Virtiol - Simulation of Quality of Vision with Multifocal and Edof Intraocular Lenses.

Pupose: To experimentally compare the visual acuity and the subjective perception of different types of multifocal intraocular lenses (IOL) using a VirtIOL device/simulator in a group of volunteers with artephakia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was an experimental study involving a total of 20 volunteers with artephakia (35 eyes). Each volunteer rated 5 types of IOLs, 4 presbyopia-correcting IOLs - WIOL-CF, Tecnis Symphony ZXR00, Acrysof IQ PanOptix TFNT00, M-flex 630 F, and as a reference lens, we used the monofocal IOL Acrysof SA60AT. The corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), distance corrected intermediated visual acuity (DCIVA) and distance corrected near visual acuity (DCNVA) were measured. Additionally, volunteers evaluated the quality of vision under normal or changed lighting conditions, and ranked IOL on scale from 1 to 5. RESULTS: The CDVA evaluated using the VirtIOL device was very good for all tested IOLs (0.04-0.09 log MAR) with minimum differences. However, CDVA without simulator (-0.01 logMAR) was statistically significantly better in all cases. DCIVA was also very similar in each of the investigated IOLs, surprisingly even with monofocal IOL (0.21-0.23 logMAR), without using simulator the DCIVA was statistically significantly worse (0.36 logMAR). The DCNVA was the best for PanOptix intraocular lens (0.22 logMAR); M-flex, Symphony and WIOL-CF lenses had comparable results (0.31-0.34 logMAR). Again, surprisingly similar results were obtained with the use of monofocal IOL (0.36 ± 0.14). Subjective perception of vision through the IOLs was best rated for the monofocal control IOL, whereas Symphony, WIOL-CF and M-flex did not show any statistically significant difference either with or without glare. All tested IOLs were statistically significantly better if compared to PanOptix with or without glare. CONCLUSION: Simulation of vision through IOLs using VirtIOL simulator allows to compare different models of multifocal IOLs from the viewpoint of visual acuity and subjective perception. However, some caution should be exercised when evaluating the results, given that in our experiments, the monofocal IOL achieved relatively good results at near distance, which does not correspond to clinical experience. On the contrary, from the comparison of the results of CDVA without and with VirtIOL, it is obvious that visual acuity is slightly adversely affected by added optics.

[Long-term results of surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy using open-door laminoplasty]. / Dlouhodobé výsledky operacního resení cervikální spondylogenní myelopatie pomocí "open-door" laminoplastiky

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a serious disease which, in its advanced form, can markedly disable the patient. The aim of the present work was a prospective evaluation of a group of CSM patients treated by open-door laminoplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS We evaluated 89 patients (59 men and 30 women; average age, 62 years; range, 39 to 81 years) who underwent surgery in the years 2001 to 2011. The average follow-up was 76 months. The patients were examined neurologically, radiologically, by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or CT. All of them had quadruparetic disability and showed signs of myelopathy on MRI examination. We used a modified Hirabayashi technique of open-door laminoplasty. We evaluated the surgery time, intra-operative blood loss, neurological deficit on the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Society (mJOA) scale, intra- and postoperative complications, neck pain (NP) and extremity pain (EP) on the visual analogue scale (VAS) and a radiographic sagittal profile change after laminoplasty. RESULTS The average operative time was 117 minutes and the average intra-operative blood loss was 330 ml. The average mJOA score of 12.7 before surgery improved to 14.4. Two patients (2.25 %) showed persisting deterioration of neurological symptoms, conditions of six patients (6.75 %) were assessed as stable and the remaining 81 patients (91 %) showed varying degrees of both subjective and objective amelioration/improvement. Infection was recorded as the most frequent complication (7.8 %). C5 paresis reported in the literature did not occur in our group. One patient (1.1 %) had a moderate epidural haemorrhage. The pre-operative VAS NP score of 5.4 improved to 3.2 and the VAS EP score of 7.7 improved to 4.4. The average value for the radiographic sagittal profile changed from -18.2 pre-operatively to -16.5 post-operatively. CONCLUSIONS Laminoplasty remains the basic surgical option for CSM treatment, particularly in progressive cases of the disease, in multi-segmental disease, and in need to preserve or restore cervical spine alignment Key words: cervical spondylotic myelopathy, laminoplasty, Hirabayashi open-door technique, mJOA score, complications, VAS.

Outcomes and their predictors in lumbar spinal stenosis: a 12-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective observational cohort study was to evaluate long-term outcomes in patients with mild-to-moderate lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and to analyse the predictors of clinical outcomes. METHODS: A group of 53 patients were re-examined after a median period of 139 months. Evaluations were made of subjective clinical outcome, objective clinical outcome and its predictors, any correlation between subjective and objective outcome, and the development of changes in radiological and electrophysiological parameters after 12 years. RESULTS: Satisfactory objective and subjective clinical outcomes were recorded in 54.7 and 43.4% of patients, respectively. No statistically significant correlation between objective and subjective clinical outcome was found (Spearman coefficient = 0.225, p = 0.132). Patients with isolated unsatisfactory subjective outcome exhibited the highest Functional Comorbidity Index of all subgroups. Electrophysiological and radiological findings did not demonstrate statistically significant changes after 12-year follow-up. Multivariate logistic regression confirmed only the lowest transverse diameter of spinal canal ≦13.6 mm as an independent predictor of unsatisfactory clinical outcome (OR = 5.51). CONCLUSIONS: Satisfactory objective and subjective clinical outcomes were disclosed in about half of the patients with mild-to-moderate LSS in a 12-year follow-up. The number of comorbid diseases had an unfavourable effect on subjective evaluation of clinical outcome. The lowest transverse diameter of spinal canal proved to be the only independent predictor of deterioration of clinical status in LSS patients.

[Atypical fracture of metatarsal bone in a patient with multiple myeloma who was treated long-term with bisphosphonates]. / Atypická fraktura metatarzální kosti u pacienta s mnohocetným myelomem, který byl dlouhodobe lécen bisfosfonáty.

