A case report of giant malignant schwannoma of the sciatic nerve associated with neurofibromatosis-1: A CARE-compliant article.

RATIONALE: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant neurocutaneous syndrome that causes multiple central and peripheral nerve sheath tumors. People with NF1 have a 10% chance of developing malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). Here we report a unique instance of a malignant schwannoma that has remained free of metastasis since its initial removal a decade ago. The malign schwannoma has been infrequently documented in the literature, and remarkably, no instances of such an extensive postoperative time without metastases have ever been described. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 46-year-old male patient with NF had multiple neurofibromas in different parts of his body, underwent surgery about 10 years ago (2013), and was diagnosed histopathologically as MPNST. DIAGNOSES: He was admitted to our institution with a recurrent mass in the posterior third of the proximal thigh and severe pain radiating to the left lower extremity, which presented as sciatic pain (2021). A magnetic resonance imaging and fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography examination revealed that the tumor was likely malignant. INTERVENTIONS: Surgical excision was performed. OUTCOME: A 10-year follow-up revealed no metastases or neurologic impairment. LESSONS: When articles about benign schwannomas are placed in a separate category, little is written about NF-1-related malignant schwannomas of the sciatic nerve. MPNSTs are high-grade, aggressive sarcomas with a high risk of local recurrence (40%-65%) and metastasis to other body parts. Therefore, among the various benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors in NF-1 patients, the diagnosis of MPNST is crucial.Orthopedic surgeons should be aware that neurofibromas in NF-1 have a significant risk of developing MPNSTs. This study reports the successful treatment of a giant malignant sciatic nerve schwannoma with a long follow-up period without metastasis.

Effects of Routine Antithrombotic-Adjusted Dose of Rivaroxaban and Nadroparin Calcium on Tendon Healing of Rats: An Experimental Study.

Introduction Achilles tendon injury necessitates thromboembolism prophylaxis after repair. This study aimed to investigate the effects of antithrombotic-adjusted prophylactic doses of nadroparin calcium and rivaroxaban on Achilles tendon healing. Materials and Methods Twenty-four young adult male Wistar Albino type rats were randomly divided into three groups. All rats underwent a full-thickness surgical incision of the Achilles tendon, followed by primary repair. After the procedure, group 1 was determined as the control group and received no medication. Group 2 received 2.03 mg/kg rivaroxaban daily via gastric lavage once daily, and group 3 was given subcutaneous 114 IU AXa nadroparin calcium once daily for 28 days. After euthanization, the degrees of inflammation, neovascularization, fibroblastic activity, and collagen fiber sequencing were examined and scored for histopathological evaluation. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21.0 for Windows software (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, United States) was used for all statistical analyses. The number of inflammatory cells, capillary vessels, and fibroblasts, which met the parametric tests' assumptions, were compared between three independent groups by one-way analysis of variance. The significance level was set at p- value < 0.05. Results Histological examination of the group 1 sample showed the presence of inflammatory cells, an increase in the number of fibroblasts, and sequencing of collagen fibers scattered. The presence of inflammatory cells, remarkable increases in the number of fibroblasts, the presence of mature collagen fibers, and regular sequencing of collagen fibers regular were shown in groups 2 and 3. There were statistically significant differences between the groups regarding the number of inflammatory cells and fibroblasts. In group 2, the number of inflammatory cells was lower than in groups 1 and 3. Elsewhere, the number of fibroblasts was higher in group 1 compared than in groups 2 and 3. Conclusion Both rivaroxaban and nadroparin calcium in their daily dosage have a beneficial effect on Achilles tendon healing.

