Dispositivos interespinosos en discectomías lumbares primarias: ¿Favorecen la recurrencia de la hernia de discos? / Use of interspinous process devices in primary lumbar discectomy. Does it promote recurrent disc herniation?

Objetivo: Evaluar si la colocación de los dispositivos interespinosos siliconados tipo DIAM favorecen una tasa más alta de recidiva de la hernia discal homolateral clínica y por imágenes comparada con la discectomía pura. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo, observacional, aleatorizado desde mayo de 2009 hasta mayo de 2013, en nuestro Centro. Se evaluó a 123 pacientes, 3 se perdieron en el seguimiento; la muestra incluyó 120 sujetos. Todos fueron operados por el mismo equipo quirúrgico. Se formaron dos grupos: grupo A: discectomía más colocación de dispositivo interespinoso siliconado, 30 pacientes (16 mujeres y 14 hombres), con mayor frecuencia L4-L5 (27 pacientes, 90%) y grupo B: discectomías puras, 90 pacientes (53 mujeres y 37 hombres) con más frecuencia L4 y L5 (72 pacientes, 80%). Resultados: Seis de los pacientes del grupo A (20%) tuvieron una recidiva clínica y por imágenes, y 3 (10%) fueron operados nuevamente; en el grupo B, hubo 4 recidivas discales (4,4%), uno fue operado nuevamente (1,1%). Se hallaron diferencias significativas en las tasas de recidiva y reintervención entre los grupos (p = 0,0073 y p = 0,0188, respectivamente). Conclusiones: Los beneficios de los dispositivos interespinosos para tratar el canal estrecho lumbar secundario a hernia de disco son controvertidos, pero en nuestro estudio, se halló una diferencia significativa según el grupo. Al mantener el movimiento del segmento y cambiar ligeramente las cargas fisiológicas aumentarían la tasa de recidiva discal; no obstante, son necesarios estudios con mayor evidencia científica para corroborar estas tendencias. Nivel de Evidencia: III

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if discectomy with placement of an interspinous DIAM silicon spacer is associated with a different rate of clinical and radiological recurrent ipsilateral disc herniation compared to discectomy alone. Methods: A prospective, observational, randomized study was performed from May 2009 to May 2013 at our center. Of the 123 patients included in the study, 3 were lost to follow-up, leaving 120 patients for data analysis. All patients were operated on by the same surgical team. Patients received one of two types of treatment. Group A consisted of 30 patients (16 women and 14 ment) who underwent discectomy with placement of an interspinous DIAM silicone spacer. Group B was comprised of 90 patients (53 women and 37 men) treated by discectomy alone. Results: Discectomy at L4-L5 level was the most common approach, being performed in 90% (27) of Group A patients and 80% (72) of Group B patients. Group A demonstrated clinical and radiological recurrent disc herniation in 6/30 (20%) patients. Recurrent disc herniation developed in 4/90 (4.4%) of Group B patients. One patient underwent surgical revision (1.1%). Both recurrence and surgical revision were significantly higher in Group A (p = 0.007 and p = 0.019, respectively). Conclusions: The benefits of interspinous devices for the treatment of the lumbar spinal stenosis secondary to disc herniation are controversial, and this study showed a significant intergroup difference. In this study, patients that underwent discectomy and interspinous spacer placement had higher revision and recurrence rates than discectomy patients that did not receive an interspinous spacer. Interspinous spacers may increase the rate of disc herniation by preserving movement at the level of the original disc herniation and changing the physiologic load. Further studies are needed to corroborate and evaluate these trends. Level of Evidence: III

NF-kB mediated CX3CL1 activation in the dorsal root ganglion contributes to the maintenance of neuropathic pain induced in adult male Sprague Dawley rats

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the role of CX3CL1 and NF-κB in the lumbar disc herniation induced neuropathic pain. Methods: After LDH induced by implantation of autologous nucleus pulposus (NP) on the left L5 nerve root was established, mechanical thresholds and thermal hyperalgesia were tested at relevant time points during an observation period of 28 days. Expression of CX3CL1 and NF-κBin the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) were performed by using Western blotting and RT-PCR. Results: Implantation of autologous nucleus pulposus (NP) induced neuropathic pain, associated with increased mRNA and protein expression of CX3CL1 in the DRG. Moreover, intrathecal injection of neutralizing antibody against CX3CL1 could attenuates LDH-induced persistent pain hypersensitivity. Interestingly, NF-κB activation in the DRGs were found in LDH-induced neuropathic pain. Furthermore, NF-κB downregulation by p65 inhibitor PDTC markedly alleviated LDH-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in rat. Importantly, CX3CL1 neutralizing antibody (10 μg/10 μl, i.t.) reduces p-p65 protein level in DRG Conclusions: CX3XL1 could regulate LDH-induced neuropathic pain through NF-κB pathway. Targeting CX3CL1 and NF-κB may represent a potential treatment for neuropathic pain caused by LDH.