The first reports found in professional literature on the use of bisphosphonates as a treatment date back to 1972. We found the first report on the use of a bisphosphonate comprising nitrogen in its molecule in a publication from 1990. Some of the adverse effects of the particular types of bisphosphonates were described in the registration studies. At least two serious adverse effects of this group of medicines had not been described until 2000. We found the first description of jaw osteonecrosis in relation to the longterm application of bisphosphonates in a publication from 2002 and we found the first description of an atypical bone fracture originating without a corresponding traumatic event in a location with no presence of an osteolytic focus in an article from 2006. These so  called atypical fractures, which are also called fractures without a corresponding traumatic event (low energy fractures), have been described to have occurred in femurs, in the pelvis and less frequently in the metatarsal area. "Atypical fractures" are linked to longterm administration of bisphosphonates, which significantly increases the bone density and impedes osteolysis but it simultaneously increases the fragility of bones and decreases their flexibility. The definition of an atypical fracture of the skeleton emphasises the fact that such fractures occur with an inadequately minimal force (energy) in the aforementioned predilection locations. In the following text we are describing a patient who has been treated for a multiple myeloma with an atypical fracture of the Metatarsal bone 2. This fracture occurred during a regular walk without any excessive load and the patient could not recall any corresponding injury or longer walking. The patient had been administered bisphosphonates for 34 months before the atypical metatarsal fracture occurred. The metatarsal bone fracture was treated through a nonweight  bearing regime for the sole and the pain diminished within a single month. In comparison with the published data of atypical fractures, our case concerns a short interval between initiation of the bisphosphonate administration and the occurrence of the atypical fracture. In the available literature these fractures are described after more than a five year application of a bisphosphonate. New pain in the bearing skeleton in patients treated with bisphosphonates are therefore always subject to an imaging examination among others to exclude an atypical fracture due to an increased fragility of the bone.

[Evaluation of treatment outcomes in tuberculosis of knee and hip joints in 2005-2012]. / Srovnání výsledku lécby tuberkulózy kolene a kycle z období 2005-2012.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Tuberculosis (TB) in a joint region presents high risk of damage to the joint. Consequences of a late diagnosis and inadequate therapy may be serious particularly in the large joints of lower extremities. Tuberculosis of knee and hip joints accounts for about 25% to 35% of osteoarticular tuberculosis (OAT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the objective and subjective results of tuberculosis treatment in knee and hip joints. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Of 258 OAT patients treated at the Specialised Treatment Centre Jevícko between January 2005 and September 2012, tuberculosis of the hip joint was diagnosed in 31 patients in whom three hips were treated by incision and drainage and 10 by total hip replacement; 18 patients had tuberculosis of the knee joint with the following treatment: puncture in seven knees, incision and drainage in eight, excochleation of a tuberculous focus in the proximal tibia in two, removal of a bursa in one, arthrodesis in four and total knee replacement in four patients. The patients continued to be followed up at the Jevícko Centre. The scale of 1 to 5 (best to worst) was established for evaluation of objective and subjective results of the treatment. The data were analysed using the basic statistical characteristics and compared. RESULTS: The objective evaluation was better for the hip joint; the sums of relative frequencies of marks 1 to 3 were 72.22% in the knee and 80.65% in the hip. In the knee more than 50% of the cases fell in the interval <1.304; 4.252>, in the hip this was <1.296; 3.672>. The hip joint was better subjectively evaluated, it had a higher sum of relative frequencies of marks 1 to 3, i.e., 96.77% as compared with 88.89% for the knee. In the knee more than 50% of the cases had marks in the interval <0.767; 3.122>; in the hip this was <0.869; 2.680>. The hip joint was better evaluated both objectively and subjectively. DISCUSSION: An early diagnosis allows for the treatment of synovitis, which has a better prognosis than an arthritic disease. The subjective perception of treatment results showed a better evaluation than its objective correlate. Many patients were satisfied with the results, even with an immobilised joint (in arthrodesis). Total joint replacement in OAT patients does not always provide expected results in either knee or hip joints. Arthrodesis also has its indications related to health condition, age and social status of the patient. In periprosthetic TB infections, a careful consideration should be given to removal of the prosthesis and its re-implantation in relation to all circumstances associated with each particular case. CONCLUSIONS: Tuberculosis of large weight-bearing joints is a rare entity in the countries with low TB prevalence, including the Czech Republic. It is necessary to pay attention to diagnosis and therapy and make them more effective even at higher costs associated with total hip replacement in TB or post-TB patients in order to maintain or restore joint function. At the time of borders open for citizens from countries with higher TB prevalence, the diagnosis of OAT should be considered.

