ACUTE RADIATING LOW BACK PAIN IMPACT ON ROUTINE AND FUNCTION OF THE BRAZILIAN POPULATION: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Acute radiating low back pain is a frequently occurring clinical condition among the population, and it represents a significant portion of urgent care in public health services. Objective: Consider the clinical characteristics, demographics, as well as the intensity of the pain, discomfort, and dysfunction of patients who show a clinical diagnosis that is compatible with acute radicular pain, new or reoccurring after an asymptomatic period. Methods: Patients that display a clinical diagnosis that is compatible with acute sciatic nerve pain, with the beginning of it starting within three months, without previous history of a similar occurrence, were seen in an orthopedic health clinic from July 2020 to January 2021. Results: A total of 42 patients were seen with a compatible diagnosis, which represents 1.4% of all medical visits. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have considered the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with acute radicular pain in the Brazilian population. This study has found a mean value on the disfunction index that is greater than what is suggested by the current literature. Conclusion: About 30% of individuals showed functional involvement that was considered crippling, which presented a stronger association with individuals with the presence of motor deficits, intensity of radiating pain, and professional inactivity. Level of Evidence IV, Cross-Sectional Study.

A lombociatalgia aguda é uma condição clínica bastante frequente na população e representa uma porção expressiva dos atendimentos de urgência nos serviços de saúde pública. Objetivo: Avaliar as características clínicas e demográficas, bem como a intensidade da dor e da disfunção de pacientes com quadro clínico compatível com dor radicular aguda, inédita ou recorrente após período assintomático. Métodos: Consideraram-se pacientes com quadro clínico compatível com dor ciática aguda que tenha se iniciado em até três meses, sem história prévia de episódio semelhante e que foram atendidos em uma unidade de pronto atendimento ortopédico entre julho de 2020 e janeiro de 2021. Resultados: Foram atendidos 42 pacientes com quadro clínico compatível, representando 1,4% do total de atendimentos realizados no serviço. Não há relatos de estudos que buscaram avaliar as características clínicas e demográficas dos pacientes com dor radicular aguda na população brasileira. Neste estudo, contudo, encontrou-se um elevado valor médio no índice de disfunção em comparação com a literatura atual. Conclusão: Cerca de 30% dos indivíduos apresentaram acometimento funcional considerado incapacitante, sendo que a presença de déficits motores, a intensidade de dor irradiada e a inatividade trabalhista foram estatisticamente maiores nesse grupo em relação aos demais. Nível de Evidência IV, Estudo Transversal.

Acute radiating low back pain impact on routine and function of the brazilian population: a cross-sectional study / Impacto da lombociatalgia aguda na rotina e função da população brasileira: um estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Acute radiating low back pain is a frequently occurring clinical condition among the population, and it represents a significant portion of urgent care in public health services. Objective: Consider the clinical characteristics, demographics, as well as the intensity of the pain, discomfort, and dysfunction of patients who show a clinical diagnosis that is compatible with acute radicular pain, new or reoccurring after an asymptomatic period. Methods: Patients that display a clinical diagnosis that is compatible with acute sciatic nerve pain, with the beginning of it starting within three months, without previous history of a similar occurrence, were seen in an orthopedic health clinic from July 2020 to January 2021. Results: A total of 42 patients were seen with a compatible diagnosis, which represents 1.4% of all medical visits. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have considered the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with acute radicular pain in the Brazilian population. This study has found a mean value on the disfunction index that is greater than what is suggested by the current literature. Conclusion: About 30% of individuals showed functional involvement that was considered crippling, which presented a stronger association with individuals with the presence of motor deficits, intensity of radiating pain, and professional inactivity. Level of Evidence IV, Cross-Sectional Study.

RESUMO A lombociatalgia aguda é uma condição clínica bastante frequente na população e representa uma porção expressiva dos atendimentos de urgência nos serviços de saúde pública. Objetivo: Avaliar as características clínicas e demográficas, bem como a intensidade da dor e da disfunção de pacientes com quadro clínico compatível com dor radicular aguda, inédita ou recorrente após período assintomático. Métodos: Consideraram-se pacientes com quadro clínico compatível com dor ciática aguda que tenha se iniciado em até três meses, sem história prévia de episódio semelhante e que foram atendidos em uma unidade de pronto atendimento ortopédico entre julho de 2020 e janeiro de 2021. Resultados: Foram atendidos 42 pacientes com quadro clínico compatível, representando 1,4% do total de atendimentos realizados no serviço. Não há relatos de estudos que buscaram avaliar as características clínicas e demográficas dos pacientes com dor radicular aguda na população brasileira. Neste estudo, contudo, encontrou-se um elevado valor médio no índice de disfunção em comparação com a literatura atual. Conclusão: Cerca de 30% dos indivíduos apresentaram acometimento funcional considerado incapacitante, sendo que a presença de déficits motores, a intensidade de dor irradiada e a inatividade trabalhista foram estatisticamente maiores nesse grupo em relação aos demais. Nível de Evidência IV, Estudo Transversal.

