Neurogenic claudication is most frequently observed in patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis. We describe a patient with lumbar epidural varices secondary to obstruction of the inferior vena cava by pathological lymph nodes presenting with this syndrome. Following a diagnosis of follicular lymphoma, successful chemotherapy led to the resolution of the varices and the symptoms of neurogenic claudication. The lumbar epidural venous plexus may have an important role in the pathogenesis of spinal stenosis. Although rare, epidural venous engorgement can induce neurogenic claudication without spinal stenosis. Further investigations should be directed at identifying an underlying cause

Neurogenic myositis ossificans is a disabling condition affecting the large joints of patients with severe post-traumatic impairment of the central nervous system. It can result in ankylosis of the joint and vascular or neural compression. Surgery may be hazardous with potential haemorrhage, neurovascular injury, iatrogenic fracture and osteochondral injury. We undertook pre-operative volumetric CT assessment of 45 ankylosed hips with neurogenic myositis ossificans which required surgery. Helical CT with intravenous contrast, combined with two- and three-dimensional surface reconstructions, was the only pre-operative imaging procedure. This gave good differentiation of the heterotopic bone from the adjacent vessels. We established that early surgery, within 24 months of injury, was neither complicated by peri-operative fracture nor by the early recurrence of neurogenic myositis ossificans. Surgical delay was associated with a loss of joint space and a greater degree of bone demineralisation. Enhanced volumetric CT is an excellent method for the pre-operative assessment of neurogenic myositis ossificans and correlates well with the operative findings

Purpose: The aim of this study is to analyze objectively pathoanatomical changes of clubfoot treated with Ponseti method. Introduction: In the treatment of clubfoot, regardless of the grade and severity of the disease, first conservative treatment and serial casting should be chosen. The follow up period for surgery performed group ranges usually from 2 to 8 years (not longer than 10–15 years). Thirty years results of Ponseti’s idiopathic clubfoot treatment is with 78% success. In some recent series 95% success rate was reported. Standard conservative treatment (Kite’s) success rates are only 11% to 58% for idiopathic group. Material and Methods: Seventy patients, 115 feet (45 Bilateral, F/M 15/55) were included in the study. 28 of these patients were neurogenic group (20 Spina Bifida and 8 Artrogripotic). Since 1997, we strove Ponseti’s strict casting protocol. Bensahel’s a la carte PMR surgery was performed in 2 cases. Downey’s MRI evaluation criterias were used. In statistical analysis of the idiopathic, neurogenic and normal groups, ANOVA test was used. Results: The Navicular angle assessment was statistically significant (p< 0.05). Assessment of the results of idiopathic group was in normal range. Pathological components of Clubfoot were significantly reduced in the neurogenic group. Conclusions: Ponseti method is the effective treatment way of both the idiopathic clubfoot and the neurogenic foot. It is concluded that sound understanding of the anatomy of the foot, the biological response of young connective tissue and bone to changes in direction of mechanical stimuli, can gradually reduce or almost eliminate these deformities in most clubfeet

Purpose and background. To evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a physical and psychological group intervention (BOOST programme) compared to physiotherapy assessment and advice (best practice advice [BPA]) for older adults with neurogenic claudication (NC) which is a debilitating spinal condition. Methods and results. A randomised controlled trial of 438 participants. The primary outcome was the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at 12 months. Data was also collected at 6 months. Other outcomes included Swiss Spinal Stenosis Questionnaire (symptoms), ODI walking item, 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and falls. The analysis was intention-to-treat. We collected the EQ5D and health and social care use to estimate cost-effectiveness. Participants were, on average, 74.9 years old (SD 6.0). There was no significant difference in ODI scores between groups at 12 months (adjusted mean difference (MD): −1.4 [95% Confidence Intervals (CI) −4.03,1.17]), but, at 6 months, ODI scores favoured the BOOST programme (adjusted MD: −3.7 [95% CI −6.27, −1.06]). Symptoms followed a similar pattern. The BOOST programme resulted in greater improvements in walking capacity (6MWT MD 21.7m [95% CI 5.96, 37.38]) and ODI walking item (MD −0.2 [95% CI −0.45, −0.01]) and reduced falls risk (odds ratio 0.6 [95% CI 0.40, 0.98]) compared to BPA at 12 months. Probability that the BOOST programme is cost-effective ranged from 67%–89% across cost-effectiveness thresholds. Conclusions. The BOOST programme improves mobility and reduces falls in older adults with NC compared to BPA at 12 months follow-up. It is good value for the NHS. Future iterations of the programme will consider ways to reduce symptoms and disability long-term. Conflicts of interest: No conflicts of interest. Sources of funding: National Institute of Health Research – Programme for Applied Research NIHR - PTC-RP-PG-0213-20002: Better Outcomes for Older people with Spinal Trouble (BOOST). Publication and presentations: The clinical effectiveness paper has just been accepted for publication in the Journal of Gerontology Series A. The health economic analysis is not yet published. It was presented at the Physiotherapy UK conference and the International Back and Neck Pain Forum in 2021

Purpose: Claudication is a common complaint of elderly patients. Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are the two main etiologies, producing neurogenic and vascular claudication respectively. Physicians initially diagnose claudication based on a “typical” symptom profile. The reliability of this symptom profile to accurately diagnose LSS or PAD as a cause of claudication is unknown, leading to the potentially unnecessary utilization of expensive and overly sensitive imaging modalities. Furthermore, clinicians rely on this symptom profile when directing treatment for patients with concurrent imaging positive for LSS and PAD. This study evaluates the reliability of various symptom attributes, which classically have characterized and differentiated the two. Method: Patients presenting at a tertiary care center’s vascular or spine clinics with a primary complaint of claudication were enrolled in the study. Diagnosis of either LSS or PAD was confirmed with imaging for each patient. They answered 14 questions characterizing their symptoms. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio (PLR and NLR) was determined for each symptom attribute. Results: The most sensitive symptom attribute to rule out LSS is “triggering of pain with standing alone” (0.96). Four symptom attributes demonstrated a high PLR and three had low NLR for diagnosing neurogenic claudication (PLR= 3.08, 2.51, 2.14, 2.9; NLR=0.06, 0.29, 0.15). In vascular patients, calf symptoms and alleviation of pain with simply standing had a high PLR and NLR (PLR= 3.08 and 4.85; NLR= 0.31 and 0.36). Conclusion: Only four of 14 “classic” symptom attributes are highly sensitive for ruling out LSS, and should be considered by primary care physicians before pursing expensive diagnostic imaging. Six symptom attributes should be relied upon to differentiate LSS and NLR. Numbness, pain triggered with standing alone, located in the buttock and thigh, and relieved following sitting, are symptom attributes which reliably characterize neurogenic claudication

Introduction: Patients with cerebral palsy or other neurological diseases have a high incidence of foot deformities, limiting the mobility and quality of life for these patients. We analyzed the results of surgical correction and determined the optimal treatment for the main deformities. Material and Methods: We analysed retrospectively the results of surgical correction of foot deformities. 87 Patients were treated between 1995 and 2003. We have actual data from 51 Patients (59%) with 68 feet treated. Mean follow up time is 4,25 years. We had 23 Patients with neurogenic clubfoot, 16 with flatfoot, 25 with pes equinus, 2 pes cavus and 2 hallux valgus. Of these patients 73% were able to walk before surgery. Results: For the quality of life we evaluated pain, problems while walking and problems with ulcers with a Visual Analogue Scale (0–10). Pain decreased from 4,01 to 1,58 (p< 0.001), Problems with walking improved from 6,87 to 3,31 (p< 0.001), Problems with ulcers improved from 3,79 to 1,35 (p< 0.001). Maximum walking time increased from a mean of 17 minutes to 52 minutes (p< 0.001). The level of mobility was increased in 34%. These results were the basis for the analysis of the best treatment for each deformity. For each group (neurogenic clubfoot, flatfoot and equinus) the best and poorest patients were selected and analysed. What was the diagnosis, indication for surgery, mobility and expectations of the patient before the surgery compared with the outcome. Discussion: Surgical reconstruction of neurogenic foot deformities shows very good results. Essential is a muscular balancing to achieve long lasting results. Regular physiotherapy and night orthoses can improve the outcome

Purpose: Few studies have been devoted to neurogenic paraosteoarthorpathy (PAOn). We characterised the expression of genes specific for osteoblastic and chon-drocytic phenotypes using the osteomy wedge and non-mineralised tissue near the osteotome. Material and methods: Osteotomy fragments and non-mineralised tissue near the osteotomy were obtained during surgery performed in 25 patients. The explants were cultured for 56 days. We searched for the messenger RNA of the principal markers of osteoblastic, chon-drocytic, and adipocytic phenotypes, as well as certain specific proteins. Serial cryotome sections were stained for histology and immunolabelling tests. Results: Cells issuing from the osteotomy fragment and neighbouring tissues formed structures that miner-alised in culture. The following osteoblast markers were observed: alkaline phosphatase (bone isoform), osteo-calcin, Cbfa1, type 1 collagen; for chondrocytes: type II collagen, aggrecane; type X collagen as well as VEGT demonstrating the presence of hypertrophic chondrocytes.The adipocyte-specific transcription factor PPAR 2 was also found in the two cultures. The proportions and chronological expression of these markers were slightly different for the two tissues. Ex vivo study demonstrated the typical sequence of enchondral type bony formation from non-osseous cell populations. Discussion: This work provided the first characterisation of non-mineralised tissue near osteotomy. It also provided clear indications concerning the history of ectopic bone formation. The osteochondrogenic potential of connective tissue lying close to an osteotomy has not been reported previously. The persistence of this potential could explain recurrence after resection. The observation that this potential is suppressed in vivo but expressed in vitro opens a new avenue of research concerning the mechanisms controlling bone formation. Conclusion: The culture model developed in this study provides a means of studying factors determining the outcome of cell populations implicated in the formation of neurogenic paraosteoarthropathies

Hypothesis: For Neer, humeral head ascension is caused by anterior impingement. The anatomic or ischemic factors favoring anterior impingement are well known, but have not been shown to have a determining effect. Our work on the comparative action of the rotator cuff muscles to lower the humeral head (1992), led to the conclusion that the infraspinatus muscle plays a highly dominant role. The frequent association of anterior impingement and a history of cervical pain might suggest that neurogenic paresia of the infraspinatus might be involved with the impingement effect as can be observed in intermittent paresia of the lower limbs revealing a narrow lumbar canal. Since this hypothesis was put forward, we have made converging observations in a prospective study of 200 cases. Obervations:. When patients with anterior impingement were questioned, 80 were found to have a history of cervical pain which was confirmed radiographically and/or on computed tomography (CT). Physical examination of the cervical spine revealed pain at pressure on the anterolateral aspect of the C4, C5, and C6 vertebrae, always homolateral to the impingement. Search for this sign has thus become part of our routine examination and, according to Maigne, confirms the vertebral origin of peripheral pain. We found it to be absent in anterior impingements caused by trauma in young subjects, and to be inconstant in traumatic anterior impingements observed in patients aged over 55 years. After cervical arthrodesis for cervicobrachial pain, we observed five cases of progressive anterior impingement requiring decompression. In their series of 76 cervical arthrodeses for cervicobrachialgia, Hawkins et al on observed 13 cases of proven anterior impingement. They concluded there must be a relation between these two conditions. Golg et al. provided a decisive contribution to the theory when the discovered that in anterior impingement patients, rotator cuff muscles exhibit specific histological markers of muscle denervation. Conclusion: Most cases of degenerative anterior impingement result from atrophy of the rotator cuff muscles arising because of a cervical canal syndrome

Neurogenic heterotopic ossification (NHO) is a disorder of aberrant bone formation affecting one in five patients sustaining a spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury. Ectopic bone forms around joints in characteristic patterns, causing pain and limiting movement especially around the hip and elbow. Clinical sequelae of neurogenic heterotopic ossification include urinary tract infection, pressure injuries, pneumonia and poor hygiene, making early diagnosis and treatment clinically compelling. However, diagnosis remains difficult with more investigation needed. Our pathophysiological understanding stems from mechanisms of basic bone formation enhanced by evidence of systemic influences from circulating humor factors and perhaps neurological ones. This increasing understanding guides our implementation of current prophylaxis and treatment including the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, bisphosphonates, radiation therapy and surgery and, importantly, should direct future, more effective ones

The neurogenic clubfoot is composed of several deformities – such as cavus and equinus, hind foot varus, supination and adduction of the forefoot – which develop due to the neurological disease leading to muscle imbalance. Whereas over-activity and spasticity occur after damage of the central nervous system, flaccid paralysis is the result of damage of the spinal motor neuron or the nerve itself. Local overload at the lateral border of the foot, poor stability and small supporting area may interfere with function and hence require treatment of the deformity. The primary aim is a functioning foot. Treatment options are conservative means or surgical procedures. Insoles are applied to correct the foot position: a lateral support forces the foot into valgus and pronation being effective only when loaded and worn in reinforced shoes. They can also be used to distribute pressure in case of local overload and sores. An individually manufactured foot orthosis provides more stability. If the forces are still overly big, the lever arm of an ankle foot orthosis is required. Surgical procedures may be carried out in addition to or instead of conservative means. Skeletal surgery should not be performed early because the neurological disease persists despite the local correction and increases the risk for recurrences. Stiffening of the foot needs to be avoided in order to preserve function. Stiffness due to cavus is reduced by a Steindler release of the plantar fascia. Equinus should not be overstressed. If necessary, it is corrected by heel cord lengthening resulting in a persistent loss of force, or by aponeurotomy maintaining force but being less efficient to gain length. To balance supination, split or complete transfer corrects the pull of hyperactive anterior or posterior tibial muscles. Lacking skeletal deformation is a prerequisite for these soft tissue procedures. Thus their presence requires bony correction alone or in addition to soft tissue surgery. The varus of the os calcis is best corrected by an original or modified Dwyer valgus osteotomy. Cavus, supination and adduction deformity can all be corrected at the midfoot. These procedures preserve mobility and hence function of the foot. Severely contracted feet, however, may need corrective fusions. Nevertheless, stiffness is badly tolerated. An alternative is application of an external fixater of the Ilizarov type to correct the skeletal deformity and followed by an additional corrective osteotomy. Botulinum toxin A paralysing a muscle for three months can be used to switch off overactive anterior or posterior tibial muscles in order to delay surgery or to prevent pull out after transfer. Application of casts to stretch overly short muscles can help to keep the deformity under control, but they need to be followed by splints in order to avoid early recurrence

We carried out the Bernese periacetabular osteotomy for the treatment of 13 dysplastic hips in 11 skeletally mature patients with an underlying neurological diagnosis. Seven hips had flaccid paralysis and six were spastic. The mean age at the time of surgery was 23 years and the mean length of follow-up was 6.4 years. Preoperatively, 11 hips had pain and two had progressive subluxation. Before operation the mean Tönnis angle was 33°, the mean centre-edge angle was −10°, and the mean extrusion index was 53%. Postoperatively, they were 8°, 25° and 15%, respectively. Pain was eliminated in 7 patients and reduced in four in those who had preoperative pain. One patient developed pain secondary to anterior impingement from excessive retroversion of the acetabulum. Four required a varus proximal femoral osteotomy at the time of the pelvic procedure and one a late varus proximal femoral osteotomy for progressive subluxation. Before operation no patient had arthritis. At the most recent follow-up one had early arthritis of the hip (Tönnis grade I) and one had advanced arthritis (Tönnis grade III). Our results suggest that the Bernese periacetabular osteotomy can be used successfully to treat neurogenic acetabular dysplasia in skeletally mature patients

