Ganglia-Induced Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) is a common entrapment neuropathy that is sometimes elicited by ganglia in the tarsal tunnel. METHODS: Between August 2020 and July 2022, we operated on 117 sides with TTS. This retrospective study examined data from 8 consecutive patients (8 sides: 5 men, 3 women; average age 67.8 years) with an extraneural ganglion in the tarsal tunnel. We investigated the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes for these patients. RESULTS: The mass was palpable through the skin in 1 patient, detected intraoperatively in 1 patient, and visualized on MRI scanning in the other 6 patients. Symptoms involved the medial plantar nerve area (n = 5), lateral plantar nerve area (n = 1), and medial and lateral plantar nerve areas (n = 2). The interval between symptom onset and surgery ranged from 4 to 168 months. Adhesion between large (≥20 mm) ganglia and surrounding tissue and nerves was observed intraoperatively in 4 patients. Of the 8 patients, 7 underwent total ganglion resection. There were no surgery-related complications. On their last postoperative visit, 3 patients with a duration of symptoms not exceeding 10 months reported favorable outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Because ganglia eliciting TTS are often undetectable by skin palpation, imaging studies may be necessary. Early surgical intervention appears to yield favorable outcomes.

A clinicopathological study of low back pain due to middle cluneal nerve entrapment: case series.

PURPOSE: The middle cluneal nerve (MCN) is a pure sensory nerve around the middle buttock. Its entrapment between the iliac crest and the long posterior sacroiliac ligament elicits low back pain (LBP) that can be treated by MCN neurolysis or neurectomy. Because few studies examined the pathology of MCN entrapment (MCN-E) we subjected 7 neurectomized specimens from 6 LBP patients to pathologic study. METHODS: We present 6 consecutive patients (7 sides) with intractable LBP who underwent successful MCN neurectomy. Their symptom duration ranged from 6 to 96 months (average 47.3 months); the follow-up period ranged from 6 to 17 months (average 11.7 months). The surgical outcomes were evaluated using the numerical rating scale (NRS) for LBP and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ) score. The resected MCNs underwent neuropathological analysis. RESULTS: Postoperatively, all 6 patients reported immediate LBP amelioration; their NRS and RDQ scores were improved significantly. Pathological study of the 7 resected nerves showed that the myelinated fiber density was decreased in 6 nerves; we observed marked enlargement (n = 5), perineurial thickening and disruption (n = 6), intrafascicular fibrous changes (n = 5), myelinated fibers separated by fibrous cells under the perineurium (n = 4), and Renaut bodies (n = 3). The 7th nerve appeared normal with respect to the density and size of the myelinated fibers, however, the perineurium was slightly thickened. CONCLUSION: We present pathological evidence at the MCN compression site of 7 nerves from 6 patients whose LBP was alleviated by MCN neurectomy, indicating that MCN entrapment can elicit LBP.

Transarticular Fixation Using Bioabsorptive Screws for Cervical Lesions.

Transarticular screw fixation is a method for posterior cervical fixation. It is ergonomic because neither connectors nor rods are needed. Biomechanical studies have shown that its fixation force is not inferior to that of lateral mass screws. More information is needed on the surgical outcome of procedures using bioabsorptive screws. We investigated the long-term surgical and radiological outcomes of posterior cervical decompression and fusion using bioabsorptive screws for transarticular fixation.Of 10 patients who underwent cervical spine transarticular fixation using bioabsorptive screws, nine presented with cervical degenerative spondylosis and one with a traumatic cervical spine injury. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 57.1 months. Transarticular screw fixation was successful in all 10 patients; no intraoperative complications were encountered. Bilateral screw breakage was discovered in a patient with cervical spine instability and associated dystonia due to cerebral palsy; there was no symptom deterioration, facet joint breakage, or instability exacerbation. Facet fusion was obtained in the nine other patients. At the patients' last visit, their clinical symptoms were significantly improved. Whole cervical spine alignment (-4.21 ± 7.2 to -5.2 ± 8.7) and the fused segment angle (mean, -0.1 ± 9.9 to -1.2 ± 13.7) did not significantly worsen postoperatively (mean: -0.1 ± 9.9 to -1.2 ± 13.7). Transarticular fixation using bioabsorptive screws is safe and associated with good long-term outcomes. In patients with exacerbation of local instability after posterior decompression, additional transarticular fixation using bioabsorbable screws is a treatment option.

