High dose image-guided, intensity modulated radiation therapy (IG-IMRT) for chordomas of the sacrum, mobile spine and skull base: preliminary outcomes.

PURPOSE: To report preliminary outcomes of high dose image-guided intensity modulated radiotherapy (IG-IMRT) in the treatment of chordomas of the sacrum, mobile spine and skull base. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of chordoma patients treated with surgery and/or radiotherapy (RT) in a single tertiary cancer center. Initial treatment was categorized as (A) Adjuvant or definitive high-dose RT (78 Gy/39fx or 24 Gy/1fx) vs (B) surgery-only or low dose RT. The primary endpoint was the cumulative incidence of local failure. RESULTS: A total of 31 patients were treated from 2010 through 2020. Median age was 55 years, tumor location was 64% sacrum, 13% lumbar, 16% cervical and 6% clivus. Median tumor volume was 148 cc (8.3 cm in largest diameter), 42% of patients received curative-intent surgery and 65% received primary RT (adjuvant or definitive). 5-year cumulative incidence of local failure was 48% in group A vs 83% in group B (p = 0.041). Tumor size > 330 cc was associated with local failure (SHR 2.2, 95% CI 1.12 to 7.45; p = 0.028). Eight patients developed distant metastases, with a median metastases-free survival of 56.1 months. 5-year survival for patients that received high dose RT was 72% vs 76% in patients that received no or low dose RT (p = 0.63). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests high-dose photon IG-IMRT improves local control in the initial management of chordomas. Health systems should promote reference centers with clinical expertise and technical capabilities to improve outcomes for this complex disease.

Endovascular Treatment of Late Aortic Erosive Lesion by Pedicle Screw without Screw Removal: Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Aortic lesions are uncommon complications in spine surgery, but potentially fatal, because they can cause massive bleeding and hemodynamic instability. We report the endovascular treatment of late aortic erosive lesion by pedicle screw without screw removal. METHODS: A breast cancer patient had a pathological fracture on T10, with spinal cord compression, and a pseudoaneurysm of the aorta in contact with an anterolateral pedicle screw. Endovascular surgery corrected the aortic lesion and allowed decompression, a week later, by posterior arthrodesis (T7-L1), with screw maintenance. RESULTS: There was no contrast leakage at thorax angiotomography in 2 years, and she died of meningeal carcinomatosis. CONCLUSION: Screw maintenance was safe in the endovascular treatment of aortic lesion by erosion.

Parasagittal resection of multilevel cervical chordoma with autograft duraplasty and unilateral vertebral artery ligation: A case report and literature review.

Chordomas are rare tumors and the recommended course of treatment typically entails surgical resection, which presents significant challenges owing to the anatomical location commonly involved and the inherent resistance of these lesions to radiation and chemotherapy. This case report details the experience of a 61-year-old male who underwent a parasagittal resection spanning from C1 to C4. A durotomy was executed to enable en bloc excision of the tumor. Subsequently, a duraplasty procedure was implemented, utilizing autologous muscle fascia grafting. A comprehensive analysis of the pertinent literature was conducted to underscore the key clinical aspects and outcomes related to this topic.

Risk Factors Associated with Postoperative Infection in Cancer Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the rate of and main risk factors for postoperative infection in cancer patients who underwent spine surgery in the last 5 years in order to determine whether there is an association between postoperative infection and increased mortality during hospitalization. METHODS: All cancer patients who underwent surgical procedures between January 2015 and December 2019 at a single hospital specializing in spine cancer surgery were analyzed. The primary outcome of interest was postoperative infection. Bivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for each variable in relation to the occurrence of infection. RESULTS: We evaluated 324 patients, including 176 men (54.3%) and 148 women (45.7%) with a mean age of 56 years. The incidence of postoperative infection was 20.37%. Of the 324 patients, 39 died during hospitalization (12%). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical time greater than 4 hours, surgical instrumented levels greater than 6, and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group of 3 or 4 were associated with an increased risk of postoperative infection, but these factors did not lead to an increase in mortality during hospitalization.

SPINE METASTASIS OF INTRACRANIAL HEMANGIOPERICYTOMA: CASE REPORT OF TWO TREATMENTS.

OBJECTIVE: To report the use of two techniques (radiosurgery and en bloc vertebrectomy) on the same patient for the treatment of two metastases in different sites of the spine arising from intracranial hemangiopericytoma. Intracranial hemangiopericytomas are rare, comprising approximately 2.4% of meningeal tumors and <1% of all tumors of the central nervous system. Metastases to the spine are even rarer: The largest case series reported in the literature has 5 and 7 cases. METHODS: A 37-year-old man diagnosed with intracranial hemangiopericytoma was referred for a metastatic lesion in T12 and underwent en bloc resection using the Tomita technique. RESULTS: The disease evolved with a metastasis to T2 treated by radiosurgery with 1600 cGy. The patient died 1,706 days after the en bloc resection of T12 and 1324 days after the radiosurgery of T2, and no recurrence occurred in these locations due to progression of the systemic diseases (liver and central nervous system). CONCLUSION: This is the first case reported in the literature in which two different techniques were used to treat metastatic lesions in the spine from an intracranial hemangiopericytoma and is unique for its use of two treatments in the same patient. Level of evidence: V, case report.