[Comparison of two surgical methods for treatment of idiopathic thoracic scoliosis - anterior versus posterior approaches]. / Srovnání výsledku dvou typu operacního lécení idiopatických hrudních krivek - prední versus zadní výkon.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of this retrospective randomised study is a comparison of two surgical approaches (anterior versus posterior) for the treatment of idiopathic thoracic scoliosis by corrective spondylodesis with segmental instrumentation in adolescents aged 13 to 20 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included patients with right-sided idiopathic thoracic scoliosis (Cobb's angle, 40°-70°; Lenke type I). The group of patients treated from the posterior approach by fusion and segmental instrumentation, involving the use of a hybrid, tworod system or screws only, comprised 31 girls with an average age of 14.5 years (group 1). In this group three instrumentation systems were used. The patients treated from the anterior approach, which included thoracotomy for disc excision, fusion and segmental instrumentation with a one- or two-rod system, consisted of 25 girls and six boys with an average age of 15.3 years (group 2). In this group four instrumentation systems were employed. In all patients radiographs were evaluated before surgery, immediately after the procedure and then every 12 months. The evaluation also included the operative time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, hospital costs and complications. The random selection was based on casting lots. Some patients indicated for the anterior approach withdrew after receiving detailed information on this procedure and therefore patients operated on from the anterior approach before the study had begun were enrolled. The statistical comparison of the results of anterior and posterior procedures was made using the two-sample t-test or Wilcoxon's test. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used for normality testing and Fisher's F-test for the equality of variances. The paired t-test or non-parametric paired Wilcoxon's test was employed for testing two variables within each group. The level of significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS In group 1, anteroposterior radiographs showed, on the average, 54.3° before surgery, 18.7° immediately after it and 19.1° at one year after surgery. The sagittal profile before surgery was T5 +30.0° T12 -57.7° S1; the surgery resulted in reducing thoracic kyphosis by 9.5° and lumbar lordosis by 14.2°. The average operative time was 245.8 min, intra-operative blood loss was 1095.2 ml and drained blood loss was 636.9 ml. The average hospital stay lasted 10.2 days. In group 2, anteroposterior radiographs had the average values of 53.7° pre-operatively, 23.6° post-operatively and 25.9° at one year after surgery. The pre-operative sagittal profile was T5 +21.5° T12 -54.2° S1 and, post-operatively, thoracic kyphosis increased by 7.0° and lumbar lordosis decreased by 2.2°. The average operative time was 226.8 min, intra-operative and drained blood losses were 1095.2 ml and 636.9 ml, respectively, and length of hospital stay was 15.5 days.. In group 2, the operative time and intra-operative blood loss were lower and post-operative drained blood loss (due to longer duration of chest drainage) was higher than in group 1. All findings were statistically significant. Significant differences between the groups were also found in the costs of implants and hospital stay because, for the posterior approach, they were higher by a total of 68 466 CZK and 52 250 CZK, respectively. DISCUSSION: In the frontal plane, thoracic kyphosis corrections through either surgical approach are comparable; in the sagittal plane, surgery from the posterior approach results in reducing thoracic kyphosis and that from the anterior approach produces a mild increase in it. CONCLUSIONS: In terms of surgical treatment selection, the anterior approach is more economical and requires spinal fixation and instrumentation to a lesser extent. However, prolonged chest wound drainage results in a longer hospital stay. The majority of idiopathic scoliosis cases are indicated for a posterior approach. In scoliosis with marked hypo-kyphosis or lordosis, an anterior approach can be considered because it produces an increase in thoracic kyphosis.

[Successful treatment of Erdheim-Chester disease by 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine-based chemotherapy. Two case studies and a literature review]. / Uspesná lécba Erdheimovy-Chesterovy nemoci chemoterapií obsahující 2-chlorodeoxyadenosin. Popis dvou prípadu a prehled literatury.

INTRODUCTION: Erdheim-Chester disease is an extremely rarely occuring condition and thus an optimal treatment is not known. Two new cases have been diagnosed in our centre in 2008 and 2009. Both patients had diabetes insipidus, B symptoms (subfebrile to febrile states) and pain in long bones of lower limbs. CASE STUDIES: Imaging showed high accumulation of fluorodeoxyglucose as well as Tc-pyrophosphate in long bones of lower as well as upper limbs, aortic wall thickening with periaortic fibrosis and perirenal fibrosis. In addition, one of the patients had multiple lesions in the brain. 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine 5 mg/m2 s.c. and cyclophosphamide 150 mg/m2 administered on days 1 to 5 in 28-day cycles were selected for the treatment of both patients. Dexamethasone 24 mg/day for 5 days was added to this treatment in the second patient. Six cycles of the treatment were planned. Both patients were prescribed bisphosphonates--zoledronate and clodronate, respectively. Treatment effect was assessed with PET-CT and MR. Following treatment completion, brain infiltrates were reduced to a small residuum in the first patient who did not anymore complain of leg pain. However, there was no reduction in fluorodeoxyglucose accumulation in bone lesions and thus treatment response was assessed as partial remission. This patient is currently receiving a second line treatment and treatment follow-up is 26 months from the diagnosis. Repeated PET-CTs in the second patient showed a significant reduction in accumulation of fluorodeoxyglucose in all pathological lesions. Febrile states and pain in long bones as well as pathological fatigue ceased after the treatment. Increased CPR and fibrinogen gradually returned to their normal levels. This response is assessed as complete remission. This patient's follow-up is 16 months from the diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Administration of 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (5 mg/m2 s.c.) + cyclophosphamide (150 mg/m2 intravenously) and dexamethasone (24 mg/day) led to partial remission in one patient; nearly complete remission of CNS infiltrates but persistent elevation of fluorodeoxyglucose accumulation in bone lesions. Complete remission with a significant reduction in accumulation of fluorodeoxyglucose in all disease lesions with normalization of originally increased inflammatory markers and disappearance of all symptoms of the disease was achieved in the second patient.

[Treatment of deep cartilage defects of the knee with autologous chondrocyte transplantation: long-term results]. / Lécba osteochondrálních defektu kolenního kloubu metodou implantace solidního chondrograftu - dlouhodobé výsledky.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The authors present the long-term results of surgical treatment of deep chondral defects of the knee (medial or lateral femoral condyle). They used the transplantation of autologous cultured chondrocytes in the form of a solid chondral graft. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Indications for autologous chondrocyte transplantation most frequently included acute trauma to the knee. Patients with chondral lesions categorized as grades IIIa and IIIb by the Noyes-Stabler classification were indicated for this treatment. A small sample of healthy cartilage was harvested arthroscopically from the non-weight-bearing area of the knee and was sent to the Tissue Bank for chondrocyte cultivation. After 4 to 5 weeks the cultured chondrocytes were formed into a solid chondral graft, implanted at the damaged site of the medial or lateral femoral condyle and fixed with fibrin glue (Tissucol). RESULTS: Fifty-two patients, 34 males and 18 females (average age, 29 years range, 17 to 45 years) were treated using this method in the period from 2001 to 2009. Follow-up was 6 to 84 months, with an average of 46 months. Thirteen patients were examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 7 to 39 months (average, 19 months) after the implantation. Full incorporation the chondrograft was observed in 12 patients (92.3%). The clinical results were evaluated by the Lysholm scoring system (1, 2 and 5 years after the operation) and showed significant improvement. In 24 patients, the chondrograft quality was evaluated by immunohistochemical methods in samples taken by second-look arthroscopy from the borders of implantation sites. Hyaline chondral tissue was detected in 100% samples by microscopic examination, and collagen type II was present in 100% samples examined by imnunohistochemistry using haematoxylin-eosin staining. CONCLUSIONS: A significant improvement in knee function was recorded when the pre-operative and final follow-up stages were compared. The autologous chondrocyte transplantation showed a potential for the treatment of large cartilage defects. The excellent results achieved allowed the patients to return to normal activity levels.This method is also convenient when ligament reconstruction is necessary during one operation.