Comparison between radiographic methods of measuring flexibility in scoliosis / Comparação entre métodos radiográficos para medir a flexibilidade na escoliose / Comparación entre métodos radiográficos para medir la flexibilidad en la escoliosis

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the preoperative radiographic method for measuring the Cobb angle that is closest to the postoperative result in patients with scoliotic deformity. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of radiographic spinal evaluation (preoperative posteroanterior (PA), bending, traction, traction under anesthesia and immediate postoperative posteroanterior (PO)) of 26 patients treated surgically for scoliotic deformities during the period from January 2017 to September 2019. The final mean Cobb angle and its decrease in relation to the PA value were evaluated in the three curves in patients with idiopathic (IS) and non-idiopathic scoliosis. Results: All the mean curve values were statistically significant, except for bending in non-idiopathic scoliosis (non-IS). The mean traction under anesthesia values were closer to the PO values. Regarding the delta (decrease) of the maneuvers in relation to the PA, no statistical significance was observed in the non-IS group. The traction under anesthesia maneuver had a greater delta in all curves. Conclusions: The traction under anesthesia maneuver in patients with idiopathic scoliosis is the method with the greatest flexibility and which best predicts the postoperative result. Level of evidence III; Diagnostic study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Objetivo: Determinar o método radiográfico pré-operatório para aferição do ângulo de Cobb que mais se aproxima dos resultados pós-operatórios em pacientes com deformidade escoliótica. Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo de avaliação radiográfica da coluna vertebral (posteroanterior pré-operatória [PA], inclinações, tração, tração com anestesia e posteroanterior pós-operatória imediata [PO]) de 26 pacientes com deformidades escolióticas no período de Janeiro de 2017 a Setembro de 2019 tratados com cirurgia . Avaliou-se a média final do ângulo de Cobb e a sua diminuição com relação ao PA nas três curvas em pacientes com escoliose idiopática (EI) e não idiopática. Resultados: Todas as médias das curvas têm significância estatística, exceto a inclinação na escoliose não idiopática (não EI). A tração com anestesia apresenta média de valores mais próximos ao PO. Com relação ao delta (diminuição) das manobras referentes ao PA, foi observado que não houve significância estatística nas não EI. A manobra de tração com anestesia tem delta maior em todas as curvas. Conclusões: A manobra de tração com anestesia em pacientes com escoliose idiopática configura-se como o método com maior flexibilidade e que melhor prediz o resultado pós-operatório. Nível de evidência III; Estudo diagnóstico.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Determinar el método radiográfico preoperatorio para medición del ángulo de Cobb que más se aproxima a los resultados postoperatorios en pacientes con deformidad escoliótica. Métodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo de evaluación radiográfica de la columna vertebral (posteroanterior preoperatoria (PA), inclinaciones, tracción, tracción con anestesia y posteroanterior postoperatoria inmediata (PO)) de 26 pacientes con deformidades escolióticas en el período de enero de 2017 a septiembre de 2019 tratados con cirugía. Se evaluó el promedio final del ángulo de Cobb y su disminución con relación al PA en las tres curvas en pacientes con escoliosis idiopática (EI) y no idiopática. Resultados: Todos los promedios de las curvas tienen significancia estadística, excepto la inclinación en la escoliosis no idiopática (no EI). La tracción con anestesia presenta promedio de valores más próximos al PO. Con relación al delta (disminución) de las maniobras referentes al PA, se observó que no hubo significancia estadística en las no EI. La maniobra de tracción con anestesia tiene un delta mayor en todas las curvas. Conclusiones: La maniobra de tracción con anestesia en pacientes con escoliosis idiopática se configura como el método con mayor flexibilidad y que mejor predice el resultado postoperatorio.Nivel de evidencia III; Estudio diagnóstico.

Intra- and interobserver reproducibility of the radiographic evaluation of cranial parameters / Reprodutibilidade intra e interobservadores da avaliação radiográfica de parâmetros cranianos / Reproducibilidad intra e interobservadores de la evaluación radiográfica de parámetros craneales

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the intra- and interobserver reproducibility of radiographic cranial parameters. Method: A study of the reproducibility of the radiographic cranial parameters (cranial incidence, cranial tilt, cranial slope and spinocervical angle) of 40 patients by 4 observers with different levels of experience. Results: Cranial incidence (CI) showed poor intraobserver concordance; for the other cranial parameters, good to excellent concordance was observed. In the assessment of interobserver concordance, all the parameters analyzed showed statistical significance, with good CI concordance. Conclusion: Cranial parameters are easily reproducible by orthopedists with different levels of experience. CI showed good interobserver concordance, but only reasonable intraobserver concordance among more experienced observers. Level of evidence IV; Diagnostic Study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a reprodutibilidade intra e interobservadores dos parâmetros radiográficos cranianos. Métodos: Estudo de mensuração da reprodutibilidade da avaliação radiográfica de parâmetros cranianos (incidência craniana, inclinação craniana, slope craniano e ângulo espinocervical) de 40 pacientes, por quatro observadores com diferentes níveis de experiência em duas ocasiões distintas. Resultados: Na concordância intraobservador, a incidência craniana (IC) mostrou concordância ruim; nos demais parâmetros cranianos, observou-se concordância boa a excelente. Na avaliação de concordância interobservadores, todos os parâmetros analisados apresentaram significância estatística, com boa concordância da IC. Conclusão: Os parâmetros cranianos são facilmente reprodutíveis por ortopedistas em diferentes estágios de formação. A IC tem boa concordância interobservador, porém concordância apenas razoável na análise de intraobservadores mais experientes. Nível de evidência IV; Estudo Diagnóstico.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la reproducibilidad intra e interobservadores de los parámetros radiográficos craneales. Métodos: Estudio de medición de la reproducibilidad de la evaluación radiográfica de parámetros craneales (incidencia craneal, inclinación craneal, slope craneal y ángulo espinocervical) de 40 pacientes, por cuatro observadores con diferentes niveles de experiencia en dos ocasiones distintas. Resultados: En la concordancia intraobservador, la incidencia craneal (IC) mostró concordancia mala; en los demás parámetros craneales, se observó concordancia de buena a excelente. En la evaluación de concordancia interobservadores, todos los parámetros analizados presentaron significancia estadística, con buena concordancia de la IC. Conclusión: Los parámetros craneales son fácilmente reproducibles por los ortopedistas en diferentes etapas de formación. La IC tiene buena concordancia interobservador, aunque concordancia sólo razonable en el análisis de intraobservadores con más experiencia. Nivel de evidencia IV; Estudio Diagnóstico.

