INFIX/EXFIX: Innovation managing pelvic fractures in difficult scenarios.

Pelvic fractures complicated by the presence of visceral injuries, open fractures and urethral or bladder injuries pose a significant challenge to treat. In these conditions internal fixation is usually contraindicated. External fixators, though a potential solution, have disadvantages like loss of reduction, pin tract infection and loosening. INFIX, a novel technique has been effective in managing anterior ring fractures and can be used as a substitute for internal fixation. We describe use of INFIX as EXFIX in three case scenarios where passing INFIX rod internally was precluded with favorable outcomes.

History of spine surgery for tuberculous spondylodiscitis.

For those stricken with tuberculosis, a disease that was present in ancient times, treatment was originally limited to conservative treatment including high altitude, fresh air, rest, and immobilization, manual reduction devices, and surgical procedures. Mortality and morbidity were high until the advent of antitubercular chemotherapy in the 1940s. Today multidrug regimen enable good disease clearance and also make direct surgical debridement without complications possible. Antitubercular drugs have reduced mortality by 72.5%. Surgical intervention is reserved for selected situations.

Diffusion tensor imaging of the spinal cord and its clinical applications.

The identification of the extent of neural damage in patients with acute or chronic spinal cord injury is imperative for the accurate prediction of neurological recovery. The changes in signal intensity shown on routine MRI sequences are of limited value for predicting functional outcome. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a novel radiological imaging technique which has the potential to identify intact nerve fibre tracts, and has been used to image the brain for a variety of conditions. DTI imaging of the spinal cord is currently only a research tool, but preliminary studies have shown that it holds considerable promise in predicting the severity of spinal cord injury. This paper briefly reviews our current knowledge of this technique.

Axial translaminar screw placement using three-dimensional fluoroscopy-based navigation.

INTRODUCTION: To circumvent the risk to the vertebral artery with C2 pars or pedicle screws, C2 laminar screws were considered as a method for rigid fixation of the axis. Although considered to be a relatively safe method, ventral spinal canal violations have been reported. Three-dimensional (3D) fluoroscopy-based image guidance may enhance the accuracy and safety of the technique. There is only one previous report in the literature on its use in the placement of C2 laminar screws. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of C2 translaminar screws inserted using 3D fluoroscopy-based navigation. METHODS: Data from a single centre was gathered retrospectively and then analysed. 3D fluoroscopy-based navigation was used to insert five translaminar screws in four patients (two male, two female). Their mean age was 45.3 years and the average follow-up period was 13.8 months. The accuracy of screw placement and fusion was ascertained using postoperative computed tomography imaging. RESULTS: There were no complications in this series. No breach in the dorsal or ventral laminar wall was noted for any of the translaminar screws inserted. The average time required to set up the navigation platform and screen was 18 minutes. Successful fusion was observed in all four patients at six months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Although considered a relatively safe technique, laminar cortical violations have been reported with C2 translaminar screws. 3D fluoroscopy-based image guidance can greatly enhance the accuracy of C2 translaminar screw insertion, as this technology provides real-time images during screw insertion and permits accurate screw sizing.

Spontaneous stabilisation of postlaminectomy cervical kyphosis by anterior longitudinal ligament ossification.

Cervical laminectomy has been known to cause postlaminectomy kyphosis and instability, often necessitating extensive anterior and posterior procedures with instrumentation for the stabilisation and correction of the deformity. We report a case of spontaneous stabilisation of postlaminectomy cervical kyphosis by anterior longitudinal ossification in the absence of an ossified posterior longitudinal ligament, thus circumventing the need for surgical intervention.

Precoccygeal epidermal inclusion cyst presenting as coccygodynia.

Although there are numerous aetiologies for coccygodynia described in the medical literature, precoccygeal epidermal inclusion cyst presenting as a coccygodynia has not been reported. We report a 30-year-old woman with intractable coccygodynia. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a circumscribed precoccygeal cystic lesion. The removed cyst was pearly-white in appearance and contained cheesy material. Histological evaluation established the diagnosis of epidermal inclusion cyst with mild nonspecific inflammation. The patient became asymptomatic and remained so at two years follow-up. This report suggests that precoccygeal epidermal inclusion cyst should be considered as one of the differential diagnosis of coccygodynia. Our experience suggests that patients with intractable coccygodynia should have a magnetic resonance imaging to rule out treatable causes of coccygodynia.

