Cervical dorsal root ganglion stimulation for complex regional pain syndrome: Technical description and results of seven cases.

INTRODUCTION: Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is characterized by nociplastic pain with alterations in sympathetic function. Neuromodulation could be a useful alternative therapy option. Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation has demonstrated better results than conventional spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for patients with CRPS in lower limbs. METHODS: We report a case series of seven patients treated with cervical DRG stimulation for CRPS of the hand that required neuromodulation for pain relief, after no response with other analgesic techniques (medication and interventional). We report retrospective data collection of seven consecutive patients with a 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: Seven patients were trialed, and six were implanted with a permanent pulse generator after achieving more than 50% pain relief during 2-7 days of trial phase. The average pain relief (rated on a standard 100 mm visual analog scale) after 1 year of treatment was 64.3% ± 16.6. No major complications were observed during a 1-year follow-up. DISCUSSION: The results for cervical DRG stimulation are similar to other DRG stimulation studies for the treatment of refractory CRPS at lower levels. The cervical DRG implant technique guided with C-arm fluoroscopy and under conscious sedation could be a safe and effective option for relieving pain of the upper limbs CRPS. Monitoring neural status is required for cervical DRG stimulation either with a responder awake patient or with intraoperative neural monitoring in non-responder patients.

Arthroscopic surgery versus open surgery for lateral epicondylitis in an active work population: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Lateral epicondylitis is common in workers who perform repetitive movements of the entire upper limb. Approximately 85%-90% of patients respond satisfactorily to conservative treatment, but in resistant patients, surgical treatment is considered. Classic open surgery is successful in between 70% and 97% of patients, similarly to more modern techniques such as arthroscopy. We sought to demonstrate the superiority of the Wolff technique in terms of clinical results. The goals of this study were to compare the functional and pain outcomes of arthroscopic surgery with open surgery using fasciotomy via the Wolff technique in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 47 working-age patients with resistant lateral epicondylitis: 27 underwent arthroscopic surgery and 20 underwent open surgery. Visual analog scale scores for pain and function, as well as the QuickDASH (short version of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire) score, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and Broberg and Morrey Rating System score, were collected preoperatively and postoperatively; return to patients' previous work and surgical time were also recorded. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in the reduction in the visual analog scale score (5.26 in arthroscopy group vs. 5.75 in fasciotomy group, P = .5), QuickDASH (short version of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire) score (19 vs. 19.4, P = .9), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (82 vs. 81.5, P = .8), or Broberg and Morrey Rating System score (81.9 vs. 82.6, P = .9). The differences in terms of time off were also not statistically significant. The period of work leave corresponded, on average, to 83.78 days in the arthroscopy group and 89.95 days in the Wolff group. The mean surgical time was 44.2 minutes in the group undergoing arthroscopic intervention and 27.5 minutes in the fasciotomy group, showing a statistically significant difference (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic surgery and open surgery provide similar functional results and pain reduction in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis.

Infiltraciones epidurales de esteroides en el tratamiento del dolor radicular en el contexto laboral / Infiltrations épidurales de stéroïdes pour le traitement de la douleur radiculaire dans un contexte de travail / Epidural Infiltration of Steroids in the Treatment of Root Pain in the Occupation Context

Introducción : el dolor ciático es un tipo de dolor en la extremidad inferior que normalmente sigue una distribución metamérica específica. A menudo es causado por una compresión o irritación del nervio ciático, comúnmente debido a hernia discal lumbar. Es uno de los motivos más habituales de consulta en unidades de cirugía de columna vertebral. Objetivo: determinar si las infiltraciones epidurales de esteroides pueden mejorar los síntomas en pacientes con una hernia discal, y así evitar la cirugía, lo que les permite una pronta vuelta al trabajo. Método: se reclutaron 71 pacientes con hernia discal, con historia de dolor ciático de al menos 3 meses de duración. Los pacientes recibieron un máximo de 3 infiltraciones epidurales de esteroides administradas con 2 semanas de separación, seguidas por un programa de rehabilitación. Resultados: de los 71 pacientes, 71,8 por ciento presentaron hernia discal en L5-S1, 87 por ciento eran hombres, edad media de 40,2 años y un 57,7 por ciento tenían trabajos asociados con altas demandas funcionales. El promedio de semanas de baja laboral fue 16,63. Al año, el 63,4 por ciento de los pacientes fueron dados de baja y un 36,6 por ciento requirió cirugía debido a la persistencia del dolor a pesar del tratamiento con inyecciones epidurales de esteroides. El índice de discapacidad de Oswestry y la puntuación EVA reflejaron una mejoría estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,001) después de las infiltraciones en la mayoría de los casos. Conclusiones: en nuestro contexto, la administración de infiltraciones esteroides epidurales en pacientes con dolor radicular secundario con hernia discal es un procedimiento mínimamente invasivo y efectivo que alivia el dolor, reduce la discapacidad y permite un rápido retorno a la actividad laboral(AU)