Brachioradial pruritus in a patient with cervical disc herniation and Parsonage-Turner syndrome

Abstract Brachioradial pruritus is a chronic sensory neuropathy of unknown etiology which affects the skin of the shoulders, arms and forearms on the insertion of the brachioradialis muscle. We describe the case of a 60-yearold woman recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma who refers paresis, severe pruritus and itching lesions on the right arm with 6 months of evolution. Investigation led to a diagnosis of Brachioradial pruritus consequent to the presence of cervical disc herniation and Parsonage-Turner syndrome. The patient started gabapentin 900mg/day with good control of itching. Corticosteroids and antihistamines are often ineffective in the treatment of BP. Gabapentin has been used with encouraging results. All patients with Brachioradial pruritus should be evaluated for cervical spine injuries.

Preoperative motor deficit in lumbar disc herniation and its influence on quality of life / Déficit motor pré-operatório por hérnia de disco lombar e sua influência na qualidade de vida / Déficit motor preoperatorio por hernia de disco lumbar y su influencia en la calidad de vida

Objective: Evaluate the impact of motor deficit (MD) on pain, disability, depression and quality of life measures of patients with LDH prior to a specific treatment. Methods: A total of 254 consecutively enrolled patients with LDH associated to neurological impairment and sciatica who have not responded to conservative treatment were evaluated. After reviewing the exclusion criteria, 168 were included. Validated instruments were used in the preoperative period to evaluate: pain, disability, quality of life, anxiety and depression. Results: Normal motor strength was observed in 57 (33.9%) patients and MD was observed in 111 (66.1%) cases. No statistically significant differences were observed between patients with and without MD regarding gender, age, level of herniation, lateralization and workers&apos; compensation. Regarding quality of life, no difference was detected in the eight domains of SF36 and between the PCS and MCS groups. The only difference observed was a higher disability rate in the MD group, with the mean ODI difference being 7.84 (CI 95%: 1.82â€"13.87; p=0.011). Motor weakness was observed in 35.1% (n=39/111) of patients who had abnormal results at the motor evaluation, being related to severity (X²: 46.058; p<0.0001). Conclusion: In patients with LDH without prior specific treatment, the presence of MD did not modify the pain, disability, depression measures and self-reported quality of life. The MD has no discriminative ...

Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto do déficit motor (DM) sobre dor, incapacidade, depressão e medidas de qualidade de vida em pacientes com HDL antes de tratamento específico. Métodos: Avaliou-se consecutivamente um total de 254 pacientes inscritos com HDL associado à lesão neurológica e ciática que não responderam ao tratamento conservador. Depois de analisar os critérios de exclusão, 168 foram incluídos. Instrumentos validados foram utilizados no período pré-operatório para avaliar: dor, incapacidade, qualidade de vida, ansiedade e depressão. Resultados: Verificou-se força motora normal em 57 (33,9%) pacientes e o DM foi observado em 111 (66,1%) casos. Não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre pacientes com e sem DM com relação a sexo, idade, nível de hérnia, lateralização e compensação trabalhista. Com relação à qualidade de vida, não foi detectada diferença nos oito domínios do SF-36 e entre os grupos PCS e MCS. A única diferença observada foi taxa de deficiência superior no grupo DM, sendo a diferença média do ODI de 7,84 (IC 95%: 1,82-13,87, p = 0,011) A fraqueza motora foi observada em 35,1% (n=39/111) dos pacientes que tiveram resultado anormal na avaliação motora ...

Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto del déficit motor (DM) en el dolor, la discapacidad, la depresión y de la medida de calidad de vida en pacientes con HDL antes de un tratamiento específico. Métodos: Ha sido evaluado consecutivamente un total de 254 pacientes inscritos con HDL asociado a lesión neurológica y ciática que no han respondido al tratamiento conservador. Después de analizar los criterios de exclusión, se incluyeron 168 pacientes. Se utilizaron instrumentos validados en el preoperatorio para evaluar: dolor, discapacidad, calidad de vida, ansiedad y depresión. Resultados: La fuerza motora normal se observó en 57 (33,9%) pacientes y DM se observó en 111 (66,1%) casos. No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los pacientes con y sin DM con respecto a sexo, edad, nivel de la hernia, lateralización y compensación laboral En cuanto a la calidad de vida no se detectaron diferencias en los ocho dominios del SF-36 y entre los grupos PCS y MCS. La única diferencia observada fue una tasa de deficiencia superior en el grupo DM, con la diferencia promedio del ODI de 7,84 (IC 95%: 1,82-13,87, p = 0,011). La debilidad motora observada fue del 35,1% (n=39/111) de los pacientes con resultados anormales en la evaluación motora, que estaba relacionada con la gravedad (X²: 46,058, p<0,0001). Conclusión: ...