Histological and Biomechanical Effects of Local Anesthetics and Steroids on Achilles Tendon: A Study in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Peritendinous injection of local anesthetics, alone or in combination with corticosteroids, is widely used in the treatment of tendinopathies. Toxicity of local anesthetics has been demonstrated in many cells, including myocytes, chondrocytes, and neurons. Bupivacaine and lidocaine are known to have time- and dose-dependent cytotoxicity in these cells. The effects of these agents on the tendon remain unknown. PURPOSE: To show histological and biomechanical effects after the injection of different local anesthetics and steroids, both single and combined, at different concentrations into the peritendinous sheath of rat Achilles tendon. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: In the study, 100 rats were divided into 10 groups with equal body weights. Inflammation was induced in both Achilles tendons of each rat by means of the ball drop technique; 7 hours later, injections were made into the peritendinous sheaths of both Achilles tendons using lidocaine, bupivacaine, and dexamethasone as appropriate for the rat's group. At the end of the first week, the right Achilles tendons of the rats were removed for histological study. Left Achilles tendons were evaluated in terms of biomechanics. RESULTS: Histological findings demonstrated that the group with the most toxicity to the tendon was the group that received injection of dexamethasone alone. The groups with the least toxicity were those receiving dexamethasone combined with low- or high-dose bupivacaine. Biomechanical findings showed that the experimental groups had similar results to each other with the exception of the groups receiving 0.25% bupivacaine alone and dexamethasone alone, in which tendons revealed higher tensile strength. CONCLUSION: Local anesthetic and steroid applications have different histological and biomechanical effects on the tendon. Although the dexamethasone-injected group was the most affected in terms of histology, these changes could not be demonstrated biomechanically. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In future clinical studies, the effect of steroids on the tendon should be investigated more comprehensively. Whether biomechanical results overlap with histological results should be investigated further.

Localized Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis of the Knee Joint: A Case Report.

Background: The localized form is characterized by local participation of the synovium as a nodule or pedunculated mass. The incidence rate of PVNS is estimated to be 1.8 per million people - the localized type is just one-quarter of that. The aim of this study is to remind orthopedic surgeons about the unusual properties of LPVNS located in the knee. Case Report: A 39-year-old man presented to our clinic with pain and discomfort in his right knee. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an intra-articular mass in the infrapatellar region of the knee adjacent to the Hoffa fat pad. The mass was hypointense in the T1 sequence and heterogeneously hyperintense in the T2 sequence, which may be considered a local type of tenosynovial giant cell tumor (LPVNS). Excision was carefully performed without penetrating the tumor. The macroscopic appearance of the tumor was yellow-reddish and brown in color. Histopathologic examination revealed pigmented villonodular synovitis of the local type. Conclusion: Even though the LPVNS of the knee is an uncommon intra-articular phenomenon, orthopedic surgeons should not overlook this lesion based on imaging findings, and open excision should be regarded as a reliable treatment option.

Midterm clinical outcomes of collateral ligament repair of the thumb and lesser digits: a retrospective analysis of 35 cases.

BACKGROUND: Finger collateral ligament injuries are common, and conservative treatment usually works well. However, complete ruptures that lead to instability could cause painful disability. This study presents our clinical experience and a qualitative functional evaluation following the surgical repair of the thumb and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint collateral ligament ruptures. METHODS: Thirty-five patients (22 men and 13 women), diagnosed via a physical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a total collateral ligament rupture in the metacarpophalangeal thumb (16) and PIP joints of the lesser digits (19) and treated surgically, were evaluated retrospectively. The limited range of motion; functional score by Saetta; disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score; pre- and post-operative pain, deformity level; and post-operative ability to grip keys, buttons, and jars were measured. The significance of the change between the pre and post-operative visual analog scale for pain (VAS) scores were evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The difference between the lesser digits and thumb groups by patient age was evaluated using the Mann-Whitney-U test. All data, such as the mean, range, and standard deviation, were calculated using SPSS. RESULTS: The mean pre- and post-operative VAS scores were 4.8 (from 3 to 7) and 0.91 (0 to 4), respectively. The mean post-operative limitation in the range of motion was 9.78° (s = 14.47) for lesser digits and 6.87° (s = 12.29) for the thumb. According to Seatta et al., the final functional score was 62.5% excellent, 25% good, and 12.5% moderate for the thumb and 84.2% excellent, 10.5% good, and 5.3% poor for the lesser digits. The mean post-operative DASH score was 13.55 (SD: 8.77) for lesser digits and 14.22 (SD: 8.9) for the thumb. The mean contralateral (healthy) hand DASH score was 0.75 (SD: 1.05) for lesser digits and 0.75 (SD: 1.05) for the thumb. For the thumb and lesser digits, the z-scores were - 3.55 and - 3.787, respectively, and the progress of the VAS score was significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: After a 40-month follow-up for 35 acute, subacute, and chronic cases, the results suggest that direct and suture-anchor repairs are feasible, painless treatments associated with good finger function.

The Ellis Jones Method of Treating Chronic Peroneal Subluxation: Revisited and Colorized After 87 Years.

