Caracterización de un grupo de pacientes sometidos a herniorrafia lateral con malla retromuscular en un centro de tercer nivel de 2015 a 2019 / Characterization of a group of patients who underwent lateral herniorrhaphy with retromuscular mesh in a third level center from 2015 to 2019

Introducción. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las características de la población y determinar las principales complicaciones de los pacientes que son llevados a cirugía por hernia lateral en el abdomen. Métodos. Estudio observacional retrospectivo, que incluyó a los pacientes sometidos a herniorrafia lateral, entre 2015 y 2019 en un centro de tercer nivel. La información se obtuvo del registro de historias clínicas. Las variables analizadas se clasificaron según las características sociodemográficas de los pacientes, clínicas y quirúrgicas. Se hizo una caracterización de acuerdo con los resultados encontrados. Resultados. Se incluyeron 51 pacientes con hernia lateral, 29 de ellos mujeres, con un promedio de edad de 59 años y de índice de masa corporal de 28 kg/m2. El 60 % tenía comorbilidades de base, siendo la hipertensión arterial la más frecuente. La mayoría se clasificaron como ASA II. En cuanto a la localización, la L3 fue la más común (37,2 %). Se presentaron complicaciones postquirúrgicas en el 27,4 % de los pacientes, siendo las más frecuentes seromas, hematomas e infecciones de sitio operatorio. Ningún paciente requirió reintervención para el manejo de las complicaciones. Conclusión. Conocer la población y determinar cuáles son las principales complicaciones postquirúrgicas de un procedimiento permite tomar medidas para disminuir su frecuencia, pero en este caso, se necesitan estudios adicionales para determinar cuáles son los mayores factores asociados a las complicaciones

Introduction. To describe the characteristics of the population and to determine the main complications of patients who undergo surgery for lateral hernia. Methods. We performed a retrospective observational study, including patients who underwent lateral herniorrhaphy between 2015 and 2019 in a third-level medical center, obtaining information through the registration of medical records. The analyzed variables were classified according to the patients' clinical, surgical and sociodemographic characteristics, performing a characterization according to the results found. Results. Fifty-one patients due to lateral hernia were included, 29 of them were women, with a mean age of 59 years and a body mass index of 28 Kg/m2. Of those, 60% presented basic comorbidities, being arterial hypertension the most frequent. Most were classified as ASA II. Regarding the location, the L3 was the most commonly presented hernia, referring to 37.2%. Postoperative complications occurred in 27.4% of the patients, with seromas being the most frequent, followed by hematomas and surgical site infections. No patient required reintervention for the management of complications. Conclusion. By knowing the population and determining which are the main complications, measures can be taken to reduce their incidence. Additional studies are needed to determine which are the main factors associated with complications

The Brazilian Portuguese version of the Pregnancy Mobility Index: Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation - a validation study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The Pregnancy Mobility Index (PMI) was developed to assess mobility in pregnant women in the Netherlands. At present, no similar questionnaire is available in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to translate, cross-culturally adapt, and evaluate the psychometric properties of a Brazilian PMI. DESIGN AND SETTING: The present study was a validation study conducted at the Universidade Federal do Paraná and a public maternity ward in Curitiba, Brazil. METHODS: Text translation and cross-cultural adaptation followed international guidelines. Construct validity, internal consistency, and inter- and intra-rater reliability tests included 97 women. The Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire, Multidimensional Pain Evaluation Scale, Schober's test, and lumbar spine range of motion assessment were administered on the first day. Intra-rater reliability (n = 19) was measured after 15 days. Exploratory factor analysis was performed, and the correlation matrix was analyzed using Pearson's coefficient. RESULTS: Pregnant women (88%) understood the cultural adaptation process. The internal consistency was high (Cronbach's alpha > 0.90), construct validity was moderate, with significant correlation between lumbar spine range of motion (r = 0.283-0.369) and Schober's test (r = -0.314), and high correlation between the Multidimensional Pain Evaluation Scale (r = -0.650 and -0.499) and Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire (r = -0.737). Intra- and inter-rater reliabilities were excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.932 and 0.990, respectively). CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version of the PMI was successfully translated with excellent reliability and moderate-to-high construct validity. It is an important tool for assessing mobility in pregnant women. CLINICAL TRIAL: RBR-789tps (Validation study), https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-789tps.

Clinical analysis of 11 cases of iliopsoas muscle hematoma compressing lumbar plexus nerve / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the etiology, clinical manifestations, treatment methods, and prognosis of patients with iliopsoas muscle hematoma compressing the lumbar plexus.Methods:The clinical data of 11 cases of iliopsoas muscle hematoma oppressing the lumbar plexus nerve admitted to The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University between March 2014 and May 2018 were analyzed.Results:Eleven patients, consisting of 10 men and 1 woman, aged (36.36 ± 6.74) years were analyzed. Causes of iliopsoas muscle hematoma oppressing the lumbar plexus nerve included coagulation abnormality ( n = 8) and trauma ( n = 3). Iliopsoas muscle hematoma occurred on the left side in 7 cases and on the right side in 4 cases. Among them, 11 cases had bleeding in the middle area, 8 cases in the lower area, and 2 cases in the upper area. The involved lumbar plexus nerve included the femoral nerve ( n = 11), lateral femoral cutaneous nerve ( n = 6), and obturator nerve ( n = 2). Eleven cases underwent causative treatment ( n = 11). Three-month follow-up results showed that the hematomas were completely absorbed in 11 cases, and the bone and joint activities were normal. The sensory and motor functions were restored in 10 cases. The sensory function was restored, but the recovery of motor function was poor in 1 patient. All 11 cases returned to normal after 1 year. Conclusion:The main causes of iliopsoas muscle hematoma are coagulation dysfunction and trauma. The femoral nerve and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve in the lumbar plexus are easily affected, which can cause lower limb sensory and motor disorders. As for iliopsoas muscle hematoma caused by coagulation abnormality, coagulation factors should be supplemented to correct coagulation function. As for iliopsoas muscle hematoma caused by trauma, early surgical treatment should be performed to relieve nerve compression. Timely treatment of iliopsoas muscle hematoma can generally acquire a good prognosis.

Correlation Between Cage Positioning and Lumbar Lordosis in Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) / Correlação entre posicionamento do cage e lordose lombar em fusão transforaminal minimamente invasiva (TLIF)