OBJETIVO: Reportar o uso de duas técnicas (radiocirurgia e vertebrectomia em bloco) no mesmo paciente, para o tratamento de metástases de um hemangiopericitoma intracraniano em dois locais da coluna. Hemangiopericitomas intracranianos são raros, consistindo em cerca de 2,4% dos tumores da meninge e menos de 1% de todos os tumores do sistema nervoso central, e metástases para a coluna são ainda mais raras: as maiores séries de casos publicada tinham 5 e 7 casos. MÉTODOS: Um homem de 37 anos com diagnóstico de hemangiopericitoma intracraniano foi encaminhado para resecção em bloco de lesão metastática em T12 com a técnica de Tomita. RESULTADOS: A doença evoluiu com metástase em T2, tratada com radiocirurgia (dose de 1600 cGy). O paciente morreu 1.706 dias após a resecção em bloco de T12 e 1.324 dias após a radiocirurgia de T2, livre de recorrência nessas localizações, devido a progressão sistêmica da doença (para fígado e sistema nervoso central). CONCLUSÃO: Este é o primeiro caso na literatura no qual duas técnicas diferentes foram usadas pra tratar lesões metastáticas da coluna de hemangiopericitoma intracraniano, único pelo uso de duas técnicas de tratamento no mesmo paciente. Nível de evidência V, relato de caso.

SACRECTOMY ASSOCIATED WITH VERTEBRECTOMY: A NEW TECHNIQUE USING DOWEL GRAFTS FROM CADAVERS.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate, in a case series, a new sacrectomy technique using an iliac crest dowel graft from a cadaver. STUDY DESIGN: Report of a case series with description of a new surgical technique. METHODS: The technique uses four bars to support the posterior spine and a dowel graft in the iliac wings, with compression of the spine and pelvis above it, to support the anterior spine. Three cases were operated on, and in all of them, a vertebrectomy was used. RESULTS: In the first two cases, the technique was performed as a two-stage surgery. The first stage was performed via the anterior and peritoneal access routes, and the second stage via the posterior access route. In the third case, retroperitoneal access via the anterior route meant that the technique could be performed in one stage, resulting in an overall reduction in surgical time (1250 vs. 1750 vs. 990 minutes, respectively). CONCLUSION: The new technique enables fixation with biomechanical stability, which is essential to support the stress in the lumbosacral transition and promote earlier rehabilitation. Level of evidence IV, case series.

OBJETIVO: O propósito do estudo foi demonstrar, por meio de uma série de casos, uma nova técnica de sacrectomia com uso de enxerto encavilhado da crista ilíaca de cadáver. DESENHO DO ESTUDO: Relato de série de casos com descrição de uma nova técnica cirúrgica. MÉTODOS: A técnica usa quatro barras para sustentação da parte posterior da coluna e um enxerto encavilhado nas asas do ilíaco, com compressão da coluna e pelve sobre ele, para suporte da parte anterior da coluna. Foram operados três casos e em todos eles, realizou-se vertebrectomia. RESULTADOS: Nos dois primeiros casos, a técnica foi utilizada em duas etapas. A primeira etapa foi realizada por via anterior e acesso peritoneal, e a segunda etapa, por via posterior. No terceiro caso, o acesso retroperitoneal por via anterior significou que a técnica pôde ser realizada em apenas uma etapa, resultando em redução do tempo cirúrgico total (1250 x 1750 x 990 minutos, respectivamente). CONCLUSÃO: A nova técnica permite a fixação com estabilidade biomecânica, que é essencial para suportar a tensão na transição lombossacral e para a reabilitação precoce. Nível de evidência IV, série de casos.

Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Combined with Methylprednisolone Improves Functional Outcomes in Rats with Experimental Acute Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of combined treatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and methylprednisolone in rats subjected to experimental spinal cord injury. METHODS: Forty Wistar rats received a moderate spinal cord injury and were divided into four groups: control (no treatment); G-CSF (G-CSF at the time of injury and daily over the next five days); methylprednisolone (methylprednisolone for 24 h); and G-CSF/Methylprednisolone (methylprednisolone for 24 h and G-CSF at the time of injury and daily over the next five days). Functional evaluation was performed using the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan score on days 2, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 following injury. Motor-evoked potentials were evaluated. Histological examination of the spinal cord lesion was performed immediately after euthanasia on day 42. RESULTS: Eight animals were excluded (2 from each group) due to infection, a normal Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan score at their first evaluation, or autophagy, and 32 were evaluated. The combination of methylprednisolone and G-CSF promoted greater functional improvement than methylprednisolone or G-CSF alone (p<0.001). This combination also exhibited a synergistic effect, with improvements in hyperemia and cellular infiltration at the injury site (p<0.001). The groups displayed no neurophysiological differences (latency p=0.85; amplitude p=0.75). CONCLUSION: Methylprednisolone plus G-CSF promotes functional and histological improvements superior to those achieved by either of these drugs alone when treating spinal cord contusion injuries in rats. Combining the two drugs did have a synergistic effect.