Spine trauma: Radiological approach and new concepts.

The spine is the main stabilizer and load bearer of the axial skeleton. It is also important for the protection of neural structures, such as the spinal cord, nerve roots, and cauda equina. In the healthy skeleton, most injuries are a consequence of high-energy trauma and can lead to severe dysfunction, such as tetraplegia or paraplegia. In order to avoid such disabilities, it is important to recognize details that will guide treatment, and that will determine the necessity or not to have surgery. Familiarity with radiography, CT, and MRI in evaluating spine trauma is necessary, as, in some cases, all three methods will be useful in determining management and surgical planning. The most important factor in determining management in the thoracolumbar spine is the posterior ligamentous complex (PLC). Therefore, familiarity with its anatomy, primary and secondary signs of its injuries, is essential for radiologists in the emergency setting. Spine fractures are a very heterogeneous group of disorders. Management can be both conservative and surgical. It is important for radiologists to be aware of classifications and patterns for these injuries.

Correlation between the schanz screw insertion angle and the loss of kyphosis correction in thoracolumbar fractures / Correlação entre o ângulo de inserção do pino de schanz e a perda de correção da cifose em fraturas toracolombares / Correlación entre el ángulo de inserción del tornillo de schanz y la pérdida de corrección de la cifosis en fracturas toracolumbares

ABSTRACT Objective To compare the Schanz screw insertion angle and the loss of the regional kyphosis correction in thoracolumbar burst fractures following posterior short instrumentation surgery. Methods Patients with a thoracolumbar burst fracture between levels T11-L2 were divided into two groups (parallel and divergent) according to the angle formed between the Schanz screw and the vertebral plateau. Regional kyphosis was evaluated in preoperative, immediate postoperative and last follow-up radiographs. Results Of the 58 patients evaluated, 31 had a parallel assembly and 27 had a divergent assembly. When we analyzed the angle of kyphosis, no statistical difference was observed between the pre- and postoperative radiographs. However, a statistical difference in the last follow-up radiographs and in the final loss of the kyphosis correction was confirmed. Conclusion The insertion of Schanz screws with a divergent assembly presents better radiographic results with less loss of kyphosis correction angle when compared with the parallel assembly technique. Level of Evidence III; Retrospective cohort study.

RESUMO Objetivo Comparar o ângulo de inserção do pino de Schanz e os resultados da perda de correção da cifose regional nas fraturas toracolombares do tipo explosão após tratamento cirúrgico com instrumentação curta por via posterior. Métodos Os pacientes com fratura toracolombar do tipo explosão entre os níveis de T11-L2 foram divididos em dois grupos (paralelo e divergente) de acordo com o ângulo formado entre o pino de Schanz e o platô vertebral. Foi avaliada a cifose regional nas radiografias pré-operatória, pós-operatória imediata e do último acompanhamento. Resultados Dos 58 pacientes avaliados, 31 apresentaram uma montagem paralela e 27 uma montagem divergente. Ao analisarmos o ângulo da cifose, não se observou diferença estatística nas radiografias pré- e pós-operatória imediata. Porém, verificou-se uma diferença estatística nas radiografias do último acompanhamento e na perda final de correção da cifose. Conclusões A inserção do pino de Schanz com uma montagem divergente apresenta melhores resultados radiográficos com menor perda do ângulo de correção da cifose quando comparada com a técnica de montagem paralela. Nível de Evidência III; Estudo de coorte retrospectivo.

RESUMEN Objetivo Comparar el ángulo de inserción del tornillo de Schanz y los resultados de la pérdida de corrección de la cifosis regional en las fracturas toracolumbares del tipo explosión después del tratamiento quirúrgico con instrumentación corta por vía posterior. Métodos Los pacientes con fractura toracolumbar del tipo explosión entre los niveles de T11-L2 fueron divididos en dos grupos (paralelo y divergente) de acuerdo con el ángulo formado entre el tornillo de Schanz y la meseta vertebral. Fue evaluada la cifosis regional en las radiografías preoperatoria, posoperatoria inmediata y del último acompañamiento. Resultados De los 58 pacientes evaluados, 31 presentaron un montaje paralelo y 27 un montaje divergente. Al analizar el ángulo de la cifosis, no se observó diferencia estadística en las radiografías pre y postoperatoria inmediata. Sin embargo, se verificó una diferencia estadística en las radiografías del último acompañamiento y en la pérdida final de corrección de la cifosis. Conclusiones La inserción del tornillo de Schanz con un montaje divergente presenta mejores resultados radiográficos con menor pérdida del ángulo de corrección de la cifosis cuando comparada con la técnica de montaje paralelo. Nivel de Evidencia III; Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.

Correlation between findings in magnetic resonance and biopsy in the diagnosis of spondylodiscitis / Correlação entre achados na ressonância magnética e a biópsia no diagnóstico de espondilodiscite / Correlación entre hallazgos en la resonancia magnética y la biopsia en el diagnóstico de espondilodiscitis

ABSTRACT Objective To correlate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings with the microbiological and anatomopathological diagnosis of spinal infection. Methods A retrospective, cohort review of online medical records (laboratory, anatomopathology and diagnostic imaging sector) of patients diagnosed with spondylodiscitis, who underwent a full spine MR scan between January 2014 and July 2018 at the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology of the Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Results Staphylococcus aureus was the most commonly found etiological agent (57%). Blood culture was positive in 76% of cases and 82% of the patients who underwent biopsy had a spondylodiscitis diagnosis. Pain was the most prevalent clinical symptom and the lumbosacral spine was the most frequent site of infection. T1 hyposignal, T2/STIR hypersignal, and terminal plate destruction were verified in almost all MR scans. Conclusions No direct correlation was found between MR findings and any specific etiological agent. Blood culture and biopsy are important diagnostic tools that should be used for accurate diagnosis of the infectious agent . Level of evidence IV; Diagnostic Study.