Chronic cases of peroneal subluxation typically call for surgical treatment; however, research on current surgical procedures suggests nonuniformity. The purpose of this study is to remind surgeons of the efficacy of an older surgical method by using the case of a selected patient. In this study, the Ellis Jones procedure was performed on a patient who had been suffering from a chronic peroneal subluxation for 22 years, since, in this particular case, other approaches were deemed likely to be unsuccessful. The patient had hypertrophied, frayed, and swollen tendons, which were unsuitable to be rerouted, whereas the superior peroneal retinaculum was diminished and deepening procedures would not be able to establish sufficient volume for retaining the hypertrophied tendons. After the debridement and repair of the peroneal tendons, » of the lateral Achilles tendon was split, passed through a hole in the fibula, and sutured onto itself, and the subluxation path of the peroneal tendons was closed with an effective tendon barrier. The patient returned to work after 8 weeks of the surgery and was followed up for 4 years postoperatively. On selected patients, the Ellis Jones surgical method might therefore still be applied.Levels of Evidence: Level V.

Is simple decompression enough for the treatment of idiopathic cubital tunnel syndrome: A prospective comparative study analyzing the outcomes of simple decompression versus partial medial epicondylectomy.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the clinical and functional outcomes of simple in-situ decompression and partial medial epicondylectomy for the treatment of idiopathic cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between March 2014 and December 2016, 71 patients (31 males, 40 females; mean age 46.7 years; range, 38 to 62 years) with CuTS scheduled to undergo simple in-situ decompression (group 1) or partial medial epicondylectomy (group 2) were prospectively reviewed. All patients were analyzed with clinical examination (Tinel sign, Froment's and Wartenberg's signs, elbow flexion test, subluxation), and McGowan scores before and after surgery. Final outcomes were reviewed with Wilson and Krout grading system. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the study groups in regard to Wilson and Krout grading and McGowan scores postoperatively. Group 1 had significantly better grip and key pinch strength values compared to group 2 at the final follow-up control. CONCLUSION: In-situ decompression and partial medial epicondylectomy represent efficient and safe methods for the treatment of idiopathic CuTS. When their efficiency is compared, in-situ decompression had better grip and key pinch strength values and more excellent outcomes compared to partial medial epicondylectomy.

Ulnar Nerve and Ulnar Artery Injury Caused by Comminuted Distal Radius Fracture.

INTRODUCTION: Distal radius fractures are one of the most frequent traumas encountered in daily orthopedic practice. With this case report, we would like to emphasize the significance of an unexpected associated ulnar nerve and artery injury with distal radius fracture to physicians. CASE REPORT: A 56-year-old male patient was evaluated in the emergency room after a motorcycle accident. The left wrist had a deformity and swelling, and about 3 × 1.5 cm of superficial skin abrasion was found in the volar surface of the wrist. It was noted that distal pulses were palpable, no neurological damage was found except hypoesthesia in the 5th finger. Radiologic examination revealed that the right shoulder was dislocated, and there was a displaced comminuted distal radius fracture in the left wrist with a non-displaced fracture of the ulnar styloid. The fracture was treated with open reduction and internal fixation using volar anatomic plate through the volar approach. After the surgery, pre-operative numbness did not resolve and opposing that expected; it increases with associated pain on the ulnar nerve innervated area within 30 days. The electromyographic analysis revealed severe partial ulnar nerve injury. The surgical exploration of the nerve was decided. The ulnar nerve was found to be trapped in scar tissue, and intimal injury and consequent thrombosis were observed at the ulnar artery. CONCLUSION: Distal radius fractures are well-known fractures among the orthopedic surgeons; median nerve compression with a fracture is also within the expectation of the physician. However, the injury of the ulnar nerve and artery is unexpected. With this case report, we would like to emphasize the awareness of the diagnosis and treatment of this kind of associated unexpected ulnar nerve and artery injuries.

Comparison of Single-Dose Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block and Continuous Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block Applications in the Treatment of Finger Amputations.