Purpose: Lumbar spinal stenosis is the most common indication for spine surgery in the elderly. XStop IPD is an attractive alternative to traditional laminectomy or laminectomy with fusion as it avoids a longer procedure and anaesthesia with significantly less blood loss. The purpose of this study is to prospectively evaluate clinical outcomes, complications and functional evaluation of symptom severity, physical function and patient satisfaction following XStop IPD procedure. Method: Preoperative and postoperative clinical data as well as SF 36, visual analog scale and Roland Morris questionnaire data collected on 16 consecutive patients over 60 years undergoing XStop IPD at L3-4 and L4-5 levels or both levels. All patients had symptomatic lumbar spine stenosis with intermittent neurogenic claudication. Evaluations were made pre-operatively and post-operatively at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. All patients had clinical radiographic data as well as data on visual analog scale SF 36 and the Roland Morris back questionnaire. Results: Patients ages ranged from 58 to 86 years with an average age of 74.25 years. In 75 percent of patients there were two or more significant co-morbidities with 18.75 percent requiring 2 level surgery. Four of the 16 patients had lumbar degenerative scoliosis with cobb angle less than 25 degrees. 50.25% the patients had grade I spondylolisthesis. No patient had previous spine surgery. In 31.25 percent of patients there was a history of diabetes. BMI ranged from 20 to 40. Seventy five percent of patients were discharged home within 24 hours. Ninety percent of patients reported relief of their leg pain at their first follow up visit within two weeks of the surgery. There were no significant complications. One-year follow up in six patients demonstrated improvements in VAS, Roland Morris criteria and SF 36 while the remaining patients have up to nine months of follow-up clinical data. Conclusion: We present our early results of this prospective study. There were significant improvements in functional outcomes. We therefore recommend the use of XStop IPD for elderly patients with multiple co-morbidities suffering from symptomatic lumbar spine stenosis with neurogenic claudication

Purpose of the study: The rate of intra and postoperative complications is generally high after surgery for neurogenic paraosteoarthropathy, also termed hetero-topic ossification. Material and methods: We present a series of 60 cases of osteoma involving the hip joint, analyzing complications in comparison with data in the literature. Results and discussion: Vascular complications (n=7): one required suture of the common femoral artery, three ligature of the deep femoral artery, two ligature of the deep femoral vein and one ligature of the collateral branches of the deep femoral vessels. Mean intraoperative blood loss was 1300 cc. None of the vascular complications gave rise to death or amputation. Early septic complications (n=4): three occurred after simple resection of the ossification and cured after surgical revision and antibiotics with no major impact on joint motion; one occurred after a procedure for resection of the ossification plus total hip arthroplasty and led to ankylosis of the hip joint but cured after surgical revision and prolonged antibiotic therapy. Sepsis was favored by a long hemorrhagic surgical procedure in patients at risk. Neurological complications (n=0): such complications are greatly feared but rare. Posterior ossifications expose the sciatic nerve to injury but generally displacement the nerve rather than enclosing it in the osteoma. Fracture complications (n=1): the outcome was favorable, both in terms of bone healing and joint motion. A classical complication mentioned in the literature and synonym to recurrent ossification or invalidating residual stiffness. Most are favored by ankylosis, osteoporosis, immobilization and a particularly dynamic surgeon. Recurrences (n=6): all were posttraumatic with a delay from accident to surgery ≥ 18 months. Conclusion: Complications are related to the localization of the osteoma (relations with nerves and vessels), associated osteopathy, and the complete or partial joint stiffness. Preoperative imaging (x-rays and computed tomography with contrast injection) should localize the osteoma, keeping in mind that certain localizations create preferential conditions for certain risks. An analysis of the topography of the paraosteoarthropathy should enable the surgeon to choose the most appropriate approach. Intraoperatively, risk assessment can usefully anticipate complications which always compromise functional outcome

Introduction: Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a condition involving the narrowing of either the spinal canal or neural foramina and may lead to intermittent neurogenic claudication (INC). Traditionally LSS is been treated by conservative therapy followed by decompression and, if required, stabilizing of the lumbar spine for non-responders. Current results indicate that decompression may lead to increase of biomechanical stresses at levels adjacent to the operated level causing degenerative disorders. In the last years dynamic devices represent an alternative for the more invasive decompression surgery. Currently a registry is maintained to collect data on patients implanted with the X STOP. Methods: Patients who were diagnosed with LSS and planned for an implantation of the X STOP were included in the study. Diagnosis was confirmed by CT or MRI scans. Outcome was measured by the Zurich Claudication Questionnaire measuring symptom severity (SS), physical function (PF), and patient satisfaction (PS). An analysis was performed for the patient who completed the pre-operative and either the 1-year follow-up or 2-year follow-up assessment. Results: 283 patients participated in the study by completing either the questionnaires by the patient or data forms by the specialist. From these 89 patients completed the pre-operative and 1-year assessment and 20 completed the pre-operative and 2-year assessment. The results showed a clinical significant change for the domains SS and PF for both 1-year follow-up and 2-year follow-up. For the domain PS the mean score is 1.81 (very satisfied = 1, somewhat satisfied = 2). The clinically significant success rate based on clinically improvement in 2 of the 3 domains is 71.9% and 65.0 % after respectively 1-year and 2-year follow-up. Discussion: Our results suggest that intermediate term clinical outcomes of X STOP IPD surgery are stable over time although it may indicate that over time a decrease in clinical significant improvement may be observed. As INC caused by LSS is an ongoing degenerative disease, this may be explained by the ongoing degenerative process

Purpose. To observe the safety and efficacy of a minimally destructive decompressive technique without fusion in patients with lumbar stenosis secondary to degenerative spondylolisthesis. Methods. 30 patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) were consecutively managed by a single consultant spinal surgeon. All patients presented with neurogenic claudication secondary to DS. All patients were managed operatively with lumbar decompression utilising an approach technique of “spinous process osteotomy” (1). Briefly, this approach requires only unilateral muscle stripping with preservation of the interspinous ligament. A standard centrolateral decompression is then performed. Data consisting of VAS back and leg pain and ODI were collected pre and post-operatively. Results. The majority of patients were women (23) with a median age of 66 years. 29 patients had grade 1 slip and 1 patient grade 2. The index level was predominantly L4/5 (25 pts; 83%) and L3/4 in the remainder (5 pts; 17%). 5 patients were noted to have a coronal plane deformity as well as DS. 3 patients underwent 2 levels of decompression. Median length of stay was 2 days (range: 1 to 13 days). 2 patients suffered a dural tear during surgery (both with scoliosis). Of these, one required a second operation to repair a pseudomeningocele. All patients improved post op (Range: 3 months to 23 months; mean 8 months). ODI significantly improved post operatively (p < 0.05). One patient, however, developed a severe recurrence of symptoms at 3 months. Repeat imaging confirmed an increased slip and recurrent stenosis. This patient underwent re-decompression supplemented with instrumented fusion. Conclusion. The technique described above facilitates a safe method of decompression alone without fusion in patients with DS, even in patients with scoliosis. The procedure is safe, successful and easy to learn. Post-operative recovery is rapid with a short hospital stay. In spite of preserving the interspinous ligament, 1/30 patients (3 %) progressed to a greater sagittal slip requiring fusion

We sought to determine the short to medium-term clinical and radiographic outcomes using a short stem in young adults with a proximal femoral deformity (PFD). We prospectively studied 31 patients (35 hips) with PFDs treated with an uncemented primary THA using a short stem with cervicometaphyseal fixation between 2011–2018. There were 19 male (23 hips) and 12 female (12 hips) patients, with a mean BMI of 26.7±4.1 kg/m. 2. Twelve cases had a previous surgical procedure, and six of them were failed childhood osteotomies. Mean age of the series was 44±12 years, mean follow-up was 81±27 months and no patients were lost to follow-up. PFDs were categorized according to a modified Berry´s classification. Average preoperative leg-length discrepancy (LLD) was −16.3 mm (−50 to 2). At a mean time of 81 months of follow-up, survival rate was 97% taking revision of the stem for any reason and 100% for aseptic loosening as endpoints. No additional femoral osteotomy was required in any case. Average surgical time was 66 minutes (45 to 100). There was a significant improvement in the mHHS score when comparing preoperative and postoperative values (47.3±10.6 vs. 92.3±3.7, p=0.0001). Postoperative LLD was in average 1 mm (−9 to 18) (p=0.0001). According to Engh's criteria, all stems were classified as stable without signs of loosening. Postoperative complications included 1 pulmonary embolism, 1 neurogenic sciatic pain, 1 transient sciatic nerve palsy that recovered completely after six months, and 2 acute periprosthetic joint infections. One patient suffered a Vancouver B2 periprosthetic femoral fracture 45 days after surgery and was revised with a modular distally fixed uncemented fluted stem. A type 2B short stem evidenced promising outcomes at short to medium-term follow up in young adult patients with PFDs, avoiding the need for corrective osteotomies and a revision stem

In spite of preventive treatment, particularly in young paraplegics with transverse lesions above T9, a high rate of neurogenic scoliosis must be expected. Due to the loss of sitting balance in the wheelchair, to increased risks of pressure sores, and to progressive restriction to the patient’s ventilatory function, surgical intervention often becomes necessary. A surgical method for successful application in SCI patients should meet specific demands:. High primary stability: External immobilisation in braces or casts would pose problems, long-lasting bed rest must be avoided and no muscular support is possible. Conversely, the instrumentation must resist against often very strong spinal spasticity. High corrective capacity in all planes: Wheelchair dependent patients have fewer facilities for compensation of a remaining spinal deformity than ambulating patients. In sub-optimal correction, the sacrum has to be included into the fusion more frequently, with serious impact on the patient’s independence in ADL. Avoidance of precedent procedures for anterior release: The ventilatory function in patients with mainly high thoracic or cervical transverse lesions is already impaired, let alone the effect of the scoliosis. Additional impacts by thoracotomy should be avoided if possible. The same aspect should also be considered, looking at the following. Posterior procedure: Because neurogenic scoliosis deformities usually need long instrumentations, exclusively anterior procedures can rarely be used. Compared with the combination of anterior (e.g. thoracic VDS) procedures together with a posterior method, a purely posterior procedure would be beneficial, as long as it can achieve equal correction. Since 1991 the author has worked on a concept using pedicle screws as cantilevers for 3-D correction, de-rotation being the core manoeuvre. The evolutive development of suitable, outrigged instruments for the reduction has now been finalised, allowing the presentation of the method. Although more than 20 cases have demonstrated the method’s superior potential in 3-D correction of the deformity, and although the primary stability provided by the method meets the requirements of this patient group, neurogenic scoliosis in para- and tetraplegics still poses inherent problems:. • Insertion of pedicle screws in scoliosis is difficult, at least in the upper thoracic region. It will take time before sufficiently accurate and available modern navigation systems can resolve this. • Once the lumbosacral junction is included in the fusion, negative impacts on the patient’s ADL, as well as on the fusion rate, must be anticipated. In conclusion, a promising and effective method for surgical correction of neurogenic scoliosis is available. The use of this method will become easier by further developments in computer assisted surgery. Having a tool at hand, which, by it’s corrective abilities, allows the sparing of the lumbosacral junction from fusion, as long as pelvic obliquity is not fixed, the detection of initial fixation by thorough follow up of the patients at risk becomes paramount

In this paper we propose a new classification of neurogenic peri-articular heterotopic ossification (HO) of the hip based on three-dimensional (3D) CT, with the aim of improving pre-operative planning for its excision. . A total of 55 patients (73 hips) with clinically significant HO after either traumatic brain or spinal cord injury were assessed by 3D-CT scanning, and the results compared with the intra-operative findings. At operation, the gross pathological anatomy of the HO as identified by 3D-CT imaging was confirmed as affecting the peri-articular hip muscles to a greater or lesser extent. We identified seven patterns of involvement: four basic (anterior, medial, posterior and lateral) and three mixed (anteromedial, posterolateral and circumferential). Excellent intra- and inter-observer agreement, with kappa values > 0.8, confirmed the reproducibility of the classification system. We describe the different surgical approaches used to excise the HO which were guided by the 3D-CT findings. Resection was always successful. . 3D-CT imaging, complemented in some cases by angiography, allows the surgeon to define the 3D anatomy of the HO accurately and to plan its surgical excision with precision. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:899–904

Perioperative pain involves both neurogenic and inflammatory mediators. The neurogenic component is produced by the intense stimulation of the surgical procedure itself. However, inflammatory mediators resulting from tissue damage and the release of certain cytokines provoke the inflammatory response. Both the neurogenic and inflammatory elements create central nervous system (CNS) excitability. While conventional pain management responds to pain as it occurs, rather than anticipating it, a more appropriate protocol may involve pre-emptive administration of analgesic medication. By beginning this administration prior to surgery and continuing it throughout the rehabilitation process, CNS pharmacological agents are utilised to achieve the following goals: 1.) decrease the neurogenic component at the wound site; 2.) depress afferent pathways; and 3.) decrease central sensitisation in the spinal column. Our experience with such pre-emptive analgesic clinical trials have included implementation of three different protocols in three groups of patients, Groups A-C. In Group A, a continuous epidural for 72-hours was utilised. A short-term epidural for 2–3 hours, followed by the use of scheduled opioid drugs and the use of anti-inflammatory medications, was used in Group B. Finally, Group C included spinal analgesia with shortacting morphine and the continued use of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps. In all groups, patients were monitored for the return of motor function, respiratory depression, ileus, pain relief, efficacy in analgesia maintenance, and cost. The following trends were observed among the variances: 1.) approximately equal length of stay in all three groups; 2.) decreased motor function in the continuous epidural group (Group A); 3.) increased ileus in the spinal group (Group C); 4.) equal pain relief in all three groups; 5.) high maintenance in the continuous epidural group (Group A); and 6.) decreased cost when continuous epidurals (Group B) were utilised. In conclusion, of the three methodologies implemented, the continuous epidural had a high failure rate (26%). While spinal analgesia is technically easier and less expensive to perform, it has a poorly defined dose response curve and is associated with an increased incidence of ileus. The scheduled opioid medications proved effective. Pre-emptive analgesia not only significantly suppresses pain, it also provides protective sensation. Our recommendation for pre-emptive pain management consists of the use of multi-modal analgesics attacking various sites along the pain pathway, including regional blocks, oral and parental opioids, topical anaesthetics, and ice. However, ongoing study is required to further delineate appropriate protocol, thorough assessment of consequences, and complications associated with all methodologies. Future protocols to be evaluated at this practice include the local injection of bupivacaine hydrochloride prior to wound closure, in addition to assessing the postoperative integration of rofecoxib into the pain management regime

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy and evaluate several radiographic parameters after implantation of coflex™ for the primary diagnosis of spinal stenosis (1 or 2 levels) in patients with neurogenic claudication and low back pain between the ages of 40 and 80 years old. Methods: Retrospective data were gathered on 589 patients from 5 sites with 429 patients having contemporaneous clinical and radiographic follow-up. Clinical analysis was performed on 209 patients with spinal stenosis using VAS and objective examination measures to determine safety and efficacy of the coflex in relieving neurogenic claudication, radiculopathy and back pain. The median follow-up was 20 months (range 6 to 121 months) For the 209 patients, radiographic data was collected for evaluation of spinal segment motion (index and adjacent levels), implant position, migration and bony remodeling at the bone-implant interface. All device complications were recorded and independently reviewed by Medical Metrics, Inc. (Houston, TX) and an independent orthopaedic spinal surgeon (KP). Results: Moderate to severe low back pain improved in 75% of patients, while leg pain improved in 88% of patients. Claudication improved in 91% of patients and improvement in walking distance occurred in 79% of the patients. These results were achieved at 1 year and did not deteriorate over the long-term. Patient satisfaction was 88%. Complete radiographs with excellent quality were available for 180 implanted coflex devices. Sagittal rotation and translation measurements were essentially the same for all diagnoses, follow-up time points and levels of implantation. No expulsions and only 1 migration (> 5 mm) was observed. Mild and moderate bone-implant interface remodeling was noted in 15.4 %. No broken or permanently deformed implants were noted. Conclusions: coflex interspinous stabilization after microsurgical decompression for spinal stenosis demonstrates excellent short term and long term results for back pain, neurogenic claudication and patient satisfaction