RESUMO Objetivo Correlacionar os achados de ressonância magnética (RNM) com o diagnóstico microbiológico e anatomopatológico de infecção na coluna vertebral. Métodos Estudo de coorte retrospectivo de revisão de prontuários online (laboratório, anatomopatológico e setor de diagnóstico por imagem) de pacientes com diagnóstico de espondilodiscite, submetidos ao exame de RNM da coluna vertebral e acompanhados pelo Departamento de Ortopedia e Traumatologia da Universidade Federal de São Paulo, entre janeiro de 2014 e julho de 2018. Resultados O agente etiológico mais comum encontrado foi o S. aureus (57%). A hemocultura mostrou-se positiva em 76% dos casos e 82% dos pacientes submetidos à biópsia apresentaram diagnóstico de espondilodiscite. A dor foi o achado clínico mais prevalente e a coluna lombossacra foi o sítio mais frequente de infecção. No exame de RNM, a presença de hipossinal em T1, hipersinal em T2/STIR e destruição das placas terminais foram identificados em quase todos os casos. Conclusões Não houve correlação direta dos achados na RNM com um agente etiológico específico na espondilodiscite. A hemocultura e a biópsia são ferramentas diagnósticas importantes que devem ser utilizadas para o diagnóstico preciso do agente infeccioso. Nível de evidência IV; Estudo diagnóstico.

RESUMEN Objetivo Correlacionar los hallazgos de resonancia magnética (RNM) con el diagnóstico microbiológico y anatomopatológico de infección de la columna vertebral. Métodos Un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo de revisión de prontuarios en línea (laboratorio, anatomopatológico y sector de diagnóstico por imagen) de pacientes con diagnóstico de espondilodiscitis, sometidos al examen de RNM de la columna vertebral y acompañados por el Departamento de Ortopedia y Traumatología de la Universidad Federal de São Paulo, entre enero de 2014 y julio de 2018. Resultados El agente etiológico más común encontrado fue el S. aureus (57%). El hemocultivo se mostró positivo en 76% de los casos y 82% de los pacientes sometidos a biopsia presentaron diagnóstico de espondilodiscitis. El dolor fue el hallazgo clínico más prevalente y la columna lumbosacra fue el sitio más frecuente de infección. En el examen de RNM, la presencia de hiposeñal en T1, hiperseñal en T2/STIR y destrucción de las placas terminales fueron identificadas en casi todos los casos. Conclusiones No hubo correlación directa de los hallazgos de la RNM con un agente etiológico específico en la espondilodiscitis. El hemocultivo y la biopsia son herramientas diagnósticas importantes, que deben ser utilizadas para el diagnóstico preciso del agente infeccioso. Nivel de evidencia IV; Estudio Diagnóstico.

Does Early Surgical Fixation of Proximal Femoral Fractures in Elderly Patients Affect Mortality Rates?

Objective To analyze whether a reduction in the waiting time for orthopedic surgery in elderly patients with fracture of the proximal end of the femur leads to a reduction in in-hospital mortality, 6-month mortality, and duration of hospitalization. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study including 81 patients with intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures who underwent surgical repair between 2015 and 2016 in a referral hospital, before and after a protocol for early surgical fixation (< 48 hours) was implemented. Results The mean length of hospital stay decreased from 17 to 11 days. Regarding the in-hospital mortality rate, five patients died before, and another five died after the protocol was implemented. The 6-month postoperative mortality decreased from 26.7% to 19.4%. The results showed no statistical significance. Conclusion The present study demonstrated that there is a tendency to reduce the length of hospital stay and 6-month mortality when the surgery for the treatment of proximal femoral fractures in the elderly is performed within 48 hours of hospitalization.

Prevalence of Radiographic Signs of Femoroacetabular Impingement in Asymptomatic Patients and Non-Athletes.

OBJECTIVE: Femoroacetabular impingement has been described as an anatomical variation of the proximal femur and/or acetabular rim, impinging the hip joint. A portion of the population asymptomatic in the hip may present radiographic changes from femoroacetabular impingement. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of these signs in asymptomatic and sedentary males. METHODS: This was a clinical, observational, primary, cross-sectional, controlled study. A total of 32 male volunteers aged between 18 and 40 years, asymptomatic in the hip and sedentary, were selected from a university hospital orthopedic emergency room. All patients underwent standard anteroposterior pelvic radiographs. The measurements of the alpha angle, the retroversion index, the ischial spine signal, and the posterior wall sign were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age was 29 years (18-40 years old). The prevalence of radiographic signs of femoroacetabular impingement using an alpha angle of 67 o was of 53.1%; with an alpha angle of 82 o , it was of 31.2%. The mean alpha angle was 67 o (52.4-88.2 o ), with 35.9% of the hips classified as borderline and 6.3% as pathological. The mean alpha angle for the right side was 67.5 o (52.5-88.2 o ), and, for the left, it was 66.6 o (53.1-86.9 o ). The mean retroversion index was 0.048 (right side: 0.044; left side: 0.052). The spine signal was positive in 15.6%, and the posterior wall sign, in 20.3% of the cases. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the prevalence of radiographic signs in a population of asymptomatic and sedentary adult men was high (31.2%). New studies are required to explian the actual clinical significance of this finding.

Does Early Surgical Fixation of Proximal Femoral Fractures in Elderly Patients Affect Mortality Rates? / A cirurgia precoce nas fraturas do fêmur proximal em idosos reduz a taxa de mortalidade?

