Intervention effect of Tuina pressing and kneading the Huantiao (GB30) acupoint on NF-κB p65 protein at spinal cord dorsal horn in sciatica rats / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the analgesic effect of Tuina by pressing and kneading the Huantiao (GB30) acupoint on rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI) and to explore the analgesic mechanism of Tuina on sciatica rats.@*METHODS@#Thirty-two SPF male SD rats weighing 180 to 220 g were randomly divided into fore groups:blank group (without any treatment), sham group (only exposed without sciatic nerve ligating), model group (sciatic nerve ligating) and Tuina group (manual intervention after lsciatic nerve ligating). The CCI model was prepared by ligating the right sciatic nerve of the rats, on the third day of modeling, the rats in the Tuina group were given pressing and kneading the Huantiao (GB30) point for 14 days, and the changes of paw withdrawal threshold(PWT), paw withdrawal latency(PWL) were measured before and on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 10th, 14th and 17th days after modeling. The changes of sciatic functional index(SFI) were measured before and on the 1st and 17th day after modeling. The morphological changes of the sciatic nerve were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining;and the differences in NF-κB protein expression in the right dorsal horn of the spinal cord of rats were detected.@*RESULTS@#Following modeling, there was no significant difference in PWT, PWL and SFI between the blank group and the sham group (P>0.05), but the PWT, PWL and SFI of the model group and the Tuina group decreased significantly (P<0.01). After manual intervention, the pain threshold of rats in Tuina group increased. On the 8th day of manual intervention (the 10th day after modeling), PWT in Tuina group increased significantly compared with that in model group (P<0.01). On the 5th day of manual intervention (the 7th day after modeling), the PWL of the massage group was significantly higher than that of the model group (P<0.01). The pain threshold of rats in Tuina group continued to rise with the continuous manipulation intervention. After 14 days of manipulative intervention, the sciatic nerve function index of rats in the Tuina group increased significantly(P<0.01). Compared with the blank group and sham group, the myelinated nerve fibers of sciatic nerve in the model group were disordered and the density of axons and myelin sheath was uneven. Compared with the model group, the nerve fibers of rats in the Tuina group were gradually continuous and the axons and myelin sheath were more uniform than those in the model group. Compared with the blank group and sham group, the expression of NF-κB protein in the right spinal dorsal horn of the model group was significantly increased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of NF-κB protein in the right spinal dorsal horn of rats in Tuina group decreased significantly(P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Pressing and kneading the Huantiao (GB30) point restores nerve fiber alignment;and improves the PWT、PWL and SFI in the CCI model by decreasing NF-κB p65 protein expression in the spinal dorsal horn. There fore, Tuina demmstrates an analgesic effect and improves the gait of rats with sciatica.

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.

Therapeutic effect of Fanzhen Jieci needling on discogenic sciatica: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the therapeutic effect between Fanzhen Jieci (warming acupuncture plus fast needling) combined with conventional acupuncture and simple conventional acupuncture on discogenic sciatica.@*METHODS@#A total of 76 patients with discogenic sciatica were randomized into a Fanzhen Jieci group and a conventional acupuncture group, 38 cases in each one. Conventional acupuncture was applied at Shenshu (BL 23), Dachangshu (BL 25), L1-L5 Jiaji (EX-B 2) and Huantiao (GB 30) on the affected side, etc. in the conventional acupuncture group. On the basis of the treatment in the conventional acupuncture group, Fanzhen Jieci was applied at L1-L5 Jiaji (EX-B 2) and Huantiao (GB 30) on the affected side in the Fanzhen Jieci group, i.e. warming acupuncture was applied at L1-L5 Jiaji (EX-B 2), and fast needling was applied at Huantiao (GB 30) on the affected side for a depth of 40-60 mm, so as to introduce a sensation of electric shock transmitting to lower limb, and then the needle was immediately withdrawn. The treatment was given once every other day, 3 times a week for 3 weeks in both groups. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score of leg and low back pain, the Oswestry disability index (ODI) score and the 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) score before and after treatment were compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the VAS scores of leg and low back pain and the ODI scores after treatment were decreased in both groups (P<0.001), the changes of the VAS scores of leg and low back pain in the Fanzhen Jieci group were larger than those in the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.05). After treatment, except for the role emotional and health transition scores, the various scores of SF-36 were increased compared before treatment in the Fanzhen Jieci group (P<0.01); except for the role physical, role emotional and health transition scores, the various scores of SF-36 were increased compared before treatment in the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.01). After treatment, the physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain, mental health and general health scores of SF-36 in the Fanzhen Jieci group were higher than those in the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Fanzhen Jieci combined with conventional acupuncture can effectively relieve the pain and improve the mental state in patients with discogenic sciatica, its therapeutic effect is superior to simple conventional acupuncture.