Background. Neurogenic claudication is a well recognised symptom of spinal stenosis. Pain in the lower limbs and back limit walking speed and distance. Outcome of treatment should be easily measurable, but in practice is not. Walking tests are difficult to perform reliably. It is possible to measure speed and endurance with a treadmill, but this is expensive, of doubtful reliability, and many elderly patients are reasonably worried about falling off. Commonly used back pain outcome questionnaires are probably invalid for this population, and few questionnaires have been designed specifically for this complaint. The purpose of this study was to evaluate 3 questionnaires (Swiss Spinal Stenosis Score (SSS), Oxford Claudication Score (OCS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)) and a Shuttle Walking Test (SWT). The Shuttle Walking Test, developed originally in respiratory medicine, shows promise as both a clinical measure and outcome measure for patients with neurogenic claudication. In an internal study, we have found that none of our patients selected for surgery can manage more than 200 metres. A fit adult can usually manage about 600 metres on this test. Study Design: Shuttle Walking Test (SWT), Swiss Spinal Stenosis Score (SSS), Oxford Claudication Score (OCS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were administered to patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and neurogenic claudication. Objective: To determine reliability of SWT, SSS (Q1–12), OCS and ODI in LSS assessment. Methods: Thirty two clinic patients with LSS were assessed twice with one week between assessments to determine reliability. Retrospective data from 17 patients assessed before and 18 months after surgery for LSS were used to investigate use of reliability in a clinical setting. Results: Test-retest reliability was 0.92 for SWT, 0.92 for SSS, 0.83 for OCS and 0.89 for ODI (Intraclass correlation coefficient). Mean scores (percent) were SSS 51, OCS 45 and ODI 40. For 95% certainty of change between assessments for a single patient, SSS would need to change by 15, OCS by 20 and ODI by 16. Mean SWT was 150m, with change of 76m required for 95% confidence. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.91 for SSS, 0.90 for OCS and 0.89 for ODI. Change in ODI correlated most strongly with patient satisfaction after surgery (_=0.80, p< 0.001). Conclusions: Fluctuations in patient’s symptoms result in wide individual confidence intervals. Performance of SSS, OCS and ODI questionnaires are broadly similar. The condition specific SSS is most precise but not much better than the non-specific ODI. SWT gives a snapshot of physical function which is acceptable for group analysis. Use of SWT for individual assessment after surgery is feasible but multiple testing would improve sensitivity for change

Simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasties (THAs) present unique and unwarranted dangers to the patient and surgeon alike. These include a significantly increased risk of blood transfusion (up to 50% in contemporary series even with the use of tranexamic acid), longer operative times, longer length of stays, and higher mortality rates in patients with minimal risk factors (age > 75 years, rheumatoid arthritis, higher ASA class, and/or male sex). This is even in light of the fact that the vast majority of literature has a substantial selection bias in which only the healthiest, youngest, non-obese, and most motivated patients are included. Traditionally, simultaneous bilateral THAs were completed in the lateral decubitus position. This required the surgeon and surgical team to reposition the patient onto a fresh wound, as well as additional prepping and draping. To mitigate these additional limitations of simultaneous bilateral THAs, there has been a recent trend towards utilizing the direct anterior approach. However, this particular approach presents its own unique set of complications such as an increased risk of periprosthetic femoral fracture and early femoral failure, an increased risk of impaired wound healing (particularly in obese patients), potential injury to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve with subsequent neurogenic pain, and traction-related neurologic injuries. When compounded with the risks of simultaneous bilateral THAs, the complication profile becomes prohibitive for an elective procedure with an otherwise very low morbidity

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is perhaps the single most significant obstacle to independence, functional mobility, and return to duty for combat-injured veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Recent research into the cause(s) of HO has been driven by a markedly higher prevalence seen in these wounded warriors than encountered in previous wars or following civilian trauma. To that end, research in both civilian and military laboratories continues to shed light onto the complex mechanisms behind HO formation, including systemic and wound specific factors, cell lineage, and neurogenic inflammation. Of particular interest, non-invasive in vivo testing using Raman spectroscopy may become a feasible modality for early detection, and a wound-specific model designed to detect the early gene transcript signatures associated with HO is being tested. Through a combined effort, the goals of early detection, risk stratification, and development of novel systemic and local prophylaxis may soon be attainable.

Patients with neurogenic claudication from lumbar canal stenosis non-responsive to non-surgical treatment are usually managed with spinal decompression with or without fusion. Flexion at stenotic segments relieves symptoms by increasing canal cross-sectional area, intervertebral foraminal height. Interspinous spacers work by causing flexion at the treated segement. We used COFLEX¯ [Paradigm Spine] a titanium interspinous spacer along with interlaminar decompression where indicated. To compare the clinical and radiological results of patients undergoing interlaminar decompression with or without use of COFLEX¯. Pre and post-operative assessment and comparison of clinical outcomes of Oswestry disability index(ODI), Visual analog Scale(VAS), Short Form-36(SF-36) and radiological outcomes of disc heights of operated and adjacent levels, intervertebral foraminal heights, sagittal angles of the operated segment. All consecutive patients undergoing spinal decompression at one or more levels from Jan to Dec 2008 were included. Patients with clinically symptomatic back pain for a duration longer than claudication pain were offered interspinous spacer at L4/5 level or above. In first group(n-20), patients were treated with inter-laminar decompression and COFLEX¯ with a standard posterior approach. In second group(n-25) inter-laminar decompression for the involved segment was performed. All patients are on follow-up. Clinical and radiological outcomes were compared at 6 months and 1 year. Statistically significant(p<0.001) improvements in ODI, VAS(back), VAS(leg) and SF-36 in patients in whom COFLEX¯ was used. Radiological parameters also showed significant improvements(p<0.05). Use of COFLEX¯ spacer is justified in patients with symptomatic disc degeneration with neurogenic claudication when treated operatively

Radiological diagnosis is not the only tool in detection, monitoring of progress and making easy to undertake a decision about the surgical scoliosis correction. The below presented algorithm of scoliosis monitoring with complex and repetitive (comparative) neurophysiological examinations facilitates the doctor’s decision about method of the conservative treatment or just the moment of surgical intervention [3, 14]. Neurogenic changes in muscles can be found in early stages of the spine deformation – usually when the Cobb’s angle is over 100 [1]. Vertebral rotation and curvature progression follow simultaneously leading to deformation of the spinal cord together with the local ventral roots compression and sometimes inflammation of them. The structure of the grey matter especially in the ventral horn changes its form more on the convex side of scoliosis. Cell bodies together with the axonal hillocks in the motoneuronal pools show deformations comparing to the analogical area of the concave side. This produce discrete unilateral axonopathy in both efferent fibers of peroneal and tibial nerves in scoliotic patients at the age of about 10. This can be found in electroneurographical (ENG) recordings of M and F potentials even at the angle of scoliosis of 100 [10, 14]. Both parameters of the amplitudes and conduction velocities in M-wave studies are decreased and the frequency of F wave recording is diminished what suggests pathological asymmetrical changes just at the level of the ventral root. That is why electromyographical (EMG) recordings show asymmetrical, according to the ventral root somatotopical innervation, selective (found only in some muscles) deficits in frequency and amplitude of motor units action potentials, predominantly in girls. These girls have scoliosis accelerating the most with angle changes of 50 per year [2] that rapidly deepens the neurogenic changes. Other significant evaluation of the scoliosis acceleration is using the somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) for recording progression of pathology in the afferent transmission within the long ascending spinal cord pathways running in dorsal, dorsolateral and lateral funiculi [4, 5]. Changes in parameters more amplitude than conduction velocity from SEPs studies recorded at the cervical level are more visible on the concave than convex side of scoliosis. These changes are correlated with increasing the Cobb’s angle at the apical thoracic vertebrae (Th7–8) while peripheral sensory transmission remains only slightly disturbed [6, 7]. These changes were found to be twice greater when recording of SEPs was performed over cranially on the contralateral side of the scalp to the stimulation site at the ankle (tibial nerve than peroneal nerve fibers excitation) both in mothers and their daughters [4]. This points at the strong inhibition of the afferent transmission at the level of the brain stem (probably thalamus or medial lemniscus). During the comparative SEPs recordings at the cervical level, when parameters of waves change dramatically (or even they disappear), this may suggest that the lateral angle of scoliosis exceeded 450 with great acceleration of the torsion [9]. Somatosensory evoked potential recordings during the surgical correction of scoliosis showed only rarely the immediate improvement of the afferent transmission [7, 8, 11]. However, they make sure a surgeon about lack of blockade within the spinal pathways which comes from derotation and distraction procedures performed on the spine during implantation of the corrective instrumentation. First visible results of improvement in the SEPs parameters recorded postoperatively are usually seen a week after the surgery [14]. The above analogical phenomena but referring to the efferent transmission were shown in motor evoked potentials studies which were induced with the magnetic field (MEP) in areas of motor cortex and recorded from centres of cervical and lumbosacral spinal cord as well as from nerves and muscles of upper and lower extremities [12,13, 15]. Usually when AIS reaches the Cobb’s angle of 200 at the age of 25 and does not progress more it can be assumed, that its development is finished. In these patients the signs of neurogenic changes found in EMG examinations performed in lower extremities, paravertebral and gluteal muscles do not progress, too [14]

In talipes equino-varus the diminished bulk of the calf muscle suggests a neuromuscular defect. Accordingly, biopsies were taken from the postero-medial and peroneal muscle groups, and occasionally from abductor hallucis, in sixty patients mostly under the age of five years; 111 were studied histochemically and histologically, and a further fifty-three by electron-microscopy. Histochemical anomalies were revealed in ninety-two specimens; the muscle fibres in the other nineteen varied in size but were abnormal at the ultramicroscopic level, as were all specimens examined with the electron microscope. Evidence of neurogenic disease was seen in most instances and was more obvious in the older patients. The pattern of abnormality was similar in both muscle groups. It is thought that shortening of the postero-medial muscles may result from a small increase of fibrosis due to minor innervation changes occurring in intra-uterine life. There is evidence that immobilisation, stretching or relaxation of muscles does not account for the anomalies observed. This study of the extrinsic muscles in talipes equino-varus indicates a dominant neurogenic factor in its causation

Introduction & Aims: The X-stop interspinous process decompression system is being used as an alternative to laminectomy in the treatment of neurogenic claudication. To date the clinical outcomes are favourable, but the economic value has not been established within the NHS financial model. Objective: To compare the average hospital costs of performing an x-stop procedure (under general or local anaesthetic) to a laminectomy in patients with neurogenic claudication. Design: A retrospective analysis of average length of stay, anaesthetic and operative times, equipment and anaesthetic agent costs. Sources included theatre management systems, the British National Formulary and Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust in-patient stay data. The study period was from April 2005 to October 2006. The number of patients in the two groups were 318 (laminectomy) and 75 (X-stop). Results: In comparison to laminectomy, patients under-going an X-stop procedure have a reduced average length of in-patient stay (3 versus 5 days), reduced anaesthetic time (25 versus 29 minutes) and operative duration (40 versus 128 minutes). The average cost for each procedure is £3346 for an X-stop under general anaesthetic (profit £119), £2835 for a laminectomy (profit £1177) and £2237 for an X-stop as a day case (profit £1228). Conclusions: Tariff reimbursement is an important consideration to ensure insertion of these devices is profitable for the hospital. Our results show that even with the additional cost of the implant device, an X-stop procedure under general anaesthetic remains profitable in comparison to a laminectomy, whilst a day-case X-stop procedure is more profitable. Additional savings are be made by reduced bed and theatre occupancy. Future studies will differentiate costs of 1- and 2-level X-stop procedures, complication rates and revision surgery

Objectives. Neurogenic intermittent claudication secondary to lumbar spinal stenosis is a posture dependant complaint typically affecting patients aged 50 years or older. Various treatment options exist for the management of this potentially debilitating condition. Non-surgical treatments: activity modification, exercise, NSAIDs, epidural injections. Surgical treatment options include decompression surgery and interspinous process device surgery. Interspinous process decompression is a relatively new, minimally invasive, stand-alone alternative to conservative and standard surgical decompressive treatments. The aim of this review is to evaluate the use of the X-Stop interspinous implant in all patients with spinal stenosis who were managed using the device in Northern Ireland up to June 2009. Method. We performed a retrospective review of all patients who had the X-Stop device inserted for spinal stenosis by all consultant spinal surgeons in Northern Ireland. Patient demographics, clinical symptomatology, investigative modality, post-operative quality of life, cost effectiveness, complications and long-term outcomes were assessed. Information was collected from patients using a questionnaire which was posted to them, containing the SF-36 generic questionnaire and some additional questions. Results. A total of 23 patients underwent X-stop insertion in Northern Ireland at the time of this review, 19 patients returned their questionnaires and of these 17 were completed in full and therefore included. The mean age of the study population was 60.1 years and all patients included in the study had symptoms of neurogenic claudication secondary to lumbar spinal stenosis confirmed on MRI scan. The average hospital stay was 1.5 days compared to 7.5 days for decompressive laminectomy patients. Also, at a mean follow-up of 17.8 months, 2 patients suffered direct complications of device insertion requiring removal of the implant both of these patients agreed that they would undergo the operation again in the future. SF-36 scores indicate a quality of life improvement which equates to that of other popular orthopaedic operations such as total hip and total knee replacement. X-stop insertion has been shown to be much more cost-effective than decompressive laminectomy in previous studies. Conclusion. Decompression of the lumbar spine with the X-stop interspinous implant device is safe, cost-effective, minimally invasive, and at least as effective at improving symptomatology from lumbar spinal stenosis. It is obviously more invasive than non-surgical techniques, but is less invasive than lumbar decompression procedures, is less destructive to surrounding tissues and if it fails to produce the desired results can be removed easily and the option remains for the patient to under decompression

Surgery for spondylolisthesis is controversial. It is debatable whether a spondylolisthesis should be fused in situ or reduced and fused in the corrected position. In an attempt to address this issue 68 patients who had undergone surgery between 2000 and 2005 for back and leg pain related to a spondylolisthesis with associated spinal stenosis were retrospectively reviewed. The average age was 53 years. There were 24 male and 44 female patients. A degenerative spondylolisthesis was present in 38 patients while 30 had an isthmic spondylolisthesis. All patients presented with neurogenic back and leg pain that had been present for 6 months. A major neurologic deficit was not present in any patient. The average pre-operative Oswestry score was 42%. Imaging included standard lumbar spine radiographs with dynamic views and MRI. Conservative treatment included pain medication, physiotherapy, nerve root blocks and epidural cortisone injections. A posterior in situ instrumented fusion was performed in 49 patients while 19 underwent reduction and a 360 fusion. A TLIF was used in 11 patients and an ALIF in 8. The average follow-up was 26 months. Back pain had improved in all patients and the average post-op Oswestry score was 12%. At final follow-up a radiologic fusion was present in all patients. No post-operative neurologic complication was noted in patients who had reduction of the spondylolisthesis. Leg pain persisted in 5 patients (10%) who had posterior in situ fusion while no patient who had a reduction of the spondylolisthesis had residual leg pain. These 5 patients with persistent leg pain underwent removal of the implant and an improvement was noted in 3. The authors conclude that reduction of the spondylolisthesis with an interbody fusion appears to improve the outcome with regards to neurogenic leg pain. There was no difference in the outcome for back pain

There are increasing opportunity of operative treatment for advanced aged patients with degenerative spinal disease aiming for better quality of life. We have studied such patients concerning operative result, complication and problem in pre- and peri- operative management, and achievement of their aims. Patients and Results: 1) 26 patients were analyzed; 16 males and 10 females, av. aged 82.3, pts of 19 lumbar canal stenosis with marked intermittent claudication and 7 disc herniation. 2) Low back pain and neurogenic disabilities are evaluated on JOA scoring criteria excepting ADL points (full score:15). Results: 1) 25 of 26 pts had following complications before operation; hypertension in 16, neurogenic bladder 7, arrhythmia 6, prostata hypertrophy 6, cardiac ischemic disease 4, DM 3, cerebral infarction 3, advanced OA of the knee joints 3. asthma 2, pulmonary emphysema 2, Parkinsonism 1, respectively. 2) All patients underwent laminectomy of av. 2.2 segments(1~4), and 3 pts had PL fusion. 3) One had postlaminectomy haematoma complicated with neurologic deterioration 3 hrs after operaion. He underwent immediate revision which resulted complete recovery of neurology. 4) One pt with pulmonary emphysema was operated successfully with lumbar anaesthesia as general anaesthesia was refused. 5) Improvement evaluated with modified JOA pain score accounted for as follows; av. preoperative score showed 7.16 improved to 10.73 (45.8%), objective symptoms 4.23–4.66, subjective symptome 3.0–6.08 (51.3%), ambulant ability improved from 0.35–2.0 (62.3%), and pain ± numbness of L/E 0.96–2.04 (52.9%) resp. 6) 2 patient

Aims

Patients with cauda equina syndrome (CES) require emergency imaging and surgical decompression. The severity and type of symptoms may influence the timing of imaging and surgery, and help predict the patient’s prognosis. Categories of CES attempt to group patients for management and prognostication purposes. We aimed in this study to assess the inter-rater reliability of dividing patients with CES into categories to assess whether they can be reliably applied in clinical practice and in research.

