SCIWORA. Una rara entidad clínica en la población pediátrica. Estudio ambispectivo / SCIWORA in children. A rare clinical entity: Ambispective study

Introducción: La lesión medular tipo SCIWORA es una entidad clínica con baja incidencia y alta repercusión funcional. El objetivo del estudio es la descripción epidemiológica de esta lesión y su evolución funcional con un seguimiento medio de 10 años. Material y métodos: Estudio analítico, longitudinal, de cohortes ambispectivo. Fueron evaluados 13 pacientes con el diagnóstico de SCIWORA en el periodo de estudio 2001-2022. Variables evaluadas: edad, sexo, días hasta la lesión medular, causa de lesión, imagen medular en la RM postraumatismo, nivel neurológico de lesión, ASIA ingreso/alta/5 años, SCIM III ingreso/alta/3 años, tipo de tratamiento empleado, empleo de terapia NASCIS III ingreso, tiempo de hospitalización, seguimiento medio. En octubre del 2022 fueron nuevamente evaluados en consultas externas mediante: cuestionario de discapacidad cervical (NDI)/Oswestry y cuestionario de calidad de vida validado en castellano para lesionados medulares (SV-QLI/SCI). Resultados: La mediana de edad fue de 4 años, 77% varones. El 54% de las lesiones corresponden a nivel cervical. El ASIA al ingreso fue del 31% A y del 31% C, nivel neurológico: C2 (22%) y T10 (15%), tráfico como causa de lesión (77%), SCIM III ingreso/alta: 28,5/42. La estancia media hospitalaria fue de 115 días. NDI: 11,6 y Oswestry: 15,3. Conclusión: El 77% de los SCIWORA se producen en menores de 8 años. Al año del alta hospitalaria un 31% de los pacientes fueron catalogados como ASIA D y a los 5 años el porcentaje se mantiene constante. No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre la causa de la lesión y tipo de alteración en RM (p = 0,872), ni entre la edad y el tipo de lesión medular objetivada en RM (p = 0,149).(AU)

Introduction: SCIWORA has a low incidence but a high functional repercussion. The aim of the present study was to characterize the epidemiology of this clinical-radiological condition and evaluate functional outcome with a mean of 10-years follow-up. Material and methods: Observational, longitudinal ambispective cohort study. Thirteen SCIWORA patients were admitted in the study period. Demographics, mechanism of injury, spinal cord MRI findings, neurological level of injury, time to SCI, neurological status (AIS) at admission/discharge/5 years, spinal cord independence measure (SCIM III) scale at admission and discharge, hospital length of stay and mean follow-up were recorded. On October 2022 patients were re-evaluated using NDI, Oswestry, and SV-QLI/SCI. Results: Median age was 4 years. The study population for this investigation was mostly men (77%). 54% of level of injury correspond to cervical spine. AIS at admission was A (31%) and C (31%). Neurological level of injury was C2 (22%) and T10 (15%). Motor vehicle-related injury was the most prevalent mechanism of injury (77%), SCIM III scale at admission and discharge: 28.5/42, hospital length of stay was 115 days. The NDI was 11.6, Oswestry: 15.3 and SV-QLI/SCI: 17. Conclusions: Seventy-seven percent of SCIWORA patients was detected under 8 years-old. At 1 year follow-up after discharge 31% patients were AIS grade D and with 5 years follow-up the percentage remain constant. No statistically significant differences in the mechanism of injury and MRI findings (P = 0.872), age and MRI spinal cord findings (P = 0.149) were found in SCIWORA patients.(AU)

[Translated article] Effects of duroplasty with bovine pericardium on fibrosis and extent of spinal cord injury: An experimental study in pigs.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to increased intraspinal pressure that can be prevented by durotomy and duroplasty. The aim of the study was to evaluate fibrosis and neural damage in a porcine model of SCI after duroplasty and application of hyaluronic acid (HA) in the tissue cavity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental study. We created a porcine SCI model by durotomy and spinal cord hemisection of a cervical segment (1cm). Six pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) were used to evaluate three surgical scenarios: (1) control injury with dural reparative microsurgery, (2) duroplasty using bovine pericardium (BPD), and (3) previous method plus HA applied at the lesion. Animals were sacrificed one-month post-injury to assess fibrotic responses and neural tissue damage using conventional histological and immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS: In the control case, dural suture prevented invasion of the lesion by extradural connective tissue, and the dura mater showed a 1-mm thickening in the perilesional area. The bovine pericardium patch blocked the entrance of extradural connective tissue, decreased dura-mater tension, and satisfactorily integrated within the receptor tissue. However, it also enhanced subdural and perilesional fibrosis, which was not inhibited by filling the lesion cavity with low- or high-molecular-weight HA. CONCLUSIONS: Duroplasty prevents collapse of the dura-mater over the spinal cord tissue, as well as invasion of the lesion by extramedullary fibrotic tissue, without creating additional neural damage. Nevertheless, it enhances the fibrotic response in the spinal cord lesion and the perilesional area. Additional antifibrotic strategies are needed to facilitate spinal cord repair.

