Independent inter and intra-observer agreement of the Schizas's classification of degenerative lumbar stenosis: Comparison among three levels of surgical training / Acuerdo inter e intraobservador independiente de la clasificación de Schizas de estenosis lumbar degenerativa. Comparación entre tres niveles de entrenamiento quirúrgico

Introduction and objectives: Lumbar spinal stenosis is a common age-related condition that affects the quality of life. Multiple classifications have been developed to quantify the severity of stenosis affecting comparison between studies and homogenous communication among surgeons and researchers. Even though this classification has not shown a direct clinical correlation, Schizas's classification appears to be a simple method to assess stenosis. Our objective was to evaluate the inter and intraobserver independent agreement of the Schizas's classification to assess stenosis severity. Additionally, we aimed to compare agreement among three levels of training in spine surgery. Materials and methods: An independent inter and intra observer agreement was conducted among junior, senior orthopedic residents and attending spine surgeons. Ninety lumbar levels from 30 patients were evaluated by 16 observers. Weighted kappa agreement was used. Results: Overall interobserver and intraobserver agreement was of 0.57 (95% CI=0.52–0.63) and 0.69 (0.55–0.79), respectively. Interobserver agreement according to level of training yielded values of 0.53 (0.46–0.60) for junior residents, 0.61 (0.54–0.67) for senior residents and 0.67 (0.59–0.74) for attendings. Intraobserver agreement was of 0.54 (0.48–0.60) for junior, 0.60 (0.55–0.66) for senior and 0.66 (0.60–0.72) for attendings. Conclusion: The Schizas's classification showed moderate interobserver and substantial intraobserver agreement. Among attending surgeons, substantial inter and intraobserver agreement was observed. The classification allowed acceptable communication among trained spine surgeons.(AU)

Introducción y objetivos: La estenosis espinal lumbar es una condición frecuente relacionada con la edad que afecta la calidad de vida. Se han desarrollado múltiples clasificaciones para cuantificar la gravedad de la estenosis que afectan la comparación entre estudios y la comunicación homogénea entre cirujanos e investigadores. A pesar de que esta clasificación no ha mostrado una correlación directa con la clínica, la clasificación de Schizas parece ser un método simple para evaluar la estenosis. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar el acuerdo independiente inter e intraobservador de la clasificación de Schizas en la severidad de la estenosis. Además, comparamos la concordancia entre tres niveles de formación en cirugía de columna. Materiales y métodos: Se llevó a cabo un acuerdo independiente inter e intraobservador entre los residentes ortopédicos principiantes, avanzados y los cirujanos de columna; 90 niveles lumbares de 30 pacientes fueron evaluados por 16 observadores. Se utilizó concordancia a través del kappa ponderado. Resultados: La concordancia global interobservador e intraobservador fue de 0,57 (IC 95%=0,52-0,63) y 0,69 (0,55-0,79), respectivamente. La concordancia interobservador según el nivel de formación arroja valores de 0,53 (0,46-0,60) para los residentes menores, 0,61 (0,54-0,67) para los residentes mayores y 0,67 (0,59-0,74) para los asistentes. La concordancia intraobservador fue de 0,54 (0,48-0,60) para principiantes, 0,60 (0,55-0,66) para avanzados y 0,66 (0,60-0,72) para cirujanos de columna. Conclusión: La clasificación de Schizas mostró concordancia interobservador moderada y concordancia intraobservador sustancial. Entre los cirujanos de columna, se observó un acuerdo sustancial inter e intraobservador. La clasificación permitió una comunicación aceptable entre los cirujanos de columna entrenados.(AU)

[Artículo traducido] Acuerdo inter-e intraobservador independiente de la clasificación de Schizas de estenosis lumbar degenerativa. Comparación entre tres niveles de entrenamiento quirúrgico / Independent inter and intra-observer agreement of the Schizas's classification of degenerative lumbar stenosis: Comparison among three levels of surgical training