Abstract Objective The present study evaluates radiographic outcomes and the lumbar lordosis achieved with a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) arthrodesis technique according to the positioning of an interbody device (cage) in the disc space. Methods This is a retrospective radiographic analysis of single-level surgical patients with degenerative lumbar disease submitted to a TLIF procedure and posterior pedicle instrumentation. We divided patients into two groups according to cage positioning. For the TLIF-A group, the cages were anterior to the disc space; for the TLIF-P group, cages were posterior to the disc space. Considering the superior vertebral plateau of the lower vertebra included in the instrumentation, cages occupying a surface equal to the anterior 50% of the midline were placed in the TLIF-A group, and those in a posterior position were placed in the TLIF-P group. We assessed pre- and postoperative orthostatic lateral radiographs to obtain the following measures: lumbar lordosis (LL) (angle L1-S1), segmental lordosis (LS) (L4-S1), and segmental lordosis of the cage (SLC). Results The present study included 100 patients from 2011 to 2018; 44 were males, and 46 were females. Their mean age was 50.5 years old (range, 27 to 76 years old). In total, 43 cages were "anterior" (TLIF-A) and 57 were "posterior" (TLIF-P). After surgery, the mean findings for the TLIF-A group were the following: LL, 50.7°, SL 34.9°, and SLC 21.6°; in comparison, the findings for the TLIF-P group were the following: LL, 42.3° (p< 0.01), SL 30.7° (p< 0.05), and SLC 18.8° (p> 0.05). Conclusion Cage positioning anterior to the disc space improved lumbar and segmental lordosis on radiographs compared with a posterior placement.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar os resultados radiográficos e comparar a lordose pós-operatória em técnica de artrodese intersomática lombar transforaminal (TLIF, na sigla em inglês), considerando como variável o posicionamento do dispositivo intersomático (cage) em relação ao espaço discal. Métodos Análise retrospectiva radiográfica de pacientes cirúrgicos, em nível único, por doença lombar degenerativa, aplicando-se TLIF e instrumentação pedicular posterior. Os pacientes foram divididos, conforme a posição do cage, em 2 grupos: 1. TLIF-A - cages na posição anterior do espaço discal; e 2. TLIF-P, cages na posição posterior do espaço discal (considerando-se o platô vertebral superior da vértebra inferior incluída na instrumentação, cages que ocuparam a superfície correspondente a 50% anterior da linha média, compuseram o grupo TLIF-A; opostamente, cages em posicionamento posterior compuseram o grupo TLIF-P). Procedeu-se à avaliação dos exames radiográficos ortostáticos em perfil no pré- e pós-operatórios, com a tomada das seguintes medidas: lordose lombar (LL) (ângulo L1-S1); lordose segmentar (LS) (L4-S1) e lordose segmentar do cage (LSC). Resultados Cem pacientes foram incluídos de 2011 a 2018, sendo 44 homens e 46 mulheres, com idade média de 50.5 anos (27-76 anos). Um total de 43 cages foram classificados como "anteriores" (TLIF-A) e 57, "posteriores" (TLIF-P); considerando o grupo TLIF- A, os resultados pós-operatórios médios foram: LL 50.7°, LS 34.9° e LSC 21.6°; para o grupo TLIF-P, comparativamente: LL 42.3° (p< 0,01), LS 30.7° (p< 0,05) e LSC 18.8° (p> 0,05). Conclusão O posicionamento anterior do cage em relação ao espaço discal correlaciona-se a melhora da lordose lombar e segmentar na radiografia em comparação com o posicionamento posterior do implante.

A RARE CAUSE OF LOWER LIMB PAIN - INTRAMEDULLARY DERMOID - A CASE REPORT

Dermoid cyst is a benign tumor. It accounts for only 1-2% of intra spinal tumors. -It is most common in children less than 10yrs of age accounting for 10-17%. -Only 1% of dermoid cyst occurs intramedullary. The usual sites are lumbosacral spine(60%), thoracic spine(10%), and cervical spine(10%). -The common presentation is with pain in lower limbs, back pain, balance problems, numbness and weakness, seizures, headaches. Here we are presenting 4 year male child.

Improvement in Radicular Pain after Endoscopic Transforaminal Lumbar Discectomy at Discs with Advanced Degenerative Changes / Melhora da dor radicular após discectomia lombar transforaminal endoscópica em discos com alterações degenerativas avançadas

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the correlation between radiologic changes (Pfirrmann and Modic) and radicular pain intensity in patients who underwent transforaminal endoscopic surgery for lumbar disc herniation. Methods Series of cases with 39 patients, 50 intervertebral discs in preoperative evaluation from January 29, 2018 to August 28, 2019 in an endoscopic spine surgery service. Demographic data, surgical indication, operative details and complications were obtained from medical records. The patients were divided into three groups based on the Modic classification (Modic absence, Modic 1 and Modic 2) and into two groups considering the Pfirrmann classification (Pfirrmann IV and Pfirrmann V). Data were processed in IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), with a significance level of p< 0,05. Results There was no difference between genders; age: 50,36 ± 15,05 years old; disease level: L2-L3 1 (2%), L3-L4 2 (4%), L4-L5 9 (18%), L5-S1 8 (16%), L3-L4 + L4-L5 4 (8%), and L4-L5 + L5-S1 26 (52%); location: right foraminal 7 (14%), left foraminal 15 (30%), central 9 (18%) and diffuse 19 (38%); radicular pain: left 25 (50%), right 11 (22%), and bilateral 14 (28%); preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS): 9,5 ± 0,91, postoperative: 2,5 ± 1,79; surgery duration: 100 ± 31,36 minutes; and follow-up: 8,4 ± 6,7 months. Less postoperative sciatica was registered in the Modic 2 versus Modic 1 group (p< 0,05). There was no difference in the postoperative radicular pain between the Pfirrmann groups (IV versus V). Conclusion Although there is no clinical difference between the groups, in advanced stages of disc degeneration, endoscopic transforaminal discectomy proved to be effective in diminishing radicular pain in patients with lumbar disc herniation.

Resumo Objetivos Avaliar a correlação entre as alterações radiológicas (Pfirrmann e Modic) e a intensidade da dor radicular em pacientes submetidos a cirurgia endoscópica transforaminal para hérnia de disco lombar. Métodos Uma sequência de casos com 39 pacientes, 50 discos intervertebrais em avaliação pré-operatória, no período de 29 de janeiro de 2018 a 28 de agosto de 2019, no serviço de cirurgia endoscópica da coluna vertebral. Os dados demográficos, indicação cirúrgica, detalhes operatórios e complicações foram todos obtidos junto aos prontuários clínicos. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos, com base na classificação Modic (ausência de Modic, Modic 1 e Modic 2) e em dois grupos, considerando a classificação de Pfirrmann (Pfirrmann IV e Pfirrmann V). Os dados foram processados no software IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, versão 22.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, EUA), com nível de significância de p <0,05. Resultados Não houve diferença entre os gêneros; idade: 50,36 ± 15,05 anos; nível da doença: L2-L3 1 (2%), L3-L4 2 (4%), L4-L5 9 (18%), L5-S1 8 (16%), L3-L4 + L4-L5 4 (8%), e L4-L5 + L5-S1 26 (52%); localização: foraminal direito em 7 pacientes (14%), foraminal esquerdo em 15 pacientes (30%), central em 9 pacientes (18%), e difuso em 19 pacientes (38%); dor radicular: esquerda em 25 pacientes (50%), direita em 11 pacientes (22%), e bilateral em 14 pacientes (28%); escala visual analógica (EVA) pré-operatório: 9,5 ± 0,91, pós-operatório: 2,5 ± 1,79; tempo cirúrgico: 100 ± 31,36 minutos; e acompanhamento de 8,4 ± 6,7 meses. Foi registrada menos dor ciática pós-operatória nos grupos Modic 2 versus Modic 1 (p< 0,05). Não houve diferença na dor radicular pós-operatória entre os grupos Pfirrmann (IV versus V). Conclusão Embora não exista diferença clínica entre os grupos, em estágios avançados da degeneração discal, a discectomia transforaminal endoscópica mostrou-se eficaz na redução da dor radicular em pacientes com hérnia de disco lombar.

