Insufficient Postoperative Rehabilitation in Patients with Both Proximal Femoral Fracture and Antecedent Mental Illness.

INTRODUCTION: Though a combination of proximal femoral fracture and mental illness is likely, the management of this combination is not well established. The aim of this study was to clarify the current disposition of acute care and rehabilitation for patients with this combination of conditions at our institution. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 192 patients hospitalized in the psychiatric ward who present with a proximal femoral fracture and an antecedent mental illness. We investigated walking ability prior to injury and after surgery, at discharge from our institution, using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score. RESULTS: Although patients in the psychiatric ward demonstrated postoperative hospital stays approximately 10 days longer than those in the orthopedic ward, more than half of the patients in the psychiatric ward were discharged from our institution with a functional level of complete dependence for walking ability. In addition, nearly 90% of the patients studied were transferred to a psychiatric hospital where no physical therapy or rehabilitation was provided to the inpatients. CONCLUSIONS: At our institution, patients with proximal femoral fracture and antecedent mental illness tended to be discharged with complete dependence in walking ability, often to a psychiatric hospital without physical therapy or rehabilitation. We hope this paper will draw attention to the need for rehabilitation in these patients.

Gustilo Type III Open and Comminuted Tibial Fractures Managed by Simultaneous Combination of a Free Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flap and Ilizarov External Fixation: A Case Report.

CASE: A 70-year-old woman who sustained Gustilo type III open and comminuted tibial fractures presented with extensive soft-tissue defect. Definitive surgery was performed using a free latissimus dorsi muscle flap for the extensive soft-tissue defect and Ilizarov external fixation (IEF) to stabilize the fractures and arthrodese the ankle. Ankle arthrodesis was accomplished by the wires penetrating the implanted muscle flap. CONCLUSION: The combined free flap and IEF management protocol described in this report was effective in achieving early weight-bearing and prompt bone healing in an elderly patient with poor bone quality and extensive open and comminuted fractures.

Anatomical considerations of the iliac crest on percutaneous endoscopic discectomy using a transforaminal approach.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Percutaneous endoscopic discectomy is a minimally invasive procedure for the surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH). It can be performed under local anesthesia and requires a skin incision of only 8 mm, with minimal disruption of the spinal structures including ligaments and muscles. However, performing percutaneous endoscopic discectomy with a transforaminal approach (TF-PED) for the lower lumbar spine is associated with some anatomical problems, such as interference from the iliac crest. This study sought to assess the operability of TF-PED for the lower lumbar spine. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess a three-dimensional relationship between the trajectory of TF-PED and the iliac crest, and the operability of TF-PED at the lower lumbar disc levels (L4-L5 and L5-S1) using CT images. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study using 323 multiplanar abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans. PATIENT SAMPLE: We retrospectively reviewed contrast-enhanced multiplanar abdominal CT scans of 323 consecutive patients (203 male and 120 female) in our hospital from April 2009 to March 2013. The mean age was 66.5 (range 15-89) years old. OUTCOME MEASURES: The operability of the TF-PED was the outcome measure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We defined the tangent line in the iliac crest and the superior articular process of the caudal spine as the trajectory line of TF-PED, and evaluated the maximum inclination angle of the trajectory of the TF-PED (α angle) at the L4-L5 and the L5-S1 disc levels. Assuming the use of an oblique viewing endoscope at 25°, we defined α angle≥65° as the operability of TF-PED. RESULTS: (1) Relationship between iliac crest and disc level: The trajectory of the TF-PED interfered with the iliac crest at L4-L5 in 40.2% (right) and 54.5% (left) of the subjects, and at L5-S1 in 99.7% and 100% of the subjects. (2) The maximum inclination angle of the trajectory of TF-PED: the α angles were 84.3° and 82.3° at the L4-L5, and 56.8° and 55.2° at L5-S1. (3) Laterality of the α angle: At both disc levels, the mean age of the subjects with a laterality of ≥10° was significantly higher than that of subjects with a laterality of <10°. (4) Operability of TF-PED: At L4-L5, TF-PED could be performed in 94.4% and 90.4% of the subjects. In contrast, at L5-S1 the procedure could be performed in 24.1% and 19.2% of the subjects (male: 15.8% and 10.8%, female: 38.3% and 33.3%). CONCLUSIONS: From the results of this study, the trajectory of TF-PED can be limited by the surrounding anatomical structures. The maximum inclination angle indicated that treatment for the central type of LDH at the L5-S1 disc level was considered more difficult than that at the L4-L5 disc level because of the iliac crest. In the clinical setting, such anatomical particularities can be overcome by using a more perpendicular approach (hand-down technique) with the possible addition of a foraminoplasty. Moreover, we found that we must consider the laterality of the trajectory of TF-PED in terms of the patients' age or sex.

