Tratamiento quirúrgico del síndrome subacromial mediante la técnica de Neer. Estudio casuístico / Surgical treatment of the subacromial syndrome using Neer's technique. Case study

RESUMEN Introducción: el síndrome subacromial es una afección caracterizada por el pinzamiento tendinoso intraarticular por osteofitos o estrechamiento del espacio. Objetivos: evaluar la técnica de Neer en el tratamiento de pacientes con síndrome subacromial y los factores y actividades que favorecen esta afección. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, prospectivo a pacientes con síndrome subacromial tratados con acromioplastia por la técnica de Neer. El universo lo conformaron 66 pacientes mayores de 20 años, que presentaron síndrome subacromial con síntomas por más de seis meses, y que fueron tratados con la técnica de Neer. Resultados: el sexo más afectado fue el femenino, con 65,2 %. Predominó el grupo etario de 41 a 50 años. El dolor en etapa prequirúrgica fue de moderado a severo en un 77,2 %, y nulo o leve después de la operación. La función en etapa prequirúrgica estuvo afectada de moderada a severa en un 68,1 %, y nula o leve después del tratamiento quirúrgico. La flexión anterior activa estuvo por debajo de 90º en un 83,1 % antes de ser operados, y por encima de 90º en un 80,3 % en el posquirúrgico. La fuerza muscular era mala o regular en etapa prequirúrgica en un 77,2 %, resultando ser excelente o buena después de la operación. Conclusiones: una vez aplicada la técnica de Neer, el dolor fue leve o nulo en la mayoría del universo, la función del hombro fue buena, la flexión anterior adecuada, y buena la fuerza muscular. Se recomienda emplear esta técnica quirúrgica en esta afección (AU).

ABSTRACT Introduction: subacromial syndrome is a condition characterized by intra-articular tendinous impingement by osteophytes or narrowing of space. Objective: to evaluate Neer's technique in the treatment of patients with subacromial syndrome and the factors and activities favoring this condition. Materials end methods: an observational, descriptive, prospective study was performed in patients with subacromial syndrome treated with acromioplasty using Neer's technique. The universe was formed by 66 patients aged over 20 years, who presented subacromial syndrome with symptoms for more than 6 months, and were treated with Neer's technique. Results: the most affected sex was the female one, with 65.2 %. The age group aged 41 to 50 years predominated. In pre-surgical stage, pain ranged from moderate to severe in 77.2 %, and from null to mild after surgery. Preoperative function was moderate to severe in 68.1 % and null or mild after surgical treatment. The previous active flexion was below 90° in 83.1 % before being operated, and above 90° in 80.3 % after surgery. Muscle strength was poor or regular in pre-surgical stage in 77.2 %, being excellent or good after surgery. Conclusions: once Neer's technique was applied, the pain was mild or null in most of the universe, the shoulder function was good, the anterior flexion adequate, and the muscle strength good (AU).

Hand strenght and dexterity in interphalangeal hand osteoarthritis and effects of osteophyte formations

Abstract Background: Hand osteoarthritis (HOA) is a complex disorder with various subtypes characterized with predominance of different features. It is challenging to estimate the severity of hand disability in HOA, since contribution of different disease components to clinical burden is yet to be clarified. The aim of the study is to investigate hand functions in nonerosive interphalangeal hand osteoarthritis (HOA) without inflammatory features, and search for effects of osteophyte formations detected by radiography and ultrasound on functionality. Methods: Thirty one HOA patients and 20 healthy subjects with similar age, gender, body mass index were included. Hand functions were evaluated by self-reported questionnaires and objective strength and dexterity measurements. A total of 459 interphalangeal joints were evaluated and scored by radiography and ultrasound for ostephyte formations. Results: Strength and dexterity measurements were similar between groups. Self-reported functionality was hampered in HOA group but not statistically significant. Osteophyte scores obtained by ultrasound and radiography were significantly higher in HOA group. Osteophyte scores obtained by ultrasound were higher than the scores obtained by radiography. Ultrasound scores showed no correlation with any of the parameters while osteophytes scores obtained by radiography partially showed a significant negative correlation with assembly part of dexterity testing. Conclusions: No significant difference observed in hand strength and dexterity in nonerosive interphalangeal HOA patients withouth signs of inflammation when compared to healthy subjects. Osteophyte formations prominent enough to be deteceted by radiography may have a negative effect on hand dexterity.(AU)

