Occult leptomeningeal large cell medulloblastoma in an adult.

Large cell medulloblastoma is an uncommon malignancy of childhood that often pursues an aggressive clinical course. We report the first case of this entity in an adult that proved to be an unsuspected primary leptomeningeal tumor.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:
A 30-year-old man complained of worsening neck pain over the course of 3 months. Neck pain increased a few days prior to admission and a cervical spine CT revealed tonsillar herniation.

Cervical spine MRI performed the day prior to admission confirmed the diagnosis of Chiari I malformation and C3-4 disk herniation without spinal cord compression. On the day of admission, the patient became unresponsive and resuscitative measures were unsuccessful. Postmortem examination of the brain was notable for necrotic cerebellar tonsils, but demonstrated no evidence of an intraparenchymal mass lesion.

Microscopic examination of the cerebellum revealed discohesive neoplastic cells, which showed characteristic dot-like immunoreactivity for synaptophysin, diagnostic of large cell medulloblastoma within the subarachnoid space.

CONCLUSIONS:
Our experience with this unique case illustrates the challenges of diagnosing a primary leptomeningeal neoplasm. This case also underscores the importance of maintaining a high degree of suspicion for leptomeningeal neoplasms in patients who present with imaging studies suspicious for Chiari I malformation.


Occult leptomeningeal large cell medulloblastoma in an adult.
Clin Neuropathol. 2009 May-Jun; 28(3): 188-92Rushing EJ, Smith AB, Smirniotopoulos JG, Douglas AF, Zeng W, Azumi N

[Treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy and radiculopathy by anterior subtotal vertebrectomy and decompression combined graft and internal fixation]

Zhongguo Gu Shang. 2009 May; 22(5): 394-5Chen Z, Lin L, Cao GH, Wu JM

[Potentialities of traction therapy for diskogenic compressive radicular syndromes]

Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult. 2009 Mar-Apr; 13-5Ziniakov NN, Ziniakov NTThis study included 78 patients with lumbar subligamentary herniation. Based on their clinical and functional examination, several variants of diskogenic radiculopathies were distinguished. Special emphasis was laid on the evaluation of efficiency of underwater vertical traction in these patients. The proposed method was shown to produce better effect than underwater horizontal traction when used for the treatment of both axonopathies and axonomyelinopathies. The efficiency of underwater vertical traction applied to the treatment of axonopathies appears to be higher than in patients with axonomyelinopathies.

Peridural injection of Mailuoning compound liquor for treatment of prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc in 100 cases.

J Tradit Chin Med. 2009 Mar; 29(1): 6-8Zhi MX, Zhang GB, Hou JC, Yang YH, Wan ZZOBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effects of peridural injection of Mailuoning Compound Liquor for prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc (PLID). METHODS: Peridural injection of Mailuoning Compound Liquor (MCL) was given to 100 cases of PLID, once a week, 4 sessions constituting a therapeutic course. By adopting the scoring method, observations were carried out on the total therapeutic effect and changes in the 13 items of the symptoms and signs. RESULTS: After treatment, the JOA scores in this series of patients were markedly enhanced as compared with the scores before treatment, showing significant differences in the paired t test (P

[Clinical observation on Xiaoyusan plaster and Daoyin in the treatment of disease of cervical vertebrae]

Zhongguo Gu Shang. 2009 May; 22(5): 357-9Teng WROBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Xiaoyusan plaster and Daoyin in the treatment of cervical vertebrae disease, to search new methods in the treatment of cervical vertebrae disease. METHODS: From May 2007 to April 2008, 63 patients with disease of cervical vertebrae were treated. By odd or even numbers in random digits table, the patients were randomly divided into two groups included treatment group and control group. Thirty-three patients in the treatment group were treated with Xiaoyusan plaster and Daoyin included 21 males and 12 females with an average age of (30.60+/-7.89) years ranging from 20 to 49. Thirty patients in the control group were treated with Votalin Sustained Release Tablets included 16 males and 14 females with an average age of (32.43+/-8.00) years ranging from 20 to 49. The pain, pressing pain, activity of cervical vertebrae were observed before and after treatment in two groups. RESULTS: Compared the scores before and after treatment in treatment group: pain (t=8.953, P

Cervical spinal disc replacement.

J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2009 Jun; 91(6): 713-9Denaro V, Papalia R, Denaro L, Di Martino A, Maffulli NCervical spinal disc replacement is used in the management of degenerative cervical disc disease in an attempt to preserve cervical spinal movement and to prevent adjacent disc overload and subsequent degeneration. A large number of patients have undergone cervical spinal disc replacement, but the effectiveness of these implants is still uncertain. In most instances, degenerative change at adjacent levels represents the physiological progression of the natural history of the arthritic disc, and is unrelated to the surgeon. Complications of cervical disc replacement include loss of movement from periprosthetic ankylosis and ossification, neurological deficit, loosening and failure of the device, and worsening of any cervical kyphosis. Strict selection criteria and adherence to scientific evidence are necessary. Only prospective, randomised clinical trials with long-term follow-up will establish any real advantage of cervical spinal disc replacement over fusion.

Comparison of growth factor and cytokine expression in patients with degenerated disc disease and herniated nucleus pulposus.

Clin Biochem. 2009 Jun 26; Lee S, Moon CS, Sul D, Lee J, Bae M, Hong Y, Lee M, Choi S, Derby R, Kim B, Kim J, Yoon JS, Wolfer L, Kim J, Wang J, Hwang SW, Lee SHObjectives: This study was conducted to investigate the expression of cytokines and growth factors in disc specimens obtained from patients with herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) and degenerated disc disease (DDD) Design and methods: MRI and Western blot analyses were performed to evaluate the levels of disc degeneration and the expression levels of cytokines and growth factors. Results: The levels of: TNF-alpha and IL-8 were significantly greater in the DDD group than in the HNP group, but no statistical differences were observed in the expression of IL-1alpha, IL-6 and IL-12 between the HNP and DDD groups. In addition, the expression of TGF alpha, VEGF and NGF was significantly higher in the DDD group than in the HNP group. Conclusion: The greater levels of cytokine and growth factor expression in the DDD group than in the HNP explain why discogenic patients usually have more severe back pain than patients with herniated discs.

[Reflex sympathetic dystrophy secondary to piriformis syndrome: a case report.]

Agri. 2009 Apr; 21(2): 75-79Akçalı D, Taş A, Cizmeci P, Oktar S, Zinnuroğlu M, Arslan E, Köseoğlu H, Babacan APiriformis syndrome is a rare cause of hip and foot pain which may be due to sciatic nerve irritation because of anatomic abnormalities of sciatic nerve and piriformis muscle or herniated disc, facet syndrome, trochanteric bursit, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, endometriosis and other conditions where sciatic nerve is irritated. There has been no reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) case presented due to piriformis syndrome before. A sixty-two-year-old female patient had right foot and hip pain (VNS: 8), redness and swelling in the foot since 15 days. Her history revealed long walks and travelling 3 weeks ago and sitting on the foot for a long time for a couple of days. Physical examination revealed painful hip movement, positive straight leg rise. Erythema and hyperalgesia was present in dorsum of the right foot. Right foot dorsiflexion was weak and hyperesthesia was found in right L4-5 dermatome. Medical treatment and ultrasound treatment to piriformis muscle was not effective. The patient was injected 40 mg triamcinolon and local anesthetic in right piriformis muscle under floroscopy by diagnosis of piriformis syndrome, neuropathic pain and RSD. Pain and hyperalgesia resolved and motor weakness was better. During follow-up right foot redness resolved and pain decreased (VNS: 1). In this case report, there was vascular, muscle and skeletal signs supporting RSD, which shows us the therapoetic effect of diagnostic piriformis injection. The patient history, physical examination and diagnostic tests were evaluated by a multidisciplinary team which contributed to the treatment.

Systematic review of percutaneous lumbar mechanical disc decompression utilizing Dekompressor.

Pain Physician. 2009 May-Jun; 12(3): 589-99Singh V, Benyamin RM, Datta S, Falco FJ, Helm S, Manchikanti LBACKGROUND: In recent years, a number of minimally invasive nuclear decompression techniques for lumbar disc prolapse, protrusion, and/or herniation have been introduced, including the Dekompressor a device utilizing an Archimedes screw. The primary goal of the surgical treatment of nerve root compression from a disc protrusion continues to be the relief of compression by removing the herniated nuclear material with open discectomy. However, poor results have been reported for contained disc herniations with open surgical interventions. The results with several alternative techniques including the Dekompressor, automated percutaneous discectomy, and laser discectomy have been described, but are not convincing. There is a paucity of evidence for all decompression techniques. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of the mechanical disc decompression with Dekompressor literature. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the Dekompressor, a high rotation per minute device utilizing an Archimedes screw, used in mechanical lumbar disc decompression. METHODS: The literature search was conducted utilizing a comprehensive strategy for mechanical disc decompression utilizing the Dekompressor. A literature search was conducted using only English language literature in a comprehensive search of databases including PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, along with systematic reviews, and cross-references from reviews, systematic reviews, and individual articles. The quality of the manuscripts included was evaluated according to Cochrane review criteria for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and for observational studies with the criteria developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The level of evidence developed by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) was utilized in this review. The evidence was classified as Level I, II, or III with 3 subcategories in Level II for a total of 5 levels of evidence. OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain relief was the primary outcome measure. Other outcome measures were functional improvement, improvement of psychological status, opioid intake, and return to work. Short-term effectiveness was defined as one year or less, whereas, long-term effectiveness was defined as greater than one year. RESULTS: Based on USPSTF criteria the indicated level of evidence for the mechanical high RPM device or Dekompressor is Level III for short- and long-term relief. LIMITATIONS: Lack of literature, both randomized and observational. CONCLUSION: This systematic review illustrates Level III evidence for mechanical percutaneous disc decompression procedures with the high RPM device or Dekompressor.