Hérnia discal cervical não traumática e Síndrome de Brown-Séquard: relato de caso e revisão da literatura / Nontraumatic cervical discal herniation and Brown-Séquard's Syndrome: case report and literature review

A Síndrome de Brown-Séquard (SBS) é caracterizada pela perda da função motora, propriocepção e sensibilidade vibratória ipsilateral e perda da sensibilidade tátil e dolorosa contralateral à hemissecção medular. É principalmente causada por fraturas da coluna vertebral ou tumores extramedulares. Hérnia discal cervical não traumática é uma etiologia rara, havendo 31 relatos em literatura indexada até o momento. Paciente do sexo masculino, 23 anos, admitido com parestesia em dimídio esquerdo e fraqueza no hemicorpo direito há cerca de 35 dias da internação. Sem relatos de trauma. Ao exame: consciente e orientado, hemiparesia à direita e hemi-hipoestesia tátil dolorosa à esquerda com nível motor e sensitivo em C7. Os exames de imagem evidenciaram um canal estreito cervical de C4-T1, presença de hérnia discal extrusa C5-C6 e hipersinal medular a esse nível. Foi submetido à discectomia e artrodese cervical anterior de C5-C6. No pós-operatório, evoluiu com tetraplegia flácida (nível motor/sensitivo em C8). Os exames de controle mostraram correto posicionamento do instrumental cirúrgico, ausência de hérnias discais e manutenção do hipersinal medular. Após oito meses de reabilitação e seguimento ambulatorial, permanece tetraparético. Descrevemos o primeiro caso brasileiro, em literatura indexada, de SBS causada por hérnia discal cervical não traumática. Há um predomínio pelo sexo masculino, a média de idade é de 45 anos e o disco intervertebral C5-C6 é o mais acometido. Microdiscectomia e fusão intersomática são as formas mais comuns de tratamento. Após a descompressão precoce, há um bom prognóstico, com recuperação da motricidade na maioria dos casos.

The Brown-Séquard's Syndrome is characterized by loss of motor function, proprioception and vibration sensitivity ipsilateral and loss of tactile and painful contralateral to hemisection spinal cord. It is mainly caused by fractures of the spine or extramedullary tumors. Nontraumatic cervical herniated disc etiology is rare, with only 31 cases indexed in the literature. Male patient, 23 years old, admitted with numbness in left side and weakness in the right hemisphere, hospitalized for about 35 days. No reports of trauma. On examination: conscious and oriented, right hemiparesis and hemihipoestesia tactile-painful in left side, with sensory and motor level C7. Imaging tests showed a narrow channel of cervical C4-T1, presence of disc herniation extrusa C5-C6 and hyperintense marrow at this level. Underwent cervical discectomy and arthrodesis of C5-C6. Postoperatively evolved with flaccid tetraplegia (level motor/sensory C8). The control examinations showed correct position surgical instruments, lack of disc herniations and maintenance of spinal cord hyperintense. After eight months of rehabilitation and outpatient services remains tetraparesis. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first description of BSS caused by nontraumatic cervical disc herniation in Brazil, in the indexed literature. In the affected patients, there is a predominance of males, with mean age 45 years, and the C5-C6 intervertebral disc is the most affected. Microdiscectomy and interbody fusion are the most common forms of treatment. After early decompression, there is a good prognosis, with recovery of motor function in most cases.

Traumatic extrusion of C5-C6 intervertebral disc associated to mielopathy without bone lesion: report of 2 cases and review

The authors reports two cases of cervical disc herniation caused by trauma without osseous lesions in articular facets, vertebral bodies or dislocations. It constitutes uncommon lesions in spinal cord injury. The literature is reviewed.

Apophyseal ring fracture associated with two levels extruded disc herniation: case report and review of the literature / Fratura do anel apofisário associada à hérnia discal extrusa de dois níveis: relato de caso e revisão da literatura

Apophyseal ring fractures are rare injuries that may be associated with lumbar disc herniation in young patients. We report a unique case in the literature of a 15-year-old male patient who played football and was admitted at our service complaining of sciatica radiating into the left leg. An apophysial ring injury of L5 vertebral body was observed. This injury caused two extruded disc herniation in adjacent levels. Surgical procedure was indicated after failure of conservative treatment.