Introduction and objectives: Lumbar spinal stenosis is a common age-related condition that affects the quality of life. Multiple classifications have been developed to quantify the severity of stenosis affecting comparison between studies and homogenous communication among surgeons and researchers. Even though this classification has not shown a direct clinical correlation, Schizas's classification appears to be a simple method to assess stenosis. Our objective was to evaluate the inter and intraobserver independent agreement of the Schizas's classification to assess stenosis severity. Additionally, we aimed to compare agreement among three levels of training in spine surgery. Materials and methods: An independent inter and intra observer agreement was conducted among junior, senior orthopedic residents and attending spine surgeons. Ninety lumbar levels from 30 patients were evaluated by 16 observers. Weighted kappa agreement was used. Results: Overall interobserver and intraobserver agreement was of 0.57 (95% CI=0.52–0.63) and 0.69 (0.55–0.79), respectively. Interobserver agreement according to level of training yielded values of 0.53 (0.46–0.60) for junior residents, 0.61 (0.54–0.67) for senior residents and 0.67 (0.59–0.74) for attendings. Intraobserver agreement was of 0.54 (0.48–0.60) for junior, 0.60 (0.55–0.66) for senior and 0.66 (0.60–0.72) for attendings. Conclusion: The Schizas's classification showed moderate interobserver and substantial intraobserver agreement. Among attending surgeons, substantial inter and intraobserver agreement was observed. The classification allowed acceptable communication among trained spine surgeons.(AU)

Introducción y objetivos: La estenosis espinal lumbar es una condición frecuente relacionada con la edad que afecta la calidad de vida. Se han desarrollado múltiples clasificaciones para cuantificar la gravedad de la estenosis que afectan la comparación entre estudios y la comunicación homogénea entre cirujanos e investigadores. A pesar de que esta clasificación no ha mostrado una correlación directa con la clínica, la clasificación de Schizas parece ser un método simple para evaluar la estenosis. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar el acuerdo independiente inter e intraobservador de la clasificación de Schizas en la severidad de la estenosis. Además, comparamos la concordancia entre tres niveles de formación en cirugía de columna. Materiales y métodos: Se llevó a cabo un acuerdo independiente inter e intraobservador entre los residentes ortopédicos principiantes, avanzados y los cirujanos de columna; 90 niveles lumbares de 30 pacientes fueron evaluados por 16 observadores. Se utilizó concordancia a través del kappa ponderado. Resultados: La concordancia global interobservador e intraobservador fue de 0,57 (IC 95%=0,52-0,63) y 0,69 (0,55-0,79), respectivamente. La concordancia interobservador según el nivel de formación arroja valores de 0,53 (0,46-0,60) para los residentes menores, 0,61 (0,54-0,67) para los residentes mayores y 0,67 (0,59-0,74) para los asistentes. La concordancia intraobservador fue de 0,54 (0,48-0,60) para principiantes, 0,60 (0,55-0,66) para avanzados y 0,66 (0,60-0,72) para cirujanos de columna. Conclusión: La clasificación de Schizas mostró concordancia interobservador moderada y concordancia intraobservador sustancial. Entre los cirujanos de columna, se observó un acuerdo sustancial inter e intraobservador. La clasificación permitió una comunicación aceptable entre los cirujanos de columna entrenados.(AU)