[Observation on therapeutic effect of moxibustion on temperature-sensitive points for lumbar disc herniation]

Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2009 May; 29(5): 382-4Tang FY, Huang CJ, Chen RX, Xu M, Liu BX, Liang ZOBJECTIVE: To compare therapeutic effects of traditional moxibustion and moxibustion on temperature-sensitive points for lumbar disc herniation. METHODS: One hundred and twenty cases were randomly divided into a temperature-sensitive point group and a traditional moxibustion group, 60 cases in each group. The temperature-sensitive point group was treated with moxibustion on the temperature-sensitive points in the temperature-sensitive high incidence area such as waist and lower limbs, once each day; the traditional moxibustion group was treated with warming moxibustion at Jiaji (EX-B 2), Ciliao (BL 32), Zhibian (BL 54), Huantiao (GB 30), Weizhong (BL 40), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Kunlun (BI. 60), once each day, 7 days constituting one course. The therapeutic effect and the recurrence rate were observed after one course treatment and six months later. RESULTS: After treatment for one course, the cured-markedly effective rate was 65.00% in the temperature-sensitive point group, superior to 50.0% in the traditional moxibustion group, with a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05); all effective cases were followed-up for six months, the cured-markedly effective rate and the recurrence rate were 62.3% and 26.4% in the temperature-sensitive point group, and 34.2% and 46.3% in the traditional moxibustion group, the therapeutic effect of the temperature-sensitive point group being superior to the traditional moxibustion group, and the recurrence rate was lower than the traditional moxibustion group (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Moxibustion on temperature-sensitive points is a effective therapy for lumbar disc herniation, with stable therapeutic effect and low recurrence rate.

[Neurological complication after a vertical infraclavicular brachial plexus block : Case report of possible differential diagnoses of a neurological deficit.]

Anaesthesist. 2009 Jun 24; Ehrenberg R, Bucher M, Graf BA 72-year-old man with an obliteration of the brachial artery received a vertical infraclavicular block (VIP) for vascular surgery but 20 h after the operation a complete paresis of the affected extremity occurred. A new vascular obliteration could be excluded. During the diagnostic examination the patient noticed a snapping noise in the cervical column when moving his head and an abrupt recovery of the neurological deficits occurred. The radiological diagnostic provided no indication of cerebral ischemia or lesions of the brachial plexus. An additional diagnostic finding was a profound herniated vertebral disc with compression of the myelon. Fortunately, the neurological deficits completely returned to normal.

When is the appropriate time for surgical intervention of the herniated lumbar disc in the adolescent?

J Clin Neurosci. 2009 Jun 20; Fakouri B, Nnadi C, Boszczyk B, Kunsky A, Cacciola FSymptomatic lumbar disc herniation in the adolescent is uncommon. The appropriate treatment in this particular age group is not clear. We conducted a retrospective review of the medical, surgical, and radiological records of six adolescents with symptomatic lumbar disc herniation who underwent microdiscectomy after failed conservative therapy. The mean follow-up was 13months. All patients improved quickly and returned to their normal activity levels. We suggest that severe pain resulting from a herniated lumbar disc, even without any neurological deficit, is an indication for microdiscectomy in adolescents so that these patients return to full-time education and normal activities as soon as possible.

The use of flexion-extension magnetic resonance imaging for evaluating signal intensity changes of the cervical spinal cord.

J Neurosurg Spine. 2009 Apr; 10(4): 366-73Guppy KH, Hawk M, Chakrabarti I, Banerjee AThe authors present 2 cases involving patients who presented with myelopathy. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine showed spinal cord signal changes on T2-weighted images without any spinal cord compression. Flexion-extension plain radiographs of the spine showed no instability. Dynamic MR imaging of the cervical spine, however, showed spinal cord compression on extension. Compression of the spinal cord was caused by dynamic anulus bulging and ligamentum flavum buckling. This report emphasizes the need for dynamic MR imaging of the cervical spine for evaluating spinal cord changes on neutral position MR imaging before further workup for other causes such as demyelinating disease.

Senescence mechanisms of nucleus pulposus chondrocytes in human intervertebral discs.

Spine J. 2009 Jun 18; Kim KW, Chung HN, Ha KY, Lee JS, Kim YYBACKGROUND CONTEXT: The population of senescent disc cells has been shown to increase in degenerated or herniated discs. However, the mechanism and signaling pathway involved in the senescence of nucleus pulposus (NP) chondrocytes are unknown. PURPOSE: To demonstrate the mechanisms involved in the senescence of NP chondrocytes. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Senescence-related markers were assessed in the surgically obtained human NP specimens. PATIENT SAMPLE: NP specimens remaining in the central region of the intervertebral disc were obtained from 25 patients (mean: 49 years, range: 20-75 years) undergoing discectomy. Based on the preoperative magnetic resonance images, there were 3 patients with Grade II degeneration, 17 patients with Grade III degeneration, and 5 patients with Grade IV degeneration. OUTCOME MEASURES: We examined cell senescence markers (senescence-associated beta-galactosidase [SA-beta-gal], telomere length, telomerase activity, p53, p21, pRB, and p16) and the hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) content as a marker for an oxidative stress in the human NP specimens. METHODS: SA-beta-gal expression, telomere length, telomerase activity, and H(2)O(2) content as well as their relationships with age and degeneration grades were analyzed. For the mechanism involved in the senescence of NP chondrocytes, expressions of p53, p21, pRB, and p16 in these cells were assessed with immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. RESULTS: The percentages of SA-beta-gal-positive NP chondrocytes increased with age (r=.82, p

The posterior cervical foraminotomy in the treatment of cervical disc/osteophyte disease: a single-surgeon experience with a minimum of 5 years' clinical and radiographic follow-up.

J Neurosurg Spine. 2009 Apr; 10(4): 347-56Jagannathan J, Sherman JH, Szabo T, Shaffrey CI, Jane JAOBJECT: This study details long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes following single-level posterior cervical foraminotomy for degenerative disc or osteophyte disease. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective review of 162 cases involving patients treated by a single surgeon using a posterior cervical foraminotomy. Inclusion criteria were a minimum of 5 years' clinical and radiographic follow-up and unilateral single-level posterior cervical foraminotomy for degenerative disease between C-3 and C-7. Patients who had undergone previous operations, those who underwent bilateral procedures, and those who underwent foraminotomy as part of a larger laminectomy were excluded. The Neck Disability Index (NDI) was used for clinical follow-up, and radiographic follow-up was performed using static and dynamic lateral radiographs to compare focal and segmental alignment and changes in disc-space height. RESULTS: The mean presenting NDI score was 18 (range 2-39). The most common presenting symptoms were radiculopathy (110 patients [68%]), neck pain (85 patients [52%]), and subjective weakness (91 patients [56%]). The mean preoperative focal angulation at the surgically treated level was 4.2 degrees (median 4.1 degrees , range 7.3-15.3 degrees ), and the mean preoperative segmental curvature between C-2 and C-7 was 18.0 degrees (median 19.3 degrees , range -22.1 to 39.3 degrees ). The mean postoperative NDI score was 8 (range 0-39). Improvement in NDI scores was seen in 150 patients (93%). Resolution of radiculopathy was experienced by 104 patients (95% of patients with radiculopathy). The mean radiographic follow-up was 77.3 months (range 60-177 months). No statistically significant changes in focal or segmental kyphosis or disc-space height were seen among the overall cohort with time (Cox proportional hazards analysis and Student t-test, p > 0.05). The mean postoperative focal angulation was 4.1 degrees (median 3.9 degrees , range -9.9 degrees to 15.1 degrees ) and mean postoperative segmental angulation was 17.6 degrees (median 15.4 degrees , range -40.2 to 35.3 degrees ). Postoperative instability on dynamic imaging was present in 8 patients (4.9%); 7 of these patients were clinically asymptomatic and were treated conservatively, and 1 required cervical fusion. Postoperative loss of lordosis (defined as segmental Cobb angle < 10 degrees ) was seen in 30 patients (20%), 9 of whom had clinical symptoms and 4 of whom required further surgical correction. Factors associated with worsening sagittal alignment (Cox proportional hazards analysis, p < 0.05) included age > 60 at initial surgery, the presence of preoperative cervical lordosis of < 10 degrees , and the need for posterior surgery after the initial foraminotomy. CONCLUSIONS: The posterior cervical foraminotomy is highly effective in treating patients with cervical radiculopathy and results in long-lasting pain relief and improved quality-of-life outcomes in most patients. Long-term radiographic follow-up shows no significant trend toward kyphosis, although select patient subsets (patients older than 60 years, patients who had previous posterior surgery, and patients with < 10 degrees of lordosis preoperatively) appear to be at higher risk and require closer follow-up.

Prostaglandin E1 and misoprostol increase epidermal growth factor production in 3D-cultured human annulus cells.