[Translated article] SCIWORA in children. A rare clinical entity: Ambispective study.

INTRODUCTION: SCIWORA has a low incidence but a high functional repercussion. The aim of the present study was to characterize the epidemiology of this clinical-radiological condition and evaluate functional outcome with a mean of 10-years follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, longitudinal ambispective cohort study. Thirteen SCIWORA patients were admitted in the study period. Demographics, mechanism of injury, spinal cord MRI findings, neurological level of injury, time to SCI, neurological status (AIS) at admission/discharge/5 years, spinal cord independence measure (SCIM III) scale at admission and discharge, hospital length of stay and mean follow-up were recorded. On October 2022 patients were re-evaluated using NDI, Oswestry, and SV-QLI/SCI. RESULTS: Median age was 4 years. The study population for this investigation was mostly men (77%). 54% of level of injury correspond to cervical spine. AIS at admission was A (31%) and C (31%). Neurological level of injury was C2 (22%) and T10 (15%). Motor vehicle-related injury was the most prevalent mechanism of injury (77%), SCIM III scale at admission and discharge: 28.5/42, hospital length of stay was 115 days. The NDI was 11.6, Oswestry: 15.3 and SV-QLI/SCI: 17. CONCLUSIONS: Seventy-seven percent of SCIWORA patients was detected under 8 years-old. At 1 year follow-up after discharge 31% patients were AIS grade D and with 5 years follow-up the percentage remain constant. No statistically significant differences in the mechanism of injury and MRI findings (P=0.872), age and MRI spinal cord findings (P=0.149) were found in SCIWORA patients.

Effects of duroplasty with bovine pericardium on fibrosis and extent of spinal cord injury: An experimental study in pigs. / Efecto de la reparación de la duramadre con pericardio bovino sobre la fibrosis y la extensión de la lesión medular: estudio experimental en cerdos.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to increased intraspinal pressure that can be prevented by durotomy and duroplasty. The aim of the study was to evaluate fibrosis and neural damage in a porcine model of SCI after duroplasty and application of hyaluronic acid (HA) in the tissue cavity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental study. We created a porcine SCI model by durotomy and spinal cord hemisection of a cervical segment (1cm). Six pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) were used to evaluate three surgical scenarios: (1)control injury with dural reparative microsurgery, (2)duroplasty using bovine pericardium (BPD), and (3)previous method plus HA applied at the lesion. Animals were sacrificed one-month post-injury to assess fibrotic responses and neural tissue damage using conventional histological and immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS: In the control case, dural suture prevented invasion of the lesion by extradural connective tissue, and the dura mater showed a 1-mm thickening in the perilesional area. The bovine pericardium patch blocked the entrance of extradural connective tissue, decreased dura-mater tension, and satisfactorily integrated within the receptor tissue. However, it also enhanced subdural and perilesional fibrosis, which was not inhibited by filling the lesion cavity with low- or high-molecular-weight HA. CONCLUSIONS: Duroplasty prevents collapse of the dura-mater over the spinal cord tissue, as well as invasion of the lesion by extramedullary fibrotic tissue, without creating additional neural damage. Nevertheless, it enhances the fibrotic response in the spinal cord lesion and the perilesional area. Additional antifibrotic strategies are needed to facilitate spinal cord repair.

SCIWORA in children. A rare clinical entity: Ambispective study. / SCIWORA. Una rara entidad clínica en la población pediátrica. Estudio ambispectivo.

INTRODUCTION: SCIWORA has a low incidence but a high functional repercussion. The aim of the present study was to characterize the epidemiology of this clinical-radiological condition and evaluate functional outcome with a mean of 10-years follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, longitudinal ambispective cohort study. Thirteen SCIWORA patients were admitted in the study period. Demographics, mechanism of injury, spinal cord MRI findings, neurological level of injury, time to SCI, neurological status (AIS) at admission/discharge/5 years, spinal cord independence measure (SCIM III) scale at admission and discharge, hospital length of stay and mean follow-up were recorded. On October 2022 patients were re-evaluated using NDI, Oswestry, and SV-QLI/SCI. RESULTS: Median age was 4 years. The study population for this investigation was mostly men (77%). 54% of level of injury correspond to cervical spine. AIS at admission was A (31%) and C (31%). Neurological level of injury was C2 (22%) and T10 (15%). Motor vehicle-related injury was the most prevalent mechanism of injury (77%), SCIM III scale at admission and discharge: 28.5/42, hospital length of stay was 115 days. The NDI was 11.6, Oswestry: 15.3 and SV-QLI/SCI: 17. CONCLUSIONS: Seventy-seven percent of SCIWORA patients was detected under 8 years-old. At 1 year follow-up after discharge 31% patients were AIS grade D and with 5 years follow-up the percentage remain constant. No statistically significant differences in the mechanism of injury and MRI findings (P = 0.872), age and MRI spinal cord findings (P = 0.149) were found in SCIWORA patients.

