Orthopedic postoperative infection profile and antibiotic sensitivity of 2038 patients across 24 countries - Call for region and institution specific surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis.

Purpose: Improper utilization of surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis frequently leads to increased risks of morbidity and mortality.This study aims to understand the common causative organism of postoperative orthopedic infection and document the surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis protocol across various institutions in to order to strengthen surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis practice and provide higher-quality surgical care. Methods: This multicentric multinational retrospective study, includes 24 countries from five different regions (Asia Pacific, South Eastern Africa, Western Africa, Latin America, and Middle East). Patients who developed orthopedic surgical site infection between January 2021 and December 2022 were included. Demographic details, bacterial profile of surgical site infection, and antibiotic sensitivity pattern were documented. Results: 2038 patients from 24 countries were included. Among them 69.7 % were male patients and 64.1 % were between 20 and 60 years. 70.3 % patients underwent trauma surgery and instrumentation was used in 93.5 %. Ceftriaxone was the most common preferred in 53.4 %. Early SSI was seen in 55.2 % and deep SSI in 59.7 %. Western Africa (76 %) and Asia-Pacific (52.8 %) reported a higher number of gram-negative infections whereas gram-positive organisms were predominant in other regions. Most common gram positive organism was Staphylococcus aureus (35 %) and gram-negative was Klebsiella (17.2 %). Majority of the organisms showed variable sensitivity to broad-spectrum antibiotics. Conclusion: Our study strongly proves that every institution has to analyse their surgical site infection microbiological profile and antibiotic sensitivity of the organisms and plan their surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis accordingly. This will help to decrease the rate of surgical site infection, prevent the emergence of multidrug resistance and reduce the economic burden of treatment.

Single Dose of Tranexamic Acid Effectively Reduces Blood Loss in Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of oral administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) in spine surgery to achieve blood loss reduction. METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing major surgery of the spine were randomly assigned into 2 groups. Group 1 was assigned as the control group and the other group comprised patients who received oral administration of TXA 2 hours before surgery. Outcome measures included intraoperative blood loss, postoperative blood loss, hematologic parameters, blood transfusion needed, and surgical complications. RESULTS: Sixty patients linked up with the inclusion criteria. Intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the TXA oral group than in the control group; total blood loss in the TXA group was 930.66 ± 614 mL, which was lower than in the control group, with 1075.66 ± 956.11 mL. The mean reduction of hemoglobin was almost the same in both groups. Similarly, the total transfusion package received was lower, and the number of complications and length of stay were akin in both groups. A logistic regression model was performed with patients who had blood loss >1000 mL and surgery time >230 minutes. This result was related to the risk of bleeding, with an odds ratio of 1.31, 95% confidence interval, 1.004-1.023, P = 0.004, independent of the group. CONCLUSIONS: Oral TXA is as an effective measure for reducing total blood loss among patients undergoing elective spine surgery.

Time to surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: How long does it take? A multicenter study.

Study design: Retrospective review of multicentric data. Objectives: To estimate the time from initial visit to surgery in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients and the main reasons for the time to surgery in a multicenter study. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated 509 patients with AIS from 16 hospitals across six Latin American countries. From each hospital's deformity registry, the following patient data were extracted: demographics, main curve Cobb angle, Lenke Classification at the initial visit and time of surgery, time from indication-for-surgery to surgery, curve progression, Risser skeletal-maturity score and causes for surgical cancelation or delay. Surgeons were asked if they needed to change the original surgical plan due to curve progression. Data also were collected on each hospital's waiting list numbers and mean delay to AIS surgery. Results: 66.8% of the patients waited over six months and 33.9% over a year. Waiting time was not impacted by the patient's age when surgery first became indicated (p = 0.22) but waiting time did differ between countries (p < 0.001) and hospitals (p < 0.001). Longer time to surgery was significantly associated with increasing magnitude of the Cobb angle through the second year of waiting (p < 0.001). Reported causes for delay were hospital-related (48.4%), economic (47.3%), and logistic (4.2%). Oddly, waiting time for surgery did not correlate with the hospital's reported waiting-list lengths (p = 0.57). Conclusion: Prolonged waits for AIS surgery are common in Latin America, with rare exceptions. At most centers, patients wait over six months, most commonly for economic and hospital-related reasons. Whether this directly impacts surgical outcomes in Latin America still must be studied.

Unplanned Readmission Following Early Postoperative Complications After Fusion Surgery in Adult Spine Deformity: A Multicentric Study.