High intensity zone in lumbar spine and its correlation with disc degeneration.

Purpose; To investigate the prevalence, clinical significance of high intensity zone (HIZ), and associated disc degeneration. Materials and methods; We undertook retrospective analysis of 228 patients, aged from 15 to 55 years, who had undergone magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of lumbar spine in outpatient clinic from 2013 to 2014. HIZ was defined as a presence of high intensity signal in the annulus on T2-weighted images. All HIZ positive discs were classified according to Pfirrmann grading system for presence of disc degeneration. Results; Forty-three patients (18.8%) with 53 intervertebral discs demonstrated HIZ. There was no significant predominance about age and gender for the presence of HIZ. HIZ occurred mainly at L4-5 (43.3%) and L5-S1 (30.2%) levels, infrequently at L3-4 (17%) and rarely at upper levels. The prevalence of disc degenerations with Pfirrmann grade 3, 4, and 5 were significantly higher in HIZ positive patients than in randomly selected 35 HIZ negative patients (64% vs. 46%, respectively). Conclusion; In this study we identified that the presence of HIZ was directly proportional to increased incidence of disc degeneration in remaining lumbar discs. The prevalence of significant degeneration was significantly higher in HIZ positive patient at lower three lumbar levels. J. Med. Invest. 64: 39-42, February, 2017.

Rehydration of a degenerated disc on MRI synchronized with transition of Modic changes following stand-alone XLIF.

Lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration (LDD) is known to be associated with low back pain (LBP) and leads to degenerative lumbar disease. LDD is considered to be irreversible, and no truly effective treatment that suppresses LDD or regenerates the degenerated disc has been established thus far. Here, we report the case of a 42-year-old woman with a 10-year history of persistent LBP. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated degenerative changes (Pfirrmann classification: grade IV) in the L4-5 intervertebral disc with type I and III mixed Modic changes adjacent to the disc. Conservative treatments were not effective, so we opted for stand-alone extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF). One year after the operation, the LBP had almost disappeared. Follow-up MRI revealed transition of the Modic changes from type I to type III. In addition, rehydration of the degenerated disc behind the XLIF cage was evident (Pfirrmann classification changed from grade IV to grade II). To our knowledge, this is the first report of a change in LDD. Several factors are likely responsible for the regenerative response, including curettage of the hyaline cartilaginous endplates and auto-iliac cancellous bone grafting, which were considered to have affected nucleus pulposus cells in the residual disc.

Eight-year follow-up findings of surgical treatment for severe dystrophic changes in the cervical spine associated with neurofibromatosis type I: a case report.

Long-term follow-up findings for dystrophic changes in the cervical spine caused by neurofibromatosis type 1 have been rarely reported. A 13-year-old boy with severe dural ectasia in the cervical spine underwent cervical posterior fusion from C1 to C5 for prevention of cervical spine fracture and spinal injury. We followed him up for 8 years after surgery. We measured the progression of the destruction on yearly MRI. The dural ectasia gradually progressed until 3 years postoperatively. Subsequently, no further enlargement of the dural sac occurred. At the 8-year follow-up examination, the patient had no limitations in the activities of daily life.

