Subaxial cervical Castleman's disease: A rare cause of myelopathy.

BACKGROUND: Castleman's disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disease of unknown origin which rarely affects the spine. Here, we present CD involving a lytic, destructive C3 lesion with extension into the spinal canal contributing to upper cervical cord compression. Notably, the lesion mimicked other primary bone lesions, metastatic tumors, and/or lymphoma. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 52-year-old male presented with progressive quadriparesis (i.e. weakness, instability of gait) and loss of dexterity in both hands over 2 weeks. The MRI, X-ray, and CT scans revealed a destructive lytic lesion involving the C3 vertebral body (i.e. including both anterior and posterior elements). The patient underwent a C3 total and C4 partial laminectomy followed by a C2-C4/5 instrumented fusion (i.e. included C2 pedicle screws/laminar screws, and C4/C5 lateral mass fixation). Histopathology showed a lymphoproliferative disorder with follicles of different sizes, central abnormal germinal structures, and a Mantle zone (i.e. expanded germinal centre with concentric layering with an "onionskin" appearance). These findings were all consistent with the diagnosis of CD (i.e. hyaline-vascular type). CONCLUSION: CD, a rare lymphoproliferative disease of unknown origin rarely affects the spine. Here, we presented a 52-year-old male with a C3 lytic lesion resulting in C3/4 cord compression that favorably responded to a C3/4 laminectomy with posterior instrumented fusion.

Association of vitamin D and knee osteoarthritis in younger individuals.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of primary osteoarthritis knee is gradually increasing among young individuals. The increasing prevalence of obesity, sedentary lifestyle, sporting activity, and vitamin D deficiency (VDD) has been hypothesized for this shifting disease trend. This study was designed to look for the association of serum vitamin D among these young arthritic patients. AIM: To look for the association of serum vitamin D in younger knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients. METHODS: In a 2-year observational study, 146 non-obese KOA patients of 35-60 years were evaluated clinically (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, KOOS) and radiologically (Kellegren-Lawrence stage, KL). The serum 25(OH)D level of these patients and 146 normal healthy individuals of same age group were estimated. RESULTS: Both the groups were comparable in terms of age and sex. The average serum 25(OH)D level in healthy individuals and KOA patients was 45.83 ng/mL and 34.58 ng/mL, respectively (P < 0.001). Inadequate serum 25(OH)D level (< 30 ng/mL) was found in 46.57% of KOA patients and 24% of normal healthy participants indicating a significant positive association (odds ratio 2.77, 95%CI: 1.67-4.54, P < 0.001). The 25(OH)D level in KL grade I, II, III and IV was 43.40, 30.59, 31.56 and 33.93 ng/mL respectively (no difference, P = 0.47). Similarly, the KOOS score in sufficient, insufficient and deficient groups were 65.31, 60.36 and 65.31, respectively (no difference, P = 0.051). CONCLUSION: The serum 25(OH)D level is significantly low in younger KOA patients. However, the clinical and radiological severities have no association with serum vitamin D level.

Missing Disc Fragment: A Rare Surgical Experience.

About 35%-72% of lumbar disc herniations are associated with fragment migration. However, the posterior epidural migration is rare. We present a strange situation encountered during surgical decompression of the posterior migrated fragment. A 72-year-old male presented with a history of pain radiating to the left lower limb and Grade 3 power of the extensor hallucis longus. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a prolapsed intervertebral disc and a possible posterior epidural migration of disc fragment. Routine surgical steps for microdiscectomy were followed after confirmation of level using fluoroscopy. However, the extruded disc fragment was not seen, and both exiting and traversing roots were free with adequate mobility. After extensively searching for a disc in the spinal canal, suction fluid was filtered through a surgical mop used as a sieve. Material collected was sent for histopathological study. Biopsy report confirmed material filtered was indeed the intervertebral disc. Thus, accidental suction of disc material in case of the posterior epidural migrated disc is a possibility, and we should be vigilant about this scenario to avoid disaster.

Functional outcome of gastrocnemius advancement flap augmented with short flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer in chronic Achilles tear.

