Peripheral nerve entrapments - rare causes of a common condition: case series

Compressive syndromes of peripheral nerves both in the upper and lower limbs are part of daily clinical practice; however, the etiological diagnosis can be challenging and impact on the outcome of the patient. We report five cases with rare etiologies of nerve entrapments: one in the lower limb and four in the upper limbs with the final diagnosis made only during the operation. The patients evolved without post-operative complications and had good outcomes. This series includes the first report of sciatic compression by a lipoma in the popliteal fossa, two lipomas one with compression of infraclavicular brachial plexus and another with compressing the posterior interosseous nerve, and two reports of vascular lesions due to blunt traumas, which are also uncommon. This series adds to the literature more hypotheses of differential diagnoses in nerve entrapments, which is fundamental to surgical decisions and pre-operative planning—and perhaps most importantly prevents wrong diagnosis of idiopathic compressions, which would lead to a completely wrong approach and unfavorable outcomes.

Síndrome del tunel radial. Hallazgos y tratamiento en 17 pacientes / Radial tunnel syndrome. Findings and treatment in 17 patients

Introducción: El síndrome del túnel radial es un cuadro que se debe al atrapamiento intermitente del nervio interóseo posterior entre la masa superficial y profunda del músculo supinador corto y estructuras adyacentes, como vasos y fascias. El propósito de este trabajo fue identificar las estructuras anatómicas que producían la eventual compresión, establecer y comunicar las diferencias en cuanto a la percepción subjetiva del dolor antes de la liberación del nervio interóseo posterior en el túnel radial y después de ella. Materiales y Métodos: Entre 2009 y 2014, 17 pacientes fueron sometidos a cirugía mediante liberación del nervio interóseo posterior. Se utilizó la vía de abordaje entre el primer radial externo y el supinador largo. Se evaluó a los pacientes mediante la escala analógica visual para intensidad del dolor antes de la cirugía y a las 6 semanas, y según los criterios funcionales de Roles y Maudsley. Resultados: Las causas de compresión del nervio interóseo posterior fueron: banda fibrosa (arcada de Frõhse) (7 casos), vasos recurrentes (4 casos), compresión por la masa del fascículo superficial del supinador corto (2 casos) y compresión por tendón del segundo radial externo (4 casos). Los resultados fueron excelentes (4 pacientes), buenos (10 pacientes) y regulares (3 pacientes). Los pacientes atendidos a través de la Aseguradora de Riesgos de Trabajo obtuvieron peores resultados que aquellos fuera de este sistema. Conclusiones: El síndrome del túnel radial es una patología que debe ser tenida en cuenta ante un cuadro de epicondilalgia lateral resistente al tratamiento; tiene una incidencia marcada en pacientes con conflicto laboral, lo que puede sesgar el resultado terapéutico final. Nivel de evidencia: IV.

Introduction: Radial tunnel syndrome is a condition secondary to the intermittent entrapment of the posterior interosseous nerve between superficial and deep mass of short supinator adjacent structures, such as vessels and fascias. The purpose of this study was to identify the anatomical structures that produce the eventual compression, to establish and communicate the differences in the subjective pain perception before and after the release of the posterior interosseous nerve in the radial tunnel. Methods: Between 2009 and 2014, 17 patients underwent surgical treatment by posterior interosseous nerve release. We used the approach between the first external radial and brachioradialis. Patients were assessed by visual analogue scale for pain intensity before surgery and at week 6, and according to the Roles and Maudsley functional criteria. Results: The causes of posterior interosseous nerve compression were fibrous band of short supinator (arcade of Frohse) (7 cases), recurrent vessels (4 cases), compression by the mass of the superficial portion of the short supinator muscle (2 cases) and secondary compression by extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon (4 cases). Results were excellent (4 patients), good (10 patients) and fair (3 patients). Patients treated through the Labor Risk Insurance had worse outcomes than those who were not covered by this system. Conclusions: Radial tunnel syndrome is a condition that must be taken into account when there is refractory lateral epicondylalgia. This disease has a marked effect in patients with labor conflict, which may bias the outcome of treatment. Level of evidence: IV.