FOUR-LEVEL EN BLOC VERTEBRECTOMY: A NOVEL TECHNIQUE AND LITERATURE REVIEW.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate a novel technique for multilevel en bloc post-vertebrectomy reconstruction. METHODS: A novel technique for en bloc multiple post-vertebrectomy reconstruction was used in a patient presenting for curative resection of Ewing's Sarcoma at the oncology center of a public university hospital. RESULTS: The procedure described was feasible for en bloc resection of the four vertebrae. The reconstruction was acceptable and satisfactory in terms of mechanical stability and was without any neurological sequelae in the patient. CONCLUSION: The use of an allograft with a locked intramedullary nail was an adequate solution for reconstructing the anterior and medial spines after multilevel vertebrectomy. In addition, the association of four intramedullary nails provided stability to the reconstruction. Immediate benefits of the technique compared to other commonly used techniques were shorter hospitalization times and reduced surgical morbidity. Level of Evidence V, Clinical study of a new surgical technique and a literature review.

OBJETIVO: Demonstrar uma nova técnica de reconstrução por vertebrectomia em bloco multinível. MÉTODOS: Descrição de uma reconstrução pós-vertebrectomia em bloco multinível, em paciente tratado num hospital oncológico público universitário, com indicação de ressecção curativa de sarcoma de Ewing. RESULTADOS: O procedimento proposto foi viável para a ressecção em bloco de quatro vértebras e a reconstrução foi aceitável e satisfatória em termos de estabilidade mecânica, sem causar dano neurológico ao paciente. CONCLUSÃO: O uso de aloenxerto com parafuso intramedular bloqueado é uma solução adequada para a reconstrução da coluna anterior e medial após vertebrectomias multiníveis. Além disso, a associação de quatro parafusos intramedulares dá estabilidade à reconstrução. Benefícios imediatos da técnica são o tempo de hospitalização mais curto e a redução da morbidade cirúrgica, em comparação com outras técnicas, comumente utilizadas. Nível de Evidência V, Estudo clínico de nova técnica cirúrgica e revisão da literatura.

En bloc vertebrectomy for the treatment of spinal lesions. Five years of experience in a single institution: a case series.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to describe the experience of a Brazilian public university hospital regarding the treatment of metastatic or benign spine lesions with en bloc vertebrectomy of the thoracic and lumbar spines. METHODS: This study was a retrospective case series and included all medical records of patients with benign aggressive, primary malignant, or metastatic spine lesions who underwent en bloc vertebrectomy from 2010 to 2015. RESULTS: A total of 17 patients were included in the analysis. Most of them (71%) were indicated for surgery based on an oncologic resection for localized disease cure. Overall, 10 of the 17 patients (59%) underwent vertebrectomy via an isolated posterior approach using the technique described by Roy-Camille et al. and Tomita et al., while 7 patients (41%) underwent double approach surgeries. Of the 17 patients who underwent the en bloc resection, 8 are still alive and in the outpatient follow-up (47%), and almost all patients with metastatic lesions (8/9) died. The average survival time following the surgical procedure was 23.8 months. Considering the cases of metastatic lesions and the cases of localized disease (malignant or benign aggressive disease) separately, we observed an average survival time of 15 months and 47.6 months respectively. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates and reinforces the reproducibility of the en bloc vertebrectomy technique described by Tomita et al.

Complications after partial, total or extended sacrectomy: a case series / Complicações depois de sacrectomia parcial, total ou estendida: série de casos / Complicaciones después de sacrectomía parcial, total o extendida: serie de casos

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of this study was to conduct a survey of the different complications of partial, total or extended sacrectomy for the treatment of spinal tumors. Method This study is a descriptive analysis of medical records from a series of 18 patients who underwent sacrectomy between 2010 and 2019 at a tertiary center specializing in spinal tumor surgeries. The variables analyzed were sex, age, hospitalization time, oncologic diagnosis, posterior fixation pattern, rate of complications, and Frankel, ASA and ECOG scales. Results Of the 18 patients, 10 (55.5%) were male and 8 (44.5%) were female, and the mean age was 48 years. The mean hospitalization time was 23 days. Of the 18 patients, 8 (44.5%) contracted postoperative infections requiring surgery. Perioperative complications included liquoric fistula (22.25%), hemodynamic instability requiring vasoactive drugs in the immediate postoperative period (22.25%), wound dehiscence (11.1%), acute obstructive abdomen (11.1%), occlusion of the left external iliac artery (11.1%), immediate postoperative death due to acute myocardial infarction (11.1%), and intraoperative death due to hemodynamic instability (11.1%). Conclusions Partial, total or extended sacrectomy is a complex procedure with high morbidity and mortality, even in centers specializing in the treatment of spinal tumors. Level of evidence IV; case series study.