BACKGROUND: There are various techniques of Achilles tendon (TA) repair and reconstruction in chronic Achilles tear. However, there is no clear consensus on the relevance of one method over the other. The short flexor hallucis longus tendon (FHL) transfer has recently gained popularity because of its same phasic action, ease of harvesting and tensile strength. METHODOLOGY: Fifteen chronic Achilles tear (>6 weeks) were treated with tendon repair using gastrocnemius advancement flap augmented with FHL transfer. The patients were followed-up at 1.5, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. The clinical outcome at latest follow-up was evaluated using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) and the Achilles Tendon Rupture Score (ATRS). RESULTS: The mean age was 43.5 ± 12.4 years and the median time from injury to surgery was 17.13 ± 9.64 weeks. The mean gap between the retracted ends of the ruptured tendon was 5.67 ± 1.63 cm (range 4-10 cm). The mean follow-up was 19.07 ± 3.15 months (range, 13-24 months). The mean AOFAS and ATRS improved from 72.07 ± 8.29 (62-83) to 98.4 ± 2.03 (94-100) and 61.73 ± 8.16 (52-70) to 98 ± 1.85 (94-100) respectively (paired t-test, p-value 0.0001). All patients resumed their pre-injury daily activities, and there was no donor site morbidity. Two patients had sterile serous discharge, and one patient had a staphylococcus infection. These patients responded to debridement with prolonged antibiotic therapy. There were no nerve injuries or re-rupture. CONCLUSION: The functional outcome of chronic Achilles tear treated with gastrocnemius advancement flap augmented with short FHL transfer is rewarding.

Osteoid Osteoma of the Body of the Vertebrae Causing Painful Scoliosis.

Osteoid osteoma (OO) affecting the spine is one of the common causes of painful scoliosis in the growing age group. The involvement is usually in the posterior elements involving the lumbar and cervical spine. We report a case of OO affecting the body of the thoracic vertebral body. A 15-year-old male presented with painful left thoracolumbar scoliosis. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MRI showed a lucent area with central dense focus (nidus) suggesting OO. Surgical excision was done under image intensifier and void filled with a mesh cage having bone graft reinforced posteriorly with pedicle screws. Postoperatively, the patient was relieved of his diffuse pain and CT scan revealed complete excision of the lesion. At the follow-up, the patient has an active, unconstrained life. OO in the spine presents as scoliosis which can be painful or painless. The diagnosis can be missed on a plain radiograph and complete radiographic evaluation includes a CT scan and MRI. Spinal management includes curettage or radiofrequency ablation. Recurrence is a known but rare complication.

Postoperative Lumbar Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis: An Institutional Review.

Background Postoperative discitis (POD) remains a dreaded complication in the present era of asepsis. The treatment has been traditionally conservative, but the safety of spinal implants in infective settings has prompted the surgeons to provide rigid immobilization for promoting healing. A major concern in a country like ours is huge patient inflow and long waiting list added to the woe of patient's refusal for a second operative intervention after a first undesirable outcome. Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate the functional and radiological outcome of conservative management of POD and determine the methods of prevention. Settings and Design A retrospective case study series in a tertiary-level hospital. Materials and Methods Between January 2015 and 2017, 12 cases of POD (10 own and 2 referred) were managed and followed up clinically, radiologically, and with laboratory investigation. Two cases were managed surgically-one with kyphotic deformity and the other with discharging pus. Rest were managed conservatively with analgesics and intravenously followed by oral antibiotics. At 1-year follow-up, patient satisfaction was evaluated using the MacNab outcome assessment. Statistical Analysis The descriptive data were analyzed mainly by descriptive statistics using mean, median, standard deviation, and interquartile range. Results Mean follow-up in our series was 15.2 months. Except for two operated cases, we did not go for the invasive procedure for isolation of organism in any of our cases. The total duration of antibiotic in our series was for the mean of 7.3 weeks. Visual analog scale score returned from8 initially to baseline and at final follow-up-4 excellent, 6 good, and 2 had fair outcome. There was no adverse outcome. Conclusions The majority of POD can be managed conservatively. Surgery is reserved only for special cases. Magnetic resonance imaging is the investigation of choice for diagnosing discitis. Intraoperative use of gentamicin-mixed normal saline wash reduces the incidence of discitis.

Spinal Epidural Abscess in Melioidosis: A Rare Case Report from Eastern India.

A spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare condition that has a devastating impact on the patient's health. It is difficult to diagnose and can present with a myriad of symptoms with or without the involvement of a neurological deficit. The conditions that lead to immunocompromised status, such as malnutrition, diabetes, intravenous drug abuse, previous surgical intervention, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) can predispose a patient to SEA. The most common organisms isolated from the affected patient include Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species while an abscess in some cases can be caused by tuberculosis and fungal and parasitic infections. Among the other causative organisms is Burkholderia pseudomallei (B. pseudomallei), also known as Pseudomonas pseudomallei, which is a Gram-negative, bipolar, aerobic, motile, and rod-shaped bacterium. It is a soil-dwelling bacterium, which is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, particularly in Thailand and northern Australia, and causes melioidosis. To our knowledge, SEA caused by B. pseudomallei from the Indian subcontinent has not been reported in the literature. In this case report, we present the case of a patient with SEA caused by B. pseudomallei.