Atrapamiento del nervio ciático en el espacio subglúteo: tratamiento endoscópico / Deep gluteal syndrome. Endoscopic treatment

Se ha sugerido el término síndrome de glúteo profundo (deep gluteal syndrome) (SGP) para definir la compresión del nervio ciático en la región anatómica del espacio glúteo, o aquellas ciáticas no discogénicas con origen en esta región. Este síndrome tiene una alta prevalencia pero un bajo diagnóstico. Existen numerosas causas que pueden originar su afectación y compresión a nivel de dicho espacio. El uso rutinario de los test de evaluación, junto con una sospecha diagnóstica, determinará la incidencia real de este síndrome. La cirugía abierta ha sido descripta y utilizada como tratamiento. El tratamiento endoscópico es efectivo y disminuye el índice de morbilidad y eficacia en comparación con la cirugía abierta. El objetivo del trabajo es presentar una actualización de las características clínicas, test diagnósticos, métodos complementarios, causas y alternativas de tratamiento del SGP, haciendo hincapié en los detalles técnicos del procedimiento endoscópico.

The term Deep Gluteal Syndrome (DGS) has been suggested to define the compression of the sciatic nerve in the anatomical region of the gluteal space, or those ciatic non-discogenic pain with origin in this region. Pathology that is presented with a high prevalence, but at the moment underdiagnosed. There are numerous causes that can originate their affectation and compression at level of this space. The routine use of the evaluation test, together with a diagnostic suspicion, it will determine the real incidence of this problem. The open surgery has been described and used as treatment. The endoscopic treatment is effective and adds less morbidity and effectiveness in comparison with the open surgery. The objective of this article is to present an upgrade of the clinical features, diagnostic test, complementary methods, causes and alternative of treatment of the DGS, making stress in the surgical technique of the endoscopic release.

Differentiation between Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Extraforaminal Stenosis in Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebra: Role of Three-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Lumbosacral Radiculography

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of lumbosacral radiculography using 3-dimentional (3D) magnetic resonance (MR) rendering for diagnostic information of symptomatic extraforaminal stenosis in lumbosacral transitional vertebra. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 18 patients with symptomatic (n = 10) and asymptomatic extraforaminal stenosis (n = 8) in lumbosacral transitional vertebra. Each patient underwent 3D coronal fast-field echo sequences with selective water excitation using the principles of the selective excitation technique (Proset imaging). Morphologic changes of the L5 nerve roots at the symptomatic and asymptomatic extraforaminal stenosis were evaluated on 3D MR rendered images of the lumbosacral spine. RESULTS: Ten cases with symptomatic extraforaminal stenosis showed hyperplasia and degenerative osteophytes of the sacral ala and/or osteophytes at the lateral margin of the L5 body. On 3D MR lumbosacral radiculography, indentation of the L5 nerve roots was found in two cases, while swelling of the nerve roots was seen in eight cases at the exiting nerve root. Eight cases with asymptomatic extraforaminal stenosis showed hyperplasia and degenerative osteophytes of the sacral ala and/or osteophytes at the lateral margin of the L5 body. Based on 3D MR lumbosacral radiculography, indentation or swelling of the L5 nerve roots was not found in any cases with asymptomatic extraforaminal stenosis. CONCLUSION: Results from 3D MR lumbosacral radiculography Indicate the indentation or swelling of the L5 nerve root in symptomatic extraforaminal stenosis. Based on these findings, 3D MR radiculography may be helpful in the diagnosis of the symptomatic extraforaminal stenosis with lumbosacral transitional vertebra.

Síndrome de atrapamiento del nervio interóseo anterior / Trapping syndrome of the anterior interosseous verve