This review provides a concise outline of the advances made in the care of patients and to the quality of life after a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) over the last century. Despite these improvements reversal of the neurological injury is not yet possible. Instead, current treatment is limited to providing symptomatic relief, avoiding secondary insults and preventing additional sequelae. However, with an ever-advancing technology and deeper understanding of the damaged spinal cord, this appears increasingly conceivable. A brief synopsis of the most prominent challenges facing both clinicians and research scientists in developing functional treatments for a progressively complex injury are presented. Moreover, the multiple mechanisms by which damage propagates many months after the original injury requires a multifaceted approach to ameliorate the human spinal cord. We discuss potential methods to protect the spinal cord from damage, and to manipulate the inherent inhibition of the spinal cord to regeneration and repair. Although acute and chronic SCI share common final pathways resulting in cell death and neurological deficits, the underlying putative mechanisms of chronic SCI and the treatments are not covered in this review.

Tumours of the sacrum are difficult to manage. The sacrum provides the structural connection between the torso and lower half of the body and is subject to both axial and rotational forces. Thus, tumours or their treatment can compromise the stability of the spinopelvic junction. Additionally, nerves responsible for lower limb motor groups as well as bowel, bladder, and sexual function traverse or abut the sacrum. Preservation or sacrifice of these nerves in the treatment of sacral tumours has profound implications on the function and quality of life of the patient. This annotation will discuss current treatment protocols for sacral tumours.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(12):1284–1291.

Introduction: The existence of peripheral blood (PB) derived mesenchymal stem cells (PB-MSCs) have been documented in different mammalian species including young and adult human. However, the number of PB-MSCs is low in normal adult human blood. We have demonstrated previously that there was an increase in the number of PB-MSCs following long bone fracture and in the patients suffering from fracture non-union. The present study was to compare the biological characteristics of the PB-MSCs from fracture non-union patients, with human bone marrow derived MSCs (BM-MSCs). Methods: 200 mls PB was collected from 9 patients suffering from fracture non-union. The mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated by density gradients centrifugation and cultured in á-MEM containing 15% FBS. The PB-MNCs from normal donors (n=8) and BM-MSCs from patients underwent total hip replacement were used as controls. The colony forming efficiency (CFE) of the PB-MSCs was calculated, and the phenotypes of PB-MSCs and BM-MSCs were compared using immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry methods. Their multipotent differentiation potentials into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes, neurogenic and angiogenic cells were examined under specific inductive culture media. The in vivo osteogenic potential of PB-MSCs was examined by implanting the HA-TCP blocks seeded with PB-MSCs into the SCID mice for 12 weeks. Results: After 28 days in culture, fibroblastic colonies were formed in the PB-MNCs cultures in 5 of 9 fracture non-union patients, with CFE ranging from 2.08–2.86 per 10^8 MNCs. No fibroblastic colony was seen in PB-MNCs cultures of the 8 normal donors. Under flow cytometry examination, PB-MSCs and BM-MSCs were CD34 (low) and CD105+, but PB-MSCs were CD29-, CD44-, and ALP (low), whereas BM-MSCs were CD29+, CD44+, and ALP (high). Under specific differentiation inductions, the PB-MSCs differentiated into osteoblastic cells (ALP+, type I collagen+, osteocalcin+ and Alizarin red+; chondrocytes (type II collagen+ and Alcian Blue nodules formation); adipocytes (Oil red-O positive lipid accumulation). Neurogenic differentiation was confirmed by positive neuro-filament staining, and differentiation into endothelial cells was evident with tube formation in 2D culture, and positive staining for VW factor and CD31. After implantation in the SCID mice for 12 weeks, newly formed woven bones were found in the biomaterials seeded with PB-MSCs, and they were positive for human osteocalcin immunostaining. Discussion: This study indicated that there were more PB-MSCs in the peripheral circulation of the fracture non-union patients than that in the normal subjects. This may be due to a continous systemic response for recruiting MSCs from remote bone marrow sites, with attempt to repair the fracture(s). The PB-MSCs were clearly multi-potential cells, which had shared some common phenotypic markers with BM-MSCs, as well as many distinguishable makers from the BM-MSCs. The recruitment of the PB-MSCs through circulation might be a general phenomenon of systemic responses in many pathological conditions, such as fracture or wound healing and other systemic diseases. Further understanding the roles of PB-MSCs in diseases and repair may lead to novel therapeutic strategies

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is involved in several joint diseases. It participates in pain initiation, inadequate nociception and neurogenic inflammation; its concentrations are increased in synovial fluid and tissue from human and experimental arthritis. However, data about its role in normal and pathological articular cartilage are scant and conflicting. This study assesses the effects of different. NGF concentrations on cultured healthy human chondrocytes by evaluating cell proliferation, cell phenotype, and gene expression. The 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-y1]-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test excluded an influence on cell viability; alcian blue and S100 staining demonstrated that NGF induced de-differentiation of the chondrocyte phenotype; real-time PCR disclosed that it reduced the expression of collagen type II (COL2A1) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), key factors involved in articular cartilage integrity, and stimulated upregulation of metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and MMP-13. These findings suggest that NGF may adversely affect differentiated chondrocytes from articular cartilage by inhibiting the expression of the collagens found in normal articular cartilage (COL2A1), while exerting a degradative effect though TGF-β downregulation and MMP-13 and MMP-3 upregulation. Further investigation is required to determine whether the gene expression pattern found in our study is associated with changes in protein expression

Aims

Children with spinal dysraphism can develop various musculoskeletal deformities, necessitating a range of orthopaedic interventions, causing significant morbidity, and making considerable demands on resources. This systematic review aimed to identify what outcome measures have been reported in the literature for children with spinal dysraphism who undergo orthopaedic interventions involving the lower limbs.

Aims

Traumatic central cord syndrome (CCS) typically follows a hyperextension injury and results in motor impairment affecting the upper limbs more than the lower, with occasional sensory impairment and urinary retention. Current evidence on mortality and long-term outcomes is limited. The primary aim of this study was to assess the five-year mortality of CCS, and to determine any difference in mortality between management groups or age.

Initial treatment of traumatic spinal cord injury remains as controversial in 2023 as it was in the early 19th century, when Sir Astley Cooper and Sir Charles Bell debated the merits or otherwise of surgery to relieve cord compression. There has been a lack of high-class evidence for early surgery, despite which expeditious intervention has become the surgical norm. This evidence deficit has been progressively addressed in the last decade and more modern statistical methods have been used to clarify some of the issues, which is demonstrated by the results of the SCI-POEM trial. However, there has never been a properly conducted trial of surgery versus active conservative care. As a result, it is still not known whether early surgery or active physiological management of the unstable injured spinal cord offers the better chance for recovery. Surgeons who care for patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries in the acute setting should be aware of the arguments on all sides of the debate, a summary of which this annotation presents.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(4):347–355.

The August 2023 Spine Roundup360 looks at: Changes in paraspinal muscles correspond to the severity of degeneration in patients with lumbar stenosis; Steroid injections are not effective in the prevention of surgery for degenerative cervical myelopathy; A higher screw density is associated with fewer mechanical complications after surgery for adult spinal deformity; Methylprednisolone following minimally invasive lumbar decompression: a large prospective single-institution study; Occupancy rate of pedicle screw below 80% is a risk factor for upper instrumented vertebral fracture following adult spinal deformity surgery; Deterioration after surgery for degenerative cervical myelopathy: an observational study from the Canadian Spine Outcomes and Research Network.

Study design. Prospective randomized study. Objective. Primary aim of this study was to compare clinical and radiological results of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) with posterolateral (interlaminar) instrumented lumbar fusion (PLF) in adult low grade (Meyerding 1 & 2) spondylolisthesis patients. Background data. Theoretically, TLIF has better radiological result than PLF in spondylolisthesis in most of the studies. Method. 24 patients of low grade adult spondylolisthesis were randomly allocated to one of the two groups: group 1- PLF and group 2-TLIF. Study period was between August 2010 to March 2013. All patients were operated by a single surgeon (CN). Posterior decompression was performed in all patients. Average follow up period was 18.4 months. Quality of life was accessed with Visual analogue scale and Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index. Fusion was assessed radiologically by CT scan and X-ray. Result. Though fusion was significantly better in TLIF group, clinical outcome including relief of back pain and neurogenic claudication were better in PLF group. Rate of complication was also lower in PLF group. Conclusion. Considering the low complication rate and similar or better clinical results, posterolateral instrumented lumbar fusion is the better option in low grade adult spondylolisthesis

The August 2023 Wrist & Hand Roundup360 looks at: Complications and patient-reported outcomes after trapeziectomy with a Weilby sling: a cohort study; Swelling, stiffness, and dysfunction following proximal interphalangeal joint sprains; Utility of preoperative MRI for assessing proximal fragment vascularity in scaphoid nonunion; Complications and outcomes of operative treatment for acute perilunate injuries: a systematic review; The position of the median nerve in relation to the palmaris longus tendon at the wrist: a study of 784 MR images; Basal fractures of the ulnar styloid? A randomized controlled trial; Proximal row carpectomy versus four-corner arthrodesis in SLAC and SNAC wrist; Managing cold intolerance after hand injury: a systematic review.

The diagnostic sub-categorization of cauda equina syndrome (CES) is used to aid communication between doctors and other healthcare professionals. It is also used to determine the need for, and urgency of, MRI and surgery in these patients. A recent paper by Hoeritzauer et al (2023) in this journal examined the interobserver reliability of the widely accepted subcategories in 100 patients with cauda equina syndrome. They found that there is no useful interobserver agreement for the subcategories, even for experienced spinal surgeons. This observation is supported by the largest prospective study of the treatment of cauda equina syndrome in the UK by Woodfield et al (2023). If the accepted subcategories are unreliable, they cannot be used in the way that they are currently, and they should be revised or abandoned. This paper presents a reassessment of the diagnostic and prognostic subcategories of cauda equina syndrome in the light of this evidence, with a suggested cure based on a more inclusive synthesis of symptoms, signs, bladder ultrasound scan results, and pre-intervention urinary catheterization.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(3):227–231.

Aims

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a common skeletal system disease that has been partly attributed to genetic variation. However, the correlation between genetic variation and pathological changes in LSS is insufficient, and it is difficult to provide a reference for the early diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Aims

To identify the incidence and risk factors for five-year same-site recurrent disc herniation (sRDH) after primary single-level lumbar discectomy. Secondary outcome was the incidence and risk factors for five-year sRDH reoperation.

Aims

The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the pooled incidence of postoperative urinary retention (POUR) following total hip and knee arthroplasty (total joint replacement (TJR)) and to evaluate the risk factors and complications associated with POUR.

Aims

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) can be associated with chronic severe lower back pain and long-term autonomic dysfunction. This study assesses the recently defined core outcome set for CES in a cohort of patients using validated questionnaires.

A three-month-old girl presented with a massive abdominal tumour arising from the right lumbar region. Microscopic examination of a biopsy specimen showed a typical neuroblastoma. No treatment was given except that necessary symptomatically for paralysis caused by compression of the cauda equina. Spontaneous regression was accompanied by maturation to a small ganglioneuroma, found at necropsy examination at the age of ten years. Death was from urinary infection due to a persistent neurogenic bladder

The development of spinal deformity in children with underlying neurodisability can affect their ability to function and impact on their quality of life, as well as compromise provision of nursing care. Patients with neuromuscular spinal deformity are among the most challenging due to the number and complexity of medical comorbidities that increase the risk for severe intraoperative or postoperative complications. A multidisciplinary approach is mandatory at every stage to ensure that all nonoperative measures have been applied, and that the treatment goals have been clearly defined and agreed with the family. This will involve input from multiple specialities, including allied healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists and wheelchair services. Surgery should be considered when there is significant impact on the patients’ quality of life, which is usually due to poor sitting balance, back or costo-pelvic pain, respiratory complications, or problems with self-care and feeding. Meticulous preoperative assessment is required, along with careful consideration of the nature of the deformity and the problems that it is causing. Surgery can achieve good curve correction and results in high levels of satisfaction from the patients and their caregivers. Modern modular posterior instrumentation systems allow an effective deformity correction. However, the risks of surgery remain high, and involvement of the family at all stages of decision-making is required in order to balance the risks and anticipated gains of the procedure, and to select those patients who can mostly benefit from spinal correction.

Introduction: We carried out a revision of Necrotizing Fasciitis diagnosed in our Hospital from January 2000 to July 2008. Necrotizing Fasciitis is an infection of soft tissues, caused in most of cases by Streptococcus pyogenes. It is a dangerous infection, because it progresses quickly, and it can lead to death due to systemic toxicity. Materials and Methods: The study includes 18 patients afected by Necrotizing fasciitis treated in our Hospital from January 2000 until July 2008. In order to identify risk factors and clinical emergency signs, clinical detailed information was obtained for each patient. Results: In 70% of the cases, Streptococcus pyogenes was found as the main germ involved in Necrotizing Fasciitis. In inicial stages, the patients complained of pain, heat, swelling, reddening and crepitation of the affected subcutaneous tissues. In advanced stages, patients went in a state of neurogenic shock. Specific antibiotical therapy was necessary in all cases. Surgical treatment was performed in 80 % of the cases, consisting of fascial aperture and debridement of devitalized tissues. In spite of the intensive medical and surgical treatments, 10% of the cases died. Conclusion: We consider the suspicion and knowledge of Necrotizing fasciitis is crucial in order to diagnose early and properly this infection disease. Then we can be able to establish a precocious and suitable treatment which can avoid the potentially fatal outcome

Aims

To report the outcome of spinal deformity correction through anterior spinal fusion in wheelchair-bound patients with myelomeningocele.