Variations of extensor pollicis brevis tendon in Indian population: A cadaveric study and review of literature.

OBJECTIVES: Variations of the tendons of the first dorsal compartment of the wrist may be one of reasons of treatment failure and recurrence in De Quervain's tenosynovitis (DQT). The present cadaveric study was designed to look into the variations of the Extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) tendon in Indian population. METHODS: Seventy-seven formaldehyde-fixed cadaveric upper limbs of Indian origins were dissected to observe the number of EPB tendons and its variations. RESULTS: The EPB muscle was found to be absent in one hand (1.3%). The EPB muscle was found with single tendon, two tendons and three tendons in 73 limbs (94.8%), 2 limbs (2.6%) and one limb (1.3%) respectively. The muscle originated from the posterior surface of the radius and the adjacent interosseous membrane. The EPB muscle with single tendon was found to be inserted into the distal part of dorsal surface of the proximal phalanx of the thumb in 44 limbs (57.1%). In limbs with bitendinous EPB, the tendon slips were inserted into the base of proximal phalanx and into the base of distal phalanx of the thumb. An Osseo-fibrous septum separating EPB from Abductor Pollicis Longus (APL) was observed in 45 limbs (58%). CONCLUSION: EPB in first extensor compartment of Indians is usually monotendinous. It mostly inserts into the distal part of dorsal surface of proximal phalanx of thumb and into the base of distal phalanx. In majority of the wrists, one may find an osseofibrous ridge separating EPB from APL. These anatomical variations may be helpful to guide proper treatment in de Quervain's tenosynovitis.

A Rare Case of Extra-abdominal Desmoid-type Fibromatosis Arising from the Popliteal Fossa.

Desmoids are rare soft-tissue tumors of the abdominal wall that may sporadically occur extra-abdominally. It manifests as clonal fibroblastic proliferation with an infiltrative tendency and capacity to recur without metastasizing. An adolescent male presented with a gradually increasing globular, non-tender, firm, non-pulsatile swelling (8 × 5 × 3 cm3) in the left popliteal fossa that had been present for five months. Following thorough investigation with imaging and Tru-cut biopsy, finally, an excisional biopsy was done. Histopathological examination confirmed a desmoid tumor, and the patient received adjuvant radiotherapy. At the one-year postoperative follow-up, there was no recurrence; the patient had been explained the prognosis. This case highlights a rare site of an extra-abdominal desmoid but with classical clinical presentation, imaging, intraoperative, and histopathological findings. Awareness and knowledge of this entity are of paramount importance for clinical practitioners.

A comparative study to evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma and triamcinolone to treat tennis elbow.

BACKGROUND: Lateral elbow pain is common with a population prevalence of 1%-3%. The study was a comparative trial to validate the efficacy of single injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for tennis elbow as compared with single injections of triamcinolone and placebo (normal saline) over a short term period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Comparative trial with 3- and 6-month followup evaluated with visual analog scale (VAS) and facial pain scale (FPS). Our study included a total of eighty patients with unilateral or bilateral tennis elbows. The study population included patients between 20 and 40 years age group belonging to either sex with seventy unilateral and ten bilateral affections for more than 3-month duration. Patients suffering from elbow pain due to other problems or those who have received any form of injection were excluded from the study. One milliliter of 2% Xylocaine injection was given before injecting the proposed formulation under trial. VAS and FPS were used for scoring pain. Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U-tests were used for statistical analyses at 12 and 24 weeks. RESULTS: Overall, 49 females and 31 males were included with thirty elbows in each group. Both the PRP and triamcinolone groups had better pain relief at 3 and 6 months as compared to normal saline group (P < 0.05), but at 6 months followup, the PRP group had statistically significant better pain relief than triamcinolone group. In the triamcinolone group, 13 patients had injection site hypopigmentation and 3 patients had subdermal atrophy. CONCLUSION: Over a short term period, PRP gives better pain relief than triamcinolone or normal saline in tennis elbow which needs to be validated over long term period by further studies.