Abstract Objective To analyze whether a reduction in the waiting time for orthopedic surgery in elderly patients with fracture of the proximal end of the femur leads to a reduction in in-hospital mortality, 6-month mortality, and duration of hospitalization. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study including 81 patients with intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures who underwent surgical repair between 2015 and 2016 in a referral hospital, before and after a protocol for early surgical fixation (< 48 hours) was implemented. Results Themean length of hospital stay decreased from17 to 11 days. Regarding the in-hospital mortality rate, five patients died before, and another five died after the protocol was implemented. The 6-month postoperative mortality decreased from 26.7% to 19.4%. The results showed no statistical significance. Conclusion The present study demonstrated that there is a tendency to reduce the length of hospital stay and 6-month mortality when the surgery for the treatment of proximal femoral fractures in the elderly is performed within 48 hours of hospitalization.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar se a redução no tempo de espera para cirurgia ortopédica nos pacientes idosos com fratura da extremidade proximal do fêmur impacta na redução da mortalidade intra-hospitalar, da mortalidade em 6 meses de seguimento, e na redução do tempo de internação hospitalar. Métodos Trabalho de coorte retrospectiva fundamentado na análise de prontuários de 81 pacientes internados com diagnóstico de fratura transtrocanteriana ou subtrocanteriana do fêmur, e submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico em 2015 e 2016 em um hospital de referência no atendimento ao trauma, antes e após a implantação de protocolo para cirurgia em até 48 horas. Resultados Observou-se redução do tempo médio de internação de 17 para 11 dias após a implantação do protocolo. Com relação à mortalidade intra-hospitalar, cinco pacientes faleceram antes da implantação do protocolo, e cinco, após a implantação do protocolo. Referente à mortalidade extra-hospitalar, avaliada em 6 meses de pósoperatório, observou-se uma redução de 26,7% para 19,4%. Os resultados não apresentaram significância estatística. Conclusão Opresente estudodemonstrouque existe uma tendência à redução dotempo de internação hospitalar e damortalidadeem6meses quando a cirurgia para tratamento de fraturas do fêmur proximal no idoso é feita em até 48 horas de internação hospitalar.

Prevalence of Radiographic Signs of Femoroacetabular Impingement in Asymptomatic Patients and Non-Athletes / Prevalência de sinais radiográficos de impacto femoroacetabular em indivíduos assintomáticos e não atletas

Abstract Objective Femoroacetabular impingement has been described as an anatomical variation of the proximal femur and/or acetabular rim, impinging the hip joint. A portion of the population asymptomatic in the hip may present radiographic changes from femoroacetabular impingement. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of these signs in asymptomatic and sedentary males. Methods This was a clinical, observational, primary, cross-sectional, controlled study. A total of 32 male volunteers aged between 18 and 40 years, asymptomatic in the hip and sedentary, were selected from a university hospital orthopedic emergency room. All patients underwent standard anteroposterior pelvic radiographs. The measurements of the alpha angle, the retroversion index, the ischial spine signal, and the posterior wall sign were analyzed. Results The mean age was 29 years (18-40 years old). The prevalence of radiographic signs of femoroacetabular impingement using an alpha angle of 67o was of 53.1%; with an alpha angle of 82o, it was of 31.2%. The mean alpha angle was 67o (52.4-88.2o), with 35.9% of the hips classified as borderline and 6.3% as pathological. The mean alpha angle for the right side was 67.5o (52.5-88.2o), and, for the left, it was 66.6o (53.1- 86.9o). The mean retroversion index was 0.048 (right side: 0.044; left side: 0.052). The spine signal was positive in 15.6%, and the posterior wall sign, in 20.3% of the cases. Conclusion This study showed that the prevalence of radiographic signs in a population of asymptomatic and sedentary adult men was high (31.2%). New studies are required to explian the actual clinical significance of this finding.

Resumo Objetivo O impacto femoroacetabular foi descrito como uma variação anatômica do fêmur proximal e/ou da borda acetabular, causa impacto na articulação do quadril. Uma parcela da população assintomática quanto ao quadril pode apresentar alterações radiográficas de impacto femoroacetabular. O objetivo do estudo é avaliar a prevalência desses sinais em indivíduos do sexo masculino assintomáticos e sedentários. Métodos Estudo clínico, observacional, primário, transversal, controlado. Foram selecionados 32 voluntários masculinos, de 18 a 40 anos, assintomáticos quanto ao quadril, sedentários, atendidos em um Pronto-Socorro de Ortopedia de Hospital Universitário. Todos fizeram radiografias anteroposteriores da pelve padronizadas. Foram analisadas as medidas de ângulo alfa, índice de retroversão, sinal da espinha isquiática e sinal da parede posterior. Resultados A média de idade foi de 29 anos (18-40). A prevalência de sinais radiográficos de impacto femoroacetabular com o uso do ângulo alfa de 67o foi de 53,1%; como ângulo alfa de 82o, essa prevalência foi de 31,2%. A média do ângulo alfa foi de 67o (52,4-88,2o), 35,9% dos quadris foram classificados como limítrofes e 6,3% como patológicos. Amédia do ângulo alfa para o lado direito foi de 67,5o (52,5-88,2o) e para o esquerdo, 66,6o (53,1-86,9o). O índice de retroversão médio foi de 0,048 (lado direito - 0,044 e lado esquerdo - 0,052). O sinal da espinha foi positivo em15,6% e da parede posterior em 20,3%. Conclusão O presente estudo demonstrou que a prevalência de sinais radiográficos numa população de homens adultos, assintomáticos e sedentários foi elevada (31,2%). O real significado clínico desse achado ainda carece de novos estudos.