[Dynamic neutralization using the Dynesys system for treatment of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine]. / Osetrení degenerativního onemocnení bederní pátere metodou dynamické neutralizace systémem Dynesys.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a spinal condition resulting from degeneration of the intervertebral discs. It is associated with symptoms of sciatica, back pain and leg weakness and also with degenerative instability of the spine. To arrest the degenerative cascade of disc disease, and taking into consideration stress placed on the adjacent discs managed by decompression and stabilisation by instrumented fusion, the lumbar spine was treated by dynamic posterior stabilisation of the segments affected. Based on the classification described by Dubois et al., the Dynesys system was used. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mid-term results of this method in DDD patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the 2002-2007 period, 102 patients (65 men and 37 women; average age, 54 years) underwent surgery for problems due to DDD manifested by pain, neurological findings and radiographic evidence of degenerative changes in the spine. The classification of age-related changes, as described by Dubois et al. and Kirkaldy-Willis, showed that type 4 and type 6 of DDD (64% disc degeneration with spinal canal stenosis) were most common. After surgery using the Dynesys system, the patients were followed up for an average of 36 months. Patient examination included: pre- and post-operative medical history, clinical, radiographic (including magnetic resonance imaging/MRI) and neurological examination, and the pain and functional status assessment using the visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI), respectively. A total of 146 lumbar spine segments were surgically treated in 102 patients, the L4-L5 segment being treated most frequently, with a total of 61 interventions at this level. Radicular pain before surgery was reported by 40 patients. The average operative blood loss was 1013.8 ml and patients stayed in the hospital for an average of 13.8 days. There were 15 post-operative complications treated. After surgery, the patients participated in a. special rehabilitation programme and were allowed full weight-bearing after 3 months. RESULTS: At 36 months of follow-up, the improvement as against the pre-operative condition included a drop in the average VAS value from 7.3 to 4.7 and that in the average ODI from 54.5 to 39.9. The results were statistically analysed using ANOVA software and the t-test and Bartlet test (level of significance set at 0.05). The improvement in the patients' health status was statistically significant during all 3-year post-operative period. As shown by the MRI findings obtained from repeated examination in 26 patients, the use of the Dynesys system resulted in the post-operative disappearance of disc bulging and the restoration of the posterior longitudinal ligament and space in the lumbar spinal canal. The surgery had no positive effect on disc regeneration, but improved peridiscal marrow oedema of that lumbar segment in the way described by Modic et al. DISCUSSION: In patients with DDD, stabilisation of the lumbar spine by instrumented rigid fusion often results in increased biomechanical stress and damage to the segments adjacent to the area of fusion. The use of dynamic stabilisation devices, including the Dynesys system, reduces this potential risk. The Dynesys system is also effective in the treatment of DDD combined with spinal stenosis in elderly patients, as reported by other authors. A certain risk associated with Dynesys use may lie in disc height reduction in the anterior segment by up to 0.7 mm, thus producing a fulcrum pin effect. Despite this risk factor, dynamic stabilisation in DDD patients will considerably improve the quality of their lives. CONCLUSIONS: The results of 102 patients, with 146 segments treated by posterior dynamic neutralisation using the Dynesys system, show that this method improved subjective feelings, morphological findings and pain and functional status in the patients with DDD in the three-year post-operative period. This had a good effect on the quality of life in these patients.