STUDY DESIGN: Multicentric retrospective study, Level of evidence III. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this multicentric study was to analyze the prevalence and risk factors of early postoperative complications in adult spinal deformity patients treated with fusion. Additionally, we studied the impact of complications on unplanned readmission and hospital length of stay. METHODS: Eight spine centers from 6 countries in Latin America were involved in this study. Patients with adult spinal deformity treated with fusion surgery from 2017 to 2019 were included. Baseline and surgical characteristics such as age, sex, comorbidities, smoking, number of levels fused, number of surgical approaches were analyzed. Postoperative complications at 30 days were recorded according to Clavien-Dindo and Glassman classifications. RESULTS: 172 patients (120 females/52 males, mean age 59.4 ± 17.6) were included in our study. 78 patients suffered complications (45%) at 30 days, 43% of these complications were considered major. Unplanned readmission was observed in 35 patients (20,3%). Risk factors for complications were: Smoking, previous comorbidities, number of levels fused, two or more surgical approaches and excessive bleeding. Hospital length of stay in patients without and with complications was of 7.8 ± 13.7 and 17 ± 31.1 days, respectively (P 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of early postoperative complications in adult spinal deformity patients treated with fusion was of 45% in our study with 20% of unplanned readmissions at 30 days. Presence of complications significantly increased hospital length of stay.

Scientometric Analysis of Publications from 2004-2021 in the Spine Surgery Field: A Latin American Perspective.

OBJECTIVE: To determine characteristics of Latin American (LA) productivity in spine surgery published worldwide between 2004 and 2021 compared between periods and global literature. METHODS: A comprehensive search about LA productivity in the field of spine surgery using the Scopus and PubMed databases was performed in February 2022. The results were limited to articles published in indexed journals from 2004 to 2021. RESULTS: A total of 1447 publications were identified in the study period. The number of publications has increased across evaluated decades, with 583 between 2004 and 2013 (58.3/year) and 864 between 2014 and 2021 (108/year), and a yearly increase was demonstrated (P = 0.0001). Comparing the most productive year in the first (2012) and last decade (2020), a 1.79-fold increase was demonstrated. Brazil ranked first in productivity (51.14%), followed by Mexico (26.40%) and Argentina (8.64%). Coluna/Columna published the largest number, with 309 articles (21.35%). The top 10 institutions published at least 475 (32.82%) and the most productive was the University of Campinas (Brazil, 74). CONCLUSIONS: This scientometric study is one of the first regional evaluations worldwide. The number of publications in the spine surgery field in Latin America has continued to increase over evaluated decades from 58.3 per year to 108, and a 1.79-fold increase between the most productive years for each decade. Brazil is still the greatest contributor (51.14%), with Mexico (26.40%) and Argentina (8.64%) as growing contributor countries. Most publications were classified as Level of Evidence 4, and this result reflects the importance of continuous research development in the quality of research for our region.

Posterior Grade 4 Osteotomy With Vertebral Shortening Is Effective for the Treatment of Kyphosis Associated With Vertebral Discitis/Osteomyelitis.

BACKGROUND: In the retrospective study of a prospectively maintained database, we present a case series of patients with kyphotic deformity secondary to spinal infection treated using a posterior-only approach with 3-column shortening and posterior instrumentation. METHODS: This is a case series of patients presenting with postural deformity and sagittal imbalance treated consecutively by 1 surgeon between 2012 and 2014. Clinical assessments and radiographic evaluations were made preoperatively and at 12- and 24-month postoperative follow-ups. All patients underwent computed tomography 24 months after surgery to evaluate spinal fusion. RESULTS: The study included 5 patients with a mean age of 50 years (range, 32-60 years). Three patients had comorbidities. Three patients were classified as American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grade C and were not ambulatory; 2 were ASIA grade D. At follow-up, all patients were ambulatory and classified as ASIA grade E. Kyphosis was corrected from a preoperative mean of 32° (range, 15°-58°) to 10° (range, 1°-42°) at the 2-year follow-up. A mean improvement of 22° and 75% reduction in kyphosis was obtained with fixation 2 levels above and below the lesion. Interbody fusion was observed in all patients. No major complications occurred during surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior grade 4 osteotomy with vertebral shortening can be performed safely in patients with kyphosis associated with vertebral discitis/osteomyelitis in the thoracolumbar region. The single approach allowed the surgeon to debride the infection, correct the kyphosis, decompress the spinal canal, and stabilize the spine. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

[Tratamiento quirúrgico de la escoliosis idiopática del adolescente. Resultados en el Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación de México. Seguimiento mínimo de 24 meses]. / Idiopathic scoliosis's surgical treatment. Results in Mexico's National Rehabilitation Institute. 24 months follow.