Introduction: Sciatic pain is a type of pain in the lower extremity that usually follows a specific metameric distribution. The compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve is often the cause, commonly due to lumbar disc herniation. It is one of the most common reasons for consultation in spinal surgery units. Objective: Determine if epidural steroid infiltrations can improve symptoms in patients with a herniated disc, thus avoiding surgery, which allows them to return to work soon. Method: We recruited 71 patients with a herniated disc, with a history of sciatic pain of at least 3 months. Patients received a maximum of three epidural infiltrations of steroids given 2 weeks apart, followed by a rehabilitation program. Results: Out of the 71 patients, 71.8 percent had L5-S1 disc hernia, 87 percent were men, mean age was 40.2 years and 57.7 percent had jobs associated with high functional demands. The average number of weeks off from work was 16.63. At one year, 63.4 percent of patients were discharged and 36.6 percent required surgery because of persistent pain despite treatment with epidural steroid injections. The Oswestry disability index and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) reflected a statistically significant improvement (p <0.001) after infiltrations in most cases. Conclusions: In our context, the administration of epidural steroid infiltrations in patients with secondary radicular pain with a herniated disc is a minimally invasive and effective procedure that alleviates pain, reduces disability and allows a quick return to work activity(AU)

Introduction: La douleur sciatique est une sorte de douleur localisée aux membres inférieurs suivant généralement une distribution métamérique spécifique. Elle est en général causée par une compression ou irritation du nerf sciatique, surtout due à une hernie discale lombaire. Elle est l'une des causes les plus fréquentes de consultation aux services de chirurgie de colonne vertébrale. Objectif: Définir si les infiltrations épidurales de stéroïdes peuvent soulager les symptômes chez les patients atteints d'hernie discale et éviter ainsi la chirurgie, leur permettant un prompt retour au travail. Méthodes: Soixante-onze patients atteints d'hernie discale et avec une histoire de douleur sciatique d'au moins 3 mois de durée ont été inclus dans cette étude. Les patients ont subi un maximum de 3 infiltrations épidurales de stéroïdes, administrées avec 2 semaines d'intervalle, et suivies d'un programme de rééducation. Résultats: Sur 71 patients, la plupart souffrait d'une hernie discale en L5-S1 (71,8 pourtent), était du sexe masculin (87 pourtent), âgée de 40,2 ans en moyenne, et avec des occupations d'une grande charge fonctionnelle (57,7 pourtent). L'arrêt de travail pour maladie a eu une durée de 16,63 semaines en moyenne. Au bout d'un an, la majorité des patients (63,4 pourtent) ont été licenciés, et une minorité (36,6 pourtent) a eu besoin d'une chirurgie, malgré les injections épidurales de stéroïdes (douleur persistante). Dans la plupart des cas, l'évaluation de l'incapacité fonctionnelle (questionnaire d'Oswestry) et l'échelle d'auto-évaluation de la douleur (score EVA) ont montré une amélioration statistiquement significative (p < 0.001) après les infiltrations épidurales de stéroïdes. Conclusion: Dans notre contexte, l'administration d'infiltrations épidurales de stéroïdes chez des patients ayant une douleur radiculaire secondaire et une hernie discale est un procédé peu invasif mais effectif, soulageant la douleur, réduisant l'incapacité, et permettant un retour rapide aux activités de travail(AU)

Evolución de las cajas de polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Estudio clínico y radiológico / Évolution des cages en polyétheréthercétone (PEEK). Étude clinique et radiologique / Evolution of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) boxes. Clinical and radiological study

Introducción: las cajas cervicales son implantes desarrollados como una alternativa a la utilización del injerto óseo estructural para la fusión cervical anterior. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la clínica y los resultados radiológicos en una serie de pacientes sometidos a disectomía y descompresión cervical anterior, a los que se les implantó una caja PEEK. Método: estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, longitudinal de una serie de 78 pacientes incluidos en el estudio desde el año 2007 al 2013. El control radiológico incluyó radiografía anteroposterior y lateral. El seguimiento clínico y radiológico de los pacientes se llevó a cabo desde los 3 meses hasta los 12 meses. Resultados: 65 pacientes tuvieron una evolución clínica favorable (83,3 por ciento) y la evolución radiológica confirmó que 66 pacientes (84,6 por ciento) tenían una buena colocación del injerto, sin lesiones en espacios adyacentes con una fusión correcta. Conclusiones: hasta la fecha hay pocos estudios descriptivos sobre el implante de las cajas PEEK, los resultados mostrados en este trabajo están acordes a los publicados con anterioridad en este mismo campo, lo que da validez al trabajo presentado. Este estudio confirma los buenos resultados clínicos y radiológicos de pacientes a los que se les implantó una caja PEEK; se muestra su eficacia en la discectomía cervical anterior y artrodesis(AU)