Síndrome do piriforme: diagnóstico e tratamento: um estudo retrospectivo / Piriformis syndrome: diagnosis and treatment: a retrospective study

Introdução: A síndrome do piriforme (SP) é uma causa de dor ciática pouco entendida e conhecida, por isso, subdiagnosticada. Possui múltiplas possibilidades etiológicas e a abordagem terapêutica corrente privilegia o tratamento conservador. Objetivo: Neste estudo retrospectivo são destacados o diagnóstico, a etiologia, o diagnóstico diferencial e analisados os resultados do tratamento instituído. Métodos: 34 casos com seguimento mínimo de seis meses e máximo de 12 meses avaliados por uma escala simplificada de graduação de sintomas. Resultados: O tratamento clínico-conservador obteve excelentes resultados em 23 pacientes (67,6%), bom em nove pacientes (26,4%) e razoáveis (insatisfatórios) em dois pacientes (5,8%). Conclusões: Na dor com característica ciática, contínua ou intermitente e sem evidências de compressão radicular ou herniação discal lombar, deve-se pesquisar a possibilidade de síndrome do piriforme como um diagnóstico eminentemente clínico e de exclusão. O tratamento conservador apresenta resultados satisfatórios na maioria dos casos e a indicação cirúrgica está reservada como último recurso às falhas da terapia conservadora.

Introduction: Piriformis syndrome is a cause of sciatalgy barely understood and frequently unrecognized. It has multiple possible etiologic factors and the treatment of option is largely conservative. Objective: In this retrospective study, the diagnostic signs, the ethiology, the diferential diagnosis and the treatment results are discussed. Methods: 34 patients were followed-up for 6-12 months and evaluated by a simplified symptom rating scale. Results: Excellent results in 23 patients (67,6%), good in 9 patients (26,4%) and fair (unsatisfactory) in 2 patients (5,8%). Conclusions: In patients with sciatic pain without proved rachidian or discal lumbar disease, the possibility of Piriformis Syndrome must be investigated mainly by proper clinical examination and seen as a diagnosis of exclusion. The conservative treatment has satisfactory outcomes in most of cases and surgical procedure is reserved as a last resort in case of failure of the conservative management.

Axial and sciatic arteries: a new interpretation / Arterias axiales y ciáticas: una nueva interpretación

SUMMARY: In an investigation of 92 female and 79 male cadavers persistent sciatic and axial arteries were identified and classified based on their origin and location. Sciatic arteries were observed to arise from a number of different arteries in 68 specimens: anterior trunk of the internal iliac artery (12 specimen); internal pudendal artery (1 specimen); posterior trunk of the internal iliac artery (44 specimens); anterior and posterior trunks as a double artery (4 specimens); superior gluteal artery (7 specimens). In addition, the sciatic arteries were observed to give the superior and inferior gluteal arteries (12 and 9 specimens respectively). It is of note that a persistent sciatic artery was observed to give the superior or inferior gluteal artery rather than the superior or inferior gluteal artery giving the persistent sciatic artery: a persistent sciatic artery was also observed to exist with the superior or inferior gluteal artery. This questions the general embryological origin of a persistent sciatic artery. The embryological origin of the proximal part of the axial artery and whether it forms the superior or inferior gluteal artery is discussed, together with the general arrangement of the internal iliac and femoral arterial systems. Presentation of the sciatic artery is also discussed with respect to existing embryological theories and from a new perspective. A number of embryological vascular anomalies are also discussed.

RESUMEN: En este studio se identificaron y clasificaron las arterias ciáticas y axiales persistentes según su origen y ubicación en 92 cadáveres femeninos y 79 masculinos, Se observó que las arterias ciáticas surgían de varias arterias diferentes en 68 especímenes: tronco anterior de la arteria ilíaca interna (12 especímenes); arteria pudenda interna (1 espécimen); tronco posterior de la arteria ilíaca interna (44 especímenes); troncos anterior y posterior como una arteria doble (4 especímenes); arteria glútea superior (7 especímenes). Además, se observó que las arterias ciáticas daban las arterias glúteas superior e inferior (12 y 9 especímenes respectivamente). Cabe señalar que se observó que una arteria ciática persistente daba lugar a la arteria glútea superior o inferior en lugar de que la arteria glútea superior o inferior diera lugar a la arteria ciática persistente: también se observó que existía una arteria ciática persistente con la arteria glútea superior o inferior. Esto cuestiona el origen embriológico general de una arteria ciática persistente. Se discute el origen embriológico de la parte proximal de la arteria axial y si forma la arteria glútea superior o inferior, junto con la disposición general de los sistemas arteriales ilíaco interno y femoral. También se observó desde una nueva perspectiva la presentación de la arteria ciática con respecto a las teorías embriológicas existentes. Además se discuten varias anomalías vasculares embriológicas.