Metastatic Spinal Tumor from Benign Pleomorphic Adenoma: Case Report and Literature Review.

PURPOSE: Pleomorphic adenomas tend to arise in the salivary glands. They are rare and histologically benign but can result in distant metastasis, and their characteristics need further investigation. We report a case of locally recurring benign primary palatal pleomorphic adenoma that resulted in spinal metastases and review the relevant literature. CASE REPORT: A 58-year-old woman had undergone surgery for a palatal pleomorphic adenoma 22 years earlier and 6 subsequent operations for local recurrences. During follow-up, metastases to multiple organs, including the spine, were diagnosed and 4 CyberKnife treatments were performed. She suffered right flank pain and slight paralysis of the right leg; radiological findings showed a growing metastatic spinal tumor. She underwent removal of a thoracic vertebral tumor and posterolateral fusion. Postoperatively, her symptoms improved. Histopathological analysis indicated a pleomorphic adenoma and no evidence of malignancy. Although there was no local recurrence, 23 months after surgery, a fifth CyberKnife procedure was performed for a growing salivary gland tumor and she is currently being followed up. CONCLUSION: We described a rare case of benign pleomorphic adenoma that metastasized to the spine. Long-term follow-up for recurrence and metastasis is required for patients with benign pleomorphic adenoma.

Patient Satisfaction with Surgery for Tarsal- and Carpal- Tunnel Syndrome - Comparative Study.

We compared the treatment satisfaction of patients who had undergone surgery for tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). We enrolled 44 patients in this study; 23 were operated for CTS and 21 for TTS. All patients had received surgery under a microscope and under local anesthesia. Using the numerical rating scale (NRS) for numbness/pain (range 0-10) we compared their preoperative outcome expectations with their satisfaction with our treatment 6 months after the operation. We also recorded their pre- and postoperative EuroQol 5-dimension 5-level (EQ-5D-5L) scale for their health-related quality of life (QOL). The subjective assessment of their QOL showed that it was significantly lower in TTS- than CTS patients both pre- and postoperatively. Six months after the operation, the NRS for symptoms and the (EQ-5D-5L) scale for the QOL were significantly improved in TTS- and CTS patients; however, these scores were significantly better after CTS- than TTS surgery. Also, the postoperative NRS was significantly lower in the CTS- than the TTS patients. Our comparison of the patients' expected- and actual surgical outcome showed that the result was better than expected after CTS- and TTS surgery; in CTS patients the difference was significant. Overall, CTS- were more satisfied than TTS patients with the treatment outcome. Satisfaction with the treatment was greater after CTS- than TTS surgery. TTS- experienced less symptom relief than CTS patients although the actual- exceeded the expected outcome in patients operated for TTS.

Paralysis Immediately after Surgical Decompression for Common Peroneal Nerve Entrapment.