Changes in human intervertebral disc biochemical composition and bony end plates between middle and old age.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates molecular, nutritional and biochemical alterations in human intervertebral discs between middle and old age. METHODS: Twenty-eight human lumbar intervertebral discs from donors were evaluated and separated into two groups: Middle-aged (35-50 years old, relatively non-degenerate discs of Pfirrmann grades 1-3, n = 15) and Old-aged (≥80 years old, all degenerate Pfirrmann grade 4 or 5, n = 13). Parameters which might be expected to to be related to nutrient supply and so the health of disc cells (eg the porosity of the vertebral endplate, cell viability and cell density) and to disc extracellular composition (ie quantification of glycosaminoglycan disaccharides and hyaluronic acid molecular weight) and collagen organization, were analyzed. Three regions of the intervertebral disc (anterior annulus fibrosus, nucleus pulposus, and posterior annulus fibrosus) were examined. RESULTS: The old-aged group showed a decrease in content of sulphated and non-sulphated glycosaminoglycans relative to middle-aged and there were also alterations in the proportion of GAG disaccharides and a decrease of collagen fiber size. Hyaluronic acid molecular weight was around 200 kDa in all regions and ages studied. The anterior annulus differed from the posterior annulus particularly in relation to cell density and GAG content. Additionally, there were changes in the bony endplate, with fewer openings observed in the caudal than cranial endplates of all discs in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Results show the cranial vertebral endplate is the main vascular source for the intervertebral discs. Hylauronic acid molecular weight is the same through the intervertebral disc after age of 50 years.

Paracoccidioidomycosis in the spine: case report and review of the literature.

CONTEXT:: Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic form of mycosis that spreads hematogenously, secondarily to reactivation of lung infection or infection at another site or to new exposure to the causative agent. Few cases of bone involvement have been reported in the literature and involvement of the spine is extremely rare. CASE REPORT:: We describe a case of a 68-year-old male patient with spondylodiscitis at the levels L4-L5 caused by presence of the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, which was diagnosed through percutaneous biopsy. The patient was treated with sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim for 36 months, with complete resolution of the symptoms. CONCLUSION:: Spondylodiscitis caused by the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is uncommon. However, in patients with chronic low-back pain who live or used to live in endemic regions, this infection should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis.

Paracoccidioidomycosis in the spine: case report and review of the literature / Paracoccidioidomicose na coluna vertebral: relato de caso e revisão da literatura

ABSTRACT: CONTEXT: Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic form of mycosis that spreads hematogenously, secondarily to reactivation of lung infection or infection at another site or to new exposure to the causative agent. Few cases of bone involvement have been reported in the literature and involvement of the spine is extremely rare. CASE REPORT: We describe a case of a 68-year-old male patient with spondylodiscitis at the levels L4-L5 caused by presence of the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, which was diagnosed through percutaneous biopsy. The patient was treated with sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim for 36 months, with complete resolution of the symptoms. CONCLUSION: Spondylodiscitis caused by the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is uncommon. However, in patients with chronic low-back pain who live or used to live in endemic regions, this infection should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis.

RESUMO: CONTEXTO: Paracoccidioidomicose é uma micose sistêmica de disseminação hematogênica, secundária a reativação de uma infecção pulmonar ou de outro sítio, ou a uma nova exposição ao agente causador. Poucos casos de envolvimento ósseo são relatados na literatura, e o acometimento da coluna vertebral é extremamente raro. RELATO DE CASO: Descrevemos o caso de um paciente masculino de 68 anos, apresentando espondilodiscite no nível L4-L5, causada pela presença do fungo Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, diagnosticada após biópsia percutânea. O paciente foi tratado com sulfametoxazol e trimetoprim por 36 semanas, com resolução completa dos sintomas. CONCLUSÃO: A espondilodiscite causada pelo fungo Paracoccidioides brasiliensis é incomum, mas, em pacientes portadores de lombalgia crônica que viveram ou vivem em regiões endêmicas, deve ser considerada como um possível diagnóstico diferencial.

Ionic and biochemical characterization of bovine intervertebral disk.

INTRODUCTION: Intervertebral disks have been associated with low back pain, and many therapies have been proposed for its treatment. The cellular and molecular knowledge of intervertebral disks composition and precise methods to quantify disk components are important for any type of proposed therapy. Thus, the aim of this study was to correlate glycosaminoglycans presence with the quantitation of cells, ions and collagen fiber distributions in different intervertebral disk sections. METHODS: In total, 14 intervertebral disks were used from cattle. All of the disks were dehydrated, separated in seven sections and digested in sodium-free papain buffer. Glycosaminoglycan measurements were performed in the samples according to agarose electrophoresis method; total cells were measured using the PicoGreen® technique, ions were quantified, and collagen fiber birefringence was analyzed with polarized light. RESULTS: Cations Na+ and K+ are more concentrate in the nucleus (Na(+) = 1688.50 ± 110 mmol/L; K(+) = 111.9 ± 28 mmol/L) of intervertebral disks than the annulus (Na(+) = 652.80 ± 75 mmol/L; K(+) = 55.6 ± 8 mmol/L). A negative correlation between cells number and sodium/potassium was observed (p < 0.001) Additionally, thin collagen fibers were largest in the nucleus, similar to hyaluronate distribution. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that annulus fibrosus cells are also sensitive to changes in ionic concentrations such as nucleus pulposus cells. Additionally, hyaluronate is related to thin collagen fibers type II.