[Translated article] Relation between the volume of injected cement and the vertebral volume in the clinical outcome and in the appearance of leakage after a percutaneous vertebroplasty.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the connection between the volume of injected cement and the vertebral volume measured through a volumetric analysis with a computed tomography (CT scan) in relation to the clinical result and the appearance of a leakage in patients who underwent a percutaneous vertebroplasty after an osteoporotic fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study of 27 patients (18 female-9 male) with an average age of 69 years old (50-81), and with a one-year follow-up. The study group presented 41 vertebrae with osteoporotic fractures that were treated with a percutaneous vertebroplasty with a bilateral transpedicular approach. The volume of injected cement was registered in each procedure and it was assessed together with the spinal volume measured through a volumetric analysis with CT scans. The percentage of the spinal filler was calculated. The appearance of cement leakage was proved by means of a simple radiography and a postoperative CT scan in all the cases. The leaks were classified according to the location in relation to the vertebral body (posterior, lateral, anterior and in the disc), and the significance (minor: smaller than the largest diameter of the pedicle; moderate: larger than the pedicle but smaller than the height of the vertebra; major: larger than the height of the vertebra). RESULTS: The average vertebra volume was 26.1cm3, the average volume of the injected cement was 2.0cm3 and the percentage of the average filler was 9%. A total of 15 leaks in 41 vertebrae appeared (37%). The leaks were posterior in 2 vertebrae, vascular in 8 and into the disc in 5 vertebrae. They were deemed as minor in 12 cases, moderate in 1 and major in 2 cases. The preoperative assessment of the pain was as it follows: VAS (8) and Oswestry (67%). The cessation of pain was immediate after a year with the following postoperative results: VAS (1.7) and Oswestry (19%). The only complication was the temporary neuritis with a spontaneous resolution. CONCLUSIONS: The injection of small amounts of cement, lower than the ones referred to by literary sources, obtains clinical results similar to the ones obtained by injecting higher amounts and it reduces the number of cement leaks and further complications.

Relation between the volume of injected cement and the vertebral volume in the clinical outcome and in the appearance of leakage after a percutaneous vertebroplasty. / Relación entre el volumen de cemento inyectado y el volumen vertebral en el resultado clínico y en la aparición de fugas tras vertebroplastia percutánea.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the connection between the volume of injected cement and the vertebral volume measured through a volumetric analysis with a computed tomography (CT scan) in relation to the clinical result and the appearance of a leakage in patients who underwent a percutaneous vertebroplasty after an osteoporotic fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study of 27 patients (18 female-9 male) with an average age of 69 years old (50-81), and with a one-year follow-up. The study group presented 41 vertebrae with osteoporotic fractures that were treated with a percutaneous vertebroplasty with a bilateral transpedicular approach. The volume of injected cement was registered in each procedure and it was assessed together with the spinal volume measured through a volumetric analysis with CT scans. The percentage of the spinal filler was calculated. The appearance of cement leakage was proved by means of a simple radiography and a postoperative CT scan in all the cases. The leaks were classified according to the location in relation to the vertebral body (posterior, lateral, anterior and in the disc), and the significance (minor: smaller than the largest diameter of the pedicle; moderate: larger than the pedicle but smaller than the height of the vertebra; major: larger than the height of the vertebra). RESULTS: The average vertebra volume was 26.1 cc, the average volume of the injected cement was 2.0 cc and the percentage of the average filler was 9%. A total of 15 leaks in 41 vertebrae appeared (37%). The leaks were posterior in 2 vertebrae, vascular in 8 and into the disc in 5 vertebrae. They were deemed as minor in 12 cases, moderate in 1 and major in 2 cases. The preoperative assessment of the pain was as it follows: VAS (8) and Oswestry (67%). The cessation of pain was immediate after a year with the following postoperative results: VAS (1.7) and Oswestry (19%). The only complication was the temporary neuritis with a spontaneous resolution. CONCLUSIONS: The injection of small amounts of cement, lower than the ones referred to by literary sources, obtains clinical results similar to the ones obtained by injecting higher amounts and it reduces the number of cement leaks and further complications.