Spine J. 2009 Jun 15; Gruber HE, Hoelscher G, Loeffler B, Chow Y, Ingram JA, Halligan W, Hanley ENBACKGROUND CONTEXT: Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a peptide known to modulate a number of cellular responses including embryogenesis, cell proliferation, and cell survival. Little is known about EGF and its regulation in human annulus cells. Previous work has identified EGF and its receptor in control outer annulus disc tissue, but not in herniated tissue. PURPOSE: To determine if human annulus cells express EGF in vitro, to determine if the epidermal growth factor-receptor (EGF-r) was expressed in vivo and in vitro in disc cells, to test the effect of EGF on annulus cell proliferation and proteoglycan production in vitro, and to test the effect of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and misoprostol on disc cell production of EGF in vitro. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Studies were approved by the authors' Human Subjects Institutional review Board. Human disc tissue was used for immunocytochemistry, and human annulus cells were tested in vitro. PATIENT SAMPLE: Thirty-four disc specimens were used for studies of proteoglycan production, cell proliferation, and EGF production in vitro. An additional nine discs were used for EGF-r immunolocalization. METHODS: Disc tissue was used for immunocytochemical studies for the localization of EGF-r and as a source for cultured annulus cells. Monolayer culture was used to test proliferation responses to 0, 25, 50, or 75ng/mL EGF over a 2-day culture period. Three-dimensional (3D) culture in a collagen sponge was used to test 100,000 cells cultured in a paired experimental design over 14 days for production of EGF and proteoglycans. Cells were exposed to control conditions, or to either misoprostol at 8ng/mL or PGE1 at 10(-7)M. Conditioned media was harvested and assayed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay with the Human Protein Cytokine Antibody Array I kit. Replicate EGF relative intensity values were averaged and normalized to controls assayed on the same membrane. 3D-cultured cells were also used to confirm EGF gene expression using microarray analysis. Standard statistical methods were used to analyze results. RESULTS: Microarray analysis of mRNA from annulus cells in 3D culture confirmed expression of EGF, and immunocytochemistry verified the presence of EGF-r in vitro and in vivo. PGE1, at a dose of 10(-7)M, and misoprostol (a synthetic PGE1 analog) at a dose of 8ng/mL, both significantly increased EGF levels in annulus cells cultured in 3D compared with control levels (p=.031 and .034, respectively). No significant difference, however, was seen in cell proliferation or in total sulfated proteoglycan production in EGF-exposed annulus cells. CONCLUSIONS: Data showed that EGF is expressed and produced by annulus cells in vivo and in 3D culture, with significantly greater in vitro EGF produced in the presence of PGE1 or the PGE1 analog misoprostol. Misoprostol, developed for prevention/treatment of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory-induced gastropathy, has now been reported to have some interesting anabolic effects stimulating osteoblasts during fracture healing and during ovariectomy in animal models. Exogenous EGF did not increase cell proliferation in monolayer, or total production of proteoglycans in 3D culture. Additional work is needed to further delineate the role of EGF in the human disc.

[Nerve root compression by gas containing lumbar disc herniation--case report]

Brain Nerve. 2009 Jun; 61(6): 691-4Yasuoka H, Nemoto O, Kawaguchi M, Naitou S, Yamamoto K, Ukegawa YThe radiographic appearance of gas collection in the intervertebral disc represents the so-called "vacuum phenomenon." Incidence of the vacuum phenomenon on plain radiographs is reported to be 1-20%, whereas gas-containing disc herniations are rarely observed. We present a case report involving a patient with L4/5 gas-containing disc herniation, which was demonstrated by CT and MRI scans and was also surgically documented. A 48-year-old man with no previous back trauma presented with a 14-day history of left leg pain. On neurologic examination, the straight leg raising test was positive at 60degrees. Leg muscle strength was weak on the extensor hallucis longus. Sensory disturbances and abnormalities in deep-tendon reflexes were not observed. Lumbar roentogenograms showed "vacuum phenomenon" at L2/3, L4/5 and the L5/S disc space. MRI indicated a herniated disc at L4/5 displacing the dural sac and a focal low intensity in the lesion. Administration of an epidural block relieved the patient's symptoms. Ten months later, the patient reported a gradual return of similar left leg pain. His symptoms did not respond to conservative management. Lumbar spine films indicated abnormalities identical to the original results. MRI showed an enlarged area of low intensity with compression of the left L5 nerve root. In addition to recurrent pain, discography with metrizamide injections confirmed the presence of intradiscal gas and compression of the left L5 nerve root. During surgery, a gray-bluish air mass compressing the L5 nerve root was identified. Manipulation of the mass resulted in rupture and the release of gas. The displaced nerve root immediately relaxed to its normal position. Seven months after the operation, the patient remains free of pain.

Cervical disc herniation producing acute brown-sequard syndrome.

J Korean Neurosurg Soc. 2009 May; 45(5): 312-4Kim JT, Bong HJ, Chung DS, Park YSBrown-Sequard syndrome may be the result of penetrating injury to the spine, but many other etiologies have been described. This syndrome is most commonly seen with spinal trauma and extramedullary spinal neoplasm. A herniated cervical disc has been rarely reported as a cause of this syndrome. We present a case of a 28-year-old male patient diagnosed as large C3-C4 disc herniation with spinal cord compression. He presented with left hemiparesis and diminished sensation to pain and temperature in the right side below the C4 dermatome. Microdiscectomy and anterior cervical fusion with carbon fiber cage containing a core of granulated coralline hydroxyapatite was performed. After the surgery, rapid improvement of the neurologic deficits was noticed. We present a case of cervical disc herniation producing acute Brown-Sequard syndrome with review of pertinent literature.

Herniated nucleus pulposus in isthmic spondylolisthesis: higher incidence of foraminal and extraforaminal types.

Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2009 Jun 5; Kim KS, Chin DK, Park JYBACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pattern of disc herniation and to investigate the associated symptoms in cases of isthmic spondylolisthesis. It is well known that the pathogenesis of degenerative spondylolisthesis associates with disc degeneration, followed by facet laxity and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, which result in severe spinal canal stenosis. But isthmic spondylolisthesis is known to have a different pathogenesis. In isthmic spondylolisthesis, pseudodisc bulging is easily identified, and canal stenosis is comparatively rare. Therefore, we propose that isthmic spondylolisthesis has a different pattern of disc herniation from degenerative spondylolisthesis. We studied the type, incidence of disc herniation and clinical symptoms related to isthmic spondylolisthesis. METHOD: This study included 132 patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis who had undergone an operation in the last 4 years. Among them, 120 patients were retrospectively reviewed. The mean age was 49.6 years, and the sex ratio was 1 to 1.93 (male to female). The disc herniation type was identified according to the classification of Bonneville. FINDINGS: There were 78 patients (65%) with L4 to L5 spondylolisthesis and 42 patients (35%) with L5 to S1 spondylolisthesis. Eighty-two patients (68.3%) had only pseudodisc bulging without disc herniation, and 38 patients (31.7%) had pseudodisc bulging with disc herniation. Among the 38 patients with disc herniation, there were: medial type: 1 patient (2.6%), medial + posterolateral type: 1 patient (2.6%), posterolateral + foraminal type: 2 patients (5.3%), foraminal type: 7 patients (18.4%), foraminal + extraforaminal type: 25 patients (65.8%) and extraforaminal type: 2 patients (5.8%). Overall extreme lateral disc herniation (foraminal, extraforaminal) was seen in 36 patients, which was 30% of the total isthmic spondylolisthesis cases. In 26 out of 36 patients (72.2%), the dermatome was matched to the exact location of the extreme lateral disc herniation. In all cases, the extreme lateral disc herniation migrated upward slightly, about one slice (2 mm) according to thin-cut CT. CONSCLUSIONS: As expected, pseudodisc bulging without disc herniation was the most common type in isthmic spondylolisthesis. However, in cases of disc herniation, extreme lateral disc herniation occasionally occurs; therefore, every isthmic spondylolisthesis patient should be examined carefully for extreme lateral disc herniation with thin-cut axial CT or MRI, especially when the patients complain of lateralizing symptom.

[Observation on therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture plus blood-letting puncture at Weizhong (BL 40) on acute lumbar disc herniation]

Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2009 Feb; 29(2): 123-5Chen HL, Qiu XH, Yan XCOBJECTIVE: To find a better method for treatment of acute lumbar disc herniation. METHODS: One hundred cases were randomly divided into 2 groups. The observation group of 52 cases was treated with electroacupuncture at Yaoyangguan (GV 3), Dachangshu (BL 25), Guanyuanshu (BL 26), Xiaochangshu (BI. 27) as main points, and blood-letting puncture at stagnant collaterals nearby Weizhong (BL 40); the control group of 48 cases was treated with traction combined with electroacupuncture at main points Jiaji (EX-B 2), Shenshu (BL 23), Dachangshu (BL 25). Their therapeutic effects were observed and compared. RESULTS: The cured rate and the cured markedly effective rate were 55.8% and 82.7% in the observation group and 33.3% and 54.2% in the control group, respectively, with significant differences between the two groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture combined with blood letting puncture at stagnant collaterals nearby Weizhong (BL 40) has a signifi cant therapeutic effect on acute lumbar disc herniation.

A systematic review of mechanical lumbar disc decompression with nucleoplasty.

Pain Physician. 2009 May-Jun; 12(3): 561-72Manchikanti L, Derby R, Benyamin RM, Helm S, Hirsch JABACKGROUND: Lumbar disc prolapse, protrusion, or extrusion account for less than 5% of all low back problems, but are the most common causes of nerve root pain and surgical interventions. The primary rationale for any form of surgery for disc prolapse is to relieve nerve root irritation or compression due to herniated disc material. The primary modality of treatment continues to be either open or microdiscectomy, but several alternative techniques including nucleoplasty, automated percutaneous discectomy, and laser discectomy have been described. There is a paucity of evidence for all decompression techniques, specifically alternative techniques including nucleoplasty. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of the literature. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of mechanical lumbar disc decompression with nucleoplasty. METHODS: A comprehensive evaluation of the literature relating to mechanical lumbar disc decompression with nucleoplasty was performed. The literature was evaluated according to Cochrane review criteria for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) criteria was utilized for observational studies. The level of evidence was classified as Level I, II, or III with 3 subcategories in Level II based on the quality of evidence developed by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). A literature search was conducted using only English language literature through PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane library, systematic reviews, and cross-references from reviews and systematic reviews. OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain relief was the primary outcome measure. Other outcome measures were functional improvement, improvement of psychological status, opioid intake, and return to work. Short-term effectiveness was defined as one year or less, whereas, long-term effectiveness was defined as greater than one year. RESULTS: Based on USPSTF criteria the level of evidence for nucleoplasty is Level II-3 in managing predominantly lower extremity pain due to contained disc herniation. LIMITATIONS: Paucity of literature, both observational and randomized. CONCLUSION: This systematic review illustrates Level II-3 evidence for mechanical lumbar percutaneous disc decompression with nucleoplasty in treatment of leg pain. However, there is no evidence available in managing axial low back pain.