Independent inter and intra-observer agreement of the Schizas's classification of degenerative lumbar stenosis: Comparison among three levels of surgical training. / [Artículo traducido] Acuerdo inter- e intraobservador independiente de la clasificación de Schizas de estenosis lumbar degenerativa. Comparación entre tres niveles de entrenamiento quirúrgico.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Lumbar spinal stenosis is a common age-related condition that affects the quality of life. Multiple classifications have been developed to quantify the severity of stenosis affecting comparison between studies and homogenous communication among surgeons and researchers. Even though this classification has not shown a direct clinical correlation, Schizas's classification appears to be a simple method to assess stenosis. Our objective was to evaluate the inter and intraobserver independent agreement of the Schizas's classification to assess stenosis severity. Additionally, we aimed to compare agreement among three levels of training in spine surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An independent inter and intra observer agreement was conducted among junior, senior orthopedic residents and attending spine surgeons. Ninety lumbar levels from 30 patients were evaluated by 16 observers. Weighted kappa agreement was used. RESULTS: Overall interobserver and intraobserver agreement was of 0.57 (95% CI=0.52-0.63) and 0.69 (0.55-0.79), respectively. Interobserver agreement according to level of training yielded values of 0.53 (0.46-0.60) for junior residents, 0.61 (0.54-0.67) for senior residents and 0.67 (0.59-0.74) for attendings. Intraobserver agreement was of 0.54 (0.48-0.60) for junior, 0.60 (0.55-0.66) for senior and 0.66 (0.60-0.72) for attendings. CONCLUSION: The Schizas's classification showed moderate interobserver and substantial intraobserver agreement. Among attending surgeons, substantial inter and intraobserver agreement was observed. The classification allowed acceptable communication among trained spine surgeons.

Independent inter and intra-observer agreement of the Schizas's classification of degenerative lumbar stenosis: Comparison among three levels of surgical training.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Lumbar spinal stenosis is a common age-related condition that affects the quality of life. Multiple classifications have been developed to quantify the severity of stenosis affecting comparison between studies and homogenous communication among surgeons and researchers. Even though this classification has not shown a direct clinical correlation, Schizas's classification appears to be a simple method to assess stenosis. Our objective was to evaluate the inter and intraobserver independent agreement of the Schizas's classification to assess stenosis severity. Additionally, we aimed to compare agreement among three levels of training in spine surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An independent inter and intra observer agreement was conducted among junior, senior orthopedic residents and attending spine surgeons. Ninety lumbar levels from 30 patients were evaluated by 16 observers. Weighted kappa agreement was used. RESULTS: Overall interobserver and intraobserver agreement was of 0.57 (95% CI=0.52-0.63) and 0.69 (0.55-0.79), respectively. Interobserver agreement according to level of training yielded values of 0.53 (0.46-0.60) for junior residents, 0.61 (0.54-0.67) for senior residents and 0.67 (0.59-0.74) for attendings. Intraobserver agreement was of 0.54 (0.48-0.60) for junior, 0.60 (0.55-0.66) for senior and 0.66 (0.60-0.72) for attendings. CONCLUSION: The Schizas's classification showed moderate interobserver and substantial intraobserver agreement. Among attending surgeons, substantial inter and intraobserver agreement was observed. The classification allowed acceptable communication among trained spine surgeons.

Wound-related complications in the surgical treatment of vertebral metastatic disease – A case series analysis / Complicaciones relacionadas con la herida en el tratamiento quirúrgico de la enfermedad metastásica vertebral: análisis de una serie de casos

Introduction and objectives: Spinal metastases (SM) account for 5–30% of patients with cancer, causing pain, deformity and/or neurological deficit. Postoperative complications are a concerning subject and wound-related complications (WRC) may delay adjuvant treatment. The objective of this study was to analyze the incidence of WRC in patients with SM that underwent surgical treatment as well as possible risk factors related to the occurrence of complications. Materials and methods: Patients with SM operated between 2011 and 2021 were analyzed. Demographics characteristics, primary tumor, general and neurological status, Tokuhashi score, type of surgical treatment, surgical length, preoperative serum albumin and hemoglobin, pre and postoperative adjuvant treatment were analyzed. The incidence and risk factors of WRC – surgical site infection, hematoma, and/or dehiscence – at 90 days was evaluated. Patients were classified in two groups according to the absence/presence of WRC. Results: 198 patients (121 males and 77 females) with an average age of 65 years (range 54–73 years) were analyzed. WRC were observed in 44 patients (22%). On multivariable analysis, significant predictors for developing WRC were low Tokuhashi score (OR=7.89, 95% CI=1.37–45.35, p=0.021), prostate cancer as primary tumor (6.73, 1.14–39.65, p=0.035), and preoperative serum albumin level ≤3.5g/dL (2.31, 1.02–5.22, p=0.044). There was no difference between groups on 90 days survival rate (p=0.714). Conclusions: In our series, the incidence of WRC was 22%, main risk factors for complications were low Tokuhashi score, lower preoperative serum albumin, and prostate cancer. Finally, short-term survival rate was not affected by the occurrence of WRC.(AU)