Clinodactilia postraumática del meñique en el pelotari manista / Post-traumatic clinodactyly of the little finger in Basque hand-pelota players

OBJETIVO: Cuantificar la desviación angular de la articulación interfalángica distal (IFD) del 5.° dedo y la presencia de cambios degenerativos en IFD en jugadores de pelota y compararlos con una población española. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de casos y controles de una población de 40 pelotaris manomanistas federados y de un grupo control formado por 20 varones no practicantes de pelota. Se calcularon el ángulo IFD y la presencia de cambios degenerativos en la articulación. RESULTADOS: El ángulo IFD medio del 5.° dedo en el grupo control fue de 2,6° en la mano dominante y de 2,9° en mano no dominante. Grupo de pelotaris: ángulo IFD de 6,8° en mano dominante y 10,9° en la no dominante. El ángulo IFD fue significativamente mayor en la mano no dominante (p = 0,002) en el grupo de pelotaris. No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre ambas manos en el grupo control (p = 0,572). Se hallaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas tanto para la mano dominante (p = 0,001) como para la no dominante (p = 0,001) al comparar grupo control con pelotaris. Los pelotaris tienen un ángulo IFD superior a los controles en ambas manos. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en grupo pelotari según la posición en la cancha (p = 0,742 delantero, p = 0,747 zaguero) ni por categorías (p = 0,345 aficionado, p = 0,346 profesional). DISCUSIÓN: La práctica de pelota a mano se asocia a la presencia de una clinodactilia postraumática de la falange distal del 5.° dedo. La mano no dominante presenta unos ángulos mayores en IFD. La presencia de clinodactilia no genera limitación funcional

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to measure the DIP joint angle of the little finger and presence of degenerative changes in the DIP joint in Basque hand-pelota players and compare it with the general Spanish population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study. We studied both hands of 40 male Basque pelota players (pelotaris) and 20 male controls. The assessment protocol consisted of a questionnaire, physical examination and bilateral plain radiographs. Distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint angle was measured on plain radiographs in both hands. RESULTS: The average DIP joint angle of the little finger in the control group was 2.6° in the dominant hand and 2.9° in the other hand. In the pelota players group we obtained a DIP angle of 6.8° in the dominant hand and 10.9° in the non-dominant hand. The DIP angle was significantly higher in the non-dominant hand (P=.002) in the pelota player group. Non-significant differences were obtained between both hands in the control group (p=.572). Significant differences were obtained in both player and control groups in the dominant hand (P=.001) and in the non-dominant hand (P=.001). Pelota players have a higher DIP angle in the little fingers than the control group. No differences were found in the pelota player group according to their position on the court (P=.742 forward, P=.747 defender) or sport level (P=.345 amateur, P=.346 professional). DISCUSSION: Basque hand-pelota produces post-traumatic acquired clinodactyly of the little finger. The non-dominant hand has a higher DIP joint angle. Clinodactyly poses no functional problems

Post-Traumatic Clinodactyly of the Little Finger in Basque Hand-Pelota Players. / Clinodactilia postraumática del meñique en el pelotari manista.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to measure the DIP joint angle of the little finger and presence of degenerative changes in the DIP joint in Basque hand-pelota players and compare it with the general Spanish population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study. We studied both hands of 40 male Basque pelota players (pelotaris) and 20 male controls. The assessment protocol consisted of a questionnaire, physical examination and bilateral plain radiographs. Distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint angle was measured on plain radiographs in both hands. RESULTS: The average DIP joint angle of the little finger in the control group was 2.6° in the dominant hand and 2.9° in the other hand. In the pelota players group we obtained a DIP angle of 6.8° in the dominant hand and 10.9° in the non-dominant hand. The DIP angle was significantly higher in the non-dominant hand (P=.002) in the pelota player group. Non-significant differences were obtained between both hands in the control group (p=.572). Significant differences were obtained in both player and control groups in the dominant hand (P=.001) and in the non-dominant hand (P=.001). Pelota players have a higher DIP angle in the little fingers than the control group. No differences were found in the pelota player group according to their position on the court (P=.742 forward, P=.747 defender) or sport level (P=.345 amateur, P=.346 professional). DISCUSSION: Basque hand-pelota produces post-traumatic acquired clinodactyly of the little finger. The non-dominant hand has a higher DIP joint angle. Clinodactyly poses no functional problems.

