An anatomical approach to the tarsal tunnel syndrome: what can ankle's medial side anatomy reveal to us?

BACKGROUND: The heel is a complex anatomical region and is very often the source of pain complaints. The medial heel contains a number of structures, capable of compressing the main nerves of the region and knowing its anatomical topography is mandatory. The purpose of this work is to evaluate if tibial nerve (TN) and its main branches relate to the main anatomical landmarks of the ankle's medial side and if so, do they have a regular path after emerging from TN. METHODS: The distal part of the legs, ankles and feet of 12 Thiel embalmed cadavers were dissected. The pattern of the branches of the TN was registered and the measurements were performed according to the Dellon-McKinnon malleolar-calcaneal line (DML) and the Heimkes Triangle (HT). RESULTS: The TN divided proximal to DML in 87.5%, on top of the DML in 12,5% and distal in none of the feet. The Baxter's nerve (BN) originated proximally in 50%, on top of the DML in 12,5% and distally in 37.5% of the cases. There was a strong and significant correlation between the length of DML and the distance from the center of the medial malleolus (MM) to the lateral plantar nerve (LPN), medial plantar (MPN) nerve, BN and Medial Calcaneal Nerve (MCN) (ρ: 0.910, 0.866, 0.970 and 0.762 respectively, p <  0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In our sample the TN divides distal to DML in none of the cases. We also report a strong association between ankle size and the distribution of the MPN, LPN, BN and MCN. We hypothesize that location of these branches on the medial side of the ankle could be more predictable if we take into consideration the distance between the MM and the medial process of the calcaneal tuberosity.

Supracondylar Apophysis of the Humerus: Rare Cause of High Compression of the Median Nerve.

Supracondylar apophysis (SA) is a bony prominence that originates from the anteromedial aspect of the distal humerus with a lower projection and which, although usually asymptomatic, due to the relationship with adjacent structures can cause symptoms. We describe the case of a 42-year-old woman with pain complaints radiating from her elbow to her hand, with 6 months of evolution. On objective examination, the patient had a sensory deficit in the median nerve territory and decreased grip strength. Radiographs of the distal humerus were performed, in which a bone spike was visible, and magnetic resonance imaging showed thickening of the median nerve epineurium. Electromyography showed severe axonal demyelination of the median nerve proximal to the elbow. A median nerve compression caused by a SA was diagnosed. The patient underwent surgery and, 1 year after the operation, she had a complete clinical recovery. Supracondylar apophysis is a rare, but possible and treatable cause of high median nerve compression.

Supracondylar Apophysis of the Humerus: Rare Cause of High Compression of the Median Nerve / Apófise supracondilar do úmero: Causa rara de compressão alta do nervo mediano

Abstract Supracondylar apophysis (SA) is a bony prominence that originates from the anteromedial aspect of the distal humerus with a lower projection and which, although usually asymptomatic, due to the relationship with adjacent structures can cause symptoms. We describe the case of a 42-year-old woman with pain complaints radiating from her elbow to her hand, with 6 months of evolution. On objective examination, the patient had a sensory deficit in the median nerve territory and decreased grip strength. Radiographs of the distal humerus were performed, in which a bone spike was visible, and magnetic resonance imaging showed thickening of the median nerve epineurium. Electromyography showed severe axonal demyelination of the median nerve proximal to the elbow. A median nerve compression caused by a SA was diagnosed. The patient underwent surgery and, 1 year after the operation, she had a complete clinical recovery. Supracondylar apophysis is a rare, but possible and treatable cause of high median nerve compression.

Resumo A apófise supracondilar (ASC) é uma proeminência óssea que tem origem na face anteromedial do úmero distal com projeção inferior e que, apesar de habitualmente assintomática, pela relação com as estruturas adjacentes pode causar sintomatologia. Descrevemos o caso de uma mulher de 42 anos, com queixas álgicas irradiadas do cotovelo à mão, com 6 meses de evolução. Ao exame objetivo, a paciente apresentava um déficit sensorial no território do nervo mediano e diminuição da força de preensão. Foram realizadas radiografias do úmero distal nas quais era visível uma espícula óssea, e na ressonância magnética era evidente o espessamento do epineuro do nervo mediano. A eletromiografia apresentou uma desmielinização axonal grave do nervo mediano proximal ao cotovelo. Foi diagnosticada uma compressão do nervo mediano por uma ASC. A paciente foi submetida à cirurgia e 1 ano pós-operatório apresentou recuperação clínica total. A ASC é uma causa rara, mas possível e tratável da compressão alta do nervo mediano.

