Infusión intravenosa de ketamina a bajas dosis durante cirugía de artrodesis de columna. Una estrategia en el manejo del dolor agudo posoperatorio / Intravenous ketamine infusión at low doses during spinal arthodesis surgery. A strategy in acute postoperative pain management

INTRODUCTION: Acute postoperative pain is a complex problem given the pathophysiological characteristics, increasing health costs and complications and hindering recovery[1],[2]. Spinal arthrodesis is one of the most painful surgical procedures, presenting intense and disabling pain[3],[4]. Multimodal analgesia has been the tool with the best results, based on opioids; however, the combined use of drugs and dependence on opiates are important consequences. Therefore, the analgesic behavior during the use of subanesthetic doses of ketamine is described in the patients undergoing this procedure. METHODOLOGY: A prospective case series study was conducted from January-December 2019, with patients undergoing spinal arthrodesis who met the inclusion criteria, at the Hernando Moncaleano Perdomo University Hospital, Neiva. A univariate statistical analysis of all the variables is performed, with a joint interpretation of the results. RESULTS: A total of 17 patients underwent surgery, one of whom was excluded due to complications related to the surgical material. 88% of the patients showed evaluations of mild or absent pain in at least 4 times, with a number of morphine rescues in 24 hours of 1-2 per patient and patient ambulation in 90% on the first day. CONCLUSIONS. Postoperative spinal arthrodesis patients receiving intravenous ketamine infusion-based analgesia at subanesthetic doses showed mild or absent pain scores at almost all times.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El dolor agudo postoperatorio es un problema complejo dada las características fisiopatológicas, aumentando los costos en salud y las complicaciones y dificultando la recuperación[1],[2]. La artrodesis de columna, es uno de los procedimientos quirúrgicos más dolorosos, presentando un dolor intenso e incapacitante[3],[4]. La analgesia multimodal ha sido la herramienta con mejores resultados, tomando como base los opioides; sin embargo, el uso combinado de fármacos y la dependencia a opiáceos son consecuencias importantes. Por lo anterior, se describe el comportamiento analgésico durante el uso de dosis subanestésicas de ketamina en los pacientes llevados a dicho procedimiento. METODOLOGÍA: Se realiza un estudio tipo serie de casos, prospectivo de enero-diciembre de 2019, con los pacientes llevados a artrodesis de columna que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión en el Hospital Universitario Hernando Moncaleano Perdomo, Neiva. Se realiza un análisis estadístico univariado de la totalidad de las variables, con una interpretación conjunta de los resultados. RESULTADOS: Se intervinieron un total de 17 pacientes, uno de los cuales fue excluido por complicaciones relacionadas con el material quirúrgico. El 88% de los pacientes mostraron valoraciones de dolor leve o ausente en al menos 4 tiempos, con número de rescates de morfina en 24 h de 1-2 por paciente y deambulación de los pacientes en el 90% en el primer día. CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes posoperatorios de artrodesis de columna que recibieron analgesia basada en infusión endovenosa de ketamina a dosis subanestésicas mostraron valoraciones de dolor leve o ausente, en casi todos los tiempos.

Manejo del dolor posoperatorio por cirugía de columna en la población pediátrica: Resultados preliminares / Pain management following spinal surgeries in pediatric patients. Preliminary results

Introducción: Aproximadamente el 80% de los pacientes pediátricos sometidos a cirugía de columna refiere dolor moderado o severo en el posoperatorio inmediato. Objetivos: Describir la presencia de dolor y su intensidad durante el posoperatorio de una cirugía de columna en pacientes pediátricos y evaluar la eficacia del tratamiento analgésico actual. Materiales y Métodos: Se evaluaron pacientes sometidos a cirugía de columna, de entre 10 y 18 años, con capacidad mental para entender el propósito del estudio. Se utilizó el esquema de medicación estándar actual posoperatorio del hospital. Se constataron la presencia del dolor, la hora de comienzo, la localización y la intensidad (escala de valoración numérica), entre otras variables. Resultados: Se evaluó a 84 pacientes pediátricos, con una edad promedio de 12 años y 9 meses, al momento de la cirugía. Las etiología fueron: idiopática (41 casos), neuropática (14 casos), sindrómica (10 casos), muscular (7 casos) y misceláneas (12 casos). El puntaje promedio en la escala de valoración numérica fue de 2,1 antes de la cirugía; de 7,3 el día 1 posoperatorio y de 3,3 el día 6 posoperatorio/alta. El tiempo promedio de internación fue de 6.3 días, el costo económico global de la internación fue de USD1090 por paciente. Conclusiones: Un importante porcentaje de pacientes pediátricos refiere dolor moderado o severo en el posoperatorio de una cirugía de columna, tan solo la mitad recibe un esquema de manejo de dolor estandarizado y adecuado. El objetivo ulterior de este estudio será protocolizar el manejo del dolor con un enfoque multimodal. Nivel de Evidencia: III