Introducción: el síndrome de atrapamiento del nervio interóseo anterior es una enfermedad que se presenta con poca frecuencia, no obstante, acuden a consulta un mayor número de personas que las reportadas. Esto se debe, entre otros factores, al desconocimiento de la enfermedad, lo cual provoca un diagnóstico erróneo y un tratamiento insuficiente. Objetivo: evaluar los resultados obtenidos con el tratamiento quirúrgico de esta enfermedad. Métodos: se realizó un estudio quasiexperimental en 18 pacientes portadores de un síndrome de atrapamiento del nervio interóseo anterior tratados quirúrgicamente en el servicio de miembros superiores del Complejo Científico Ortopédico Internacional Frank País, entre el Primero de diciembre de 2003 y el 31 de marzo de 2009. Los resultados se evaluaron mediante la aplicación de un score modificado para el grupo de estudio a partir de los score de Cooney y de Shah y Jones. Resultados: la edad promedio del grupo fue de 31,8 años con un rango entre 17 y 58 años, de ellos 14 del sexo femenino y 4 masculino; el tiempo de latencia de 5,7 meses con un rango entre 3 y 9 meses. El dolor, signo de Tinel positivo para el nervio interóseo, se presenta en 100 por ciento de los casos. Los resultados se evaluaron entre buenos y excelentes en 14 pacientes (77, 8 por ciento). En ningún caso fueron evaluados de malos. Conclusiones: el tratamiento quirúrgico es un método de elección eficaz ante un síndrome de atrapamiento del nervio interóseo anterior, que puede verse afectado por un período de latencia prolongado

Introduction: trapping syndrome of anterior interosseous nerve is an uncommon disease, however, a great number than reported came to consultation. This is due to among other factors, to the lack of knowledge of this entity leading to a misdiagnosis and a insufficient treatment. Objective: to assess the results obtained with surgical treatment of this disease. Methods: a quasi-experimental study was conducted in 18 patients diagnosed with trapping syndrome of anterior interosseous nerve operated on the upper extremities services of the Frank País International Orthopedic Scientific Complex from December 1, 2003 to March 31, 2009. Results were assessed by application of a modified score for the study group from the Cooney and Shah and Jones score. Results: the mean age of group was of 31.8 years with a rank between 17 and 58 years which included 14 female patients and 4 male patients; the latency time was of 5.7 months with a rank between 3 and 9 months. The pains, a positive Tinel sign for interosseous nerve; is present in the 100 percent of cases. Results were assessed between good and excellent in 14 patients (77.8 percent). In any case the results were assessed as poor. Conclusions: the surgical treatment is an effective choice method in face a trapping syndrome of anterior interosseous nerve t hat may be involved for a longstanding latency period

Hematoma de músculo iliopsoas na vigência de tratamento com varfarina / Iliopsoas muscle hematoma during treatment with warfarin / Hematoma de músculo iliopsoas en la vigencia de tratamiento con warfarina

A varfarina é droga amplamente utilizada na prevenção de fenômenos tromboembólicos e o conhecimento de seus efeitos adversos faz-se necessário para o acompanhamento dos pacientes. Embora o desenvolvimento de discrasias sanguíneas seja complicação potencial nesses pacientes, a ocorrência de sangramento retroperitoneal é rara. Este artigo discute o caso de um paciente que evoluiu com hematoma do músculo iliopsoas durante tratamento com a referida droga, pós-implante de prótese aórtica metálica, com quadro clínico envolvendo importantes diagnósticos diferenciais.

Warfarin is a widely used drug for the prevention of thromboembolic events. Knowledge of its adverse effects is necessary for patient follow-up. Although the development of blood dyscrasias is a potential complication in these patients, retroperitoneal bleeding is rare. This article reports the case of a patient who developed iliopsoas muscle hematoma during treatment with warfarin after implantation of a metallic prosthetic aortic valve. The clinical manifestations involved important differential diagnoses.

La warfarina es un fármaco ampliamente utilizado en la prevención de fenómenos tromboembólicos, y el conocimiento de sus efectos adversos se hace necesario para el seguimiento de los pacientes. Aunque el desarrollo de discrasias sanguíneas es la complicación potencial en estos pacientes, la ocurrencia de sangrado retroperitoneal es rara. Este artículo discute el caso de un paciente que evolucionó con hematoma del músculo ileopsoas durante tratamiento con el referido fármaco en el postimplante de prótesis mitral metálica, con cuadro clínico implicando importantes diagnósticos diferenciales.