Sagittal Plane Alignment and Functional Outcomes Following Surgery for Scheuermann Kyphosis.

Objective To evaluate and correlate the pelvic parameters, the sagittal balance (SB), and the functional outcome of the patients submitted to surgical treatment for Scheuermann hyperkyphosis (SK). Methods Patients submitted to surgery between January 2005 and December 2016 were included. The following radiographic measurements were obtained: thoracic kyphosis (TK); lumbar lordosis (LL); SB; pelvic incidence (PI); pelvic tilt (PT); and sacral slope (SS). Complications during the follow-up period were recorded. Results A total of 19 patients were included (16 males): the mean preoperative kyphosis was of 83°, and the postoperative kyphosis was of 57°. The mean preoperative lumbar lordosis was of 66°, with a postoperative spontaneous correction of 47°. Regarding the preoperative pelvic parameters, the average PI, PT and SS were of 48°,10° and 39° respectively. In the postoperative period, these values were of 50°, 16° and 35° respectively. The preoperative SB was neutral, and it was maintained after the surgical correction. Concerning complications during the follow-up period, three junctional kyphosis were observed-two requiring revision surgery, one nonunion, and one dehiscence of the surgical wound. Regarding the functional results, the average score on the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) patient questionnaire was of 4.04, and we verified that the SB obtained in the postoperative period had no influence on the functional outcome ( p = 0.125) nor on the postoperative LL ( p = 0.851). Conclusion We verified a spontaneous improvement in the lumbar hyperlordosis at levels not included in the fusion after correction of the TK. Although the postoperative functional results were globally high, we did not find any statistically significant relationship with TK nor LLs. high PI is associated with a greater rate of complications regarding the proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK), and these pelvic parameters should be considered at the time of the SK surgical treatment.

Sagittal Plane Alignment and Functional Outcomes Following Surgery for Scheuermann Kyphosis / Alinhamento do plano sagital e resultados funcionais após cirurgia para a cifose de Scheuermann

Abstract Objective To evaluate and correlate the pelvic parameters, the sagittal balance (SB), and the functional outcome of the patients submitted to surgical treatment for Scheuermann hyperkyphosis (SK). Methods Patients submitted to surgery between January 2005 and December 2016 were included. The following radiographic measurements were obtained: thoracic kyphosis (TK); lumbar lordosis (LL); SB; pelvic incidence (PI); pelvic tilt (PT); and sacral slope (SS). Complications during the follow-up period were recorded. Results A total of 19 patients were included (16 males): the mean preoperative kyphosis was of 83°, and the postoperative kyphosis was of 57°. The mean preoperative lumbar lordosis was of 66°, with a postoperative spontaneous correction of 47°. Regarding the preoperative pelvic parameters, the average PI, PT and SS were of 48°,10° and 39° respectively. In the postoperative period, these values were of 50°, 16° and 35° respectively. The preoperative SB was neutral, and it was maintained after the surgical correction. Concerning complications during the follow-up period, three junctional kyphosis were observed-two requiring revision surgery, one nonunion, and one dehiscence of the surgical wound. Regarding the functional results, the average score on the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) patient questionnaire was of 4.04, and we verified that the SB obtained in the postoperative period had no influence on the functional outcome (p = 0.125) nor on the postoperative LL (p = 0.851). Conclusion We verified a spontaneous improvement in the lumbar hyperlordosis at levels not included in the fusion after correction of the TK. Although the postoperative functional results were globally high, we did not find any statistically significant relationship with TK nor LLs. high PI is associated with a greater rate of complications regarding the proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK), and these pelvic parameters should be considered at the time of the SK surgical treatment.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar e correlacionar os parâmetros pélvicos, o equilíbrio sagital (SB), e o resultado funcional dos pacientes submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico da hipercifose de Scheuermann (SK). Métodos Foram incluídos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia entre janeiro de 2005 e dezembro de 2016. Foram obtidas as seguintes medidas radiográficas: cifose torácica (TK); lordose lombar (LL); SB; incidência pélvica (PI); inclinação pélvica (PT); e inclinação sacral (SS). Complicações foram registradas durante o período de seguimento. Resultados Foram incluídos 19 pacientes (16 homens): a cifose pré-operatória média foi de 83°, e, após a cirurgia, de 57°. A LL média pré-operatória foi de 66°, com uma correção espontânea pós-operatória de 47°. Quanto aos parâmetros pélvicos préoperatórios, as médias de PI, PT e SS foram de 48°, 10° e 39°, respectivamente. No pósoperatório, esses valores foram de 50°, 16° e 35°, respectivamente. O SB pré-operatório foi neutro e mantido após correção cirúrgica. Quanto às complicações durante o período de seguimento, foram observadas três cifoses juncionais - duas necessitando de cirurgia de revisão, uma má consolidação, e uma deiscência de sutura. Em relação aos resultados funcionais, a pontuação média no questionário de 22 itens da Scoliosis Research Society (SRS-22) foi de 4,04, e verificou-se que o SB no pós-operatório não teve influência no desfecho funcional (p = 0,125), nem na LL pós-operatória (p = 0,851). Conclusão Verificamos uma melhora espontânea da hiperlordose lombar em níveis não incluídos na fusão após a correção da TK. Embora os resultados funcionais pósoperatórios tenham sido globalmente elevados, não encontramos nenhuma relação estatisticamente significativa com a TK nem com a LL. A PI elevada está associada a maior complicação da cifose juncional proximal (PJK), e esses parâmetros pélvicos devem ser considerados no momento do tratamento cirúrgico da cifose de Scheuermann.