Pediatric Patient with Incidental Os Odontoideum Safely Treated with Posterior Fixation Using Rod-Hook System and Preoperative Planning Using 3D Printer: A Case Report.

Os odontoideum is often found incidentally. Surgical treatment is recommended for patients with atlantoaxial instability or neurologic deficits. Although various techniques have been used for C1-C2 fusion in adults, the use of these procedures in children is not widely accepted. We present a 12-year-old boy with incidental os odontoideum and obvious C1-C2 instability, in which bony union was achieved safely and successfully by posterior fixation using a rod-hook system and perioperative planning using a three-dimensional printer. At the 2-year follow-up, bone formation around the gap of the dens, which has been generally considered as pseudoarthrosis, was obtained after union of the posterior element of C1-C2.

Delayed Diagnosis of Primary Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors Initially Treated as Degenerative Spinal Disorders.

Background Symptoms of primary bone and soft tissue tumors located in the trunk mimic those of degenerative spinal disorders such as low back pain or pain or numbness of the legs. Due to their rarity, especially in sarcoma located in the trunk, diagnosis is sometimes delayed. Methods A retrospective review was performed of the records of 383 patients with primary bone and soft tissue tumors who visit our out patient clinic from 2011 to 2013 at a single institution. Patients with delayed diagnosis of primary bone and soft tissue tumors initially treated as degenerative spinal disorders for more than 2 months were identified. Results Of the 383 patients, 5 (1.3%) were initially diagnosed as having degenerative spinal disorders. All 5 patients had bone or soft tissue tumors in the lumbar spine or pelvis. Three patients had a malignant tumor (osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, or small round cell sarcoma) at the progressive stage, and 1 died of lung metastasis. Two patients had a benign tumor (aneurysmal bone cyst or simple bone cyst). Conclusions Our findings suggest that when low back pain and leg pain are refractory to conservative treatment, further radiological examination should be conducted. J. Med. Invest. 63: 274-277, August, 2016.

Compression Myelopathy due to Proliferative Changes around C2 Pars Defects without Instability.

We report a case with compression myelopathy due to proliferative changes around the C2 pars defects without instability. A 69-year-old man presented with progressive clumsy hands and spastic gait. Plain radiographs showed bilateral spondylolysis (pars defects) at C2 and fusion between C2 and C3 spinous processes. Dynamic views revealed mobility through the pars defects, but there was no apparent instability. Computed tomography showed proliferative changes at the pars defects, which protruded into spinal canal. On magnetic resonance imaging, the spinal cord was compressed and intramedullary high signal change was found. A diagnosis of compression myelopathy due to proliferative changes around the C2 pars defects was made. We performed posterior decompression. Postoperatively, symptoms have been alleviated and images revealed sufficient decompression and no apparent instability. In patients with the cervical spondylolysis, myelopathy caused by instability or slippage have been periodically reported. The present case involving C2 spondylolysis is extremely rare.

Clinical Significance of High-intensity Zone for Discogenic Low Back Pain: A Review.

High-intensity zone (HIZ) was originally described as a high-intensity signal on T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images, located in the posterior annulus fibrosus, clearly separated from the nucleus pulposus. Among symptomatic patients with low back pain, HIZ is present in 28-59% of cases. In morphologically abnormal discs, high sensitivity and specificity of 81% and 79%, respectively, were reported for HIZs and concordant pain during discography. In contrast, another report indicated low rates. Although most papers reported high sensitivity and specificity for this relationship, it remains controversial. Regarding the pathology of HIZs, inflammatory granulation tissues are found at sites showing HIZs. Such inflammatory tissues produce pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators, which sensitize the nociceptors within the disc and cause pain. An effective treatment for this condition is yet to be established. Recently, minimally invasive surgery using percutaneous endoscopic discectomy (PED) under local anesthesia was introduced. After removal of the degenerated disc material, the HIZ is identified with the endoscope and then coagulated and modulated with a bipolar radio pulse. This technique is called thermal annuloplasty. In conclusion, HIZs is an important sign of painful intervertebral disc disruption, if identified precisely based on factors such as location and intensity.