Automated percutaneous lumbar discectomy for the contained herniated lumbar disc: a systematic assessment of evidence.

Pain Physician. 2009 May-Jun; 12(3): 601-20Hirsch JA, Singh V, Falco FJ, Benyamin RM, Manchikanti LBACKGROUND: Lumbar disc prolapse, protrusion, and extrusion account for less than 5% of all low back problems, but are the most common causes of nerve root pain and surgical interventions. The typical rationale for traditional surgery is an effort to provide more rapid relief of pain and disability. It should be noted that the majority of patients will recover with conservative management. The primary rationale for any form of surgery for disc prolapse associated with radicular pain is to relieve nerve root irritation or compression due to herniated disc material. The primary modality of treatment continues to be either open or microdiscectomy, but several alternative techniques including automated percutaneous lumbar discectomy (APLD) have been described. However, there is a paucity of evidence for all decompression techniques, specifically alternative techniques including automated and laser discectomy. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of the literature. OBECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of APLD. METHODS: A comprehensive evaluation of the literature relating to automated lumbar disc decompression was performed. The literature was evaluated according to Cochrane review criteria for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) criteria was utilized for observational studies. A literature search was conducted of English language literature through PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane library, systematic reviews, and cross references from reviews and systematic reviews. The level of evidence was classified as Level I, II, or III with 3 subcategories in Level II based on the quality of evidence developed by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain relief was the primary outcome measure. Other outcome measures were functional improvement, improvement of psychological status, opioid intake, and return to work. Short-term effectiveness was defined as one year or less, whereas, long-term effectiveness was defined as greater than one year. RESULTS: Based on USPSTF criteria, the indicated evidence for APLD is Level II-2 for short- and long-term relief. LIMITATIONS: Paucity of RCTs in the literature. CONCLUSION: This systematic review indicated Level II-2 evidence for APLD. APLD may provide appropriate relief in properly selected patients with contained lumbar disc prolapse.

Systematic Review of Percutaneous Lumbar Mechanical Disc Decompression Utilizing Dekompressor(R).

Pain Physician. 2009 May-June; 12(3): 589-599Singh V, Benyamin RM, Datta S, Falco FJ, Helm S, Manchikanti LBACKGROUND: In recent years, a number of minimally invasive nuclear decompression techniques for lumbar disc prolapse, protrusion, and/or herniation have been introduced, including the Dekompressor(R) a device utilizing an Archimedes screw. The primary goal of the surgical treatment of nerve root compression from a disc protrusion continues to be the relief of compression by removing the herniated nuclear material with open discectomy. However, poor results have been reported for contained disc herniations with open surgical interventions. The results with several alternative techniques including the Dekompressor, automated percutaneous discectomy, and laser discectomy have been described, but are not convincing. There is a paucity of evidence for all decompression techniques. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review of the mechanical disc decompression with Dekompressor literature. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the Dekompressor, a high rotation per minute device utilizing an Archimedes screw, used in mechanical lumbar disc decompression. METHODS: The literature search was conducted utilizing a comprehensive strategy for mechanical disc decompression utilizing the Dekompressor. A literature search was conducted using only English language literature in a comprehensive search of databases including PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, along with systematic reviews, and cross-references from reviews, systematic reviews, and individual articles. The quality of the manuscripts included was evaluated according to Cochrane review criteria for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and for observational studies with the criteria developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The level of evidence developed by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) was utilized in this review. The evidence was classified as Level I, II, or III with 3 subcategories in Level II for a total of 5 levels of evidence. OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain relief was the primary outcome measure. Other outcome measures were functional improvement, improvement of psychological status, opioid intake, and return to work. Short-term effectiveness was defined as one year or less, whereas, long-term effectiveness was defined as greater than one year. RESULTS: Based on USPSTF criteria the indicated level of evidence for the mechanical high RPM device or Dekompressor is Level III for short- and long-term relief. LIMITATIONS: Lack of literature, both randomized and observational. CONCLUSION: This systematic review illustrates Level III evidence for mechanical percutaneous disc decompression procedures with the high RPM device or Dekompressor.

Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy by transiliac approach: a case report.

Spine. 2009 May 20; 34(12): E443-6Choi G, Kim JS, Lokhande P, Lee SHSTUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVE: The authors report a new percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) technique for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation with a high iliac crest via a transiliac approach. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: When the iliac crest is high, the L4-L5 and L5-S1 disc spaces are located deep in the pelvis, so they are not easily accessible via a suprailiac route. METHODS: A 51-year-old man manifested left gluteal and leg pain due to an up-migrated soft disc herniation at the L4-L5 level. Transforaminal PELD via a transiliac approach was performed to remove the herniated fragment, achieving complete decompression of the nerve root. RESULTS: The symptom was relieved and the patient was discharged the next day. CONCLUSION: When a conventional transforaminal PELD is impossible due to the presence of a high iliac crest, PELD via a transiliac route could be a alternative option in selected cases.

Extraforaminal with or without foraminal disk herniation: reliable MRI findings.

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2009 May; 192(5): 1392-6Lee IS, Kim HJ, Lee JS, Moon TY, Jeon UBOBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate spinal MR images for extraforaminal disk herniation with or without foraminal disk herniation to determine the reliable MRI findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients with extraforaminal with or without foraminal disk herniation confirmed at radiculography or surgery between March 2005 and July 2007 underwent spinal MRI. We assessed the morphologic features of the disk, changes in nerve root thickness, epidural fat obliteration surrounding the nerve root, and displacement of the nerve root in the foraminal and extraforaminal zones. RESULTS: Mixed disk herniation was found in 23 patients, and purely extraforaminal herniation was found in 12 patients. Focal eccentricity of the disk contour was identified in 32 patients (91%). Change in the nerve root thickness was found in 30 patients (86%). The nerve roots were displaced in 22 patients (63%), and the original location was maintained in nine patients (26%). Differentiation between the disk and the nerve root was poor in four of the 35 patients (11%). Obliteration of the epidural fat surrounding the nerve root was present in all patients. CONCLUSION: The presence of extraforaminal with or without foraminal disk herniation should be ascertained on the basis of the following MRI findings: focal eccentricity of the disk contour, obliteration of epidural fat surrounding the nerve root, change in the thickness of the nerve root, and displacement of the nerve root.

A cervical spine model to predict injury scenarios and clinical instability.

Sports Biomech. 2009 Mar; 8(1): 78-95Tchako A, Sadegh AA complete and detailed three-dimensional finite element model of the human cervical spine (C1-C7), including soft and hard tissues, was created using a digitized geometric measurement tool. The model was validated against existing experimental studies in flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. The aims of this study were to use the model to simulate the mechanisms of injury scenarios, such as diving and football accidents, and to correlate the external and internal responses of the spinal components to disc herniation and clinical instability. It was determined that a shear-generated flexion moment of about 10 Nm or a compression-flexion load of 450 N would generate significant stresses and strains in the discs, together with sufficient posterior-anterior displacement and rotational angulation of the vertebrae, to place the mid and lower cervical spine at risk of clinical instability or disc herniation. The results revealed that the location of the maximum stresses in the discs could not be directly correlated with the type of loads. In addition, for the loadings considered, the maximum displacement of the spine could be reduced by as much as 50% when the restraint of the cervical spine is changed from a C7-T1 to C7-T1 and C1-C2 fixed conditions.

Occult dural arteriovenous fistula causing rapidly progressive conus medullaris syndrome and paraplegia after lumbar microdiscectomy.

Spine J. 2009 May 11; Stevens EA, Powers AK, Morris PP, Wilson JABACKGROUND CONTEXT: A spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) is a known cause of venous congestive myelopathy. These lesions are thought to be acquired. There exist two prior reports that describe DAVF presenting with slowly progressive myelopathy years after lumbar disc surgery. PURPOSE: We report the first case of a preexistent, asymptomatic DAVF that became acutely symptomatic after lumbar microdiscectomy causing rapidly progressive conus medullaris syndrome and paraplegia. STUDY DESIGN: Case report. METHODS: A 53-year-old Caucasian male presented with urinary retention, fecal incontinence, and progressive loss of function in bilateral lower extremities less than 3 months after a lumbar discectomy at an outside facility. The patient underwent microdiscectomy at L4/L5 and L5/S1 for left-sided radicular symptoms and evidence of herniated discs on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patient's preoperative pain improved after the discectomy, but his bowel, bladder, and lower extremity function deteriorated steadily after discharge. Postoperative MRI showed salient serpentine vessels in the region of L1 and L2 with an enlarged T2 bright conus medullaris. Retrospective review of preoperative MRI revealed the presence of similar but less pronounced findings. A spinal arteriogram confirmed concerns of an arteriovenous malformation. The patient was transferred to our facility for definitive management of his DAVF via catheter embolization. RESULTS: Complete fistula obliteration was confirmed at the time of embolization and at 8 weeks follow-up with selective spinal angiography. The appearance of the conus medullaris normalized on follow-up MRI. The patient made a slow but significant recovery in rehabilitation. He regained the ability to independently ambulate but remains significantly disabled secondary to residual lower extremity weakness and spasticity. He continues self-catheterization for persistent neurogenic bladder dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: This represents the first case of an occult spinal DAVF becoming acutely symptomatic after lumbar disc surgery. Although the etiology of the lesion and its symptomatic progression remains unknown, an alteration of blood flow through the DAVF as a result of surgery may have resulted in progressive venous congestive myelopathy. The present case highlights the importance of considering a spinal DAVF in the differential diagnosis of any patient with signs of myelopathy or conus medullaris syndrome after lumbar discectomy. In addition, this case underscores the gravity of recognizing subtle features that suggest the presence of an occult vascular malformation on preoperative imaging, as symptomatic progression of these lesions carries significant potential morbidity.

Oncocytic Carcinoma Arising in the Submandibular Gland with Disseminated Bone Metastases.