Introducción y objetivos: Las metástasis espinales (MV) pueden ocurrir en el 5-30% de los pacientes con cáncer, provocando dolor, deformidad y/o déficit neurológico. Las complicaciones postoperatorias son un motivo de preocupación y las complicaciones relacionadas con la herida (CRH) pueden retrasar el inicio del tratamiento adyuvante. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la incidencia de CRH en pacientes con MV sometidos a tratamiento quirúrgico y evaluar los posibles factores de riesgo relacionados con estas complicaciones. Materiales y métodos: Se analizaron pacientes operados por MV entre 2011 y 2021. Se analizaron características demográficas, tumor primario, estado general y neurológico, score de Tokuhashi, tipo de tratamiento quirúrgico, duración de la cirugía, albúmina sérica y hemoglobina preoperatorias, tratamiento adyuvante pre- y postoperatorio. Se evaluó la incidencia y los factores de riesgo de la CRH (infección del sitio quirúrgico, hematoma y/o dehiscencia) a los 90 días. Los pacientes se clasificaron en dos grupos según la ausencia/presencia de CRH. Resultados: Se analizaron 198 pacientes (121 hombres y 77 mujeres) con una edad promedio de 65 años (rango 54-73 años). Se observaron CRH en 44 pacientes (22%). En el análisis multivariado, los predictores significativos para el desarrollo de CRH fueron un score de Tokuhashi bajo (OR=7,89; IC del 95%=1,37-45,35; p=0,021), cáncer de próstata como tumor primario (OR=6,73; IC del 95%=1,14-39,65; p=0,035) y albúmina sérica preoperatoria≤3,5g/dL (OR=2.31; IC del 95%=1,02-5,22; p=0,044). No hubo diferencias entre los grupos en la supervivencia a los 90 días (p=0,714). Conclusiones: En nuestra serie, la incidencia de CRH fue del 22%, los principales factores de riesgo para su aparición fueron el score de Tokuhashi bajo, la albúmina sérica preoperatoria más baja y el cáncer de próstata. Finalmente, la tasa de supervivencia a corto plazo no se vio afectada por la ocurrencia de CRH.(AU)

[Artículo traducido] Complicaciones relacionadas con la herida en el tratamiento quirúrgico de la enfermedad metastásica vertebral: análisis de una serie de casos / Wound-related complications in the surgical treatment of vertebral metastatic disease - A case series analysis

Introduction and objectives: Spinal metastases (SM) account for 5–30% of patients with cancer, causing pain, deformity and/or neurological deficit. Postoperative complications are a concerning subject and wound-related complications (WRC) may delay adjuvant treatment. The objective of this study was to analyze the incidence of WRC in patients with SM that underwent surgical treatment as well as possible risk factors related to the occurrence of complications. Materials and methods: Patients with SM operated between 2011 and 2021 were analyzed. Demographics characteristics, primary tumor, general and neurological status, Tokuhashi score, type of surgical treatment, surgical length, preoperative serum albumin and hemoglobin, pre and postoperative adjuvant treatment were analyzed. The incidence and risk factors of WRC – surgical site infection, hematoma, and/or dehiscence – at 90 days was evaluated. Patients were classified in two groups according to the absence/presence of WRC. Results: 198 patients (121 males and 77 females) with an average age of 65 years (range 54–73 years) were analyzed. WRC were observed in 44 patients (22%). On multivariable analysis, significant predictors for developing WRC were low Tokuhashi score (OR=7.89, 95% CI=1.37–45.35, p=0.021), prostate cancer as primary tumor (6.73, 1.14–39.65, p=0.035), and preoperative serum albumin level ≤3.5g/dL (2.31, 1.02–5.22, p=0.044). There was no difference between groups on 90 days survival rate (p=0.714). Conclusions: In our series, the incidence of WRC was 22%, main risk factors for complications were low Tokuhashi score, lower preoperative serum albumin, and prostate cancer. Finally, short-term survival rate was not affected by the occurrence of WRC.(AU)

