MV CBCT based assessment of setup uncertainties and planning target volume margin in head and neck cancer.

Background: Set-up errors are an undesirable part of the radiation treatment process. The goal of online imaging is to increase treatment accuracy by reducing the set-up errors. This study aimed to determine the daily variation of patient set-up uncertainties and planning target volume (PTV) margins for head and neck cancer patients using pre-treatment verification by mega voltage cone-beam computed tomography (MV-CBCT). Materials and methods: This retrospective study was internal record base of head and neck (H&N) cancer patients treated with definitive radiotherapy, adjuvant radiotherapy, and hypo-fractionated radiotherapy at our institution since the implementation of HalcyonTM 2.0 machine (Varian, US). Errors collected from each patient setup were recorded and evaluated for each direction [medio-lateral (ML), supero-inferior (SI), antero-posterior (AP)] discretely. For each patient, the systematic error (∑) and random error (σ) were collected. Clinical target volume (CTV) to planning target volume (PTV) margin was calculated using International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) 62 ( PTV margin = ( Σ 2 + σ 2 ) ), Stroom's (PTV margin = 2∑ + 0.7σ), and Van Herk's (PTV margin = 2.5∑ + 0.7σ) formula. Results: A total of 7900 pre-treatment CBCT scans of 301 patients were analyzed and a total of 23,000 error measurements in the ML, SI, and AP directions were recorded. For all of our H&N cancer patients, the CTV to PTV margin, calculated from the van Herk formula for the head and neck patients was 0.49 mm in the anteroposterior axis. Conclusions: An isometric PTV margin of 5 mm may be considered safe if daily imaging is not being done. In case daily online pretreatment imaging is being utilized, further reduction of PTV margin is possible.

'Higher the grade-smaller the pedicle': a study of pedicle dimensional variations in 100 cases of high grade lytic spondylolisthesis.

PURPOSE: To measure the pedicle dimensions in high grade lytic spondylolisthesis (HGL) and to classify them, which helps the spine surgeon in proper selection of pedicle screws. METHODS: A study of CT scans in 100 consecutive patients between Jan 2017 and April 2021 diagnosed as single-level HGL on standing radiographs. Pedicle height (PH), Pedicle width (PW), Differential pedicle height (DPH), Screw length (SL) and Transverse pedicle angle (TPA) were measured and analyzed. PH and PW were classified into four grades as-grade A less than 5.0 mm, grade B between 5.0 and 6.0 mm, grade C between 6.0 and 7.0 mm, and grade D above 7.0 mm. RESULTS: 5 males and 95 females with mean age of 49.1 years. PH in 44% lytic vertebra were grade A, B (less than 6 mm) and the rest 56% had grade C, D (greater than 6 mm). PH averaged 6.6 mm in grade 3 HGL, 5.61 mm in grade 4 HGL. Change in PW, SL and TPA was not statistically significant with regards to grade or level of listhesis. A total of 37 cases were noted to have DPH (25 cases had a difference < 2 mm and 12 had a difference > 2 mm). CONCLUSION: 44% of the PH in lytic vertebra was grade A and B (less than 6 mm) that stresses the importance of pre-op CT assessment and planning the appropriate screw dimensions. Change in PH was statistically significant with regards to the grade of listhesis (P-value < 0.01). Differential pedicle height also need to be looked for.

Age- and sex-related changes in facet orientation and tropism in lower lumbar spine: an MRI study of 600 patients.

PURPOSE: We aimed to determine the age- and sex-related changes in facet orientation and facet tropism in lower lumbar spine. METHODS: Between June 2015 and December 2017, magnetic resonance imaging scans of the consecutive 600 patients performed in the outpatient department for low back pain were analyzed. The data were divided according to age into four groups: group A (< 30 years), group B (31-45 years), group C (46-60 years) and group D (> 60 years). The orientation of the facet angles at L3-4, L4-5 and L5-S1 was measured using the method described by Noren et al. Sagittal angles and tropism were determined at each level. RESULTS: Average facet angle is noted to increase from L3-4 to L5-S1 level in all groups irrespective of age and sex. A positive correlation is noted between age and sagittal facet orientation at all levels across all groups. Tropism was noted to be statistically significant (p < 0.05) at L5-S1 level. L3-4 and L4-5 levels did not show a positive correlation with respect to age. Facet angle sagittalization was significantly associated in males at L5-S1 level (p < 0.05) and in females at L4-5 level (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Predominant morphological changes in superior articular process are responsible for remodeling of facets that occur with increasing age, resulting in sagittalization. Even though the facet orientation changes over a period of time, differential changes within the facets at the same level might not be seen. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Ultrasonic bone scalpel: utility in cervical corpectomy. A technical note.