As fraturas do anel apofisário são lesões raras, que podem estar associadas à hérnia de disco lombar nos pacientes jovens. Apresentamos aqui um caso único na literatura de paciente de 15 anos, gênero masculino, praticante de futebol, com queixa de ciatalgia para o membro inferior esquerdo. Houve lesão do anel apofisário, nos planaltos superior e inferior do corpo vertebral de L5, ocasionando hérnias discais extrusas nos níveis adjacentes. O procedimento cirúrgico foi indicado após a falha do tratamento conservador.

Sequestered lumbar disc herniation mimicking spinal tumor / Hérnia de disco lombar sequestrada simulando tumor espinhal

The occurrence of herniated disc simulating diseases in neuroimaging it?s an uncommon situation. However, due to changes that occur in sequestered disc fragment, some cases can mimic spinal neoplasms. Thus, we present the case of a female patient, 60 year-old, with left back pain and left leg weakness. Left lower limb presented with strength grade IV, positive 45 degress Lasègue?s signal and patellar areflexia. Lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an expansive left centro-lateral lesion at L4-L5 level, hypointense on T1W, hyperintense on T2W, with peripheral contrast uptake, causing compression of the dural sac and L5 nerve root. A hemilaminectomy was performed, with complete excision of the lesion. Histological analisys confirmed discal hernia. Disc herniation is a condition characterized by the displacement of the disc content to the spinal canal, predominantly in the lumbar region, and manifesting as radiculopathy. The fragment sequestration occurs in 30% of the cases and is characterized by loss of continuity with remaining disc. MRI exams generally allow diagnostic confirmation; however, there may be diagnostic confusion with tumors, arachnoid cysts and abscesses. The inflammatory reaction occurred in the disc fragment produces the differences in MRI signal. The fragment is hypointense on T1W, hyperintense on T2W, with peripheral enhancement after contrast. Malignancies and Schwannomas have homogeneous or heterogeneous uptake. The epidural abscess is isointense on T1W and hyperintense on T2W, with homogeneous or peripheral enhancement, similar to discal herniation. Thus, sequestered disc herniation can mimic other space-occupying lesions, being necessary a surgical approach to obtain material for histopathological analysis and diagnostic confirmation.

A ocorrência de hérnias de disco simulando outras patologias em neuroimagens é incomum. Entretanto, devido às alterações que ocorrem no fragmento discal sequestrado, alguns casos podem mimetizar neoplasias espinais. Assim, apresentamos o caso de uma paciente do sexo feminino, 60 anos, com lombalgia à esquerda e fraqueza na perna esquerda. O membro inferior esquerdo apresentava força grau IV, sinal de Laségue positivo a 45 graus e arreflexia patelar. Ressonância nuclear magnética (RNM) de coluna lombossacra evidenciou lesão expansiva centrolateral esquerda ao nível de L4-L5, hipointensa em T1, hiperintensa em T2, com captação periférica de contraste, determinando compressão do saco dural e raiz de L5. Realizou-se hemilaminectomia com excisão completa da lesão. A análise histológica confirmou hérnia discal. Hérnia de disco é uma patologia caracterizada pelo deslocamento do conteúdo discal para o canal vertebral, predominando na região lombar e manifestando-se como radiculopatia. O sequestro do fragmento ocorre em 30% dos casos e se caracteriza por perda da continuidade com o disco remanescente. Exames de RNM geralmente permitem a confirmação diagnóstica, entretanto, pode haver confusão diagnóstica com tumores, cistos aracnóideos e abscessos. A reação inflamatória ocorrida no fragmento discal produz as diferenças de sinal na RNM. O fragmento é hipointenso em T1, hiperintenso em T2, apresentando realce periférico após contraste. Neoplasias malignas e Schwannomas apresentam captação homogênea ou heterogênea. Os abscessos epidurais podem apresentar realce homogêneo ou periférico, semelhante às hérnias discais. Assim, hérnias de disco sequestradas podem mimetizar outras lesões ocupando espaço, sendo necessária abordagem cirúrgica com obtenção de material para análise histopatológica para confirmar o diagnóstico.

Parkinsonismo induzido por trazodona durante o tratamento de hérnia discal lombar: relato de caso / Trazodone induced parkinsonism during lumbar disc herniation treatment: case report

A utilização de medicações psicoativas vem crescendo ao longo dos anos, sendo essencial o conhecimento de seus efeitos colaterais e interações medicamentosas. O desenvolvimento de distúrbios de movimento associados ao uso dessas substâncias é uma situação bastante desconfortável para o paciente, sendo essencial o diagnóstico adequado mediante forte suspeição. Relata-se o caso de um paciente que desenvolveu sintomas de parkinsonismo durante tratamento de hérnia discal lombar na vigência do uso de trazodona. É dada ênfase aos mecanismos de produção desse fenômeno e à sua condução clínica...