Age estimation equations using vertebral osteophyte formation in a Thai population: comparison and modified osteophyte scoring method / 대한해부학회지

Age estimation from skeletal remains is an important step in forensic biological identification. The main objective of this study is to develop an age estimation equation for the Thai population from vertebral osteophytes. Each vertebra in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar segments was scored for degree of osteophyte formation. Classification was carried out in accordance with the criteria established by Snodgrass and Watanabe, and used a new modified score of the length of vertebral osteophyte for age estimation. The sample included 400 individuals (262 males, 138 females) ranging in age from 22 to 97 years. A sample of Thai vertebral columns was used, the columns being divided into the following groups of vertebrae: cervical (C2–C7), thoracic (T1–T12), and lumbar (L1–L5). Each vertebra was scored for the degree of osteophyte formation and the accumulated data was analyzed statistically. Correlation coefficients and R-squared from mean in lumbar vertebrae for females of criteria established by the method of Snodgrass and Watanabe, the new modified score by length of vertebral osteophytes were 0.801 and 0.642 (P<0.01); 0.755 and 0.57 (P<0.01); 0.786 and 0.618 (P<0.01), respectively. This study presents all 23 subcategories (C2–L5) of the vertebrae to apply in real situations, showing all age estimation equations for males, females and combined sexes of unknown sex. One application of this study is age estimation when dealing with forensic cases in the Thai population.

The characteristics of osteophyte around lumbar vertebral foramina associated with spinal stenosis / 대한해부학회지

Spinal stenosis most commonly occurs on lumbar vertebrae because of degenerative changes. This research studied the characteristics of osteophyte development in lumbar vertebrae foramina and association of osteophyte development with lumbar spinal stenosis. The total number of all levels of lumbar spines of subjects was 179 from 31 to 90 years of age. The vertebral foramen was divided into six zones. The prevalence and measurements of the length of osteophytes in the vertebral foramina were obtained. The prevalence and length of osteophytes in the posterior body zone were higher than the laminal zone, and higher than the pedicular zone, respectively. In each zone, the highest prevalence of osteophytes was at L5, except for the inferior posterior body zone that the highest prevalence is at L4. The length of osteophyte was also in same direction as the prevalence. The prevalence of osteophytes among six zones of each level were compared, and found, in L1 to L4, the inferior posterior body zone generally had the highest prevalence, except in L5, the superior posterior body zone had the highest prevalence. Moreover, prevalence, as well as length, of osteophytes in lumbar vertebral foramina, of all levels, was positively associated with age. Vertebral osteophytes can develop beginning at 31 years of age. In conclusion, posterior body of L4 and L5 had the highest prevalence of osteophyte formation, thus, these area had the highest probability to cause spinal stenosis.

Natural Products as Sources of Novel Drug Candidates for the Pharmacological Management of Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review

Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative articular disorder. Formation of bone spurs, synovial inflammation, loss of cartilage, and underlying bone restructuring have been reported to be the main pathologic characteristics of osteoarthritis symptoms. The onset and progression of osteoarthritis are attributed to various inflammatory cytokines in joint tissues and fluids that are produced by chondrocytes and/or interact with chondrocytes, as well as to low-grade inflammation in intra-articular tissues. Disruption of the equilibrium between the synthesis and degradation of the cartilage of the joint is the major cause of osteoarthritis. Hence, developing a promising pharmacological tool to restore the equilibrium between the synthesis and degradation of osteoarthritic joint cartilage can be a useful strategy for effectively managing osteoarthritis. In this review, we provide an overview of the research results pertaining to the search for a novel candidate agent for osteoarthritis management via restoration of the equilibrium between cartilage synthesis and degradation. We especially focused on investigations of medicinal plants and natural products derived from them to shed light on the potential pharmacotherapy of osteoarthritis.