Neurological injury as a complication of spinal surgery: incidence, risk factors, and prognosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To assess the rate, injury site, aetiology and outcomes in elective spinal surgery patients who sustained a spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: SCI national centre Toledo, Spain. METHODS: The study sample included patients who sustained an SCI after elective spinal surgery from 2013 to 2017. Oncological patients and patients receiving interventional therapies were excluded. Data collected included: demographics, aetiology, precipitating cause, injury mechanism, injury site, neurological status (AIS), SCIMIII at admission and discharge, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, dyslipidemia, depression and hospital length of stay. RESULTS: One thousand two hundred and eighty-two patients were admitted in this period of whom 114 met the inclusion criteria with a median (IQR) age of 58 (45-69) years; 46% female. The prevalence of SCI as a complication following spinal surgery in the total number of patients admitted to our centre was 9%. In 43%, the injury was to the dorsal spine with T12 being the most common neurological level of injury (20% of cases following laminectomy secondary to spinal canal stenosis). The most frequent precipitating cause was epidural haematoma (38% of cases). The median (IQR) SCIMIII scores at admission and discharge were (31) points (20-54) and (67) points (34-81), respectively. General AIS at admission were C (35%) and D at discharge (54%). The presence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity and dyslipidemia adjusted by age was not linked to a higher complication rate. The median (IQR) hospital length of stay was 120 days (60-189). CONCLUSION: In total 8.9% of patients admitted with SCI were the result of elective spinal surgery.

Cirugía de la anquilosis de cadera por osificación heterotópica secundaria a lesión medular / Surgical treatment of hip ankylosis due to heterotopic ossification secondary to spinal cord injury

Objetivo: Exponer nuestra experiencia en el diagnóstico y tratamiento quirúrgico de la anquilosis de cadera secundaria a osificación heterotópica periarticular. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, longitudinal, de cohortes, retrospectivo, de 20 pacientes consecutivos (30 caderas) afectos de osificación heterotópica periarticular secundaria a lesión medular en los últimos 10 años, con un seguimiento mínimo de un año. Se realizó una revisión de las historias clínicas y pruebas de imagen, se valoró el tipo y localización de la osificación heterotópica periarticular, la movilidad pre- y postoperatoria, tipo, nivel y causa de la lesión medular según escala ASIA, tiempo desde la lesión medular hasta la cirugía, existencia de hábito tabáquico, abordaje quirúrgico utilizado y complicaciones asociadas a la cirugía. Resultados: Se evaluaron un total de 20 pacientes (30 caderas): 16 pacientes presentaron un lesión medular completa ASIA A y 4, ASIA B. Todos los pacientes presentaban una anquilosis completa de la cadera que limitaba la sedestación en silla de ruedas, la higiene y los cambios posturales. La movilidad posquirúrgica media fue de 90° de flexión, 20° de rotación interna y 40° de rotación externa. En todos los pacientes se realizó fisioterapia intensiva en la articulación intervenida en el postoperatorio inmediato así como la administración de 200 mg de celecoxib cada 24h durante un mes con el fin de prevenir la recidiva de la osificación. En ningún caso de la serie tuvimos recidivas de la osificación. Conclusiones: El tratamiento quirúrgico mediante exéresis de la osificación hasta conseguir un rango de movilidad adecuado es el tratamiento de elección para los pacientes con anquilosis de cadera

Objectives: To expose our experience in the diagnostic and surgical treatment of neurogenic heterotopic ossification of the hip. Material and methods: We designed an observational retrospective descriptive study including 20 patients (30 hips) with neurogenic heterotopic ossification of the hip secondary to spinal cord injury attended in our institution in the last 10 years, with a minimum of one year follow-up. Medical files and imaging studies were reviewed. The study variables analyzed were: type and localization of neurogenic heterotopic ossification, pre-post excision range of motion, level and aetiology of spinal cord injury, ASIA score, smoking history, surgical approach and complications associated with surgery. Results: A total of 20 patients were treated with resection of heterotopic ossification in 30 hips. 16 patients presented ASIA A spinal cord injury and 4 ASIA B spinal cord injury. Preoperatively all the patients had severe ankylosis in the hip that made sitting in a wheel chair and activities such as repositioning and hygiene difficult. The average postoperative motion at the follow-up evaluation was 90° in flexion, 20° of internal rotation and 40° of external rotation. Immediately after surgery all the patients followed a specific intensive physiotherapy regime for the hip and celecoxib 200 mg was administrated daily orally for a month to prevent recurrence of heterotopic bone formation. None of the patients reviewed suffered a recurrence of heterotopic bone formation. Conclusions: Surgical excision of hip ossification in order to achieve functional ROM of the hip is the best treatment for patients with neurogenic heterotopic ossification of the hip

Are Modic changes in patients with chronic low back pain indicative of a worse clinical course? 10 years of follow-up. / ¿Supone la presencia de cambios Modic en pacientes con dolor lumbar crónico una peor evolución clínica y una mayor posibilidad de precisar cirugía? Evolución a 10 años.