The application of pelvic unlocking reduction frame for the treatment of old Denis I or II sacral fractures combined with sacral plexus nerve injury / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect assistant with pelvic unlocking reduction frame for the treatment of old Denis I or II sacral fractures combined with sacral plexus nerve injury.Methods:From January 2013 to October 2020, 37 patients diagnosed with old sacral fractures with sacral plexus nerve injury which Gibbons classification was grade III were divided into the use group and the non-use group according to whether assisted with pelvic unlocking reduction frame. Eighteen patients (11 males, 7 females, mean age 38±6.4, range from 13-56) were selected into the use group and nineteen patients (14 males, 5 females, mean age 42±10.7, range 19-59) were selected into the non-use group. The three-dimensional (3D) pelvic model (1∶1) was printed before operation. The operation time, intraoperative bleeding, Matta score, visual analogue scale (VAS), Majeed score and gibbons sacral nerve injury grade of the two groups were compared. The healing time and complications of each group was recorded.Results:The average operation time of the use group and the non-use group was 121.0±16.2 min and 182.6±16.2 min, respectively, with significant difference ( t=11.54, P<0.001). The mean operative bleeding was 686±382 ml of the use group and 963±348 ml of the non-use group ( t=2.38, P=0.003). The quality of fracture reduction was evaluated according to Matta scoring standard: the excellent and good rate of the use group was 94% (17/18), and that of the non-use group was 68% (13/19) ( P=0.039). The curative effect was evaluated according to the Majeed score: the use group was 88.72±7.03 points, and that of the non-use group was 72.00±9.75 points ( t=5.96, P<0.001) at 1 year post-operative. One year after operation, the VAS scale of the use group was 0.83±0.71 points, and that of the non-use group was 1.00±0.82 points ( t=0.66, P=0.512). According to Gibbons classification, 15 patients were grade I, 1 patient was grade II and 2 patients were grade III in the use group and 11 patients were grade I, 3 patients were grade II and 5 patients were grade III in the non-use group one year after operation ( Z=-1.04, P=0.401). One patient in the use group presented rupture of plate without symptoms. In the non-use group, 1 case with internal iliac vein rupture which treated with gelatin sponge and no obvious bleeding after operation. 4 cases with unequal length of lower limbs, walking claudication. The complication rate of the use group was 6% (1/18), and that of the non-use group was 26% (5/19) ( P=0.042) . Conclusion:The lateral rectus abdominis approach combined with pelvic unlocking reduction frame can reduce the operation time and bleeding, improve the fracture reduction in the treatment of old Denis type I and II sacral fractures with sacral plexus injury.

Application of 3D image fusion technique of enhanced CT and magnetic resonance neurography on pelvic fractures with lumbosacral plexus injury / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the application of three-dimensional (3D) image fusion technique of pelvic enhanced CT and magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) on the patients of pelvic fractures with lumbosacral plexus injury.Methods:From January 2019 to December 2020, 15 patients (11 males, 4 females, mean age 26.67±11.34 of pelvic fracture (AO classification C1.3 of 11 cases, C2 of 2 cases, C3 of 2 cases) with lumbosacral plexus injury underwent 3D image fusion of pelvic enhanced CT and MRN. All patients exhibited lower limb nerve dysfunction after injury. The preoperative muscle strength were evaluated by British Medical Research Council (BMRC) criteria: grade 0 in 2 cases, grade 1 in 5, grade 2 in 7 and grade 3 in 1. Physical examination and enhanced CT combined with MRN 3D image fusion technology were used to accurately determine the injury site of lumbosacral plexus nerve, fracture displacement, and the direction of blood vessels and ureters, and develop corresponding surgical plans. The neurological functions were measured in post-operation follow-up.Results:All 15 operations were successfully completed and the site of lumbosacral plexus injury during operation was consistent with preoperative fusion image, and inconsistency of injury characteristic in 4 patients (4/15, 27%). Among the 6 cases of laparoscopic surgery, 2 cases were changed to open surgery because of the difficulty of nerve decompression. The average time of 4 cases of laparoscopic surgery was 116.27±26.46 min and intraoperative blood loss was 102.50±79.32 ml. The average time of 11 cases of open operation was 123.64±38.28 min, and intraoperative blood loss was 713.64±393.12 ml. For the opening operations, 9 cases were successfully decompressed, and nerve disruption was observed in 2 patients. All 15 patients were followed up. The average follow-up time was 9.33±2.19 months. The radial bony healing was observed in each case at the end of follow-up, mean healing time was 5.03±1.04 months (range, 3-6 months). In addition, patients' muscle strength recovered, 8 cases of grade 5, 3 cases of grade 4, 1 case of grade 3, 1 case of grade 2, and 2 cases of grade 0 after surgery. The difference was statistically significant ( Z=3.27, P<0.001). On the other hand, in sensory function assessment, there were 8 cases of grade S5, 1 case of grade S4, 3 cases of grade S3, 1 case of grade S2 and 2 cases of grade S0 after surgery. Conclusion:3D image fusion of enhanced CT and MRN can accurately locate and characterize pelvic fractures combined with lumbosacral plexus injury before surgery, accurately guide the formulation of surgical plan, and reduce surgical trauma and related complications.

Pelvic fixation for posterior lumbosacral hemivertebra resection and long fusion in adult spinal deformity / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To evaluate whether pelvic fixation is needed in patients undergoing posterior lumbosacral hemivertebra (LSHV) resection and long fusion.Methods:All 32 adult spinal deformity patients with posterior hemivertebra (HV) resection and long segment fixation treated from April 2005 to August 2019 were analyzed retrospectively, including 12 males and 20 females with a mean age of 32.9±8.8 years. According to the state of coronal balance distance (CBD), there were 15 cases of type A (preoperative CBD≤ 30 mm), 1 case of type B (preoperative CBD>30 mm and C 7 plumb line offset to the concave side), and 16 cases of type C (preoperative CBD>30 mm and C 7 plumb line offset to the convex side). The clinical and imaging data before operation, immediately after operation and at the last follow-up were collected, and the short-term and long-term complications related to operation were recorded. The improvement of Cobb angle and coronal balance of primary curve and compensatory curve were evaluated on the whole spine frontal and lateral X-ray films, and the change of coronal balance type after operation was evaluated. According to the mode of distal internal fixation, the patients were divided into two groups: PF group (pelvic fixation): distal fixation to iliac or sacroiliac; NPF group (non-pelvic fixation): distal fixation to L 5 or S 1. Results:All 32 patients were followed up with an average time of 3.9±2.6 years (range 2-11 years). The Cobb angle of primary curve in PF and NPF groups were 42.6°±13.5° and 41.3°±10.9° respectively before operation, and corrected to 13.1°±5.4° and 17.7°±5.8° respectively after operation. It maintained at 13.4°±5.1°and 18.5°±6.7° in the two groups at the last follow-up, respectively ( FPF=32.58, FNPF=28.64, P<0.001). The correction rates were 69.3%±11.8% and 57.6%±10.3%, respectively ( t=2.14, P=0.012). The compensatory curves of in the two groups were corrected from 54.9°±14.8° and 46.8°±13.6° before operation to 17.3°±9.6° and 15.4°±8.4° after operation. It also maintained at 18.5°±8.8°and 17.6°±9.5° in the two groups at the last follow-up, respectively ( FPF=42.97, FNPF=38.56, P<0.001). The correction rates were 68.4%±16.7% and 67.2%±14.9%, respectively ( t=0.17, P=0.849) in the two groups. In PF group, the primary and compensatory curve were similar (69.3%±11.8% vs. 68.4%±16.7%, t=0.15, P=0.837), while the correction rate of compensatory curve in NPF group was significantly higher than that of the primary curve (67.2%±14.9% vs. 57.6%±10.3%, t=2.13, P=0.013). Coronal decompensation occurred in 12 patients (12/32, 37.5%). The CBD in PF and NPF groups was corrected from 33.3±11.2 mm and 28.8±8.1 mm preoperatively to 18.5±3.5 mm and 27.1±6.8 mm postoperatively, respectively, and it showed no significant change at the last follow-up ( FPF=41.61, P<0.001; FNPF=0.38, P=0.896). While the CBD in PF group was significantly better than that in NPF group ( t=3.23, P=0.002; t=2.94, P=0.008). The incidence of coronal decompensation in PF group was 0%, which was significantly lower than 50% (12/24) in NPF group (χ 2=6.40, P=0.014). In addition, 6 cases in PF group were type C coronal decompensation before operation, and the coronal balance was corrected to type A after surgery (100%). Among 10 patients with type C coronal decompensation in NFP, 4 (40%) patients returned to type A after operation, and the difference was statistically significant (6/6 vs. 4/10, χ 2=5.76, P=0.034). Conclusion:Coronal decompensation (12/32, 37.5%) is not rare in patients after posterior LSHV resection and long fusion. Attention should be paid to the match of the corrections between lumbosacral deformity and compensatory curve, which is of great significance in coronal balance reconstruction. Pelvic fixation is helpful to reduce the incidence of postoperative coronal decompensation, especially for the type C patients.