Introducción y objetivos: Las metástasis espinales (MV) pueden ocurrir en el 5-30% de los pacientes con cáncer, provocando dolor, deformidad y/o déficit neurológico. Las complicaciones postoperatorias son un motivo de preocupación y las complicaciones relacionadas con la herida (CRH) pueden retrasar el inicio del tratamiento adyuvante. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la incidencia de CRH en pacientes con MV sometidos a tratamiento quirúrgico y evaluar los posibles factores de riesgo relacionados con estas complicaciones. Materiales y métodos: Se analizaron pacientes operados por MV entre 2011 y 2021. Se analizaron características demográficas, tumor primario, estado general y neurológico, score de Tokuhashi, tipo de tratamiento quirúrgico, duración de la cirugía, albúmina sérica y hemoglobina preoperatorias, tratamiento adyuvante pre- y postoperatorio. Se evaluó la incidencia y los factores de riesgo de la CRH (infección del sitio quirúrgico, hematoma y/o dehiscencia) a los 90 días. Los pacientes se clasificaron en dos grupos según la ausencia/presencia de CRH. Resultados: Se analizaron 198 pacientes (121 hombres y 77 mujeres) con una edad promedio de 65 años (rango 54-73 años). Se observaron CRH en 44 pacientes (22%). En el análisis multivariado, los predictores significativos para el desarrollo de CRH fueron un score de Tokuhashi bajo (OR=7,89; IC del 95%=1,37-45,35; p=0,021), cáncer de próstata como tumor primario (OR=6,73; IC del 95%=1,14-39,65; p=0,035) y albúmina sérica preoperatoria≤3,5g/dL (OR=2.31; IC del 95%=1,02-5,22; p=0,044). No hubo diferencias entre los grupos en la supervivencia a los 90 días (p=0,714). Conclusiones: En nuestra serie, la incidencia de CRH fue del 22%, los principales factores de riesgo para su aparición fueron el score de Tokuhashi bajo, la albúmina sérica preoperatoria más baja y el cáncer de próstata. Finalmente, la tasa de supervivencia a corto plazo no se vio afectada por la ocurrencia de CRH.(AU)

Wound-related complications in the surgical treatment of vertebral metastatic disease - A case series analysis. / [Artículo traducido] Complicaciones relacionadas con la herida en el tratamiento quirúrgico de la enfermedad metastásica vertebral: análisis de una serie de casos.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Spinal metastases (SM) account for 5-30% of patients with cancer, causing pain, deformity and/or neurological deficit. Postoperative complications are a concerning subject and wound-related complications (WRC) may delay adjuvant treatment. The objective of this study was to analyze the incidence of WRC in patients with SM that underwent surgical treatment as well as possible risk factors related to the occurrence of complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with SM operated between 2011 and 2021 were analyzed. Demographics characteristics, primary tumor, general and neurological status, Tokuhashi score, type of surgical treatment, surgical length, preoperative serum albumin and hemoglobin, pre and postoperative adjuvant treatment were analyzed. The incidence and risk factors of WRC -surgical site infection, hematoma, and/or dehiscence- at 90 days was evaluated. Patients were classified in two groups according to the absence/presence of WRC. RESULTS: 198 patients (121 males and 77 females) with an average age of 65 years (range 54-73 years) were analyzed. WRC were observed in 44 patients (22%). On multivariable analysis, significant predictors for developing WRC were low Tokuhashi score (OR=7.89, 95% CI=1.37-45.35, p=.021), prostate cancer as primary tumor (6.73, 1.14-39.65, p=.035), and preoperative serum albumin level ≤3.5g/dL (2.31, 1.02-5.22, p=.044). There was no difference between groups on 90 days survival rate (p=.714). CONCLUSIONS: In our series, the incidence of WRC was 22%, main risk factors for complications were low Tokuhashi score, lower preoperative serum albumin, and prostate cancer. Finally, short-term survival rate was not affected by the occurrence of WRC.