ANTECEDENTES: La escoliosis idiopática del adolescente se define como una deformidad tridimensional de la columna vertebral que se presenta entre los 10 y los 18 años, y que se manifiesta con una curvatura vertebral en el plano coronal mayor de 10°. Esta deformidad afecta al 2-3% de la población general, pero solo el 10% del total requerirá en algún momento tratamiento quirúrgico. El método de elección para el manejo es el uso de tornillos transpediculares y barras desrotadoras. OBJETIVO: Realizar un análisis descriptivo de los pacientes que recibieron manejo quirúrgico en nuestro instituto con tornillos transpediculares y barras. MÉTODO: Se trata de un estudio observacional, retrospectivo, analítico, abierto, de muestreo no probabilístico, en el que se incluyeron los pacientes tratados con manejo quirúrgico entre 2012 y 2013. Las deformidades se estratificaron de acuerdo con la clasificación de Lenke. El ángulo de corrección de la deformidad, los niveles instrumentados, el sangrado transquirúrgico y la presencia de complicaciones fueron las variables analizadas. RESULTADOS: La mayoría de los pacientes presentaron curvas Lenke IBN, Nash Moe III, Cobb un promedio de 59.4° y cifosis de 47.8. En promedio se siguió a los pacientes por 35.84 meses, detectando un aumento de la curvatura coronal de 2.28° y un aumento de la curvatura sagital de 2.8°. CONCLUSIÓN: Al comparar estos resultados y la literatura mundial se concluyó que el tratamiento de la escoliosis idiopática del adolescente es un método seguro y reproducible que ofrece una mayor ventaja biomecánica y biológica sobre el uso de instrumentación mixta utilizada anteriormente. BACKGROUND: Adolescent's idiopathic scoliosis is defined as a three-dimensional deformity of the spine, which occurs between 10 and 18-year-old, has a spinal curvature >10° in the coronal plane. This deformity affects 2­3% of the general population, however, only 10% of the total will require surgery at some point. The method of choice for management is the use of pedicle screws and rods derotational. OBJECTIVE: To perform a descriptive analysis of patients who received surgical treatment in our institute with pedicle screws and rods. METHODS: This is an observational, retrospective, analytical, open study, non-probability sampling, in which patients requiring surgical treatment at our institute between 2012 and 2013 were included, the deformities were stratified according to the classification of Lenke. The angle of deformity correction, instrumented levels, amount of bleeding, presence of complications were the variables analyzed. RESULTS: Lenke classifying mostly IBN, Moe Nash III, an average of 59.4° Cobb and kyphosis of 47.8. On average it was followed patients for 35.84 months, detecting an increase 2.28° coronal curvature and sagittal curvature increase of 2.8°. CONCLUSION: Comparing these results and world literature concluded that the treatment of adolescent's idiopathic scoliosis is a safe and reproducible method that provides greater biomechanical and biological advantage over the use of mixed instrumentation used previously.

Hybrid Decompression and Fixation Technique for the Treatment of Multisegmental Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy.

BACKGROUND: Cervical spondilotic myelopathy (CSM) is defined as the compromise of the spinal cord due to degenerative changes of the cervical spine. It is the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction in patients over 55 years. An early surgical management it is paramount to achieve better neurological outcome. There is still controversy regarding the appropriate surgical treatment for multisegmental CSM involving three or more levels. The hybrid decompression and fixation technique combines one or two level corpectomy and a single level discectomy in order to obtain optimum decompression and fixation in patients with multilevel cervical myelopathy. METHODS: A prospective case-control study was made between 2011 and 2013. A total of 15 patients with diagnosis of CSM received surgical treatment with an anterior hybrid decompression and fixation technique procedure. Inclusion criteria were myelopathy confirmed by radiographic studies, magnetic resonance image (MRI) and electromyography. RESULTS: During the 2010-2013 period 15 patients were managed by hybrid decompression and fixation technique. Average age 64.8 years SD9.4. The follow up period was 29.6 SD ± 9.8 months. The JOA score improved significantly to 13.8 +/- 1.9 points at follow-up (paired t test, P = 0.001), Nurick Scale preoperative was 3.3 and improved to 2.4 mean, was significantly (Wilcoxon signed rank test p=0.006) The mean C2-C7 lordosis angle was 10.8° +/- 8.9 before surgery, and 14.3° +/- 8.8 at follow-up, there was no significant loss of lordosis angle between the preoperative and follow-up measurements (Wilcoxon signed rank test, P =0.149); At follow-up, graft non fusion was seen in 1 patient (7%, k=1). CONCLUSIONS: In this small number, single surgeon, prospective series the use of a single level corpectomy and an adjacent discectomy was shown to provide similar outcomes and complication rates as alternative surgical techniques. The authors thus consider this a viable surgical alternative with some perceived advantages, a low rate of complications and a high rate of spinal fusion. Level of Evidence: IV. This study was approved by the authors' Institutional Review Board and all patients were given informed consent prior to participation in the study.

Influence of depression symptoms on patient expectations and clinical outcomes in the surgical management of spinal stenosis.