Introduction: Around 80% of pediatric patients who undergo spine surgery report moderate to severe pain in the immediate postoperative (POP) period, and only half of them are treated according to an adequate and standardized pain management scheme. Objectives: To describe the type and intensity of POP pain in children who underwent spinal surgery and evaluate the effectiveness of the current pain management protocol. Materials and Methods: We assessed children between 10 and 18 years of age who were able to understand the purpose of the study. We recorded presence of pain, time of POP pain onset, location, and referred intensity of the pain using a numeric rating scale (NRS), among other variables. Results: Overall, 84 pediatric patients were evaluated. Mean age at surgery: 12 years and 9 months. Etiology: idiopathic (41 patients), neuropathic (14 patients), syndromic (10 patients), muscular (7 patients), and miscellaneous (12 patients). Mean preoperative NRS was 2.1 and 7.3 on POP day 1, 6.6 on POP day 2, 6.2 on POP day 3, 5.1 on POP day 4, 3.7 on POP day 5, and 3.3 on POP day 6/at discharge. Mean hospital stay was 6.3 days. The mean cost of hospital stay was USD 1090 per patient. Conclusions: A high percentage of pediatric patients who underwent spinal surgery reported moderate to severe pain in the POP period, and just half of them received a standardized pain management protocol. A pain management protocol with a multimodal focus should be considered in a near future. Level of Evidence: III

Successful medical drainage and surgical treatment for vertebral osteomyelitis and bilateral psoas abscess with gas formation caused by klebsiella pneumoniae in a diabetic patient

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: We describe the case of a diabetic patient who developed vertebral osteomyelitis and bilateral psoas abscess with gas formation due to klebsiella pneumoniae. METHODS: A 64-year-old woman with a 4-year history of type-2 diabetes mellitus was admitted to the Emergency Department. The subject had a 2-day history of high-grade fever associated with chills and a 5-hour history of consciousness. She received empirical treatment with febrifuge, after which her fever decreased. RESULTS: Her fever recurred after an interval of three hours. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen revealed vertebral osteomyelitis and bilateral psoas muscle abscess with gas formation. Blood culture and purulent fluid described the growth of the Klebsiella pneumoniae. The patient received antibiotic therapy and bilateral drainage therapy after the drainage catheter was placed into the abscess cavity by CT-guidance. Due to the serious damage to the vertebral column and permanent pain, the patient underwent minimally invasive internal spinal fixation and recovered successfully. CONCLUSION: A case of vertebral osteomyelitis and bilateral psoas abscess with gas formation caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae in a diabetic patient. Antibiotic therapy, drainage, and minimally invasive internal spinal fixation were performed, which enabled a good outcome.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Descrever o caso de uma paciente diabética que desenvolveu osteomielite vertebral e abcesso bilateral do psoas com formação de gás causada por klebsiella pneumoniae. MÉTODOS: Uma mulher de 64 anos de idade, com 4 anos de histórico de diabetes mellitus tipo 2, foi admitida no Serviço de Emergência. A paciente apresentava um quadro de dias de febre alta acompanhada de calafrios e um histórico de 5 horas de consciência. Ela recebeu tratamento empírico com antitérmico, após o qual a febre diminuiu. RESULTADOS: A febre retornou após um intervalo de três horas. Uma tomografia computadorizada do abdome revelou osteomielite vertebral e abcesso bilateral do músculo psoas com formação de gás. A cultura do sangue e o fluido purulento revelaram o crescimento de Klebsiella pneumoniae. A paciente recebeu antibióticos e terapia de drenagem bilateral após o cateter de drenagem ser posicionado na cavidade do abscesso com auxílio de TC. Devido a sérios danos à coluna vertebral e a dor permanente, a paciente foi submetida à fixação vertebral interna minimamente invasiva e recuperou-se com sucesso. CONCLUSÃO: Um caso de osteomielite vertebral e abscesso do psoas bilateral com a formação de gás causada por Klebsiella pneumoniae em uma paciente diabética. Antibioticoterapia, drenagem e fixação vertebral interna minimamente invasiva foram realizadas, o que permitiu um bom resultado.

Intraoperative vancomycin powder and post-operative infection after spinal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

SUMMARY

Incidence of the adjacent segment disease treated at the issemym medical center / Incidência da doença do segmento adjacente tratada no centro médico issemym / Incidencia de la enfermedad del segmento adyacente tratada en el centro médico issemym