[Adjacent segment degeneration after lumbosacral fusion in spondylolisthesis: a retrospective radiological and clinical analysis]. / Degenerace prilehlého pohybového segmentu po lumbosakrální fúzi u spondylolistéz: retrospektivní radiologická a klinická analýza.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Whereas the posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) technique with pedicle screw fixation has shown satisfactory clinical results, solid fusion has been reported to accelerate degenerative changes at adjacent unfused levels, especially at the cranial level. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate a group of patients with adjacent segment disease (ASD) developed after 360-degrees lumbar fusion for spondylolisthesis performed by PLIF with transpedicular fixation and posterolateral fusion (PLF).Radiographic examinations were focused on the origin or progression of degenerative changes at the adjacent segments after the operation, with statistical evaluation of some parameters. Clinical evaluations included back pain or neurologic symptomatology which emerged later in the post-operative period in patients with adjacent segment degeneration. MATERIAL: The authors performed a retrospective analysis on a group of 91 patients (49 females, 42 males) with isthmic, degenerative or dysplastic spondylolisthesis at the L4-L5 level who had undergone the PLIF technique on L4/L5 or L5/S1 with transpedicular fixation surgery and PLF in the period from 1990 to 2001. Isthmic spondylolisthesis was observed in 70 patients, degenerative or dysplastic forms were found in 14 and 7 patients, respectively.The patients were operated on at 40.8 years on average, and were followed-up for an average of 6.1 years. Seven patients had isthmic, two had degenerative and one had dysplastic spondylolisthesis. METHODS: The data for the patients with ASD were obtained retrospectively, based on radiographic examinations and clinical sequential follow-up examinations. The radiographs were analysed with regard to degeneration at the adjacent levels pre- operatively, immediately after surgery and at the time of the last follow-up visit. The origin or progression of L3-L4, L4-5 or L5-S1 segment degeneration was defined, as a condition giving rise to segmental instability (defined by White and Panjabi), significant disc herniation, spinal stenosis, disc narrowing or slippage (spondylolisthesis or retrolisthesis), on the basis of a comparison with the pre-operative and post-fusion lateral radiographs, those before additional surgery and at the time of the last follow-up. The following sagittal parameters were measured and compared: lumbar lordosis (L1-S1); distal lordosis (L4-S1) segmental lordosis--the slip angle (SA) at the fused and the adjacent segment, respectively; sacral slope (SS) and slippage (SLIP). The correlation and regression analyses were used for the statistical evaluation of angular characteristics. The results were statistically analysed using MINITAB statistical software. Functional disability was measured by the Oswestry disability index (ODI) questionnaire and pain was assessed using a 100-mm VAS. RESULTS: Of the 91 patients, symptomatic adjacent segment disease developed from a previously asymptomatic level in 10 (11%) patients. Their mean age at the time of initial surgery was 42.8 years and the mean follow-up period was 8.7 years. The mean period between the initial surgery and the onset of adjacent segment degeneration was 3.8 years. In every case fusion involved the use of autologous bone graft and, with the PLIF technique, cages were used in three, bone dowels in six and an autofibular graft in one patient The patients of this group frequently had more than one degenerative process. Four patients had signs of instability abo- ve the fusion and seven patients showed degeneration which was above the fusion in four and below it in three. The degenerative changes included spinal canal stenosis due to disc herniation and/or facet hypertrophy in four, disc narrowing in five and spondylolisthesis or retrolisthesis in five patients. Clinical deterioration was manifested as progressive back pain in three, back and leg pain in seven and lower extremity paresthesia in two patients. The mean pre- and post-operative values were 50.5% and 28.6% for ODI scores and 7.1 and 3.5 for VAS scores, respectively. At the time of ASD, the ODI value was 39% and the VAS was 5.2. The four patients with instability in the cranial adjacent segment successfully underwent additional surgery by 360-degree instrumented fusion (anterior lumbar interbody fusion--ALIF in three patients and PLIF with decompression in one patient). No statistically significant correlations were revealed by the comparison of radiological angular characteristics before surgery, after it and at the onset of ADS. DISCUSSION: On X-ray images obtained prior to surgery, signs of hypermobility in the cranial adjacent segment were present in one patient. This hypermobility affected the rigidity of fusion in the caudal segment, which accelerated the progress of instability and required further surgery. The subsequent clinical deterioration, which usually develops due to a combination of significant disc degeneration, herniation, degenerative stenosis, segmental instability, spondylolisthesis or retrolistesis at the motion segment adjacent to fusion, is in agreement with the findings presented by the authors using the same surgical technique. CONCLUSIONS: An increased occurrence of degenerative changes and the instability predominately at the level immediately above single-segment instrumented 360-degree fusion with clinical deterioration give support to the view that this is due to increased mechanical stress at the motion segments adjacent to fusion. However, the size of our sample was not large enough to allow us to draw generally valid conclusions from the results of radiological angular characteristics. The causes of instability in younger patients could also include spine overloading, damage to the stability of ligaments and bone structures sustained during the operation, or a combination of both. The authors recommend a permanent reduction in physical activity after lumbar or lumbosacral spinal fusion and, in cases where symptomatic instability or degeneration of the adjacent motion segment is manifested, the use of 360-degree instrumented fusion (ALIF or PLIF), dynamic or semi-rigid stabilisation or total disc replacement. A thorough examination of levels adjacent to the planned spinal fusion will prevent termination of the fusion at the potentially painful segment, with a possibility to use a fusion or combined with dynamic neutralisation at the adjacent segment.

[Quality of life in the patients treated for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis: a three-year follow-up study]. / Kvalita zivota u pacientu po operaci degenerativní spinální stenózy bederní pátere po 3 letech sledování.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of life in patients treated for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis at 3 years of follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between October 2005 and 2008, answers to Oswestry, quality-of-life (SF-36) and VAS questionnaires were obtained from 117 patients indicated for lumbar spine surgery due to spinal stenosis. There were 52 men and 65 women, with an average age of 62 years. For future evaluation, the patients were placed into three groups according to the surgical treatment used: simple decompression with posterolateral fusion using autograft (69 patients); decompression and instrumented posterior fusion completed with autograft (21 patients); decompression and posterior dynamic stabilisation using the Dynesys system (27 patients). The patients were asked to respond to the three questionnaires again at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months of follow-up and to rate their willingness to undergo the surgery again on a 1-to-5 scale (from definitely yes to definitely no). RESULTS: In all three groups, the Oswestry disability index (ODI) significantly improved from the average pre-operative value of 53 to 39 post-operatively. This remained constant at 12 months (ODI 38), 24 months (ODI 38) and 36 months (ODI 37) after surgery. The SF-36 questionnaire also showed significant improvements in both categories covering components of physical and mental health. The VAS-based assessment of satisfaction with life and back and leg pain, however, did not provide such convincing results. The marking of satisfaction with surgery outcome was 1-2 in 71 % of the patients, and "only" 9.5 % of them would have never undergone the surgery again (marked 5). The L4-L5 segment was the most frequently treated region, and monosegmental decompression with fusion was the technique used most often. DISCUSSION: Our results are in agreement with the data reported in the national and international literature, including the number of patients studied and the results obtained from the Oswestry and SF-36 questionnaires. The assessment of life satisfaction using the VAS score has not been found in the literature. Our VAS back pain and leg pain scores slightly differed from the literature data, since no significant improvement in them was recorded. In assessing the patient's quality of life after lumbar spinal surgery, it is necessary to take into consideration also co-morbidities and external factors. CONCLUSIONS The results presented here show that lumbar spine surgery results in a significant improvement of life quality and has an irreplaceable role in the treatment of patients with degenerative spinal disease. However, three-year results do not provide enough evidence of the real stabilisation of patients' health state and thus the follow-up study is to be continued.