The use of psychoactive medications has been growing over years, being essential the knowledge of its side effects and interactions. The development of movement disturbances is a very uncomfortable situation for the patient, requiring a high suspicion for adequate diagnosis. A case of a patient who presented symptoms of Parkinsonism during use of Trazodone in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation is reported. Emphasis is given to the biological mechanisms of this phenomenon and its clinical conduction...

Síndrome de la cola de caballo secundario a hernia discal traumática / Horse-tail syndrome secondary to traumatic disc herniation

La cola de caballo representa la continuación caudal de la médula espinal. Esta porción del sistema nervioso es asiento de numerosas patologías. Se presenta un caso clínico que debutó de forma aguda con un síndrome de la cola de caballo, secundario a una hernia discal lumbar traumática. Se trata de un paciente masculino de 45 años de edad, que acude al servicio de urgencias, porque refiere síntomas que inician siete días antes de forma aguda y progresiva, luego de haber caído de una altura de tres metros. Al interrogarlo existía debilidad muscular del miembro inferior izquierdo y dificultad para caminar. El examen físico corroboró la disminución de la fuerza muscular y arreflexia Aquileo-plantar. Se realizó estudio de resonancia magnética, que demostró una hernia discal extruída en el interespacio L5-S1. El paciente se llevó al salón de urgencia y se realizó exeresis de la hernia. Egresó al séptimo día con discreta mejoría clínica. Se ha seguido en consulta externa durante un periodo de 8 meses, con muy poca recuperación del control esfinteriano, de la actividad motora y sensitiva

Horse-tail represents the caudal continuation of the spinal cord. This portion of the nervous system is the seat of numerous pathologies. We present a case report of acute debuted with a syndrome of the cauda equina, secondary to traumatic lumbar disc herniation. This is a male patient aged 45, who was admitted to the emergency room because he referred acute and progressive symptoms starting seven days before, after falling from three meters high. By questioning, we found muscle weakness in his left leg and difficulty at walking. The physical examination confirmed the decrease in muscle strength and Achilles-plantar areflexia. We performed MRI, which showed extruded disc herniation in L5-S1 interspace. The patient was taken to the emergency room and we performed the hernia excision. He was discharged at the seventh day with mild clinical improvement. We have continued the follow up as outpatient for a period of eight months. There is very little recovery of sphincter control, motor and sensory activity

Hérnia discal lombar com migração posterior - dilema em diagnóstico por imagem devido a contraindicação ao uso de contraste: relato de um caso / Posterior migration of lumbar disc herniation - imaging dilemma due to contrast contraindication: a case report

Disc herniation with posterior epidural migration is a rare and often symptomatic entity. Multiple are the natural barriers that prevent this pattern of migration. Enhanced magnetic resonance imaging is the diagnostic modality of choice in these cases. The diagnostic dilemma in this case was the contraindication to the use of contrast since the patient was known to have chronic renal failure.

Hérnia discal com migração epidural posterior é uma entidade rara e frequentemente sintomática. Múltiplas são as barreiras naturais que impedem esse padrão de migração. A ressonância magnética contrastada é a modalidade diagnóstica de escolha nesses casos. O dilema diagnóstico, neste caso, foi a contraindicação ao uso de contraste, uma vez que o paciente era portador de insuficiência renal crônica.

Absceso Espinal Epidural secundario a bloqueo terapéutico: presentación de un caso / Epidural spinal abscess secondary to therapeutic blockade: presentation of a case

El Absceso Espinal Epidural es una colección purulenta que se localiza entre la duramadre y el canal raquimedular, siendo una entidad rara, y constituye una situación devastadora, causando una alta morbimortalidad si no se le da un seguimiento adecuado. Se origina por extensión directa (contigüidad, procedimientos invasivos locales) o por diseminación a partir de focos infecciosos a distancia (vía hematógena). Tiene una incidencia de 1 por cada 10 000 pacientes, con mayor afección en la tercera edad (sexta década), sin obviar las demás, incluyendo la infancia, con reportes en la literatura de más de 90 casos; con el advenimiento de drogas que se utilizan por vía endovenosa hay tendencia a aumentar en la población joven, así como, un predominio del sexo masculino. Es una patología de baja incidencia, la fiebre y el dorso lumbalgia son los síntomas más frecuentes, seguido de dolor de distribución radicular asociado a déficit motor y trastornos de esfínter tanto anal como vesical. En ocasiones puede desarrollar un cuadro séptico, llegando al shock séptico. El estudio de elección es la resonancia magnética con gadolinio. Constituye una urgencia tanto neuroquirúrgica como infectológica. En los pacientes con déficit neurológico, la cirugía es el tratamiento de elección, sumado a la antibióticoterapia.