South Med J. 2009 May 7; Lee JS, Choi JH, Oh YHOncocytic carcinoma of the head and neck is a very rare neoplasm. It usually occurs in the parotid glands. Only 11 cases of oncocytic carcinoma of the submandibular gland have been reported, and no cases have shown distant bone metastasis. A 67-year-old man presented with a tingling sensation in both hands due to a herniated cervical disc. A whole body bone scan and PET-CT showed disseminated bone metastases. Neck CT revealed a 1.7 cm calcified left submandibular mass. The submandibular gland and bone marrow biopsies were consistent with oncocytic carcinoma. Our case is the first report of oncocytic carcinoma of the submandibular gland with disseminated bone metastases.

[Ambulatory diskectomy. Safe and appreciated alternative for selected patients]

Lakartidningen. 2009 Mar 4-10; 106(10): 679-80Skeppholm M, Frost A, Olerud C

[Critical approach to diagnostics and treatment of lumbar radiculopathy]

Med Pregl. 2008 Nov-Dec; 61(11-12): 553-6Bosković KAlthough the majority of patients suffering lumbar radiculopathy have a very good prospective outcome, some 20-30% persist having problems even in two or three years time. Diagnosis is based on anamnesis and physical examination. Imaging screening with additional diagnostic methods is indicated only in patients with the extremely complicated illnesses, or in cases where the surgical intervention is inevitable. Passive (bed rest) treatment is replaced by active one. In general, there is a consensus that the initial treatment during 6-8 weeks has to be conservative. Surgical intervention of discal lesion can bring faster pain relief in patients, but in a year or two after the medical treatment, there is no clear distinction between these two approaches.

Microsurgical muscle-splitting approach for extracanalicular lumbar disc herniation: an analysis of 28 consecutive cases.

Acta Orthop Belg. 2009 Feb; 75(1): 70-4Birbilis T, Koulalis D, Matis G, Theodoropoulou E, Papaparaskeva KExtracanalicular lumbar disc herniation (ELDH) is a specific clinical entity with compression of the nerve root in its extraforaminal course. The classical midline interlaminar approach is often difficult because the facet joint obviates a direct view of the nerve, and a partial facetectomy is required. Consequently, the risk of instability or continued postoperative back pain is increased. The authors performed a microsurgical muscle-splitting approach in an attempt to obtain a direct view of the disc rupture without sacrificing the facet joint. Twenty-eight consecutive patients were operated upon with this surgical procedure. A retrospective study showed that 10 patients (35.7%) had an excellent, 13 (46.4%) a good, 4 (14.3%) a fair and one (3.6%) a poor result, according to the Macnab criteria. No serious postoperative complications were noted. This procedure is safe, effective and less invasive.

23rd Anniversary of Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression (PLDD).

Photomed Laser Surg. 2009 May 5; Choy DS, Hellinger J, Hellinger S, Tassi GP, Lee SHAbstract Objective: In mid-February 1986, Peter Ascher and Daniel Choy performed the first percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) procedure at the Neurosurgical Department, University of Graz, Graz, Austria. It was planned to deliver 1000 J of energy with an Nd:YAG laser to a herniated L4-L5 disc causing sciatica. At 600 J the procedure was terminated because the pain was gone. Background Data: Since then PLDD has spread all over the world, with procedures being performed on the entire spine except for T1-T4 because these discs do not permit percutaneous access with a needle. The success rate has ranged from 70-89%, and the complication rate, chiefly discitis, ranges from 0.3-1.0%. When successful, average time to return to normal activities is 1 wk. Long-term follow-up at 23 y yields a recurrence rate of 4-5%. Methods: Laser surgeons active in PLDD were canvassed to obtain their best clinical data. Results: PLDD patients treated with the Nd:YAG laser, the diode laser, and the combination Ho:YAG laser and endoscope were included. Conclusions: The McNab results for the three groups indicate that PLDD is safe, effective, and minimally invasive.

Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) From Lumbar Disc Herniations.

J Spinal Disord Tech. 2009 May; 22(3): 202-206Olivero WC, Wang H, Hanigan WC, Henderson JP, Tracy PT, Elwood PW, Lister JR, Lyle LSTUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review was performed to determine the outcomes of patients with cauda equina syndrome (CES) from a herniated lumbar disc at our institutions. OBJECTIVE: CES from lumbar herniated discs is considered the only absolute indication for surgery. It is considered a neurosurgical emergency with the outcome related to how quickly it is diagnosed and treated. The results of recovery of bladder function are felt by many authors to be related to early diagnosis and surgical intervention. Most authors recommend a wide decompressive laminectomy when surgery is performed. We reviewed our cases to determine if they conformed to these assumptions. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Although many articles regarding the outcome of CES from herniated lumbar discs suggest that early surgery is superior to surgery that is delayed, others have demonstrated no correlation between time-to-surgery and chances for recovery of neurologic and bladder function. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients with lumbar herniated discs and CES from the years 1985 to 2004 was carried out. There were 31 patients, 28 of whom had bladder incontinence or retention requiring catheterization. Six patients were operated within 24 hours, 8 between 24 and 48 hours, and 17 after 48 hours (range: 60 h to 2 wk). Average follow-up was 5 years. RESULTS: Twenty-seven of these patients regained continence not requiring catheterization. There was no correlation between the time-to-surgery and recovery of bladder function. There was also no correlation between the time-to-surgery and recovery of motor and sensory function. The majority of patients underwent unilateral hemilaminotomy or bilateral hemilaminotomies; decompressive laminectomy was reserved for patients with underlying spinal stenosis or posteriorly herniated fragments. All of the patients were relieved of their radicular pain. CONCLUSIONS: In our series of patients with CES and bladder incontinence or retention, over 90% regained continence. Recovery of function was not related to the time to surgical intervention. The majority of the patients were adequately treated without the need for a complete laminectomy.

Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation Imaging Study

Using regional assignment to forked method to study lumbar intervertebral disc hemiation (bugle, hernia, prolapse) dependablity and reason of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation and asymptomatic lumbar intervertebral disc herniation.

METHODS: From March 2005 to October 2006, 120 patients of match condition from orthopaedics dept and rehabilitative dept of the Boai hospital of Longyan were studied. All patients were equally divided into two groups according to whether or not accompany with symptom of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. There was not statistical difference in sex, age, course of disease, segment of intervertebral disc between two groups. Sixty patients of symptomatic lumbar intervertebral disc herniation were equally divided into three groups according to (bugle, hernia, prolapse) image on CT. Sixty patients of asymptomatic lumbar intervertebral disc herniation were equally divided into three groups according to (bugle, hernia, prolapse) image on CT. The age was 20-59 years old with an average of 38.5 years. Using regional assignment to give a mark respectively for every group. The sagittal diameter index (SI), anterior diastema of flaval ligaments, the width of superior outlet of latero-crypt, anteroposterior diameter of dura sac were respectively measured by sliding caliper. CT value and protrusible areas were respectively evaluated by computer tomography. Adopting mean value to measure three times.

RESULTS: (1) There were not statistical difference in SI, CT value, hernia areas, anteroposterior diameter of dura sac between two groups (symptomatic lumbar intervertebral disc herniation and asymptomatic lumbar intervertebral disc herniation). There were statistical difference in the width of superior outlet of latero-crypt, anterior diastema of flaval ligaments between two groups (symptomatic lumbar intervertebral disc herniation and asymptomatic lumbar intervertebral disc herniation). (2) There were statistical difference in protrusible type,protrusible segment between two groups (symptomatic lumbar intervertebral disc herniation and asymptomatic lumbar intervertebral disc herniation).

CONCLUSION: There were not necessary relationship between in protrusible size, location, type, compression degree and clinical symptom. This paper may support the mechanism of lumbar intervertebral dise herniation that associated with the following the three aspects: (1) spinal reserve capacity (SRC); (2) involved nerve roots escaping from herniated disc compression and its elastic lengthening function; (3) hypoxia symptosis and anti-ischemia injury compensation of involved nerve roots.

"Imaging study of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation and asymptomatic lumbar intervertebral disc herniation"
Zhongguo Gu Shang. 2009 Apr; 22(4): 279-82Yu QY, Yang CR, Yu L

Clinical evaluation of a lumbar interspinous dynamic stabilization device (the Wallis system) with a 13-year mean follow-up.

Neurosurg Rev. 2009 Apr 22; Sénégas J, Vital JM, Pointillart V, Mangione PThe authors determined current health status of patients who had been included in a long-term survivorship analysis of a lumbar dynamic stabilizer. Among 133 living patients, 107 (average age at surgery, 44.2 +/- 9.9 years) completed health questionnaires. All patients had initially been scheduled for decompression and fusion for canal stenosis, herniated disc, or both. In 20 patients, the implant was removed, and fusion was performed. The other 87 still had the dynamic stabilizer. Satisfaction, Oswestry disability index, visual analog scales for back and leg pain, short-form (SF-36) quality-of-life physical composite score, physical function, and social function were significantly better (p

Sources and patterns of pain in lumbar disc disease; revisiting Francis Murphey's theory.

Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2009 Apr 30; Alemo S, Sayadipour AOBJECT: Francis Murphey's theory was analyzed to determine whether or not his opinion is evidence-based medicine and whether or not it can be applied clinically. METHODS: The English literature was reviewed using Medline in reference to Dr. Murphey's theory of discogenic chronic LBP, which was first postulated in 1967. Deductive and inductive logic was utilized for the evaluation of his theory. We reviewed and analyzed his unprecedented study of the annulus fibrosus (AF) and posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) under local anesthesia that was presented to the Congress of Neurological Surgeons in 1967 and 1972. RESULTS: He reported that: "It is found that the posterior longitudinal ligament and the remaining annulus fibrosus over the herniated discs are also exquisitely tender; even the slightest pressure on them produces pain." We noticed that in Dr. Murphey's presentation, he did not disclose any hard data, yet he concluded: "when an incomplete tear in the annulus occurs and if the tear is in the midline posterior, a fragment of nucleus will protrude in this tear, stretching the annulus and posterior longitudinal ligament, causing midline back pain. If the tear in the annulus is lateral, the pain is over the sacroiliac joint in the buttock and hip, and 20% of the patients in the lower abdomen, groin or testicle on that side." CONCLUSIONS: Because of a flaw in his understanding, in our opinion the unproven mechanical theory of discogenic LBP is weak inductive logic and does not justify discography and intra-discal procedures.