OBJECTIVE: Common peroneal nerve (C-PN) entrapment neuropathy is the most common peripheral nerve neuropathy of the legs. C-PN decompression surgery is less invasive but may result in neurological complications. We report a rare case of nerve paralysis immediately after C-PN decompression surgery. CASE REPORT: An 85-year-old man presented with leg numbness and pain. An electrophysical study revealed C-PN entrapment in the affected area and he underwent surgical decompression. Immediately after the procedure he complained of slight paralysis without pain (manual muscle test: 3/5), which gradually worsened and was complete at 60 min after surgery. We re-opened the skin incision 3 hours after the first operation and found that a subcutaneous suture had been applied to the connective tissue near the C-PN, resulting in marked compression of the nerve. After release of the suture his paralysis improved immediately. We confirmed that there was no other nerve compression and finished the operation. His paralysis disappeared completely. CONCLUSION: Peripheral nerve surgery, including C-PN decompression surgery, is less invasive, and the risk of complications is low. However, because the C-PN is located in the shallow layer under the skin, an excessively deep suture in the subcutaneous layer may compress the nerve and elicit nerve palsy. Therefore, careful postoperative follow-up is necessary because early decompression leads to good surgical results.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Patients with Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) is a common entrapment syndrome whose diagnosis can be difficult. We compared preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and operative findings in 23 consecutive TTS patients (28 sides) whose mean age was 74.5 years. The 1.5T MRI sequence was 3D T2* fat suppression. We compared the MRI findings with surgical records and intraoperative videos to evaluate them. MRI- and surgical findings revealed that a ganglion was involved on one side (3.6%), and the other 27 sides were diagnosed with idiopathic TTS. MRI visualized the nerve compression point on 23 sides (82.1%) but failed to reveal details required for surgical planning. During surgery of the other five sides (17.9%), three involved varices, and on one side each, there was connective tissue entrapment or nerve compression due to small vascular branch strangulation. MRI studies were useful for nerve compression due to a mass lesion or idiopathic factors. Although MRI revealed the compression site, it failed to identify the specific involvement of varices and small vessel branches and the presence of connective tissue entrapment.

Patient satisfaction with cluneal nerve entrapment surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Low back pain (LBP) from superior or middle cluneal nerve entrapment has been addressed surgically. We recorded patient satisfaction with this treatment. METHODS: We included 22 consecutive patients who had undergone surgery for unilateral cluneal nerve entrapment (superior: n = 17, middle: n = 5). The numerical rating scale (NRS) for LBP, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, and the EuroQOL 5-dimension, 5-level (EQ-5D-5L) scale before and 6 months after the operation were compared. Using these scores, the treatment outcome was compared with the patients' preoperative expectations. RESULTS: LBP was ameliorated in all 22 patients; their NRS, ODI, and EQ-5D-5L were significantly improved after surgery. Surgical satisfaction based on the postoperative NRS scores was recorded as 8.8 ± 1.1 (range 7-10). While the postoperative was significantly better than the expected NRS, the postoperative ODI was significantly higher than expected by the patients (both: p < 0.05). There was a moderate correlation between the postoperative NRS and ODI and postoperative patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Patient satisfaction with the surgical result was rated as acceptable.

Perioperative Complications and Adverse Events after Surgery for Peripheral Nerve- and Para-lumbar Spine Diseases.

Peripheral nerve diseases are common. Para-lumbar spine diseases (PLSDs) include peripheral neuropathy around the lumbar spine, e.g., cluneal nerve entrapment and gluteus medius muscle pain. While these diseases can be treated by less invasive surgery, postoperative complications have not been sufficiently investigated. We document complications after surgery for peripheral nerve diseases and PLSDs. Between July 2014 and December 2020, 678 consecutive patients with peripheral nerve diseases and PLSDs underwent 1068 surgical procedures (upper limb 200 sites, lower limb 447 sites, para-lumbar spine 394 sites, and tumor 27 sites). After excluding 27 procedures to address tumors, we examined the remaining 1,041 procedures undergone by 672 patients (average age 68.2 years) and recorded the complication rate observed within 30 days after the procedures. The overall surgical complication rate was 3.9% (41/1041 procedures); 6 procedures required surgical salvage and 35 were treated conservatively. There were no long-term sequelae from complications. The complication rate was high after surgery for lateral femoral cutaneous-, saphenous-, and common peroneal nerve entrapment and tarsal tunnel syndrome; all sites involved the lower limbs. As a result, intergroup comparison showed that the complication rate was significantly higher for the upper limb (3.0%) procedures than the lower limb (6.7%) and PLSD (1.3%) procedures. It was significantly lower for PLSD operations than lower and upper limb operations. The patient age and diabetes mellitus were significant risk factors for postoperative complications. Their rate was low in patients treated for peripheral nerve diseases and PLSDs; 34 of the 41 complications (82.9%) were related to the surgical wound.