Relationship of the Shape of Subacromial Spur and Rotator Cuff Partial Thickness Tear

BACKGROUND: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between location of the rotator cuff tear and shape of the subacromial spur. METHODS: Totally, 80 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic repair for partial thickness rotator cuff tear were enrolled for the study. Bigliani's type of the acromion, type of subacromial spur, and location of partial thickness tear of the rotator cuff were evaluated using plain X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging. We then compared the groups of no spur with spur, and heel with traction spur. RESULTS: Of the 80 cases, 25 cases comprised the no spur group, and 55 cases comprised the spur group. There was a significant difference in type of tear (p=0.0004) between these two groups. Bursal side tears were significantly greater (odds ratio=6.000, p=0.0007) in the spur group. Subjects belonging to the spur group were further divided into heel (38 cases) and traction spur (17 cases). Comparing these two groups revealed significant differences only in the type of tear (p=0.0001). Furthermore, the heel spur had significantly greater bursal side tear (odds ratio=29.521, p=0.0005) as compared to traction spur. CONCLUSIONS: The heel spur is more associated to bursal side tear than the traction spur, whereas the traction spur associates greater to the articular side tear.

Surgically induced degenerative changes in the femorotibial joints by total medial meniscectomy in minipigs closely resemble late-stage osteoarthritis / 대한수의학회지

Animal models of osteoarthritis (OA) have played a key role in understanding the etiology of OA and in the development of new therapeutic strategies. Although pigs have an advantage as an animal disease model due to their similarity to humans, there are few studies on the induction of OA in minipigs. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize disease progression of OA in total medial meniscectomy (TMM)-operated skeletally mature minipigs, up to day 180 postoperatively. There were no significant alterations in vital signs or hematological indices throughout the observation period. However, clinical manifestations of OA in the medial femoral condyles of TMM-operated minipigs were progressive, depending on postoperative duration, with respect to osteophytes formation and roughened surfaces on radiological observation, cartilage erosion under macroscopic examination, and severe cartilage defects including fibrillation, vertical fissures, and cartilage denuding on histopathological observation, with the highest score indicating late-stage OA on day 180 and without indicating apparent variation between subjects. In particular, the lateral femoral condyles were also degenerated, possibly due to localization of weight-bearing from both menisci to the lateral meniscus. Therefore, TMM in minipigs is suitable for reproducible induction of degenerative changes in the femorotibial joints that closely resemble late-stage OA, and is suitable for use in further research.

Temporarily Aggravated Dysphagia Following Osteophytectomy and Fixation in a Patient with Cervical Osteophyte / 대한연하장애학회지

An anterior cervical osteophyte is one of the causes of dysphagia. Surgical treatment is one of the treatment options available, and previous studies have suggested that it is an immediate and effective treatment. This paper reports a case of temporarily aggravated dysphagia after surgical treatment in a patient with anterior cervical osteophyte. A 75-year-old male complained of dysphagia for one year. A videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) revealed anterior cervical osteophytes at the C3 and C4 level, which resulted in decreased epiglottic folding and partial obstruction of the bolus passage. After he underwent osteophytectomy and anterior fixation, the post-operative VFSS showed an aggravation of dysphagia with prevertebral soft tissue edema. The major cause of dysphagia was attributed to the limitation of movement of the posterior pharyngeal wall and upper esophageal sphincter due to the increased prevertebral soft tissue thickness. In conclusion, surgery should be considered when a severe dysphagia is persistent after adequate conservative treatment in patients with dysphagia due to anterior cervical osteophytes, and patients at high risk of postoperative dysphagia might require swallowing rehabilitation.