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the incidence and rate of disc degeneration adjacent to a lumbar fusion, as well as to analyze possible risk factors for its development. Methods: A retrospective study of a level of evidence IIB case series of 125 patients diagnosed with lumbar canal stenosis and spondylolisthesis, who underwent surgery from January 2011 to December 2016, with subsequent instrumentation and posterolateral fusion and outpatient follow-up in which the symptomatology and radiographic findings were evaluated to establish the diagnosis and management. Results: Twelve patients with adjacent segment disease were identified, with an incidence of 9.6%, higher both among female patients and in the seventh decade of life. The most frequent pathology was canal stenosis (42.4%), the most affected level was L4 / L5, and the procedure most associated with the prevalence of adjacent level degeneration was L4-L5 posterior transpedicular instrumentation. Conclusions: Sagittalization of the facet joint was a constant factor in all patients with involvement of the adjacent disc. The main clinical findings were treatment-resistant root pain and radiographic alterations characterized by spondylolisthesis, facet osteoarthritis and intervertebral disc herniation. Level of Evidence IIB; Retrospective study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar a incidência e a taxa de degeneração do disco adjacente, bem como analisar possíveis fatores de risco de degeneração do disco adjacente à fusão lombar. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo de série de casos com nível de evidência IIB, com uma amostra de 125 pacientes com diagnóstico de estenose de canal lombar e espondilolistese, que foram operados no período de janeiro de 2011 a dezembro de 2016, com instrumentação posterior e fusão posterolateral e acompanhamento ambulatorial, no qual se avaliou a sintomatologia e os achados radiográficos para estabelecer o diagnóstico e o tratamento. Resultados: Foram identificados 12 pacientes com doença do segmento adjacente, com incidência de 9,6%, com maior frequência no sexo feminino e na sétima década de vida. A patologia mais frequente foi estenose do canal (42,4%). O nível mais afetado foi L4/L5, e o procedimento mais relacionado com a prevalência do nível adjacente foi a instrumentação transpedicular posterior em L4/L5. Conclusões: A sagitalização das facetas articulares tem sido um fator constante em todos os pacientes, com envolvimento do disco adjacente. Os principais achados clínicos são dor radicular resistente ao tratamento e alterações radiográficas caracterizadas por espondilolistese, artrose facetária e hérnia de disco intervertebral. Nível de Evidência IIB; Estudo retrospectivo.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Determinar la incidencia y tasa de degeneración del disco adyacente, así como analizar posibles factores de riesgo de desarrollar degeneración del disco adyacente a una fusión lumbar. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de serie de casos con nivel de Evidencia IIB, con una muestra de 125 pacientes con diagnósticos de canal lumbar estrecho y espondilolistesis, intervenidos quirúrgicamente en el periodo de enero del 2011 a diciembre del 2016, con instrumentación posterior y fusión posterolateral, con seguimiento en consulta externa en el cual se evaluó la sintomatología y hallazgos radiográficos para establecer el diagnóstico y manejo. Resultados: Se identificaron 12 pacientes con enfermedad del segmento adyacente. Con una incidencia de 9,6%, con mayor incidencia en el sexo femenino y mayor incidencia en la séptima década de la vida. La patología más frecuente ha sido la estenosis de canal (42,4%). El nivel de mayor afectación fue en L4/L5, y el procedimiento más relacionado con la prevalencia de nivel adyacente fue la instrumentación posterior transpedicular L4/L5. Conclusiones: La sagitalización de las facetas articulares ha sido un factor constante en todos los pacientes, con afectación del disco adyacente. Los principales hallazgos clínicos son dolor radicular resistente al tratamiento y alteraciones radiográficas caracterizadas por espondilolistesis, artrosis facetaria y hernia de disco intervertebral. Nivel de Evidencia IIB; Estudio retrospectivo.

Effect of pulsed electromagnetic field on the consolidation of posterolateral arthrodeses in the lumbosacral spine: a prospective, double-blind, randomized study / Efeito do campo eletromagnético pulsado na consolidação das artrodeses posterolaterais lombossacras: estudo prospectivo, duplo-cego e randomizado / Efecto del campo electromagnético pulsado en la consolidación de artrodesis posterolaterales en la columna lumbosacral: estudio prospectivo, doble ciego, randomizado