Systematic Review of Spinal Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis Cases.

Lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LYG) is a rare Epstein-Barr virus-associated systemic angiocentric and angiodestructive lymphoproliferative disorder. It commonly involves the lungs and can also affect the skin, liver, kidney, and central nervous system. It can rarely occur in the spine, however, the details are unclear. We performed a systematic review of published cases (including our 1 case) of spinal LYG. We performed a systematic search of studies in English on spinal LYG, focusing on its clinical features, imaging, and treatments, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines on the PubMed database. We identified 14 patients from the literature. We also found 1 case of isolated cervical LYG (grade 3) who was treated with steroid and radiation therapy for the spinal lesion after pathologic diagnosis. We performed a pooled analysis of these 15 cases. The mean age was 43.4 years, and 13 of the 15 patients were male. Brain lesions were present in 11 of 12 intramedullary spinal lesions, and only 1 was an isolated spinal LYG case. Regarding the diagnostic methods, 1 case was not described. Of the 14 cases described, 12 patients underwent biopsies (7 brain, 4 lung, and 1 spinal cord lesion) and 2 underwent surgical removal for an extramedullary lesion. In the overall prognosis from a mean follow-up period of 21.6 months, 4 patients died despite several treatments. Spinal LYG, particularly isolated spinal LYG, is rare. Thus further accumulation of cases may be necessary to better understand its characteristics.

Less Invasive Combined Micro- and Endoscopic Neurolysis of Superficial Peroneal Nerve Entrapment: Technical Note.

As superficial peroneal nerve (S-PN) entrapment neuropathy is relatively rare, it may be an elusive clinical entity. For decompression surgery addressing idiopathic S-PN entrapment, narrow-area decompression may be insufficient and long-area decompression along the S-PN from the peroneus longus muscle (PLM) to the peroneal nerve exit site may be required. To render it is less invasive, we performed S-PN neurolysis in a combined microscope/endoscope procedure. We report our surgical procedure and clinical outcomes. We microsurgically decompressed the affected S-PN under local anesthesia without a proximal tourniquet. We made a small linear skin incision at the distal portion of the S-PN, performed distal decompression of the S-PN where it penetrated the deep fascia, and then performed proximal decompression under an endoscope. At the site where the S-PN exited the PLM, we placed additional small incisions and proceeded to microscopic decompression. We surgically treated three patients with S-PN entrapment. They were two men and one woman ranging in age from 66 to 85 years. The mean postoperative follow-up was 22 months. Their symptoms before treatment and at the latest follow-up visit were recorded on the numerical rating scale (NRS). The mean incision length was 5.5 cm and 17.3 cm of the S-PN was decompressed. All three patients reported postoperative symptom improvement. There were no complications. In patients with idiopathic S-PN entrapment, long-site neurolysis under local anesthesia using a microscope/endoscope combination is useful.

High-frequency thermal coagulation to treat middle cluneal nerve entrapment neuropathy.