Optimizing baseplate position in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in small-sized Japanese females: technical notes and literature review.

The management of cuff tear arthropathy (CTA) has always been a challenge for shoulder surgeons. Introduction of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) helped in providing pain relief and improved shoulder function in patients with CTA. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the short-term clinical results and some clinical details regarding the types of available prosthesis, positioning, and size of the components for RTSA in a population of short-stature female Japanese. In our seven cases, the average glenoid size was 23.9 mm in width and 34.2 mm in height. The average width was smaller than the size of all available baseplates. We implanted reverse shoulder prostheses with baseplate that measured 28 mm in diameter and two locking screws. The center of the baseplate was shifted to allow slight anterior overhang relative to the anatomical center to avoid breakage of the posterior cortex and to achieve firm fixation. One case of humeral shaft fracture occurred while inserting the humeral stem and required encircling wiring. In our experience, the short term clinical results of RTSA were excellent, but a new prosthesis that is designed to fit the short stature of Asians with smaller glenoid and humerus should be considered.

Revision percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy under the local anesthesia for the recurrent lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus in a high class athlete: A case Report.

Percutaneous endoscopic discectomy (PED) is a minimally invasive spinal technique and has several advantages compared with open surgery. We describe repeat PED surgery for recurrent herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP). The patient was a 33-year-old handball high level player. Previously, he underwent transforaminal PED under local anesthesia for intracanalicular HNP at L4-5 level about 2 years ago. He could return to his original competitive level. Two years later, he felt low back and right leg pain again when he was playing handball. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the recurrence of HNP at the same level. We conducted transforaminal PED again using the exact same route as the previous surgery. Although there was a little adhesion around the L5 nerve root, we could easily identify and remove the herniated mass using endoscopic forceps. Immediately after the surgery, the low back and leg pain disappeared. Repeat PED surgery for recurrence of lumbar disc herniation is effective especially for athletes because of the benefits of PED, including surgery under local anesthesia, preservation of normal posterior structures, less postoperative pain, early discharge, and faster return to sports.

Radiation Exposure to the Surgeon and Patient During a Fluoroscopic Procedure: How High Is the Exposure Dose? A Cadaveric Study.

STUDY DESIGN: Using fresh cadavers, real-time dosimeters were used to estimate the radiation exposure dose from C-arm fluoroscopy to surgeons, medical staff, and patients during various procedures. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiation exposure dose from C-arm fluoroscopy, which is used to generate real-time images of the human body, under a variety of conditions and in different areas. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Awareness of the harmful effects of long-term low-dose radiation is rising. There are no all-inclusive reports evaluating the radiation exposure dose to medical staff associated with fluoroscopic procedures that can accurately simulate the real clinical situation. METHODS: Seven fresh cadavers were irradiated for 1, 3, and 5 minutes with C-arm fluoroscopy. The x-ray source was positioned under the table, over the table, and laterally. Radiation exposure doses were measured at different simulated areas such as the center area, and the surgeon's hand or thyroid gland. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the radiation exposure dose under different conditions and for different irradiated areas. The risk of direct and scatter radiation exposure was the greatest with the lateral position, which increased by more than 200 times and more than 30 times, respectively, compared with that from a position under the table. Direct radiation was attenuated to less than one-hundredth after passing through the body of the cadaver. All radiation exposure doses were positively correlated with total exposure time. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed the direct and scatter radiation exposure dose from C-arm fluoroscopy to different areas under a variety of conditions when fluoroscopy is used to generate real-time images of the human body. Our results serve as a guide for medical staff to understand the risk of radiation exposure during each fluoroscopic procedure. Medical staff, especially surgeons, should consider how to protect themselves and reduce radiation exposure by using appropriate shielding. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Postoperative discal cyst: An unusual complication after microendoscopic discectomy in teenagers.