[An experimental study on the influence of radix astragali on the ressorption of ruptured disc herniation]

Zhongguo Gu Shang. 2009 Mar; 22(3): 205-7Jiang H, Liu JT, Hui RH, Wang YJOBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible mechanism of immune response in the resorption of the ruptured intervertebral disc herniation, and the possible mechanism of radix astragali on the resorption of the ruptured disc herniation. METHODS: Twenty-eight male SD (Sprague-dawley) rats were chosen. The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: the control group, model group, the group treated with radix astragali injection and the group treated whit thymic peptide. The rats were killed and discs were harvested 10 days after treatment. Flow cytometry and HE staining were used for analysis of cells and tissue. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the proportion of activated T cells (CD4+ and CD8+) and B cells were significantly higher in the two drug-treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Herniated nucleus pulposus attracts activated T and B cells and triggered an immune response. Radix astragali could strengthen the autoimmune response.

Sagittal alignment as a risk factor for adjacent level degeneration: a case-control study.

Orthopedics. 2008 Jun; 31(6): 546Djurasovic MO, Carreon LY, Glassman SD, Dimar JR, Puno RM, Johnson JRThis study examined whether sagittal alignment, preexisting adjacent level degeneration, and smoking predispose patients to adjacent segment degeneration following lumbar fusion. Fifty-one patients with adjacent segment degeneration were identified and matched with control patients based on age, sex, level, and date of index surgery. Preexisting adjacent level degeneration and sagittal alignment through the fusion and from L1-S1 were determined before and after initial surgery. Patients with adjacent segment degeneration had significantly less lordosis through the fusion and lumbar spine following their initial surgery. There was no significant difference in the amount of preexisting adjacent level degeneration and smoking between the adjacent segment degeneration and control groups. Fusion of the lumbar spine in abnormal sagittal alignment, with loss of lumbar lordosis, predisposes patients to the development of adjacent segment degeneration. Adjacent segment degeneration does not appear to be just a progression of preexisting degenerative changes at the adjacent level.

Very late drug-eluting stent thrombosis after nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug treatment despite dual antiplatelet therapy.

Can J Cardiol. 2009 Apr; 25(4): 229-32Merkely B, Tóth-Zsamboki E, Becker D, Beres BJ, Szabó G, Vargova K, Fülöp G, Kerecsen G, Preda I, Spaulding C, Kiss RGBACKGROUND: Drug-eluting coronary stent implantation emerged as a safe and effective therapeutic approach by preventing coronary restenosis and reducing the need for further revascularization. However, in contrast to bare metal stents, recent data suggest a unique underlying pathology, namely late coronary stent thrombosis and delayed endothelial healing. OBJECTIVE: To report a case of very late coronary stent thrombosis (834 days after implantation) requiring repeat urgent target-vessel revascularization. Importantly, six days before the acute coronary event, combined nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy was initiated. RESULTS: Although a dual antiplatelet regimen was continuously maintained, aggregation measurements indicated only partial antiplatelet effect, which returned to the expected range when nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were omitted. CONCLUSIONS: The observation indicates that, even 834 days after drug-eluting stent implantation, effective combined antiplatelet therapy might be crucial in certain individuals and the possible impact of drug interactions should not be underestimated. Further efforts should focus on the challenging task of identifying patients or medical situations with prolonged, increased risk of stent thrombosis.

Posterior pelvic pain provocation test is negative in patients with lumbar herniated discs.

Eur Spine J. 2009 Apr 24; Gutke A, Hansson ER, Zetherström G, Ostgaard HCThe classification of pelvic girdle pain can only be reached after lumbar causes have been excluded by a clinical examination. During clinical examination, the posterior pelvic pain provocation test is a well-established method for verifying pelvic girdle pain. However, a criticism of pelvic pain provocation tests is that they may have an effect on lumbar structures, thus yielding false-positive results. The posterior pelvic pain provocation test was performed with four groups of patients: patients with computed tomography-verified disc herniations (1) on the waiting list for surgery (14 women; 9 men); (2) 6 weeks after disc surgery (18 women, 12 men); (3) pregnant women seeking care for pelvic girdle pain (n = 25); and (4) women with persistent pelvic girdle pain after delivery (n = 32). The sensitivity of the posterior pelvic pain provocation test was 0.88 and the specificity was 0.89. The positive predictive value was 0.89 and the negative predictive value was 0.87. Analysis of only women showed similar results. In our study, the posterior pelvic pain provocation test was negative in patients with a well-defined lumbar diagnosis of lumbar disc herniation, both before and after disc surgery. Our results are an important step toward the more accurate classification of lumbopelvic pain.

Sporting activity following discectomy for lumbar disc herniation.

Orthopedics. 2008 Aug; 31(8): 756Dollinger V, Obwegeser AA, Gabl M, Lackner P, Koller M, Galiano KThe aim of this study was to investigate to what extent patients could resume physical activity following surgery for herniated lumbar disks. We analyzed a cohort of 1003 patients who underwent lumbar spine surgery within 1 year. Out of this cohort, 93 patients were selected according to our inclusion criteria (age 20-35 years, mediolateral single level disk herniation, no comorbidity at the lumbar spine, and treatment with conventional subtotal diskectomy). This group was evaluated after a minimum follow-up of 28 months in a telephone questionnaire; participants were questioned about pre- and postoperative physical activities. The questionnaire was answered by 67 patients. Twenty-six patients were lost to follow-up because they had relocated. The follow-up group had a mean age of 30 years. Five patients underwent a second procedure due to recurrent disk herniation. All patients showed a pain reduction. At follow-up, no patient needed constant pain medication. Eighty-two percent of the patients were pain free during practicing sports. Sixty-two patients performed some type of sport after surgery. Concerning the type and frequency of physical activities, no significant change between pre- and postoperative behavior occurred. The 5 patients with recurrent disk herniation did not behave differently. Single-level lumbar disk surgery does not limit or compromise sportive activity in young people.

Delayed hyper-reactivity to metal ions after cervical disc arthroplasty: a case report and literature review.

Spine. 2009 Apr 1; 34(7): E262-5Cavanaugh DA, Nunley PD, Kerr EJ, Werner DJ, Jawahar ASTUDY DESIGN: Anecdotal case report. OBJECTIVE: To report a very interesting and perplexing complication of cervical total disc arthroplasty that has not been previously reported in literature. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Although there has been increasing interest in the field of artificial disc replacement to treat cervical degenerative disc disease, not much has been mentioned in the literature about the potential complications of the disc itself. We encountered a delayed complication in 1 patient that has not been reported in the literature. METHOD: Thirty-nine-year-old white woman received total disc arthroplasty for herniated intervertebral disc at C5-C6 level uneventfully. She had recurrence of symptoms 9 months after the procedure and failed to respond to conservative measurements. Imaging revealed soft tissue mass posterior to the implanted disc encroaching the spinal cord. RESULTS: Surgical explantation and exploration of the disc space revealed thick layer of abnormal hyaline cartilaginous tissue with chronic inflammatory debris. The patient had complete resolution of symptoms after the revision surgery. CONCLUSION: Although there is increased enthusiasm about motion preservation technology and disc replacement surgery for intervertebral disc herniation, unexpected complications like the present case need to be shared within the scientific community to better understand the risks associated with these new and promising devices.

Results of Microendoscopic Discectomy Performed in the 26 Cases with a Minimum 3 Years Follow-up.

Chang Gung Med J. 2009 Jan-Feb; 32(1): 89-97Chang SS, Fu TS, Liang YC, Lia PL, Niu CC, Chen LH, Chen WJBackground: Microendoscopic discectomy (MED) is less invasive than conventional open discectomy, but the long-term benefits of this technique are still debated. Controversy also remains regarding the surgical indications, patient selection, effectiveness, learning curve and complications. Methods: From Dec 2001 to Dec 2003, 26 patients with lumbar herniated disc disease received MED. The surgical indications included the following: (1) unilateral, single level lumbar disc herniation; (2) signs and symptoms compatible with the involved nerve root; (3) failure of conservative treatment. These cases were the initial MEDs performed by one of our senior authors (TS FU). Clinical symptoms and outcomes were assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Scores. Results: Treatment in two cases was changed to open discectomy because of irreparable dural tears during surgery. For the remaining 24 cases, the average intraoperative blood loss was 55.8 mL. The average operation length was 136.8 minutes and the average post-surgical hospital stay was 2.4 days. At 12 weeks after the operation, 22 achieved excellent or good results. The satisfactory rate was 91.7%. On final follow-up, 21 patients had excellent or good results. The satisfactory rate was 87.5%. Complications included two irreparable dural tears, two superficial wound infections and one pseudomenigocele. Conclusions: Our data indicate that MED is an effective procedure for lumbar disc herniation. The result is satisfactory under adequate surgical indications and patient selection. Despite the low complication rate, dural tears still remain a concern during the learning stage.

Intervertebral disk degeneration related to reduced vertebral marrow perfusion at dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI.