Introduction The aim of this study is to evaluate the replantation success of single-dose infraclavicular brachial plexus block and continuous infraclavicular brachial plexus block (CIBPB) applied with bupivacaine and prilocaine in patients with finger amputation. Materials and Methods This prospective randomized nonblinded study was conducted between January 2012 and September 2017, and 47 patients, all male, were included. Patients were randomly separated into two groups as 23 patients CIBPB applied group (group A) and 24 patients single-dose infraclavicular block applied group (group B). In group B, after the effect of block is ceased, intravenous patient-controlled (PC) opioid analgesia and, where necessary, 1 mg/kg meperidine and 75 mg diclofenac sodium intramuscularly were alternately administered at 4 to 6 hours intervals. The average ages were 30.7 ± 10.06 and 29 ± 9.08, respectively. Replantations were applied as being two venous anastomoses to one artery, where possible. Hourly skin temperatures of fingers of the hands in which both surgeries applied and no surgery applied in both the groups were measured for 3 days with an infrared thermometer. Also, Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) evaluations in both the groups were performed in 3-hour intervals for 3 days. Results Replantations were successful in 22 patients in whom CIBPB was applied (95.6%) and in 19 patients in whom single block was applied (79.16%). Regarding the finger temperatures, no significant difference was detected between both the groups for 3 days following the operation. No significant difference was found between the length of hospital stays (4.73 ± 2.21-4.71 ± 1.53) and duration of operations (2.90 ± 0.73-2.83 ± 0.58). There was no significant difference between the temperature values of both the groups. NRS scores of group A were statistically significantly lower than those of group B. Conclusion In this prospective randomized study performed by using bupivacaine and prilocaine on 24 patients, the success rate of finger replantations with CIBPB was found to be higher. CIBPB is a very beneficial method that should be taken in consideration in hand injuries with anastomosis and high risk of vasospasm. Further studies with more number of cases would help reduce the question marks related with the success of this method.

Demographic Characteristics, Anatomical Distribution, and Clinical Presentations of Lipomatosis Tumors Arising from Hand and Wrist.

The aim of this study is to analyze demographic characteristics, anatomical distribution, and clinic presentations of the lipomatosis masses in hand and wrist. The hand and wrist magnetic resonance (MR) images of 2,453 patients were evaluated retrospectively. Nineteen cases were included in the study that is seen fat component in mass in MR images. Patients' age, sex, and clinical symptoms were noted. The size and the localization area of the mass were evaluated. Ordinary lipomas were detected in 18 (95%) patients, and fibrolipomatous hamartoma of the median nerve was detected in 1 patient (5%). Benign ordinary lipomas were most frequently observed in palmar and ventral sides. Lipomas located in palmar area tend to be bigger size comparing with other locations. Deep-seated lipoma is localized in central area frequently. In ordinary lipoma cases, patients are generally (78%) asymptomatic. The most frequent clinical symptom is limitation in movement depending on mass dimension.

Effect of pentoxifylline on healing of segmental bone defects and angiogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) on angiogenesis and the healing of a critical-sized segmental defect of the radius diaphysis in a rat model, using radiological and histological grading systems. METHODS: The study included 24 female Sprague-Dawley rats (weight: 300±20 g) divided into 4 groups. A critical-sized segmental defect was created in the radius diaphysis in all rats. In Group 1, morcellized iliac crest autografts were used to fill the segmental bone defect. In Group 2, segmental bone defects were filled using morcellized iliac crest autografts, and 25 mg/kg/day PTX was applied intraperitoneally. In Group 3, the segmental bone defects were not filled, and in Group 4 the segmental bone defects were left unfilled, and an intraperitoneal (IP) dose of 25 mg/kg/day PTX was applied. Rats were sacrificed at postoperative Week 8, and defects were evaluated using radiographic, histological and immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS: There were significant differences between Group 1 and 2 according to radiological evaluation (p=0.003) and quality of union at the defect site (p=0.01). Union quality was higher in Group 4 than Group 3 (p=0.01). Cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were higher in Group 2 than in Groups 3 and 4. CONCLUSION: According to radiological and histological parameters, PTX appears to improve angiogenesis and healing of segmental cortical bone defects of the radius in a rat model.