Aim. To evaluate morbidity and outcome associated with lumbar spine decompression for central spinal stenosis in the elderly compared with younger age groups. Patients & methods. Case notes review of patients with symptomatic and MRI proven central lumber canal stenosis, under the care of a single surgeon. The study population was 3 age groups: patients < 60 year of age (Group 1, n=21), patients between 60 and 79 years (Group 2, n=54), and > age of 80 years (Group 3, n=15). Data with regard to intra- and post-operative complications and subjective outcome variables were collected. These included pain (VAS), walking distance, Oswestry Disability score (ODI) and patient satisfaction scores. Results. There was a statistically significant improvement in VAS score for leg pain (p<0.05) and back pain (p<0.05) after surgery for each group. All three groups reported improvement in their walking distance. The average walking distance improved by factor 5 in groups 1 and 2 and by factor 2.5 in group 3 (p< 0.05). However the improvement in group 3 was not statistically significant. There was a statistically significant improvement in ODI for all three groups (mean ODI improvement in Group 1, 16 points, Group 2, 23 points and Group 3, 15 points). Overall 96% of patients were satisfied and would consider the same treatment again under similar circumstances. The overall complication was 19% in group 1, 18% in group 2, and 33% in group 3. Conclusions. Surgery for neurogenic claudication in the octogenarian is associated with a higher complication rate. The outcomes however in this patient group are comparable to younger patients. Lumbar decompression surgery in octogenarians is a worthwhile procedure

1. A controlled trial of ninety-nine patients with myelomeningocele has shown that immediate closure did not result in any significant (at P<0.05) reduction in mortality or alteration in muscle power. 2. If required, closure of the back may be delayed for forty-eight hours after birth or longer to allow a detailed clinical assessment of the infant. 3. The muscle power in the lower limbs is a useful guide to prognosis both in relation to mortality and the incidence of hydrocephalus. 4. Mortality is greatest in the first year of life. 5. In the urinary tract the commonest anomaly is neurogenic bladder. Other congenital anomalies were not more common than in children generally

Our purpose was to study the functional outcome and electrophysiologically to assess the axially nerve function in patients who have undergone surgery using a deltoid-splitting approach to treat complex proximal humeral fractures. This was a prospective observational study and was carried out in the Shoulder injury clinic at a university teaching hospital. Over a one-year period we treated fourteen locally-resident patients (median age 59 years) who presented with a three- or four-part proximal humeral fracture. All patients were treated using the extended deltoid-splitting approach, with open reduction, bone grafting and plate osteosynthesis. All patients were prospectively reviewed and underwent functional testing using the DASH, Constant and SF-36 scores as well as spring balance testing of deltoid power, and dynamic muscle function testing. At one year after surgery, all patients underwent EMG and nerve latency studies to assess axillary nerve function. Thirteen of the fourteen patients united their fractures without complications, and had DASH and Constant score that were good, with comparatively minor residual deficits on assessment of muscle power. Of these thirteen patients, only one had evidence of slight neurogenic change in the anterior deltoid. This patient had no evidence of anterior deltoid paralysis and her functional scores, spring balance and dynamic muscle function test results were indistinguishable from the patients with normal electrophysiological findings. One of the fourteen patients developed osteonecrosis of the humeral head nine months after surgery and had poor functional scores, without evidence of nerve injury on electrophysiological testing. Reconstruction through an extended deltoid-splitting approach provides a useful alternative in the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures. The approach provides good access for reduction and implant placement and does not appear to be associated with clinically-significant adverse effects

Persistent post-surgical pain (PPSP) remains a problem after knee replacement with some studies reporting up to 20% incidence. At its most basic level, pain can be divided into two categories, mechanical and non-mechanical. Mechanical pain is like the pain of a fresh fracture. If the patient does not move, the pain is less. This type of pain is relieved by opiates. Mechanical pain is seen following knee replacement, but is fortunately becoming less frequent. It is caused by a combination of malrotations and maltranslations, often minor, which on their own would not produce problems. The combination of them, however, may produce a knee in which there is overload of the extensor mechanism or of the medial stabilizing structures. If these minor mechanical problems can be identified, then corrective surgery will help. Non-mechanical pain is present on a constant basis. It is not significantly worsened by activities. Opiates may make the patient feel better, but they do not change the essential nature of the pain. Non-mechanical pain falls into three broad groups, infection, neuropathic and perceived pain. Infection pain is usually relieved by opiates. Since some of this pain is probably due to pressure, its inclusion in the non-mechanical pain group is questionable, but it is better left there so that the surgeon always considers it. Low grade chronic infection can be extremely difficult to diagnose. Loosening of noncemented knee components is so rare that when it is noted radiologically, infection should be very high on the list of suspicions. The name neurogenic pain suggests that we know much more about it than we do in reality. Causalgia or CRPS-type two is rare following knee replacement. CRPS type one or reflex sympathetic dystrophy probably does exist, but it is probably over-diagnosed especially by the author of this abstract. The optimum treatment I have found is lumbar sympathetic blocks. Lyrica, Gabapentin and Cymbalta may also help. Perceived pain is the largest group. It does not matter what you tell patient, some believe a new knee should be like a new car, i.e. you step into it and drive away. The fact that they have to work to make it work is horrifying. Some of this pain is actually mechanical, especially in those with no benefits such as hairstylists. Perceived pain is widespread. The classic treatment on this is Dr. Ian McNabb's book “Backache”. It should be studied by all orthopaedic surgeons, who wish to understand pain complaints. There are other issues such as good old fibromyalgia, which appears to have gone the way of the dodo. It has been replaced by something equally silly called central sensitization. The theory of central sensitization is that if one has pain somewhere or other for three months or six months or whatever, there are going to be changes in the brain and spinal cord. It then does not matter what happens to the original pain, i.e. whether or not it goes away, the pain will persist because of the changes in the brain, hence, the title of the pain in the brain syndrome. If this theory was correct, we might as well all go home because we have all been wasting our time for the last 30 years because none of our patients would get any better. After all, all of our patients have had pain for a lot longer than three months, many of them have been involved in trauma and sometimes, compensation is at issue. The pain in the brain theory, therefore, sounds about as realistic as the flat earth society or the treatment of Galileo

Purpose: Isolated paralysis of the great toe long extensor is a rare complication of leg fractures. In certain patients, an erroneous diagnosis of compartment syndrome or muscle incarceration may be made. Material and methods: We dissected ten fresh cadavers. Results: The great toe long extensor was innervated by a branch of the deep fibular nerve which arose 15 cm from the talocrural joint space and directly in contact with the periosteum of the tibial shaft. In this localisation, the branch can be directly sectioned during trauma, reduction, or reaming. Discussion: We had one patient aged 30 years with a fracture of the mid third of the leg who was treated by centromedullar nailing. Postoperatively, this patient developed isolated paralysis of the great toe long extensor. The isolated neurogenic origin of this paralysis was confirmed by electromyography. Conclusion: This case is illustrative of direct injury of the great toe long extensor innervation, a cause which to our knowledge has not been previously described

Segmental spinal reflexes (stretch reflexes) were studied in patients with scoliosis. The proprioceptive responses to the phasic stretch of the paraspinal muscles were asymmetric in all patients, and were increased on the convex side. The asymmetry was more pronounced when the patients were standing. The observed asymmetry of the reflex responses was taken to indicate asymmetry in the tone and postural activity of the superficial layer of the paraspinal muscles. A reciprocal relationship was found in the segmental reflex organisation between the superficial and deep layers of the paraspinal muscles. The increase in reflex response of the superficial muscles on the convex side can be due to diminished reciprocal inhibition from weak, deep muscles. Thus a segmental neurogenic disorder involving predominantly the deep paraspinal muscles of the convexity of the curve may be the primary lesion responsible for the development of scoliosis

Introduction: The term dorsal bunion describes a condition characterised by a swelling in the region of the 1st MTPJ with an elevated first metatarsal and a flexed toe. The literature available concentrates on the forefoot aetiology- no author has yet documented the role of the hindfoot in its pathogenesis. Methods: We have conducted a review of 28 consecutive patients, excluding those with hallux rigidus collected prospectively in the course of a full-time foot and ankle practice between 1996 and 2005. All of the patients have been examined with respect to their primary pathology leading to the dorsal bunion and had the mobility and position of the hindfoot assessed. Results: In the series of 28 patients, the average age was 31.6 and there were 18 male and 10 females. Every patient examined had either a rigid hindfoot or stiffness contributing to a failure to correct for abnormal forefoot position. Conclusion: The causes of dorsal bunion may be considered to be Primary (Hallux Rigidus) or Secondary (CTEV, neurogenic, iatrogenic, global forefoot supination). It is the authors’ view that hindfoot stiffness in secondary cases of dorsal bunion causes an inability of the footto compensate for an abnormal position of the forefoot- the 1st ray must compensate by flexion of the hallux to allow the foot to adopt a plantigrade position

Introduction: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the outcome of multiple spinal operations by an expert spinal surgeon HV Crock. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 169 patients who had multiple spinal surgery including spinal Fusion and spinal decompression was undertaken. A special Questionnaire form was designed and sent to each patient to answer with an appointment for the patient to be seen and assessed in the spinal assessment clinic where data from the questionnaire, clinical notes and thorough clinical examinations were recorded in a spinal data base which covered the following sections:. Patients Symptoms. Treatment received. Spinal Operations. Body Diagram for shading the site of pain. Final outcome. Patient Satisfaction. Results:. – 76 patients 66% of the patients who replied “were satisfied” with the surgery. – 38 patients 33% of the patients who replied were not satisfied. – 58 patients did not reply as they were not interviewed. There were no significant post-operative neurogenic complications, such as cauada equina syndrome or severe leg weakness interfering with standing and walking retirement. There was always a temporary relief followed by deterioration of symptoms after a period ranging between 1–2 years. Conclusions: Overall, patients with failed back syndrome need to be evaluated and treated in a multidisciplinary setting, where a group of Health Care Professionals from various fields, such as Physiotherapy, Pain Management and Clinical Psychologist work together, towards the common goal for the benefit of the patient

Aim: Lumbar spinal stenosis is a common disease in spine surgery, especially for older patients. Internal laminoplasty technique is minimal invasive and can offer relieve from symptoms and early recovery to the patient. This method is our choice for surgical treatment in lateral spinal stenosis. Material and Method: From 1996–2002, 48 patients (28 male-28 female) operated for lumbar spinal stenosis (central or lateral).Eighteen(18) of them in level L3-L4, twenty two(22) in level L4-L5 and eight(8) in level L5-S1 with mane age of 62 years. Their clinical condition was neurogenic claudication, radiculopathies and/or bladder dysfunction. Preoperative examination included X-rays, 3-D X-rays, CT-scan (in combination with myelography in many cases) and MRI. Results: We used internal laminoplasty without fusion for all cases. We had no infection or neurological complication. 44patients (91%) mentioned sufficient clinical improvement and pain relief. Conclusions: Internal laminoplasty technique is a progress in microsurgery, which reduces iatrogenic damage and rehabilitation time, giving excellent results when it is indicated

Aims: 1 To assess the histological changes in patients with Achilles tendinopathy. 2 To map the distribution of nerves and nerve endings within the Achilles tendon. Methods: Tendon biopsy specimens were taken from patients with spontaneous (ie previously painless) Achilles rupture patients and chronic painful tendinopathy patients. ‘Normal’ cadaveric /lacerated tendon biopsies were used for comparison. Sections were stained with H& E for basic histology. Immunolocalisation of nerve tissue was performed with 2 anti-neurofilament antibodies. Non-specific immunoglobulin was used as a negative control. Results: The number of nerves and nerve endings found within the normal tendons and both groups of degenerate tendons was very low. Only 30% of the normal tendon sections showed any positive staining at all. Compared to 36% of ruptured tendon and 43% of the painful tendinopathy sections. Conclusions: Tendon rupture and chronic painful tendinopathy biopsies ALL show widespread degenerative changes. There is a paucity of nerve tissue within these tendons, which may have implications for the neurogenic hypothesis of tendon degeneration. There appear be more nerve fibres in vascular areas of the painful tendinopathy biopsies. There may be more nerve fibres in the peritendinous tissue

Aim: To evaluate morbidity and outcome associated with lumbar spine decompression for central spinal stenosis in the elderly compared with younger age groups. Patients & Methods: Case notes review of patients with symptomatic and MRI proven central lumber canal stenosis, under the care of a single surgeon. The study population was 3 age groups: patients < 60 year of age (Group 1, n=19), patients between 61 and 79 years(Group 2, n=54), and > age of 80 years (Group 3, n=15). The number of levels decompressed & grade of surgeon were noted. Outcome data: Length of operation & hospital stay, blood loss, and intra and post operative complications. Subjective variables: Pain (VAS), walking distance, Oswestry Disability score (ODI) and patient satisfaction scores. Results: The duration of operation (p< 0.05), and intra-operative complication rate (p< 0.025) was dependent on the seniority of the surgeon. There was a statistically significant improvement in VAS score for leg pain (p< 0.05) and back pain (p< 0.05) after surgery for each group. The average walking distance improved by factor 5 in group 1 and 2 and by factor 2.5 in group 3 (p< 0.05). Conclusions: Surgery for neurogenic claudication in the octogenarian is associated with a higher complication rate. The outcomes in this patient group is however comparable to younger patients

Purpose: Despite advances in surgical technique, neurological injury remains a potentially devastating complication of spinal deformity correction surgery. The purpose of the study is to describe surgical and patient factors associated with “electrophysiologic (EP) events” and neurogenic deficits. Method: A retrospective chart review, looking at “EP events” during surgery, was conducted on 162 patients who received surgical treatment of their pediatric spine deformity from 1999 to 2004. Results: Ninety three percent of cases (n=151) were successfully monitored by either somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) or motor evoked potential (MEP) monitoring. All three neurologic deficits that occurred in this study cases were successfully detected by EP monitoring (0.02%, p=.002). In those 151 cases that were successfully monitored, “EP events” were occured in twenty (13.2%) cases. The most common cause was systemic change (45%) and curve correction (40%). In those 20 cases, when corrective actions were made (n=15) “EP events” reversed to baseline values in all cases. When no corrective actions were taken (N=5) there was no reversals of “EP events” to baseline. Patients with kyphosis had a trend toward significantly higher rates of “EP events” (p=.174) and patients who had cardiopulmonary comorbidities had significantly higher rates of “EP events” (p=.007). Conclusion: Consistent with existing literature, the EP monitoring was successful in the vast majority of deformity surgeries. “EP events” were able to be reversed with corrective action and to predict neurologic deficits. Our study found that patients with kyphosis and/or cardiopulmonary comorbidities have higher risk of significant “EP events” during the surgeries

Curative treatment of malignancies in the sacrum and lower lumbar spine frequently requires en bloc spinopelvic resection. There is no standard classification of these procedures. We present outcomes and a classification scheme with oncologic and reconstructive guidelines for spinopelvic tumors based on an analysis of 30 cases of en bloc resection and reconstruction performed with curative intent. Mean follow-up of surviving patients was 38 months. Tumors included osteosarcoma (n=9), chondrosarcoma (n=6), chordoma (n=5), other sarcomas (n=5), neurogenic tumors (n=4), and local extension of carcinoma (n=1). Resections could be divided into 4 types. Type 1 resections (n=12) included a total sacrectomy with lower lumbar spine and bilateral medial iliac resections. Type 2 resections (n=6) included hemisacrectomy, partial lumbar spine excision, and medial iliac resection. Type 3 resections (n=9) encompassed external hemipelvectomy with hemisacrectomy and partial lumbar spine excision. Type 4 resections (n=3) encompassed external hemipelvectomy, total sacrectomy, and lumbar spine excision. For each resection type, we have developed staged surgical approaches to allow resection with wide margins and reconstruction of spinopelvic continuity. Tumor free margins were achieved in all cases. Perioperative mortality was 3/30. Seven additional patients have died of disease, two died of other causes, two are alive with disease, and 16 have no evidence of disease. 13/18 surviving patients are independent in their activities of daily living. In our practice en bloc excision and reconstruction of spinopelvic neoplasms may be classified into four types. For each type, we have devised surgical treatment guidelines to allow for wide resection and reconstruction of spinopelvic continuity. Long term survival and independent function can be achieved in this challenging patient population. This represents the first standardised classification of oncologic spinopelvic resections and reconstructions

Purpose of the study: Although the iliac autograft is the gold standard for single-level intervertebral fusion, complications and morbidity related to autologous graft harvesting from the iliac crest remain a point of concern. Bone morphogenic protein (BMP) has proven advantages for fusion of the intersomatic and posterolateral graft. This study compared the efficacy and tolerance of OP-1 compared with an autologous graft in patients with symptomatic spondylolisthesis. This study reports the preliminary results of a prospective randomised controlled trial comparing OP-1 with an iliac autologous graft for instrumented single-level posterolateral fusion for arthrodesis of grade 1 spondylolisthesis. Material and methods: Lamino-arthrectomy associated with a posteriolateral instrumented arthrodesis with an iliac autologous graft or a mixture of OP-1 and local autologous graft material was performed in 27 patients with spondylolisthesis leading to lumboradiculalgia or neurogenic claudication. The final outcome was time to fusion at one year on the scanner and plain x-rays. The Oswestry score and pain at the harvesting site as well as side effects were also noted. Results: The cohort included 27 patients. Three were excluded from the analysis, leaving 24 patients assessed at one year. The demographic data were comparable for the two groups regarding mean age (64 years versus 69 years for the OP-1 group). At one year, ten radiographically certain fusions were noted in the control group and eight in the OP-1 group. Two nonunions and one doubtful fusion were noted in the control group compared with three doubtful fusions in the OP-1 group. The mean Oswestry score was comparable in the two groups. The mean score in the control group improved from 49.5 to 28.5 compared with 45.9 to 29.7 in the OP-1 group. There was no secondary effect attributable to use of OP-1. There were no cases of systemic toxicity, nor heterotopic calcification or restenosis for the 11 patients in the OP-1 group. Conclusion: A fusion rate of 73% without secondary effects attributable to OP-1 was observed in this preliminary study. This study allows the conclusion that this technique is reliable, safe and, in terms of fusion, a valid alternative to autologous iliac crest graft. The main advantage resulting from the use of OP-1 is to avoid the morbidity linked with harvesting the iliac graft

