Cervical brucellar spondylitis causing incomplete limb paralysis

Abstract Brucellosis, a zoonosis with worldwide distribution, is a systemic infection caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. Meanwhile, brucellosis often causes complications, such as osteoarticular involvement, and spondylitis is the most prevalent and important clinical form. Here, is a case of cervical brucellar spondylitis causing incomplete limb paralysis in a middle-aged male. The diagnosis was based on clinical history, and supported by Brucella serology and magnetic resonance imaging. Quadruple antibacterial treatment continued for four weeks. In this case, the epidural abscess causing spinal cord compression resolved without surgery. In addition, the patient had recovered from most of the neurologic deficits.

CLINICAL APPLICATION OF A DRILL GUIDE TEMPLATE FOR PEDICLE SCREW PLACEMENT IN SEVERE SCOLIOSIS / APLICAÇÃO CLÍNICA DE MATRIZ DE GUIA DE BROCA PARA COLOCAÇÃO DE PARAFUSO PEDICULAR EM ESCOLIOSE GRAVE

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the accuracy and the effect of drill guide template for pedicle screw placement in severe scoliosis. Method: Eight patients with rigid scoliosis were enrolled, five males and three females, ranging from nine to 23 years old. A three-dimensional CT scan of the spine was performed and saved as a DICOM file type. The multi-level template was designed by Mimics software and manufactured according to the part of the most severe deformity. The drill template was placed on the corresponding vertebral surface. Pedicle screws were carefully inserted across the trajectory of the template. Postoperatively, the positions of the pedicle screws were evaluated by CT scan and graded for validation. Results: No spinal cord injury or nerve damage occurred. All patients had satisfactory outcomes. The abnormalities and the measures observed during operation were the same as those found in the preoperative period. The position of the pedicle screws was accurate, according to the postoperative X-ray and CT scan. The rate of scoliosis correction was 60%. Compared with controls, surgery time, blood loss and radiation were significantly lower. Conclusion: With the application of multi-level template, the placement of pedicle screws shows high accuracy in scoliosis with shorter surgical time, less blood loss and less radiation exposure. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Comparative Study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a precisão e o efeito da matriz de guia de broca para colocação de parafuso pedicular em escoliose grave. Método: Oito pacientes com escoliose rígida foram selecionados, sendo cinco homens e três mulheres na faixa etária de nove a 23 anos. Foi realizada TC tridimensional da coluna, gravada no formato DICOM. A matriz multinível foi desenhada pelo software Mimics e fabricada de acordo com a parte da deformidade mais grave. A matriz da broca foi colocada na superfície vertebral correspondente. Os parafusos pediculares foram cuidadosamente inseridos ao longo da trajetória da matriz. No pós-operatório, as posições dos parafusos pediculares foram avaliadas por TC e classificadas para validação. Resultados: Não ocorreu nenhuma lesão da medula espinhal nem lesão de nervos. Todos os pacientes tiveram desfechos satisfatórios. As anormalidades e as medidas observadas durante a operação foram as mesmas encontradas no pré-operatório. A posição dos parafusos pediculares foi precisa, de acordo com a radiografia e a TC pós-operatórias. A taxa de correção de escoliose foi de 60%. Em comparação com os controles, o tempo de cirurgia, a perda de sangue e a radiação foram significantemente menores. Conclusão: Com a aplicação da matriz multinível, a colocação dos parafusos pediculares mostra alta precisão na escoliose, com menor tempo cirúrgico, menos perda de sangue e menor exposição à radiação. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo Retrospectivo Comparativo.