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the effect of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on the consolidation of instrumented lumbar posterolateral arthrodeses in patients who have been surgically treated for degenerative spine disease. Methods: Forty cases were recruited from 163 consecutive patients undergoing lumbar arthrodesis at the same center. The patients were randomized into two groups of 20 patients: Active Group, who were exposed to PEMF for 4 hours a day for 90 days after surgery, and Inactive Group, who received an identical device, with the same instructions for use but without the ability to generate PEMF. The patients underwent computed tomography scans at 45, 90, 180 and 360 days after surgery to check for the occurrence of arthrodesis at each operated spinal level. Results: In the course of the study, two patients were excluded from each group. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to age, gender, smoking habit, or the number of vertebral levels included in the arthrodesis. The percentage of consolidation of the vertebral levels increased at 90, 180 and 360 days compared to 45 days (p<0.001) in both groups. The Active Group had a 276% greater chance of consolidation in the vertebral levels (OR = 3.76; 95% CI: 1.39-10.20), regardless of the time of evaluation. Patients in the Active Group presented 16% more consolidation than patients in the inactive group (p=0.018). Conclusions: Post-operative exposure to PEMF following instrumented arthrodesis of the lumbar spine for degenerative spine disease increased consolidation in the first year after surgery.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do campo eletromagnético pulsado (CEMP) na consolidação de artrodeses posterolaterais lombares instrumentadas em pacientes que foram tratados cirurgicamente de doença degenerativa da coluna vertebral. Métodos: Quarenta casos foram recrutados de 163 pacientes consecutivos submetidos à artrodese lombar no mesmo centro. Os pacientes foram randomizados em dois grupos de 20 pacientes: Grupo Ativo, que foi exposto a CEMP por 4 horas por dia durante 90 dias após a cirurgia e Grupo Inativo, que recebeu um dispositivo idêntico, com as mesmas instruções de uso, mas sem a capacidade de gerar CEMP. Os pacientes foram submetidos a exames de tomografia computadorizada aos 45, 90, 180 e 360 dias após a cirurgia para verificar a ocorrência de artrodese em cada nível espinhal operado. Resultados: No decorrer do estudo, dois pacientes foram excluídos de cada grupo. Não houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos com relação à idade, sexo, tabagismo ou número de níveis vertebrais incluídos na artrodese. A percentagem de consolidação dos níveis vertebrais aumentou aos 90, 180 e 360 dias em comparação com 45 dias (p < 0,001) em ambos os grupos. O Grupo Ativo teve uma chance de consolidação 276% maior nos níveis vertebrais (OR = 3,76; IC 95%: 1,39-10,20), independentemente do momento da avaliação. Os pacientes do Grupo Ativo apresentaram 16% mais consolidação do que os pacientes no grupo inativo (p = 0,018). Conclusões: A exposição pós-operatória ao CEMP após artrodese instrumentada da coluna lombar na doença degenerativa da coluna vertebral aumentou a consolidação no primeiro ano após a cirurgia.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto del campo electromagnético pulsado (CEMP) en la consolidación de la artrodesis posterolateral lumbar instrumentada en pacientes tratados quirúrgicamente por enfermedad degenerativa de la columna vertebral. Métodos: Cuarenta casos fueron reclutados de 163 pacientes consecutivos sometidos a artrodesis lumbar en el mismo centro. Los pacientes fueron asignados al azar a dos grupos de 20 pacientes: Grupo Activo, que fue expuesto a CEMP durante 4 horas al día durante 90 días después de la cirugía y Grupo Inactivo, que recibió un dispositivo idéntico, con las mismas instrucciones de uso pero sin la capacidad de generar CEMP. Los pacientes fueron sometidos a tomografía computarizada a los 45, 90, 180 y 360 días después de la cirugía para comprobar la presencia de artrodesis en cada nivel operado de la columna. Resultados: En el curso del estudio, dos pacientes fueron excluidos de cada grupo. No hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos con respecto a la edad, el sexo, el tabaquismo o el número de niveles vertebrales incluidos en la artrodesis. El porcentaje de consolidación de los niveles vertebrales aumentó a los 90, 180 y 360 días en comparación con 45 días (p < 0,001) en ambos grupos. El Grupo Activo tenía una probabilidad 276% mayor de consolidación en los niveles vertebrales (OR = 3,76; IC del 95%: 1,39-10,20), independientemente del momento de la evaluación. Los pacientes del Grupo Activo presentaron 16% más de consolidación que los pacientes del Grupo Inactivo (p = 0,018). Conclusiones: La exposición postoperatoria a CEMP después de la artrodesis instrumentada de la columna lumbar en la enfermedad degenerativa de la columna vertebral aumentó la consolidación en el primer año después de la cirugía.

Community Care Administration of Spinal Deformities in the Brazilian Public Health System

OBJECTIVE: Underfunding of the surgical treatment of complex spinal deformities has been an important reason for the steadily growing waiting lists in publicly funded healthcare systems. The aim of this study is to characterize the management of the treatment of spinal deformities in the public healthcare system. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 60 patients with complex pediatric spinal deformities waiting for treatment in December 2013 was performed. The evaluated parameters were place of origin, waiting time until first assessment at a specialized spine care center, waiting time for the surgical treatment, and need for implants not reimbursed by the healthcare system. RESULTS: Ninety-one percent of the patients lived in São Paulo State (33% from Ribeirão Preto - DRS XIII). Patients waited for 0.5 to 48.0 months for referral, and the waiting times for surgery ranged from 2 to 117 months. Forty-five percent of the patients required implants for the surgical procedure that were not available. CONCLUSION: The current management of patients with spinal deformities in the public healthcare system does not provide adequate treatment for these patients in our region. They experience long waiting periods for referral and prolonged waiting times to receive surgical treatment; additionally, many of the necessary procedures are not reimbursed by the public healthcare system.