[Our experience with chordoma treatment]. / Nase zkusenosti s lécbou chordomu.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to evaluate the group of patients operated on for chordoma at our department. We present diagnostic and surgical management options relevant to the localisation of chordoma in the spine, and evaluate the results in terms of post-operative complications, tumour recurrence and patient survival. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1989 and 2002 a total of 20 patients diagnosed with chordoma were treated. There were 15 men and five women with an average age of 53 years. The cervical spine was affected in 20 %, thoracic in 15%, lumbar in 25 % and sacral in 40 % of the patients. All of them suffered from back pain, and nine patients (45 %) had neurological symptoms. The average time from the onset of complaints till disease diagnosis was 7.2 months. RESULTS: The average survival time was 63 months, with eight patients (40 %) surviving for more than five years. Of the patients with chordoma of the mobile spine, 66 % were treated by a combined antero-posterior procedure involving somatectomy, vertebral body replacement and posterior stabilisation; for sacral spine chordoma, a dorsal approach was always used. Of 11 patients (55 %) who required repeat surgery, eight had recurrent tumour and three had wound infection. DISCUSSION: Chordomas are rare, slow-growing tumours usually diagnosed with a delay, particularly when localised in the sacral spi- ne. At present magnetic resonance imaging is the essential diagnostic method allowing us to plan the appropriate surgical management.When the mobile spine is affected, a combined antero-posterior procedure including somatectomy, vertebral body replacement with a graft or implant and posterior stabilisation is used.When the sacral spine is involved, some authors prefer en bloc resection from the posterior approach, others use a combined antero-posterior procedure. Chordomas are known to have a high risk of local recurrence. Post-operative radiotherapy, which makes the disease-free interval longer, is recommendedúúú chemotherapy has no effect. CONCLUSIONS: Chordomas are associated with serious diagnostic and therapeutic problems, with frequent local recurrence. Prognosis is good if early diagnosis is made, and en bloc resection is performed.

[Evaluation of the quality of life in patients with degenerative disorders of lumbar spine]. / Hodnocení kvality zivota pacientu s degenerativním onemocnením bederní pátere.

The review article deals with issues related to the evaluation of life quality, using questionnaire techniques, in patients with degenerative disorders of the lumbar spine. The topic is introduced with the complexity of health definition and life quality evaluation. Then degenerative spinal disorders are defined. The options for assessment of success in surgical treatment of degenerative spine by both objective and subjective methods are presented. The use of questionnaires and distinction between generic and specific ones are described, advantages and disadvantages are analysed and the most important types of questionnaires currently used in international studies, and recently also in this country, are mentioned. Complications associated with the use of these methods are shown. The paper is concluded with a brief summary of the data presented. The aim of this paper is to stimulate interest in attending surgeons so that they should pay attention to the evaluation of outcomes in their patients and thus provide relevant data for comparison with the international literature.

[Neurological findings in patients treated surgically for spinal metastatic disease]. / Zhodnocení neurologických nálezu u pacientu operovaných pro metastatické postizení pátere.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: We present a group of patients with spinal metastatic disease surgically treated at our department, with an evaluation of their neurological outcomes in relation to the initial disease and the surgical technique used. MATERIAL: Between 1989 and 2007 we operated on 748 patients with spinal tumour. Of these, 380 had metastatic disease. The Frankel classification system was used to assess neurological status. METHODS: Based on the Tomita prognostic score, the metastatic disease was evaluated and appropriate surgical procedure was selected (biopsy, posterolateral decompression, posterolateral decompression with stabilisation, somatectomy, or vertebrectomy/spondylectomy). The neurological findings before and after surgery and at follow-up were assessed. RESULTS: Of the 368 patients evaluated, four were pre-operatively classified as Frankel grade A, 29 as grade B, 99 as grade C, 82 as grade D and 159 patients as grade E. Post-operative outcomes were: Frankel grade A, 6 patients B, 27 C, 78 D, 79 and E, 178 patients. Surgery resulted in neurological deterioration by 3 degrees of the Frankel scale in two patients (0.5%), 2 degrees in three patients (0.8%), and by 1 degree in 17 patients (4.6%). Improvement was recorded: by 1 degree in 57 patients (15.5%), 2 degrees in 10 (2,7%) and 3 degrees in two patients (0.5%). Of 23 patients who underwent biopsy, neurological status improved in one (4.3%) and deteriorated also in one patient (4.3%). Of the 85 patients treated by posterolateral decompression, improvement was recorded in 25 (29.4%) and deterioration in two (2.4%). Of the 73 patients undergoing posterolateral decompression with stabilisation, neurological findings improved in 15 (17.9%) and deteriorated in five (6.0%). In the group of 103 patients treated by vertebrectomy, neurological findings improved in 13 (12.6%) and deteriorated in eight (7.8%). At an average follow-up of 15 months, 208 (55.7%) patients presented themselves of these, improvement in neurological status was recorded in 16 (7.8%) and deterioration in eight (3.9%), as compared with the pre-operative values. DISCUSSION: Any comparison with the literature data is difficult, because both the criteria of indication for surgery and the method of treatment differ considerably. Improvement in neurological status was achieved in 69 patients (18.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Metastatic tumours of the spine present a serious diagnosis, with pain often being the first sign of a malignant disease. The degree of neurological deficit, primary tumour site and the extent of metastatic spinal disease (objectively evaluated on the basis of the Tomita score) should determine whether the patient will be operated on or not and, if so, whether a radical or mere palliative procedure will be used. An important factor is multidisciplinary cooperation of attending physicians both preoperatively and during the post-operative care of cancer patients.

[Simple bony fusion or instrumented hemivertebra excision in the surgical treatment of congenital scoliosis]. / Prostá kostená fúze versus instrumentovaná hemivertebrektomie v operacní lécbe kongenitálních skolióz.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: In a retrospective study, to analyze long-term radiographic results of two surgical procedures used to treat congenital scoliosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 685 patients with congenital scoliosis were treated at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Bohunice Teaching Hospital in Brno, between 1976 and 2007. Of these, 102 patients, with an average age of 6.6 years at the time of surgery, were treated by simple bony fusion, and 22 children, with an average age of 10.2 years, underwent instrumented hemivertebra excision via simultaneous anterior and posterior exposures involving fixation with cannulated compression screws and a wire loop. The follow-up periods for the former and latter groups were 14.2 and 12.1 years, respectively. RESULTS: In the patients treated by simple bony fusion, the mean correction rate was 22.1 %, with Cobb angle values averaging from 44.2 degrees pre-operatively to 38 degrees post-operatively; the correction loss was 3.9 degrees at the last follow up. In the patients with hemivertebra excision, the mean correction rate was 61 %, with pre- and post-operative values of 51.3 degrees and 20.3 degrees , respectively, and a correction loss of 1.1 degrees at the last follow-up. DISCUSSION: The early detection of a deformity and simple bony fusion in low-magnitude curves can prevent progression of scoliosis and allows for maintenance of a compensated spine. Hemivertebra excision with compression instrumentation results in a better surgical correction of the deformity. The average 61 % correction rate achieved in our patients is in agreement with the results reported by authors using the same surgical technique, as well as with the results of posterior hemivertebra resection. The best correction, 78 %, has been achieved with surgery at a very young age. Complications associated with the two techniques are rare. CONCLUSIONS: Congenital scoliosis due to failure off either formation or segmentation is indicated for surgical treatment at young age. Its early detection and subsequent surgical treatment at young age. Its early detection and subsequent surgical correction of the curve result in a long-term maintenance of a compensated spine. Instrumented hemivertebra excision provides the highest rate of correction, particularly if carried out before 3 years of age.