Introduction Symptoms of neurogenic intermittent claudication in spinal stenosis are explained by the narrowing of the spinal canal in the extended (upright) position and widening in the sitting (flexed) position. The XStop inter-spinous process distraction device is a new product that is designed to hold the affected segments in a flexed posture. This prospective study looks at the changes in the lumbar spine in a variety of postures from pre- to post insertion. Methods Using a positional magnetic resonance imaging (pMRI) scanner, patients were scanned before and six months after the insertion of the device. Images were taken in sitting flexed and extended, and standing positions. The change in the total range of movement of the lumbar spine and in the individual operated segments was measured along with changes in the surface areas of the exit foramen, the dural sac, and the disc height. Results 12 patients with 17 levels distracted have been scanned and measured. The cross sectional area of the dural sac at the level of the stenosis has increased from a mean of 77.8 mm. 2. to 93.4 mm. 2. in the standing position (p=0.006) and from 84.56mm. 2. to 107.35mm. 2. on extension (p=0.008). There were no statistically significant changes in the range of movement of the whole lumbar spine, or at levels adjacent to the device. Discussion This study demonstrates that the X Stop device increases the cross sectional surface area of the spinal canal at the stenosed level, without causing extensive changes in the posture of the lumbar spine

Over 5 years we gave 84 patients epidural cortisone (80 mg depomedrol and local anaesthesia) for back and/or leg pain due to degenerative disease of the spine. The mean age of the 35 men and 49 women was 65.2 years (37 to 86). All patients had back pain and 77% had neurogenic leg pain. Spinal radiographs demonstrated degenerative changes, including intervertebral disc space narrowing and/or facet joint arthritis, in 84%. MRI, performed in 80 patients (95%), confirmed degenerative disease of the lumbar spine and demonstrated neural compression in 78 of the 80 (97%). Five patients received a second epidural injection and one a third. Complete resolution of back and/or leg pain occurred in 32 patients (38%), and 34 (40%) had relief for between 1 and 12 months. There was no change in the symptoms of 18 patients (21%). Surgery was undertaken in 17 patients (20%), with seven undergoing spinal decompression alone and 10 decompression and a fusion. After surgery, four of the seven patients who did not have a fusion still had back pain. All 10 of the patients who underwent decompression and fusion had a good outcome. One patient developed an epidural haematoma following the epidural injection. Epidural steroid injection had a favourable outcome in 78% of our patients, with a low incidence of complications. Patients who failed to respond to the epidural injection did poorly with spinal decompression alone

We performed positron emission tomography (PET) with . 18. fluorine-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) on 55 patients with tumours involving the musculoskeletal system in order to evaluate its role in operative planning. The standardised uptake value (SUV) of FDG was calculated and, to distinguish malignancies from benign lesions, the cases were divided into high (≥ 1.9) and low (< 1.9) SUV groups. The sensitivity of PET for correctly diagnosing malignancy was 100% with a specificity of 76.9% and an overall accuracy of 83.0%. The mean SUV for metastatic lesions was twice that for primary sarcomas (p < 0.0015). Our results suggest that the SUV may be useful in differentiating malignant tumours from benign lesions. However, some of the latter, such as schwannomas, had high SUVs so that biopsy or wide resection was selected as the first operation. Thus, some other quantitative analysis may be required for preoperative planning in cases of high-SUV neurogenic benign tumours. The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction revealed that the RNA message of a key enzyme in glucose metabolism, phosphohexose isomerase (PHI)/autocrine motility factor, was augmented in only high FDG-uptake lesions, suggesting that a high expression of the PHI message may be associated with accumulation of FDG in musculoskeletal tumours

INTRODUCTION: Chronic back ache is a common disorder which rarely indicates surgery. There are accepted indications for surgical intervention; namely that of neurogenic leg pain in the presence of spondylolisthesis or gross instability of the lower lumbar segments. There have been no studies looking at the long term follow-up of service personnel following spinal fusion. The activities demanded by service life exert significant strain on the axial spine and there are no figures documenting the return to full service post-surgery. METHOD: A retrospective review of case notes of service personnel undergoing spinal fusion at the Royal Hospital Haslar was performed from 1990 onwards. 65 patients were identified and their case notes analysed. The following information was obtained:. Age, sex, pre-operative diagnosis, medical category pre-op, non-operative treatment, surgical procedure, post-operative rehabilitation, medical category post-surgery and whether still serving. ANALYSIS: Outcome parameters: medical category post surgery, and ability to continue serving in the armed services. DISCUSSION: Successful results from spinal surgery depends on good patient selection and the development of a treatment protocol. From a service perspective, a successful surgical outcome would result in the return of a service person back to their operational role. We discuss a potential treatment algorithm for the surgical management of low back pain

Objective: To determine if there was any difference in standard spine outcome measures for single level degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis treated by decompression and intertransverse fusion alone or with pedicle screw instrumentation. Methods: A prospective longitudinal cohort study was undertaken looking at 23 patients undergoing surgery for L4/5 degenerative spondylolisthesis with symptomatic spinal stenosis. Clinical outcome was assessed through specific outcome measures of walking distance(yards), Oswestry disability index (ODI), Back Functional Assessment (BFA) and Visual analogue score for pain(VAS). Results: Follow up was achieved in 21 patients (91%) and the mean length of follow up was 29 months (range 12–60 months). The mean age at operation was 66 years. In the uninstrumented group (n=12), the mean pre and post operative outcome scores were: walking distance (pre-122, post-950), ODI (pre-45, post-29), BFA (pre-23, post-31) and VAS (pre-83, post 49). In the instrumented group (n=11), the mean pre- and post operative outcome scores were: walking distance (pre-143, post-763), ODI (pre-54, post-33), BFA (pre-14, post 33) and VAS (pre-77, post-49). There was no statistically significant difference in improvement in each outcome measure between the two groups. Conclusion: Surgical decompression in degenerative spondylolisthesis aims to relieve symptoms of radicular pain and neurogenic claudication. However, the indications for instrumentation are controversial. Previous studies have shown an improved fusion rate with instrumentation but no difference in subjective patient satisfaction scores. We have used validated patient based outcome measures to assess clinical outcome. Our results show no statistically significant difference between single level L4/5 degenerative spondylolisthesis treated with decompression with or without instrumentation

We performed electrophysiological studies on both legs of 52 children, aged from 3 months to 15 years, with idiopathic club foot. In only nine (17%) was no abnormality found. Isolated peroneal nerve damage was seen in 14 (27%). Abnormality of both peroneal and posterior tibial nerves was found in five (10%). Four patients (8%) had evidence of isolated spinal-cord dysfunction, whereas combined spinal-cord and peripheral-nerve lesions were seen in 14 (27%). Six patients (11%) had variable neurogenic electrophysiological patterns. In 13 patients in whom the studies were repeated neither progression nor improvement of the electrophysiological parameters was observed. Pathological electrophysiological findings were found in 66% of conservatively-treated patients. In the 43 patients treated surgically, all 16 with fair and poor results had pathological electrophysiological findings and 12 required further operations. Multiplicity of the pathological findings was related to the severity of the deformity of the foot; normal studies represent a good prognostic sign. Electrophysiological studies are useful in idiopathic club foot with residual deformities after conservative or operative treatment. Our findings support the theory that muscle imbalance is an aetiological factor in idiopathic club foot

Introduction: It is likely that the incidence of spinal stenosis will increase with ageing populations. The outcome after surgery in central spinal stenosis has been satisfying in quite many studies. The appropriateness of the indications for surgery has been found to be only around 60% however. Recently we reported that the degree of cauda equina constriction at the most constricted level in the lumbar spine directly was related to typical preoperative symptoms like walking distance, radiating pain but also quality of life. The aim of this study was to relate the degree of preoperative constriction to the results one year postoperatively. MATERIAL AND Methods: 35 men and 47 women, mean age 64 years with preoperative imaging of the lumbar spine, completed preoperative questionnaires and operated for central stenosis between June 2002 and May 2004 were followed up one year postop. The self administered pre- and postoperative questionnaires asked for pain intensity in the back or leg(s) (VAS), walking distance before neurogenic claudication, health related quality of life (EQ5D) etc.. In all the subjects the preoperative cross sectional area (CSA) of the most stenotic (constricted) vertebral level was determined from magnified CT or MR examinations and related to the one year postoperative. Results: Results: The average CSA for the most constricted lumbar level was 58.0 SD 23 mm2. For those with a CSA < 68 mm2 parameters like walking ability, pain intensity in the leg and back, health related QoL was improved in a statistically significant way. For those with a preoperative CSA > 68 mm2 no signifcant improvement was found one year postoperatively. Conclusion: Subjects operated for central spinal stenosis having a pronounced cauda equina constriction (CSA) also had the best outcome one year postoperatively

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of nasal salmon cal-citonin in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. Methods: Forty patients with symptoms of neurogenic claudication and MRI proven lumbar spinal stenosis were enrolled into the study. They were randomly assigned to either nasal salmon calcitonin 200 i.u or placebo nasal spray (sodium chloride) for the first 4 weeks. At the end of the 4 weeks of initial treatment the patients were given a 6 weeks washout period, during which they received no further nasal spray and were instructed to continue with their normal analgesics. At the end of this period all patients received a further 6 weeks of active nasal salmon calcitonin. Outcome measures: Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Low Back Outcome Score (LBOS), Visual Analogue Score (VAS) for leg and back pain, Shuttle Walking Test Distance in metres. Results: In the 4 weeks during which patients received active/placebo nasal salmon calcitonin there was no statistically significant difference in the change in outcome scores between the two groups (change in ODI [p=0.51], change in VAS for leg pain [p=0.51] and change in shuttle walking distance [p=0.78]) There is a minimal improvement in the mean ODI at the end of only 3.7 points in the calcitonin group and 3.8 points in the placebo group [p=0.44]. The VAS for leg pain deteriorated in both groups. There was a minimal improvement in the VAS for back pain in the calcitonin group of 5 mm, it deteriorated in the placebo group by 11mm [p=0.03]. At the end of the trial 9 patients (23%) reported either an excellent or good outcome, 6 reported a fair outcome (15%) and 17 patients (43%) reported a poor outcome. Conclusion: This dose of Nasal salmon calcitonin is not effective in the treatment of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of the surgical treatment of the thoracic outlet syndrome. Between 1990–2002, 46 patients, 15 male and 31 female aged ranging from 23 to 49 years old (mean age 34 years) underwent decompressive surgery of the thoracic outlet syndrome. Some 9 patients required bilateral operations. Symptoms due to compression of neural elements were present in 23 patients, of vascular elements in 12 patients and of both elements in 11 patients. The duration of symptoms was less than 2 years in 25 patients and 2 to 6 years in 21 patients. Operations consisted of scalenectomy in 47 cases with brachial plexus neurolysis for neurogenic indication, release of the pectoralis minor muscle insertion in 5 cases and cervical rib resection in 3 cases. The follow up period ranged from 1 to 12 years (mean 5 years). The results were classified as excellent with symptoms elimination in 27 cases, good with symptoms significant improvement in 19 cases and poor with symptoms persistent or aggravation in 9 cases. First rib resection in 4 patients with poor results and release of the pectoralis minor muscle insertion in 1 patient leaded to significant improvement of their symptoms. Some 90% of patient with symptoms less than 2 years had a successful result compared with only 76% in those with symptoms longer than 2 years. Complications included pneumothorax in one case and temporary phrenic nerve palsy in another case. A selective surgical decompression of the thoracic outlet syndrome yields satisfactory results in appropriately selected patients

Purpose: To measure outcome in patients undergoing decompression for lumbar canal stenosis (LCS) by lami-nectomy. Methods: 100 patients (57 men, 43 women) under one consultant surgeon presenting with neurogenic claudication and MRI confirmed LCS were studied . 23 patients had pre –existing spondylolisthesis (21 Grade 1, 2 Grade-2) and were managed by laminectomy without fixation. Patients completed a set of outcome measure questionnaires (SF-36, Visual analogue scores for back pain, leg pain, leg sensory symptoms and the Roland-Morris back disability score) pre-operatively, 3 months post surgery and at longer term follow up (median 2 years). Outcome scores were analysed and for SF-36 compared to age matched normative data. Statistical significance was calculated using Wilcoxon’s matched pairs and correlations using Spearman’s rank test. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS statistical package. Results: Average age 68 years (inter-quartile range 60 – 77). For the cohort visual analogue scores and Roland scores showed significant improvement (p < 0.01) at both 3 months and at long term follow up compared to pre-operative scores. For the physical functioning domain of SF-36, outcome scores improved significantly (p< 0.01) at short and long term follow up with 80% of patients having better long term scores compared to pre-operative scores. The physical functioning domain of SF-36 was significantly correlated with the changes seen in the visual analogue pain scores and the Roland back pain score (p < 0.01). Outcome for the spondylo-listhesis subgroup was similar to the outcome in patients without pre existing spondylolisthesis. Conclusions: Laminectomy for lumbar canal stenosis is an effective treatment resulting in significant health gains which are maintained in the longer term. Our data validates SF-36 as a measurement of disease severity and outcome in this condition

Introduction: The effect of the X-STOP on sagittal kinematics and spinal canal and neural foraminal area are reported when this interspinous device is used for the treatment of neurogenic claudication. Methods: Patients underwent Positional MRI scanning pre-operatively and 6 months post-operatively in the erect, flexed seated and extended and neutral positions. Anterior and posterior disc heights were measured on the erect images, endplate angle and the L1S1 angle on flexion and extension images at the operated and adjacent levels. Spinal canal and neural foraminal area were measured on all images. Measurements were made using the Osiris 4.17 program and statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon sign rank test. Results: Fifty-two patients were enrolled. M:F 26:26. Single level: Double level insertion 29:20. Three patients withdrawn, one died of unrelated causes, one intra-operative spinous process fracture, one lost to follow-up. Single Level: Spinal canal and neural foramina areas were increased in all positions with canal area significantly increased on standing (p=0.024) and sitting neutral (p=0.036). There was no significant effect on endplate angle, segmental range of movement, L1S1 angle or disc height. Double Level: Spinal canal area was significantly increased in the cranial segment on standing (p=0.002) and extension (p=0.016) and the caudal segment in extension (p=0.016). Foraminal area was significantly increased at the right cranial (p=0.019) and caudal (p= 0.045) segments in flexion and left cranial (p=0.017) and caudal segments (p=0.004) in extension. A significant change was observed at the endplate angles in flexion (p=0.028) and extension (p=0.026) at the upper level. The L1S1 angle was significantly reduced in extension (p=0.017). The caudal anterior disc height was reduced (p=0.023). There was no significant effect on segmental range of movement or sagittal kinematics at adjacent levels. Conclusion: X-STOP insertion has minimal effect on the sagittal kinematics of the lumbar spine but does increase canal and neural foraminal area

Aims

Arthroplasty has become increasingly popular to treat end-stage ankle arthritis. Iatrogenic posterior neurovascular and tendinous injury have been described from saw cuts. However, it is hypothesized that posterior ankle structures could be damaged by inserting tibial guide pins too deeply and be a potential cause of residual hindfoot pain.