OBJECTIVE: Establish the long-term (10 years) predictive value of Modic changes in the course of lumbar pain and the need for surgical treatment. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Observational longitudinal prospective cohort study. Comparison of progression at 10 years of 2 groups of patients with chronic lumbar pain: group A with Modic changes in MRI and group B with no Modic changes. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: neoplasia, inflammatory or infectious diseases, or previous surgery. Assessment was done with the aid of the VAS for low lumbar and radicular pain and the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire. The need for surgical or medical treatment and occupational disability during the study period was analyzed. For the statistical analyses, the Mann-Whitney U test and logistic regression were applied. RESULTS: Seventy patients, 24 male and 46 female, with a mean age of 56.5 years (35 in each group) were included in the study. No statistically significant differences in the intensity of lumbar pain, degree of impairment, or need for medical or surgical treatment (P>.05) were found in patients with Modic changes types 1, 2, or 3 between the baseline assessment and 10 years after. No statistically significant differences between patients with/without changes in Modic at 10 years of follow-up (P>.05) were determined. CONCLUSIONS: There is no relationship between Modic changes in MRI and greater intensity of lumbar pain or need for medical or surgical treatment at 10 years of follow-up. Modic changes cannot be considered a sign of bad prognosis by themselves, or an indication for surgery.

Surgical treatment of hip ankylosis due to heterotopic ossification secondary to spinal cord injury. / Cirugía de la anquilosis de cadera por osificación heterotópica secundaria a lesión medular.

OBJECTIVES: To expose our experience in the diagnostic and surgical treatment of neurogenic heterotopic ossification of the hip. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We designed an observational retrospective descriptive study including 20 patients (30 hips) with neurogenic heterotopic ossification of the hip secondary to spinal cord injury attended in our institution in the last 10 years, with a minimum of one year follow-up. Medical files and imaging studies were reviewed. The study variables analyzed were: type and localization of neurogenic heterotopic ossification, pre-post excision range of motion, level and aetiology of spinal cord injury, ASIA score, smoking history, surgical approach and complications associated with surgery. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients were treated with resection of heterotopic ossification in 30 hips. 16 patients presented ASIA A spinal cord injury and 4 ASIA B spinal cord injury. Preoperatively all the patients had severe ankylosis in the hip that made sitting in a wheel chair and activities such as repositioning and hygiene difficult. The average postoperative motion at the follow-up evaluation was 90° in flexion, 20° of internal rotation and 40° of external rotation. Immediately after surgery all the patients followed a specific intensive physiotherapy regime for the hip and celecoxib 200 mg was administrated daily orally for a month to prevent recurrence of heterotopic bone formation. None of the patients reviewed suffered a recurrence of heterotopic bone formation. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical excision of hip ossification in order to achieve functional ROM of the hip is the best treatment for patients with neurogenic heterotopic ossification of the hip.

Rescate de colgajo muscular de trapecio con isla cutánea en paciente lesionado medular que precisa rehabilitación inmediata / Rescue of a pedicled trapezious muscle flap with skin paddle in a patient with spinal cord injury who needded inmediate rehabilitation

La terapia por presión negativa (subatmosférica) es una modalidad no invasiva de tratamiento que hoy en día está incluida en el arsenal terapéutico de cualquier Servicio no sólo de Cirugía Plástica, sino también de Cirugía General, Cirugía Vascular y Traumatología. Se puede aplicar en el tratamiento de heridas tanto crónicas como agudas más o menos complejas, con el fin de evitar aumentar el tiempo y el número de curas necesarias y además el realizar cirugías que conlleven una elevada morbilidad para el paciente. Presentamos el caso de un paciente con cuadro depresivo secundario a la mala evolución clínica sufrida tras el desarrollo de una lesión medular transversa D4 ASIA C (incompleta) de causa iatrogénica postquirúrgica( vertebroplastia-fusión vertebral por aplastamiento vertebral D3-D4), en el que tras más de 6 meses de evolución tórpida de una úlcera dorsal alta, se realizó un colgajo de músculo trapecio pediculado con paleta cutánea para cobertura del defecto, en cuyo postoperatorio inmediato sufrió, de nuevo iatrogénicamente, una pérdida parcial de dicha paleta y un seroma importante en la zona dadora. Consideramos de interés este caso porque la aplicación de terapia depresión negativa empleando el sistema VAC® nos permitió: 1) Minimizarla pérdida de tejido del colgajo. 2) Disminuir el número de curas semanales hasta 1 ó 2. 3) Disminuir también el tiempo empleado en cada cura.4) Que el paciente pudiera desplazarse en su silla de ruedas con dos sistemas VAC® portátiles hasta el gimnasio para no abandonar su programa de rehabilitación. 5) Que ante una evolución rápida e inesperada, el paciente experimentara una notable mejoría clínica de su estado depresivo-ansioso y 6) La colocación final de un sistema VAC-VIA® de última generación sobre los autoinjertos, para que el paciente pudiera continuar su (..) (AU)