Serum cytokine levels in patients with chronic low back pain due to herniated disc: analytical cross-sectional study / Concentrações plasmáticas de citocinas em pacientes com lombalgia crônica por hérnia de disco: estudo transversal analítico

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: The role of immune response and proinflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of chronic pain has been of growing interest. In order to evaluate whether there is any association between disc herniation and elevated cytokine levels, we measured cytokine levels in patients with chronic low back pain and in healthy subjects. DESIGN AND SETTING: Analytical cross-sectional study at the Pain Clinic of Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA). METHODS: Cytokine levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique on 23 patients with low back pain (G1) and on 10 healthy subjects (G2). RESULTS: The levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha] (G1 = 5.6 ± 2.3 pg/ml; G2 = 1.6 ± 0.5 pg/ml; P = 0.01) and interleukin-6 [IL-6] (G1 = 4.1 ± 3.0 pg/ml; G2 = 0.9 ± 0.4 pg/ml; P = 0.01) were higher in G1. There were no statistically significant differences in relation to interleukin-1 [IL-1] (G1 = 0.5 ± 0.3 pg/ml; G2 = 0.5 ± 0.1 pg/ml; P = 1) or soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor [sTNF-R] (G1 = 572 pg/ml ± 36; G2 = 581 ± 50 pg/ml; P = 0.87). CONCLUSION: The patients with chronic low back pain due to disc herniation presented higher levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6, but not of IL-1 or sTNF-R.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: A função da resposta imunológica e das citocinas pró-inflamatórias na patogênese da dor crônica tem tido interesse crescente. Para avaliar se há correlação entre hérnia de disco e aumento de citocinas, foi medida a concentração de citocinas em pacientes com lombalgia crônica e em indivíduos sadios. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal analítico realizado na Clínica de Dor da Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA). MÉTODO: As concentrações de citocinas foram medidas pela técnica de ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) em 23 pacientes com lombalgia (G1) e 10 sadios (G2). RESULTADOS: As concentrações de fator-alfa de necrose tumoral [TNF-alpha] (G1 = 5.6 ± 2.3 pg/ml; G2 = 1.6 ± 0.5 pg/ml; P = 0,01) e interleucina-6 [IL-6] (G1 = 4.1 ± 3.0 pg/ml; G2 = 0.9 ± 0.4 pg/ml; P = 0,01) foram maiores no G1. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante para interleucina-1 [IL-1] (G1 = 0.5 ± 0.3 pg/ml; G2 = 0.5 ± 0.1 pg/ml; P = 1) e receptor solúvel do factor de necrose tumoral [sTNF-R] (G1 = 572 pg/ml ± 36; G2 = 581 ± 50 pg/ml; P = 0,87). CONCLUSÃO: Os pacientes com lombalgia crônica por hérnia de disco apresentam concentrações maiores de TNF-alpha e IL-6, mas não de IL-1 ou sTNF-R.

Hernia discal en adolescente: reporte de caso / Herniated disc in adolescents: a case report

Las hernias discales son una patología habitual dentro de la neurocirugía, pero la presentación suele producirse en la edad adulta y las series publicadas en niños son pocas y con un número de casos pequeño. (1) Presentamos el caso de un adolescente de 14 años, quien acude al servicio de neurocirugía de la Universidad de Cartagena con cuadro clínico de dolor lumboradicular de dos semanas de evolución en quién se demostró imagenológicamente una hernia discal lumbar.

O método Pilates no ganho de flexibilidade dos músculos isquiotibiais em pacientes portadores de hérnia de disco lombar / The Pilates method for improving flexibility of the hamstring muscles in patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation

A hérnia de disco intervertebral é causa comum de dor lombar. A partir do conhecimento de que a dor provocada pela hérnia discal acarreta restrição de movimentos, levando aos encurtamentos adaptativos dos músculos isquiotibiais, e tendo em vista, a crescente procura pelo método Pilates, este trabalho objetiva avaliar o ganho de flexibilidade, tomando como parâmetro os músculos isquiotibiais, através do método Pilates em portadores de hérnia de disco lombar. Participaram voluntariamente do estudo trinta e dois sujeitos (doze mulheres e vinte homens com idade média de 43 ± 7 anos) apresentando diagnóstico de hérnia discal lombar. Os pacientes participaram de sessões de Pilates com duração de 60 minutos duas vezes por semana, durante oito semanas. Foram realizadas cinco avaliações, a primeira antes do início da prática de Pilates (T0) e as subseqüentes T1, T2, T3, T4, sempre no período de 15 dias após realização da medida anterior. Foi constatado no grupo de pacientes estudados, ganho de flexibilidade dos isquiotibiais estatisticamente significantes. Uma média aritmética e um desvio padrão inicial de 48 ± 5 (T0) passou para um valor de 68 ± 6 (T4) em oito semanas de treinamento. Assim, observou-se melhora na composição da flexibilidade neste grupo de participantes do programa de exercícios do método Pilates. Com este resultado, verificamos que o método Pilates é eficaz em elevar a flexibilidade dos músculos isquiotibiais, que apesar destes resultados, merece estudos adicionais.