The Relationship Between Osteoarthritis of the Lumbar Facet Joints and Lumbosacropelvic Morphology.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relation between lumbosacropelvic morphology and the presence and degree of facet joint degeneration. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Osteoarthritis of the facet joints is one of the most common degenerative changes in the spine. It is considered to be formed secondary to repetitive stress or trauma and spinal deformity with secondary overload. The cause(s) of facet joints osteoarthritis, however, have not been clearly identified. METHODS: Abdominal computed tomography (CT) images of 723 patients which were taken between the years 2010 and 2014 were evaluated retrospectively. Patients with prior lumbar spinal surgery, serious congenital anomalies on CT, incomplete or complete lumbosacral transition, severe scoliosis, were excluded from the study. To eliminate the age- and sex-related differences in spinopelvic morphology, a study group was formed of the remaining subjects by including patients from a specific age group (30-35 yr) and same sex (females). For each patient the presence and grade of facet joint degeneration was investigated. In addition, pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope and the angles of L1-L5 lumbar lordosis, sacral table, L5 vertebra posterior, and sacral kyphosis were measured for each patient. RESULTS: Sacral slope, sacral kyphosis, and L1-L5 lumbar lordosis angle were significantly higher in patients with osteoarthritic compared with normal subjects (P = 0.015, P = 0.018, P = 0.016). L5 vertebra posterior and sacral table angle were found to be significantly lower in patients with osteoarthritic than in normal subjects (P = 0.019, P = 0.007). The degree of facet joint degeneration was noticed to increase parallel to the decrease in the sacral table angle and L5 vertebra posterior angle, and to the increase in the L1-L5 lumbar lordosis, PI, and sacral slope. CONCLUSION: A close relation exists between the presence and degree of degeneration in the facet joint and lumbosacral pelvic morphology. Prevalence and degree of the degeneration in facet joint increases as the angle of sacral slope, L1-L5 lumbar lordosis, and PI increases or the angle of sacral table and L5 vertebra posterior decreases. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Hypothenar hammer syndrome: a case series and literature review.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to report our experience regarding patients who were surgically treated due to hypothenar hammer syndrome and review the related literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 11 hands of eight patients (5 males, 3 females; mean age 48 years; range 29 to 60 years) who underwent surgery due to hypothenar hammer syndrome between September 2004 and March 2013. Mean follow-up period was 50 months (range 3-103 months). The time of symptom onset, occupational history, and detailed physical examination findings were recorded. Surgery was performed under sedation and axillary anesthesia. Distal segment of the forearm, all thrombosed segments of the Guyon and superficial arch were removed. Reconstruction of the ulnar artery and the superficial arch was performed using vein grafts obtained from the forearm. RESULTS: While all patients' dominant hand was affected, both hands were affected in three patients. All patients complained of pain and color change in one finger or multiple fingers. While minimal amputation and debridement of fingertip pulp was performed in two patients, all other patients recovered uneventfully. Patency of the ulnar artery was uneventful at follow-up in five of the eight patients, whereas three patients were performed revision surgery for a new vein graft. Most patient complaints resolved during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Hypothenar hammer syndrome is a disease of the upper extremities that should be considered in patients with digital ischemia, and a history of manual labor and smoking. Although this disease can be treated with conservative therapy, advance-stage patients who fail to respond to conservative treatment can be treated surgically with vein grafts.

Effects of intraperitoneally administered folic acid on the healing of repaired tibial nerves in rats.

BACKGROUND: Complete nerve regeneration and clinical healing remain a challenge despite considerable advances in the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries. To improve nerve regeneration, several experimental molecular procedures have been attempted. This study aimed to investigate the effects of folic acid on peripheral nerve healing after transection and end-to-end suture repair of the tibial nerve in rats. METHODS: In this study, 20 adult male Wistar Albino rats weighing 225 to 250 g were used. The right tibial nerves of 20 rats were explored, transected, and sutured using the end-to-end technique. The rats were randomly allocated to either the intraperitoneally administered folic acid group (test group) or the control group. Preoperative and 6-week postoperative neurophysiological studies were performed by the same researcher. Myelin-sheathed axons were counted. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that the folic acid-treated group exhibited improved electromyographic results compared with the control group. Histological evaluation revealed that the axons were well preserved and that the axon quantity and density were increased in the test group compared with the control group. Quantitative results also increased in the test group compared with the control group (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, 6-week intraperitoneal administration of 80 µg/kg of folic acid significantly improved peripheral nerve healing. Histological analysis of the group that received folic acid revealed increased axon myelination with little granular tissue or fibrosis. We propose that folic acid supplementation may be an effective component of peripheral nerve injury treatment.