Treatment of sciatica by lumbar nerve root canal injection under X-ray angiography / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the short-term clinical effect of lumbar nerve root canal injection under X-ray angiography in the treatment of sciatica.@*METHODS@#The clincal data of 78 patients with sciatica underwent lumbar nerve root canal injection under X-ray angiography from December 2017 to February 2020 was retrospectively analyzed. Including 31 males and 47 females, aged from 22 to 88 years old with a median of 65 years. There were 55 cases of lumbar disc herniation and 23 cases of lumbar spinal stenosis, the course of disease ranged from 1 to 8 weeks with a median of 3 weeks. There were 71 cases of single segment disc herniation or stenosis, including L3,4 of 5 cases, L4,5 of 61 cases, L5S1 of 5 cases, and 7 cases of multisegment herniation or stenosis. The pain visual analogue scale (VAS) was recorded and Macnab was used to evaluate the clinical effect.@*RESULTS@#All patients completed standardized treatment without serious adverse reactions. VAS were (3.21±0.76) scores immediately after treatment, (2.89±0.33) scores 1 hour after treatment, (1.80±0.27) scores 6 hours after treatment, (1.10±0.20) scores 24 hours after treatment, (2.53±0.35) scores 1 week after treatment and (4.27±0.36) scores 1 month after treatment. There were significant differences in VAS between before treatment(7.83±0.56) and each time period after treatment(P<0.05). According to Macnab low back pain evaluation standard, 42 cases were effective, 34 cases were markedly effective and 2 cases were ineffective within 24 hours after treatment, with an effective rate of 97.4%;38 cases were effective, 25 cases were markedly effective, 15 cases were ineffective within one week after treatment, the effective rate was 80.0%;32 cases were effective, 22 cases were markedly effective, 24 cases were ineffective within one month after treatment, the effective rate was 69.2%.@*CONCLUSION@#The short-term clinical effect of nerve root canal injection under X-ray radiography in the treatment of sciatica is good and it is an effective method to relieve sciatica.

Triple needling combined with thermo-electroacupuncture at Huantiao (GB 30) for trunk-sciatica / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compared the clinical effect between triple needling combined with thermo-electroacupuncture at Huantiao (GB 30) and triple needling combined with electroacupuncture at Huantiao (GB 30) for trunk-sciatica.@*METHODS@#A total of 56 patients with trunk-sciatica were randomized into a triple needling combined with thermo-electroacupuncture group and a triple needling combined with electroacupuncture group, 28 cases in each group. In the triple needling combined with thermo-electroacupuncture group, triple needling combined with thermo-electroacupuncture at Huantiao (GB 30) was applied. In the triple needling combined with electroacupuncture group, triple needling combined with electroacupuncture at Huantiao (GB 30) was applied. Both groups were treated with acupuncture at Weizhong (BL 40), Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Chengshan (BL 57). The treatment was given once every 2 days, 10 days as one course for 2 courses. Before treatment, 1, 2 courses into treatment, the scores of pain rating index (PRI), pain visual analogue scale (VAS) and present pain intensity (PPI) were observed, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#The PRI, VAS and PPI scores 1, 2 courses into treatment were decreased in the two groups (@*CONCLUSION@#Triple needling combined with thermo-electroacupuncture at Huantiao (GB 30) could effectively relieve pain in patients with trunk-sciatica, and the curative effect maybe better than triple needling combined with electroacupuncture at Huantiao (GB 30).

Effect of moxibustion on expression of GAP-43 in sciatic nerve trunk and ventral horn of spinal cord of rats with primary sciatica and its nerve repair function / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of moxibustion at "Huantiao" (GB 30) on the expression of growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43) in the sciatic nerve trunk and ventral horn of spinal cord (L@*METHODS@#A total of 48 healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a sham operation group, a model group and a moxibustion group, 12 rats in each group. The rat model of primary sciatic pain was established by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve in the model group and the moxibustion group. On the 8th day of the experiment, moxibustion was adopted at "Huantiao" (GB 30) in the moxibustion group for 5-10 min, once a day for 14 consecutive days. Sciatic nerve function index (SFI) was measured and compared in each group at day 1, 7, 14 and 21. On the 21st day of the experiment, HE staining was used to observe the morphology of ventral horn of rat spinal cord and sciatic nerve trunk. Immunohistochemical method and real-time PCR were used to detect mRNA and protein expressions of GAP-43 in the spinal cord and sciatic nerve trunk of rats.@*RESULTS@#On day 7, 14 and 21, there was no statistical difference in SFI between the sham operation group and the normal group (@*CONCLUSION@#Moxibustion at "Huantiao" (GB 30) could improve the sciatic nerve function in rats with primary sciatica and its mechanism may be related to improving the expression of GAP-43 and enhancing the self-repair ability of the sciatic nerve after injury.