OBJECT: This prospective cohort study was designed to determine the influence of depressive symptoms on patient expectations and the clinical outcomes of the surgical management of lumbar spinal stenosis. METHODS: Patients with an age > 45 years, a diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis at one level, and an indication for decompressive surgery were included in this study. Data for all of the following parameters were recorded: age, sex, highest level of education, and employment status. Depression symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory), disability (Oswestry Disability Index), and back and leg pain (visual analog scale) were assessed before surgery and at 12 months thereafter. The reasons for surgery and patient expectations (North American Spine Society lumbar spine questionnaire) were noted before surgery. The global effectiveness of surgery (Likert scale) was assessed at the 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients were divided into two groups based on the presence (Group 1) or absence (Group 2) of depressive symptoms preoperatively; each group comprised 29 patients. Demographic data were similar in both groups before surgery. The main reason to undergo surgery was "fear of a worse situation" in 34% of the patients in Group 1 and "to reduce pain" in 24% of the patients in Group 2. The most prevalent expectation was to improve my social life and my mental health in both groups. Surgery had a relieving effect on the depressive symptoms in 14 patients (48%). Thus, in the postoperative period, the number of patients who were free of depressive symptoms was 43 compared with the 15 who were depressed (p = 0.001). The 15 patients with persistent depression symptoms after surgery had a worse clinical outcome compared with the 43 patients free of depression symptoms at the 1-year follow-up in terms of severe back pain (20% vs. 0%, respectively), severe leg pain (40% vs. 2.3%, respectively), and severe disability (53% vs. 9.3%, respectively). Only 33% of patients with persistent depression symptoms after surgery chose the option "surgery helped a lot" compared with 76% of patients without depression symptoms. Moreover, in terms of expectations regarding improvement in back pain, leg pain, walking capacity, independence, physical duties, and social activities, fewer patients were "completely satisfied" in the group with persistent depression symptoms after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery for spinal stenosis had a relieving effect on preoperative depression symptoms at the 1-year follow-up. The persistence of depressive symptoms after surgery correlated with a worse clinical outcome and a higher rate of unmet expectations. Screening measures to detect and treat depression symptoms in the perioperative period could lead to better clinical results and increased patient satisfaction.

[Transpedicular dynamics stabilization in the treatment of lumbar stenosis. Fourth years follow-up]. / Estabilización dinámica transpedicular en el tratamiento del conducto lumbar estrecho. Seguimiento cuatro años.

INTRODUCTION: We need to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the use of dynamic fixation in patients with narrow lumbar through comparing the assessment of two years with 4 years of follow-up. METHODS: Prospective, longitudinal, autocontrol deliberately and sequential intervention, in lumbar stenosis patients who made treatment with dynamic stabilization posterior type Acuflex. An evaluation of four of final follow-up. RESULTS: 18 patients who completed follow-up two years results as a basis for comparison: 18 patients, 14 female and 4 male, average age 44.05 years. Pain evaluated with numerical visual scale was found in the lower back at 24 months in an average of 2.84 and 48 months in 3.26. We measured the functional level of Oswestry at two years to be 24% and at four years 22.44%, with a p = 0.373. In the magnetic resonance for classification of patients 15 Pfirrmann without changes and three with increase of a degree. According to patients 2 Modic changes one of type 0 to type III and another to type I. We have observed that five patients have required second surgery for removal of material findings. CONCLUSIONS: There is no change between 2 and 4 years in the scale of Oswestry and pain with visual numerical scale functionality. The average height in discs had change with statistical significance, in the comparative period. The intervertebral discs had changes in 3 patients with direct relationship between scale of Pfirrmann and Modic. The rest of patients keep rehydration and normal disc height.

Resultados de biopsia guiada por tomografía axial computarizada en el síndrome de destrucción vertebral, evaluados en dos instituciones distintas / Resultados de biópsia guiada por tomografia computadorizada axial na síndrome de destruição vertebral, avaliados em duas instituições distintas / Results of computerized axial tomography-guided biopsy in the vertebral destruction syndrome, evaluated at two different institutions

OBJETIVO: Comparar resultados de biopsias vertebrales guiadas por tomografía axial computarizada, reportados por dos servicios de Anatomía Patológica distintos en pacientes con síndrome de destrucción vertebral para confirmar confiabilidad y utilidad en el diagnóstico. MÉTODOS: Se obtuvieron muestras de tejido de 21 pacientes en el periodo comprendido del 1 de marzo al 15 de julio del 2011 con el diagnóstico del síndrome de destrucción vertebral y a quienes se les realizó biopsia guiada por tomografía axial computarizada. Las muestras se enviaron en forma cegada a dos servicios de patología distintos. Los resultados fueron analizados con el método de comparación de dos proporciones. RESULTADOS: 14 pacientes fueron del género masculino (67%) y 7 del femenino (23%), edades de 28-82, con afección principalmente lumbar (48%) y torácica (38%); afectados en una vértebra en 62%, en dos en un 33% y en 3 o más niveles en 5%. Las vértebras más afectadas fueron L1, L2 y L3 (12/30 [40%]), T4 (3/30 [10%]) y T9 (3/30 [10%]). Los resultados se agruparon en categorías: 1. Osteomielitis (9/21 [43%]), 2. Tumores (7/21 [33%]), 3. Metástasis (3/21 [14%]), 4. Tejido normal (2/21 [10%]), 5. Inflamación (0/21 [0%]), 6. Muestra inadecuada (0/21 [0%]), 7. Mal de Pott (0/21 [0%]). CONCLUSIONES: De acuerdo a los valores de Z obtenidos mediante la prueba de comparación de dos proporciones no se encontró diferencia significativa entre los resultados reportados por dos los dos servicios de patología en el síndrome estudiado, determinándose que esta parte del proceso es confiable y útil en un 90%.