Wound-related complications in the surgical treatment of vertebral metastatic disease - A case series analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Spinal metastases (SM) account for 5-30% of patients with cancer, causing pain, deformity and/or neurological deficit. Postoperative complications are a concerning subject and wound-related complications (WRC) may delay adjuvant treatment. The objective of this study was to analyze the incidence of WRC in patients with SM that underwent surgical treatment as well as possible risk factors related to the occurrence of complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with SM operated between 2011 and 2021 were analyzed. Demographics characteristics, primary tumor, general and neurological status, Tokuhashi score, type of surgical treatment, surgical length, preoperative serum albumin and hemoglobin, pre and postoperative adjuvant treatment were analyzed. The incidence and risk factors of WRC - surgical site infection, hematoma, and/or dehiscence - at 90 days was evaluated. Patients were classified in two groups according to the absence/presence of WRC. RESULTS: 198 patients (121 males and 77 females) with an average age of 65 years (range 54-73 years) were analyzed. WRC were observed in 44 patients (22%). On multivariable analysis, significant predictors for developing WRC were low Tokuhashi score (OR=7.89, 95% CI=1.37-45.35, p=0.021), prostate cancer as primary tumor (6.73, 1.14-39.65, p=0.035), and preoperative serum albumin level ≤3.5g/dL (2.31, 1.02-5.22, p=0.044). There was no difference between groups on 90 days survival rate (p=0.714). CONCLUSIONS: In our series, the incidence of WRC was 22%, main risk factors for complications were low Tokuhashi score, lower preoperative serum albumin, and prostate cancer. Finally, short-term survival rate was not affected by the occurrence of WRC.

Factores asociados a recidiva de hernia de disco lumbar luego de una microdiscectomía / Factors associated with lumbar disc hernia recurrence after microdiscectomy

Introducción. Las hernias de disco lumbares son una causa frecuente de cirugía lumbar. La recurrencia herniaria es una complicación prevalente. Objetivo. Analizar los factores de riesgo asociados a recurrencia herniaria en pacientes intervenidos por hernia discal lumbar en nuestra institución. Materiales y métodos. Se analizaron en forma retrospectiva una serie de 177 microdiscectomías lumbares entre 2010 y 2014; se excluyeron pacientes con cirugías previas, hernias foraminales y extraforaminales. Los pacientes con recurrencia herniaria constituyeron el grupo de casos y los que no presentaron recurrencia fueron el grupo control; se analizó: sexo, edad, índice de masa corporal, nivel, degeneración facetaria, altura discal y protrusión discal. Resultados. Hubo 177 pacientes con microdiscectomía lumbar, de los cuales 30 (16%) presentaron recurrencia herniaria; de ellos, 27 fueron reoperados. Entre los factores de riesgo asociados a recurrencia observamos mayor índice de altura discal, mayor porcentaje de canal ocupado por la hernia y mayor presencia de cambios degenerativos facetarios; no observamos diferencias en cuanto al sexo, índice de masa corporal y edad. Discusión. Estudios previos muestran el aumento de altura discal y pacientes jóvenes como posibles factores asociados a recidiva. Conclusión. En nuestra serie encontramos que el mayor índice de altura discal, el porcentaje de canal ocupado por la hernia y los cambios degenerativos facetarios se asociaron a recurrencia herniaria (AU)