Negative pressure therapy (subatmospheric) is a non invasive treatment modality included in the armamentarium of any Service of Plastic Surgery and also in General Surgery, Vascular Surgery and Traumatology Services. It can be applied in the treatment of both chronic and acute wounds to decrease the time and number of priests and also to reduce surgeries with high morbidity for the patient. We present a patient with depressive syndrome secondary to an unfortunate postoperative course of a vertebroplasty that produced an spinal cord injury, classified as ASIA C, level D4. The patient suffered a high dorsal ulcer with 6 months of complicated evolution which finally was covered with a pedicled trapezious flap with skin paddle and, again iatrogenicaly, suffered a partial loss of the paddle and a significant seroma at the donor site. In our opinion, this case is interesting because the use of negative pressure therapy with VAC® system allows: 1) Minimize the loss of flap tissue. 2) To decrease the number of cures. 3) To decrease the time in each healing. 4) Allows the patient to move in his wheelchair with two portable VAC® systems to assist to the gym and follow his rehabilitation program. 5) With this unexpected and fast evolution, the patient had a significant clinical improvement of his depressive-anxious state and 6) The final placement of a latest generation VAC-VIA® systems on autografts allowed the patient to go on with his occupational therapy and physiotherapy for the upper extremities. We think that VAC-VIA® therapy is completely indicated to complex acute and chronic wounds because it can save time in terms of total hospital stance and avoid unnecessary surgeries with high risk morbidity for the patien (AU)

Dolor lumbar crónico de origen facetario. Resultado del tratamiento mediante rizolisis percutánea. Selección de pacientes y técnica quirúrgica / Chronic lumbar facet joint pain. Treatment results using percutaneous rhizolysis. Patient selection and surgical technique

Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia del tratamiento del dolor lumbar crónico de origen facetario mediante denervación percutánea facetaria por radiofrecuencia (rizolisis) para reducir el dolor y mejorar la discapacidad asociada en un grupo de pacientes meticulosamente seleccionados mediante combinación de la clínica, la exploración, las pruebas por imagen y el bloqueo anestésico facetario, y compararlo con la literatura médica previa. Material y métodos Estudio prospectivo de 70 pacientes con dolor lumbar crónico facetario de más de 3 meses de evolución, que no mejoraron con tratamiento conservador. Pacientes valorados clínicamente siguiendo indicaciones del Grupo para el Estudio de las Enfermedades del Raquis (GEER). Edad media: 49,52 años. Duración media del dolor: 6,86 años. Seguimiento mínimo: un año. Resultados Tras la rizolisis, el dolor lumbar medido mediante escala analógica visual (EAV) disminuye significativamente (p<0,05). Igualmente, mejoran de forma significativa los valores para el cuestionario Oswestry de discapacidad (ODI), reflejando una notable mejoría en su calidad de vida (p<0,05) al disminuir su incapacidad por el dolor lumbar. El 91,42% de los pacientes experimenta alivio significativo del dolor tras rizolisis, que llega a ser superior o igual a 6 meses en el 61,4% de los pacientes. Al año, el 84,5% de los pacientes afirma que volvería a recibir el mismo tratamiento. Conclusiones La rizolisis es una valiosa herramienta para el tratamiento sintomático del dolor lumbar crónico facetario. Una meticulosa selección de los pacientes mediante la combinación de la clínica, la exploración, las pruebas por imagen y el bloqueo anestésico facetario obtiene resultados duraderos en el tiempo ayudando a disminuir en estos pacientes su incapacidad por el dolor lumbar(AU)

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency zygapophysial joint neurotomy (rhizotomy) to decrease pain and improve associated disability, in a group of patients suffering from low back pain from facet joint origin meticulously selected on the basis of a combination of by clinical findings, physical examination, imaging tests and anaesthetic diagnostic blocks. Materials and methods Prospective study with 70 patients treated with rhizotomy for low back pain from facet joint origin of longer than three months who did not improved after conservative treatment. Patients evaluated following the guidelines of the Spanish Society for the Study of the Spinal Diseases (GEER). Mean age was 49.52 years. Mean duration of pain: 6.86 years. Minimum follow-up: one year. Results Following percutaneous rhizotomy, mean low back pain as measured on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), decreased significantly (p<0.05). Likewise, there was a significant improvement in the values given for the Owestry Disability Index (ODI) reflecting a notable improvement in terms of quality of life (p<0.05). Following rhizotomy 91.4% of patients reported significant pain relief, wich was higher than or equal to six month in 61.4% of patients. At one year, 84.5% of patients stated that they would undergo the same treatment again, showing high satisfaction with the treatment received. Conclusions Percutaneous rhizotomy can be considered a valuable treatment for the symptomatic relief of chronic low back pain from facet joint origin. Meticulous patient selection by combining clinical and physical findings, imaging tests and anaesthetic diagnostic blocks, provides significant and lasting pain relieve, contributing to a reduction in the associated disability in patients suffering from chronic low back pain(AU)