OBJETIVO: Comparar resultados de biópsias vertebrais guiadas por tomografia axial computadorizada, relatados por dois serviços de Anatomia Patológica distintos em pacientes com síndrome de destruição vertebral para confirmar a confiabilidade e a utilidade no diagnóstico. MÉTODOS: Foram obtidas amostras de tecido de 21 pacientes no período de 1 de março a 15 de julho de 2011, com diagnóstico de síndrome de destruição vertebral, que foram submetidos a biópsia guiada por tomografia axial computadorizada. As amostras foram enviadas de modo cego a dois serviços de patologia distintos. Os resultados foram analisados pelo método de comparação de duas proporções. RESULTADOS: 14 pacientes eram do sexo masculino (67%) e 7 do feminino (23%), com idades entre 28 e 82 e afecção predominantemente lombar (48%) e torácica (38%); 62% tinham comprometimento em uma vértebra, 33% em duas e 5% em três ou mais níveis. As vértebras mais afetadas foram L1, L2 e L3 (12/30 [40%]), T4 (3/30 [10%]) e T9 (3/30 [10%]). Os resultados foram agrupados em categorias: 1. Osteomielite (9/21 [43%]), 2. Tumores (7/21 [33%]), 3. Metástases (3/21 [14%]), 4. Tecido normal (2/21 [10%]), 5. Inflamação (0/21 [0%]), 6. Amostra inadequada (0/21 [0%]), 7. Mal de Pott (0/21 [0%]). CONCLUSÕES: De acordo com os valores de Z obtidos pela prova de comparação de duas proporções, não se encontrou diferença significante entre os resultados relatados pelos dois serviços de patologia na síndrome estudada, ficando determinado que essa parte do processo tem confiabilidade e utilidade de 90%.

OBJECTIVE: To compare results of vertebral biopsy guided by computerized axial tomography scan, reported by two different Departments of Pathology in patients with vertebral destruction syndrome to confirm the reliability and utility in the diagnosis. METHODS: Tissue samples from 21 patients were obtained March 1 to July 15, 2011, with a diagnosis of the vertebral destruction syndrome and who underwent computerized axial tomography-guided biopsy. The samples were blindly sent to two different pathology services. The results were analyzed using the two-proportion z-test. RESULTS: 14 patients were male (67%) and 7 females (23%), aged between 28 and 82, with condition predominantly lumbar (48%) and thoracic (38%); 62% had one vertebra affected, 33% ha two and 5% had three or more levels involved. The most affected vertebrae were L1, L2 and L3 (12/30 [40%]) and T9 (3/30 [10%]). The results were grouped into categories: 1. Osteomyelitis (9/21 [43%]), 2. Tumors (7/21 [33%]), 3. Metastases (3/21 [14%]), 4. Normal tissue (2/21 [10%]), 5. Inflammation (0/21 [0%]), 6. Inadequate sample (0/21 [0%]), 7. Pott's disease (0/21 [0%]). CONCLUSIONS: According to the values obtained by the two-proportion z-test, there was no significant difference between the results reported by the two departments of pathology for the syndrome studied, being determined that this part of the process has reliability and usefulness of 90%.

Evaluacion de la biopsia transpedicular guiada por TAC / Avaliação da biópsia transpedicular guiada por TC / Evaluation of transpedicular percutaneous biopsy guided by CT