RESUMO Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo é fazer um levantamento das diferentes complicações da sacrectomia parcial, total ou estendida para tratamento de tumores da coluna vertebral. Métodos O estudo é uma análise descritiva de prontuários de uma série de 18 pacientes submetidos à sacrectomia entre 2010 e 2019 em um centro terciário especializado em cirurgias de neoplasia na coluna. As variáveis analisadas foram sexo, idade, tempo de internação, diagnóstico oncológico, padrão de fixação posterior, taxa de complicações e escalas de Frankel, ASA e ECOG. Resultados Dos 18 pacientes, 10 (55,5%) eram homens e 8 (44,5%) mulheres com média de idade de 48 anos. O tempo médio de internação foi de 23 dias. Dos 18 pacientes, 8 (44,5%) contraíram infecções pós-operatórias com necessidade de cirurgia. As complicações perioperatórias incluíram fistula liquórica (22,25%), instabilidade hemodinâmica com necessidade de medicação vasoativa no pós-operatório imediato (22,25%), deiscência da ferida operatória (11,1%), abdome obstrutivo agudo (11,1%), oclusão da artéria ilíaca externa esquerda (11,1%), óbito pós-operatório imediato por infarto agudo do miocárdio (11,1%) e óbito intraoperatório por instabilidade hemodinâmica (11,1%). Conclusões A sacrectomia parcial, total ou estendida é um procedimento complexo com alta taxa de mortalidade e morbidade, mesmo em centros especializados no tratamento de tumores na coluna. Nível de evidência IV; Série de casos.

RESUMEN Objetivo El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar las diferentes complicaciones de la sacrectomía parcial, total o extendida para el tratamiento de tumores vertebrales. Métodos El estudio es un análisis descriptivo de las historias clínicas de 18 pacientes sometidos a sacrectomía entre 2010 y 2019 en un centro terciario especializado en cirugías de neoplasia de columna. Las variables analizadas fueron sexo, edad, estancia hospitalaria, diagnóstico de cáncer, patrón de fijación posterior, tasa de complicaciones, escalas de Frankel, ASA y ECOG. Resultados De los 18 pacientes, 10 (55,5%) eran hombres y 8 (44,5%) mujeres con una edad promedio de 48 años. La estancia hospitalaria promedio fue de 23 días. De los 18 pacientes, 8 (44,5%) contrajeron infecciones posoperatorias que requirieron cirugía. Las complicaciones perioperatorias incluyeron fístula de líquido cefalorraquídeo (22,25%), inestabilidad hemodinámica que requirió medicación vasoactiva en el posoperatorio inmediato (22,25%), dehiscencia de la herida quirúrgica (11,1%), abdomen obstructivo agudo (11,1%), oclusión de la arteria ilíaca externa izquierda (11,1%), muerte posoperatoria inmediata por infarto agudo de miocardio (11,1%) y muerte intraoperatoria por inestabilidad hemodinámica (11,1%). Conclusiones La sacrectomía parcial, total o extendida es un procedimiento complejo con una alta tasa de mortalidad y morbilidad, incluso en centros especializados en el tratamiento de tumores de la columna. Nivel de evidencia IV; Series de casos

Risk Factors Associated with Postoperative Infection in Cancer Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery

OBJECTIVES: To determine the rate of and main risk factors for postoperative infection in cancer patients who underwent spine surgery in the last 5 years in order to determine whether there is an association between postoperative infection and increased mortality during hospitalization. METHODS: All cancer patients who underwent surgical procedures between January 2015 and December 2019 at a single hospital specializing in spine cancer surgery were analyzed. The primary outcome of interest was postoperative infection. Bivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for each variable in relation to the occurrence of infection. RESULTS: We evaluated 324 patients, including 176 men (54.3%) and 148 women (45.7%) with a mean age of 56 years. The incidence of postoperative infection was 20.37%. Of the 324 patients, 39 died during hospitalization (12%). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical time greater than 4 hours, surgical instrumented levels greater than 6, and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group of 3 or 4 were associated with an increased risk of postoperative infection, but these factors did not lead to an increase in mortality during hospitalization.