Using a consensus acupoints regimen to explore the relationship between acupuncture sensation and lumbar spinal postoperative analgesia: A retrospective analysis of prospective clinical cooperation / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#This study evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment on postoperative pain in patients with degenerative lumbar spine disease, and explored the relationship between the postoperative analgesic effect of acupuncture and the sensation of acupuncture experienced by the patients.@*METHODS@#This retrospective study analyzed the medical records of 97 patients who had undergone an operation by the same surgeon due to degenerative lumbar disease. These patients were divided into acupuncture group (n = 32), patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) group (n = 27), and oral analgesia group (n = 38) according to the different postoperative analgesic methods. During their hospitalization, patients completed daily evaluations of their pain using a visual analogue scale (VAS), and injection times of supplemental meperidine were recorded. Also, the Chinese version of the Massachusetts General Hospital Acupuncture Sensation Scale (C-MASS) was used in the acupuncture group.@*RESULTS@#Each of the three treatment groups showed significant reductions in postoperative pain, as shown by reduced VAS scores. The acupuncture group, however, had less rebound pain (P < 0.05) than the other two groups. Both the acupuncture and PCA groups experienced acute analgesic effects that were superior to those in the oral analgesia group. In addition, the higher the C-MASS index on the second day after surgery, the lower the VAS score on the fourth day after surgery. There was also a significant difference in the "dull pain" in the acupuncture sensation.@*CONCLUSION@#The results demonstrated that acupuncture was beneficial for postoperative pain and discomfort after simple surgery for degenerative spinal disease. It is worth noting that there was a disproportionate relevance between the patient's acupuncture sensation and the improvement of pain VAS score.

Current results of conventional lumbar arthrodesis / Resultados atuais da artrodese lombar convencional / Resultados actuales de la artrodesis lumbar convencional

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the peri- and postoperative results and clinical repercussions in patients undergoing decompression surgery and single-level lumbar arthrodesis using the traditional technique (OTLIF) and to compare with the results of minimally invasive techniques (MITLIF) described in the literature. Methods: Our sample consisted of 22 patients who underwent TLIF surgery using the open technique (OTLIF) in the period October 2019 to January 2021, in our hospital. We compared the patients' functional clinical results using the Oswestry scale in the preoperative period and 15 days after surgery, analyzed variables related to the perioperative period: surgery time, length of hospital stay, blood loss, use of a suction drain, and admission to the ICU, and compared these with the results reported in the literature for patients treated by the MITLIF technique. Results: The average age was 48.95 years and the most operated level was L4-L5 (55%). The average surgery time was 112.63 min. We did not use a suction drain in the postoperative period, there was no need for a blood transfusion in any patient, and no patient was admitted to the ICU. The average hospital stay was 1 day. Regarding the Oswestry Disability Index, the mean preoperative score was 44.73 and after 15 days, it was 24.05. Conclusions: surgical treatment using the OTLIF technique for single-level lumbar degenerative disease showed largely positive results, with improvement in disability scores, short hospital stay and low incidence of complications. When properly indicated, OTLIF is an excellent and safe option for the treatment of degenerative lumbar disease. Level of evidence IV; Case series study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar resultados e repercussões clínicas precoces no peri e pós-operatório de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de descompressão e artrodese lombar de um nível pela técnica tradicional (OTLIF) e comparar com resultados das técnicas minimamente invasivas (MITLIF) descritos na literatura. Métodos: Nossa amostra foi composta por 22 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de TLIF pela técnica aberta (OTLIF) no período de outubro/2019 a janeiro/2021 em nosso hospital. Comparamos os resultados clínicos funcionais dos pacientes pela escala de Oswestry no pré-operatório e 15 dias de depois da cirurgia e analisamos variáveis relacionadas com o período perioperatório, a saber, tempo de cirurgia, tempo de internação hospitalar, perda de sangue, uso de dreno e internação em UTI, e comparamos com os resultados da literatura em pacientes tratados pela técnica MITLIF. Resultados: A média de idade foi de 48,95 anos e o nível mais abordado foi L4-L5 (55%). O tempo operatório médio foi de 112,63 minutos. Não utilizamos dreno no pós-operatório, não houve necessidade de transfusão de sangue em nenhum paciente e nenhum deles foi internado em UTI. O tempo médio de internação hospitalar foi de um (1) dia. Com relação ao Índice de Incapacidade de Oswestry, a pontuação pré-operatória média foi de 44,73 e depois de 15 dias foi de 24,05. Conclusões: O tratamento cirúrgico pela técnica OTLIF na doença degenerativa lombar de um nível apresentou resultados amplamente positivos, com melhora nos escores de incapacidade, baixo tempo de internação e baixa incidência de complicações. Quando bem indicada, a OTLIF é uma opção excelente e segura para o tratamento da doença degenerativa lombar. Nível de evidência IV; Série de casos.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar resultados y repercusiones clínicas precoces perioperatorias y postoperatorias de pacientes sometidos a cirugía de descompresión y artrodesis de un nivel por técnica tradicional (OTLIF); y compararlos con resultados de las técnicas mínimamente invasivas (MITLIF) descritos en la literatura. Métodos: Nuestra muestra fue formada por 22 pacientes sometidos a cirugía TLIF por técnica abierta (OTLIF), en el período comprendido entre octubre/2019 y enero/2021 en nuestro hospital. Se compararon los resultados clínicos funcionales de los pacientes mediante escala de Oswestry en preoperatorio y después de 15 días de cirugía y, analizaron las variables relacionadas al perioperatorio como tiempo de cirugía, tiempo de internación, pérdida de sangre, uso de drenaje e internación en UCI y se compararon con resultados de la literatura de pacientes tratados por la técnica MITLIF. Resultados: La media de edad fue de 48,95 años y nivel más abordado fue L4-L5 (55%). El tiempo promedio de operación fue 112,63 minutos. No se utilizó drenaje en el postoperatorio, no hubo necesidad de transfusión de sangre en ningún paciente y ninguno de ellos fue ingresado en la UCI. El tiempo promedio de internación fue 1 día. Con respecto al Índice de Discapacidad de Oswestry, la puntuación preoperatoria media fue 44,73 y después de 15 días, 24,05. Conclusiones: El tratamiento quirúrgico por técnica OTLIF en la enfermedad degenerativa lumbar de un nivel presentó resultados ampliamente positivos, con mejora en los escores de discapacidad, bajo tiempo de internación y baja incidencia de complicaciones. Bien indicada, OTLIF es una excelente y segura opción para el tratamiento de la enfermedad degenerativa lumbar. Nivel de evidencia IV; Serie de casos.

Artrodesis lumbosacra en trabajadores de la construcción. Reinserción laboral / Lumbosacral arthrodesis in construction workers. Return to work

Resumen La enfermedad degenerativa del raquis es la causa más frecuente de lumbalgia y ciática en la población general provocando ausentismo, lo que incrementa el gasto en salud de los distintos subsistemas, así como el gasto del empleador quien deberá suplantar al trabajador. Su incidencia aumenta en personas sometidas a tareas de sobrecarga del raquis, como el caso de obreros de la construcción. La artrodesis instrumentada es una práctica frecuente y con resultados satisfactorios para su resolución. No hemos encon trado publicaciones con datos estadísticos locales sobre este tema. El objetivo fue evaluar el impacto laboral que genera la artrodesis lumbosacra instrumentada en trabajadores de la construcción. Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, comparativo y monocéntrico, entre enero de 2005 y agosto de 2018, de trabajadores de la construcción con artrodesis del segmento lumbosacro por lumbalgia de origen degenerativo con evaluación y seguimiento clínico e imagenológico por un periodo de 18 a 24 meses, utilizando el Índice de Discapacidad de Oswestry (IDO) y la Escala Visual Analógica del Dolor (EVA). Se analizó la muestra en grupos según las funciones al momento del retorno laboral, jubilación o despido. Se evaluaron 139 pacientes (mediana 42 años). El 66.9% de la muestra no tuvo complicaciones postoperatorias y retomó la misma actividad prequirúrgica. Los puntajes de IDO y EVA postquirúrgicos fueron peores en los pacientes despedidos, jubilados y/o recalificados. Los menores de 42 años, sin complicaciones postoperatorias que mejoran más de 1 categoría del Oswestry retomaron sus tareas habituales con resultados satisfactorios a mediano y largo plazo.