OBJECTIVE: Middle cluneal nerve entrapment (MCN-E) around the sacroiliac joint can elicit low back pain (LBP). Pain control can be obtained with anesthetic nerve blocks; however, when their effectiveness is transient, surgical release may be necessary. We investigated the efficacy of radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC) in patients with MCN-E. METHODS: Between December 2018 and August 2019, 11 consecutive patients (4 men, 7 women; mean age 76.4 years) with intractable medial buttock pain due to MCN-E underwent MCN RFTC. The mean symptom duration was 49.5 months; pre-RFTC local MCN blocks provided pain relief for a mean of 7.7 days. The severity of pain in the medial buttock due to MCN-E was recorded before and 2, 6, 12, and 24 weeks after RFTC on the numerical rating scale (NRS) and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ). RESULTS: All patients reported pain alleviation; there were no complications. While there was a significant difference in the pre- and post-RFTC treatment NRS (p < 0.05), the RDQ scores were significantly lower only after 12 weeks. The duration of pain relief was significantly prolonged by RFTC (p < 0.05). Two patients suffered pain relapse 10 weeks post-RFTC; pain alleviation was obtained by re-RFTC performed 2 weeks after pain recurrence. Two other patients relapsed 20 and 21 weeks post-RFTC; their symptoms also disappeared by MCN block administered 24 weeks after they had undergone RFTC. CONCLUSION: RFTC may safely control intractable LBP due to MCN-E.

Therapeutic Effect of Mirogabalin on Peripheral Neuropathic Pain due to Lumbar Spine Disease.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mirogabalin in treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain due to lumbar spine disease. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Mirogabalin is a novel selective ligand for the α2δ subunit of voltage-gated Ca channels. METHODS: Between April and December 2019, we used mirogabalin to treat 60 consecutive patients (mean age, 67.6 years) with leg symptoms due to lumbar disease. The treatment outcome after 8 weeks of mirogabalin therapy was evaluated by comparing the preand post-administration Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for leg symptoms and sleep disturbance, the NRS and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire for low back pain (LBP), and the quality of life (QOL) score (based on EuroQol five-dimension five-level scale). RESULTS: Mirogabalin treatment was stopped at less than eight weeks in eight patients. The remaining 52 patients for evaluation were divided as group 1 (17 patients who presented with leg symptoms that lasted for less than 3 months) and group 2 (35 patients with leg symptoms that lasted longer than 3 months). The leg symptoms and LBP in both groups significantly improved at 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, and sleep disturbance and QOL were improved at 8 weeks as well. Compared to group 2, the pretreatment leg symptoms and QOL were significantly worse in group 1, and their improvement after 8 weeks of mirogabalin treatment was significantly better (p<0.05). Of the 60 original patients, 17 suffered adverse effects, which were mild in 16 patients and required treatment cessation due to excessive weight gain in one patient. CONCLUSIONS: We have validated the effect of mirogabalin on neuropathic pain due to lumbar spine disease, which has effectively addressed the associated leg symptoms, LBP, and sleep disturbance.

Recurrent Cervical Spinal Epidural Hematoma: Case Report and Literature Review.

Spinal epidural hematoma (SEDH) is an uncommon pathology. Here, we report a case of SEDH with recurrences, along with a literature review of relevant cases to identify characteristics of SEDH recurrence. A 13-year-old girl experienced sudden-onset of back pain and bilateral leg weakness. She was diagnosed with a cervical idiopathic epidural hematoma, and the symptoms subsided with conservative management. Four months after the event, she again experienced back pain due to recurrence of the cervical epidural hematoma, but she was observed because no neurological deficits could be detected. Fifteen months after the initial SEDH, she experienced severe back pain and tetra-paresis due to recurrence. The SEDH was located in the left ventral and dorsal aspect at the C6-T1 level, with severe spinal cord compression. The hematoma was removed through left hemilaminectomy. Bleeding was noted from the epidural venous plexus along the left C6 spinal root, which had coagulated. After hematoma resection, her symptoms gradually improved, and she was discharged 3 weeks after surgery without any neurological deficits. No hematoma recurrence has since been experienced. Recurrent SEDH is relatively rare, with only 11 cases previously reported. Recurrent hematoma cases are more common in young, female patients, while SEDH, in general, is more common in males in their late forties. The recurrence interval is shorter in non-surgical cases than those requiring surgery. Knowledge of these characteristics may be useful in the future management of SEDH.

[A Case of Guyon's Canal Syndrome Associated with Cubital Tunnel Syndrome].