OBJETIVO: Valorar la utilidad de la biopsia transpedicular percutánea guiada por Tomografía Axial Computarizada en conjunto con la sistematización de estudios como pruebas diagnósticas de la etiología de la destrucción vertebral. MÉTODOS: Estudio de serie de casos prospectivo transversal de 21 pacientes a los que se les realizó biopsia transpedicular percutánea guiada por Tomografía Axial Computarizada y estudios de laboratorio y gabinete de marzo a julio del 2011, para evaluar su utilidad en el diagnóstico de destrucción vertebral. RESULTADOS: Fueron 21 pacientes, 14 hombres y 7 mujeres, con edad media de 59,2 años, cuyos niveles más afectados estuvieron en L1, L2 y L3. El reporte de la biopsia tuvo una precisión diagnóstica del 90,4%. En 2 casos se realizó correlación clínica entre biopsia y sistematización de estudios para obtener el diagnóstico. CONCLUSIÓN: La biopsia guiada por Tomografía Axial Computarizada es una técnica sencilla, útil, de bajo costo y eficaz en el estudio de la destrucción vertebral; la sistematización de estudios permite corroborar el diagnóstico de la biopsia.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a utilidade da biópsia transpedicular percutânea guiada por tomografia axial computadorizada em conjunto com a sistematização de estudos, como exames diagnósticos da etiologia da destruição vertebral. MÉTODOS: Estudo de série de casos, prospectivo e transversal de 21 pacientes submetidos à biópsia transpedicular percutânea guiada por tomografia axial computadorizada e exames laboratoriais e radiológicos, de março a julho de 2011, para avaliar sua utilidade no diagnóstico de destruição vertebral. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 21 pacientes, 14 homens e 7 mulheres, com média de idade de 59,2 anos, cujos níveis mais afetados foram L1, L2 e L3. O laudo da biópsia teve precisão diagnóstica de 90,4%. Em dois casos, realizou-se a correlação clínica entre biópsia e sistematização de exames para obter o diagnóstico. CONCLUSÃO: A biópsia guiada por tomografia axial computadorizada é uma técnica simples, útil, de baixo custo e eficaz para o estudo da destruição vertebral; a sistematização de estudos permite corroborar o diagnóstico da biópsia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of percutaneous transpedicular biopsy guided by CT together with systematic studies such as diagnostic tests of the etiology of vertebral destruction. METHODS: Case series, prospective and crossover study of 21 patients who underwent percutaneous transpedicular biopsy guided by CT and laboratory tests and radiological studies from March to July 2011, to evaluate its usefulness in the diagnosis of vertebral destruction. RESULTS: We analyzed 21 patients, 14 men and 7 women, mean age 59.2 years, whose most affected levels were L1, L2, and L3. The biopsy report had diagnostic accuracy of 90.4%. In 2 patients the clinical correlation between biopsy and systematization of diagnostic studies was carried out. CONCLUSION: CT-guided biopsy is a simple, useful, inexpensive, and effective technique for the study of vertebral destruction; the systematic studies allow us to corroborate the diagnosis made by biopsy.

[Forestier disease. Case report and literature review]. / Enfermedad de Forestier. Reporte de un caso y revisión bibliográfica.

BACKGROUND: Forestier disease is a systemic disorder characterized by ossification of the anterior spinal longitudinal ligament (ALL) in at least three adjacent vertebrae, and diffuse spinal enthesopathy. Indication for surgical treatment is rare and limited to cases of related myelopathy, fracture or significant dysphagia. Few cases of surgical treatment are reported in the medical literature. Surgical treatment depends on the particular symptoms or complications, and usually involves osteophytectomy through the standard anterior approach. Surgery may bring about complications, such as pharyngeal paralysis, thrombosis, infections and respiratory obstruction. CLINICAL CASE: 79-year old male with dysphagia of 10 years of evolution, and hoarseness and respiratory distress since 8 years ago. Screening studies showed a diffuse calcification of anterior longitudinal ligament along with large cervical osteophytes. Forestier disease and secondary dysphagia were diagnosed. Surgical treatment consisted of resection of bone exostoses in C4 and C5 vertebral bodies. Six months after surgery, the patient reported improvement of esophageal and respiratory symptoms without evidence of recurrence on imaging studies. CONCLUSIONS: Data on Forestier disease's epidemiological nature and impact on life quality in Mexico is unknown. An increase in its occurrence is projected as the Mexican population ages. An observational study is required to identify the characteristics of this disease in Mexico.

Posterior dynamic stabilization of the lumbar spine with the Accuflex rod system as a stand-alone device: experience in 20 patients with 2-year follow-up.

Decompression surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis is a common procedure. After surgery, segmental instability sometimes occurs, therefore, different methods for restabilization have been developed. Dynamic stabilization systems have been designed to improve segmental stability. In this study, clinical results of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis that underwent decompression and stabilization with the Accuflex dynamic system are presented; clinical, radiographic, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings are fully described. Improvements in all clinical measurements, including visual analog scale for back and leg pain, Oswestry disability index, and SF-36 health status survey were noticed. At a 2-year follow-up, 22.22% of patients required hardware removal due to fatigue while in 83% of them no progression of disk degeneration was observed after implantation of the Accuflex system. Additionally, as demonstrated by the MRI images at follow up, three patients (16%) showed disk rehydration with one grade higher on the Pfirmann classification. Although a relatively high hardware failure was observed (22.22%), the use of the dynamic stabilization system Accuflex posterior to decompression procedures, showed clinical benefits and stopped the degenerative process in 83% the patients.

[Primary intradural extramedullary tumors treated at the National Institute of Rehabilitation (Mexico)]. / Tumores intradurales extramedulares primarios tratados en el Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación.