Various complications after microendoscopic discectomy (MED) are well known, but postoperative discal cyst is a unique and relatively unknown complication. Here, we report on two teenage patients who presented with postoperative discal cyst after MED for herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP), which resolved after conservative treatment. The patients were diagnosed with HNP at L4-5 and L5-S1 based on MRI and then treated by MED. Postoperative discal cyst was diagnosed on MRI after recurrence of symptoms. Both patients were managed conservatively. T2-weighted MRI demonstrated hyperintense collections adjacent to the operated intervertebral disc level, which were communicating with the corresponding disc annulus. Because the clinical symptoms were relatively mild, the patients were managed conservatively; both made a complete clinical recovery with radiological evidence of improvement. Postoperative discal cyst is a relatively unknown complication after MED for HNP. Surgeons should be aware of this postoperative complication when operating on young individuals with HNP.

Sacral fatigue fractures in children with sacral spina bifida occulta.

In this report, we present two cases of 9-year-old children with spina bifida occulta (SBO) of the sacrum, who were diagnosed with sacral fatigue fractures. In both patients, MRI showed a linear signal void and high signal in sacral ala on the short tau inversion recovery sequence. Sacral SBO at the same level of the sacral fracture was observed in each patient on computed tomography images. These lesions healed with rest. This is the first literature reporting cases with sacral stress fractures who had SBO at the same level of fracture.

Risk Assessment of Lumbar Segmental Artery Injury During Lateral Transpsoas Approach in the Patients With Lumbar Scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study using 27 contrast-enhanced multi-planar computed tomography scans of subjects with lumbar scoliosis. OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk of injury of lumbar segmental arteries during transpsoas approach in patients with lumbar scoliosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Although lumbar interbody fusion using big intervertebral cage through transpsoas approach has a big advantage to correct coronal and sagittal deformity in patients with spinal deformity, the risk for injury of lumbar segmental artery is always concerned. METHODS: The abdominal-contrast enhanced multi-planar computed tomography scans of 27 subjects with lumbar scoliosis with over 15° of Cobb angle were retrospectively reviewed. The coronal views through the posterior one third of the intervertebral discs were reviewed. The cranio-caudal intervals of the adjacent segmental arteries at each intervertebral level were measured. The recommended working space for the lateral transpsoas approach using extreme lateral interbody fusion retractor is 24 mm in the cranio-caudal direction. The cutoff value for an intersegmental Cobb angle that would estimate a cranio-caudal interval of less than 24 mm was determined using a receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: The average interval between the cranio-caudal lumbar segmental arteries on the concave side was significantly shorter than that on the convex side (29.9 vs. 33.6 mm, P < 0.05). The differences in the intervals between the convex and concave sides were correlated with the corresponding intersegmental Cobb angle (r = 0.65, P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that cutoff value for the best prediction of an interval less than 24 mm was 14.5°, with a specificity of 94.3% and sensitivity of 71.4%. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that female patients with lumbar scoliosis with an intersegmental Cobb angle higher than 14.5° would be at high risk for potential injury to the lumbar artery during a transpsoas approach for extreme lateral interbody fusion from the concave side. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Clinical features of patients with pars defects identified in adulthood.

PURPOSE: Lumbar spondylolysis is considered a stress fracture of the pars interarticularis that occurs during growth. However, it is sometimes insidious and identified in adults as pseudoarthrosis, the terminal-stage of spondylolysis. The purpose of this study was to identify the clinical features of patients with terminal-stage spondylolysis that first manifested during adulthood. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients (21 men, 15 women; mean age 55.8 years; age range 25-77 years) with low back pain (LBP) were studied. In all patients, lumbar spondylolysis had not been diagnosed until the first visit to our hospital. Patient data collected were history of athletic activity and LBP during their growth period and radiological findings, such as spinal level, displacement, and spina bifida occulta (SBO). RESULTS: Among the 36 patients, including a patient with multi-level spondylolysis (L4 and L5), a total of 37 vertebrae with terminal-stage spondylolysis were identified. Twenty-three (89.2 %) of the 37 vertebrae had L5 spondylolysis. Sixteen patients (44.4 %) had no history of athletic activity, 26 (72.2 %) had no experience of LBP during their growth period, and 14 (38.9 %) had neither. Twenty of the 37 vertebrae (70.4 %) involved displacement (grade 1 = 14; grade 2 = 6). In nine patients (25.0 %; eight men, one woman), SBO of the sacrum was accompanied by L5 spondylolysis. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 90 % of patients with terminal-stage spondylolysis that was first diagnosed in adulthood involved the L5. Also, about 40 % had no history of athletic activity or experience of LBP during their growth period. In addition, only some patients with L5 spondylolysis had SBO, and all but one of these patients was male. This suggests that male patients with L5 spondylolysis may have some congenital predisposition.