Introduction. Lumbar disc hernias are a common cause of spinal surgery. Hernia recurrence is a prevalent complication. Objective. To analyse the risk factors associated with hernia recurrence in patients undergoing surgery in our institution. Materials and methods. Lumbar microdiscectomies between 2010 and 2014 were analysed, patients with previous surgeries, extraforaminales and foraminal hernias were excluded. Patients with recurrent hernia were the case group and those who showed no recurrence were the control group. Results. 177 patients with lumbar microdiscectomy, of whom 30 experienced recurrence (16%), and of these 27 were reoperated. Among the risk factors associated with recurrence, we observed a higher rate of disc height, higher percentage of spinal canal occupied by the hernia and presence of degenerative facet joint changes; we observed no differences in sex, body mass index or age. Discussion. Previous studies show increased disc height and young patients as possible factors associated with recurrence. Conclusion. In our series we found that the higher rate of disc height, the percentage of spinal canal occupied by the hernia and degenerative facet joint changes were associated with hernia recurrence (AU)

Factors associated with lumbar disc hernia recurrence after microdiscectomy. / Factores asociados a recidiva de hernia de disco lumbar luego de una microdiscectomía.

INTRODUCTION: Lumbar disc hernias are a common cause of spinal surgery. Hernia recurrence is a prevalent complication. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the risk factors associated with hernia recurrence in patients undergoing surgery in our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Lumbar microdiscectomies between 2010 and 2014 were analysed, patients with previous surgeries, extraforaminales and foraminal hernias were excluded. Patients with recurrent hernia were the case group and those who showed no recurrence were the control group. RESULTS: 177 patients with lumbar microdiscectomy, of whom 30 experienced recurrence (16%), and of these 27 were reoperated. Among the risk factors associated with recurrence, we observed a higher rate of disc height, higher percentage of spinal canal occupied by the hernia and presence of degenerative facet joint changes; we observed no differences in sex, body mass index or age. DISCUSSION: Previous studies show increased disc height and young patients as possible factors associated with recurrence. CONCLUSION: In our series we found that the higher rate of disc height, the percentage of spinal canal occupied by the hernia and degenerative facet joint changes were associated with hernia recurrence.

Identificación inmunohistoquímica de los fenómenos degenerativos en la hernia de disco lumbar: expresión de ácida hialurónico, metaloproteasas 1 y 3, factor de crecimiento fibroblástico básico y CD34 / Immunohistochemical detection of degenerative phenomea in lumbar disc herniations

Los objetivos de este trabajo son identificar los niveles de expresión y distribución de las metaloproteasas (MMP) 1 y 3, observar su efecto sobre el ácido hialurónico (AH), estudiar la respuesta inflamatoria, analizar los procesos de angiogénesis en el disco detectando la proteína CD34 y el factor de crecimiento fibroblástico básico (FCF-b) y relacionar los hallazgos con parámetros clínicos y epidemiológicos de los enfermos. Se analizaron discos intervertebrales obtenidos en 34 discectomías por hernia de disco y de 10 discos control con técnica histológica de rutina y técnicas inmunohistoquímicas contra MMP-1 y MMP-3, AH, CD34 y FCF-b. Se observó aumento significativo del porcentaje de degeneración, vascularización, detección de AH, MMP-1, MMP-3, CD34 y FCF-b en los discos extruidos y secuestros, lo que sugiere una relación entre las etapas más avanzadas de herniación y las más intensas de degeneración. Los enfermos con antecedentes de tabaquismo presentaron hernias con mayores niveles de expresión de FCF-b, o que sugiere una asociación entre el hábito de fumar y la intensidad de la respuesta tisular. Se discuten los hallazgos observados con una revisión de la literatura sobre el tema. La degeneración discal estaría producida por fenómenos biológicos que representan una falla en la capacidad de reparación del tejido conectivo especializado