We evaluate the patients with lumbar spinal stenosis in multiple levels that were treated with posterior decompression and posterolateral fusion, using transpedicular screw fixation system. Twenty-six patients, mean age 65.7 years (range 49 to 77years), with lumbar spinal stenosis, in more than three levels, were treated surgically between 1994 and 2002. Indications for surgical treatment included low back pain and neurogenic claudication for more than 6 months. The diagnostic approach consisted of x-rays, MRI, myelography and myelo-CT. Oswestry disability score and VAS (visual analog scale), were used for the clinical evaluation of the patients. Surgical procedure consisted of wide posterior decompression, regarding laminectomy, complete or incomplete facetectomy and foraminotomy, combined with posterolateral fusion, using transpedicular screw systems and bone graft. Fusion in three levels was performed at seven patients, in four levels at ten, in five levels at seven, in six and seven levels at one patient respectively. Mean follow-up was 26.8 months (range 12 to 38 months). Oswestry score and VAS revealed improvement 40.75% and 5.4 levels respectively. The better results were concerned to pain (2.88 levels improvement) and the less good to lifting (1.58 levels improvement). Two cases with superficial infections were observed and treated with surgical debridement. Screw breakage was observed in 1 patient and treated conservatively. Loosening of two sacral screws, which were removed, was observed in one patient. We conclude that myelography and myelo-CT revealed with satisfactory accuracy intra and outer foraminal lumbar spinal stenosis. Posterior decompression and instrumented fusion, offer satisfactory clinical results in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis in multiple levels when performed by experienced surgical team

Purpose: To give the review of the foot deformities in the patients with myelomeningocele (MMC), their relationship to the level of the neurological lesion and therapeutic possibilities. Material & Methods: Since 1998 till 2004 there were 20 patients with myelomeningocele treated in our clinic, in 19 patients was noted the foot deformity (total 34 feet). The deformity was unilateral in 4 patients, asymmetric in 2 patients (equinovarus + calcaneovalgus or planovalgus). The most frequent was equinovarus deformity (16 feet, 47%), next planovalgus deformity (9 feet, 26,5%), calcaneovalgus (7 feet, 20,6%) and equinovalgus (2 feet, 5,9%). In 28 feet the surgery was done. For the correction of the various deformities of the feet were used soft tissue releases or tendons transfer, in the older patient or after failed soft tissue release the bony operation was done (tarsal osteotomy, talo-calcaneal stabilisation, artrodesis). Results: The aim of every type of surgery was to achieve the acceptable foot shape, with plantigrade step and possibility of weigh bearing, with minimal risk of the pressure necrosis. In the most patients the purpose was achieved, although some of them passed several surgeries. In 18 deformities only one surgery obtained the correction of the deformity, the but for the 10 feet subsequent surgery was required because of the residual or relapsing deformity. In 3 patients was noted the pressure necrosis, in 1 patient appeared the fracture of the distal tibia (epiphyseolysis) after the removal the postoperative plaster. Conclusion: The orthopaedic care about the patients with MMC is only a part of the interdisciplinary approach of several specialists. The procedures for the correction of the neurogenic deformities of the feet, belong to the delicate surgery and is necessary very careful indication in relation with the type of deformity, which is dependent on the high of the lesion, and with the expectancy of walking. In the patients with good prognosis of walking is necessary to choose the procedure which guarantee weight-bearing and plantigrade step without the risk of ischemic skin defects

Purpose: The quality of the functional result for surgical treatment of lumbar stenosis has been the subject of much debate. The objectives of this retrospective review were to assess functional outcome ten years after surgical treatment of lumbar stenosis and determine the rate of revision in order to identify factors influencing outcome at last follow-up. Material and methods: One hundred forty-one patients underwent surgery for lumbar stenosis between January 1990 and December 1992. Mean follow-up was ten years. Functional outcome at last follow-up was assessed with a specific questionnaire with items for lumbar and radicular pain and signs of radicular ischemia and with a self-administered satisfaction questionnaire as well as two visual analogue scales (VAS) for lumbar and radicular pain. Other data noted were: epidemiological and morphological features, comorbidity, presence or not of objective signs of neurological involvement, the SF-36, and a self-assessed anxiety-depression score (GHQ28). Two types of analysis were performed. A descriptive analysis to determine the severity of functional signs observed at last follow-up, patient satisfaction and incidence and reasons for surgical revision. Multivariate analysis was designed to search for factors affecting the self-administered senosis score. Results: During the study period, fifteen patients underwent a revision procedure involving the lumbar spine. At last follow-up the overall satisfaction index was 71%. The best results were obtained for radiculalgia and intermittent neurogenic claudication. Residual lumbalgia was the main complaint at last follow-up. The patient’s psychological profile was the predominant factor affecting functional outcome. Other factors influencing functional outcome were revision surgery, persistent objective neurological disorders, and comorbidity. Conclusion: Surgical treatment of lumbar stenosis allows satisfactory long-term results in the majority of patients. At ten years, the risk of revision surgery was 10%. A review of the literature shows that these results are better than those obtained with medical treatment and that these surgical interventions enable quality-of-life similar to that observed in an age-matched population

The degenerative processes of the glenohumeral joint can be derived from primitive glenohumeral arethrosis, post traumatic arthrosis, neurogenic arthropaty and rotator-cuff arthropaty with inveterate cuff tears. These conditions have shared characteristics but the arthropaty from an inveterate tear of the rotator cuff estabilishes a characteristic connected to the distinctive lesions that culminate in the well-known radiologic imaging of ace-tabularization. Our experience of prothesization of the shoulder referring to this final result, with wich we previously tented toward using a bipolar endoprothesis, often with comforting but at time also decidedly disappointing results. Overall, our dissatifaction was attributed to the insufficient mobility regained with modest remaining muscle-tendons available, and to the anterior instability of the implant if not contained in a valid coracoacromiale arch. For this reason we are tending toward ageo-metric inverse prothesis with the supposition of intrinsic stability and a lever arm favorable to the contraction of slight muscolar recruitment. The inverse Delta prothesis provide an innovative therapeutic option for many patients with serious glenohumerale arthrosis associated with massive tear of the rotator cuff with the rising up of the humeral head. Our work intends to show which are the advantages and the limits, including surgical ones, of using the result of the prothesization of eight specially selected patients treated with the Delta prothesis. Without doubt the innovative architecture and the recent modification ofthe prothesis become clear; it becomes possible to do certain manouvers very easily which in the past were more complicated; also highlighted is the immediate symptomatic benefit that the patient obtain from the joint-substitution operation with this type of prothesis. On the other hand, it is therefore fundamental to select the patients in a very precise way who can undergo this operation, to have a notable improvement in their lifestyle. The modest but significant esperience derived from these first cases treated with the geometri inverse prothesis have introduced us to a relative simple prosthetic system, but just a bit more invasive than the endoprosthetic surgery; it is stable and well-tolerated, able to adequately satisfy the modest functional request permitted by the residual anatomic substratum. The autors, based on this limited but significant experience, intented tomention same technological problems inherent to the various od the implantation including the dif-ficulties occasionally met and resolved

Background: The incidence of neurological symptoms due to spinal stenosis in patients with achondroplasia is reported to be as great as 38%. 1. These symptoms most commonly occur in the 4. th. decade and myelography and CT myelography are most commonly described in evaluation of the stenosis. Difficulty arises in localisation of stenosis in patients presenting with neurological deficit. 2. The value of MRI of the cervicomedullary junction has been reported in achondroplasia but it has not yet been evaluated in the investigation of spinal stenotic symptoms. The aim of this study was to review our experience of whole spine imaging in patients with achondroplasia that presented with symptoms and signs of neurological deficit. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical notes and radiological imaging of 10 consecutive achondroplastic patients (3F:7M, mean age 31.7 years, range 13 to 60yrs) that presented to our unit with neurological compromise between 1998 and 2003. All patients had whole spine MRI at the time of presentation. Recorded from the notes were age and sex, and whether symptom pattern was radiculopathy, claudication or paresis. All radiological levels of stenosis on MRI were documented. Results: Four patients presented with spinal paresis, four with neurogenic claudication, and two with radiculopathy. MRI confirmed that each patient had at least one region (cervical, thoracic or lumbar) of significant spinal stenosis. In six of the patients an additional region of significant stenosis was identified. All ten patients had lumbar stenosis but this was only the primary site in six of the ten. In the other four patients two had the dominant stenosis in the thoracic spine, one in the cervical spine and one at the foramen magnum – the clinical symptoms correlated with the dominant site in each of these four cases. Conclusion: MRI was a useful tool for assessment of neurological compromise in the patients with achondroplasia in our study. All ten patients had classical lumbar stenosis on MRI but this was only the dominant site of stenosis in six of the ten cases. The MRI and clinical findings need to be evaluated together to ensure correct surgical treatment

Aim: To assess the clinical effectiveness of X stop interspinous decompression device in patients with neurogenic claudication due to lumbar canal stenosis at 24 months post surgery. Design: Prospective Observational Study of 57 patients with X stop procedure. Methods: Fifty-seven patients with unilateral or bilateral leg pain due to lumbar canal stenosis, who had significant relief from sitting or flexing the lumbar spine, were treated with X stop. Clinical outcome was assessed by Zurich claudication questionnaire (ZCQ), visual analogue score (VAS), Oswestery disability index (ODI) and SF36 questionnaires preoperatively and at 2 years. ZCQ has three components- symptom severity, physical function and patient satisfaction. ZCQ is considered the most precise, reliable and condition specific questionnaire for lumbar canal stenosis. Out of 57 patients, 2 died due to unrelated causes, 3 withdrew from study and 3 had the device removed within 2 years. Forty-five, 44, 42 and 48 completed ZCQ, ODI, SF-36 and VAS respectively at 24 months. Results: The mean age was 71(53–94) and M: F ratio 29:28. X stop device was inserted at single level in 32 (56%) and double levels in 25(44%) patients. In single level cases, 72% reported improvement in symptom severity, 65% in physical function, 68% were satisfied with the procedure, and overall 55% made a clinically significant improvement at 24 months. In double level cases, the figures were 62%, 68%, 78% and 40% respectively. The threshold for changes in symptom severity was 0.46, physical function was 0.42 and patient satisfaction 2.42. Overall clinically significant improvement requires that a patient achieves at least 2 criteria. The mean ODI improved by 6.5 in single level and 10.8 in double level cases. The SF-36 showed improvement in physical function, role physical, bodily pain and vitality social domain. Average hospital stay for the procedure was 1.6 days. One patient stayed for 10 days for investigation unrelated to the procedure. There were no major complications. Conclusions: The results of our study show that the X stop interspinous decompression device remains clinically effective at the end of 2 years. X stop is a relatively less invasive procedure, especially suitable for patients with other co-morbidities, which can be performed as a day case procedure without major complications

Aim: Spinal stenosis is a known entity in achondroplasia and a need for screening for the symptomatic children was identified in a tertiary limb reconstruction service. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether clinical and radiological imaging would identify the at risk group. Materials and methods: 205 achondroplastic children were treated at our service in the last 20 years. A prospective clinical screening programme for spinal stenosis which also included the MRI imaging of entire spine was however introduced only in 1996. 26 patients were available for this study. Case notes were reviewed for clinical symptoms and neurological signs. MR images were assessed for stenosis especially at Cervico medullary junction and lumbar level. Canal diameters were measured at all spinal levels from CMJ to lumbo-sacral junction. Neurosurgical interventions were recorded. An attempt was made to identify high risk factors that required surgical intervention. Results: Delayed milestones were observed in 7 patients. Positive history of back pain or radicular pain was obtained in 10 whereas 10 patients had symptoms of neurogenic claudication. Brisk reflexes and clonus were consistent findings. Severe foramen magnum narrowing was observed in 23 patients and 13 showed ‘kinking’ or ‘pinching’, suggesting severe compression. Of the 17 patients seen by neurosurgeons 6 required single or multiple surgical decompressions. Ventriculo-peritoneal shunt was inserted in 4. 5 children required CMJ decompression and one required lumbar canal decompression. There was a 7 mm difference in AP diameter measured on MRI at CMJ between the two non operated and operated groups. Female patients with delayed milestones and CMJ narrowing to less than 25 mm were identified as high risk. Conclusion: The cause of increased morbidity and mortality in young achondroplasts is attributable to severe CM compression. Sudden death can occur by acute or gradual progressive encroachment of respiratory centre at medulla oblongata. We were able to identify symptomatic patients early before developing myelomalacia and cord changes by screening all symptomatic children with achondroplasia. We propose that female gender, especially with delayed milestones as another high risk factor. We stress upon the importance of developing a nationalised selective screening programme with guidelines in specialist orthopaedic and joint multi-disciplinary Skeletal Dysplasia clinics

Objective: Retrospective analysis of consecutive paediatric patients treated surgically for high-grade spondylolisthesis by one of three circumferential surgical procedures with emphasis on complications and patient outcome measurements. Methods: Between 1980 and 1998 fourty patients underwent anterior-posterior correction for Meyerding Grade 3 or 4 isthmic dysplastic spondylolisthesis. Ten patients were treated with an anterior reduction according to Louis and anterior interbody fusion followed by posterior decompression and instrumented fusion (group A). Fourteen patients underwent posterior decompression followed by anterior reposition and fusion with tricortical iliac bone crest and posterior instrumented fusion (group B). Sixteen patients underwent progressive reduction by halopelvic traction followed by anterior and posterior fusion (group C). All patients completed the North American Spine Society (NASS) outcome questionnaire and the SF-36. The cosmetic assessment was performed by means of a VAS. The mean follow-up period for group A was 13,5 years, for group B 5,5 years and for group C 15,4 years, respectively. Results: The three groups were comparable with respect to age at operation, radiographic measurement of the slip, lumbosacral kyphosis and lumbar lordosis. The incidence of postoperative extensor hallucis longus weakness was 33% in group A, 50% in group C and 0% in group B (p< 0.001). Pearson correlation coefficient revealed a positive correlation between extensor hallucis longus weakness and the degree of correction of the lumbosacral kyphosis (P=0.56, p=0.024). Postoperative reduction of the sagittal slip (A: 64%, B: 44%, C: 50%) and lumbosacral kyphosis (A: 27°, B: 16°, C: 27°) was significant in all three groups. The incidence of pseudarthrosis was 10% in group A, 7% in group B and 6% in group C. SF-36 and NASS outcome questionnaire results have not been found statistically significant among the groups. Conclusion: Outcomes of function, satisfaction and cosmesis are satisfactory in all three surgical groups. Posterior decompression followed by anterior reduction and fusion using tricortical iliac crest bone graft and posterior instrumented fusion lack neurogenic complications. Therefore it is the standard surgical procedure for severe isthmic dysplastic spondylolisthesis at our department

Background: Autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been shown to improve the functional outcome after severe skeletal muscle trauma. The reasons for this improvement have yet not been revealed. Up to now insufficient techniques of cell labelling, which could only be used for histologic analysis ex vivo, have been a problem. The development of iron oxide nanoparticles, which are taken up and endosomally stored by stem cells, allows the evaluation of cellular behaviour in the muscle with the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Previous work has shown that labelling does not affect the proliferation and neurogenic differentiation capacity of embryonic stem cells. In the present study we are currently investigating the in vivo distribution and migration of locally transplanted MSC after blunt muscle trauma in a rat model. Methods: MSC cultures are derived from tibial biopsies of Sprague Dawley rats via plastic adherence. A standardized open crush injury of the left soleus muscle is performed in each animal. 24 hours before transplantation cells are labelled with very small superparamagnetic iron oxid particles (VSOP-C200, Ferropharm, Teltow, Germany) and Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP). One week after trauma different amounts of stem cells (5×105, 1×106 and 5×106) are transplanted into the soleus muscle by local injection. Distribution and migration of the cells are evaluated over time by the repeated performance of high resolution-MRI at 7 Tesla (Bruker, Rheinstetten, Germany). At the endpoint of the study, three and six weeks after transplantation, the muscles are harvested and histologically and immunohistochemically analysed. Results: Cells could be visualised inside the soleus muscle in the MRI 24 hours after transplantation showing characteristic signal extinctions in T2*-weighed images. The hypointense signal could be followed over the longest investigated time of six weeks and could be easily discriminated from the structures of the injured muscle. Preliminary results show that the cell pool changed its shape over time with the loss of an initially depicted injection canal and an increase in the surface/volume ratio. First histologic Prussian Blue stained sections showed co-localisation of the respective MRI signal and nanoparticle labelled cells. Fusion events of marked cells with regenerating myofibers could be observed. Conclusion: Magnetic labelling of MSC is a powerful tool to analyse the in vivo behaviour of the cells after transplantation into a severly injured skeletal muscle. For the first time the observation of an intraindividual time course of the distribution of the transplanted cells is possible. Our preliminary results are promising and the ongoing work will further characterise migration processes and the correlation of the MRI results with muscle function evaluated by contraction force measurements