The intervertebral disk displacement is a common cause of back pain. Knowing that the pain caused by disc herniation entails restriction of movement, leading to adaptive hamstring muscles shortening, and in response for the increased demand for the Pilates method of exercises, this study aims to evaluate the gain in flexibility, taking as parameter hamstring muscles through the Pilates method in patients with lumbar herniated disc. Thirty-two volunteers (twelve women and twenty men average age of 43 ± 7 years) with lumbar disc herniation participated in the study. Patients were assigned to Pilates sessions with 60 minutes duration, twice a week, for eight weeks. Were performed five evaluations, the first before practicing Pilates (T0) and the subsequent T1, T2, T3, T4, fifteen (15) days after the last evaluation. The studied group showed statistically significant gain in flexibility of the hamstring. An arithmetic average and a standard deviation of initial 48 ± 5 (T0) ascended to level 68 ± 6 (T4) in eight weeks of training. It was found improvement in flexibility of this group of participants using Pilates method exercises program. With this result, we verified that the Pilates method is effective in increasing flexibility of the hamstring muscles, but, despite these results, it deserves further study.

Absceso epidural lumbar post hernia discal traumática: caso clínico / Lumbar epidural abscess secondary to traumatic disk herniation: a case report

We report the case of a 42-year-old male patient presenting with trauma history and lumbar spine axial compression which caused a herniated nucleus pulposus at lumbar level, revealed through MRI. After a four-day evolution period, fever and laboratory alterations indicative of an infectious process appear without signs of neurologic involvement. Hemoculture was positive for Staphylococcus aureus and MRI showed the presence of a lumbar spinal abscess secondary to infected epidural hematoma. The patient was treated with antibiotics, being given ceftriaxone, metronidazol, and gentamicin as an initial theraphy switched subsecuently to cloxaciline and cefazoline, He showed a favourable evolution, completing a six-week period of endovenous treatment plus four weeks receiving oral therapy The patient was discharged in good condition with no neurologic deficit.

Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 42 años con historia de trauma y compresión axial de la columna lumbar que originó una hernia de núcleo pulposo a nivel lumbar, demostrada mediante resonancia magnética. Al cuarto día de evolución aparece fiebre y alteraciones de laboratorio concordantes con infección, sin signos de compromiso neurológico. El hemocultivo resulta positivo para staphylococcus aureus. La resonancia magnética demuestra presencia de absceso espinal lumbar, que impresiona secundario a hematoma epidural infectado. El paciente es tratado médicamente, con antibioticoterapia que incluye inicial mente ceftriaxona/ metronidazol/ gentamicina y posteriormente cloxacilina/cefazotina, con buena evolución, completando 6 semanas por vía endovenosa y 4 vía oral. Su evolución fue favorable, siendo dado de alta en buenas condiciones y sin déficit neurológico.

Disfunción temporomandibular: el desplazamiento discal asociado a asimetría por alteración de crecimiento cóndilomandibular: dos casos clínicos / Temporomandibular dysfunction: disc displacement associated with asymmetry due to mandibular condyle growth alteration: two clinical cases

El desplazamiento discal en la articulación temporomandibular es una afección habitual. En algunos casos, el disco desplazado sin reducción, puede producir, si la manifestación ocurre durante el período de crecimiento, alteraciones de desarrollo cóndilo mandibular, tales como asimetrías y disminución del tamaño de esas estructuras a partir de procesos degenerativos a nivel condilar. Estos hechos han sido observados en otros estudios de los que se hace una breve reseña. A continuación se presentan dos casos clínicos en pacientes con DDsR, proceso degenerativo condilar, alteración de crecimiento y asimetría.

Discopatías lumbares: patología, diagnósticos y tratamiento quirúrgico / Lumbar disc: pathology, diagnostic and surgical treatment

La patología raquídea lumbar degenerativa de la que es una parte la Hernia Discal, es una causa más frecuente de Síndrome Lumbociático. De los pacientes con esta entidad clínica alrededor del 90 por ciento mejora con tratamiento médico consistente en reposo, analgésico antiinflamatorios, fisioterapias, etc, indicado por diferentes especialistas. Sólo alrededor de un 10 por ciento de los pacientes tiene indicación quirúrgica, decisión que debe ser la resultante de una correcta evaluación clínica y de una adecuada correlación clínico radiológica. Por tratarse de una patología frecuente especialmente en nuestra época de gran experiencia física de tipo laboral y deportiva, con mayor incidencia en edades productivas de los pacientes, con un costo social alto y necesidad de una reincorporación precoz a sus actividades, es importante definir el rol del tratamiento quirúrgico, la oportunidad de su indicación, la técnica adecuada, su costo y resultados.