Abstract Degenerative spinal disease is the leading cause of low back pain and sciatica in the general population. It is an important cause of absenteeism and increased expenses. Its incidence increases in people subjected to tasks that overload the spine, such as construction workers. Instrumented arthrodesis is a frequent practice with satisfactory results for its resolution. To date, in our country, we haven´t found statistical data on this group of work-related patients. Our objective was to evaluate laboral impact generated by instrumented lumbosacral arthrodesis in construction workers. We did a retrospective, descriptive, comparative and monocentric study. Construction workers' patients with degenerative low back pain and instrumented lumbar or lumbosacral arthrodesis who were operated between January 2005 to August 2018 were included. Clinical and imaging evaluation and follow-up for a period of 18 to 24 months. Assessed with the Oswestry Disability Index (IDO) and the Visual Analog Pain Scale (VAS). The sample was analyzed in groups according to the functions at the time of returning to work, retirement or dismissal. We evaluated 139 patients. Mean age 42 years, degenerative spinal disease of the lumbosacral segment, 66.9% of the sample without postoperative complications resumed the same pre-surgical activity. Post-surgical IDO and VAS scores were worse in patients discharged, retired, and/or requalified. Patients under 42 years of age, without postoperative complications who improved more than 1 Oswestry category, returned to their usual tasks with satisfactory results in the medium and long term.

Terapia manual e exercícios de ampliação de canais versus fisioterapia convencional em estenose lombar - um protocolo de estudo / Manual therapy and canal enlargement exercises versus conventional physiotherapy in lumbar stenosis ­ a study protocol

INTRODUÇÃO: A estenose do canal lombar (ECL) é conhecida como a razão bem estabelecida de dor e capacidade de marcha reduzida em pacientes com manifestações de parestesia e dor na parte inferior das costas, região glútea, coxa posterior e pernas, denominadas 'Claudicação Neurogênica' (NC). A terapia manual combinada com exercícios de alargamento do canal e fisioterapia convencional pode ser considerada na erradicação dos sintomas de dor e NC, melhorando assim a qualidade de vida. MÉTODOS E MATERIAIS: Pacientes com LCS com canal de diâmetro de 8-12 mm no nível de L 4 e abaixo serão recrutados para este estudo por meio do método de randomização em Bloco. Eles serão randomizados em dois grupos de intervenção: grupos Terapia Manual e Alargamento dos Canais (MTCE) (n = 16) e Fisioterapia Convencional (Cp) (n = 16). O grupo MTCE receberá terapia manual e exercícios de alargamento do canal, enquanto o grupo Cp receberá apenas fisioterapia convencional. Ambos os grupos de intervenção receberão 3 dias de tratamento por semana durante 4 semanas. O questionário de deficiência de Oswestry modificado (MODI), diâmetro do canal ântero-posterior (AP), escala numérica de dor (NPRS) e distância de claudicação (CD) serão usados para a avaliação. O índice de deficiência de Oswestry modificado, diâmetro do canal AP, NPRS, distância de claudicação e SLR serão medidos no início e após a intervenção. DISCUSSÃO: Os resultados desta pesquisa ditarão a aplicabilidade da terapia manual com um protocolo de exercícios de alargamento do canal na dor e incapacidade funcional em pacientes com SCL.

INTRODUCTION: Lumbar Canal Stenosis (LCS) is known as the well-established reason for pain and depleted walking capacity in patients with manifestations of paresthesia and pain in the lower back, gluteal region, posterior thigh, and legs which are termed as 'Neurogenic Claudication' (NC). Manual therapy combined with canal enlargement exercises and conventional physiotherapy may be considered in eradicating pain and NC symptoms, hence improving the quality of life. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients with LCS with canal diameter 8-12 mm at the level of L4 and below will be recruited for this study. Through the Block randomization method, they will be randomized into two interventional groups: Manual Therapy & Canal Enlargement (MTCE) (n=16) and Conventional Physiotherapy (Cp) (n=16) groups. MTCE group will receive manual therapy and canal enlargement exercises, while the Cp group will receive only conventional physiotherapy. Both interventional groups will receive 3 days of treatment per week for 4 weeks. Modified Oswestry Disability questionnaire (MODI), AnteroPosterior (AP) canal diameter, Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and Claudication Distance (CD) will be used for the evaluation. In addition, modified Oswestry Disability Index, AP canal Diameter, NPRS, Claudication distance, an SLR will be measured at baseline and post-intervention. DISCUSSION: The results of this research will dictate the applicability of manual therapy with an exercise protocol of canal enlargement exercises on pain and functional disability in patients with LCS.

Origin and distribution of the lumbosacral plexus anatomy in van cats / Origen y distribución de la anatomía del plexo lumbosacro en gatos van

SUMMARY: The innervation of the pelvic limbs of the Van cat is investigated in this research. The origins of the nerves, the innervated muscles and nerve diameters were shown in a table. Five cat cadavers were used in the study. The pudendal nerve originated from the S1-S2 spinal nerves. The femoral nerve consisted of the ventral branches of the 5th and 6th lumbar nerves in 4 cats The ischiatic nerve was composed of the 6th and 7th lumbar (L6-L7) and S1 spinal nerves in all cadavers. The ischiatic nerve was the thickest branch of sacral plexus (the average diameter on the right side was 3.31 ± 0.27 mm and the average diameter on the left side was 3.28 ± 0.29 mm). The lumbosacral plexus was formed by the ventral branches of the L4-S3 spinal nerves. N.genitofemoralis consisted of only the ventral branches of L4 in all cadavers. N. femoralis did not give rise to a branch to the m. iliopsoas. N.plantaris lateralis was found to give a branch to the 3th finger. The quadriceps femoris muscles did not take any branches from either the ischiadicus nerve or the pudendal nerve. The obturator nerve did not receive any branches from the L4 spinal nerves. There was no branch to the skin from the caudal gluteal nerve. The thinnest nerve was the pudendal nerve. Due to the scarcity of studies on the lumbosacral plexus of cats, it is thought that this study will complete a gap in the field of veterinary anatomy.

RESUMEN: En esta investigación se estudió la inervación de los miembros pélvicos del gato Van. Los orígenes de los nervios, los músculos inervados y los diámetros de los nervios son mostrados en una tabla. En el estudio se utilizaron cinco cadáveres de gatos. En cuatro gatosel nervio pudendo se originaba a partir de los nervios espinales S1-S2. El nervio femoral consistió en los ramos ventrales de los nervios lumbares quinto y sexto. El nervio isquiático estaba compuesto por los nervios espinales sexto y séptimo lumbar (L6-L7) y S1 en todos los cadáveres. El nervio isquiático era el ramo más grueso del plexo sacro (el diámetro medio del lado derecho medía de 3,31 ± 0,27 mm y el diámetro medio izquierdo 3,28 ± 0,29 mm). El plexo lumbosacro estaba formado por los ramos ventrales de los nervios espinales L4-S3. N. genitofemoralis constaba solo de las ramas ventrales de L4 en todos los cadáveres. N. femoralis no dio lugar a un ramo a la m. iliopsoas. Los músculos del cuádriceps femoral no tomaron ningún ramo ni del nervio isquiático ni del nervio pudendo. El nervio obturador no recibió ramos de los nervios espinales L4. No existían ramos a la piel desde el nervio glúteo caudal. El nervio más delgado fue el nervio pudendo. Debido a la escasez de estudios sobre el plexo lumbosacro de los gatos, este estudio completará un vacío en el campo de la anatomía veterinaria.

