Aims

This study aimed to evaluate rasterstereography of the spine as a diagnostic test for adolescent idiopathic soliosis (AIS), and to compare its results with those obtained using a scoliometer.

Tapping the radial side of the wrist normally elicits a reflex contraction producing elbow flexion, wrist extension and wrist radial deviation. An abnormal response, consisting of finger flexion when performing this manoeuvre is known as the inverted radial (supinator) reflex (IRR). The significance of this reflex in asymptomatic subjects is unknown. To document the frequency of the IRR in an asymptomatic population and to identify any presymptomatic pathology in those subjects. The study group consisted of patients and staff at the senior author's institution. Patients were taken from clinics where the complaints were of lower limb symptoms. Subjects were excluded if they had any history of neck pain or stiffness or if they had any subjectively abnormal sensation. The radial reflex was elicited with a tendon hammer. Those subjects with an IRR were asked to attend for a MRI scan of the cervical spine to investigate for any abnormality. 47 subjects were studied. There were 8 subjects who displayed an IRR. In 4 subjects the IRR was unilateral and in 4 bilateral. Seven subjects consented to further investigation by MRI. The average age of these patients was 36 years. The MRI scans revealed normal appearances in 6 cases. There was no cord signal abnormality in any case. The IRR occurred with a frequency of 17% in the study group. There was no significant cervical pathology identified in these subjects. In young asymptomatic patients, the presence of an inverted radial reflex is of no diagnostic relevance

We have assessed the efficacy of free nerve grafts in 90 cases of brachial plexus injury. Relatively good recovery of the elbow flexor and extensor muscles and of those of the shoulder girdle was found but recovery of the flexors and extensors of the forearm and of the intrinsic muscles of the hand was extremely poor. Poor results were found when spinal nerve roots seemed normal to the touch and appeared intact but had abnormal somatosensory evoked potentials or myelography. Recovery of the deltoid and infraspinatus muscles was better when injury had occurred to the circumflex and suprascapular nerves rather than to the plexus itself, perhaps because these nerves were explored in their entirety to determine the presence of multiple lesions. It is important to visualise the entire nerve thoroughly to assess the overall condition. Thorough exploration of the plexus and the use of intraoperative recording of somatosensory evoked potentials are essential

With the identification of literature shortfalls on the techniques employed in intraoperative navigated (ION) spinal surgery, we outline a number of measures which have been synthesised into a coherent operative technique. These include positioning, dissection, management of the reference frame, the grip, the angle of attack, the drill, the template, the pedicle screw, the wire, and navigated intrathecal analgesia. Optimizing techniques to improve accuracy allow an overall reduction of the repetition of the surgical steps with its associated productivity benefits including time, cost, radiation, and safety.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(3):371–375.