Minimally invasive spine surgery in the nuevo hospital civil de guadalajara "dr. juan i. menchaca" / Cirurgia de coluna minimamente invasiva no nuevo hospital civil de guadalajara "dr. juan i. menchaca" / Cirugía de columna mínimamente invasiva en el nuevo hospital civilde guadalajara "dr. juan i. menchaca"

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe our experience on a case series treated with minimal invasive techniques in spine surgery, with short-term follow-up and identify complications. Methods: A prospective analysis was performed on 116 patients operated on by the same team from September 2015 to June 2016. Evaluating the short-term follow-up we registered the surgical time, bleeding, complications, hospital stay, pre- and postoperatively neurological status, as well as scales of disability and quality of life. Demographic and surgical procedure data were analyzed with SPSS version 20 program. Results: A total of 116 patients with a mean age of 49.7 + 15.7 (21-85 years) underwent surgery being 76 (65%) with lumbar conditions and 37 (32%) with cervical conditions. The most common procedures were tubular discectomies (31), tubular bilateral decompression (17), lumbar MI-TLIFs (7), and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (35). The mean blood loss was 50.6 cc, the hospital stay was 1.7 day, pre- and postoperative pain VAS were 7.4 % and 2.3%, respectively, pre- and postoperative Oswestry (ODI) were 64.6% and 13.1%, respectively, pre- and postoperative SF-36 of 37.8% and 90.3%. There were no major complications, except for a surgical wound infection in diabetic patient and three incidental durotomies, one of these being a contained fistula, treated conservatively. Conclusions: The current tendency towards minimally invasive surgery has been justified on multiple studies in neoplastic and degenerative diseases, with the preservation of the structures that support the spine biomechanics. The benefits should not replace the primary objectives of surgery and its usefulness depends on the skills of the surgeon, pathology and the adequate selection of the techniques. We found that the tubular access allows developing techniques such as discectomy, corpectomy and fusion without limiting exposure, avoiding manipulation of adjacent structures, reducing complications and being feasible in a public hospital.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever nossa experiência em uma série de casos tratados por técnicas minimamente invasivas de cirurgia da coluna, o acompanhamento a curto prazo e identificar complicações. Métodos: Realizou-se análise prospectiva de 116 pacientes operados pela mesma equipe, de setembro de 2015 até junho de 2016. Avaliando o acompanhamento a curto prazo, foram registrados tempo cirúrgico, hemorragia, complicações, estadia hospitalar, estado neurológico pré e pós-operatório, além de escalas de incapacidade e qualidade de vida. Os dados demográficos e sobre o procedimento cirúrgico foram analisados com o programa SPSS versão 20. Resultados: Um total de 116 pacientes com média de idade de 49,7 + 15,7 (21 a 85 anos) foram operados, sendo 76 (65%) com afecção lombar e 37 (32%) com afecção cervical. Os procedimentos mais comuns foram discotomias tubulares (31), descompressão bilateral tubular (17), MI-TLIF (7) lombares; discotomia e artrodese anterior (35). O sangramento médio foi de 50,6 cm3, o tempo de hospitalização foi 1,7 dia, a escala EVA pré-cirúrgica foi 7,4 e a pós-cirúrgica 2,3, Oswestry (ODI) pré-cirúrgico de 64,6% e pós-cirúrgico de 13,1%, SF-36 pré-cirúrgico de 37,8% e pós-cirúrgico de 90,3%. Não houve grandes complicações, exceto uma infecção da ferida cirúrgica em paciente diabética e três durotomias incidentais um dos pacientes com fístula, uma delas contida, tratada de modo conservador. Conclusões: A tendência atual da cirurgia minimamente invasiva tem sido justificada em vários estudos sobre neoplasia e doenças degenerativas, preservando as estruturas da biomecânica da coluna vertebral. Os benefícios não devem substituir os objetivos primários e sua utilidade depende das habilidades do cirurgião, da patologia e do uso seletivo das técnicas. Constatamos que o acesso tubular permite desenvolver a técnica de discotomia, fusão e corpectomia sem limite de exposição, evitando manipulação de estruturas adjacentes, reduzindo as complicações e sendo viável em hospitais públicos.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir nuestra experiencia en una serie de casos tratados mediante técnicas mínimamente invasivas en cirugía de columna, su seguimiento a corto plazo e identificar las complicaciones. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis prospectivo en 116 pacientes intervenidos por el mismo equipo desde septiembre de 2015 a junio de 2016. Evaluando el seguimiento a corto plazo, se registró tiempo quirúrgico, sangrado, complicaciones, estancia hospitalaria, estado neurológico pre y post operatorio además de escalas de discapacidad y calidad de vida. Los datos demográficos y del procedimiento quirúrgico fueron analizados con el programa SPSS versión 20. Resultados: Un total de 116 pacientes con edad promedio de 49,7 + 15,7 (21 a 85 años), fueron intervenidos siendo 76 (65%) patologías lumbares y 37 (32%) cervicales. Los procedimientos más comunes fueron discectomías tubulares (31), descompresión bilateral tubular (17), MI-TLIF (7) lumbares; discectomía y artrodesis anterior (35). El promedio de sangrado fue 50,6 cc, estancia hospitalaria 1,7 día, escala EVA prequirúrgica 7,4 y posquirúrgica 2,3, Oswestry (ODI) prequirúrgico 64,6% y posquirúrgico 13,1%, SF-36 prequirúrgico 37,8% y posquirúrgico 90,3%. No hubo complicaciones mayores, excepto una infección de herida quirúrgica en paciente diabética y 3 durotomías incidentales, una de estas con fístula contenida, de manejo conservador. Conclusiones: La tendencia actual de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva se ha justificado en múltiples estudios en patología tumoral y degenerativa, con la conservación de estructuras para biomecánica de la columna. Los beneficios no deben reemplazar los objetivos primarios y su utilidad depende de las habilidades del cirujano, la patología, y el uso selectivo de las técnicas. Encontramos que el acceso tubular permite desarrollar la técnica de discectomía, fusión y corpectomía sin limitar la exposición, evitando manipulación de estructuras adyacentes, disminuyendo complicaciones y siendo factible en un hospital público.