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2009 Apr; 192(4): 974-9Liu YJ, Huang GS, Juan CJ, Yao MS, Ho WP, Chan WPOBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to use dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI to ascertain the relation between intervertebral disk degeneration and lumbar vertebral marrow blood perfusion. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We recruited 25 patients (50 vertebral bodies) who underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI of the lumbar spine. The peak signal enhancement of each vertebral body was calculated from the time signal after curve fitting of a pharmacokinetic model. We controlled for other variables that might have affected blood perfusion by assessing two vertebral bodies in each patient. The 25 patients were divided into three groups. In group 1, one of the vertebral bodies (L1 or L3) evaluated was between two adjacent normal disks and the other was between two adjacent degenerated disks. In group 2, each of the two vertebral bodies evaluated was between two normal disks. In group 3 each of the two vertebral bodies evaluated was between two degenerated disks. RESULTS: Without normalization by minimization of other variables, there were no statistically significant differences in original peak enhancement values among groups 1, 2, and 3 (p = 0.179). After normalization, the peak enhancement in group 1 (0.846 +/- 0.060) was significantly lower than that in group 2 (0.988 +/- 0.047) (p = 0.003) or group 3 (0.973 +/- 0.081) (p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: After normalization, lumbar vertebral marrow perfusion correlated well with intervertebral disk degeneration evaluated with dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. Blood perfusion was 14% less in the vertebral body marrow between two degenerated disks than in vertebral marrow between two normal disks.

[Efficacy and safety of AirWay Scope in using a bronchofiberscope in patients with difficult airway]

Masui. 2009 Mar; 58(3): 346-8Nakasuji M, Tanaka M, Imanaka N, Nakamura M, Higuchi M, Nomura M, Kawashima HCase 1: A 41-year-old woman was scheduled for pinning of fractured finger and repair of a ligamentum. Preoperative problems did not exist except mandibular hypoplasia. General anesthesia was induced and Cormack classification was grade III in laryngeal view by laryngoscope and we tried a new videolaryngoscope PENTAX-AirWay Scope (AWS). We did not catch the epiglottis directly by Intlock and the target mark was not located at the middle of the vocal cord. Bronchofiberscope was guided to the vocal cord through a tracheal tube attached to AWS by another anesthesiologist and the patient was successfully intubated. Case 2: A 46-year-old man was scheduled for anterior screw-plate fixation due to C3/4 herniated disc. AWS using bronchofiberscope procedure was tried to keep the neutral position of the neck. The patient was successfully intubated. We did not view the bronchofiberscope and used it just as a flexible bougie. Case 3: A 56-year-old man was scheduled for free radial forearm flap reconstruction of a diabetic necrotic toe. Ten minutes were needed to finish intubation due to difficult airway (Cormack classification grade III) when free latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction was perfomed two month before. Hence, AWS using a bronchofiberscope procedure was tried first and 39 seconds were needed to intubate. We concluded that AWS using bronchofiberscope procedure was useful for patients with difficult airway, though two anesthesiologist, one keeping AWS and the other using a bronchofiberscope, were needed.

Comparison of the effectiveness of interlaminar and bilateral transforaminal epidural steroid injections in treatment of patients with lumbosacral disc herniation and spinal stenosis.

Clin J Pain. 2009 Mar-Apr; 25(3): 206-10Lee JH, An JH, Lee SHOBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of interlaminar (IL) and bilateral transforaminal (TF) epidural steroid injections (ESIs) for pain reduction in patients with axial back pain resulting from herniated intervertebral disc (HIVD) and spinal stenosis (SS). METHODS: Patients reporting axial back pain without radiation continuing over 3 months, which resulted from lumbosacral SS or HIVD were recruited and assigned to either the IL or TF technique group. The degree of pain and patient satisfaction were evaluated by the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), the Patient Satisfaction Index (PSI), and the Roland 5-point pain score, which were administered at pretreatment, 2 weeks, 2 months, and 4 months after ESI. RESULTS: Both the TF and IL ESIs accomplished significant pain reduction in HIVD and SS from 2 weeks to 4 months after treatment. SS showed a more significant reduction in the Roland 5-point pain score and obtained more successful NRS results using the TF technique as compared with the IL technique. HIVD did not show any differences between the techniques. DISCUSSION: Bilateral TF epidural injection allowed the higher concentration of injectates to be delivered into ventral epidural space bilaterally. The IL approach can be more affected by tissue fibrosis, scarring, or hypertrophy, which is more prominently featured in SS than in HIVD; these prevent the injectate delivered via the posterior route from spreading to the ventral epidural space. Consequently, in patients with SS, bilateral TF produces better results than IL.

Giant calcified thoracic herniated disc: considerations aiming a proper surgical strategy.

J Neurosurg Sci. 2009 Mar; 53(1): 19-26Barbanera A, Serchi E, Fiorenza V, Nina P, Andreoli AAIM: Giant herniated thoracic disc (HTD) is a rare disease that, unlike other thoracic disc herniations of different size, need a different surgical management. The copresence of ''giant'' volume and calcification of the herniated disc heavily affects the surgical difficulty and is not elsewhere described. METHODS: Seven cases of surgically treated giant calcified HTDs were considered in this study. Five of them were females and two males, age range 18-63 years. Before and after surgery, all patients underwent computed tomography myelography, magnetic resonance imaging or both pre-and postoperatively. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Asia grading system preoperatively, immediately after surgery, and at long-term follow-up examination. The mean overall follow-up period was 36 months. All patients presented with various grades of myelopathy: according to the Asia impairment scale, two were grade B, four were grade C and one were grade D. Six patients underwent an anterior approach, i.e. thoracotomy, and one patients underwent a posterolateral approach, i.e. peduncolocostotrasversectomy. RESULTS: Based on an analysis of the long-term follow-up data, the Asia grade improved in five patients (71.4%), stabilized (no grade change) in one (14.3%), and worsened in one (14.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Giant calcified HTDs are particularly challenging surgical lesions and their volume and consistency are additional elements of difficulty. This article presents authors' personal experience on a small but extraordinary series of giant and calcified thoracic herniated discs and the problems encountered in the management of this peculiar pathology since an accurate surgical planning leads to better clinical RESULTS:

Foot drop due to lumbar degenerative conditions: mechanism and prognostic factors in herniated nucleus pulposus and lumbar spinal stenosis.

J Neurosurg Spine. 2009 Mar; 10(3): 260-4Iizuka Y, Iizuka H, Tsutsumi S, Nakagawa Y, Nakajima T, Sorimachi Y, Ara T, Nishinome M, Seki T, Shida K, Takagishi KOBJECT: The aim of this study was to analyze the mechanism and prognostic factors of foot drop caused by lumbar degenerative conditions. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed the charts of 28 patients with foot drop due to a herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) or lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), scoring between 0 and 3 on manual muscle testing for the tibialis anterior muscles. They analyzed the mechanism of foot drop and whether the duration before the operation, preoperative tibialis anterior and extensor hallucis longus strength, age, gender, and diabetes mellitus were all found to be prognostic factors for postoperative tibialis anterior recovery. They also investigated whether the diagnosis had any influence on the prognosis. RESULTS: The compression of double roots and a sequestrated fragment were observed, respectively, in 9 and 13 of 16 patients with HNP. Multiple levels including the L4-5 segment were decompressed in 8 of 12 patients with LSS. Analysis did not demonstrate any prognostic factor in surgically treated HNP, but significant associations with prognosis were observed with respect to preoperative tibialis anterior (p = 0.033) and extensor hallucis longus (p = 0.020) strength in patients with LSS. In addition, the postoperative muscle recovery in patients with HNP was significantly superior to that in patients with LSS (p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Double root compression was the most common condition associated with foot drop due to HNP. The diagnosis and preoperative tibialis anterior and extensor hallucis longus strength in LSS were factors that influenced recovery following an operation.

Ultrastructural analysis on lumbar disc herniation using surgical specimens: role of neovascularization and macrophages in hernias.

Spine. 2009 Apr 1; 34(7): 655-62Kobayashi S, Meir A, Kokubo Y, Uchida K, Takeno K, Miyazaki T, Yayama T, Kubota M, Nomura E, Mwaka E, Baba HSTUDY DESIGN: The mechanisms responsible for the spontaneous regression of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) were studied by examining herniated tissue collected at operation from patients with LDH. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of neovascularization and macrophages in hernias when spontaneous regression of LDH occurred. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Spontaneous regression of LDHs has already been demonstrated by diagnostic imaging with tools such as magnetic resonance imaging. However, there have been few studies on the mechanisms of spontaneous regression based on pathologic examination of herniated tissue. In particular, there has been no detailed work on the role of macrophages, which are thought to be closely associated with spontaneous regression. METHODS: The magnetic resonance imaging and operative findings of 73 patients who underwent surgery were investigated, and specimens collected during surgery were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Capillaries that invade the hernia and macrophages derived from monocytes migrating out of these capillaries are considered to be important factors in the regression of the herniated disc. Macrophages contain lysosomes filled with collagen-degrading enzymes that break down substances after phagocytosis, whereas primary lysosomes are secreted by these cells and break down intercellular substances such as collagen. Both of these mechanisms are closely involved in the regression of herniation. CONCLUSION: The inflammatory response that occurs around hernia tissue in the epidural space is believed to play an important role in herniated disc resorption, although it may also have a harmful effect on the adjacent nerve root. Therefore, control of the inflammatory reaction is an important challenge when treating patients with disc herniation.

Detection of Residual Disc Hernia Material and Confirmation of Nerve Root Decompression at Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery by Intraoperative Ultrasound.

