Evaluation of topical Dexmedetomidine administration in postlaminectomy epidural fibrosis rat model.

Epidural fibrosis is a challenging topic in spinal surgery. Numerous clinical and experimental studies have been focused on this issue to clarify problems faced in spinal procedures for the patient as well as the surgeon and find out new methodologies. Dense cytokines and growth factors which are released from inflammatory cells have been suggested to play a major role in the inception and progression of fibrosis. One of the most investigated and important actor in epidural fibrosis is assumed to be the transforming growth factor-1ß (TGF-1ß) formation. Studies showed that Dexmedetomidine (DEX) downregulates TGF-ß pathway with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. From this point of view, for the first time in the literature we try to observe if there will be an effect of topical DEX administration over epidural fibrosis in a rat model. We hypothesized that DEX might have preventive effects on epidural fibrosis via anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Twenty-four adult male Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to three groups (Topical DEX, Spongostan, Laminectomy). A total laminectomy was performed at the L3-L5 level and then the ligamentum flavum and epidural fat tissue were cleared away from the surgical site. Histopathological assessment was performed postoperatively after 4 weeks. Our study revealed that topical DEX administration may have effects on reducing epidural fibrosis. Topical DEX administration may be helpful in preventing epidural fibrosis after laminectomy in rats through multiple anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms as well as through TGF -1ß pathway.

Treatment alternative for irreparable rotator cuff ruptures: Arthroscopic biodegradable balloon.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of massive irreparable rotator cuff rupture has still no consensus among shoulder surgeons. It is assumed that symptomatic rotator cuff tendon rupture is accepted as irreparable if retraction amount of tendon is Patte stage 3 on MRI; degree of fatty atrophy is Goutallier stage 3 or 4; narrowing of acromiohumeral distance is lesser than 7 mm and excursion of tendon to repair has decreased and patient has severe pain. Biodegradable balloon is one of the newest methods for the treatment of irreparable massive rotator cuff ruptures. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess shoulder function in the patients who underwent biodegradable balloon procedure for irreparable massive rotator cuff ruptures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Arthroscopic biodegradable balloon method was carried out on the 12 patients, who presented with symptomatic irreparable massive rotator cuff rupture, from October 2010 to November 2013. RESULTS: Preoperative and postoperative mean constant score of patients were 25.8 and 75.4 respectively. The mean Oxford shoulder score of the patients were 21.3 and 42.9 respectively, and mean shoulder abduction degree of the patients were73.5 and 165 respectively. All the patients stated that they were satisfied with the treatment and there was significant regression in their complaints. CONCLUSION: If conservative treatment is insufficient for patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears, biodegradable balloon method has yielded favorable outcomes in terms of pain and functionality in comparison with other surgical methods. Moreover, lesser morbidity, short procedure time and absence of postoperative rehabilitation requirement can be considered as advantages of this method.