Fracture of supracondylar process of the humerus

The supracondylar process of the humerus is a rare skeletal anomaly, which is usually an incidental finding while an X-ray is done for some other purpose. The process can fracture resulting in pain and tender mobile swelling over the medial aspect of the arm, and consequent neurovascular symptoms, or entrapment neuropathies. The anomaly, which fractured in a clinical situation, is described, followed by a review of the literature

Restless leg syndrome in the differential diagnosis of entrapment and peripheral neuropathies

Restless leg syndrome [RLS] is an abnormal sensation disorder. Defining the syndrome is difficult. It is transmitted autosomal dominant genetically, is especially prevalent in the lower limbs, and is seen in both genders. In the differential diagnosis of RLS, nocturnal leg cramps, akathisia, peripheral neuropathy, entrapment neuropathy, and vascular disease [for example, deep vein thrombosis] should be considered. A 52-year-old woman was admitted to our clinic with signs of paresthesia, she had abnormal sensation disorder in both legs and the right arm, which she had difficulty defining. She had applied to another center with the same complaints and had been evaluated as entrapment neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and/or peripheral neuropathy. Her electromyographic examination carried out by us was normal. The history, neurological examination findings, and results of standard laboratory analysis provided a diagnosis of idiopathic RLS. After the diagnosis of RLS in the proband, we questioned other family members. Her large family had 63 members, 35 males, and 28 females. Of 63 members, 17 also had an RLS diagnosis

Neuropatías por Atrapamiento / Entrapment neuropathies

Nerve entrapment and compression produce a pathology known as mononeuropathy, which consists in the isolated affectation of a peripheral nerve due to mechanical forces that act on themselves for a prolonged period. Neuropathies by entrapment affect diverse nerves along its path. The most frequent points of entrapment are – in the upper limbs – the path along the carpal tunnel for the median nerve, and the cubital channel at the level of the elbow for the cubital nerve. Diagnosis of these pathologies is based fundamentally on clinical and electrodiagnostic studies. Each one of the phases of the nerve entrapment lesion has its classification in the neurophysiological study, starting with a focal slowing of conduction (due to focal demyelinization), followed by a blocked nerve conduction and temporal dispersion through the compression site and, in later stages, the electromyography shows signs of denervation of the distal muscles (axonal damage).

Atrapamiento del nervio pudendo: un síndrome por conocer / Pudendal nerve entrapment syndrome

El atrapamiento del nervio pudendo comprende un síndrome descrito por primera vez en 1987. Entre los múltiples motivos de consulta se encuentra principalmente el dolor perineal y/o pelviano, lo que puede asociarse a disfunción urinaria, anal e incluso sexual. Las tres ramas terminales poseen en diferente proporción fibras motoras, sensitivas y autonómicas. Por ello su atrapamiento puede causar signos y síntomas de expresión en cualquiera de los tres ámbitos. En total se estima que el 30 por ciento es autonómico y el 70 por ciento es somático (50 por ciento sensitivo y 20 por ciento motor). El dolor es la causa más común de consulta. Clásicamente se describe como perineal, que se agrava al sentarse, disminuye o desaparece al estar de pie, habitualmente ausente al acostarse, y no compromete el sueño. Para su diagnóstico se utiliza la certificación de 2 criterios mayores o 1 criterio mayor asociado a 2 criterios menores. El mejor esquema de tratamiento es secuencial y comprende las siguientes etapas: etapa 1 o de autocuidado, etapa 2 o de inyecciones perineurales y etapa 3 o cirugía de descompresión del nervio pudendo.

Tratamiento quirúrgico del síndrome de atrapamiento del nervio supraescapular / Surgical treatment of suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome

Se realizó un estudio de intervención cuasi experimental en 14 pacientes afectados de síndrome de atrapamiento del nervio supraescapular y sometidos a tratamiento quirúrgico en el Complejo Científico Ortopédico Internacional "Frank País", en el período comprendido entre noviembre del 2002 y enero del 2004. Los pacientes presentaban en su totalidad grados variables de dolor y disminución de la función y de la fuerza muscular del miembro afectado. Se les realizó la liberación del nervio supraescapular al nivel de la escotadura supraescapular. Se obtuveron diferentes grados de mejoría del dolor, la función y la fuerza muscular: los resultados fueron excelentes en 3 pacientes; buenos, en 7 y regulares, en 4, según el Test de la Universidad de California para la valoración funcional del hombro