Prevalencia de enfermedad osteomioarticular lumbosacras y miembros inferiores en auxiliares de enfermería / Prevalence of lumbosacral and lower limb osteomyoarticular pathologies in nursing assistants / Prevalência de doença osteomioarticular lombossacral e de membros inferiores em auxiliares de enfermagem

RESUMEN Introducción: Los trabajadores de la salud se enfrentan permanentemente a labores complejas que afectan la región lumbar y miembros inferiores. Objetivo: Identificar la prevalencia de enfermedad osteomioarticular lumbosacras y miembros inferiores en auxiliares de enfermería Método: Se realizó un estudio epidemiológico, descriptivo y transversal en una muestra de 46 auxiliares del Distrito 18D04 de salud de Tungurahua, Ecuador. El instrumento aplicado fue un cuestionario para indagar variables sociodemográficas, antigüedad en el sector, horarios, tipos y tiempo de exposición a las labores habituales. Se utilizó la prueba estadística Chi-cuadrado, la paramétrica de correlación de Pearson y la prueba t de Student. Resultados: El 85 % de los estudiados presentó enfermedades lumbosacras y miembros inferiores durante el tiempo de trabajo, se apreció que el 39 % ha tenido una baja temporal al trabajo entre 1-3 días. Se identificó que la carga de peso es realizada por un 37 % y caminatas prolongadas en un 33 %. El 67 % tenía entre 11 y 40 años de trabajo y el resto menos de 10 años en el sector. El 54 % padeció enfermedades pertenecientes a miembros inferiores y un 46 % a lumbosacras. Conclusiones: El padecimiento de enfermedad osteomioarticular lumbosacras y miembros inferiores está relacionado con la edad y con padecerlas en los últimos doce meses, estas han provocado ausentismo laboral. No se comprobó una relación estadísticamente significativa con el padecimiento de enfermedad osteomioarticular con la antigüedad en el sector, las jornadas de trabajo y las actividades que más desarrollan.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Health care workers are constantly confronted with complex tasks that affect the lumbar region and lower limbs. Objective: To identify the prevalence of lumbosacral and lower limb osteomyoarticular pathologies in nursing assistants. Method: An epidemiological, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in the 18D04 health district of Tungurahua, Ecuador. A total of 46 nursing assistants were selected in this study. We aimed a questionnaire to assess the sociodemographic variables, seniority in the health sector, time schedules, modes and time of exposure to the usual work. Chi-square test, Pearson's parametric correlation test, and the Student's t-test were used. Results: Most nursing assistants, the 85%, were diagnosed with lumbosacral and lower limb pathologies, and 39% took a temporary absence from work between 1-3 days. It was found that 37 % performed the heavy load work and 33% performed prolonged walks. The 67% had between 11 and 40 years of work and the rest had less than 10 years in the health sector. Fifty-four percent suffered from lower limb pathologies and 46% from lumbosacral pathologies. Conclusions: Lumbosacral and lower limb osteomyoarticular pathology is related to age, and their suffering in the last 12 months has led to a level of absenteeism in the workplace. There was no an important relationship, statistically, between osteomyoarticular pathology and seniority in the sector, working hours and the activities most frequently performed.

RESUMO Introdução: Os trabalhadores da saúde enfrentam constantemente tarefas complexas que afetam a região lombar e membros inferiores. Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência de doenças osteomioarticulares lombossacrais e de membros inferiores em auxiliares de enfermagem. Método: Estudo epidemiológico, descritivo e transversal em uma amostra de 46 auxiliares do Distrito Sanitário 18D04 de Tungurahua, Equador. O instrumento aplicado foi um questionário para investigar variáveis sociodemográficas, antiguidade no setor, horário, tipos e tempo de exposição a tarefas normais. Foram utilizados o teste estatístico Qui-quadrado, correlação paramétrica de Pearson e teste t de Student. Resultados: 85% dos estudados apresentaram doenças lombossacrais e de membros inferiores durante o tempo de trabalho, observou-se que 39% tiveram afastamento temporário do trabalho entre 1-3 dias. Identificou-se que a descarga de peso é realizada por 37% e as caminhadas prolongadas por 33%. 67% tinham entre 11 e 40 anos de trabalho e o restante menos de 10 anos no setor. 54% sofreram doenças pertencentes aos membros inferiores e 46% lombossacral. Conclusões: O sofrimento da doença osteomioarticular lombossacral e de membros inferiores está relacionado à idade e com o sofrimento nos últimos doze meses, estes têm causado absenteísmo ao trabalho. Não foi verificada relação estatisticamente significativa entre o sofrimento de doença osteomioarticular e o tempo de permanência no setor, a jornada de trabalho e as atividades que mais desenvolvem.

Application of magnetic resonance neurography in the treatment of pelvic fracture with lumbosacral plexus injury / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the application value of magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) in pelvic fractures with lumbosacral plexus injury.Methods:From January 2014 to June 2020, data of 9 patients with pelvic fractures combined with lumbosacral plexus injury who were diagnosed with MRN and were performed surgical treatment were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, there were 8 males and 1 female, aged from 18 to 54 years, with an average age of 40.6±11.0 years. There were 2 fresh fractures within 3 weeks and 7 old pelvic fractures in 9 patients. According to AO classification, there were 6 cases of C1.3 type, 3 cases of C3 type. According to Denis classification of sacral fracture, there were 8 cases of Denis II type, 1 case of Denis III. Gibbons classification of nerve injury: 2 cases of grade II, 4 cases of grade III, 3 cases of grade IV; According to the criteria by the Nervous Injury Committee of British Medical Research Council (BMRC): 2 cases of M1, 3 cases of M2, 2 cases of M3, 2 cases of M4. Before the operation, the MRN technology was used to accurately locate the location and extent of the lumbosacral nerve injury, and nerve exploration release or internal fixation combined with nerve exploration release was employed for treatment.Results:All 9 patients underwent surgery successfully. The operation time ranged from 150 to 360 min, with an average of 217.8±63.8 min; intraoperative blood loss ranged from 200 to 1 100 ml, with an average of 388.9±293.4 ml. All patients were followed up for 21.6±19.3 months. All the fractures were healed, and the healing time was 12.7±2.2 months (range, 10-18 months). At the last follow-up, Gibbons classification of nerve injury: 3 cases of grade I, 5 cases of grade II, and 1 case of grade III. According to the criteria of BMRC: the muscle strength achieved M5 in 6 cases, M4 in 2 cases, M3 in 1 case. One patient developed a urinary system infection 2 months after discharge and recovered after treatment.Conclusion:MRN technique can assist the surgeon to fully understand the compression and traction damage of the lumbosacral nerve by the fracture before the operation, and make clear qualitative and localized diagnosis of the nerve damage, making the operation more precise and minimally invasive, which is a supplement to the traditional diagnosis method of lumbosacral plexus injury.

Lumbar and para-iliac hernias: an alternative technique / Hérnias lombares e para-ilíacas: uma alternativa técnica

ABSTRACT Lumbar and para-iliac hernias are rare and occur after removal of an iliac bone graft, nephrectomies, retroperitoneal aortic surgery, or after blunt trauma to the abdomen. The incidence of hernia after the removal of these grafts ranges from 0.5 to 10%. These hernias are a problem that surgeons will face, since bone grafts from the iliac crest are being used more routinely. The goal of this article was to report the technique to correct these complex hernias, using the technique of fixing the propylene mesh to the iliac bone and the result of this approach. In the period of 5 years, 165 patients were treated at the complex hernia service, 10 (6%) with hernia in the supra-iliac and lumbar region, managed with the technique of fixing the mesh to the iliac bone with correction of the failure. During the mean follow-up of 33 months (minimum of 2 and maximum of 48 months), there was no recurrence of the hernias.