Association of low back pain and sciatica with signal changes in the vertebral endplate / Associação da dor lombar e ciática a alterações de imagem na placa vertebral terminal / Asociación del dolor lumbar y ciático con alteraciones de imagen en la placa vertebral terminal

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate whether vertebral endplate signal changes (VESCs) influence the prognosis of patients submitted to conservative or surgical treatment for low back pain and lumbosciatica. Methods Study with 241 patients who underwent conservative treatment, infiltration or surgery with 12 months of follow-up. They were evaluated for pain by the Visual Analog Scale for Pain (VAS), for function by the Roland Morris questionnaire and for quality of life by the EuroQoI5 (EQ-5D). Results The VESCs did not have a significant effect on the treatment responses for the VAS (F = 0.03; P = 0.97), Roland Morris (F = 0.51; P = 0.60) and EQ-5D (F = 2.67; P = 0.07) variables, nor was there any interaction between VESC and treatment for VAS (F = 2.15; P = 0.08), Roland Morris (F = 1.55; P = 0.19) and EQ-5D (F = 2.15; P = 0.08). There was a significant effect for all treatments, however, the effect of the surgical procedure was superior when compared to the others (P <0.001). The VESC frequency was 48.33% for type 0, 29.17% for type I and 22.50% for type II. Conclusions The presence of VESC and its different types is not associated with a worse prognosis, nor was a higher prevalence of VESC observed in the patients with low back pain and lumbosciatica. Level of Evidence II; Retrospective cohort study.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar se as alterações de sinal do platô vertebral (ASPV) influenciam o prognóstico de pacientes submetidos ao tratamento conservador ou cirúrgico em lombalgia e lombociatalgia. Métodos Estudo com 241 pacientes submetidos ao tratamento conservador, infiltração ou cirurgia, com acompanhamento de 12 meses. Foram avaliados pela Escala Visual Analógica (EVA) da Dor, quanto à função, pelo questionário Roland Morris e quanto à qualidade de vida, pelo questionário EuroQoI5 (EQ-5D). Resultados As ASPV não tiveram efeito significante nas respostas do tratamento para as variáveis EVA (F = 0,03; P = 0,97), Roland Morris (F = 0,51; P = 0,60) e EQ-5D (F = 2,67; P = 0,07), bem como não houve interação de ASPV e tratamento para EVA (F = 2,15; P = 0,08), Roland Morris (F = 1,55; P = 0,19) e EQ-5D (F = 2,15; P = 0,08). Houve efeito significante para todos os tratamentos; entretanto, o efeito do procedimento cirúrgico foi superior quando comparado aos demais (P < 0,001). A frequência de ASPV tipo 0 foi 48,33%, tipo I foi 29,17% e tipo II foi 22,50%. Conclusões A presença de ASPV e seus diferentes tipos não estão associados a prognóstico pior, bem como não se demonstrou maior prevalência de ASPV nos pacientes com lombalgia e lombociatalgia. Nível de Evidência II; Estudo de coorte retrospectivo.

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar si las alteraciones de señal de la meseta vertebral (ASMV) influyen en el pronóstico de los pacientes sometidos a tratamiento conservador o quirúrgico en lumbalgia y lumbociatalgia. Métodos Estudio con 241 pacientes sometidos al tratamiento conservador, infiltración o cirugía, con acompañamiento de 12 meses. Se evaluaron a través de la Escala Visual Analógica del Dolor (EVA), cuanto a la función, por el cuestionario Roland Morris y cuanto a la calidad de vida por el cuestionario EuroQoI5 (EQ-5D). Resultados Las ASMV no tuvieron efecto significativo en las respuestas del tratamiento para las variables EVA (F = 0,03; P = 0,97), Roland Morris (F = 0,51; P = 0,60) y EQ-5D (F = 2,67; P = 0,07), así como no hubo interacción de ASMV y tratamiento para EVA (F = 2,15; P = 0,08), Roland Morris (F = 1,55; P = 0,19) y EQ-5D (F = 2,15; P = 0,08). Hubo efecto significativo para todos los procedimientos, entretanto, el efecto del procedimiento quirúrgico fue superior cuando comparado a los demás (P <0,001). La frecuencia de ASMV para el tipo 0 fue 48,33%, tipo I 29,17% y tipo II 22,50%. Conclusiones La presencia de ASMV y sus diferentes tipos no están asociados a pronóstico peor, bien como no se demostró mayor prevalencia de ASMV en los pacientes con lumbalgia y lumbociatalgia. Nivel de Evidencia II; Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.