Assessment of scores in decision making in metastases of the spine / Avaliação de escores na tomada de decisão em metástases na coluna / Evaluación de las puntuaciones en la toma de decisiones en las metástasis de columna

Objective : The aim of this study is to assess the intra- and interobserver concordance of SINS, Harrington, Tokuhashi and Tomita scores among general orthopedic surgeons and spine surgeons with experience above 5 and 10 years in the evaluation of patients with spinal metastasis. Methods : Twenty cases of patients with metastatic lesion of the spine were presented to 10 examiners and the scores aforementioned have been applied. After six weeks, the cases were reintroduced in a different order and data were analyzed. Results : The intraobserver reliability showed better agreement in SINS score among examiners with less experience and Harrington and Tomita scores among those who had more than 10-year experience. The interobserver reliability of the examiners of the group with over 10-year experience showed higher precision when using these scores, especially Harrington and Tomita. The SINS score was the choice for daily practice and was able to modify the management more often. Conclusions : This study demonstrated that the use of predictive scores of instability, Harrington, and prognosis, Tomita, had a higher intra- and interobserver reliability particularly among spine surgeons with experience above 10 years.

Objetivo : O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a concordância intra e interobservador dos escores SINS, Harrington, Tokuhashi e Tomita entre ortopedistas gerais e cirurgiões de coluna com experiência acima de cinco e 10 anos na avaliação de pacientes com metástase vertebral. Métodos : Foram apresentados 20 casos de pacientes com lesões metastáticas da coluna vertebral a 10 examinadores e os escores citados acima foram aplicados. Após seis semanas, os casos foram reapresentados em ordem diferente e os dados foram analisados. Resultados : A confiabilidade intraobservador apresentou melhor concordância no escore SINS entre os examinadores com menor experiência, e nos escores de Harrington e Tomita entre os que tinham experiência maior que 10 anos. A confiabilidade interobservador dos examinadores do grupo com experiência maior que 10 anos apresentou maior precisão na utilização desses escores, e com destaque para Harrington e Tomita. O escore SINS foi o de eleição para a prática diária e foi capaz de modificar a conduta com mais frequência. Conclusões : Este estudo demonstrou que o uso de escores preditores de instabilidade, Harrington, e prognóstico, Tomita, apresentam maior confiabilidade intra e interobservador, principalmente entre os cirurgiões de coluna com experiência superior a 10 anos.

Objetivo : El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la concordancia intra e interobservador en las puntuaciones SINS, Harrington, Tokuhashi y Tomita entre los ortopedistas generales y cirujanos de la columna vertebral con experiencia superior a 5 y 10 años en la evaluación de pacientes con metástasis vertebrales. Métodos : Se presentaron 20 casos de pacientes con lesiones metastásicas de la columna vertebral a 10 examinadores, quienes aplicaron las puntuaciones mencionadas. Luego de seis semanas, los casos fueron reintroducidos en un orden diferente y se analizaron los datos. Resultados : La fiabilidad intraobservador mostró mejor concordancia en la puntuación SINS entre los examinadores con menos experiencia y en los puntajes Harrington y Tomita en los que tenían experiencia de más de 10 años. La fiabilidad interobservador de los examinadores del grupo con más de 10 años de experiencia mostró una mayor precisión en el uso de estas puntuaciones, especialmente las puntuaciones Harrington y Tomita. La puntuación SINS fue de elección para la práctica diaria y ha sido capaz de modificar la conducta con más frecuencia. Conclusiones : Este estudio demostró que el uso de las puntuaciones de predicción de inestabilidad, Harrington, y del pronóstico, Tomita, presentan mayor fiabilidad intra e interobservador principalmente entre los cirujanos de columna con más de 10 años de experiencia.

Options for surgical treatment of cervical fractures in patients with spondylotic spine: a case series and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: The surgical treatment of unstable cervical fractures is challenging for spinal surgeons. Unstable cervical fractures associated with spondyloarthropathy and deformities that alter function, form and stability present a greater challenge. Having multiple options to manage this difficult situation is important to all spine surgeons and the results of each case depends on the singular characteristics of patients. The purpose of this case report is to describe the main forms of presentation of unstable cervical subaxial fractures in the spondylotic spine and their surgical treatments. CASE PRESENTATION: We present three cases of Caucasian men aged 30, 53 and 59 years with spondylosis with unstable cervical fractures and alternatives choices for surgical treatment, and a review of the literature. Each patient underwent a different surgical procedure of the cervical subaxial spine using an isolated anterior, posterior or combined approach demonstrating good outcomes in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of subaxial cervical spinal fractures is complex, and when these fractures are associated with the deformities caused by spondyloarthropathies they can be thought provoking for spine surgeons such as orthopedists or neurosurgeons. The isolated anterior, posterior and combined approaches are safe and effective for treating these pathologies.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis without limb weakness: a differential diagnosis of core myopathy?

BACKGROUND: Core myopathies are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of congenital myopathies with the common defined histopathological feature of focally reduced oxidative activity on muscle biopsy. It has a low incidence, however, recent articles show broad clinical spectrum, suggesting that the real incidence should be considerably larger than previously described. Due to the important association between scoliosis and paravertebral muscle imbalance, numerous authors study, by biopsy of the spinal rotator muscles, potential changes that may elucidate the etiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. CASE PRESENTATION: Two patients have been followed at Spine Group of Department of Orthopedics at Federal University of São Paulo, with an initial diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis. Both patients had clinical and radiological findings compatible with it. The patients authorized, through the Term of Consent, intraoperative biopsy of muscle multifidus from the apex of the thoracic curve on concave and convex sides. After muscle biopsy was performed a histopathological analysis. As regard to the histopathological features: in both patients were identified, the presence of core structures in extensive areas with reduced oxidative activity running along the muscle fiber. CONCLUSIONS: All patients with 'idiopathic' scoliosis deserve a careful neurological evaluation, even if they have minimal muscle symptoms in the extremities. The frequent occurrence of scoliosis in patients with CORE Myopathies, supports the thesis that the change in the paravertebral muscle fiber must be the underlying pathogenic factor in scoliosis and may help us understand the onset and progression of curves in patients previously diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis.