RESUMO Hérnias lombares e para-ilíacas são raras e ocorrem após a retirada de enxerto ósseo ilíaco, nefrectomias, cirurgia aórtica retroperitoneal, ou ainda, após traumas contusos sobre o abdômen. A incidência de hérnia após a retirada destes enxertos varia de 0,5 a 10%. Essas hérnias constituem um problema com o qual os cirurgiões irão se defrontar, uma vez que os enxertos ósseos da crista ilíaca estão sendo usados mais rotineiramente. O objetivo desse artigo foi relatar a técnica para correção dessas hérnias, consideradas complexas, utilizando-se a técnica de fixação de tela de propileno ao osso ilíaco e o resultado dessa abordagem. No período de 5 anos, 165 pacientes foram atendidos no serviço de hérnias complexas, 10 (6%) com hérnia da região suprailíaca e lombar, manejados com a técnica de fixação de tela ao osso ilíaco corrigindo a falha. Durante o seguimento médio de 33 meses (mínimo de 2 e máximo de 48 meses), não houve recidiva das hérnias.

Analysis of the reliability of the lee classification for lumbar disc herniations / Análise da confiabilidade da classificação de lee para hérnias de discos lombares / Análisis de la confiabilidad de la clasificación de lee para hernias de discos lumbares

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the intra- and interobserver reliability of the Lee et al. classification for migrated lumbar disc herniations. Methods In 2018, Ahn Y. et al. demonstrated the accuracy of this classification for radiologists. However, magnetic resonance images are often interpreted by orthopedists. Thus, a cross-sectional study was conducted by evaluating the magnetic resonance images of 82 patients diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation. The images were evaluated by 4 physicians, 3 of whom were spinal orthopedic specialists and 1 of whom was a radiologist. The intra- and interobserver analysis was conducted using the percentage of concordance and the Kappa method. Results The report of the classifications used by the four observers had a higher proportion of "zone 3" and "zone 4" type classifications in both evaluation moments. The most affected anatomical levels were L5-S1 (48.2%) and L4-L5 (41.4%). The intra- and interobserver concordance, when comparing both moments evaluation of the complementary examinations of the participants involved, was classified as moderate and very good. Conclusions Lee's classification presented moderate to very good intra- and interobserver reliability for the evaluation of migrated lumbar disc herniation. Level of evidence II; Retrospective Study.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a confiabilidade intra e interobservador da classificação de Lee et al. para hérnias migradas de disco lombar. Métodos Ahn Y et al., em 2018, demonstraram a acurácia dessa classificação para radiologistas. Entretanto, as imagens de ressonância magnética são muitas vezes interpretadas por ortopedistas. Sendo assim, foi realizado um estudo transversal por meio da avaliação de exames de ressonância magnética de 82 casos diagnosticados com hérnia de disco lombar. As imagens foram avaliadas por quatro médicos, sendo três ortopedistas especialistas em cirurgia da coluna e um radiologista. Foi realizada a análise de confiabilidade intra e interobservador com o uso de porcentagem de concordância e do método Kappa. Resultados A relação das classificações utilizadas pelos quatro avaliadores tiveram, em sua maior proporção, as classificações tipo "zona 3" e "zona 4" em ambos os momentos de avaliação. Os níveis anatômicos mais acometidos foram L5-S1 (48,8%) e L4-L5 (41,4%). A concordância intra e interobservador, que comparou os dois momentos de avaliação dos exames complementares dos participantes envolvidos, obteve classificações de moderada a muito boa. Conclusões A classificação de Lee apresentou confiabilidade intra e interobservador moderada a muito boa para a avaliação de hérnia migrada de disco lombar. Nível de evidência II; Estudo Retrospectivo.

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar la confiabilidad intra e interobservador de la clasificación de Lee et al. para hernias migradas de disco lumbar. Métodos Ahn Y et al. en 2018, demostraron la exactitud de esa clasificación para los radiólogos. Entretanto, las imágenes de resonancia magnética son a menudo interpretadas por ortopedistas. Siendo así, fue realizado un estudio transversal a través de la evaluación de exámenes de resonancia magnética de 82 casos diagnosticados con hernia de disco lumbar. Las imágenes fueron evaluadas por cuatro médicos, siendo tres ortopedistas especialistas en cirugía de la columna y un radiólogo. Se realizó el análisis de confiabilidad intra e interobservador con el uso de porcentaje de concordancia y Método Kappa. Resultados La relación de las clasificaciones utilizadas por los cuatro evaluadores tuvieron, en su mayor proporción, las clasificaciones tipo "zona 3" y "zona 4" en ambos momentos de evaluación. Los niveles anatómicos más acometidos fueron L5-S1 (48,8%) y L4-L5 (41,4%). La concordancia intra e interobservador, que comparó los dos momentos de evaluación de los exámenes complementarios de los participantes involucrados, obtuvo clasificaciones de moderada a muy buena. Conclusiones La clasificación de Lee presentó confiabilidad intra e interobservador moderada a muy buena para la evaluación de hernia migrada discal lumbar. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudio Retrospectivo.

Facet joint degeneration in patients with lumbar disc herniation and probable determining factors / Degeneração facetária em pacientes com hérnia de disco lombar e prováveis fatores determinantes / Degeneración facetaria en pacientes con hernia de disco lumbar y probables factores determinantes

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate facet joint degeneration following surgical treatment in patients with lumbar disc herniation, seeking to correlate it with possible determining factors. Methods Cross-sectional observational study, which analyzed medical records, radiographs and magnetic resonance images of 287 patients with lumbar disc herniation treated surgically at the Spine Surgery Service of the Hospital Ortopédico de Passo Fundo. Information about age and sex was collected. In the imaging exams, the following variables were evaluated: facet joint angulation and its tropism, measured by the Karacan method, sacral slope and lumbar lordosis, measured by the Cobb method, arthrosis of the interfacetary joints, measured by the Weishaupt classification, and intervertebral disc degeneration, measured by the Pfirrmann classification. Results A statistically significant relationship was observed between facet joint degeneration and age (p = 0.002), and also between facet joint degeneration and sacral slope (p = 0.038). No correlation was found between facet joint degeneration and lumbar lordosis (p = 0.934). It was found that the most degenerated facet joints were those that had the greatest facet joint asymmetry (tropism). However, the mean degree of facet tropism did not increase homogeneously with the progression of the joint degeneration score (p = 0.380). Conclusion It was verified that there are, in fact, a multiplicity of factors related to the degree of facet joint degeneration in the low lumbar spine. Additional studies, correlated with the asymmetry of the facet joints, would be important to elucidate better preventive management of this degeneration, aiming to avert secondary low back pain and sciatica with advancing age. Level of evidence II; Retrospective study.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a degeneração facetária em pacientes com hérnia de disco lombar tratados cirurgicamente, procurando correlacioná-la com possíveis fatores determinantes. Métodos Estudo observacional do tipo transversal, que analisou prontuários, radiografias e ressonâncias magnéticas de 287 pacientes com hérnia de disco lombar, tratados cirurgicamente no Serviço de Cirurgia da Coluna do Hospital Ortopédico de Passo Fundo. Foram coletadas informações sobre idade e sexo. Nos exames de imagem, foram avaliadas as seguintes variáveis: angulação facetária e seu tropismo, mensurada pelo método de Karacan, inclinação sacral e lordose lombar, medidas pelo método de Cobb, artrose das articulações interfacetárias, pela classificação de Weishaupt e degeneração do disco intervertebral, pela classificação de Pfirrmann. Resultados Foi verificada relação estatisticamente significativa entre degeneração facetária e idade (p = 0,002), assim como entre degeneração facetária e inclinação sacral (p = 0,038). Não foi encontrada correlação entre degeneração facetária e lordose lombar (p = 0,934). Constatou-se que as articulações facetárias mais degeneradas eram as que tinham maior assimetria facetária (tropismo). Porém, a média do grau de tropismo facetário não aumentou de forma homogênea com a progressão do escore de degeneração da articulação (p = 0,380). Conclusões Verificou-se que há, de fato, uma multiplicidade de fatores relacionados com o grau de degeneração facetária da coluna lombar baixa. Estudos adicionais correlacionados com a assimetria das referidas articulações seriam importantes para elucidarmos uma conduta preventiva melhor para a referida degeneração, objetivando evitar lombalgia e ciatalgia secundárias à medida que a idade avança. Nível de evidência II; Estudo retrospectivo .