Introduction: Cervical cases are implants developed as an alternative to the use of structural bone graft for anterior cervical fusion. The objective of this study was to analyze the clinical and radiological results in a series of patients submitted to anterior cervical dissectomy and decompression, to whom a PEEK box was implanted. Method: A retrospective, descriptive, longitudinal study was conducted in a series of 78 patients included in the study from 2007 to 2013. Radiological control included anteroposterior and lateral radiographies. Clinical and radiological follow-up of these patients was carried out from 3 months to 12 months. Results: 65 patients had a favorable clinical course (83.3 percent) and the radiological evolution confirmed that 66 patients (84.6 percent) had a good placement of the graft without lesions in adjacent spaces with a correct fusion. Conclusions: To date there are few descriptive studies on the implantation of PEEK boxes. This paper results are in line with those published previously in this same field, which legitimate the presented work. This study confirms the good clinical and radiological results in patients who were implanted with a PEEK box; its effectiveness in anterior cervical discectomy and arthrodesis is shown(AU)

Introduction: Les cages cervicales sont des implants développés comme alternative de la greffe osseuse structurelle pour la fusion cervicale antérieure. Le but de cette étude est d'analyser la technique et les résultats radiologiques dans une série de patients traités par discectomie et décompression cervicale antérieure, et implantation d'une cage PEEK. Méthodes: Étude rétrospective, descriptive et longitudinale d'une série de 78 patients inclus dans une étude depuis l'année 2007 jusqu'à l'année 2013. L'étude radiologique a compris des clichés en position antéro-postérieure et latérale. Le suivi clinique et radiologique des patients a pris de 3 à 12 mois. Résultats: L'évolution clinique a été satisfaisante chez 65 patients (83,3 pourcent), tandis que l'étude radiologique a confirmé que le greffon était bien placé, il n'y avait pas de lésions dans les espaces adjacentes, et la fusion était correcte chez 66 patients (84,6 pourcent). Conclusions: Jusqu'à maintenant, il y a peu d'études descriptives abordant l'implantation des cages PEEK. Le présent travail est validé, car ses résultats sont en concordance avec les travaux publiés auparavant dans ce domaine. Cette étude confirme les bons résultats obtenus chez les patients ayant subi l'implantation d'une cage PEEK ; son efficacité est démontrée dans la discectomie cervicale antérieure et l'arthrodèse(AU)

A loop suture for dynamic tendon transfer in the repair of chronic or acute extensor pollicis longus ruptures.

Ruptures of extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon may need a tendon transfer for repair, especially in chronic ruptures. We describe a novel transfer technique using a loop-tendon suture for dynamic transfer of extensor pollicis brevis to EPL. We performed an end-to-side transfixing-loop self-locking suture preserving the extensor pollicis brevis, which acts as a motor unit for the distal end of the repaired tendon. Contraindications would mainly be simultaneous rupture of EPL and brevis tendons. No complications were observed, except for mild metacarpal-phalangeal stiffness in chronic ruptures. An early rehabilitation program may be started when no other associated injuries exist.

Thermal energy for the arthroscopic treatment of tears of the triangular fibrocartilage of the wrist.

We evaluated the clinical and occupational outcomes of arthroscopic treatment with electrothermal shrinkage for triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears. We retrospectively reviewed 162 patients. All patients had ulnar-sided wrist pain that limited their occupational and sporting activities. The surgical technique consisted of electrothermal collagen shrinkage of the TFCC. Pain relief, range of motion, complications, reoperation rate, time to return to work and workers' compensation claims were evaluated. Exclusion criteria were distal radioulnar joint instability and association of other wrist lesions. Complete pain relief was noted in 80.3% of the patients, incomplete pain relief in 14.8%, and only 4.9% required reoperation because of pain-persistence. The average range of motion was over 90% compared to the opposite hand. Worker's compensation claims were introduced by 20 patients, of which 6 did not return to their previous occupation. Electrodiathermy may be a useful option for arthroscopic treatment of TFCC tears in cases without distal radioulnar joint instability.