by the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) motor score. The values obtained for the urgently operated patients and for those operated on after a time interval were compared by Wilcoxons two-sample test. The other aspects evaluated included trauma aetiology, level of spinal cord injury, manner of treatment, and intra-operative and post-operative complications. RESULTS The most frequent cause of injury was a low-height fall (13 patients; 59 %); car accidents ranked second (9 patients; 41 %). In five patients (22.7 %) ebriety was found. Eighteen patients had no skeletal injury (81.8 %). Four patients (18.2 %). Four patients (18.2 %) suffered fractures of articular or spinous processes, but the anterior column skeleton was intact in all. The segment most frequently affected by myopathy was C3-C4, then C4-C5 and C5-C6. Decompression was carried out to the extent of myopathy; and in the adjacent segments only if significant stenosis was present. In both subgroups of surgically treated patients (urgent and delayed management), comparisons of the ASIA scores at the time of injury and at one-year follow-up showed no significat improvement in post-operative mobility, as evaluated by Wilcoxons two-sample test at a level of significance a = 5 %. No intra-operative or post-operative complications, except for early death, were recorded. In all patients the wound healed by first intention and no loosening of instrumentation was foud on follow-ups at the out-patient departments. DISCUSSION Although the greatest narrowing of the spinal canal due to spondylosis occurs at the C5-C6 segment, the C4-C5 segment sustained most injuries. Although some relevant papers report no significant difference in improved neurological deficit between patients treated surgically and those undergoing conservative therapy, we prefer surgical management, in most of the cases from the anterior approach, which allows us to remove dorsal osteophytes and perform careful decompression to prevent damage to nerve structures and to preserve those which are still intact. There was no significant difference in the outcome between urgent and delayed trauma management, which is unusual amongst other injuries associated with neurological lesions and this indicates that the timing of surgery must be strictly individual and should be carried out at a time when operative benefit outweighs operative burden. The surgical treatment used should, in the first place, lead to early recuperation and rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS Hyperextension injuries of the cervical spine are usually associated with serious neurological deficit. A correct algorithm of examination will result in good treatment outcomes. However, these injuries require a therapy that is long-lasting and difficult, with a need for cooperation of anaesthesiologists, spinal surgeons, physical therapists and, last but not least, psychologists. Key words: cervical spine, hyperextension injury, spondylosis, myelopathy.

Infected false aneurysm caused by hematogenous dissemination of Staphylococcus aureus after the use of vaginal tampons.

The use of vaginal tampons during menstruation may be associated with the proliferation of bacteria on their uneven surface, unless the instructions for use provided by the manufacturer are followed. A healthy young woman presented with a false aneurysm of infectious origin, caused by Staphylococcus aureus, in connection with the use of vaginal tampons. The aneurysm manifested after the menstruation when tampons were used and during which the patient experienced an untreated feverish epizode. Vaginal colonies of Streptococcus and Staphylococcus are present in nearly 40% of healthy menstruating women. Staphylococcal septicemia with the subsequent appearance of an arterial infected false aneurysm in a formerly healthy woman has not yet been described in relation to the use of vaginal tampons.

