Anatomic trajectory for iliac screw placement adapts better to the morphological features of the pelvis of each individual than the S2 alar iliac screw: a radiological study.

PURPOSE: The iliac fixation (IF) through the S2 ala permits the minimization of implant prominence and tissue dissection. An alternative to this technique is the anatomic iliac screw fixation (AI), which considers the perpendicular axis to the narrowest width of the ileum and the width of the screw. The morphological accuracy of the iliac screw insertion of two low profile iliac fixation (IF) techniques is investigated in this study. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients operated on via low profile IF technique were divided into two groups, those treated using 28 screws with the starting point at S2, and those treated with 30 AI entry point. Radiological parameters (Tsv-angle, Sag-Angle, Max-length, sacral-distance, iliac-width, S2-midline, skin-distance, iliac-wing, and PSIS distance) and clinical outcomes (early and clinic complications) were evaluated by two blinded expert radiologists, and the results were compared in both groups with the real trajectory of the screws placed. RESULTS: Differences between ideal and real trajectories were observed in 6 of the 9 evaluated parameters in the S2AI group. In the AI group, these trajectories were similar, except for TSV-Angle, Max-length, Iliac-width, and distance to iliac-wing parameters. Moreover, compared with S2AI, AI provided better adaptation to the pelvic morphology in all parameters, except for sagittal plane angulation, skin distance, and iliac width. CONCLUSIONS: AI ensures the advantages of low profile pelvic fixation like S2AI, with a starting point in line with S1 pedicle anchors and low implant prominence, and moreover adapts better to the morphological features of the pelvis of each individual.

Training of neurologists for the 21st century: cultural and professional skills / O treinamento do Neurologista para o século XXI: habilidades profissionais e culturais

Abstract Training of neurologists for the near future is a challenge due to the likely advances in neuroscientific methods, which will change much of our knowledge on diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases. Objective: to comment on what may be more likely to be a constant in the very near future and to recommend how to prepare the neurologist for the 21st century. Methods: through a critical review of recent articles on the teaching of Neurology, to present a personal view on the subject. Results: Diagnostic methods and therapeutic resources in Neurology will be greatly improved, but the central core of teaching young neurologists will continue to be the clinical/anatomical correlation. The neurologist must be prepared to be the primary physician in the care of patients with neurological disorders, although the roles of consultant and clinical neuroscientist must also be considered. In addition to technical knowledge, the neurologist must be prepared to discuss not only distressing issues related to the specialty, such as the risks of genetic diseases for family members of their patients, the inexorable progression of some diseases and the need for palliative care, but also problems not directly related to Neurology that cause anxiety and depression in the patient or that are the main reason for the initial consultation. Conclusion: neurology will be an even more important area of medicine and the neurologist must be well prepared to be the primary doctor to diagnose, treat and follow the patient with neurological disorders. In addition to technical knowledge, training in doctor-patient relations should be highlighted.

Resumo A formação do neurologista para o futuro próximo é um desafio devido aos prováveis avanços nos métodos da neurociência, que mudarão muito do nosso conhecimento sobre diagnóstico e tratamento de doenças neurológicas. Objetivo: comentar o que pode ser mais constante no futuro próximo e propor como preparar o neurologista para o século XXI. Métodos: por meio de uma revisão crítica de artigos recentes sobre o ensino da Neurologia, apresentar uma visão pessoal sobre o assunto. Resultados: Os métodos diagnósticos e os recursos terapêuticos em Neurologia serão muito aprimorados, mas o núcleo central do ensino de jovens neurologistas continuará sendo a correlação clínico-anatômica. O neurologista deve estar preparado para ser o médico principal no atendimento de pacientes com distúrbios neurológicos, embora os papéis de consultor e neurocientista clínico também devam ser considerados. Além do conhecimento técnico, o neurologista deve estar preparado para discutir não apenas questões angustiantes relacionadas à especialidade, como os riscos de doenças genéticas para os familiares de seus pacientes, a progressão inexorável de algumas doenças e a indicação de cuidados paliativos, mas também problemas não diretamente relacionados à Neurologia que causam ansiedade e depressão no paciente ou que são a principal causa da consulta. Conclusão: a neurologia será uma área ainda mais importante da medicina e o neurologista deve estar bem-preparado para ser o médico principal para diagnosticar, tratar e acompanhar o paciente com distúrbios neurológicos. Além do conhecimento técnico, a formação humanística deve ter destaque.

Clinicoanatomical correlation in stroke related aphasia.

CONTEXT: With advances in neuroimaging, traditional views regarding the clinicoanatomic correlation in stroke patients with aphasia are being challenged and it has been observed that lesions at a given cortical or subcortical site may manifest with different aphasia profiles. AIMS: To study as to whether there is a strict clinicoanatomical correlation between the type of aphasia and lesion site in patients with first ever stroke. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Observational study, based in a tertiary care center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Stroke patient's ≥18 years of age were screened and those with first ever stroke and aphasia were subjected to a detailed stroke workup and language assessment using the Hindi version of Western Aphasia Battery (WAB). Statistical analysis was done with χ(2) test with Yates correction and Kruskal-Wallis test. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Overall aphasia was detected in 27.9% of the 260 screened cases with stroke. Amongst 60 cases with first ever stroke and aphasia, the aphasia type was: Global (33.33%), Broca's (28.3%), transcortical motor (13.33%), transcortical sensory (10%), Wernicke's (8.33%), anomic (5%), and conduction (1.67%) aphasia. A definite correlation between the lesion site and the type of aphasia as per the traditional classification was observed in 35% cases only. CONCLUSIONS: No absolute correlation exists between the lesion site and the type of clinical aphasia syndrome in majority of the patients with cortical and subcortical stroke.