PURPOSE: Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) is a technically challenging surgery. Use of conventional instruments like high-speed burr and kerrison rongeurs is associated with high complication rates such as increased blood loss and incidental durotomy. Use of ultrasonic bone scalpel (UBS) in cervical corpectomy helps to minimize such adverse events. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study based on the data of 101 consecutive patients who underwent cervical corpectomies with UBS for different cervical spine pathologies from December 2014 to December 2016. Total duration of surgery, time taken for corpectomy, estimated blood loss, and incidental durotomies were noted. RESULTS: Total surgical time was 30-80 min (59.36 ± 13.21 min) for single-level ACCF and 60-120 min (92.74 ± 21.04 min) for double-level ACCF. Time taken for single-level corpectomy was 2 min 11  ± 10 s and 3 min 41  ± 20 s for double-level corpectomy. Estimated blood loss ranged from 20-150 ml (52.07 ± 29.86 ml) in single level and 40-200 ml (73.22 ± 41.64 ml) in double level. Four (3.96%) inadvertent dural tears were noted, two during single-level corpectomy and other two during double-level corpectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Use of UBS is likely to provide a safe, rapid, and effective surgery when compared to conventional rongeurs and high-speed burr. The advantages such as lower blood loss and lower intra-operative incidental dural tears were noted with the use of UBS.

Coexisting lumbar and cervical stenosis (tandem spinal stenosis): an infrequent presentation. Retrospective analysis of single-stage surgery (53 cases).

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of 53 patients who underwent single stage simultaneous surgery for tandem spinal stenosis (TSS) at single centre. OBJECTIVE: To discuss the presentation of combined cervical and lumbar (tandem) stenosis and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of single-stage simultaneous surgery. Combined stenosis is an infrequent presentation with mixed presentation of upper motor neuron and lower motor neuron signs. Scarce literature on its presentation and management is available. There is a controversy in the surgical strategy of these patients. Staged surgeries are frequently recommended and only few single-stage surgeries reported. METHODS: All the patients were clinico-radiologically diagnosed TSS. Surgeries were performed in single stage by two teams. Results were evaluated with Nurick grade, modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score (mJOA), oswestry disability index (ODI), patient satisfaction index, mJOA recovery rate, blood loss and complication. RESULTS: The mJOA cervical and ODI score improved from a mean 8.86 and 68.15 preoperatively to 13.00 and 30.11, respectively, at 12 months and to 14.52 and 24.03 at final follow-up. The average mJOA recovery rate was 48.23 ± 26.90 %. Patient satisfaction index was 2.13 ± 0.91 at final follow-up. Estimated blood loss of ≤400 ml and operating room time of <150 min showed improvement of scores and lessened the complications. In the age group below 60 years, the improvement was statistically significant in ODI (p = 0.02) and Nurick's grade (p = 0.03) with average improvement in mJOA score. CONCLUSION: Short-lasting surgery, single anaesthesia, reduced morbidity and hospital stay as well as costs, an early return to function, high patient satisfaction rate with encouraging results justify single-stage surgery in TSS. Age, blood loss and duration of surgery decide the complication rate and outcome of surgery. Staged surgery is recommended in patients above the age of 60 years.

Effectiveness of Telemedicine Interventions in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Yoga Therapy and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Over Three Months.