BACKGROUND: Spine tumors are uncommon injuries affecting a low percentage of the population; however, these tumors can cause significant morbidity and may be related to mortality. They represent 15% of craniospinal tumors. The objective of this study is to determine the frequency of intradural extramedullary spine tumors treated in our Service and to report the definitive histopathological diagnosis. METHODS: This was a retrospective study in a series of patients treated surgically with a diagnosis of intradural extramedullary tumor in the Spine Service of the National Rehabilitation Institute (Mexico) from 1996 to 2006. The following variables were evaluated: gender, age, tumor localization, symptomatology and type of tumor. RESULTS: Files of 27 patients were reviewed. There were 11 men and 16 women with an average age of 47.33 years. The main symptoms were pain and motor weakness. The most frequent localization was thoracic followed by lumbar. Histopathological diagnosis reported 12 cases of meningioma, 12 cases of schwannoma and 3 cases of neurofibroma. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatology, localization and gender predominance are similar to that reported in the literature. Different from other series, schwannomas and meningiomas were the most frequent tumors in our study. Appropriate diagnosis and opportune treatment consisting of total resection with laminoplasty are crucial in order to avoid permanent neurological consequences.

[Vertebral hemangioma of the posterior arch with subsequent extraosseous extension and neurological symptoms. Case report and literature review]. / Hemangioma vertebral del arco posterior con extensión extraósea y sintomatología neurológica. Informe de un caso y revisión de la literatura.

BACKGROUND: Vertebral hemangioma is the most common benign spinal tumor and is found in 11% of postmortem studies as a slow-growing benign vascular malformation. It usually involves the vertebral body and sometimes the posterior vertebral elements. When the posterior elements are involved, spinal cord compression with neurological symptoms are seen more often. Vertebral hemangiomas exist as a continuum of manifestations and lesions ranging from the common asymptomatic forms to the rare compression lesion. Extraosseous extension of vertebral hemangioma with cord compression and neurological symptoms is a rare condition and represents a treatment challenge. Surgical options are open resection, embolization or vertebroplasty. CLINICAL CASE: We report a case of a vertebral hemangioma with extraosseous extension to the spinal canal with an unusual size and osseous component in the posterior elements. This tumor caused neurological manifestations and was surgically treated with posterior decompression and stabilization with transpedicular screws and rods. Clinical outcome was good. CONCLUSIONS: Vertebral hemangioma is normally an asymptomatic benign lesion not requiring specific treatment. Only in a few cases is surgical treatment required. When neurological compromise is present, early treatment should be carried out before the presence of permanent paralysis.

Hemangioma vertebral del arco posterior con extensión extraósea y sintomatología neurológica: informe de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Vertebral hemangioma of the posterior arch with subsequent extraosseous extension and neurological symptoms: case report and literature review

Introducción: El hemangioma vertebral es el tumor más común de la columna vertebral, se identifica hasta en 11 % de las autopsias. Es tipificado como una malformación benigna vascular de crecimiento lento; en ocasiones involucra los elementos posteriores, asociándose a compromiso neurológico. Por lo general es asintomático, encontrándose de forma incidental al estudiar el dolor de origen espinal en busca de otra patología; ocasionalmente produce manifestación neurológica. La extensión extraósea intrarraquídea con compromiso neurológico ha sido poco informada y representa un reto terapéutico. Caso clínico: Adolescente femenina con hemangioma vertebral de tamaño inusual del arco posterior con extensión hacia el conducto raquídeo que ocasionó manifestaciones neurológicas y ameritó tratamiento quirúrgico para su resección y fijación transpedicular. Conclusiones: El hemangioma vertebral es una lesión asintomática que no requiere tratamiento específico. Solo en algunos casos es necesario el tratamiento quirúrgico, que debe llevarse a cabo oportunamente cuando hay compresión neurológica, para evitar secuelas permanentes. El crecimiento extraóseo intrarraquídeo con deterioro neurológico es una presentación inusitada.

BACKGROUND: Vertebral hemangioma is the most common benign spinal tumor and is found in 11% of postmortem studies as a slow-growing benign vascular malformation. It usually involves the vertebral body and sometimes the posterior vertebral elements. When the posterior elements are involved, spinal cord compression with neurological symptoms are seen more often. Vertebral hemangiomas exist as a continuum of manifestations and lesions ranging from the common asymptomatic forms to the rare compression lesion. Extraosseous extension of vertebral hemangioma with cord compression and neurological symptoms is a rare condition and represents a treatment challenge. Surgical options are open resection, embolization or vertebroplasty. CLINICAL CASE: We report a case of a vertebral hemangioma with extraosseous extension to the spinal canal with an unusual size and osseous component in the posterior elements. This tumor caused neurological manifestations and was surgically treated with posterior decompression and stabilization with transpedicular screws and rods. Clinical outcome was good. CONCLUSIONS: Vertebral hemangioma is normally an asymptomatic benign lesion not requiring specific treatment. Only in a few cases is surgical treatment required. When neurological compromise is present, early treatment should be carried out before the presence of permanent paralysis.