Prevalence of Thoracic Scoliosis in Koreans Using Simple Chest Radiography

STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES: To provide reference data for the study and treatment of thoracic scoliosis. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: There have been no reports on the prevalence of thoracic scoliosis in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From August 2011 to October 2012, radiographs of patients under 80 years of age who underwent routine chest radiographs were retrospectively reviewed. Based on their age when the chest radiographs were obtained, the patients were divided into 8 groups. The prevalence and angle of the curve of thoracic scoliosis were investigated in each age group, and the prevalence of thoracic scoliosis according to sex, the direction of the curve, number of vertebrae in the major curve, the location and rotation of the apical vertebrae, and osteophyte location were examined. RESULTS: The prevalence of thoracic scoliosis was 2.4% (621 patients), and female patients (3.0%, 375 of 12471) showed a higher prevalence than male patients (1.8%, 246 of 13654) (p<0.001). Right curvature was present in 445 patients and left curvature in 176 patients. In each age group, the prevalence and degree of thoracic scoliosis were 1.1% (14.2°±3.2°), 2.3% (17.4°±7.7°), 2.5% (17.0°±8.9°), 1.9% (15.8°±5.9°), 1.3% (15.5°±6.6°), 2.1% (18.0°±13.6°), 2.9% (14.3°±3.6°), and 6.1% (16.2°±4.8°), respectively. The mean curvature in all scoliosis patients was 16.0°±7.0°. The angle of the curve was significantly different by sex (15.4°±7.1° for males, 16.8°±7.6° for females). The average curve angle of patients with thoracic scoliosis was 16.0°±7.0°, among whom it was 10°–20° in 533 patients, 20°–30° in 64, 30°–40° in 11, and over 40° in 13. CONCLUSIONS: This study could be used as a reference point for the study and treatment of thoracic scoliosis.

Radiologic Comparison of the Sacroiliac Joint Degeneration Following Lumbar or Lumbosacral Fusion

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study.OBJECTIVES: To compare the degeneration of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) following lumbar or lumbosacral fusion.SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: The SIJ is adjacent to lumbosacral junction and its degeneration can be the potential cause of pain. However, the study addressing SIJ degeneration following lumbar or lumbosacral fusion is very limited.MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 2002 to June 2012, 98 patients who underwent posterior decompression and posterolateral fusion were included in this study. The study group was divided into 2 groups according to the range of fusion. Group A had fusion to L5 and included 34 patients. Group B had fusion to S1 and included 64 patients. We evaluated the five years postoperative radiologic and clinical outcomes retrospectively.RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference of bilateral preoperative subchondral sclerosis and osteophytes of the SIJ between group A and group B. However, group B revealed statistically significant subchondral sclerosis and osteophyte formation of the SIJ than group A on every radiographs after postoperative 1 year. In group B, the number of fusion segments and age were statistically positively correlated with the degeneration of the SIJ.CONCLUSIONS: Degeneration of the SIJ revealed more rapid and more severe progression in lumbosacral fusion group than in lumbar fusion group. The number of fusion segments and age were positively correlated with the degeneration of the SIJ in lumbosacral fusion group. Therefore, these facts should be taken into account when performing spinal fusion.

Association between red blood cell volume distribution width and osteophytes: A cross-sectional study / 中南大学学报(医学版)

To investigate the association between red blood cell volume distribution width (RDW) and osteophytes.
 Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Health Examination Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. A total of 8 334 subjects were included in this study. The severity of osteophytes was graded using the criteria of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI). Osteophytes incident was defined as at least one side of the knee had a osteophytes grade ≥1. According to the quartiles of the RDW level, the subjects were divided into 4 groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the knee osteophytes incidence between each RDW group and the lowest level group. Tests for linear trends were conducted based on logistic regression using a median variable of RDW level in each category.
 Results: Quartile 1 (Q1), RDW≤9.78; Q2, 9.7813.10. The multivariable adjusted ORs (95%CI) of the prevalence of osteophytes were 1.38 (1.06 to 1.79) in the second percentile interval, and 1.27 (0.97 to 1.66) and 1.50 (1.15 to 1.94) in the third and fourth percentile interval, respectively. Test for linear trends suggested that there was a positive association between the RDW level and the risk of knee osteophytes incidence (P=0.019).
 Conclusion: The risk of osteophytes incidence increases with the increasing RDW levels.