Background Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an integral part of non-pharmacological therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Yoga therapy (YT) has been shown to be beneficial in COPD, but the lack of large well-designed trials and standardized modules restricts its acceptability. This randomized control trial compares these two modalities in COPD patients via supervised tele-intervention. Objectives The primary objective of the study is to compare a 45-minute, five-days-per-week series of tele-YT (T-YT) with tele-PR (T-PR) for three months in terms of exercise capacity (6-Minute Walk Distance (6MWD)) in COPD patients. Methods COPD patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to T-YT or T-PR groups in a parallel-arm single-blinded controlled trial. The primary outcome is 6MWD recorded at baseline and after three months and secondary outcomes were symptom scores, Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), health-related quality of life (HrQoL), and depression and anxiety scores. Assessments were conducted at baseline and at the end of the three-month study period with a sample size of 75 in each group. Results A total of 150 consecutive patients with COPD were randomly assigned to either the T-YT (n = 75) or T-PR (n = 75) group. Their mean ± SD ages was 62.5 ± 7.0 years. The T-YT group had 55.5% males and 34.47% females, whereas the T-PR group had 44.5% males and 61.53% females. The trial was completed by 123 patients; 88% in the T-YT group and 76% in the T-PR group. Pre-intervention, the median (range) of 6MWD in T-YT and T-PR groups was 240 (120-600) m and 240 (120-660) m, respectively. There was statistically significant improvement in both groups respectively (p<0.001) post intervention from baseline but no significant intergroup difference (p = 0.486). A similar trend was seen in secondary outcomes with significant intragroup improvements and non-significant inter-group differences except FEV1%, which showed neither intragroup nor intergroup significant improvement. Conclusion Using a validated module, a three-month T-YT improves exercise capacity, symptom scores, HrQoL, and depression and anxiety scores similar to T-PR. T-YT is an acceptable alternative to T-PR in the management of COPD.

Weekly assessment of volumetric and dosimetric changes during volumetric modulated arc therapy of locally advanced head and neck carcinoma: Implications for adaptive radiation therapy-A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Chemoradiation in head and neck carcinoma (HNC) shows significant anatomical resulting in erroneous dose deposition in the target or the organ at risk (OAR). Adaptive radiotherapy (ART) can overcome this. Timing of significant target and OAR changes with dosimetric impact; thus, most suitable time and frequency of ART is unclear. METHODS: This dosimetric study used prospective weekly non-contrast CT scans in 12 HNC patients (78 scans). OARs and TVs were manually contoured after registration with simulation scan. Dose overlay done on each scan without reoptimization. Dosimetric and volumetric variations assessed. RESULTS: Commonest site was oropharynx. Gross Tumor Volume (GTV) reduced from 47.5 ± 19.2 to 17.8 ± 10.7 cc. Nodal GTV reduced from 15.7 ± 18.8 to 4.7 ± 7.1 cc. Parotid showed mean volume loss of 35%. T stage moderately correlated with GTV regression. CONCLUSION: Maximum GTV changes occurred after 3 weeks. Best time to do single fixed interval ART would be by the end of 3 weeks.

Transforaminal Endoscopic Ventral Stenosis Decompression in Calcified Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Long Term Outcome in 79 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Calcified lumbar disc herniations (CLDH) causing calcified ventral stenosis pose a therapeutic challenge to the treating surgeon due to their neural adhesions, location, and hardness. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed all the cases of CLDH/calcified ventral stenosis managed by transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. The preoperative images were analyzed for the level, migration; and grade (Lee's migration zones), and location (Michigan State University classification). Detailed surgical technique and intraoperative parameters including the duration of surgery and complications have been recorded. The clinical parameters including visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), length of stay in hospital, days of return to basic work, and patient satisfaction index were analyzed. Postoperatively the images were analyzed for the adequacy of decompression. RESULTS: The mean VAS for back pain and leg pain was 4.7 ± 2.6 (0-9), and 7.45 ± 2.2 (1-10), respectively. The mean preoperative ODI was 78.2 ± 13.2 (63.2-95.6). Nineteen patients (24%) had neurological deficits preoperatively. The mean duration of surgery was 90.5 ± 15.8 (58-131) minutes. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging revealed adequate decompression in 97.5% (n = 77). The mean duration of hospital stay was 1.05 ± 0.22 (1-2) days, and the postoperative back and leg pain VAS was 1.14 ± 1.2 (0-3) (P < 0.05) and 1.7 ± 0.5 (0-6) (P < 0.05), respectively. The ODI at final follow-up was 6.5 ± 3.7 (2.2-18) (P < 0.05). Neurological recovery occurred in 17 (89.5%) patients and they returned to basic work/jobs in 19.5 ± 3.3 (14-26) days. The mean patient satisfaction index was 1.18 ± 0.47 (1-2) at a mean follow-up of 5.52 ± 2.91 (2-12.75) years. CONCLUSIONS: Transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy is a complete, safe, and efficacious procedure in patients with CLDH with earlier recovery considering the surgery is performed with the patient being awake.