Paroxismia vestibular: estudo clínico e tratamento de oito pacientes / Vestibular paroxysmia: clinical study and treatment of eight patients

A paroxismia vestibular é uma síndrome de compressão do VIII nervo craniano e foi denominada inicialmente por Janetta "vertigem posicional incapacitante". Esta síndrome é caracterizada por episódios curtos de vertigem, zumbido, déficit vestibular e auditivo. A RM pode mostrar compressão do VIII nervo por vasos da fossa posterior, como a artéria basilar, artéria vertebral, artéria cerebelar inferior anterior, artéria cerebelar inferior posterior. A paroxismia vestibular pode ser tratada com terapia medicamentosa tais como carbamazepina, fenitoína ou gabapentina, ou com descompressão microvascular do VIII nervo. Este estudo descreve oito pacientes com paroxismia vestibular. Quatro deles mostraram também sinais clínicos sugerindo compressão do V e/ou VII nervos. Sete pacientes tratados com carbamazepina tiveram melhora significativa da vertigem e zumbido.

Síndromes compressivas do membro superior / The nerve compression syndromes of upper extremity

Os autores fazem uma revisão bibliográfica da definição, do diagnóstico e do tratamento das Síndromes Compressivas do Membro Superior

Síndrome piriforme: una controvertida neuropatía por atrapamiento / g

El Síndrome Piriforme es una debatida causa de coxalgia, parestesias y dolor en la nalga y muslo. Correspondería a una neuropatía por atrapamiento de la extremidad inferior frecuente en mujeres jóvenes y en deportistas. El nervio ciático podría comprimirse en la región glútea por el músculo piriforme ya que desde el punto de vista anatómico se relacionan estrechamente. Se han descrito variantes anatómicas del músculo piriforme, como así también hipertrofia asimétrica como causantes del síndrome. También se ha planteado que en la región glútea, por ser un área anatómicamente compleja, se gatillaría un "Síndrome doloroso glúteo profundo" por compresión de otras estructuras además del nervio ciático o bien por la simple contractura del músculo. Para algunos autores, el diagnóstico del Síndrome Piriforme es completamente clínico, ya que no hay exámenes radiológicos, de laboratorio y electromiográficos que lo sustenten categóricamente. Se reportan tres casos con clínica de Síndrome Piriforme estudiados con Resonancia Magnética que demostró hipertrofia del músculo en el lado sintomático. Los estudios fueron realizados con Resonador Siemens 1,5 T, con protocolo que incluyó secuencias SE y GE potenciadas en T1, DP, T2 y STIR en los planos axial, coronal, coronal oblicuo y sagital, intentando descartar además otras causas de coxalgia y dolor en el muslo. Las tres pacientes son mujeres jóvenes no sedentarias, una de ellas deportista aficionada.

Vascular loop compressing facial nerve in hemifacial spasm: demonstrated by 3D-phase contrast magnetic resonance angiography in 101 patients.

BACKGROUND: Vascular compression of the facial nerve is deemed to be the common cause of hemifacial spasm producing emphatic transmission. Although facial nucleus supersensitivity is more accepted as the main cause of hemifacial spasm. PURPOSE: To determine the vascular loop compression of the facial nerve in patients with hemifacial spasm by 3D-phase contrast (PC) magnatic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective study of 101 patients with hemifacial spasm who went MRI and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the brain was done. The magnitude images of the 3D-PC MRA was evaluated in axial and oblique coronal reconstruction planes blindly from symptomatic information. RESULTS: Among 101 patients, 53 affected the left side, 48 patients were right sided and none had bilateral involvement. Vascular loop compressing on the symptomatic side was found in 61 (60.4%) patients. For the asymptomatic side, there were 14 (13.86%) with vascular loop contact. Five patients (4.9%) had bilateral vascular compression. The proportion of vascular contact of the symptomatic and asymptomatic side was significantly different (with p < 0.001). The offending vessels were vertebral artery (32, 52.46%), posterior inferior cerebellar artery (7, 6.93%), anterior inferior cerebellar artery (6, 5.94%) and artery of uncertain origin (16, 26.23%). CONCLUSION: The study implied the usefulness of this simple technique to demonstrate the neurovascular contact of the facial nerve.