The sins scale in the evaluation of stability in patients with spinal metastasis / A escala sins na avaliação de doentes com metástase na coluna vertebral, relacionada à estabilidade / La escala sins en la evaluación de pacientes con metastasis en la columna vertebral, relacionada a la estabilidad

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the distribution of patients seen in the emergency care unit of the Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo in the categories "stable", "indeterminate" and "unstable" as classified by the SINS scale. Methods The medical charts of patients treated between May and September 2013 were reviewed. Patients with a diagnosis of spinal metastasis were analyzed and data on age, sex, primary tumor location, neurological status, and the presence and intensity of pain at rest and in movement were obtained. The SINS criteria were used to evaluate the radiological involvement of the spine. Results We included 81 patients with a mean age of 59.57 years; 32 (39.51%) men and 49 (60.49%) women. Breast (19.75%), prostate (18.52%) and lung (17.28%) were the most common primary tumor sites. Only 18 patients (22.22%) had a single lesion and 51 (62.96%) had 3 or more metastatic lesions. Of the total, 56 (69.14%) were of undetermined stability, 19 were stable (23.46%) and 6 were unstable (7.41%). Twenty-two (27.2%) presented neurological deficit in the physical examination. None of the patients with severe deficit, Frankel A or B, were stable according to the SINS classification. All unstable lesions presented with kyphotic and/or scoliotic deviation (p <0.001). Most patients with undetermined lesions (78.6%) and all patients with unstable lesions had mechanical pain (p = 0.001). Conclusion In this case series, there was a high rate of patients classified by the SINS scale as of undetermined instability (69.14%). There was a high number of patients with multiple metastases (62.96%), which was not considered a modifier of the SINS instability criteria and which needs to be the focus of future studies. Level of evidence IV; Case Series.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a distribuição de doentes atendidos no pronto-socorro do Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo nas categorias "estável", "indeterminada" e "instável" pela escala SINS. Métodos Levantaram-se prontuários dos doentes atendidos entre maio e setembro de 2013. Foram avaliados os doentes com diagnóstico de metástase vertebral e obtidos dados sobre idade, sexo, localização primária, situação neurológica, presença e intensidade da dor no repouso e no movimento. Os critérios da escala SINS foram utilizados para pontuação do comprometimento radiológico da coluna. Resultados Foram incluídos 81 doentes com média de idade de 59,57 anos; 32 (39,51%) homens e 49 (60,49%) mulheres, sendo que a mama (19,75%), próstata (18,52%) e pulmão (17,28%) foram as localizações primárias mais comuns. Apenas 18 doentes (22,22%) apresentaram lesão isolada e 51 (62,96%) apresentaram 3 ou mais lesões metastáticas. Do total, 56 (69,14%) apresentaram coluna com estabilidade indeterminada; 19 (23,46%) estável e 6 (7,41%) instável. Vinte e dois (27,2%) apresentaram déficit neurológico ao exame físico. Dos doentes com déficit grave, Frankel A ou B, nenhum apresentou coluna estável através da classificação SINS. Todas as lesões instáveis apresentaram-se com desvio cifótico e/ou escoliótico (p<0,001). A maioria dos pacientes com lesões indeterminadas (78,6%) apresentou dor de caráter mecânico e todos os pacientes com lesão instável apresentaram dor mecânica (p=0,001). Conclusões Nessa série de casos, o uso da escala SINS teve uma taxa elevada de doentes com coluna classificada como indeterminada (69,14%). Há um número elevado de doentes com metástases múltiplas (62,96%), fato não considerado pela SINS como modificador nos critérios de instabilidade e que precisa ser alvo de novos estudos. Nível de evidência IV; Serie de casos.

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar la distribución de los enfermos en la unidad de primeros auxilios del Instituto del Cáncer de Estado de São Paulo en las categorías "estable", "indeterminada" e "inestable" por la escala SINS. Métodos Se levantaron historiales clínicos de los enfermos atendidos entre mayo y septiembre de 2013. Fueron evaluados los enfermos con diagnóstico de metástasis vertebral, y se obtuvieron datos sobre edad, sexo, localización primaria, situación neurológica, presencia e intensidad del dolor en reposo y en movimiento. Los criterios de la escala SINS se utilizaron para puntuación del compromiso radiológico de la columna. Resultados Fueron incluidos 81 pacientes con promedio de edad de 59,57 años; 32 (39,51%) hombres y 49 (60,49%) mujeres, siendo que la mama (19,75%), próstata (18,52%) y pulmón (17,28%) fueron las localizaciones primarias más comunes. Sólo 18 enfermos (22,22%) presentaron lesión aislada y 51 (62,96%) presentaron tres o más lesiones metastásicas. Del total, 56 (69,14%) presentaron columna con estabilidad indeterminada; 19 (23,46%) estable y 6 estable (7,41%) inestable. Veintidós (27,2%) presentaron déficit neurológico al examen físico. De los enfermos con déficit grave, Frankel A o B, ninguno presentó columna estable a través de la clasificación SINS. Todas las lesiones inestables se presentaron con desviación cifótica y/o escoliótica (p <0,001). La mayoría de los pacientes con lesiones indeterminadas (78,6%) presentó dolor de carácter mecánico y todos los pacientes con lesión inestable presentaron dolor mecánico (p = 0,001). Conclusiones En esta serie de casos, el uso de la escala SINS tuvo una tasa elevada de enfermos con columna clasificada como indeterminada (69,14%). Hay un número elevado de enfermos con metástasis múltiples (62,96%), hecho no considerado por la SINS como modificador en los criterios de inestabilidad y que necesita ser objeto de nuevos estudios. Nivel de evidencia IV; Serie de casos.