Variante de colgajo de rotación tipo Hamstring para reconstrucción de úlcera isquiática / Hamstring rotation fl ap variant for ischial ulcer reconstruction

Antecedentes. El colgajo Hamstring es una opción válida para la reconstrucción de úlceras isquiáticas. Las úlceras por presión representan un verdadero desafío para el cirujano plástico. Requieren un tratamiento especializado y multidisciplinario por su alta probabilidad de recidiva y las complicaciones en su manejo. Por lo general, ocurren por presión sostenida sobre la tuberosidad isquiática. Caso clínico. Se presenta el caso de un paciente parapléjico desde el nacimiento secundario a mielomeningocele con diagnóstico actual de úlcera isquiática. Se le realizaron durante 3 años múltiples intentos de cierre quirúrgico alternando medidas conservadoras, sin éxito. A la exploración física presenta una úlcera isquiática izquierda de 6x6 cm a la que se le realizó aseo y desbridación quirúrgica más cierre por medio de un colgajo Hamstring modificado. A los 7 días presentó dehiscencia de herida la cual se manejó de manera conservadora y cierre primario diferido a las 4 semanas. A 8 meses de posoperatorio el paciente se encuentra con buena evolución y con resultado estético y funcional aceptable, por otra parte, se encuentra sin recidiva, lo que ha permitido su reinserción laboral y un buen equilibrio físico-psico-emocional. Conclusión. El objetivo de este colgajo es brindar cobertura al área isquiática sin afectar estructuras adyacentes, lo cual requiere de un amplio conocimiento de la anatomía de la región femoral, así como de los colgados tanto locales como regionales que podemos utilizar para la reconstrucción. Actualmente este colgajo es una opción terapéutica efectiva para el tratamiento de úlceras isquiáticas refractarias en centros que cuentan con cirujanos plásticos no especializados en microcirugía.

Background. The Hamstring fl ap is an adequate option for ischial ulcers reconstruction. Pressure ulcers represent a real challenge for the plastic surgeon. They require specialized and multidisciplinary treatment due to their high recurrence probability and complications in their management. Regularly, pressure ulcers occur when sustained pressure is applied on the ischial tuberosity. Case report. We report a case of a 23-year-old paraplegic male with myelomeningocele complaining for an ischial ulcer. Multiple attempts to surgical closure were made during three years along with conservative management, without success. Physical examination revealed a 6x6 cm left ischial ulcer, which was managed with surgical debridement and closure with a modifi ed Hamstring fl ap. After 7 days, the patient presented wound dehiscence, which was managed conservatively and primary delayed closure after 4 weeks. 8 months postoperatively the patient has a good evolution and an acceptable functional and aesthetic result, without recurrence, which has allowed his reintegration into work and a good physical-psycho-emotional balance. Conclusion. The objective of this fl ap is to provide coverage to the ischial area without aff ecting adjacent structures, which requires a broad knowledge of the anatomy of the femoral region, as well as the local and regional fl aps that can be used for reconstruction. Nowadays this fl ap is an eff ective therapeutic option for the treatment of refractary ischial ulcers in plastis suergery centers without microsurgery.

Piomiositis del músculo piriforme por Streptococcus pyogenes en un niño / Streptococcus pyogenes pyomyositis of the piriformis muscle in a child

La piomiositis aguda es una infección supurativa del músculo esquelético. El agente etiológico más frecuente es Staphylococcus aureus, y son infrecuentes los casos producidos por Streptococcus pyogenes. Las localizaciones más habituales son cuádriceps, glúteos e iliopsoas; es excepcional la afectación del músculo piriforme. Se presenta el caso de un varón de 8 años, previamente sano, que fue ingresado en nuestro hospital por una piomiositis aguda por Streptococcus pyogenes localizada en el músculo piriforme. El diagnóstico y el inicio precoz del tratamiento antibiótico permitieron el manejo conservador del cuadro y no fue necesaria la cirugía. La evolución fue satisfactoria y no presentó secuelas.

Acute pyomyositis is a suppurative infection of the skeletal muscle. Staphylococcus aureus is the most frequent etiological agent. Cases produced by Streptococcus pyogenes are uncommon. The most usual locations are quadriceps, buttocks and iliopsoas. The involvement of the piriformis muscle is very exceptional. We present the case of a previously healthy 8-year-old male who was admitted to our hospital for acute pyomyositis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes located in the piriformis muscle. Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of antibiotic treatment allowed the conservative management of the condition, and surgery was not necessary. The evolution was satisfactory without sequels.

Colgajo glúteo mayor en reconstrucción de úlcera isquiática bilateral / Gluteal maximus flap for reconstruction of bilateral ischial ulcer