Tumores intradurales extramedulares primarios tratados en el Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación / Primary intradural extramedullary tumors treated at the National Institute of Rehabilitation (Mexico)

Introducción: Los tumores de la columna son lesiones poco comunes que afectan a una porción menor de la población, sin embargo, pueden causar morbilidad significativa y estar asociados a mortalidad. Representan 15 % de los tumores craneoespinales. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue definir la frecuencia de tumores intradurales extramedulares de columna vertebral en el Servicio de Cirugía de Columna Vertebral del Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación, y su diagnóstico histopatológico definitivo. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de una serie de pacientes tratados quirúrgicamente entre 1996 y 2006 por diagnóstico de tumor intradural extramedular. Se evaluó sexo, edad, localización, sintomatología y tipo de tumor. Resultados: Se revisaron 27 pacientes, 11 hombres y 16 mujeres, con edad promedio de 47.33 años. Los síntomas principales fueron dolor y pérdida de la fuerza. La localización más frecuente fue la torácica seguida de la lumbar; el diagnóstico histopatológico indicó meningioma en 12 casos, schwannoma en 12 y neurofibroma en tres. Conclusiones: La sintomatología, localización y predominio de sexo son similares a los informados en la literatura. A diferencia de otras series, los tumores más frecuentes en la nuestra fueron schwannomas y meningiomas. Es importante el diagnóstico oportuno y tratamiento adecuado, que en nuestros pacientes consistió en resección total con laminoplastia, para evitar secuelas neurológicas permanentes.

BACKGROUND: Spine tumors are uncommon injuries affecting a low percentage of the population; however, these tumors can cause significant morbidity and may be related to mortality. They represent 15% of craniospinal tumors. The objective of this study is to determine the frequency of intradural extramedullary spine tumors treated in our Service and to report the definitive histopathological diagnosis. METHODS: This was a retrospective study in a series of patients treated surgically with a diagnosis of intradural extramedullary tumor in the Spine Service of the National Rehabilitation Institute (Mexico) from 1996 to 2006. The following variables were evaluated: gender, age, tumor localization, symptomatology and type of tumor. RESULTS: Files of 27 patients were reviewed. There were 11 men and 16 women with an average age of 47.33 years. The main symptoms were pain and motor weakness. The most frequent localization was thoracic followed by lumbar. Histopathological diagnosis reported 12 cases of meningioma, 12 cases of schwannoma and 3 cases of neurofibroma. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatology, localization and gender predominance are similar to that reported in the literature. Different from other series, schwannomas and meningiomas were the most frequent tumors in our study. Appropriate diagnosis and opportune treatment consisting of total resection with laminoplasty are crucial in order to avoid permanent neurological consequences.

[Use of fibrin glue in combination with autologous bone graft as bone enhancer in posterolateral spinal fusion. An experimental study in New Zealand rabbits]. / Liofilizado de fibrina combinado con injerto óseo autólogo en artrodesis posterolateral. Estudio en conejos de Nueva Zelanda.

BACKGROUND: Currently there are different strategies to increase the fusion rate in spine surgery in the presence of autologous bone graft. The use of fibrin glue has multiple applications in surgery, but there is controversy about the use of fibrin glue as a bone enhancer. METHODS: The purpose of the study was to determinate the effectiveness of fibrin glue as a bone enhancer in posterolateral arthrodesis in New Zealand rabbits. Posterolateral arthrodesis was done in ten New Zealand rabbits at the level of L5-L6 using autologous bone graft in the right side (control side) and autologous bone graft plus fibrin glue in the left side (study side). The rabbits were harvested at 8 weeks, obtaining the lumbar spine for radiological, manual palpation and light microscopic analysis. RESULTS: Solid arthrodesis was obtained in 100% of the controls and in only 60% of the study animals. There were no differences among methods for determination of solid arthrodesis whether by radiological, manual palpation or light microscopic analysis. In 40% of non-unions, only in one (10%) was fibrocartilage obtained. In the remaining 30%, only inflammatory cells were obtained in the gap between the transverse process. CONCLUSIONS: Fibrin glue does not have a positive effect in the success of solid fusion in posterolateral arthrodesis in rabbits. The use of fibrin glue significantly decreased the rate of solid fusion; therefore, we do not recommend its use as a bone enhancer.

Arthroscopic retrieval of a broken guidewire fragment from the hip joint after cannulated screw fixation of slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

The use of cannulated screws for internal fixation of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is recognized as the standard method of treatment and has fewer complications compared with previous methods such as pins or tri-flanged nails. Some complications related to guidewires have been reported in the treatment SCFE. The most dangerous complication is inadvertent advance of the guidewire into the pelvic cavity. Guidewire breakage is frequent and maybe under-reported. Articular migration of a guidewire fragment has potentially devastating effects and implies a second surgical procedure. Open arthrotomy is the traditional method for fragment removal from the hip joint. We report the case of a 12-year-old-girl with bilateral SCFE. Both hips were fixed with cannulated screws. A guidewire broke inside her right hip, leaving an articular fragment located at the inferior-posterior acetabular notch. Hip arthroscopy was performed 6 weeks after the index procedure; the fragment was located and removed from the joint. No evidence of cartilage damage other than the perforation created by the guidewire was found. Hip arthroscopy is an attractive option for articular foreign body removal; it has the potential for less morbidity and is adequate for evaluating and treating articular cartilage lesions.