Novel Genetic Variants Associated with Lumbar Spondylosis in Koreans: A Genome-Wide Association Study

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the susceptibility genes responsible for lumbar spondylosis (LS) in Korean patients.METHODS: Data from 1427 subjects were made available for radiographic grading and genome wide association studies (GWAS) analysis. Lateral lumbar spine radiographs were obtained and the various degrees of degenerative change were semi-quantitatively scored. A pilot GWAS was performed using the AffymetrixGenome-Wide Human single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 500K array. A total of 352228 SNPs were analyzed and the association between the SNPs and case-control status was analyzed by stepwise logistic regression analyses.RESULTS: The top 100 SNPs with a cutoff p-value of less than 3.7×10⁻⁴ were selected for joint space narrowing, while a cutoff p-value of 6.0×10⁻⁴ was applied to osteophytes and the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) osteoarthritis grade. The SNPs with the strongest effect on disc space narrowing, osteophytes, and K-L grade were serine incorporator 1 (rs155467, odds ratio [OR]=17.58, p=1.6×10⁻⁴), stromal interaction molecule 2 (STIM1, rs210781, OR=5.53, p=5×10⁻⁴), and transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily C (rs11224760, OR=3.99, p=4.8×10⁻⁴), respectively. Leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 4 was significantly associated with both disc space narrowing and osteophytes (rs1979400, OR=2.01, p=1.1×10⁻⁴ for disc space narrowing, OR=1.79, p=3×10⁻⁴ for osteophytes), while zinc finger and BTB domain containing 7C was significantly and negatively associated with both osteophytes and a K-L grade >2 (rs12457004,OR=0.25, p=5.8×10⁻⁴ and OR=0.27, p=5.3×10⁻⁴, respectively).CONCLUSION: We identified SNPs that potentially contribute to the pathogenesis of LS. This is the first report of a GWAS in an Asian population.

Predictive Values of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features for Tracheostomy in Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features that have a statistically significant association with the need for a tracheostomy in patients with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) during the acute stage of injury.METHODS: This study retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 130 patients with cervical SCI. We analyzed the factors believed to increase the risk of requiring a tracheostomy, including the severity of SCI, the level of injury as determined by radiological assessment, three quantitative MR imaging parameters, and eleven qualitative MR imaging parameters.RESULTS: Significant differences between the non-tracheostomy and tracheostomy groups were determined by the following five factors on multivariate analysis : complete SCI (p=0.007), the radiological level of C5 and above (p=0.038), maximum canal compromise (MCC) (p=0.010), lesion length (p=0.022), and osteophyte formation (p=0.015). For the MCC, the cut-off value was 46%, and the risk of requiring a tracheostomy was three times higher at an interval between 50–60% and ten times higher between 60–70%. For lesion length, the cut-off value was 20 mm, and the risk of requiring a tracheostomy was two times higher at an interval between 20–30 mm and fourteen times higher between 40–50 mm.CONCLUSION: The American Spinal Injury Association grade A, a radiological injury level of C5 and above, an MCC ≥50%, a lesion length ≥20 mm, and osteophyte formation at the level of injury were considered to be predictive values for requiring tracheostomy intervention in patients with cervical SCI.

Novel Genetic Variants Associated with Lumbar Spondylosis in Koreans: A Genome-Wide Association Study

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the susceptibility genes responsible for lumbar spondylosis (LS) in Korean patients. METHODS: Data from 1427 subjects were made available for radiographic grading and genome wide association studies (GWAS) analysis. Lateral lumbar spine radiographs were obtained and the various degrees of degenerative change were semi-quantitatively scored. A pilot GWAS was performed using the AffymetrixGenome-Wide Human single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 500K array. A total of 352228 SNPs were analyzed and the association between the SNPs and case-control status was analyzed by stepwise logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The top 100 SNPs with a cutoff p-value of less than 3.7×10⁻⁴ were selected for joint space narrowing, while a cutoff p-value of 6.0×10⁻⁴ was applied to osteophytes and the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) osteoarthritis grade. The SNPs with the strongest effect on disc space narrowing, osteophytes, and K-L grade were serine incorporator 1 (rs155467, odds ratio [OR]=17.58, p=1.6×10⁻⁴), stromal interaction molecule 2 (STIM1, rs210781, OR=5.53, p=5×10⁻⁴), and transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily C (rs11224760, OR=3.99, p=4.8×10⁻⁴), respectively. Leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 4 was significantly associated with both disc space narrowing and osteophytes (rs1979400, OR=2.01, p=1.1×10⁻⁴ for disc space narrowing, OR=1.79, p=3×10⁻⁴ for osteophytes), while zinc finger and BTB domain containing 7C was significantly and negatively associated with both osteophytes and a K-L grade >2 (rs12457004,OR=0.25, p=5.8×10⁻⁴ and OR=0.27, p=5.3×10⁻⁴, respectively). CONCLUSION: We identified SNPs that potentially contribute to the pathogenesis of LS. This is the first report of a GWAS in an Asian population.