Surgical anatomy of the radial nerve in the arm: a cadaver study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyse the anatomic course of the radial nerve (RN) in the arm, in order to minimize the potential risk of surgical injury. METHODS: The study was performed in 19 embalmed upper extremities of 11 adult human cadavers. We measured: distance from deltoid insertion (DI) into the humerus to lateral epicondyle (LE); distance from RN piercing point into the lateral intermuscular septum (LIS) to three other points-DI, LE and RN division into superficial and deep terminal branches; distance between the LE and the RN division. To assess variability, we correlated the distances between the landmarks to the overall length of the arm. RESULTS: The RN was found to pierce the LIS within 31.6 mm of the most distal DI into the humerus. The mean distance between the entry point of RN in the LIS and the LE was 107.2 mm. The mean distance between RN perforating point in the LIS and RN division in its terminal branches was 86.4 mm. The DI-LE and the LIS-LE showed a moderate positive correlation with the length of the arm. CONCLUSION: We describe the DI relationship to the RN course and also report its proportion within overall arm length which has not been previously described. Using the arm length as reference, our results show that RN can be found to perforate on the LIS at a point distal to the DI by 11% and proximal to the LE by 38%.

Spondylectomy for Primary Ewing Lumbar Sarcoma in Children.

Primary Ewing sarcoma in the spine is very rare, and the treatment for it is multidisciplinary. There is no consensus regarding the optimal method of local control; however, en bloc resection is associated with an improvement in survival rates. The authors report a case of a 5-year-old girl who initially presented low back pain, and was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma after being submitted to imaging studies by radiography, magnetic resonance and bone biopsy. A spondylectomy was performed in accordance with the Euro Ewing protocol. At the three-year follow-up, the patient had no restrictions regarding her daily activities, and there has been no evidence of recurrence to date.

Spondylectomy for Primary Ewing Lumbar Sarcoma in Children / Espondilectomia para sarcoma lombar primário de Ewing em crianças

Abstract Primary Ewing sarcoma in the spine is very rare, and the treatment for it is multidisciplinary. There is no consensus regarding the optimal method of local control; however, en bloc resection is associated with an improvement in survival rates. The authors report a case of a 5-year-old girl who initially presented low back pain, and was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma after being submitted to imaging studies by radiography, magnetic resonance and bone biopsy. A spondylectomy was performed in accordance with the Euro Ewing protocol. At the three-year follow-up, the patient had no restrictions regarding her daily activities, and there has been no evidence of recurrence to date.

Resumo O sarcoma de Ewing da coluna vertebral é raro, e seu tratamento é multidisciplinar. Não há consenso sobre o método ideal de controle local do tumor; no entanto, a ressecção em bloco com margens negativas está associada a uma melhora da sobrevida. Os autores relatam um caso de uma paciente de 5 anos do sexo feminino que inicialmente se apresentou com dor lombar, tendo sido diagnosticada com sarcoma de Ewing de acordo com o estudo imagiológico por radiografia, ressonância magnética e biópsia óssea. A paciente foi submetida a vertebrectomia após quimioterapia, de acordo com o protocolo Euro Ewing. Aos três anos de seguimento, não apresentou restrições nas atividades da vida diária, e, até o momento, não houve evidência de recidiva.

Azole-resistant Candida albicans Spondylodiscitis After Bariatric Surgery: A Case Report.

CASE: We present a case of azole and partial caspofungin-resistant Candida albicans spondylodiscitis, after bariatric surgery with bowel perforation. Treatment included debridement and several months of anidulafungin, complemented with antibacterial therapy because of relapse for bacterial superinfection. After treatment, the infection did not recur clinically or radiologically during one and half years follow-up. CONCLUSION: Although C. albicans spondylodiscitis is rare, fungi should be suspected as a causative agent. Adequate history, imaging and laboratory testing, and medical and surgical treatment should be performed to successfully eradicate the infection and resolve potential neurological deficits.