Identificación inmunohistoquímica de los fenómenos degenerativos en la hernia de disco lumbar: expresión de ácida hialurónico, metaloproteasas 1 y 3, factor de crecimiento fibroblástico básico y CD34 / Immunohistochemical detection of degenerative phenomea in lumbar disc herniations

Los objetivos de este trabajo son identificar los niveles de expresión y distribución de las metaloproteasas (MMP) 1 y 3, observar su efecto sobre el ácido hialurónico (AH), estudiar la respuesta inflamatoria, analizar los procesos de angiogénesis en el disco detectando la proteína CD34 y el factor de crecimiento fibroblástico básico (FCF-b) y relacionar los hallazgos con parámetros clínicos y epidemiológicos de los enfermos. Se analizaron discos intervertebrales obtenidos en 34 discectomías por hernia de disco y de 10 discos control con técnica histológica de rutina y técnicas inmunohistoquímicas contra MMP-1 y MMP-3, AH, CD34 y FCF-b. Se observó aumento significativo del porcentaje de degeneración, vascularización, detección de AH, MMP-1, MMP-3, CD34 y FCF-b en los discos extruidos y secuestros, lo que sugiere una relación entre las etapas más avanzadas de herniación y las más intensas de degeneración. Los enfermos con antecedentes de tabaquismo presentaron hernias con mayores niveles de expresión de FCF-b, o que sugiere una asociación entre el hábito de fumar y la intensidad de la respuesta tisular. Se discuten los hallazgos observados con una revisión de la literatura sobre el tema. La degeneración discal estaría producida por fenómenos biológicos que representan una falla en la capacidad de reparación del tejido conectivo especializado

Overdistraction of cervical spine injuries with the use of skull traction: a report of two cases.

Two cases in which cervical spine overdistraction occurred with the use of skull traction are described. A summary of the clinical presentations and definitive treatment together with some bibliographic references are discussed. Finally, suggestions regarding how to avoid overdistraction when using skull traction are given.

Giant sacral schwannoma. A case report.

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: To present a rare case of a previously operated giant schwannoma located in the sacrum, and to make some considerations regarding diagnostic modalities and treatment options. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Large sacral schwannomas with anterior cortex erosion and associated intrapelvic extension are uncommon. Only a few case reports and small series have been published. There is no established consensus regarding diagnostic modalities, necessity for histologic diagnosis before surgery, or best surgical option. METHODS: The patient presented with a 2-month history of right sciatica and severe low back pain. After a histopathologic diagnosis and a complete set of image studies, the resection of the tumoral mass was planned posteriorly. RESULTS: Seventeen months after tumor resection, the patient has a good clinical outcome, and there are no radiologic signs of instability or recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the experience of the few cases reported in the world literature, the management of this tumor appears to grant favorable results, recurrence being the most frequent complication.

The use of a bone allograft for reconstruction after resection of giant-cell tumor close to the knee.

The results of bone-allograft reconstruction after the resection of giant-cell tumor close to the knee were reviewed in fifty-two patients (fifty-five allografts), who had been followed for a mean of seven years (range, two to twenty-four years). One giant-cell tumor was graded as stage 1; twenty, as stage 2; and thirty-one, as stage 3. Three reconstructions were repeated transplants that were done after the failure of a previous transplant. Ten allograft reconstructions were intercalary and were combined with an arthrodesis of the knee, and forty-five were osteoarticular. Major complications included infection (after three reconstructions), resorption of the graft (six), collapse of the articular surface (two), fracture (two), and recurrence (one). According to the criteria described by Mankin et al. for functional analysis, forty-two (76 per cent) of the extremities had a result that was considered to be excellent or good. Radiographic evaluation according to the system of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society showed a mean score of 72 per cent for osteoarticular reconstructions, and of 86 per cent for intercalary reconstructions.