An update in the management of spinal metastases / Atualização no manejo das metástases na coluna vertebral

The best clinical treatment for spinal metastases requires an integrated approach with input from an interdisciplinary cancer team. The principle goals of treatment are maintenance or improvement in neurologic function and ambulation, spinal stability, durable tumor control, and pain relief. The past decade has witnessed an explosion of new technologies that have impacted our ability to reach these goals, such as separation surgery and minimally invasive spinal procedures. The biggest advance, however, has been the evolution of stereotactic radiosurgery that has demonstrated durable tumor control both when delivered as definitive therapy and as a postoperative adjuvant even for tumors considered markedly resistant to conventional external beam radiation. In this paper, we perform an update on the management of spinal metastases demonstrating the integration of these new technologies into a decision framework NOMS that assesses four basic aspects of a patient’s spine disease: Neurologic, Oncologic, Mechanical Instability and Systemic disease.

O tratamento dos pacientes com metástases na coluna requer uma abordagem multidisciplinar por equipe especializada em oncologia. Os objetivos básicos do tratamento são a manutenção/ melhora da função neurológica com preservação da deambulação, manutenção da estabilidade da coluna, controle tumoral e alívio da dor. A última década testemunhou uma explosão de novas tecnologias que auxiliaram a atingir os objetivos terapêuticos, como a cirurgia de separação e procedimentos minimamente cirúrgicos minimamente invasivos. Contudo, o maior avanço terapêutico constitui-se do uso da radiocirurgia no tratamento das metástases de coluna, que possibilita bom controle local tanto como terapia definitiva ou no pós-operatório de tumores, mesmo os considerados radioresistentes à radioterapia convencional. No presente artigo, realizamos atualização do manejo das metástases de coluna, apresentando a integração das novas tecnologias em um algoritmo de decisão “NOMS” que inclui os quatros aspectos básicos dos pacientes com metástases na coluna:Neurologic, Oncologic, Mechanical InstabilityeSystemic disease.

Mini-Open Anterior Retroperitoneal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion for Lumbar Spinal Degeneration Disease

PURPOSE: Surgery for lumbar spinal degeneration disease is widely performed. While posterior decompression and fusion are popular, anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is also used for treatment. Extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) is commonly used for noninvasive ALIF; however, several complications, such as spinal nerve and psoas muscle injury, have been reported. In the current study, we examined the clinical efficacy and complications of oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) for lumbar spinal degeneration disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients with degenerated spondylolisthesis, discogenic pain, and kyphoscoliosis were examined. All patients underwent OLIF surgery (using a cage and bone graft from the iliac crest) with or without posterior decompression, without real-time electromyography monitoring. Posterior screws were used in all patients. Visual analog scale (VAS) score and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were evaluated before and 6 months after surgery. Surgical complications were also evaluated. RESULTS: Pain scores significantly improved after surgery, compared to those before surgery (p<0.05). There was no patient who underwent revision surgery. There was no spinal nerve, major vessel, peritoneal, or urinary injury. Few patients showed symptoms from psoas invasion. CONCLUSION: OLIF surgery produced good surgical results without any major complication.

Perioperative Surgical Complications and Learning Curve Associated with Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Single-Institute Experience

BACKGROUND: As surgical complications tend to occur more frequently in the beginning stages of a surgeon's career, knowledge of perioperative complications is important to perform a safe procedure, especially if the surgeon is a novice. We sought to identify and describe perioperative complications and their management in connection with minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of our first 124 patients who underwent minimally invasive TLIF. The primary outcome measure was adverse events during the perioperative period, including neurovascular injury, implant-related complications, and wound infection. Pseudarthroses and adjacent segment pathologies were not included in this review. Adverse events that were not specifically related to spinal surgery and did not affect recovery were also excluded. RESULTS: Perioperative complications occurred in 9% of patients (11/124); including three cases of temporary postoperative neuralgia, two deep wound infections, two pedicle screw misplacements, two cage migrations, one dural tear, and one grafted bone extrusion. No neurologic deficits were reported. Eight complications occurred in the first one-third of the series and only 3 complications occurred in the last two-thirds of the series. Additional surgeries were performed in 6% of patients (7/124); including four reoperations (two for cage migrations, one for a misplaced screw, and one for an extruded graft bone fragment) and three hardware removals (one for a misplaced screw and two for infected cages). CONCLUSIONS: We found perioperative complications occurred more often in the early period of a surgeon's experience with minimally invasive TLIF. Implant-related complications were common and successfully managed by additional surgeries in this series. We suggest greater caution should be exercised to avoid the potential complications, especially when surgeon is a novice to this procedure.