Late failure of posterior fixation without bone fusion for vertebral metastases.

OBJECTIVE: : To verify the frequency of late radiological com-plications in spinal fixation surgeries performed without fu-sion in oncological patients. METHODS: : This is a retrospective analysis analysing failure in cases of non-fused vertebral fixation in an oncology reference hospital between 2009 and 2014. Failure was defined as implant loosening or bre-akage, as well as new angular or translation deformities. RESULTS: : One hundred and five cases were analyzed. The most common site of primary tumor was the breast and the most common place of metastasis was the thoracic spine. The average follow-up was 22.7 months. Nine cases (8%) of failure were reported, with an average time until failure of 9.5 months. The most common failure was implant loosening. No case required further surgery. CONCLUSION: : The occurrence of failure was not different than that reported for fused cases. The time interval until failure was higher than the median of survival of the majority (88%) of cases. Level of Evidence IV, Therapeutic Study.

[Immunonutrition in experimental colitis: beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids]. / Imunonutrição em colite experimental: efeitos benéficos dos ácidos graxos ômega-3.

BACKGROUND: Recent data have given emphasis to the benefits of immunonutrition with omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) in various clinical situations. This work presents the results of parenteral administration of different lipid emulsions in experimental acute colitis and reviews the pertinent literature. METHODS: Seventy-four adult male Wistar rats were randomized in six groups that had 10% acetic acid-induced colitis (except CS). During 7 days, control groups CS (without colitis) and CC (with colitis) received physiological solution and the others received specific lipid emulsion by a central venous catheter (0.5 mL/h). The n-3/n-6 FA ratio and lipidic compositions were: group L--1:7.7 (LCT, n = 12), M--1:7.0 (MCT and LCT, n = 12), LW-3--1:4.5 (LCT plus FO, n = 12) and MW-3--1:3.0 (MCT and LCT plus FO, n = 13). Rats were evaluated to assess abdominal and intestinal alterations, macrophage cellularity and colonic concentrations of LTB4, LTC4, PGE2 and TXB2. RESULTS: N-3 FA treated rats (LW-3 and MW-3) presented less inflammatory abdominal alterations than CC rats. Mucosal ulcer formation in MW-3 group was the only comparable to CS group. Only CS, M and MW-3 rats presented smaller cellularity than CC group. Comparing to CC group, there were found smaller averages of LTB4 in CS, LW-3 and MW-3 groups, of PGE2 in CS, M and MW-3 groups, and of TXB2 in CS and MW-3 groups. LTC4 averages were not different. CONCLUSIONS: 1) LCT-containing lipid emulsion with low n-3/n-6 ratio do not modify inflammatory colitis derived manifestations; 2) the association of MCT/LCT-containing lipid emulsion with fish oil with high n-3/n-6 ratio impels great beneficial impact, attenuating morphological and inflammatory consequences and decreasing colonic concentrations of proinflammatory mediators.

Spine metastasis of intracranial hemangiopericytoma: case report of two treatments / Metástase na coluna de hemangiopericitoma intracraniano: relato de 2 tratamentos

ABSTRACT Objective: To report the use of two techniques (radiosurgery and en bloc vertebrectomy) on the same patient for the treatment of two metastases in different sites of the spine arising from intracranial hemangiopericytoma. Intracranial hemangiopericytomas are rare, comprising approximately 2.4% of meningeal tumors and <1% of all tumors of the central nervous system. Metastases to the spine are even rarer: The largest case series reported in the literature has 5 and 7 cases. Methods: A 37-year-old man diagnosed with intracranial hemangiopericytoma was referred for a metastatic lesion in T12 and underwent en bloc resection using the Tomita technique. Results: The disease evolved with a metastasis to T2 treated by radiosurgery with 1600 cGy. The patient died 1,706 days after the en bloc resection of T12 and 1324 days after the radiosurgery of T2, and no recurrence occurred in these locations due to progression of the systemic diseases (liver and central nervous system). Conclusion: This is the first case reported in the literature in which two different techniques were used to treat metastatic lesions in the spine from an intracranial hemangiopericytoma and is unique for its use of two treatments in the same patient. Level of evidence: V, case report