A 51-year-old man had a 1-year history of numbness on the ulnar side of the 4th finger, the 5th finger, and the ulnar side of the forearm, and weakness of the right hand. The Spurling sign was negative, and cervical radiography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed no abnormality. The Tinel-like signs at the Guyon's canal and cubital tunnel were positive. The diagnosis upon electrophysiological examination was cubital tunnel syndrome and Guyon's canal syndrome, but the possibility of Guyon's canal syndrome was high. Based on the presence of numbness in the forearm, the Tinel-like sign at the cubital tunnel, and the high incidence rate of cubital tunnel syndrome, an operation for cubital tunnel syndrome was performed. After the first operation, the numbness in the forearm was improved, but numbness in the 4th and 5th fingers, and weakness of the right hand remained, and the Tinel-like sign at the Guyon's canal also remained positive. The second operation for Guyon's canal syndrome was performed a month after the first operation for cubital tunnel syndrome. After the second operation, the residual symptoms improved gradually. Guyon's canal syndrome is a rare condition, but it may be considered a causative factor in patients with ulnar neuropathy.

Is the Vertebral Posterior Line a Safety Landmark for Cervical Posterior Screw Insertion? - Radiological Study of the Vertebral Artery in the Cervical Spine.

At posterior cervical fixation, iatrogenic injury of the vertebral artery (VA) must be avoided. As the VA is usually located in front of the posterior line of the vertebral body, intraoperative lateral fluoroscopy is used to identify the line. We investigated in how many of 105 patients (210 VAs) this line is a safe marker. We also inspected the original cervical magnetic resonance angiograms (MRA) of 105 consecutive patients who had been treated for other than cervical spine diseases to study some anatomical characteristics of the VA in the cervical spine. The distance from the posterior line of the vertebral body to the posterior VA surface was classified as safe, as requiring attention, and as unsafe. Among the 210 VAs, four hypoplastic vessels were excluded from this study; consequently, 206 VAs were available for assessment. The average distance exceeded 6 mm, it was shorter at the upper cervical level. Although in at least 200 VAs (97.1%) the distance between C4 and C7 was safe, in only 170 VAs (82.5%) was it safe at C3. We observed a total of 31 tortuous loops in 17 VAs; their presence had a significant negative effect on the usefulness of the safety line. Although the posterior line of the vertebral body may be useful for safe screw insertion at the C4-C7 level, it may be less useful at C3. In the presence of tortuous VA loops, close attention must be paid to the reliability of the safety line during cervical spine surgery.

Quality of life effects of pain from para-lumbar- and lower extremity entrapment syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome and comparison of the effectiveness of surgery.

INTRODUCTION: We compared the preoperative quality of life (QOL) of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, lower extremity-, and para-lumbar entrapment syndrome, and the effect of surgery on their QOL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 66 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome (group 1, n = 23), lower extremity entrapment syndrome (group 2, n = 22), and para-lumbar entrapment syndrome (group 3, n = 21). Their pre- and postoperative overall health status was assessed on the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 Health Survey, v2 (SF-36). RESULTS: Except for the mental component summary, the preoperative score for items rated on the SF-36 was significantly lower in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2 (p < 0.05). In all 66 patients, the scores for bodily pain (BP) and the physical component summary (PCS) were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than the national standard, as was the score for physical functioning (PF) in groups 2 and 3. After surgery, PF of group 2 and PF, BP, and PCS of group 3 improved significantly (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The detrimental QOL effects are stronger in patients with para-lumbar- or lower extremity entrapment syndrome than in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Gluteus medius muscle decompression for buttock pain: a case-series analysis.