[Neuromuscular deformity of the pelvis and its surgical treatment]. / Neuromuskulární deformity pánve a jejich mozné operacní resení

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the efficacy of surgical treatment in pelvic deformities associated with neuromuscular spine deformity, using radiographic parameters and clinical outcome analysis. In the lumbo-pelvic region, spinal deformity is most frequently combined with pelvic obliquity, lumbar hyperlordosis, hip deformity and leg-length discrepancy. Pelvic deformities include an excessive posterior or anterior pelvic tilt, obliquity or rotation and windblown hip syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the period from 1994 to 2006, 42 paediatric patients (28 girls and 14 boys) underwent surgical correction of spine and pelvic deformities by the Luque-Galveston technique. The group included 25 patients with an underlying diagnosis of a spastic form of cerebral palsy, seven patients affected by paralysis, six with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and four with spinal muscular atrophy. The average age at the time of surgery was 14 years and 3 months and the patients were followed- up for 7 years and 5 months on the average. The results were evaluated on the basis of findings on antero-posterior and lateral radiographs including the pelvis, hip joints and the whole spine. The patients were examined before surgery, then immediately after it, and at yearly follow-up intervals. RESULTS: The mean pre-operative pelvic obliquity was 37 degrees (+/-6.0) and it improved to 9 degrees (+/-4.5) post-operatively. Horizontalization of the sacrum was corrected from the mean preoperative value of 19 degrees (+/-5.0) to 37 degrees (+/-6.1) post operatively. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.001). Scoliosis curve correction achieved by the surgery was from 79 degrees (+/-21.3) pre-operatively to 35 degrees (+/-14.5) post-operatively, with a mean correction rate of 56 %. The following complications were recorded: faulty insertion of the pelvic fixation resulting in perforation of the medial cortical substance of the iliac crest in one patient, pseudoarthrosis in the region of thoraco-lumbal junction in two patients, instrumentation failure with the need of pseudoarthrosis resection and re-instrumentation in one patient, and deep infection requiring wound irrigation and longterm antibiotic therapy. DISCUSSION: The surgical correction of pelvic deformity is always associated with operative treatment of scoliosis. However, the procedure is regularly preceded by surgical correction of muscular imbalance of the lower limbs and pelvis and of hip deformities. The surgical stabilization of spinal and pelvic deformities brings about the loss of some alternative motor stereotypes. This disadvantage is compensated for by a better sitting stability and better prospects for prosthetic care. CONCLUSIONS: The radiographic and clinical findings in the patients treated showed good correction of pelvic deformities in the frontal and sagittal planes. Pelvic obliquity correction thus contributes to the improvement of sitting stability in physically disabled patients.

[Surgical management of posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fracture]. / Operacní resení avulzního poranení tibiálního úponu zadního zkrízeného vazu.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Injury to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is relatively rare and, if combined with avulsion fracture of the PCL insertion site, it accounts for only a small number of knee injuries. This is why PCL avulsion fracture is an easily missed diagnosis resulting in knee instability and arthritis development. The aim of this study was to show the necessity of surgical treatment of these injuries. MATERIAL: Between January 2004 and September 2005, four patients with PCL injury underwent surgery. Three had avulsion fracture at the PCL insertion site, and in one the avulsion fracture involved also the intercondylar eminence. The average follow- up was 15 months, with a range of 5 to 20 months. METHODS: The diagnosis was based on clinical examination, plain X-ray and MRI results. After arthroscopic treatment of the anterior compartment, the posterior compartment was treated from the posteromedial and the posterolateral approach. Using a K-wire for guidance, a tunnel was drilled and the fragment was fixed with an absorbable cannulated screw. Postoperatively, the limb was immobilized in a rigid brace at a 20 degrees flexion for 4 weeks followed by passive exercise rehabilitation. Within 10 weeks of surgery full weight-bearing was possible in all patients. Outcome evaluation was based on clinical, radiographic and MRI examination shortly after surgery and at 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: None of the four treated knee joints had any post-operative instability. The PCL was in a correct position and showed appropriate tension on MRI scans. DISCUSSION: Today arthroscopically-assisted operations are preferred to conservative treatment or open osteosynthesis. An exact diagnosis is best made on the basis MRI examination. To fix the bony fragment, various techniques can be used, such as hooked nail, screw, K-wire or traction suture through the proximal tibia. The method used usually depends on the size of a bony fragment. CONCLUSIONS: The advantages of arthroscopic surgery include faster healing and rehabilitation and less pain and trauma associated with the operative procedure. A readily performed arthroscopic procedure prevents knee joint instability and arthritis development. The outcomes achieved in our patients give support to the indication for surgical treatment in this kind of knee injury.

[Orthopaedic treatment of osteolytic lesions in long bones of multiple myeloma patients]. / Ortopedická lécba osteolytických lézí dlouhých kostí pri mnohocetném myelomu.

