Preoperative transcranial direct current stimulation: Exploration of a novel strategy to enhance neuroplasticity before surgery to control postoperative pain. A randomized sham-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: An imbalance in the excitatory/inhibitory systems in the pain networks may explain the persistent chronic pain after hallux valgus surgery. Thus, to contra-regulate this dysfunction, the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) becomes attractive. OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that two preoperative active(a)-tDCS sessions compared with sham(s)-tDCS could improve the postoperative pain [as indexed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at rest and during walking (primary outcomes)]. To assess their effect on the change in the Numerical Pain Scale (NPS0-10) during Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM-task), disability related to pain (DRP) and analgesic consumption (secondary outcomes). Also, we assessed if the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) after tDCS could predict the intervention's effect on the DRP. METHODS: It is a prospective, double blind, sham-controlled, randomized single center, 40 women (18-70 years-old) who had undergone hallux valgus surgery were randomized to receive two sessions (20 minutes each) of anodal a-tDCS or s-tDCS on the primary motor cortex at night and in the morning before the surgery. To assess the DRP was used the Brazilian Profile of Chronic Pain: Screen (B-PCP:S). RESULTS: A-tDCS group showed lower scores on VAS at rest and during walking (P<0.001). At rest, the difference between groups was 2.13cm (95%CI = 1.59 to 2.68) while during walking was 1.67cm (95%CI = 1.05 to 2.28). A-tDCS, when compared to s-tDCS reduced analgesic doses in 73.25% (P<0.001), produced a greater reduction in B-PCP:S (mean difference of 9.41 points, 95%CI = 0.63 to 18.21) and higher function of descending pain modulatory system (DPMS) during CPM-task. CONCLUSION: A-tDCS improves postoperative pain, the DRP and the function of DPMS. Also, the CSF BDNF after a-tDCS predicted the improvement in the DRP. In overall, these findings suggest that a-tDCS effects may be mediated by top-down regulatory mechanisms associated with the inhibitory cortical control. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02360462.

Fratura intra-articular deslocada do calcâneo / Displaced intra-articular fracture of calcane bone

Os autores fazem uma revisão sobre fratura intra-articular deslocada do calcâneo, buscando esclarecer questões como: Métodos diagnósticos, sistema de classificação e a tomada de decisão baseada em evidências. Abordaremos ao longo desta revisão a controvérsia evidenciada em estudos comparativos sobre o tratamento cirúrgico x tratamento conservador neste tipo de fratura, comum na parcela economicamente ativa da população.

The authors present a review of displaced intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus, seeking to clarify issues such as: Diagnostic methods, classification system and decision-making based on evidence. Discuss throughout this review the controversy observed in comparative studies on the surgical treatment x conservative treatment in this type of fracture, common in economically active portion of the population.

A comparação do valor diagnóstico do exame físico para lesão meniscal em pacientes com e sem lesão doligamento cruzado anterior / A comparison of the diagnostic value of physical examination for meniscal injury in patients with and without injury of the anterior cruciate ligament

Introdução: Lesões meniscais (LM) ocorrem habitualmente em pacientes que sofrem traumas rotacionais do joelho sob compressão. Elas podem ocorrer de forma isolada ou estar associadas a rupturas ligamentares e a patologias condrais. O objetivo deste estudo é o de comparar o valor do exame físico para diagnóstico das LMs em pacientes com e sem lesão do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA). Métodos: 162 pacientes que seriam submetidos a videoartroscopia, por patologias intra-articulares do joelho, foram examinados previamente ao procedimento por 3 de 5 residentes treinados para realizar o conjunto de manobras para diagnóstico de LM (McMurray, Appley, Childress, Steinmann 1 e 2). Foi considerado positivo o exame físico meniscal quando um dos testes era positivo. Os pacientes foram divididos em 2 grupos com lesão do LCA (grupo A) e sem lesão do LCA (grupo B). Os achados cirúrgicos foram anotados e comparados aos achados do exame clínico. Toda lesão meniscal encontrada na artroscopia foi considerada como achado positivo. Em relação ao LCA, a ruptura desta estrutura foi considerada como achado positivo. Resultados: No grupo A, o conjunto de manobras para LM apontou 70% de sensibilidade, 48% de especificidade e 60% de acurácia, enquanto que no grupo B, este valor foi de 97%, 42% e 88%, respectivamente. Conclusão: No presente estudo, o exame físico para LM se mostrou mais eficiente na ausência de lesão do LCA. A presença de lesão do LCA diminuiu a acurácia do exame físico para as LMs

Introduction: Meniscal Injuries (MIs) commonly occur in patients suffering rotational trauma of the knee under compression. They can occur in isolation or be associated with ligament ruptures and chondral pathologies. The aim of this study is to compare the value of physical examination for diagnosis of MI in patients with and without injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Methods: 162 patients who were undergoing arthroscopy because of intraarticular knee pathologies were examined prior to the procedure by 3 of 5 residents trained to perform the set of maneuvers for diagnosis of MI (McMurray, Appley, Childress, Steinmann 1 and 2). The physical examination was considered positive when any of the tests was positive. The patients were divided into two groups with ACL injury (group A) and without ACL injury (group B). Surgical findings were recorded and compared with clinical examination findings. Every meniscal lesion found at arthroscopy was considered as a positive finding. Regarding LCA, the rupture of this structure was considered as a positive finding. Results: In group A, the set of maneuvers for MI showed 70% sensitivity, 48% specificity and 60% accuracy, while in group B, these figures were 97%, 42% and 88%, respectively. Conclusion: In this study, the physical examination for MI was more efficient in the absence of ACL injury. The presence of ACL injury decreased the accuracy of physical examination for MIs

Lesões traumáticas da coluna cervical / Traumatic injuries of the cervical column

Os autores deste artigo têm por objetivo realizar uma revisão bibliográfica sobre as fraturas da coluna cervical alta, uma importante causa de morbidade e mortalidade nos dias de hoje, principalmente devido a acidentes de trânsito. Descreveremos a anatomia e semiologia destas lesões, incluindo avaliação radiográfica das mesmas; na seqüência, serão esmiuçados os principais tipos de fraturas destes segmentos, dando ênfase ao mecanismo de lesão e tratamentos preconizados para os mesmos.