[Fractures of the dens in patients older than 65 years: direct osteosynthesis of the dens versus C1-C2 posterior fixation]. / Zlomeniny dentu u pacientu nad 65 let: prímá osteosyntéza dentu vs. zadní fixace C1-C2.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Surgical treatment is preferred in our department in all patients with type II and type III dens fractures, regardless of their age, with the exception of non-displaced or completely reduced fractures in young patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate patients over 65 years of age treated by direct osteosynthesis of the dens or posterior atlanto-axial fixation and spondylodesis. MATERIAL: In the years 2001 to 2005, 28 patients aged 65 years and older were surgically treated for dens fracture. This included 13 men and 15 women between 65 and 90 years of age, with an average of 77.4 years. According to the treatment, i.e., direct dens osteosynthesis (1) or C1-C2 posterior fixation (2), two groups were evaluated, and two categories were considered by age, i.e., 65 to 74 years (8 patients) and 75 years and older (20 patients). In 23 patients, an isolated fracture of the dens was present and, in five patients, injury was part of a complex C1-C2 fracture. A Frankel grade D neurological deficit was found in three patients. METHODS: In all patients, surgical treatment by direct osteosynthesis of the dens from the anterior approach, using two cannulated screws, was preferred as the method of choice. However, in the case of distinct osteoporosis, fragmented fracture of the dens base or tear of the ligamentum transversum atlantis, we used the Harms method of posterior fusion with polyaxial screw fixation as the primary treatment, or the Magerl transarticular fixation completed with the Gallie technique from the dorsal approach. The patients were followed up at 3, 6 and 12 weeks, at 6 and 12 months, and then at one-year intervals. X-ray and clinical examinations were made at the regular follow-ups and functional radiographs were taken at 12 months following the surgery. The whole group was evaluated in the range of 18 to 84 months (average, 37.3 months). Neurological deficit was assessed on the basis of the Frankel classification. The results were analysed using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: Of 20 patients still living at the time of this evaluation, 11 underwent direct osteosynthesis and nine were treated by posterior instrumented spondylodesis. In group 1, pseudoarthrosis of the dens or fibrous callus developed in one patient (9.1 %) and a line of fracture was evident in one patient of group 2 (11.1 %), which was not significant (p<0.05). However, a statistically significant difference in mortality was found when the two age categories were compared (p>0.05), with 0 % in the younger and 40 % in the older category. The overall mortality within 6 weeks of injury was 28.6 %. Mortality in group 1 and group 2 was 21.4 % and 35.7 %, respectively; this difference was not statistically significant (p<0.05). DISCUSSION: We use conservative treatment only in the patients who are able to stand up and move soon after injury. If this is not feasible, we prefer surgical treatment with the same aim achieved as soon as possible without rigid external fixation. In this study, surgery was associated with an acceptable number of minor complications due to poor bone quality or health state of the patient. The higher mortality in the higher age category was obviously related to generally poorer health of these patients. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment can significantly improve the quality of life in elderly patients who have suffered a fracture of the dens. The surgical technique should be chosen to take bone quality, degenerative changes of the spine and overall health of the patient into consideration. Mortality after surgery is not related to the technique selected but to patient's age. Elderly patients with neurological deficit usually die due to co-morbidity, regardless of the therapy used.

[Posterior stabilization of L5 burst fractures without reconstruction of the anterior column]. / Zadní stabilizace trístivých zlomenin L5 bez osetrení predního sloupce.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To evaluate a group of 11 patients with L5 burst fractures treated by L4-S1 posterior instrumented spinal fusion without reconstruction of the anterior column. MATERIAL: The group included seven men and four women aged between 14 and 66 years (average, 37.5 years), followed for 12 to 36 months (average, 18 months). Ten patients were treated by posterior instrumented spinal fusion at the L4-S1 level, and one with an associated injury to L3 underwent L2-L4-S1 posterior instrumented spinal fusion. The spinal column was inspected in eight patients in whom neurological symptoms or significant stenosis were present. METHODS: On admission, the evaluation of post-traumatic radiographs included measurements of the angle between the L4 lower and the S1 upper end-plates, the angle between the upper and lower end-plates of L5 and height of the anterior and posterior rims of the L5 vertebral body. CT scans were assessed for a relative narrowing of the spinal canal. The patient's neurological status was also evaluated. At 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months of follow-up, radiographs, neurological findings and subjective complaints were assessed. RESULTS: On comparison of pre-operative values with those 3 months after surgery, the differences were on average 3.6 degrees for L4-S1 lordosis, 2.5 degrees for the angle between the upper and lower end-plates of L5, and 1 mm for the height of the anterior rim; there was no difference in posterior rim height. Eight patients had the same values at the latest as at 3- month follow-up. Three patients with broken screws showed the loss of L4-S1 lordosis by 4 to 13 degrees (average, 9 degrees). Neither the angle between the upper and lower end-plates of L5, nor vertebral body height were changed. The narrowing of the spinal canal by vertebral body fragments ranged from 0 to 60 % (average, 35 %) of canal space. On admission, neurological findings were normal in two patients and involved nerve root syndrome in five patients. In four patients it was not possible to assess their neurological status. At he latest follow-up, ten patients were free from peripheral neurological lesions, one still had lumbar radicular syndrome, two patients reported mild or moderate lumbosacral pain and seven patients were without complaints. Subjective complaints could not be assessed in two patients because of their mental state. An early post-operative complication included wound dehiscence in one patient (9 %) and, in three patients, broken screws in S1 were recorded as late complications. DISCUSSION: Only a few references referring to a relatively low number of patients with L burst fractures treated by surgery were found in the literature. Most of the authors report limitations of reduction and good clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The posterior instrumented spinal fusion of L5 alone is sufficient for the treatment of most L5 burst fractures. Early removal of the fixator is indicated in active patients. Often good clinical outcomes are in contradiction with radiological findings. The possibilities of spinal canal decompression by ligamentotaxis at this level of injury are limited. When significant spinal stenosis is present, laminectomy or hemilaminectomy is necessary to achieve decompression of the spinal canal.