Propósito y objetivo. Demostrar una de las opciones más empleadas para la cobertura de úlceras isquiáticas en paciente parapléjico. El colgajo glúteo mayor sería de primera elección en el caso presentado de una paciente con diagnóstico de escaras isquiáticas bilateral Grado IV. Introducción. El colgajo glúteo mayor, colgajo musculocutáneo, es un procedimiento muy utilizado y de primera línea para el tratamiento de úlceras isquiáticas. Debemos tener en cuenta que para el éxito y buena evolución de la cirugía es necesario la conformación de un equipo multidisciplinario, para su seguimiento y control. Las opciones de cobertura dependen de la topografía de la lesión. Algunas de las opciones de cobertura son: colgajo glúteo inferior de rotación, colgajo glúteo inferior de avance en V-Y, colgajo de isquiotibiales en V-Y, colgajo de cara posterior de muslo y colgajo extendido de fascia lata, entre otros. Material y método. Se presenta el caso clínico de una paciente femenina con diagnóstico patológico de cavernoma intramedular D9, que padece paraplejía de un año de evolución, presentando escara isquiática bilateral grado IV acompañadas de osteomielitis. Se trató quirúrgicamente con colgajo glúteo mayor bilateral Resultados. En esta paciente se alcanzó una adecuada cobertura del defecto, que permitió su pronta rehabilitación, y un minucioso control posoperatorio que no mostró complicaciones ni recidiva, hasta la fecha. Discusión. Las úlceras isquiáticas profundas ubicadas cerca del tracto genitourinario presentan mayor dificultad para su reconstrucción. El colgajo musculocutáneo de glúteo mayor a pedículo inferior permite el cierre de cualquier úlcera isquiática y el cierre primario del sitio donador asegurando un cierre sin tensión; otras opciones quirúrgicas, como los colgajos basados en la pelvis o el tronco, son menos susceptibles a la tensión que aquellos ubicados en la porción móvil de la extremidad inferior, por lo que los colgajos de glúteo mayor, inferior y de cara posterior al muslo tienen mayor porcentaje de éxito que los colgajos de tensor de fascia lata e isquiotibiales. Conclusión. El colgajo glúteo mayor es un tratamiento de primera elección para la cobertura de úlceras isquiáticas de alta morbilidad en pacientes parapléjicos, tratado por un equipo multidisciplinario, cuya técnica quirúrgica presentó buena cobertura con un control estricto del posoperatorio con excelente evolución y sin ninguna complicación esperada

Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory and Regenerative Efficiency of Naringin and Naringenin in Degenerated Human Nucleus Pulposus Cells: Biological and Molecular Modeling Studies

STUDY DESIGN: Development of an in vitro model for assessing the anti-inflammatory efficacies of naringin (Nar) and naringenin (NG).PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of natural flavonoids as therapeutic drugs against anti-inflammatory processes in the nucleus pulposus (NP) cells using in-vitro and in-silico methods.OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Intervertebral disc (IVD) disease is a common cause of low back pain. Chronic inflammation and degeneration play a significant role in its etiopathology. Thus, a better understanding of anti-inflammatory agents and their role in IVD degeneration and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression is necessary for pain management and regeneration in IVD.METHODS: We performed primary cell culture of NP cells; immunocytochemistry; gene expression studies of cytokines, metalloproteases, extracellular proteins, and apoptotic markers using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR); cytotoxicity assay (MTT); and molecular docking studies using AutoDock 4.2 software (Molecular Graphics Laboratory, La Jolla, CA, USA) to confirm the binding mode of proteins and synthesized complexes. We calculated the mean±standard deviation values and performed analysis of variance and t-test using SPSS ver. 17.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).RESULTS: Molecular docking showed that both Nar and NG bind to the selected genes of interest. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis reveals differential gene expression of collagen (COL)9A1, COL9A2, COL9A3, COL11A2, COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase), and THBS2 (thrombospondin 2); up regulation of ACAN (aggrecan), COL1A1, COL11A1, interleukin (IL)6, IL10, IL18R1, IL18RAP, metalloprotease (MMP)2, MMP3, MMP9, ADAMTS5 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5), IGF1R (insulin-like growth factor type 1 receptor), SPARC (secreted protein acidic and cysteine rich), PARK2 (parkin), VDR (vitamin D receptor), and BCL2 (B-cell lymphoma 2); down regulation of IL1A, CASP3 (caspase 3), and nine genes with predetermined concentrations of Nar and NG.CONCLUSIONS: The present study evaluated the anti-inflammatory and regenerative efficiencies of Nar and NG in degenerated human NP cells. Altered gene expressions of cytokines, metalloproteases, extracellular proteins, apoptotic genes were dose responsive. The molecular docking (in silico) studies showed effective binding of these native ligands (Nar and NG) with genes identified as potent inhibitors of inflammation. Thus, these natural flavonoids could serve as anti-inflammatory agents in the treatment of low back pain and sciatica.

Revascularización de arteria poplítea con arteria ciática persistente bilateral: presentación de un caso / Popliteal Revascularization in Bilateral Persistent Sciatic Artery: Case Report

La arteria ciática persistente (ACP) es una anomalía vascular congénita, poco frecuente, secundaria a una alteración en el desarrollo embriológico. La mayoría de los casos son asintomáticos y se detectan cuando se asocian con aneurismas o embolias. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 81 años con factores de riesgo cardiovascular quien consulta por isquemia del miembro inferior

The persistent sciatic artery is a rare congenital vascular anomaly secondary to an alteration in embryological development. Most cases are asymptomatic and they are detected when they are associated with the presence of aneurysms or embolisms. We present the case of an 81-year-old woman with cardiovascular risk factors who consulted for ischemia of the lower limb.