Does MR Signal Intensity Change have Prognostic Value in Multilevel Cervical Myelopathy? A Single-Center, Prospective Study.

Background and Objective: Neurological recovery in cervical myelopathy remains unpredictable. There is contradictory literature regarding the prognostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in such cases. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the morphological changes in the spinal cord in cervical spondylotic myelopathy and compare them with clinical outcome. Materials and Methods: This is a single-center, prospective, observational study. All patients with multilevel (two or more levels) cervical spondylotic myelopathy undergoing anterior spine surgery were included in the study. Patient demographics and radiological findings were recorded. MRI was repeated immediately post-op and at 1-year follow-up. MRI classification system based on axial images was used to evaluate presurgery and postsurgery changes and correlate them with clinical information. Results: The study comprised 50 patients (40 males and 10 females) with a mean age of 59.5 years. Average duration of symptoms before surgery was 6.29 months. Thirty-four patients underwent two-level decompression, while 16 patients underwent more than two-level decompression. Average duration of follow-up was 26.82 months. Mean pre-op Nurick grade was 2.84, and mean recovery rate was 56.73. Most common pre-op MRI type was type 1. Analysis of data by logistic regression showed better recovery rate with lower age, lower pre-op Nurick grade, and lower pre-op MRI type. Conclusion: MR classification based on signal intensity changes in axial images have been found to correlate with recovery rate.

A comparative morphometric analysis of operative windows for performing OLIF among normal and deformity group in lower lumbar spine.

PURPOSE: To assess the radiological morphometric parameters of OLIF surgical technique in lower lumbar spine among normal and in patients with adult degenerative spine (levoscoliosis and dextroscoliosis). METHOD: Standing AP radiographs and MRI in supine position were taken. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on Cobbs' angle into normal, levo and dextro scoliosis. Moros classification was used to calculate bare window (BW), vascular window (VW), Psoas window (PW), psoas major height (pmh) and width (pmw) at lower lumbar levels and measurements were done on PACS. RESULTS: Seventy five patients (25 in each group) were assessed. BW has trend from L2-L3 > L3-L4 > L4-L5 in dextro and levoscoliosis. PW has trend from L3-L4 > L2-L3 > L4-L5 in levoscoliosis and normal group. VW has trend from L4-L5 > L3-L4 > L2-L3 in dextro and levoscoliosis; pmw has trend from L4-L5 > L3-L4 > L2-L3 in Levo and dextroscoliosis; pmh has trend from L4-L5 > L3-L4 > L2-L3 in levoscoliosis and normal group. CONCLUSION: BW was noted to be highest at L3-4, lowest at L4-5 in normal group. VW was constant, BW showed a reverse trend with PW across all the levels. Though levoscoliosis group of patients had significantly higher BW, psoas retraction issues are to be kept in mind in view of anatomically taught psoas.

Comparative Study on Accuracy of Intra-Operative Computed Tomography-Navigation Based Pedicle Screw Placement With Skin vs Bone Fixed Dynamic Reference Frame in Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study. OBJECTIVE: To compare the accuracy of intra-operative navigation-assisted percutaneous pedicle screw insertion between bone fixed and skin fixed dynamic reference frame (DRF) in Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF). METHODS: Between October 2018 and September 2022, patients who underwent MIS-TLIF were included in this study with DRF fixed either on bone (group B) or skin (group S). Pedicle screws were inserted under the guidance of intra-operative Cone bean Computed tomography (cbCT) based navigation. Accuracy of pedicle screw placement was immediately checked by a final intra-operative cbCT Spin. RESULTS: Among 170 patients, group B included 91 patients and group S included 79 patients. Out of total 680 screws, 364 screws (group B) and 316 screws (group S) were placed. Patient's demographic data and distribution of screws showed no statistically significant difference. The accuracy showed no significant difference between both the groups (94.5% in group B and 94.3% in group S). CONCLUSION: Skin fixed DRF can serve as an alternate way for placement and avoids extra incision with similar accuracy in pedicle screw insertions with bone fixed DRF using intra-operative CT guided navigation in MIS TLIF.

Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging and CT scan-based delineation of target volumes and organs at risk in the radiation treatment planning of head and neck malignancies.