Pediatric Pyomyositis: A Rare but Important Complication of Varicella.

Varicella is a common viral infection in children and most of them recover without sequelae, but serious complications can follow this infection and 6% have been reported to be musculoskeletal. A previously healthy 3-year-old Caucasian male presented with odynophagia, anorexy, fever, refusal to bear weight, and vesicular exanthema. Varicella was diagnosed, but he sustained fever around 39°C and local tenderness on the proximal lateral portion of the right leg maintaining an antalgic position. Ultrasonography and plain radiography were performed, but the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed due to the clinically worsening diagnosed pyomyositis. He was subjected to surgical debridement, and we started intravenous antibiotherapy. Streptococcus pyogenes grew in the microbiologic culture. At a 6-month follow-up, the boy did not suffer from any sequelae. The regular course of varicella is benign; however, it can occasionally develop into a more serious illness. The initial presentation of pyomyositis is often subacute, and the first symptoms may be vague. The awareness of musculoskeletal complications is imperative, and the combination of varicella's exanthema and fever followed by some limb complaint should lead to an alert attitude.

Cervical Osteoblastoma: A Case Report.

Osteoblastoma is a rare benign primary bone tumor. It accounts for 3% of benign and 1% of all primary bone tumors. The treatment goal is complete surgical resection. This treatment limits the risk of recurrence. As osteoblastoma is a highly vascular tumor, complete resection is often difficult. This report describes the case of a 19-year-old male patient who presented severe right-sided neck and shoulder pain. The computed tomography scan revealed a mass lesion on C7 compatible with osteoblastoma. Preoperative embolization and tumor resection were performed. At the 3-year follow-up, the patient had no restrictions on daily activities, and, to date, there has been no evidence of recurrence.

Cervical Osteoblastoma: A Case Report / Osteoblastoma cervical: relato de caso

Abstract Osteoblastoma is a rare benign primary bone tumor. It accounts for 3% of benign and 1% of all primary bone tumors. The treatment goal is complete surgical resection. This treatment limits the risk of recurrence. As osteoblastoma is a highly vascular tumor, complete resection is often difficult. This report describes the case of a 19-year-old male patient who presented severe right-sided neck and shoulder pain. The computed tomography scan revealed a mass lesion on C7 compatible with osteoblastoma. Preoperative embolization and tumor resection were performed. At the 3-year follow-up, the patient had no restrictions on daily activities, and, to date, there has been no evidence of recurrence.

Resumo Osteoblastoma é um tumor primário benigno raro. Constitui cerca de 3% dos tumores benignos e 1% de todos os tumores ósseos. O objetivo do tratamento é a ressecção completa, que limita o risco de recidiva. Por se tratar de um tumor vascularizado, a ressecção completa é, muitas vezes, difícil. Os autores descrevem um caso clínico de um paciente do sexomasculino de 19 anos que apresentava queixas de cervicalgia direita com irradiação para o ombro. O exame por tomografia computadorizada indicou uma lesão em C7 compatível com osteoblastoma. O paciente foi submetido a resseção cirúrgica após embolização pré-operatória e artrodese anterior. Aos 3 anos de seguimento, o paciente encontra-se assintomático e, até a data, sem evidência de recidiva.

Beliefs about childhood cancer: perceptions of survivors and mothers / Crenças sobre o câncer infantil: percepção de sobreviventes e mães / Creencias sobre el cáncer en niños: percepción de sobrevivientes y madres

Beliefs regarding a disease refer to mental schemes people construct based on their direct or indirect experiences and that are related to their health behavior and self-regulation. Such beliefs help childhood cancer survivors understand their behavior in their follow-up treatment. This study's purpose was to examine the beliefs concerning childhood cancer among 27 survivors and 49 mothers, who completed sociodemographic surveys and questionnaires addressing disease perceptions via an online platform. Results reveal that mothers, more frequently than survivors, perceived childhood cancer as a chronic disease with cyclical symptoms, with more negative consequences and emotional representations. The mothers also reported having greater understanding regarding the disease and more strongly believed in personal and treatment control in comparison to survivors. The conclusion is that the fact that survivors more positively perceived childhood cancer may indicate they re-signified their experiences in an adaptive manner.