Prospective Evaluation of Radiculitis following Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 Use for Transforaminal Interbody Arthrodesis in Spine Surgery

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study. PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) with regard to postoperative radiculitis. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) is being used increasingly as an alternative to iliac crest autograft in spinal arthrodesis. Recently, the use of BMP in TLIF has been examined, but concerns exist that the placement of BMP close to the nerve roots may cause postoperative radiculitis. Furthermore, prospective studies regarding the use of BMP in TLIF are lacking. METHODS: This prospective study included 77 patients. The use of BMP-2 was determined individually, and demographic and operative characteristics were recorded. Leg pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and the Sciatica Bothersome Index (SBI) with several secondary outcome measures. The outcome data were collected at each follow-up visit. RESULTS: Among the 77 patients, 29 were administered with BMP. Postoperative leg pain significantly improved according to VAS leg and SBI scores for the entire cohort, and no clinically significant differences were observed between the BMP and control groups. The VAS back, Oswestry Disability Index, and Short-Form 36 scores also significantly improved. A significantly increased 6-month fusion rate was noted in the BMP group (82.8% vs. 55.3%), but no significant differences in fusion rate were observed at the 12- and 24-month follow-up. Heterotopic ossification was observed in seven patients: six patients and one patient in the BMP and control groups, respectively (20.7% vs. 2.1%). However, no clinical effect was observed. CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective observational trial, the use of BMP in TLIF did not lead to significant postoperative radiculitis, as measured by VAS leg and SBI scores. Back pain and other functional outcome scores also improved, and no differences existed between the BMP and control groups. The careful use of BMP in TLIF appears to be both safe and effective.

Dolor del Músculo Piramidal en pacientes oncológicos. Tratamiento dirigido por Ultrasonido sin Hidrodisección Perineural del Ciático. Presentación de 10 casos / Pyramidal Muscle Pain in cancer patients. Treatment directed by Ultrasound without Perineural Hydrodissection of the Sciatic. Presentation of 10 cases

Introducción: El síndrome del músculo piramidal constituye el conjunto de signos y síntomas originados por la compresión del nervio ciático en su salida de la pelvis a través del canal situado entre el músculo piramidal y el gémino superior. Se presenta una serie de casos de pacientes oncológicos con este síndrome con el objetivo de describir el resultado terapéutico de la infiltración con esteroides en el músculo piramidal sin hidrodisección perineural del ciático. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo de 10 casos, evaluados entre Febrero de 2014 y Mayo del 2015, en el servicio de dolor y cuidados paliativos del Instituto Oncológico Nacional "Dr. Juan Tanca Marengo"-Solca-Guayaquil. Ingresaron al estudio pacientes con cáncer de cualquier etiología y criterios diagnósticos de síndrome piramidal. Los pacientes fueron tratados con infiltraciones de corticoides sin hidrodisección perineural del ciático, dirigidas por ultrasonido del músculo piramidal afecto y terapia física. Resultados: Se incluyen 10 casos de pacientes con síndrome piramidal (9 mujeres). Con rangos de edad que entre 50 y 70 años. El lado afectado con mayor frecuencia fue el derecho en 5 casos. En 8 casos la Resonancia magnética fue normal y en 2 casos se describió hipertrofia muscular. El procedimiento de infiltración se realizó sin complicaciones y los pacientes recibieron adicionalmente fisioterapia. El EVA inicial fue > 6 en 8 pacientes y 2 casos con EVA de 5. Los pacientes tuvieron una limitación funcional de un 10-20 %. El EVA postbloqueo disminuyó hasta 0-1 en todos los casos. Conclusión: En la presente serie de casos el síndrome piramidal fue controlado satisfactoriamente con infiltración de esteroides sin hidrodisección perineural del ciático y terapia física.

Introduction: Pyramidal muscle syndrome is a signs and symptoms set caused by sciatic nerve compression and its exit from the pelvis through the channel between the pyramidal muscle and the superior genus. We present a series of cases of oncological patients with this syndrome with the aim of describing the therapeutic result of steroid infiltration in the pyramidal muscle without perineural hydrodissection of the sciatic nerve. Methods: A prospective study of 10 cases, evaluated between February 2014 and May 2015, in the pain and palliative care service of the National Oncological Institute "Dr. Juan Tanca Marengo "-SolcaGuayaquil. Patients with cancer of any etiology and diagnostic criteria of pyramidal syndrome entered the study. The patients were treated with corticosteroid infiltrations without perineural hydrodissection of the sciatic nerve, directed by pyramid-shaped muscle ultrasound and physical therapy. Results: Ten cases of patients with pyramidal syndrome (9 women) are included. With age ranges between 50 and 70 years. The most affected side was the right in 5 cases. In 8 cases the magnetic resonance was normal and in 2 cases muscle hypertrophy was described. The infiltration procedure was completed without complications and the patients received additional physiotherapy. The initial EVA was> 6 in 8 patients and 2 cases with VAS of 5. The patients had a functional limitation of 10-20%. The post-blocking EVA decreased to 0-1 in all cases. Conclusion: In the present series of cases the pyramidal syndrome was successfully controlled with steroid infiltration without perineural hydrodissection of the sciatic and physical therapy.