INTRODUCTION: Accuracy of target definition is paramount in radiation treatment planning. The optimal choice of imaging modality to define the tumor volume in head and neck tumors is debatable. The study compared MRI and CT scan-based delineation of target volume and Organs At Risk in head and neck cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 54 head and neck carcinoma patients underwent rigid image registration of planning CT images with MRI images. The gross tumor volume of the primary tumor, node, and organs at risk were delineated on both CT and MRI images. A volumetric evaluation was done for gross tumors, nodes, and organs at risk. Dice Similarity coefficient (DSC), Conformity index(CI), Sensitivity index(SI), and Inclusion index(II) were calculated for gross tumor, node, brainstem, and bilateral parotids. RESULTS: The mean volume of the tumor in CT and MRI obtained were 41 .94 cc and 34.76 ccs, mean DSC, CI, SI, and II of the tumor were 0.71, 0.56, 67.37, and 79.80. The mean volume of the node in CT and MRI were 12.16 cc and 10.24 cc, mean DSC, CI, SI, and II of the node were 0.61, 0.45, 62.47, and 64. The mean volume of the brainstem in CT and MRI was 24.13 cc and 21.21 cc. The mean volume of the right parotid in CT and MRI was 24.39 cc, 26.04 ccs. The mean volume of left parotid in CT and MRI, respectively, were 23.95 ccs and 25.04 ccs. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that MRI may be used in combination with CT for better delineation of target volume and organs at risk for head and neck malignancies.

Treatment Outcomes and Survival in Hypercalcemia of Malignancy: A Grave Metabolic Emergency.

BACKGROUND: Management of hypercalcemia is based on the manifestation of symptoms and serum calcium levels. It is considered an oncological emergency; therefore, management has to be done on an urgent basis. AIM: In the present study, we analyzed the clinicopathological profile, treatment, and outcome of patients with hypercalcemia in solid malignancies at our institute. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients diagnosed with cancer and admitted to the department of radiation oncology with hypercalcemia. The parameters studied were age, gender, performance status, date of diagnosis, the primary site of cancer, stage, histopathology, time of presentation of hypercalcemia since initial cancer diagnosis, clinical symptoms, parathyroid hormone levels, liver and renal function tests, bone metastases, management, outcome, and present status. RESULTS: In the present study, 47 patients of hypercalcemia from various solid malignancies were admitted during the study period between 1st January 2018 and 30th April 2022. Head and neck cancer (14, 29.7%) was the most common site of the primary malignancy. Twelve patients had incidental hypercalcemia and were asymptomatic. Management of hypercalcemia included intravenous saline hydration, bisphosphonates, and supportive medication. At the time of analysis, 17 patients were lost to follow-up, 23 patients died, and seven were alive and on follow-up. Median survival was 68.0 days (95% CI: 1.7-134.3 days). CONCLUSION: Hypercalcemia of malignancy is considered a metabolic oncological emergency and requires urgent and aggressive management. It gets complicated by a deranged kidney function test. Despite available treatment, it portends an abysmal prognosis.

Long-term functional and radiological outcomes of cervical disc arthroplasty at a tertiary level spine center in India: A retrospective cohort analysis with minimum 2 years of follow-up.

Context: Cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) was developed for the treatment of cervical disc disease with the potential advantages of preservation of physiological motion at a discal level, thereby potentially reducing adjacent level stresses and degeneration, which were a known complication of anterior cervical arthrodesis. The objective of this study was the assessment of long-term functional and radiological outcomes overtime in all the patients who underwent CDA from 2011 to 2019 at our institute. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight patients who underwent CDA (2011-2019) with a minimum 2-year follow-up were retrospectively evaluated. The functional outcome included the Visual Analog Score (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Radiographs were assessed for range of motion (ROM) at the index surgical level, presence of heterotopic ossification (HO), and adjacent segment degeneration. Results: The mean follow-up was 5.79 ± 2.96 (2.16-11.75) years. Significant improvement (P < 0.05) was observed in the VAS (8.91 ± 2.52 [preoperative] to 0.89 ± 1.27 [follow-up]) and NDI (65.5% ±23.06% [preoperative] to 4.79 ± 3.87 [follow-up]) score. Motion at index level increased significantly from 5.53° preoperatively to 7.47°, and 92% of the implanted segments were still mobile (referring to the threshold of ROM > 3°). HOs are responsible for the fusion of 4/50 (8%) levels at the last follow-up. Distal and proximal adjacent disc degeneration occurred in 36% and 28% of patients, respectively. No migration of the implant was observed on the radiograph. Conclusion: Our study showed favorable clinical outcome of CDA with preservation of ROM at the index surgical level. CDA can be a promising alternative to anterior cervical arthrodesis when properly indicated.