Introduction Symptoms of neurogenic intermittent claudication in spinal stenosis are explained by the narrowing of the spinal canal in the extended (upright) position and widening in the sitting (flexed) position. The X-Stop® inter-spinous process distraction device (St. francis Medical Technologies) is a new product designed to hold the affected segments in a flexed posture. This prospective study looks at the changes in the lumbar spine in a variety of postures from pre- to post-insertion. Method Using positional MRI (pMRI), patients were scanned before and six months after operation. Images were taken in sitting flexed, extended, neutral, and standing positions. The total range of motion of the lumbar spine and of the individual operated segments were measured, along with changes in disc height, areas of the exit foramina, and dural sac. 21 patients (11 males; 10 females) were included in the study. Age ranged from 57 – 88 years. All had symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis- single level- 13 (L2/3-1; L3/4-3; L4/5-9); double level 8(L3/4, L4/5 – 7; L4/5, L5/ S1 – 1). Results The mean area of the dural sac at the operated levels increased from 89.25mm2 to 108.96mm2 (p< 0.001) in the standing posture and from 103.96mm2 to 124.94mm2 (p< 0.001) in extension postoperatively. The area of the exit foramina in extension increased from 79.15mm2 to 100.41mm2 (p< 0.001) on the left side and from 80.86mm2 to 98.74mm2 (p< 0.001) on the right side. The overall changes in the range of movement of the individual segments or of the lumbar spine were statistically insignificant. Discussion Previous, radiologic (Willen J, et al; Spine 1997) and cadaveric studies have demonstrated reduction in area of the dural sac and exit foramina as the lumbar spine moves from flexion into extension. Our study is the first to quantify these changes in symptomatic patients with lumbar spinal stenosis using postional MRI. This study supports previous studies using positional MRI scanner in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and also demonstrates that the X-Stop device increases the cross-sectional area of the spinal canal and exit foramina by distracting the spinous processes of the operated level without significantly affecting overall posture of the lumbar spine

During the last 2 decades it has been recognized that scoliosis may start de novo during adult life as a result of advanced degenerative disc disease, osteoporosis or both. In some the degenerative process is superimposed on a previous adolescent curve. Aside from the disfigurement caused by the spinal deformity, pain and disability are usually the major clinical problem. The prevalence of adult scoliosis rises with age: from 4% before age 45, 6% at age 59 to 15% in-patients older than 60 years. More than two thirds of the patients are females and the prevalence of right lumber curves is higher than in comparable series of patients with adolescent scoliosis. Adult scoliosis is characterized by vertebral structural changes with translatory shifts i.e. lateral olisthesis accompanied by degenerative disc and facet joint arthrosis. Although the magnitude of these curves is usually mild (20–30 degrees) lateral spondylolisthesis is observed frequently. It is also common to observe degenerative spondylolisthesis in patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis. The annual rate of curve progression ranges from 0.3 to 3%. Patients present with a history of a spinal deformity accompanied by loss of lumbar lordosis, trunk imbalance and significant mechanical back pain. Pain may arise not only from degenerative disc disease and facet arthritis leading to symptoms of spinal stenosis, but also from muscle fatigue due to the altered biomechanics secondary to a deformity in the coronal and sagittal planes. Root entrapment is common and occurs more often on the concavity of the curve. Symptoms of neurogenic claudication are also common in adults with lumbar scoliosis. Non-operative care includes exercises, swimming, NSAIDs, and occasional epidural injections. Brace treatment can be tried as well. Curve progression as well as axial or radicular pain not responding to non-operative care are indications for surgical intervention. Surgery may include decompression alone or in conjunction with curve correction and stabilization. Posterior instrumentation may be supplemented with interbody cages. Fusion is usually carried down to L5 but occasional instrumentation to the sacropelvis is mandatory. Problems with a high pseudoarthrosis rate are common with sacral fixation. Even in the best of hands a long recovery period (6–12 month) and moderate pain relief should be expected. As summarized by Dr. Bradford “despite recent advancements evaluation and successful management of patients with adult spinal deformity remains a significant challenge”

Introduction: The surgical correction of idiopathic scoliosis is a technically complex procedure that requires significant surgical expertise and highly specialized support. The current study examines practice patterns for the surgical treatment of scoliosis over a 5-year period in the State of California, with particular attention to the effect of payer status on surgical outcomes. Given the significant disparity in reimbursement for scoliosis surgery between patients with different payment sources (i.e. Medicaid versus private insurance), the potential exists for different management of disease and patient outcomes. Methods: Using the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) hospital discharge database, data for all surgical discharges between 1993 and 1997 for children ages 10–18 years old with a primary diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis were reviewed. 1614 children were discharged from 99 hospitals over this period, and form the basis for this report. Outcomes of interest included length of stay (LOS), readmission, death, and need for surgical reoperation. Results: The mean age at admission of patients was 13.97 years (SD=1.89). The mean LOS was 7.38 days (SD=5.63) and mean readmission rate was 4.5%. Death (n=2) and reoperation (n=4) were extremely uncommon, making it impossible to use these as primary endpoints. Patients insured by Medi-Cal did not have significantly higher readmission rates, but did have a significantly longer length of hospital stay than patients with other payment sources (p< 0.001) and had a greater proportion of cases of extreme severity (p< 0.05), according to DRG severity code. Patients insured by Medi-Cal also incurred significantly higher hospital charges than patients with other sources of payment (p< 0.001). Discussion and conclusions: The current study highlights the significant disparity in reimbursement rates for scoliosis surgery for patient insured by Medicaid versus private insurance in California. While this study does not address the issue of “unmet need” among the underinsured segment of the population, review of administrative data suggests that patients with Medicaid are more likely to have a higher severity of illness when presenting for surgery, and perhaps as a result, a longer length of stay. Future investigations will seek to reanalyze this dataset in patients with neurogenic scoliosis, where higher mortality and morbidity may allow for a more sensitive analysis of predictors of outcome

Introduction: Thickened ligamentum flavum (LF) is a major contributor to the clinical syndrome of lumbar canal stenosis (LCS). The patho-mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon remain unclear. Cysts adjacent to facet joints (FJ) in the spine are regarded as rare entities that may uncommonly contribute to LCS. Inaccurate pathological interpretation and unawareness of a key anatomical feature has generated erratic terminology and confusion about their origin. Methods: Twenty-seven consecutive patients with radiologically confirmed central canal or lateral recess stenosis underwent lumbar laminectomy for neurogenic symptoms. Surgical specimens comprising en bloc excision of LF and medial inferior facet (to retain LF and FJ relationships) were examined microscopically following staining with haematoxylin-eosin and Miller’s elastic stain. Controls were facet/LF specimens from 89 cadaver lumbar spines. Results: Mean LF thickness was 8.9 mm (+/− 0.3 mm SEM) at the operated levels and 2.9 mm (+/− 0.3 mm) at the non-operated, adjacent levels (p < 0.01). Twenty-eight synovial cysts (8 bilateral, 12 unilateral) were present at a single level in 20 (74%) patients. Synovial cysts per spine level were: L1/2 = 0; L2/3 = 3; L3/4 = 7; L4/5 = 16; L5/S1 = 2. The cyst levels all showed advanced osteoarthritis and LF degeneration. Ten patients (50 %) with cysts had pre-existing degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS). Only 5 patients had pre-operative radiological apperances of unilateral facet cysts. Therefore 82 % of our observed synovial cysts were microscopic or occult. The synovial cysts communicated with the FJ via a bursa-like cleft within the LF, and their linings of synoviocytes and other cells contained fragments shed from the articular surface. The control cadaver specimens revealed that a synovial bursa or intra-ligamentous out-pouching from the synovial cavity was present in 90% of normal LF at L4/5 and was up to 12 mm in length. This intra-ligamentous synovial recess, either wholly or partially lined by synoviocytes, was only present in 55% of specimens at L1/2 with a maximum length of 5 mm. Several other juxtafacet cyst types were observed in the experimental group and a novel classification based upon pathological findings is presented. Discussion: Para-facetal intraspinal cysts are common in degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis. DS is also a frequent finding but is statistically unrelated to cyst formation (Chi-square: p=0.187). We have found that debris from osteoarthritic facet joints enters a bursa-like cleft within the LF where it becomes incorporated into the wall where it excites a granulomatous reaction leading to blockage and synovial cyst formation. The existence of this channel has not been reported previously. We suggest that microscopic synovial cysts contribute significantly to the ligamentous thickening seen in LCS. We also present a novel classification of juxtafacet cysts based on our pathological findings

Introduction: Preliminary studies suggest that prolonged retraction of the paraspinal muscle during spinal surgery may produce ischaemic damage. We describe the continuous measurement of intramuscular pressures (IMP) during decompressive lumbar laminectomy and the relationship to back pain and disability. Methods: In this prospective interventional study, 28 patients undergoing surgery for lumbar canal stenosis were recruited. Back pain and function were assessed using the Visual Analogue Score (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Short Form 36 (SF36) health survey. During surgery, IMP was continuously recorded from the multifidus muscle using a pressure transducer. The intramuscular perfusion pressure (IPP) was derived as the difference between the patient’s mean arterial pressure (MAP) and IMP (IPP = MAP − IMP). The data was analysed using repeated measures ANOVA (SPSS package). Results: The mean age was 60.4 ± 3 years and the mean duration of symptoms of 31.0 ± 6 months. The predominant symptoms were neurogenic claudication (14) and/or sciatica (13). Patients underwent 1 (N=3), 2 (N=20) or 3 (N=5) level laminectomies. The muscle retractors used were Norfolk and Norwich (N=16) and McCullock (N=12). The mean duration of deep muscle retraction was 68.5 ± 9 mins (range 19–240). On application of deep muscle retraction, there was a rapid and sustained increase in IMP (F=26.8; p< 0.001; repeated measures ANOVA), and overall the calculated mean IPP approached 0 mmHg or less during this period (F=36.8; p< 0.001). On release of deep muscle retraction there was a rapid decrease in IMP to pre-operative levels. The IPP was greater with Norfolk and Norwich than McCullock retractors (F=12.2; p< 0.001). Compared to pre-operative values, there was a decrease in ODI (F=18.6; p< 0.001) and VAS for back pain (F=9.9; p< 0.001) at discharge, 4–6 weeks and 6 months, post-operatively. Compared to pre-operative values, there was a decrease in SF36 scores at 6 months (F=26.7; p< 0.001). Total duration of muscle retraction over 60 mins was associated with higher VAS scores for back pain at 4–6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively (F=3.7; p< 0.01). There was no relationship between IPP and post-operative ODI or VAS for back pain. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a simple technique for the continuous monitoring of IMP during spinal surgery, from which the IPP can be derived. Comparison of two muscle retractors has shown that the McCullock retractor generates a higher IMP than Norfolk and Norwich retractor. Decompressive lumbar laminectomy improves the VAS for back pain and ODI and SF36 outcome scores in these patients. The results show that duration of muscle retraction, rather than extent of the pressure generated by the retractor, is related to postoperative back pain

Aims

Patients may present with concurrent symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip and degenerative disorders of the lumbar spine, with surgical treatment being indicated for both. Whether arthroplasty of the hip or spinal surgery should be performed first remains uncertain.

Aims

This study aimed to determine the minimal detectable change (MDC), minimal clinically important difference (MCID), and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) under distribution- and anchor-based methods for the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) and range of movement (ROM) after open elbow arthrolysis (OEA). We also assessed the proportion of patients who achieved MCID and SCB; and identified the factors associated with achieving MCID.

Deep gluteal syndrome is an increasingly recognized disease entity, caused by compression of the sciatic or pudendal nerve due to non-discogenic pelvic lesions. It includes the piriformis syndrome, the gemelli-obturator internus syndrome, the ischiofemoral impingement syndrome, and the proximal hamstring syndrome. The concept of the deep gluteal syndrome extends our understanding of posterior hip pain due to nerve entrapment beyond the traditional model of the piriformis syndrome. Nevertheless, there has been terminological confusion and the deep gluteal syndrome has often been undiagnosed or mistaken for other conditions. Careful history-taking, a physical examination including provocation tests, an electrodiagnostic study, and imaging are necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

After excluding spinal lesions, MRI scans of the pelvis are helpful in diagnosing deep gluteal syndrome and identifying pathological conditions entrapping the nerves. It can be conservatively treated with multidisciplinary treatment including rest, the avoidance of provoking activities, medication, injections, and physiotherapy.

Endoscopic or open surgical decompression is recommended in patients with persistent or recurrent symptoms after conservative treatment or in those who may have masses compressing the sciatic nerve.

Many physicians remain unfamiliar with this syndrome and there is a lack of relevant literature. This comprehensive review aims to provide the latest information about the epidemiology, aetiology, pathology, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(5):556–567.

Introduction: Spinal fusions have been shown to be useful in correcting spinal deformities resulting from degenerative disc disease. We sought to produce a prospective analysis of functional outcomes following lumbar spinal fusion surgery for degenerative spondylolisthesis or degenerative scoliosis secondary to degenerative disc disease. We present the interim results from our case cohort of 74 patients. Methods: Over a period of 3 years (2005–2007), all patients who presented to this private practice with symptoms of canal stenosis or radicular pain secondary to degenerative spondylolisthesis or degenerative scoliosis were offered decompressive laminectomy and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgery with interbody cages, pedicle screw instrumentation, bone morphogenic protein (BMP) and bicalcium phosphate (BCP). Patients who presented only with low back pain and did not have radicular pain or neurogenic claudication were excluded from this study. All patients who were offered spinal fusion surgery were consecutively offered the opportunity to enrol in this functional cohort analysis. Those patients who consented were prospectively entered into this functional analysis and were asked to complete Oswestry and SF-36 function questionnaires preoperatively and post-operatively. Post-operative data has been collected in some cases up to 16 months postoperatively. Patients were also assessed post-operatively by the surgeon and given an Odom clinical assessment score. Complications were also collated. Results: 102 patients were offered surgery with 18 patients not consenting to participate in this study. Of the 84 patients who consented to participate in this study, 10 patients failed to submit both pre-operative and postoperative questionnaires, leaving 74 patients who were followed for a median 7 months (range of 1.5–16 months). There were 30 males and 44 females in the study with a median age of 73 (range 46–89). Of these 74 patients, 63 had degenerative spondylolisthesis and 11 had degenerative scoliosis. 52 patients had sufficient follow-up to assess bony fusion, of which 1 patient failed to fuse. 32 of the patients who fused reported to have improved, but 16 did not and the remainder did not submit both pre-operative and post-operative questionnaires. For the SF-36 questionnaire, the median pre-operative SF-36 score was 30 (96.6% CI 26–35) and the median post-operative SF-36 score was 48 (95.3% CI 42–56). The mean difference between the preoperative and post-operative SF-36 scores was 14 (95% CI 11–18) (p< 0.0001. The median preoperative Oswestry score was 46 (96.6% CI 42–50) and the median post-operative Oswestry score was 30 (96.6% CI 24–40) and the median post-operative Oswestry score was 30 (96.6% CI 24–40). The mean difference between the preoperative and post-operative Oswestry scores was 14 (95% CI 10–19) (p= 0.0001). 45 patients (61%) reported improvements of greater than 20 between their pre-operative and post-operative scores in either their SF-36 or Oswestry questionnaires. Of these 45 patients, 40 (89%) were also given moderate or good Odom (clinical) scores. 29 patients (39%) reported that they had not experienced improvement in their symptoms based on either their SF-36 or Oswestry questionnaires, with 12 (41%) of those 29 patients scoring poorly on their Odom scores. In all, there were 18 complications ranging from wound collections (4) and breakdowns (2) to repositioning of screws (6) and nerve root injury (2), to DVT (1) and transfusion (3). Discussion: Interim results suggest that most patients undergoing PLIF and pedicle screw surgery with decompressive laminectomy for treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis and degenerative scoliosis report significant improvements in function which correlate fairly well with clinical assessments performed by the surgeon at pre-operative and post-operative reviews. IInterestingly, patients generally reported either significant improvements (rather than borderline improvements) or that they had not improved at all, and that those who did report significant improvements also generally scored well on their Odom assessments. These reported improvements currently seem to be independent of whether bony fusion is achieved or not, as 16 of the 29 patients who did not report improvement actually achieved fusion. This is not unexpected as the initial PLIF procedure provides initial pre-fusion in situ rigid internal fixation

Aims

This study aimed to explore whether intraoperative nerve monitoring can identify risk factors and reduce the incidence of nerve injury in patients with high-riding developmental dysplasia.