Risk Management for Avoidance of Major Vascular Injury due to Lateral Transpsoas Approach.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study using 323 contrast-enhanced, multi-planner three-dimensional computed (3D-CT) scans. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for injury to the major vessels in the lateral transpsoas approach. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: To avoid critical complications such as major vessel injury, it is essential to examine anatomical information related to preoperative risk management that is specific to the lateral transpsoas approach. METHODS: The abdominal contrast-enhanced, multi-planner 3D-CT scans of 323 consecutive subjects (203 males and 120 females, 15-89 years old) were retrospectively reviewed. The true axial views were used for evaluation of the locations of the major vein and artery at L3 to L4 and L4 to L5. According to the Moro system, the axial view was divided into 6 zones from the front side (A, I II, III, IV, P) and the locations of the dorsal tangential line of the major vessels were evaluated. RESULTS: At the L3 to L4 level, the dorsal tangential line of the major vein located in zone A was found in 18% of subjects, in zone I in 74%, and in zone II in 8%. The line of the major artery was located in zone A in 92.6% of subjects and in zone I in 7.1%. At the L4 to L5 level, the line of the major vein was located in zone A in 5% of subjects, in zone I in 75%, in zone II in 20%, and in zone III in only 1 subject. The line of the major artery was identified in zone A in 87% of subjects, in zone I in 12%, and in zone II in 1%. Women had significant dorsal-migrated veins and arteries at both spinal levels (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: To avoid critical complications in extreme lateral lumbar interbody fusion, careful preoperative radiological evaluation of the major vessels and intraoperative care are important. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Hysterical conversion paralysis in an adolescent boy with lumbar spondylolysis.

We describe a case of recurrent hysterical paralysis triggered by low back pain because of lumbar spondylolysis. A 16-year-old male soccer player was referred to our institution with five previous episodes of acute paralysis triggered by severe low back pain. We performed direct surgical repair of the terminal-stage bilateral spondylolysis at L4 using a hook-rod system. His chronic low back pain was completely resolved, and no further episodes of hysterical paralysis have occurred after surgery. Spine surgeons should be aware of possible hysterical conversion paralysis when there is discrepancy between radiological and neurological findings.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy via Transforaminal Route for Discal Cyst.

Background. Discal cyst has been identified as a rare cause of low back pain and radiating leg pain. The pathogenesis and management of this condition are still debated. The largest number of reported cases had undergone microsurgery while very few cases have been treated with percutaneous endoscopic discectomy (PED). Methods. An 18-year-old boy complained of low back pain radiating to right leg after a minor road traffic accident. Diagnosis of a discal cyst at L4-L5 level was made based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Despite conservative management for 6 months, the low back pain and radiating leg pain persisted so surgical treatment by PED was performed under local anesthesia. As the patient was a very active baseball player, his physician recommended a minimally invasive procedure to avoid damage to the back muscles. Results. The patient's low back pain and leg pain disappeared immediately after surgery and he made a rapid recovery. He resumed mild exercise and sports practice 4 weeks after surgery. Complete regression of the cystic lesion was demonstrated on the 2-month postoperative MRI. Conclusion. A minimal invasive procedure like PED can be an effective surgical treatment for discal cyst, especially in active individuals who play sports.