Evaluation of dosimetric and volumetric changes in target volumes and organs at risk during adaptive radiotherapy in head and neck cancer: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: During radiation therapy for head and neck malignancies, most patients experience significant anatomical alterations due to loss of weight, changes in tumor volumes, and immobilization issues. Adaptive radiotherapy adapts to the patient's actual anatomy through repetitive imaging and replanning. In the present study, dosimetric and volumetric changes in target volumes and organs at risk during adaptive radiotherapy in head and neck cancer was evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-four locally advanced Head and neck carcinoma patients with histologically proven Squamous Cell Carcinoma for curative treatment were included. Rescan was done at the end of 20 fractions of treatment. All quantitative data were analyzed with paired t-Test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank (Z) test. RESULTS: Most patients had oropharyngeal carcinoma (52.9%). There were significant volumetric changes in all the parameters - GTV-primary (10.95, p < 0.001), GTV- nodal (5.81, p = 0.001), PTV High Risk (26.1, p < 0.001), PTV - Intermediate Risk (46.9, p = 0.006), PTV - Low Risk (43.9, p = 0.003), lateral neck diameter (0.9, p < 0.001), right parotid volumes (6.36, p < 0.001) and left parotid volumes (4.93, p < 0.001). Dosimetric changes in the organs at risk were non-significant. CONCLUSION: Adaptive replanning has been seen to be labour intensive. However, the changes in the volumes of both target and the OARs credit a mid-treatment replanning to be done. Long term follow-up is required to assess locoregional control after adaptive radiotherapy in head and neck cancer.

A 2-Year Outcomes and Complications of Various Techniques of Lumbar Discectomy: A Multicentric Prospective Study.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective Study. OBJECTIVES: There are numerous techniques for performing lumbar discectomy, each with its own rationale and stated benefits. The authors set out to evaluate and compare the perioperative variables, results, and complications of each treatment in a group of patients provided by ten hospitals and operated on by experienced surgeons. METHODS: This prospective study comprised of 591 patients operated between February-2017 to February-2019. The procedures included open discectomy, microdiscectomy, tubular microdiscectomy, interlaminar endoscopic lumbar discectomy, transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy and Destandau techniques with a follow-up of minimum 2 years. VAS (Visual Analogue Score) for back and leg pain, ODI (Oswestry Disability Index), duration of surgery, hospital stay, length of scar, operative blood loss and peri-operative complications were recorded in each group. RESULTS: Post-operatively, there was a significant improvement in the VAS score for back pain as well as leg pain, and ODI scores spanning all groups, with no significant distinction amongst them. When compared to open procedures (open discectomy and microdiscectomy), minimally invasive surgeries (tubular discectomy, interlaminar endoscopic lumbar discectomy, transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy, and Destandau techniques) reported shorter operative time, duration of hospital stays, better cosmesis, and lower blood loss. Overall, the complication rate was reported to be 8.62%. Complication rates differed slightly across approaches. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive surgeries have citable advantages over open approaches in terms of perioperative variables. However, all approaches are successful and provide comparable pain relief with similar functional outcomes at long term follow up.

Exercise Capacity in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treated With Tele-Yoga Versus Tele-Pulmonary Rehabilitation: A Pilot Validation Study.

Background In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an integral component of the non-pharmacological management of COPD. Yoga has proven to be beneficial in COPD, although well-designed comparative studies between the two modalities are lacking. This pilot study aims to compare these two modalities delivered as supervised tele-intervention. Methods The outpatient department (OPD) of a tertiary hospital recruited consenting, consecutive, inclusion-eligible COPD participants who were randomly assigned to intervention and control arms of 30 patients each. The intervention arm received a 45-minute tele-yoga therapy module (T-YT) validated by content validity ratio (CVR), computed using Lawshe's methodology and responses from 24 yoga specialists. The control arm received a 45-minute standardized tele-pulmonary rehabilitation session (T-PR). T-YT and T-PR were both managed through an online portal. Exercise capacity as measured by the six-minute walk distance (6MWD), symptom score (COPD assessment test [CAT], modified medical research council [mMRC]), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%), quality of life (QoL) scores, St. George respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ), depression and anxiety scores (patient health questionnaire [PHQ-9] and generalized anxiety disorder scale [GAD-7] scores), were recorded at baseline and at the end of three months. Results 6MWD, symptom scores, SGRQ, PHQ-9, and GAD-7 all improved significantly from baseline within each group, but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. FEV1% did not differ significantly between or among groups. This study shows T-YT module can be a reasonable substitute for T-PR in patients with COPD. Conclusions T-YT is beneficial in patients of COPD in terms of exercise capacity, symptom scores, and depression and anxiety scores and can be a reasonable alternative to T-PR.