Peri- and postanalgesic properties of lidokain, lornoxicam, and nitroglycerine combination at intravenous regional anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to compare and evaluate the effect of adding lornoxicam or nitroglycerine as adjuncts to lidocaine in intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA). METHODS: 60 patients were randomly separated into three groups, lidocaine group (group L), lidocaine+lornoxicam group (group LL), and lidocaine+lornoxicam+transdermal nitroglycerine group (group LL-N). Hemodynamic parameters, sensory and motor blocks onset, and recovery times were recorded. Analgesic consumption for tourniquet pain and postoperative period were recorded. RESULTS: Sensory block onset times and motor block onset times were shorter in the LL-N and LL groups compared with L group. Sensory block recovery time and motor block recovery time were prolonged in the LL and LL-N groups compared with group L. The amount of fentanyl required for tourniquet pain was less in group LL and group LL-N when compared with group L. VAS scores of tourniquet pain were higher in group L compared with the other study groups. Postoperative VAS scores were higher for the first 4 hours in group L compared with the other study groups. CONCLUSION: The adjuvant drugs (lornoxicam or TNG) when added to lidocaine in IVRA were effective in improving the overall quality of anesthesia, reducing tourniquet pain, increasing tourniquet tolerance, and improving the postoperative analgesia.

Evaluation of the relationship between L5-S1 spondylolysis and isthmic spondylolisthesis and lumbosacral-pelvic morphology by imaging via 2- and 3-dimensional reformatted computed tomography.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in the axial and coronal parameters of lumbosacropelvic morphology among a population with spondylolysis and healthy individuals by using 2- and 3-dimensional (3D) reformatted computed tomographic images. Moreover, this study aimed to evaluate the differences in sagittal geometry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The stone protocol abdominal computed tomographic images of 386 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Thirty individuals who had spondylolysis at L5-S1 level were included in the study. Moreover, a control group of individuals free of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis was formed, similar in age and sex to the study group. A number of linear and angular lumbosacral morphologic parameters were evaluated using 2D and 3D reformatted computed tomographic images. The data of the 2 groups were compared using a t test. RESULTS: There was an association between spondylolysis and decreased interpedicular angle and S1 vertebra interfacet index, increased distance between the iliac crest and L5 vertebral transverse process, decreased L5 pedicle width, and increased height of the iliac crest and decreased L5 vertebra sagittal index. The paravertebral muscle area was larger in the lysis group when compared with the healthy individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple factors (eg, interpedicular angle, S1 vertebra interfacet index, the distance between the iliac crest and L5 vertebra transverse process, L5 pedicle width, height of the iliac crest and L5 vertebra sagittal index) in lumbosacropelvic morphology affect the defect development in pars interarticularis. In individuals with spondylolysis, paravertebral muscle hypertrophy develops as a secondary adaptive change.

The relation between sagittal morphology of the lumbosacral spine and the degree of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the relationship between the lumbosacral morphology and degree of intervertebral disc degeneration in a large sample of young patients. In addition, the relation between various morphological parameters (sacral table angle and sacral kyphosis) and lumbar disc herniation or degeneration was also evaluated. METHODS: The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of low back pain patients referred to our department in 2008-2009 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with prior lumbar spinal surgery, serious congenital anomalies on MRI, incomplete or complete lumbosacral trancision, severe scoliosis, spondylolysis, or spondylolisthesis were excluded from the study. A sample of 131 females between 20-30 years of age was studied. Patients were evaluated for the presence of intervertebral disc herniation or degeneration, and the degree of degeneration was assessed. Angles of lumbar lordosis, sacral table, and sacral kyphosis were also measured for each patient. RESULTS: The degree of intervertebral disc degeneration increased in parallel to the decrease in the sacral kyphosis and lumbar lordosis angles, and to the increase in sacral table angle. A statistically significant difference with regard to the angles of lumbar lordosis, sacral kyphosis, and sacral table was determined between individuals with (23.37±7.09°, 163.09±9.48°, 104.34±5.47°, respectively) and without intervertebral disc degeneration (26.94±7.39°, 168.94±10.52°, 100.83±4.32°; p=0.006, p=0.001, p=0.0001, respectively). In addition, a statistically significant difference with regard to the angles of lumbar lordosis, sacral kyphosis, and sacral table was determined between individuals with (22.82±6.94°, 162.23±9.53°, 104.94±5.19°, respectively) and without intervertebral disc herniation (27.25±7.26°, 169.39±9.96°, 100.48±4.33°; p=0.001, p=0.0001, p=0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSION: The degree and risk of intervertebral disc degeneration and herniation increases in parallel to the decrease in sacral kyphosis and lumbar lordosis, and to the increase in sacral surface angle.