The Disc Hernia witch forms part of the Lumbar Spinal Degenerative Disease is the most frequent cause of the Lumbociatic Syndrome. Ninety percent of the patients with this syndrome get better with medical treatment consisting of rest, analgesics, anti inflammatory drugs, Physiotherapy , Kinesiotherapy, etc, indicated by different specialists. Only around 10 percent of the patients require surgery, decision that should be the result of a correct clinical evaluation and an adequate clinical radiological correlation. As it is a frequent syndrome specially in these days of great physical demand in work and sports, with a high rate of incidence in the productive age of the patients, a high social cost and the need of a pront returne to the work field, it is important to define the role of the surgical treatment, the adequate timing and technique and its cost and results.

Fibrosis peri radicular post-quirúrgica del raquis lumbar: qué hacer? / Peri radicular fibrosis Post-surgical Lumbar Spine: what to do?

Objetivos: La presencia de sintomatología secundaria a la fibrosis posquirúrgica tras la cirugía de la Hernia de disco y Estenosis de canal es una de las peores noticias tanto para el paciente como para el cirujano. Se hace necesario una prevención de dicha sintomatología (Entre el 2 y el 18 por ciento de los pacientes la presentan tras dicha cirugía), mediante el desarrollo de una barrera física: matriz de colágeno Tipo IV, con una tripe acción A) Función de Hemostasia, B) barrera física por la porosidad, C) función regeneradora por la matriz. Material y Métodos: Se ha realizado un estudio retrospectivo en un total de 600 pacientes intervenidos de cirugía de raquis con abordaje del Canal; 200 pertenecían al grupo control, 400 al grupo Duragen. Tras la cirugía se coloco el duragen tanto en la zona del defecto óseo, como en la zona de revisión de la raíz: Fenestración de anillo fibroso; foraminotomia y sangrado de vasos epidurales como hemostasia residual, de esta manera se crea una barrera física que impide al fibroblasto del músculo poder atrapar a la raíz tras la cicatrización del músculo .además en caso de fístula de LCR la matriz favorece el paso de fibroblastos entre la dos laminas de la dura a través de la matriz y se produce un sellado completo del orificio. El seguimiento mínimo fue de un año y se realizaron controles clínicos y radiológicos de forma seriada. Resultados: Del total de pacientes del grupo control; un 8 por ciento presentaron sintomatología secundaria a fibrosis que requiero tratamiento mediante: nueva cirugía (Fijación Lumbar: artrodesis) o colocación de un neuroestimulador. En el grupo D no se presentaron pacientes con sintomatonología por fibrosis. 0.6 por ciento vs. 8 por ciento. Discusión: La evolución de los pacientes tratados con Duragen obtuvo un mejor resultado al no presentar sintomatología por fibrosis, además en caso de fístula esta quedo sellada. En los casos en los que hubo que reoperar por otros factores: recidiva...

Objective: The symptomatic appearance of post-operative fibrosis following surgery for lumbar disc herniation is bad news for both the patient and the surgeon. A method of preventing this undesired outcome would be of great utility (between 2 and 18 percent of the patients suffer from it after said surgery). Here we report one approach to achieving this outcome, through the development of a physical barrier: a matrix of Type I collagen, with three main attributes: A) Haemostatic function, B) Physical barrier due to its porosity, C) Regenerating function through the matrix. Method: A retrospective investigation was made of 600 patients whom had undergone spinal surgery with canal approach; 200 took part in the control group and 400 took part in the DuraGen group. These procedures involved fenestration of the fibrous ring, foraminectomy and haemostasis of bleeding of epidural vessels. Prior to wound closure, DuraGen was placed both in the area of the bone defect and in the area of the affected nerve root. Thereby creating a physical barrier that prevents fibro tic entrapment of the nerve root. Further, in the event of CSF leakage (fistula) the matrix accomplished complete closure of the dural defect through the process of fibroblast migration and the formation of a new connective tissue sheet continuous with the existing dura. There was a minimum follow-up of Two year that included a series of clinical and radiological exams. Results: From all the control group patients, 8 percent showed secondary symptomatology of fibrosis that required treatment through: new surgery (lumbar fixation: arthrodesis) or placement of a neurostimulator. There were no patients with symptomatology due to fibrosis in the DuraGen group (0.6 percent vs. 8 percent). Discussion: The progress of patients treated with DuraGen showed a better result since there was no symptomatology due to fibrosis. Further, in the event of fistula, the fistula was closed. When there was a need for new surgery...