Histochemical analysis of paraspinal rotator muscles from patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a cross-sectional study.

Morphological, biochemical, and histopathological alterations in the paraspinal skeletal muscle of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) have been extensively reported. We evaluated rotator muscle fibers from the apex vertebra of AIS patients through histological and immunohistochemical analysis. A population of 21 female AIS patients who underwent corrective surgery between 2010 and 2013 had biopsies taken from the paraspinal muscle in the convex and concave sides of the thoracic curve apical vertebra. Serial sections were stained following routine protocols for hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Sudan red, Gomori trichrome, NADH, ATPase, and cytochrome oxidase. We assessed muscular atrophy and hypertrophy, fatty proliferation, endomysial and perimysial fibrosis, the presence of hyaline fibers, mitochondrial proliferation, muscular necrosis, nuclear centralization, and inflammation. Two independent professionals evaluated the slices. The thoracic curves had an average Cobb angle of 68 degree. Comparative analysis of the concave and convex sides was performed with McNemar test at a significance level of 5%. Results showed significant differences in both endomysial and perimysial fibrosis and fatty involution between the two sides of the apex vertebra. Paraspinal muscles in the concave side of the scoliosis apex had significantly more fibrosis and fatty involution. However, both sides showed signs of myopathy, muscular atrophy due to necrosis, presence of hyaline fibers, and mitochondrial proliferation.

Association between vitamin D levels and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis / Associação entre os níveis de vitamina D e a escoliose idiopática do adolescente / Asociación entre los niveles de vitamina D y la escoliosis idiopática do adolescente

Objective: To compare the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in patients with AIS and a control group. Methods: The patients were recruited from the outpatient clinic of our institution during the year of 2013. Children diagnosed with scoliosis before 10 or after 18 years of age, and those suffering from neurological or muscular disorders, congenital malformations or genetic syndromes were excluded. The 25-OHD levels were determined by a fully automated electrochemiluminescence test. The appropriate level of 25-OHD was defined as greater than 30 ng/mL. The results were compared to a group of healthy individuals. Results: In group 1 (control) 63,3% showed abnormal vitamin D levels, while 91% of patients with AIS presented a low level of vitamin D. The mean BMI was 19.6 kg/m2 for controls and 20.3 kg/m2 for group 2. Statistical analysis showed significant difference (p<0.0001) between the levels of vitamin D. The average and minimum levels of vitamin D were respectively 27 and 13.6 ng/mL for group 1 and 18.8 and 3.13 ng/mL for AIS group. Conclusions: Patients with AIS had statistically significant lower levels of 25-OHD than healthy patients. Further research should be conducted to investigate the actual impact of serum vitamin D levels on the pathophysiology of AIS. .

Objetivo: Comparar os níveis de 25-hidroxivitamina D em pacientes com EIA e um grupo controle. Métodos: Os pacientes foram recrutados no ambulatório de nossa instituição durante 2013. Crianças com escoliose diagnosticada antes de 10 ou após 18 anos de idade, portadoras de distúrbios neurológicos ou musculares, deformidades congênitas ou síndromes genéticas foram excluídas. Os níveis de 25-OHD foram determinados por teste de eletroquimioluminescência totalmente automatizado. O nível adequado de 25-OHD foi definido como acima de 30 ng/ml. Os resultados foram comparados a um grupo de indivíduos saudáveis. Resultados: No grupo 1 (controle), 63,3 % apresentaram níveis anormais de vitamina D, enquanto 91% dos pacientes portadores de EIA apresentaram baixo nível de vitamina D. A média do IMC foi de 19,6 kg/m2 para os controles e 20,3 kg/m2 no grupo 2. A análise estatística demonstrou diferença relevante (p < 0,0001) entre os níveis de vitamina D. A média e os valores mínimos de vitamina D foram respectivamente 27 e 13,6 ng/ml para o grupo 1 e 18,8 e 3,13 ng/ml para o grupo EIA. Conclusões: Pacientes portadores de EIA tinham níveis de 25-OHD mais baixos do que os pacientes saudáveis, com significância estatística. O presente ...

Objetivo: Comparar los niveles de 25-hidroxivitamina D en pacientes con EIA y un grupo control. Métodos: Los pacientes fueron reclutados en el ambulatorio de nuestra institución durante el año de 2013. Se excluyeron los niños diagnosticados con escoliosis antes de 10 años o después de 18 años, y quienes sufren de trastornos neurológicos o musculares, malformaciones congénitas o síndromes genéticos. Los niveles de 25-OHD se determinaron mediante un ensayo de electroquimiolumniscencia totalmente automatizado. El nivel apropiado de 25-OHD se define como mayor que 30 ng/ml. Los resultados se compararon con un grupo de individuos sanos. Resultados: En el grupo 1 (control), 63,3% tenían niveles anormales de vitamina D, mientras que el 91% de los pacientes con EIA mostraron bajo nivel de vitamina D. El IMC promedio fue 19,6 Kg./m2 para los controles y 20,3 Kg./m2 para el grupo 2. El análisis estadístico mostró diferencias significativas (p < 0,0001) entre los niveles de vitamina D. Los valores medios y mínimos de vitamina D fueron respectivamente 27 y 13,6 ng/ml para el grupo 1 y 18,8 y 3,13 ng/ml para el grupo EIA. Conclusiones: Los pacientes con EIA tenían niveles más bajos de 25-OHD que los pacientes sanos, con significación estadística. Este estudio sugiere que la deficiencia ...