Lazarevic-Lasègue sign / Sinal de Lazarevic-Lasègue

ABSTRACT Charles Lasègue is reputed to have described the test/sign bearing his name, but he never wrote about it and misinterpreted its mechanism. The purpose of this note is to highlight the work of the Serbian, Laza Lazarević, who was first to present the original report of this seminal sign in sciatica and provide its appropriate pathophysiological interpretation.

RESUMO Charles Lasègue guarda a reputação de ter descrito o sinal que leva seu nome, mas nunca escreveu sobre isso e interpretava erradamente sua etiopatogenia. O propósito desta nota é chamar atenção para o trabalho do sérvio Laza Lazarević, que apresentou a descrição original do sinal mais importante na ciatalgia e forneceu a interpretação apropriada da sua fisiopatologia.

Radicular pain caused by Schmorl's node: a case report / Dor radicular causada por nódulo de Schmorl: relato de caso

Abstract Schmorl's node a focal herniation of intervertebral disc through the end plate into the vertebral body. Most of the established Schmorl's nodes are quiescent. However, disc herniation into the vertebral marrow can cause low back pain by irritating a nociceptive system. Schmorl's node induced radicular pain is a very rare condition. Some cases of Schmorl's node which generated low back pain or radicular pain were treated by surgical methods. In this article, authors reported a rare case of a patient with radicular pain cause by Schmorl's node located at the inferior surface of the 5th lumbar spine. The radicular pain was alleviated by serial 5th lumbar transforaminal epidural blocks. Transforaminal epidural block is suggested as first conservative option to treat radicular pain due to herniation of intervertebral disc. Therefore, non-surgical treatment such as transforaminal epidural block can be considered a first treatment option for radicular pain caused by Schmorl's node.

Resumo O nódulo de Schmörl (NS) é a herniação focal do disco intervertebral através da placa terminal para dentro do corpo vertebral. A maioria dos nódulos de Schmörl já estabelecidos é quiescente. Porém, a hérnia de disco na medula vertebral pode causar dor lombar quando afeta um sistema nociceptivo. A dor radicular induzida por NS é uma condição muito rara. Alguns casos de NS que causaram dor lombar ou radicular foram tratados com procedimentos cirúrgicos. Neste artigo, relatamos o caso raro de um paciente com dor radicular causada por NS localizado na superfície inferior da quinta vértebra lombar (L5). A dor radicular foi atenuada mediante uma série de bloqueios peridurais transforaminais no nível L5. O bloqueio epidural transforaminal (BET) foi sugerido como primeira opção conservadora para tratar a dor radicular devido à herniação do disco intervertebral. Portanto, um tratamento não cirúrgico como o BET pode ser considerado como uma primeira opção de tratamento da dor radicular causada por NS.

Uso de pregabalina en el tratamiento de la lumbociatalgia / Pregabalin for treatment of low back pain

La lumbociatalgia es un problema clínico común, que en la mayoría de los casos se autolimita y se puede tratar en forma conservadora, usando medidas no farmacológicas y analgésicos como paracetamol o los antiinflamatorios no esteroi-deos. Otro medicamento muy utilizado en nuestro medio es la pregabalina, a pesar de que no se encuentra aprobada para dicha indicación. En este trabajo, el autor se pregunta acerca de la utilidad clínica de la pregabalina y luego de hacer una búsqueda bibliográfica sobre la evidencia más actualizada y de mejor calidad acerca del tema, concluye que no es efectiva para lumbociatalgia y que se acompaña de efectos adversos significativos. Esto coincide con las recomenda-ciones de las guías internacionales, que en su mayoría desaconsejan el uso de anticonvulsivantes para la lumbalgia. (AU)

Sciatica is a common clinical situation, in most cases self-limited and which can be managed conservatively with nonpharmaco-logic treatment and analgesics, such as paracetamol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Pregabalin is also commonly used, despite not being approved for this indication. In this article, the author queries about the clinical usefulness of pregabalin, and after carrying out a bibliographic search of the most recent and best-quality evidence, concludes that it is not effective in sciatica while it causes significant adverse effects. This is in line with the recommendations of most international guidelines,that do not recommend the use of anticonvulsivants drugs for the treatment of lumbalgia. (AU)