Predictive Values of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features for Tracheostomy in Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features that have a statistically significant association with the need for a tracheostomy in patients with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) during the acute stage of injury. METHODS: This study retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 130 patients with cervical SCI. We analyzed the factors believed to increase the risk of requiring a tracheostomy, including the severity of SCI, the level of injury as determined by radiological assessment, three quantitative MR imaging parameters, and eleven qualitative MR imaging parameters. RESULTS: Significant differences between the non-tracheostomy and tracheostomy groups were determined by the following five factors on multivariate analysis : complete SCI (p=0.007), the radiological level of C5 and above (p=0.038), maximum canal compromise (MCC) (p=0.010), lesion length (p=0.022), and osteophyte formation (p=0.015). For the MCC, the cut-off value was 46%, and the risk of requiring a tracheostomy was three times higher at an interval between 50–60% and ten times higher between 60–70%. For lesion length, the cut-off value was 20 mm, and the risk of requiring a tracheostomy was two times higher at an interval between 20–30 mm and fourteen times higher between 40–50 mm. CONCLUSION: The American Spinal Injury Association grade A, a radiological injury level of C5 and above, an MCC ≥50%, a lesion length ≥20 mm, and osteophyte formation at the level of injury were considered to be predictive values for requiring tracheostomy intervention in patients with cervical SCI.

Stress Fracture of the Capitate

Most capitate fractures occur in association with additional carpal injuries, particularly scaphoid fractures. Isolated fractures of the capitate account for only 0.3% of carpal injuries, and stress fractures are one form of this fracture. We report the case of a 20-year-old male who had a stress fracture of the capitate after serving as an honor guard in the military. Conventional radiographs and computed tomography of the right wrist revealed a minimally displaced fracture line located at the midcarpal aspect of the right capitate. A magnetic resonance imaging scan demonstrates a subarticular capitate fracture with diffuse bone marrow edema, small osteophytes, and irregularity of the midcarpal articular cartilage. We also review the carpal kinematics which possibly caused the stress fracture. Although stress fractures of the capitate are rare, they should also be accounted for with patients who perform repetitive motions of the wrist to a considerable extent.

Osseous changes in the temporomandibular joint in rheumatoid arthritis: A cone-beam computed tomography study

PURPOSE: To evaluate osseous changes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to correlate the imaging findings with the severity of TMJ dysfunction, clinical findings, and laboratory findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study consisted of 28 subjects, including 14 RA patients and 14 controls, who were scheduled to undergo CBCT imaging for the diagnosis of a complaint not related to or affecting the TMJ. The Fonseca's questionnaire was used to assess the severity of TMJ dysfunction. Rheumatoid factor (RF) and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were assessed in the RA patients. CBCT was then performed in all subjects and osseous TMJ abnormalities were assessed. RESULTS: According to the Fonseca's questionnaire, 14.3% of the patients had no TMJ dysfunction, while 50%, 21.4%, and 14.3% had mild, moderate, and severe dysfunction, respectively. RF was positive in 64.3% of patients, and the ESR level was high in 100%. Imaging findings revealed a statistically significantly higher prevalence of erosion (85.7%), flattening (89.3%), osteophyte formation (32.1%), subchondral cyst (32.1%), sclerosis (64.3%), and condylar irregularities (28.6%) in the RA patients than in the controls. No correlations were found between CBCT findings and the clinical findings, the severity of TMJ dysfunction, disease duration, or laboratory results. CONCLUSION: RA patients might show extensive osseous abnormalities with no/mild clinical signs or symptoms of TMJ dysfunction that necessitate TMJ imaging for these patients. CBCT is a valuable and efficient modality that can assess osseous TMJ changes in RA patients.