Ultrasound Med Biol. 2009 Apr 17; Aoyama T, Hida K, Akino M, Yano S, Iwasaki YThe aim of lumbar disc herniation surgery is the removal of herniated disc material (HDM) and complete decompression of the nerve root. As some patients present with residual HDM, we examined the ability of intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) to detect this material. Between February 2006 and June 2007, we used IOUS in 30 patients undergoing surgery for lumbar disc herniation. They were 17 men and 13 women; their ages ranged from 22 to 63 y (mean 44.0 y). The level surgically addressed was L3/4 in 1, L4/5 in 14 and L5/S1 in 15 patients; they were operated in the prone position. After placing a 3-4 cm midline skin incision, partial hemi-semilaminotomy was performed. HDM was removed through a bone window; a surgical microscope was used during the operation. After removal was judged as adequate, IOUS was performed; 17 patients also underwent IOUS before removal of the herniated disc. For the acquisition of IOUS images, we used LOGIQ 9 and 8c microconvex probes (GE Healthcare, Wauwatosa, WI, USA). The normal anatomical structures were well visualized. HDM was iso- to hyperechoic compared with normal nerve tissue. In three of 17 patients, the dural sac and nerve root could not be distinguished from HDM before removal, although in all 30, the decompressed dural sac, intradural cauda equina and nerve root were well visualized. We posit that the echogenicity of nerve tissue was raised due to compression, rendering it similar to that of the herniated disc. In two patients, IOUS detected residual disc material; the surgical procedure was resumed and sufficient removal was accomplished. IOUS monitoring is safe, convenient and inexpensive. It is also highly useful for the detection of residual HDM and the confirmation of adequate nerve root decompression. (E-mail: taoya@sirius.ocn.ne.jp).

PET imaging in patients with Modic changes.

Nuklearmedizin. 2009 Mar 23; 48(3): Albert H, Pedersen H, Manniche C, Høilund-Carlsen PFThe aim of this study was via PET imaging to reveal if any highly metabolic processes were occurring in Modic changes type 1 and/or in the adjacent discs. Modic changes (MC) are signal changes in the vertebral endplate and body visualised by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MC are strongly associated with low back pain (LBP). MC type 1 appear to be inflammation on MRI, and histological and biochemical findings make it highly likely that an inflammation is present. Though MC is painful no known treatment is available, and it is unknown which entities affect the progress or regress of MC. The changes observed on MRI are slow and take months to develop, but faster changes in the metabolism might provide a platform for monitoring patients. Patients, methods: Patients from The Back Centre Funen, with low back pain in the area of L1 to S1, MC type 1 in L1 to L5, and a previous herniated lumbar disc. All patients had a PET scan using FDG (18F-fluorodeoxyglucose) as tracer. Results: Included in the study were 11 patients, 4 women and 7 men, mean age 48.1 year (range 20-65). All MC were situated in the vertebrae both above and below the previously herniated disc/discs. Ten patients had MC at 1 level, and 1 had MC at 2 levels. The affected levels were 1 at L2/L3, 6 at L4 /L5, and 5 at L5/S1. All had a previous disc herniation and MC larger than 4 mm in diameter. Technically satisfactory PET scans were obtained. However, PET imaging showed no increases in metabolism in any vertebra or disc of any patient. Conclusion: Modic type 1 changes do not reveal themselves by showing increased metabolism with ordinary FDG PET imaging. PET tracers illuminating inflammation are being developed and hopefully may become more successful.

A comparison of angled sagittal MRI and conventional MRI in the diagnosis of herniated disc and stenosis in the cervical foramen.

Eur Spine J. 2009 Mar 18; Shim JH, Park CK, Lee JH, Choi JW, Lee DC, Kim DH, Kim JK, Hwang JHThe object of this study is to demonstrate that angled sagittal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables the precise diagnosis of herniated disc and stenosis in the cervical foramen, which is not available with conventional MRI. Due to both the anatomic features of the cervical foramen and the limitations of conventional MR techniques, it has been difficult to identify disease in the lateral aspects of the spinal canal and foramen using only conventional MRI. Angled sagittal MRI oriented perpendicular to the true course of the foramina facilitates the identification of the lateral disease. A review of 43 patients, who underwent anterior cervical discectomy and interbody fusion, is presented with a herniated disc and/or stenosis in the cervical foramen. They all had undergone conventional MRI and angled sagittal MRI. Fifty levels were surgically explored for evidence of foraminal herniated disc and stenosis. The results of each test were correlated with what was found at each explored surgical level. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of both examinations for making the diagnosis of foraminal herniated disc and stenosis were compared. During the diagnosis of foraminal herniated disc, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of angled sagittal MRI were 96.7, 95.0, and 96.0%, respectively, compared with 56.7, 85.0, and 68.0% for conventional MRI. In making the diagnosis of foraminal stenosis, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of angled sagittal MRI were 96.3, 95.7, and 96.0%, respectively, compared with 40.7, 91.3, and 66.0% for conventional MRI. In the above groups, the difference between the tests for making the diagnosis of both foraminal herniated disc and stenosis was found to be statistically significant in sensitivity and accuracy. Angled sagittal MRI was a more accurate test compared to conventional MRI for making the diagnosis of herniated disc and stenosis in the cervical foramen. It can be utilized for the precise diagnosis of foraminal herniated disc and stenosis difficult or ambiguous in conventional MRI.

Surgery for Low Back Pain: A Review of the Evidence for an American Pain Society Clinical Practice Guideline.

Spine. 2009 Apr 9; Chou R, Baisden J, Carragee EJ, Resnick DK, Shaffer WO, Loeser JDSTUDY DESIGN.: Systematic review. OBJECTIVE.: To systematically assess benefits and harms of surgery for nonradicular back pain with common degenerative changes, radiculopathy with herniated lumbar disc, and symptomatic spinal stenosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA.: Although back surgery rates continue to increase, there is uncertainty or controversy about utility of back surgery for various conditions. METHODS.: Electronic database searches on Ovid MEDLINE and the Cochrane databases were conducted through July 2008 to identify randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews of the above therapies. All relevant studies were methodologically assessed by 2 independent reviewers using criteria developed by the Cochrane Back Review Group (for trials) and Oxman (for systematic reviews). A qualitative synthesis of results was performed using methods adapted from the US Preventive Services Task Force. RESULTS.: For nonradicular low back pain with common degenerative changes, we found fair evidence that fusion is no better than intensive rehabilitation with a cognitive-behavioral emphasis for improvement in pain or function, but slightly to moderately superior to standard (nonintensive) nonsurgical therapy. Less than half of patients experience optimal outcomes (defined as no more than sporadic pain, slight restriction of function, and occasional analgesics) following fusion. Clinical benefits of instrumented versus noninstrumented fusion are unclear. For radiculopathy with herniated lumbar disc, we found good evidence that standard open discectomy and microdiscectomy are moderately superior to nonsurgical therapy for improvement in pain and function through 2 to 3 months. For symptomatic spinal stenosis with or without degenerative spondylolisthesis, we found good evidence that decompressive surgery is moderately superior to nonsurgical therapy through 1 to 2 years. For both conditions, patients on average experience improvement either with or without surgery, and benefits associated with surgery decrease with long-term follow-up in some trials. Although there is fair evidence that artificial disc replacement is similarly effective compared to fusion for single level degenerative disc disease and that an interspinous spacer device is superior to nonsurgical therapy for 1- or 2-level spinal stenosis with symptoms relieved with forward flexion, insufficient evidence exists to judge long-term benefits or harms. CONCLUSION.: Surgery for radiculopathy with herniated lumbar disc and symptomatic spinal stenosis is associated with short-term benefits compared to nonsurgical therapy, though benefits diminish with long-term follow-up in some trials. For nonradicular back pain with common degenerative changes, fusion is no more effective than intensive rehabilitation, but associated with small to moderate benefits compared to standard nonsurgical therapy.

A pyogenic discitis at c3-c4 with associated ventral epidural abscess involving c1-c4 after intradiscal oxygen-ozone chemonucleolysis: a case report.

Spine. 2009 Apr 15; 34(8): E298-304Bo W, Longyi C, Jian T, Guangfu H, Hailong F, Weidong L, Haibin TSTUDY DESIGN: A case report and clinical discussion. OBJECTIVE: To describe an unique case of purulent discitis at C3-C4 and an anterior C1-C4 epidural abscess secondary to oxygen-ozone therapy for the herniated cervical discs. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Previously reported complications secondary to ozone therapy are rarely documented. No cases of pyogenic discitis with associated epidural abscess after oxygen-ozone therapy have been reported to date. To our knowledge, this is the first such case reported in literature. METHODS: A 57-year-old female patient with nuchal stiffness was previously treated with ozone therapy at the discs of C3-C4, C4-C5, and C6-C7. Five days later, she presented with an attack of neck pain and fever followed by progressive quadriplegia with sudden onset of dyspnea and was referred to our hospital. On admission, physical examination revealed a temperature of 38.8 degrees C, evident neck tenderness, marked global weakness (grade 1-2/5 MRC) in bilateral upper-limb, and a modest global weakness in bilateral lower-limb (grade 4/5 MRC). Laboratory findings showed a significantly elevated WCC, ESR, and CRP. Blood culture was negative. Enhanced-MR imaging demonstrated a purulent discitis at C3-C4 and a ventral C1-C4 epidural abscess with homogenous enhancement indicative of a solid phlegmonous granulation tissue. RESULTS: We formulated a 3-stage treatment involving C1-C4 multilevel decompressive laminectomies, subtotal unilateral C3-C4 facetectomies, and tissue sampling for culture with application of a corset after surgery, followed by a delayed secondary posterior thorough drainage of epidural liquid pus using a suction-irrigation drainage, after the abscess had turned to a necrotic liquid abscess, on the basis of findings of enhanced-MR imaging, by 10-day duration of intravenously antibiotic therapy tailored to Streptococcus bovis isolated from infected tissue. Over the next few weeks, the patient made an excellent neurologic recovery. However, she did not consent to undergo further occipitocervical fusion until the follow-up MR imaging at 8 months demonstrated postlaminectomy kyphosis. After surgery, the patient remained clinically satisfactory in neurology without evidence of a recurrence of spinal infection. A slight improvement in the cervical spine curve was demonstrated in the follow-up radiograph at nearly 4-month postoccipitocervical fusion. CONCLUSION: This case report illustrates a rare but life-threatening complication of oxygen-ozone therapy for the cervical disc herniation. Infection is a common risk for any invasive spinal techniques involving puncture, so attention should be paid to the sterility during the procedures. A high index of suspicion along with reliance on enhanced-MRI is essential to diagnose the condition and institute appropriate treatment on an individual basis.