Can lumbar hemorrhagic synovial cyst cause acute radicular compression? Case report / O cisto sinovial hemorrágico lombar pode causar compressão radicular aguda? Relato de caso

Lumbar synovial cysts are an uncommon cause of back pain and radiculopathy, usually manifesting with gradual onset of symptoms, secondary to involvement of the spinal canal. Rarely, intracyst hemorrhage occurs, and may acutely present as radicular - or even spinal cord - compression syndrome. Synovial cysts are generally associated with degenerative facets, although the pathogenesis has not been entirely established. We report a case of bleeding complication in a synovial cyst at L2-L3, adjacent to the right interfacet joint, causing acute pain and radiculopathy in a patient on anticoagulation therapy who required surgical resection.

Cistos sinoviais da coluna lombar são uma causa incomum de dor na coluna e radiculopatia, geralmente com evolução gradual dos sintomas, que são secundários ao comprometimento do canal vertebral. Raramente, há hemorragia intracística, que pode se manifestar de forma aguda com síndrome compressiva radicular ou mesmo medular. Habitualmente, os cistos sinoviais associam-se a doença degenerativa facetária, embora a patogênese não esteja completamente estabelecida. Relatamos aqui um caso em que uma complicação hemorrágica em um cisto sinovial no nível L2-L3, adjacente à interfacetária direita, causou dor lombar e radiculopatia em um paciente em terapia anticoagulante, sendo necessária a ressecção cirúrgica.

Injerto autólogo versus aloinjerto fresco congelado en cirugía lumbar instrumentada. Resultados clínicos y radiológicos / Autologous graft versus fresh frozen allograft in instrumented lumbar surgery. Clinical and radiological results

Introducción: La eficacia del aloinjerto fresco congelado es controvertida en la fusión lumbar. El objetivo de este trabajo es comparar los resultados clínicos, el tiempo de cirugía y de estadía hospitalaria, y los resultados radiológicos utilizando injerto autólogo versus aloinjerto fresco congelado en cirugía de artrodesis lumbar instrumentada. Materiales y Métodos: Desde enero de 2009 hasta mayo de 2011, se analizaron 32 pacientes sometidos a fusión lumbar circunferencial de un nivel. Se formaron dos grupos, Grupo A: injerto autólogo, Grupo B: aloinjerto fresco congelado. Antes de la cirugía, se utilizó la escala analógica visual (valoración sintomática) y el índice ODI (calidad de vida); después de la intervención, se aplicó nuevamente el índice ODI y se empleó la clasificación de Bridwell en la tomografía computarizada para evaluar la fusión. Se evaluó la duración del acto quirúrgico y de la estadía hospitalaria. Estudio de valor terapéutico, observacional, analítico, prospectivo y aleatorizado. Resultados: No se observaron diferencias significativas entre los grupos: calidad de vida: mejoría en grupo A: 55,26 por ciento, grupo B: 55,30 (p < 0,9); tiempo quirúrgico: grupo A: promedio 169,4 minutos, grupo B: 148 minutos (p < 0,16); estadía hospitalaria: grupo A: promedio 73,3 horas, grupo B: 58,7 horas (p < 0,12); tasa de fusión posterolateral: grupo A: 94,74 por ciento, grupo B: 92,31 por ciento (p < 0,57). Conclusión: Si bien las diferencias entre el aloinjerto fresco congelado y el autoinjerto no fueron significativas, el menor tiempo de cirugía y la estadía hospitalaria más corta en el grupo con aloinjerto fresco congelado evidencian que es una opción válida al autoinjerto.

Background: The effectiveness of fresh frozen bone allograft is controversial in lumbar fusion. The aim of this study is to compare clinical outcomes, duration of surgery, length of hospital stay and radiological results, using autologous graft versus fresh frozen bone allograft in instrumented lumbar fusion surgery. Methods: We analyzed 32 patients from January 2009 to May 2011 treated with one level instrumented circumferential lumbar fusion. They were divided into two groups, Group A: autologous graft, Group B: fresh frozen bone allograft. Before surgery, we used the visual analogue scale (severity of symptoms) and the ODI index (quality of life), in the postoperative period, ODI index was performed again and Bridwell classification was used in computed tomography to evaluate fusion. We evaluated the duration of surgery and hospital stay. Observational, analytical, prospective and randomized study, with therapeutic value. Results: There were no significant differences between the groups: quality of life: improvement in group A: 55.26%, group B: 55.30% (p < 0.9); surgical time: group A, 169.4 minutes on average, group B, 148 minutes (p < 0.16); hospital stay: group A, 73.3 hours on average, group B, 58.7 hours (p < 0.12); posterolateral fusion rate: group A, 94.74%, group B, 92.31% (p < 0.57). Conclusion: Although the differences between fresh frozen bone allograft and autograft were not significant, a shorter surgical time and reduction on hospital stay in the fresh frozen bone allograft group show that this is a suitable choice to autograft.

