Delayed Transfer of the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis Branch of the Radial Nerve to the Anterior Interosseous Nerve for Restoration of Thumb and Index Finger Flexion: Case Report.

High median nerve injuries (HMNIs) are rare lesions involving the upper extremities and affect the median nerve from its origin to the emergence of the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN). Proximal reconstruction has long been considered the gold standard in treating HMNI, but thumb and index flexion and pinch and grip weakness are consistently not recovered. We report the surgical results of a patient affected by an HMNI with partial spontaneous recovery after a gunshot wound. AIN function was successfully restored in a delayed fashion by transferring the radial nerve branch to the extensor carpi radialis brevis to the AIN.

Predictive Factors for Muscle Injury After Posterior Lumbar Spinal Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to evaluate the risk factors for muscle injury in patients undergoing posterior lumbar spinal surgery and the clearance of postoperative biochemical changes following lumbar fusion and secondarily to evaluate the timing for monitoring postoperative biochemical serum levels and potential clinical correlation. METHODS: The study prospectively enrolled 39 patients with degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. Biochemical markers (creatine phosphokinase [CPK], creatinine, and hemoglobin) were analyzed in 5 predefined stages. All relevant clinical data were collected. Rhabdomyolysis (RML) was defined as a postoperative 5-fold increase of the baseline CPK value. RESULTS: Patients from the lumbar fusion group had the highest postoperative CPK ratio. Overall, the rate of RML was 43.6%. CPK and creatinine activity reached their maximum on the first postoperative day in 69.2% and 87.5% of patients, respectively. Lumbar fusion (P = 0.005), surgical time >270 minutes (P = 0.028), and fall in hemoglobin levels >3 g/dL (P = 0.034) were identified as independent factors associated with higher risk of RML. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of RML increases with prolonged and invasive surgery with higher bleeding potential. Knowing the clearance of postoperative biochemical changes permits a standardized strategy with measurements in precise intervals, thereby avoiding unnecessary costs. The clinical significance is still undetermined.

Foix-Alajouanine syndrome mimicking a spinal cord tumor.

Subacute necrotizing myelopathy (SNM) or Foix-Alajouanine syndrome is a rare disease characterized by progressive neurological dysfunction caused by a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Radiological diagnosis is usually suspected when there is intramedullary nonspecific enhancement and perimedullary flow voids. Ring-enhancement is rarely reported in the scope of AVF, which poses a diagnostic challenge and raises the suspicion of a spinal cord tumor. In such situations, biopsy can be required and delay proper diagnosis. We report the case of a patient with SNM, who underwent biopsy on the assumption of it being a spinal cord tumor.

Foix-Alajouanine syndrome mimicking a spinal cord tumor / Síndrome de Foix-Alajouanine simulando um tumor intramedular espinal

Summary Subacute necrotizing myelopathy (SNM) or Foix-Alajouanine syndrome is a rare disease characterized by progressive neurological dysfunction caused by a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Radiological diagnosis is usually suspected when there is intramedullary nonspecific enhancement and perimedullary flow voids. Ring-enhancement is rarely reported in the scope of AVF, which poses a diagnostic challenge and raises the suspicion of a spinal cord tumor. In such situations, biopsy can be required and delay proper diagnosis. We report the case of a patient with SNM, who underwent biopsy on the assumption of it being a spinal cord tumor.

Resumo Mielopatia necrotizante subaguda (MNS) ou síndrome de Foix-Alajouanine é uma doença rara que se caracteriza por disfunção neurológica progressiva causada por uma fístula arteriovenosa espinal dural. O diagnóstico radiológico é comumente suspeitado quando aparece captação não específica de contraste e de artefatos de fluxo (flow voids) perimedulares. Raramente, a captação de contraste exibe o aspecto em anel, constituindo um grande desafio diagnóstico. Nesses casos, o principal diagnóstico diferencial é um tumor intramedular, e os pacientes são encaminhados para biópsia da lesão, atrasando o diagnóstico definitivo. Relatamos o caso de uma paciente com MNS, a qual foi submetida à biópsia da lesão em virtude de suspeita de tumor intramedular.