RESUMO Objetivo: Reportar o uso de duas técnicas (radiocirurgia e vertebrectomia em bloco) no mesmo paciente, para o tratamento de metástases de um hemangiopericitoma intracraniano em dois locais da coluna. Hemangiopericitomas intracranianos são raros, consistindo em cerca de 2,4% dos tumores da meninge e menos de 1% de todos os tumores do sistema nervoso central, e metástases para a coluna são ainda mais raras: as maiores séries de casos publicada tinham 5 e 7 casos. Métodos: Um homem de 37 anos com diagnóstico de hemangiopericitoma intracraniano foi encaminhado para resecção em bloco de lesão metastática em T12 com a técnica de Tomita. Resultados: A doença evoluiu com metástase em T2, tratada com radiocirurgia (dose de 1600 cGy). O paciente morreu 1.706 dias após a resecção em bloco de T12 e 1.324 dias após a radiocirurgia de T2, livre de recorrência nessas localizações, devido a progressão sistêmica da doença (para fígado e sistema nervoso central). Conclusão: Este é o primeiro caso na literatura no qual duas técnicas diferentes foram usadas pra tratar lesões metastáticas da coluna de hemangiopericitoma intracraniano, único pelo uso de duas técnicas de tratamento no mesmo paciente. Nível de evidência V, relato de caso.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor combined with Methylprednisolone improves functional outcomes in rats with experimental acute spinal cord injury

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of combined treatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and methylprednisolone in rats subjected to experimental spinal cord injury. METHODS: Forty Wistar rats received a moderate spinal cord injury and were divided into four groups: control (no treatment); G-CSF (G-CSF at the time of injury and daily over the next five days); methylprednisolone (methylprednisolone for 24 h); and G-CSF/Methylprednisolone (methylprednisolone for 24 h and G-CSF at the time of injury and daily over the next five days). Functional evaluation was performed using the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan score on days 2, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 following injury. Motor-evoked potentials were evaluated. Histological examination of the spinal cord lesion was performed immediately after euthanasia on day 42. RESULTS: Eight animals were excluded (2 from each group) due to infection, a normal Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan score at their first evaluation, or autophagy, and 32 were evaluated. The combination of methylprednisolone and G-CSF promoted greater functional improvement than methylprednisolone or G-CSF alone (p<0.001). This combination also exhibited a synergistic effect, with improvements in hyperemia and cellular infiltration at the injury site (p<0.001). The groups displayed no neurophysiological differences (latency p=0.85; amplitude p=0.75). CONCLUSION: Methylprednisolone plus G-CSF promotes functional and histological improvements superior to those achieved by either of these drugs alone when treating spinal cord contusion injuries in rats. Combining the two drugs did have a synergistic effect.

Sacrectomy associated with vertebrectomy: a new technique using dowel grafts from cadavers / Sacrectomia associada à vertebrectomia: uma nova técnica com uso de enxerto de cadáver

ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate, in a case series, a new sacrectomy technique using an iliac crest dowel graft from a cadaver. Study design: Report of a case series with description of a new surgical technique. Methods: The technique uses four bars to support the posterior spine and a dowel graft in the iliac wings, with compression of the spine and pelvis above it, to support the anterior spine. Three cases were operated on, and in all of them, a vertebrectomy was used. Results: In the first two cases, the technique was performed as a two-stage surgery. The first stage was performed via the anterior and peritoneal access routes, and the second stage via the posterior access route. In the third case, retroperitoneal access via the anterior route meant that the technique could be performed in one stage, resulting in an overall reduction in surgical time (1250 vs. 1750 vs. 990 minutes, respectively). Conclusion: The new technique enables fixation with biomechanical stability, which is essential to support the stress in the lumbosacral transition and promote earlier rehabilitation. Level of evidence IV, case series.

RESUMO Objetivo: O propósito do estudo foi demonstrar, por meio de uma série de casos, uma nova técnica de sacrectomia com uso de enxerto encavilhado da crista ilíaca de cadáver. Desenho do estudo: Relato de série de casos com descrição de uma nova técnica cirúrgica. Métodos: A técnica usa quatro barras para sustentação da parte posterior da coluna e um enxerto encavilhado nas asas do ilíaco, com compressão da coluna e pelve sobre ele, para suporte da parte anterior da coluna. Foram operados três casos e em todos eles, realizou-se vertebrectomia. Resultados: Nos dois primeiros casos, a técnica foi utilizada em duas etapas. A primeira etapa foi realizada por via anterior e acesso peritoneal, e a segunda etapa, por via posterior. No terceiro caso, o acesso retroperitoneal por via anterior significou que a técnica pôde ser realizada em apenas uma etapa, resultando em redução do tempo cirúrgico total (1250 x 1750 x 990 minutos, respectivamente). Conclusão: A nova técnica permite a fixação com estabilidade biomecânica, que é essencial para suportar a tensão na transição lombossacral e para a reabilitação precoce. Nível de evidência IV, série de casos.