Treatment of the multiple myeloma has developed rapidly during the last years. Introduction of autologous transplantation in the ninetieth of the previous century radically prolonged the period of survival. New types of drugs influencing the metabolism of myeloma cells and their adhesion to neighbouring tissues brought promising improvement of the therapy results. In spite of the optimistic view, multiple myeloma represents an incurable disease and its multiplex manifestations in the skeleton endanger the patient by pathologic fractures and significant decrease of the duality of life. In the article we aimed to identify reliability of individual diagnostic methods. The manifold symptomatology of the disease implies the necessity of complex evaluation of the patient's status, considering the risks of surgical intervention and the possibility of related complications. In the surgical treatment selection of the most appropriate approach and type of implant related to the prognosis of survival with the aim to improve the quality of life of the patient.

Recent progress in structure-function analyses of Nramp proton-dependent metal-ion transporters.

The natural resistance-associated macrophage protein (Nramp) homologs form a family of proton-coupled transporters that facilitate the cellular absorption of divalent metal ions (Me2+, including Mn2+, Fe2+, Co2+, and Cd2+). The Nramp, or solute carrier 11 (SLC11), family is conserved in eukaryotes and bacteria. Humans and rodents express 2 parologous genes that are associated with iron disorders and immune diseases. The NRAMP1 (SLC11A1) protein is specific to professional phagocytes and extrudes Me2+ from the phagosome to defend against ingested microbes; polymorphisms in the NRAMP1 gene are associated with various immune diseases. Several isoforms of NRAMP2 (SLC11A2, DMT1, DCT1) are expressed ubiquitously in recycling endosomes or specifically at the apical membrane of epithelial cells in intestine and kidneys, and can contribute to iron overload, whereas mutations impairing NRAMP2 function cause a form of congenital microcytic hypochromic anemia. Structure-function studies, using various experimental models, and mutagenesis approaches have begun to reveal the overall transmembrane organization of Nramp, some of the transmembrane segments (TMS) that are functionally important, and an unusual mechanism coupling Me2+ and proton H+ transport. The approaches used include functional complementation of yeast knockout strains, electrophysiology analyses in Xenopus oocytes, and transport assays that use mammalian and bacterial cells and direct and indirect measurements of SLC11 transporter properties. These complementary studies enabled the identification of TMS1 and 6 as crucial structural segments for Me2+ and H+ symport, and will help develop a deeper understanding of the Nramp transport mechanism and its contribution to Me2+ homeostasis in human health and diseases.

[Recommendations for early identification of damage to the skeleton by malignant processes, and for early diagnosis of multiple myeloma]. / Doporucení pro casné rozpoznání postizení skeletu maligním procesem a pro casnou diagnostiku mnohocetného myelomu.

The number of newly diagnosed cases of multiple myeloma in the Czech Republic is about 3-4 per 100 000 persons per year. In the higher age groups, the incidence increases. Multiple myeloma is an illness that reacts well to treatment which can result in periods of remission lasting for years. Some of the patients are even able to return to work. A pre-requisite for successful treatment is early diagnosis and this is usually in the hands of first line physicians. This is the reason why the Czech Myeloma Group, in conjunction with neurologists, orthopedicians and radio diagnosticians has issued the following recommendations for first line physicians containing a more detailed description of the symptoms and the diagnostic pitfalls of the disease. This disease reminds a chameleon for the variety of its symptoms. For the sake of clarification, we shall divide multiple myeloma symptoms into five points, each of which is reason enough to warrant an examination to confirm or rule out a malignant cause of health problems (a negative result does not automatically mean exclusion). If any of the recommended examinations results positive, the diagnostic process must be continued, in which case a general practitioner refers the patient to a specialist health centre. Observing these recommendations should minimize the number of cases of late diagnosis. 1. Bone destruction symptoms. - Unexplained backache for more than one month in any part of spine even without nerve root irritability or without pain in other part of skeleton (ribs, hips, or long bones). - Pain at the beginning of myeloma disease is very similar to benigne common discopathy, however the intensity of backache is decreasing within one months in benigne disease. In the case of malignant process the intensity of bone pain is steadily increasing. - Immediate imaging and laboratory investigation are indicated by resting and night pain in spinal column or in any part of skeleton. - Backache with the sign of spinal cord or nerve compression should be sent for immediate X Ray, and focussed CT/MRI followed by acute surgery if needed. - Osteoporosis especially in men and premenopausal women. 2. Features of changed immunity or bone marrow function. Persistent and recurrent infection, typical is normochromic anaemia, with leucopenia and trombocytopenia. 3. Raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate even increase concentration of total plasma protein. 4. Impaired renal function. Increased level of creatinin or proteinuria, nephrotic syndrome with bilateral legs oedema. 5. Hypercalcemia with typical clinical symptoms (polyuria with dehydratation, constipation, nausea, low level conscience, coma). Every one from these points has to be reason for general medical doctor to start battery of tests: -X-ray of bones focused to painful area (mandatory before physiotherapy, local anaesthesia or other empiric therapy). If plain X-ray does not elucidate pain and symptoms are lasting more than one month, please consider all circumstances and results from laboratory investigation. This patient needs referral to the centre with MRI/CT facilities (CT or MRI is necessary investigation in case of nerve root or spine compression). -Investigation of erythrocyte sedimantion rate (high level of sedimentation of erythrocyte can indicate multiple myeloma). -Full blood count. -Basic biochemical investigation serum and urine: serum urea, creatinin, ionts including calcium, total protein, and albumin CRP (high concentration of total protein indicates myeloma, low level of albumin indicates general pathological process, similary increased concentration of fibrinogen, impaired renal function indicates myeloma kidney, however hypercalcemia is typical for highly aggressive myeloma). -Quantitative screening for IgG, IgM and IgA in serum (isolated raised level one of immunoglobulin with decreased level of the others indicates myeloma). -Common electrophoresis of serum is able to detect monoclonal immunoglobulin level at few gramm concentration. If all the laboratory investigation are in normal level the possibility that the current problems are multiple myeloma origine is smaller, but it does not exclude one of rare variant--non secretory myeloma (undifferentiated plasmocyt lost characteristic feature to produce monoclonal immunoglobulin). If any of tests indicate the possibility of myeloma, patient require urgent specialist referral to department with possibility to make diagnosis of malignant myeloma.