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar la degeneración facetaria en pacientes con hernia de disco lumbar tratados quirúrgicamente, buscando correlacionarla con posibles factores determinantes. Métodos Estudio observacional del tipo transversal, que analizó historiales, radiografías y resonancias magnéticas de 287 pacientes con hernia de disco lumbar, tratados quirúrgicamente en el Servicio de Cirugía de la Columna del Hospital Ortopédico de Passo Fundo. Fueron colectadas informaciones sobre edad y sexo. En los exámenes de imagen, se evaluaron las siguientes variables: angulación facetaria y su tropismo, medida por el método de Karacan, inclinación sacral y lordosis lumbar, medidas por el método de Cobb, artrosis de las articulaciones interfacetarias, por la clasificación de Weishaupt, y degeneración del disco intervertebral, por medio de la clasificación de Pfirrmann. Resultados Se verificó relación estadísticamente significativa entre degeneración facetaria y edad (p = 0,002), así como entre degeneración facetaria e inclinación sacral (p = 0,038). No se encontró correlación entre degeneración facetaria y lordosis lumbar (p = 0,934). Se constató que las articulaciones facetarias más degeneradas eran las que tenían mayor asimetría facetaria (tropismo). Sin embargo, el promedio del grado de tropismo facetario no aumentó de forma homogénea con la progresión del score de degeneración de la articulación (p = 0,380). Conclusiones Se verificó que hay, de hecho, una multiplicidad de factores relacionados con el grado de degeneración facetaria de la columna lumbar baja. Estudios adicionales correlacionados con la asimetría de las referidas articulaciones serían importantes para que elucidemos una mejor conducta preventiva para la referida degeneración, con el objetivo de evitar lumbalgia e ciatalgia secundarias, a medida que la edad avanza. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudio retrospectivo.

Development of a lumbosacral intervertebral cage prototype for dogs / Desenvolvimento de um protótipo de cage intervertebral lombossacro para cães

Several surgical procedures aim to decompress and/or stabilize the lumbosacral (LS) joint of dogs; however, the lumbar interbody fusion technique, by using a cage combined with a bone graft, is the most indicated and used in human medicine. No specific implant is available for application to the canine lumbosacral joint. Thus, this study measured lumbosacral discs in large dogs, determined whether a human cage model could fit the dogs' L7-S1 intervertebral space, and developed a LS cage prototype for dogs. Ten cadaveric lumbosacral spines from adult dog weighing 20-35kg were used. The dogs had died for reasons unrelated to this study. The vertebral body dimensions and the L7-S1 intervertebral space occupied by the intervertebral disc were measured by lateral and ventrodorsal radiographs and by computed tomography in the dorsal, sagittal, and transverse views. Measurements were also taken of the anatomical specimens in the sagittal and transverse planes. After measuring the intervertebral discs, the following mean measures were obtained for L7-S1 discs: height 12.23mm, dorsal thickness 3.3mm, central thickness 4mm, ventral thickness 5.5mm, and width 24.74mm. The human lumbar cage models from brands LDR, Baumer Orthopedics, Stryker, Synthes, and Vertebral Technologies, Inc. and cervical stabilization cages from the brands B-Braun and Stryker were evaluated and were found to be unsuitable for large dogs. Cervical human cages had measurements similar to those found in this study; however, due to their quadrangular shape, the possibility of being introduced surgically through the surgical accesses available for the articulation between L7-S1 in dogs without injuring the cauda equina or the L7 root is small. A cage model was then developed using 3D modelling software. It was designed for insertion via dorsal laminectomy in the lateral portions of the intervertebral space. To avoid cauda equina lesion, the implant model was developed to be placed laterally to the midline. The cage surface is serrated to prevent using the locking screw to fix it, thus avoiding further injury to nerve structures. The serrated surfaces are also designed to avoid cage migration and promote stability. The prototype allows graft placement in the surrounding intervertebral space, which is fundamental for fusion through integration between the cage and the endplates as well as for bone growth between and around the cage. It was also considered studies on humans showing that the lateral regions of the endplates support a more considerable load. Biomechanical and in vivo studies on the developed model are necessary to evaluate the actual degree of distraction, mobility and the long-term rate of fusion between L7 and S1 and its possible impact on the adjacent motor units, combined or not with dorsal fixation techniques.(AU)

Vários procedimentos cirúrgicos visam descomprimir e/ou estabilizar a articulação lombossacra (LS) de cães; no entanto, a técnica de fusão lombar, usando um cage intersomático combinado com um enxerto ósseo, é a mais indicada e utilizada na medicina humana. Não há implante específico disponível para aplicação na articulação lombossacra canina. Assim, neste estudo foi realizada a mensuração do espaço do disco intervertebral lombossacro de cães de raças grandes, para verificar se algum modelo de cage usado na medicina humana poderia ser usado no espaço intervertebral L7-S1 de cães. O segundo objetivo foi desenvolver um protótipo de cage lombossacro para cães. Foram utilizadas dez colunas lombossacras provenientes de cadáveres de cães adultos com peso entre 20 e 35kg. Os cães vieram a óbito por razões não relacionadas a este estudo. As dimensões do corpo vertebral e o espaço intervertebral L7-S1 ocupado pelo disco intervertebral foram medidos por radiografias laterais e ventrodorsais e por tomografia computadorizada nos cortes dorsal, sagital e transversal. Também foram realizadas mensurações das peças anatômicas nos planos sagital e transversal. Após a mensuração dos discos intervertebrais, foram obtidas as seguintes medidas médias dos discos L7-S1: altura 12,23mm, espessura dorsal 3,3mm, espessura central 4mm, espessura ventral 5,5mm e largura 24,74mm. Os modelos de cage lombar humano das marcas LDR, Baumer Orthopaedics, Stryker, Synthes e Vertebral Technologies, Inc. não possuíam dimensões adequadas para os cães. Cages de estabilização cervical das marcas B-Braun e Stryker também foram avaliados e apresentaram medidas semelhantes às encontradas neste estudo; no entanto, devido à sua forma quadrangular, a possibilidade de serem introduzidos cirurgicamente através das abordagens disponíveis para a articulação entre L7-S1 em cães sem lesionar a cauda equina ou a raiz L7 é pequena. Um modelo de cage foi então desenvolvido usando-se o software de modelagem 3D. Foi projetado para inserção via laminectomia dorsal nas porções laterais do espaço intervertebral. Para evitar a lesão da cauda equina, o modelo de implante foi desenvolvido para ser colocado lateralmente à linha média. A superfície do cage é serrilhada para evitar o uso do parafuso de travamento, evitando-se lesões adicionais às estruturas nervosas. As superfícies serrilhadas também foram projetadas para evitar a migração do cage e promover estabilidade. O protótipo permite a colocação do enxerto no espaço intervertebral circundante, fundamental para a fusão através da integração entre o cage e as placas vertebrais terminais, bem como para o crescimento ósseo entre e ao redor do implante. Também foram considerados estudos em seres humanos que mostraram que as regiões laterais das placas vertebrais terminais suportam uma carga maior. São necessários estudos biomecânicos e in vivo do modelo desenvolvido para avaliar o grau real de distração, mobilidade e a taxa de fusão a longo prazo entre L7 e S1 e seu possível impacto nas unidades motoras adjacentes, quando combinado ou não com técnicas de fixação dorsal.(AU)