Four-level en bloc vertebrectomy: a novel technique and literature review / Vertebrectomia em bloco em quatro níveis: nova técnica e revisão da literatura

ABSTRACT Objective: To demonstrate a novel technique for multilevel en bloc post-vertebrectomy reconstruction. Methods: A novel technique for en bloc multiple post-vertebrectomy reconstruction was used in a patient presenting for curative resection of Ewing's Sarcoma at the oncology center of a public university hospital. Results: The procedure described was feasible for en bloc resection of the four vertebrae. The reconstruction was acceptable and satisfactory in terms of mechanical stability and was without any neurological sequelae in the patient. Conclusion: The use of an allograft with a locked intramedullary nail was an adequate solution for reconstructing the anterior and medial spines after multilevel vertebrectomy. In addition, the association of four intramedullary nails provided stability to the reconstruction. Immediate benefits of the technique compared to other commonly used techniques were shorter hospitalization times and reduced surgical morbidity. Level of Evidence V, Clinical study of a new surgical technique and a literature review.

RESUMO Objetivo: Demonstrar uma nova técnica de reconstrução por vertebrectomia em bloco multinível. Métodos: Descrição de uma reconstrução pós-vertebrectomia em bloco multinível, em paciente tratado num hospital oncológico público universitário, com indicação de ressecção curativa de sarcoma de Ewing. Resultados: O procedimento proposto foi viável para a ressecção em bloco de quatro vértebras e a reconstrução foi aceitável e satisfatória em termos de estabilidade mecânica, sem causar dano neurológico ao paciente. Conclusão: O uso de aloenxerto com parafuso intramedular bloqueado é uma solução adequada para a reconstrução da coluna anterior e medial após vertebrectomias multiníveis. Além disso, a associação de quatro parafusos intramedulares dá estabilidade à reconstrução. Benefícios imediatos da técnica são o tempo de hospitalização mais curto e a redução da morbidade cirúrgica, em comparação com outras técnicas, comumente utilizadas. Nível de Evidência V, Estudo clínico de nova técnica cirúrgica e revisão da literatura.

Interobserver agreement for the spine instability neoplastic score varies according to the experience of the evaluator.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the interobserver agreement for the Neoplastic Spine Instability Score (SINS) among spine surgeons with or without experience in vertebral metastasis treatment and physicians in other specialties. METHODS: Case descriptions were produced based on the medical records of 40 patients with vertebral metastases. The descriptions were then published online. Physicians were invited to evaluate the descriptions by answering questions according to the Neoplastic Spine Instability Score (SINS). The agreement among physicians was calculated using the kappa coefficient. RESULTS: Seventeen physicians agreed to participate: three highly experienced spine surgeons, seven less-experienced spine surgeons, three surgeons of other specialties, and four general practitioners (n = 17). The agreement for the final SINS score among all participants was fair, and it varied according to the SINS component. The agreement was substantial for the spine location only. The agreement was higher among experienced surgeons. The agreement was nearly perfect for spinal location among the spine surgeons who were highly experienced in vertebral metastases. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the experience of the evaluator has an impact on SINS scale classification. The interobserver agreement was only fair among physicians who were not spine surgeons and among spine surgeons who were not experienced in the treatment of vertebral metastases, which may limit the use of the SINS scale for the screening of unstable lesions by less-experienced evaluators.

En bloc vertebrectomy for the treatment of spinal lesions. Five years of experience in a single institution: a case series

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to describe the experience of a Brazilian public university hospital regarding the treatment of metastatic or benign spine lesions with en bloc vertebrectomy of the thoracic and lumbar spines. METHODS: This study was a retrospective case series and included all medical records of patients with benign aggressive, primary malignant, or metastatic spine lesions who underwent en bloc vertebrectomy from 2010 to 2015. RESULTS: A total of 17 patients were included in the analysis. Most of them (71%) were indicated for surgery based on an oncologic resection for localized disease cure. Overall, 10 of the 17 patients (59%) underwent vertebrectomy via an isolated posterior approach using the technique described by Roy-Camille et al. and Tomita et al., while 7 patients (41%) underwent double approach surgeries. Of the 17 patients who underwent the en bloc resection, 8 are still alive and in the outpatient follow-up (47%), and almost all patients with metastatic lesions (8/9) died. The average survival time following the surgical procedure was 23.8 months. Considering the cases of metastatic lesions and the cases of localized disease (malignant or benign aggressive disease) separately, we observed an average survival time of 15 months and 47.6 months respectively. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates and reinforces the reproducibility of the en bloc vertebrectomy technique described by Tomita et al.