Validez de las reglas del tobillo de Ottawa como criterios de decisión clínica en la solicitud de radiografías en los traumatismos de tobillo y/o medio pie / Validity of the Ottawa ankle rules as clinical decision-making criteria when requesting x-rays in ankle and/or midfoot trauma

Objetivo. Analizar la validez de las reglas del tobillo de Ottawa (RTO) como criterios de decisión clínica en nuestro medio en la solicitud de radiografías en los traumatismos de tobillo y/o medio pie. Material y método. Estudio transversal observacional. Aplicación de las RTO a los pacientes atendidos en el servicio de Urgencias por traumatismos agudos en tobillo y/o medio pie estableciéndose si es necesario solicitar estudio radiológico para descartar fracturas. Valoración radiográfica en todos los casos de la presencia o no de fractura y correlación con el resultado clínico. Resultados. Se incluyeron un total de 539 pacientes con traumatismo del tobillo y/o medio pie. Presentaron fractura 86 pacientes. La sensibilidad de las reglas de Ottawa fue del 96,6% (95,1-98,2%). El valor predictivo negativo fue del 98,1% (97-99,3%). La especificidad fue del 34,7% (30,6-38,7%). El valor predictivo positivo fue del 22,6% (19,1-26,2%). Con la aplicación de las reglas de Ottawa se hubiera reducido el número de radiografías realizadas en un 27,8% (156 pacientes), lo que hubiera supuesto un ahorro económico de unos 2.496 euros. Conclusiones. Las RTO son válidas en nuestro medio como criterios de decisión clínica a la hora de solicitar radiografías en los pacientes con traumatismos de tobillo y mediopié

Purpose. To analyze the validity of the Ottawa Ankle Rules (OARs) in our milieu as decision-making criteria for the request of x-rays in ankle or midfoot trauma. Materials and methods. This is an observational transversal study. The OARs were applied to patients treated in the emergency department for acute trauma in the foot and/or midfoot in order to determine whether it was necessary to request a radiological study in order to rule out fractures. An x-ray assessment was made in all cases of the presence or absence of a fracture and a correlation was drawn with the patients' clinical outcome. Results. A total of 539 patients were included in the study that had sustained angle and/or midfoot trauma. Eighty-six patients presented with a fracture. The sensitivity of the Ottawa Rules was 96.6% (range: 95.1-98.2%). The negative predictive value was 98.1% (range: 97-99.3%). Specificity was 34.7% (range: 30.6-38.7%). The positive predictive value was 22.6% (range: 19.1-26.2%). By applying the Ottawa Rules the number of x-rays performed would have dropped by 27.8% (156 patients), which would have meant savings of around 2,496 euros. Conclusions. OARs are valid in our milieu as clinical decision-making tools when it comes to requesting x-rays of patients with ankle and midfoot trauma

Dolor lumbar crónico de origen facetario. Eficacia del tratamiento mediante rizolisis percutánea / Chronic low back pain from facet joint origin. Efficacy of treatment with percutaneous rizhotomy

El dolor lumbar es el motivo más frecuente de consulta médica por patología del aparato locomotor de la población. Se estima que el 70-80% de la población sufrirá algún episodio de dolor lumbar durante su vida. Las articulaciones interapofisarias son el origen del dolor en un gran porcentaje de los casos. La denervación percutánea facetaria lumbar por radiofrecuencia o rizolisis es una técnica mínimamente invasiva para el tratamiento sintomático del dolor lumbar crónico de origen facetario. Su principio se basa en dañar de forma controlada las fibras transmisoras del dolor mediante el calor aplicado por medio de un electrodo en el ramo posterior, causando una lesión que provoca el cese de la transmisión del dolor. Una meticulosa selección de los pacientes y una correcta indicación, considerando que la mayoría de las veces se aplicara a pacientes en el que suelen existir diversas implicaciones (i.e. socioeconómicas, afectivas, laborales,...) obtienen resultados duraderos en el tiempo ayudando a disminuir el impacto sobre la actividad cotidiana de estos pacientes

Low back pain is the most frecuent reason for musculoskeletal medical consultation. It is estimated that betwen 70% to 80% of the population will suffer at least one episode of low back pain during his life. The zygoapophyseal joints represent the origin of the pain in most part of the cases. Percutaneous radiofrecuency lumbar facet joint denervation also called rizhotomy, is a minimally invasive procedure for the symptomatic treatment of low back pain from facet joint origin. The heat transmitted by an electrode placed percutaneously colse to the dorsal rami, produces an injury to the nervous fibres that conduces the pain that stops the transmision of the painful information originated on its inervation area. A careful patient selection and an adequate indication for rizhotomy, considering that in most part of the cases patients suffering for low back pain presents as well some other considerations (i.e. finantial motivation, affective, work problems,...) obtains long lasting good results and helps to diminish the impact of the low back pain over the patients life