Giant cystic intradural schwannoma in the lumbosacral region: a case report.

We report a case of a giant cystic intradural schwannoma of the lumbosacral region in a 30- year-old man who presented with a 2-year history of non-specific lower back pain. Lateral radiographs demonstrated scalloping of the posterior wall of L5 and the upper sacrum. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 12 x 2.3-cm intradural multi-septated cystic lesion extending from L3 to S2 with predominant hypointense signal on T1-weighted images and a mixed signal on T2-weighted images. There was heterogeneous rim enhancement of the retrosacral portion of lesions following the administration of gadolinium contrast. The tumour was completely excised. Histological investigation confirmed the diagnosis of cystic schwannoma with alternating hypercellular (Antoni A) and hypocellular (Antoni B) areas in a fibrillar background. The patient had complete relief of symptoms and remained asymptomatic after 2 years of follow-up.

Intra-operative Iso-C3D navigation for pedicle screw instrumentation of hangman's fracture: a case report.

Pedicle screw instrumentation of the upper cervical spine is rarely performed in trauma surgery because of the risk of damaging neurovascular structures. We report successful treatment of an unstable hangman's fracture with posterior pedicle screw fixation using Iso-C3D fluoroscopy-based computer navigation guidance. Postoperative computed tomographic images confirmed accurate placement of the pedicle screws. The navigation system is useful, especially in an unstable upper cervical spine injury where the likelihood of change in the inter-segmental relationship is maximal before and after positioning for surgery. The navigation system has the advantage of data acquisition after patient positioning, thus making safe pedicle fixation of the C1 and C2 vertebrae possible despite fractured posterior elements.

Widespread metastases from acinic cell carcinoma of parotid gland.

Acinic cell carcinoma metastasising to the spine is rare and has been described only once before in the literature. Its metastasis to other organs such as the regional lymph nodes, lungs and orbit have all been described, but the simultaneous occurrence of lymph nodal, pulmonary and spinal spread in a single patient has not been recorded. We believe this 40-year-old man to be the first reported case of incompletely resected acinic cell carcinoma of the parotid gland metastasising simultaneously to regional lymph nodes, upper lobes of both lungs, sphenoid bone and dorsal spine with neurological deficits. This case report stresses the need for postoperative radiotherapy following incomplete resection of the primary tumour. A careful watch for distant metastasis is also of paramount importance at follow-up.

A score for predicting salvage and outcome in Gustilo type-IIIA and type-IIIB open tibial fractures.

Limb-injury severity scores are designed to assess orthopaedic and vascular injuries. In Gustilo type-IIIA and type-IIIB injuries they have poor sensitivity and specificity to predict salvage or outcome. We have designed a trauma score to grade the severity of injury to the covering tissues, the bones and the functional tissues, grading the three components from one to five. Seven comorbid conditions known to influence the management and prognosis have been given a score of two each. The score was validated in 109 consecutive open injuries of the tibia, 42 type-IIIA and 67 type-IIIB. The total score was used to assess the possibilities of salvage and the outcome was measured by dividing the injuries into four groups according to their scores as follows: group I scored less than 5, group II 6 to 10, group III 11 to 15 and group IV 16 or more. A score of 14 to indicate amputation had the highest sensitivity and specificity. Our trauma score compared favourably with the Mangled Extremity Severity score in sensitivity (98% and 99%), specificity (100% and 17%), positive predictive value (100% and 97.5%) and negative predictive value (70% and 50%), respectively. A receiver-operating characteristic curve constructed for 67 type-IIIB injuries to assess the efficiency of the scores to predict salvage, showed that the area under the curve for this score was better (0.988 (+/- 0.013 SEM)) than the Mangled Extremity Severity score (0.938 (+/- 0.039 SEM)). All limbs in group IV and one in group III underwent amputation. Of the salvaged limbs, there was a significant difference in the three groups for the requirement of a flap for wound cover, the time to union, the number of surgical procedures required, the total days as an in-patient and the incidence of deep infection (p < 0.001 for all). The individual scores for covering and functional tissues were also found to offer specific guidelines in the management of these complex injuries. The scoring system was found to be simple in application and reliable in prognosis for both limb-salvage and outcome measures in type-IIIA and type-IIIB open injuries of the tibia.