Diagnosis of C2 Spondylotic Radiculopathy by Physical Examination and Imaging Studies and Treatment by Microscopic Posterior Foraminotomy: A Case Report

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: We report the case of a patient with C2 spondylotic radiculopathy who was treated by microscopic posterior foraminotomy. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: C2 spondylotic radiculopathy is rare, but it can occur due to spondylosis, compression by a venous plexus or vertebral artery, or hypertrophy of the atlantoepistrophic ligament. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 64-year-old woman was hospitalized with severe occipital pain radiating toward the left cervical area and posterior to the left ear. It started 3 years previously, and became aggravated 3 months previously. Foraminal stenosis of C1-2 was observed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and degenerative changes of the facet joint of C1-2 and osteophytes originating from the left atlantoaxial joint were shown on computed tomography (CT). Dynamic rotational CT showed narrowing of the left C1-2 neural foramen when it was rotated to the left. Selective C2 root block was done, but the pain was aggravated. Thus, we decompressed the C2 nerve root by microscopic posterior laminotomy of the C1 vertebra. After surgery, the patient's occipitocervical pain mostly resolved. By the 6-month follow up, pain had not recurred, and instability was not observed on plain radiographs. RESULTS: C2 Spondylotic radiculopathy was diagnosed by physical examination and imaging studies and it was treated by a surgical approach. CONCLUSIONS: C2 spondylotic radiculopathy should be considered when a patient complains of occipitocervical pain triggered by cervical rotation and C1-2 foraminal stenosis is observed on MRI and CT.

Digital Mucous Cyst: A Clinical-Surgical Study

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested digital mucous cysts (DMCs) are associated with osteoarthritis and osteophytes in the elderly, and usually have a communicating pedicle with the joint. Surgical excision is a standard therapy with a high cure rate. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this prospective study is to evaluate the features of DMCs via clinical, radiological and pathological examination and the efficacy of surgical excision of DMCs. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2014, 24 Korean patients were treated with the resection of the cyst and the pedicle. Preoperative X-ray and ultrasonography were performed to detect the presence of the osteophyte and the connection to the joint space. Postoperative patients' satisfaction score was assessed by the visual analogue scale (0~10). RESULTS: The osteophytes were found in 15.8%. In ultrasonographic findings, there were prominent flow signals between the cyst and the joint space in 13.6%. There were no serious postoperative complications, and recurrences were observed in 16.7%. Mean postoperative satisfaction score was 8.3. CONCLUSION: It seems that preoperative X-ray for osteophytes and ultrasonographic study for connection are not always helpful for the treatment of DMCs, and that the surgical excision with a pedicle ligation and electrocoagulation is an effective treatment modality.

Digital Mucous Cyst: A Clinical-Surgical Study

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested digital mucous cysts (DMCs) are associated with osteoarthritis and osteophytes in the elderly, and usually have a communicating pedicle with the joint. Surgical excision is a standard therapy with a high cure rate. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this prospective study is to evaluate the features of DMCs via clinical, radiological and pathological examination and the efficacy of surgical excision of DMCs. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2014, 24 Korean patients were treated with the resection of the cyst and the pedicle. Preoperative X-ray and ultrasonography were performed to detect the presence of the osteophyte and the connection to the joint space. Postoperative patients' satisfaction score was assessed by the visual analogue scale (0~10). RESULTS: The osteophytes were found in 15.8%. In ultrasonographic findings, there were prominent flow signals between the cyst and the joint space in 13.6%. There were no serious postoperative complications, and recurrences were observed in 16.7%. Mean postoperative satisfaction score was 8.3. CONCLUSION: It seems that preoperative X-ray for osteophytes and ultrasonographic study for connection are not always helpful for the treatment of DMCs, and that the surgical excision with a pedicle ligation and electrocoagulation is an effective treatment modality.