BACKGROUND: The causes of low back and buttock pain are variable. Elsewhere, we presented a surgical technical note addressing the gluteus medius muscle (GMeM) pain that elicited buttock pain treatable by surgical decompression. Here, we report minimum 2-year surgical outcomes of GMeM decompression for intractable buttock pain. METHODS: Between January 2014 and December 2015, we surgically treated 55 consecutive patients with a GMeM pain. Of these, 39 were followed for at least 2 years; they were included in this study. Their average age was 69.2 years; 17 were men and 22 were women. The affected side was unilateral in 24 patients and bilateral in the other 15 (total 54 sites). The mean follow-up period was 40.0 months (range 25-50 months). The severity of pre- and post-treatment pain was recorded on the numerical rating scale (NRS) and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ). RESULTS: Of the 39 patients, 35 also presented with leg symptoms. They were exacerbated by walking in all 39 patients and by prolonged sitting in 33 patients; 19 had a past history of lumbar surgery and 4 manifested failed back surgery syndrome. Repeat surgery for wider decompression was performed in 5 patients due to pain recurrence 15.8 months after the first operation. At the last follow-up, the symptoms were significantly improved; the average NRS fell from 7.4 to 2.1 and the RDQ score from 10.5 to 3.3 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: When diagnostic criteria are met, GMeM decompression under local anesthesia is a useful treatment for intractable buttock pain.

The association between sacroiliac joint-related pain following lumbar spine surgery and spinopelvic parameters: a prospective multicenter study.

PURPOSE: To prospectively calculate the incidence of postoperative sacroiliac joint-related pain (SIJP) and investigate the association between spinopelvic parameters and postoperative SIJP after lumbar spine surgery. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled consecutive patients who underwent lumbar spine surgery. We defined postoperative SIJP as unilateral buttock pain according to fulfillment of the following criteria within 3 months of the surgery: a sacroiliac joint (SIJ) score higher than 4/9 postoperatively; positive response to analgesic periarticular SIJ injection with fluoroscopy; no other complications related to the surgery. The patients were divided into the SIJP group and non-SIJP group. We compared the background information and analyzed the differences in spinopelvic parameters in both groups. Additionally, receiver-operating characteristic curve analyses were performed to evaluate the cutoff values of spinopelvic parameters. RESULTS: Of the 281 patients enrolled, 265 were included and eight developed postoperative SIJP (3.0%). There were no significant differences in the background information between groups. Preoperative and postoperative radiological evaluations revealed that the pelvic incidence (PI) in the SIJP group was significantly higher than that in the non-SIJP group, and there were no significant differences in lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic tilt, sacral slope, and PI minus LL. For preoperative PI, the area under the curve, cutoff value, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.73739, 59, 62.5%, and 81.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of postoperative SIJP after lumbar spine surgery was 3.0%. Higher PI values were associated with a higher risk of postoperative SIJP. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Incidental Idiopathic Bilateral Pedicle Fracture - Case Report and Literature Review.

In rare cases, pedicle fracture is associated with spine surgery, spondylolysis, or stress fracture. We report a patient without trauma whose bilateral lumbar pedicle fracture was detected incidentally. A 67-year-old woman reported leg numbness and pain. Lumbar MRI showed spinal canal stenosis at the L4/L5 level. Drug treatment was only partially effective. A lumbar computed tomography (CT) scan performed 3 months later revealed bilateral pedicle fracture at L4. A second lumbar MRI showed fresh bilateral L4 pedicle fracture that was not observed on the first scan. Due to the presence of osteoporosis we prescribed daily teriparatide and the wearing of a lumbo-sacral corset. Her subsequent clinical course was uneventful and the fractures fused under conservative treatment. During this period, she had no low back pain (LBP). Only 12 earlier patients with spontaneous bilateral pedicle fracture without trauma, spinal surgery, or bone abnormality have been reported. In 8 patients, including ours, the fracture level was at L4. In all except our patient, LBP was the most common symptom. Pedicle fracture as detected incidentally in our patient. Of the 13 patients, 4 were physically active adolescents; of the 9 others, 5 were women with osteoporosis. Our case is the first report of incidental spontaneous bilateral pedicle fracture.