Variant of a lumbar disc cyst in a 13-year-old girl: a case report.

A disc cyst is a rare entity with a clinical presentation that closely mimics an intervertebral disc herniation. Disc cysts are ventrally located, intraspinal, extradural cystic lesions that communicate with the parent intervertebral disc through a ruptured annulus. We present the clinical features, magnetic resonance imaging, intra-operative and histopathological findings of a variant of a lumbar intervertebral disc cyst in a 13-year-old girl who presented with a 6-month history of unilateral radiculopathy following an injury. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large posterocentral, fluid-filled cyst occupying the L5-S1 interspace and bulging into the spinal canal. The cyst was confined within an intact bulging annulus fibrosis and extended directly from the parent disc. The cyst was surgically decompressed, resulting in complete symptomatic relief.

Intradural spinal tuberculosis in the absence of vertebral or meningeal tuberculosis: a case report.

We present a patient with spinal intradural tuberculosis in the absence of both vertebral and meningeal tuberculosis. Diagnosis was made based on intra-operative findings and was confirmed by histopathology. Early surgical decompression along with a combination of steroid and antitubercular therapy resulted in a good outcome. At 26-month follow-up, the patient regained bladder control and was able to walk with support. Clinical features, magnetic resonance imaging, and intra-operative findings are described. Pathology and the relevant literature are discussed.

Tuberculous lesions of the lumbosacral region. A 15-year follow-up of patients treated by ambulant chemotherapy.

STUDY DESIGN: A 15-year clinical follow-up of tuberculous lesions of the lumbosacral region. OBJECTIVES: To verify the hypothesis that the lumbar lordosis and the specific biomechanics of the lumbosacral region influence and alter the healing pattern and progress of the disease when compared with their effects in other regions of the spine. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: An estimated 2 million or more patients have active spinal tuberculosis, and the global incidence of the disease is increasing. The involvement of the lower lumbar region and the lumbosacral junction is relatively rare, with few reports in English literature. METHODS: Of a total of 304 patients forming a part of a controlled clinical trial comparing two forms of therapy in spinal tuberculosis, 53 patients had involvement of L3 and below. The following data were studied in these patients: age at start of treatment, number of vertebra involved, vertebral body loss, progress of the angle of kyphosis, and anterior and posterior growth of the involved segment during a period of 15 years. Student's t test for independent samples was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The fourth lumbar vertebra was the most common vertebral segment involved, and the lumbosacral junction was affected in 12 patients. The average pretreatment kyphosis was 6.4 degrees and increased to 10.2 degrees at the end of 15 years. The average kyphotio angle per vertebral body loss was 4.9 degrees, far less than in the dorsolumbar region in which kyphotic angles of 27-30 degrees have been reported. Children younger than 10 years old differed in clinical appearance and progress compared with those older than 17 years. They not only showed more extensive involvement but also had more deformity with the same vertebral loss. Twelve patients less than 10 years old had an average involvement of 3.1 vertebral bodies and an average vertebral loss of 2.2 bodies. In comparison, the average number of vertebrae involved was 1.9 (P < 0.01) and the vertebral body loss was only 0.87 (P < 0.01) in patients older than 17 years. Also, the average kyphosis was 6.4 degrees compared with only 4.2 degrees (P < 0.01) in adults. In patients older than 17 years, there was no change after 2 years, by which time the collapse was complete. Four of 12 patients less than 10 years old, showed progressive kyphosis caused by continued growth of posterior parts of the body (i.e., sequestrated hemivertebrae). CONCLUSIONS: In tuberculosis of the lumbosacral region, the development of kyphosis is minimal in patients older than 17 years, when growth has already stopped, and deformity is expressed more as foreshortening of the trunk. Children younger than 10 years old have more severe involvement with increased tendency toward greater kyphosis. They are also prone to progressive deformity through the years when the anterior growth plates are destroyed. Surgery is indicated in this group to prevent greater deformity.