Aggressive Vertebral Hemangioma Causing Recurring Myelopathy -A Rare Case Report and Review of Literature.

Introduction: Vertebral hemangiomas although benign vascular lesions few of these may be ag-gressive causing osseous, extra-osseous and/or epidural expansions with recurrence rate as low as 3%. It should be considered as one of the important differentials while dealing with lytic lesions in the dorsal spine causing compressive myelopathy. Case Report: A 16-year-old female came with an acute history of paraparesis with bladder in-volvement. She was diagnosed of vertebral hemangioma of D9 for which she underwent surgical decompression and fixation. At present, she had paraparesis with a sensory level of D10 on exami-nation. After radiological investigations (X-ray and MRI) she had high intensity signals in the extra osseous portion of D9 with significant neural compression indicating recurrence of vertebral he-mangioma. She underwent decompression with long segment instrumentation with prior arterial embolization. Histopathology features were suggestive of hemangioma and our diagnosis of recur-rence was confirmed. At 2 weeks, the patient had improved neurology with partial sensory recovery and Grade 2 power in the right lower limb and Grade 1 power in the left lower limb. Histopathology report confirmed the diagnosis of hemangioma indicating recurrence. At 6 months follow-up after aggressive rehabilitation, the patient was spastic and improved to Grade 3 power in the left lower limb and Grade 4 power in the right lower limb. The sphincteric control was also found to be fair at 1 year follow-up. Discussion: Vertebral hemangiomas when causing progressive neurological deficit warrant surgical decompression. The choice of intervention depends on location and extent of the tumor. Due to their high vascularity, it is advisable for to preoperatively carry out arterial embolization. Conclusion: Although commonly asymptomatic, vertebral hemangiomas may present as compressive myelopathy. Therefore, they should be detected early, intervened and followed up regularly to detect recurrence to prevent worsening of neurology and function.

Posterior Cervical Interbody Fusion - Single-Stage Approach of Anterior Reconstruction and Posterior Stabilization: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

The success and popularity of the transforaminal approach in the lumbar spine have been made possible by the routine use of pedicle screws in the lumbar spine. Transforaminal approach in the cervical spine can give access to the disc and the vertebral body anteriorly and avoid an additional anterior approach in certain clinical situations. A case of cervical spine trauma was managed by this approach. Technical details and difficulties faced were analyzed in this article. Transforaminal approach in the lower cervical spine, though has a learning curve, seems to be a feasible technique along with the use of cervical pedicle screws. The safety and reproducibility of the approach need to be substantiated with a larger study. Further, this procedure can avoid additional anterior surgery in certain situations in the cervical spine.

X-ray and Computed Tomography Scan-Based Morphometric Analysis of Skull Baselines in Indian Population.

INTRODUCTION: The study aims at providing an overview of morphometric measurements of the skull baselines in normal Indian population and compares these dimensions with those of other races and ethnicities. This study will help in defining "normal" baseline values for Indian population. It will also compare dimensions as measured on X-ray and computed tomography (CT) scan to assess the reliability of X-ray as a diagnostic modality for the assessment of the skull baselines in Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study with a sample size of 116 patients and duration of 30 months. RESULTS: The mean value for distance between dens tip and Chamberlain line on CT was 0.498 mm and on X-ray was 0.528 mm and for the distance between dens tip and McGregor line on CT was 0.213 mm and on X-ray was 0.228 mm. The mean distance between the dens tip and McRae line was 4.67 1.69 mm on CT scan and 4.7 1.76 mm on X-ray. CONCLUSION: There was not a single patient in whom the dens tip crossed the McRae line. Any protrusion of the dens tip beyond the foramen magnum is abnormal. Hence, the McRae line is easiest to understand and remember. Furthermore, the Chamberlain and McGregor lines rely on identifying the hard palate, which may not be included in routine X-ray, CT, and magnetic resonance imaging studies depend on the field of view. Hence, we recommend the use of McRae line for screening purposes while evaluating pathologies of the craniovertebral junction. X-ray is a reliable diagnostic technique for assessing morphometry of the skull baselines in an emergency or rural setting if facility for CT scan is not available.

Impact of negative pressure wound therapy on open diaphyseal tibial fractures: A prospective randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION: Open tibial fractures are associated with a high incidence of mainly osteomyelitis. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a novel form of treatment that uses subatmospheric pressure to effect early wound healing. OBJECTIVES AND STUDY DESIGN: To determine the effect of NPWT on incidence of deep infections/osteomyelitis after open tibial fractures using a prospective randomized study design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-three open tibial fractures were randomized into two groups receiving NPWT and the second group undergoing periodic irrigation, cleaning and debridement respectively. The wounds were closed or covered on shrinkage in size and sufficient granulation. Evidence of infection was sought during the course of treatment and follow up. Also serial cultures were sent every time the wound was cleaned. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Patients in the control group developed a total of 11 infections (22%) as opposed to only 2 (4.6%) in the NPWT group (p < 0.05). The relative risk was 5.5 (95% confidence interval) suggesting patients who received NPWT were 5.5 times less likely to develop infection. Twenty patients developed positive growth when samples were sent for culture with 3 (6.9%) in the NPWT group and 17 (34%) in the control group (p < 0.05). Only 5 patients (25%) went on the develop osteomyelitis, all being a part of the control group. Thus negative pressure wound therapy is indeed beneficial for preventing the incidence of both acute infections and osteomyelitis in open fractures. However a significant difference was not seen in the time required for the wound to be ready for delayed primary closure or coverage.

A unique case of bilateral trans-scaphoid perilunate dislocation with dislocation of lunate into the forearm.

INTRODUCTION: Perilunate dislocations are commonly seen after fall on an outstretched hand in extremes of dorsiflexion and ulnar deviation. A greater arc injury is one when there is an associated fracture of one or more bones around the lunate while a lesser arc injury is associated with pure ligamentous disruption around the lunate. CASE REPORT: We report a unique case of bilateral trans-scaphoid perilunate dislocation in a 35-year-old male labourer. This is the first reported case where the lunate dislocated into the forearm on the volar aspect. Urgent open reduction and stabilization of both wrists was done. Currently, the wrist is stable with functional range of motion with union of both scaphoid fractures at 1-year follow-up. DISCUSSION: A delay in management of perilunate dislocations is associated with unfavourable prognosis. Prompt reduction and fixation is of paramount importance. Radiocarpal arthritis is associated with delayed management. In our case, the patient has regained painless functional range of motion without any radiological evidence of arthritis. CONCLUSION: We thus conclude that all perilunate dislocations must undergo emergency reduction. Open reduction and ligamentous repair should be considered as the treatment of choice as it is associated with better functional outcomes in terms of pain and arthritis.