Cervical Arthroplasty for Moderate to Severe Disc Degeneration: Clinical and Radiological Assessments after a Minimum Follow-Up of 18 Months: Pfirrmann Grade and Cervical Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: Clinical outcomes and radiologic results after cervical arthroplasty have been reported in many articles, yet relatively few studies after cervical arthroplasty have been conducted in severe degenerative cervical disc disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients who underwent cervical arthroplasty (Mobi-C(R)) between April 2006 and November 2011 with a minimum follow-up of 18 months were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to Pfirrmann classification on preoperative cervical MR images: group A (Pfirrmann disc grade III, n=38) and group B (Pfirrmann disc grades IV or V, n=22). Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of neck and arm pain, modified Oswestry Disability Index (mODI) score, and radiological results including cervical range of motion (ROM) were assessed before and after surgery. RESULTS: VAS and mean mODI scores decreased after surgery from 5.1 and 57.6 to 2.7 and 31.5 in group A and from 6.1 and 59.9 to 3.7 and 38.4 in group B, respectively. In both groups, VAS and mODI scores significantly improved postoperatively (p<0.001), although no significant intergroup differences were found. Also, cervical dynamic ROM was preserved or gradually improved up to 18 months after cervical arthroplasty in both groups. Global, segmental and adjacent ROM was similar for both groups during follow-up. No cases of device subsidence or extrusion were recorded. CONCLUSION: Clinical and radiological results following cervical arthroplasty in patients with severe degenerative cervical disc disease were no different from those in patients with mild degenerative cervical disc disease after 18 months of follow-up.

Fijación lumbopelviana con tornillos en pacientes adultos / Lumbopelvic fixation with screws in adult patients

Introducción: Lograr una artrodesis sólida a nivel de L5-S1 constituye siempre una dificultad mayor que en otros niveles de la columna lumbar o torácica. La fijación con tornillos a las alas ilíacas representa una alternativa dentro de los diversos métodos de fijación. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados de la fijación pelviana con tornillos en pacientes adultos sin problemas de la marcha, considerando especialmente la fijación en 4 puntos por debajo de L5. Materiales y métodos: Veinticinco pacientes, con un seguimiento mínimo de 12 meses. Diagnósticos predominantes: escoliosis, seudoartrosis. Resultados: Veintinueve pacientes con distintas patologías fueron tratados por medio de fijación con tornillos pelvianos y los resultados se evaluaron mediante control clínico (escala analógica visual [EAV] y escala de Oswestry) y control radiográfico. Los resultados obtenidos fueron: EAV preoperatoria 7,8 por ciento y EAV posoperatoria 3,1 por ciento. El puntaje para dolor ilíaco posoperatorio en la EAV fue del 3,3 por ciento y el puntaje Oswestry preoperatorio, del 74,4 por ciento, mientras que el del período posoperatorio fue, en promedio, del 31,5 por ciento. En cuatro pacientes fue necesario retirar el implante, en todos los casos por radiolucidez de los tornillos ilíacos. Se produjo la rotura de ambos tornillos ilíacos en 2 casos y se logró la fusión en los 24 casos restantes. Conclusión: La fijación con tornillos pelvianos en fusiones largas, si bien no está exenta de complicaciones, es un método eficaz para lograr un alto índice de fusión lumbosacra en casos especialmente complejos por el largo de la fusión o por el fracaso de cirugías previas; es una técnica sencilla y con un moderado índice de dolor pelviano no solo en el número de pacientes, sino también en la intensidad del dolor, lo que quedó evidenciado por el bajo número de pacientes que fueron reintervenidos para el retiro de los tornillos.

Does disc space height of fused segment affect adjacent disc degeneration in anterior lumbar interbody fusion? a radiological study

The restoration of disc space height [DSH] is essential in anterior lumbar interbody fusion [ALIF], while it is unclear whether the reduction of DSH may alter the mechanical status and adversely affect adjacent segment, and few literatures focused on the subject. Ninety five patients who had undergone ALIF for degenerative disc disease at our institution between March 2004 and March 2007 were retrospectively reviewed and 76 patients were enrolled in this study. Preoperative, postoperative and the final follow-up segmental lordosis [SL], whole lumbar lordosis [WLL] and DSH were measured and compared in adjacent segmental degeneration [ASD] group and non-ASD group, and the relationship between DSH, SL, WLL and ASD were investigated retrospectively. In 76 patients, the radiographic ASD was proven in 25 [32.9%] and symptomatic ASD in 2 patients. There was a significant correlation between DSH and SL, but was insignificant between DSH and WLL, and a significant correlation was noticed between ASD and SL, WLL and DSH at final follow-up. The normal DSH and SL is important for preventing ASD and an anterior cage with appropriate height and lordotic angle to be used in ALIF to maintain the proper DSH and SL