As crenças sobre a doença referem-se a esquemas mentais que as pessoas constroem a partir de sua experiência direta ou indireta e que se relacionam com o seu comportamento em saúde e autorregulação. Em sobreviventes de câncer infantil, as crenças ajudam a compreender seus comportamentos no período pós-tratamento. Objetivou-se examinar as crenças sobre o câncer infantil em 27 sobreviventes e 49 mães que responderam a questionários sociodemográficos e de percepção da doença numa plataforma on-line. Os resultados apontaram que as mães perceberam o câncer infantil como uma doença crônica, com sintomas cíclicos, com consequências e representação emocional mais negativas que os sobreviventes. Ainda, as mães referiram compreender os aspectos relacionados à doença e acreditam no controle pessoal e do tratamento num nível mais elevado que os sobreviventes. Conclui-se que o fato de os sobreviventes perceberem o câncer infantil de maneira mais positiva pode indicar uma ressignificação da experiência de forma adaptativa.

Las creencias sobre la enfermedad se refieren a esquemas mentales que las personas construyen a partir de su experiencia directa o indirecta y que se relacionan con su conducta en salud y autorregulación. En sobrevivientes de cáncer en la niñez, sus creencias ayudan a comprender sus conductas en el periodo post-tratamiento. El objetivo fue examinar las creencias sobre el cáncer en la niñez en 27 sobrevivientes adultos jóvenes y 49 madres que contestaron a cuestionarios sociodemográfico y de percepción de la enfermedad en un sitio web. Los resultados mostraron que las madres percibieron el cáncer en la niñez como una enfermedad crónica, con síntomas cíclicos, con consecuencias y representación emocional más negativa que los sobrevivientes. Además, las madres refirieron comprender la enfermedad y creer en el control personal y del tratamiento a un nivel más alto que los sobrevivientes. Se concluye que el hecho de que los sobrevivientes perciban el cáncer en la niñez de manera más positiva pueda indicar una nueva significación de la experiencia de manera positiva.

La revelación del diagnóstico en oncología: una investigación transcultural Brasil-España / Cancer disclosure: a cross-cultural research Brazil-Spain

Objetivo: examinar aspectos transculturales de la revelación del diagnóstico de cáncer en pacientes brasileños y españoles. Método: Se realizó una investigación cualitativa en la que fueron entrevistados 28 pacientes en quimioterapia (14 brasileños y 14 españoles). El análisis de contenido identificó tres ejes temáticos: 1) Cómo fue revelado el diagnóstico; 2) Contexto en que el diagnóstico fue revelado y 3) Quién reveló el diagnóstico. Resultados: existen particularidades en la manera de revelar el diagnostico entre los dos países. En Brasil aún ocurre que el enfermo puede ser derivado a un oncólogo sin una explicación satisfactoria previa sobre su estado de salud. Aunque en los dos países existan relatos de comunicación de diagnóstico en el contexto apropiado (consulta), también ha aparecido revelación de manera informal (por teléfono) sin un ambiente adecuado para que el paciente sea acogido y tenga posibilidad de expresar sus miedos y sus dudas. Conclusión: es necesario invertir en la formación profesional para mejorar la habilidad de comunicación y educación en salud para tratar pacientes con cáncer (AU)

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine cross-cultural aspects of the disclosure of cancer diagnosis in Brazilian and Spanish patients. Method: A qualitative research was carried out in which 28 chemotherapy patients (14 Brazilian and 14 Spanish) were interviewed. Content analysis identified three thematic categories: 1) How the diagnosis was disclosured; 2) Context in which the diagnosis was disclosured; 3) Who disclosured the diagnosis. Results: Particularities in the diagnosis disclosure between the two countries was found. In Brazil, it still happens that patient can be referred to an oncologist without a satisfactory explanation about his health status. Although there are reports of diagnosis disclosure in the appropriate context (consultation), also there are reports informal disclosure (by telephone), without an adequate environment for the patient to be welcomed and able to express their fears and doubts. Conclusion: It is necessary to improve the professional training to improve communication skills and health education to treat cancer patients (AU)

Posterior interosseous nerve syndrome after pneumatic hammer use: An uncommon condition.

This case report presents a 27 year-old manual worker with right wrist extension deficit after pneumatic hammer handling. MRI and electromyographic studies revealed partial compromise of the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) proximal to the branch for the extensor digitorum communis. The patient enrolled a 6-week rehabilitation period and recovered without remaing symptoms. PIN syndrome has mostly been associated with compressive neuropathies of the upper limb, but has seldom been reported in labor contexts. This case exemplifies an unusual presentation of PIN compression without a definite imaging diagnosis, where clinical presentation and electrodiagnostic studies are paramount for an accurate approach and understanding of the underlying condition.