Metachronous Osseous Metastases From Gliobliostoma Mutiforme: An Unusual Presentation.

Metastasis occurs very rarely in glioblastoma cases. Diagnosing metastatic glioblastoma has to follow a strict protocol to avoid misdiagnosis. Weiss's 1955 criteria, which is in prevalence, needs to be modified to include current standards of investigation. We report an interesting case of metachronous osseous metastasis from a primary glioblastoma with a complete response at a local site. We also suggest modifications to Weiss' criteria, which may improve its utility in establishing the diagnosis of metastatic glioblastoma.

A Prospective Randomized Study of Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy Versus Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy With Concurrent Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Carcinoma Cervix.

BACKGROUND: External Beam Radiotherapy is the treatment of choice of locally advanced carcinoma cervix (LACC). The two techniques, three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), have been compared previously in terms of outcomes and toxicities. IMRT has still not shown any benefit over 3DCRT in terms of local control and survival. Hence, the present study was conducted to compare local control and toxicities among both techniques. MATERIAL & METHODS: Fifty-four patients of LACC (FIGO IB2-IVA) were randomized to receive 50 Gray in 25 fractions by either 3DCRT or IMRT with concurrent cisplatin-based chemotherapy followed by brachytherapy. Plans were compared for planning target volume (PTV) coverage, dose to organs at risk (OAR), homogeneity index (HI), and conformity index (CI). Patients were assessed for acute toxicity and local control for three months. RESULTS: Out of 54 patients, 27 received treatment by 3DCRT and 27 by IMRT technique. Dosimetric evaluation for PTV coverage was similar in both arms. D15, D35, and D50 (dose to 15%, 35%, and 50% volume, respectively) for bladder were significantly reduced in the IMRT arm. Dosimetry for rectum and bowel bag was similar in both. There was a significantly decreased dose to femoral heads in the IMRT arm. Patients in the 3DCRT arm had significant grade 1 and 2 anemia and neutropenia compared to the IMRT arm. Local control for three months was similar in both the arms. CONCLUSION: IMRT is associated with decreased acute hematological toxicity compared to 3DCRT with similar local control. Long-term follow-up is needed to assess any difference in long-term toxicity and survival between the two arms.

RCC (reinforced criss-cross construct): an easy and effective multi-rod thoraco-lumbar posterior reconstruction technique.

STUDY DESIGN: Surgical technical note and literature review. OBJECTIVES: To describe a technique that uses 4 rod constructs in cases of complex thoracolumbar spinal deformity correction or revision surgeries based on the hybrid use of two different types of purchase points by a staggered pedicle screw fixation. It utilizes two rods on either side of the spine using a lateral and medial entry point of pedicle screws in the vertebral body. METHODS: Pedicle screws using extra-pedicular technique are more converging screws and are inserted alternately in the vertebral body and connected by rods. The left-out alternate vertebral bodies are fixed by a relatively straighter pedicle entry screw and connected to each other by a separate rod. So, two trajectories are independently used for a four-rod construct. This reconstruction has been named RCC (reinforced criss-cross construct). The screws in the index case were placed by free hand method, but we have increasingly utilized navigation guidance for placement of screws in recent times. RESULTS: We present a surgical technical note in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV-AIDS). He was diagnosed to have multi-drug-resistant (MDR) tuberculous spondylodiscitis, complicated with Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) and implant failure resulting in kyphosis and thoracic myelopathy. RCC with pharmacological management achieved healing and union, which was maintained at 4 years follow-up. Our method of four-rod construct provides a strong and lasting construct in the management of spinal deformities and three-column osteotomies. It provides good structural support to the spine till bony union is achieved. CONCLUSION: Hybrid multi-rod construct like RCC provides a rigid mechanical support to the instrumentation and reduces the chances of rod failure especially in complex thoraco-lumbar spinal deformity correction surgeries.