Ecografía para prevenir lesiones del nervio sural en la reparación del tendón de Aquiles. Estudio cadavérico / Ultrasound to prevent sural nerve injury in Achilles tendon repair. A cadaveric study

Introducción: Las técnicas mínimamente invasivas son las preferidas para tratar las roturas agudas del tendón de Aquiles. Representan una opción para evitar las complicaciones tegumentarias, y la lesión del nervio sural es uno de sus principales problemas. El objetivo de este estudio fue comprobar la utilidad de la ecografía para prevenir la lesión del nervio sural durante la reparación del tendón de Aquiles con técnicas percutáneas. materiales y métodos: Estudio en 12 piezas cadavéricas. Se recreó una lesión en el tendón de Aquiles 5 cm proximales de su inserción distal. En uno de los miembros del cadáver, se identificó el nervio sural o su vena satélite mediante ecografía. Se reparó el nervio sural por vía percutánea con dos agujas proximales y dos agujas distales a la lesión, y se representó el recorrido del nervio sural. En el miembro contralateral, no se identificó el nervio sural mediante ecografía. Se efectuó la reparación percutánea de las lesiones mediante la técnica de Ma y Griffith. Resultados: En el grupo ecográfico, no se identificaron lesiones del nervio sural. En el grupo de control, se observaron dos lesiones del nervio sural (p = 0,6). En todos los casos, la identificación del nervio sural mediante ecografía fue correcta. Conclusión: La asistencia ecográfica en el tratamiento percutáneo de las lesiones del tendón de Aquiles es un método eficaz y confiable para evitar las lesiones del nervio sural. Nivel de Evidencia: III

Introduction: Minimally invasive techniques are preferred to treat acute Achilles tendon ruptures. They represent an option to avoid integumentary complications, and sural nerve injury is one of its main problems. This study aims to verify the usefulness of ultrasound in preventing sural nerve injury during Achilles repair with percutaneous techniques. materials and methods: Study in 12 cadaveric pieces. We recreated an injury at the level of the Achilles tendon, 5 cm proximally to its distal insertion. In one of the cadaver limbs, the sural nerve and/or its satellite vein were identified by ultrasonography. We repaired the sural nerve percutaneously with two needles at the proximal level and two needles at the distal level of the lesion and represented the path of the sural nerve. In the contralateral limb, the sural nerve was not identified by ultrasound. We performed the percutaneous repair of the injuries using the Ma & Griffith technique. Results: In the ultrasound group, no sural nerve injuries were identified. In the control group, two sural nerve injuries were observed (p=0.6). In all cases, the identification of the sural nerve by ultrasound was correct. Conclusion: Ultrasound assistance in the percutaneous treatment of Achilles tendon injuries is an effective and reliable method to prevent sural nerve injuries. Level of Evidence: III

Avaliação da termoablação com endolaser da veia safena parva com anestesia local / Evaluation of endolaser thermoablation of the small saphenous vein under local anesthesia

Resumo Contexto Na insuficiência venosa crônica (IVC), a veia safena parva (VSP) é afetada em 15% dos casos. A cirurgia convencional é a técnica padrão para o tratamento da insuficiência da VSP, sendo a lesão no nervo sural uma complicação bastante temida. O tratamento de termoablação com endolaser tende a ser um método cirúrgico que diminui complicações da terapia cirúrgica da IVC. Objetivos Avaliar os pacientes com IVC submetidos à terapia por endolaser da VSP ao menos 30 dias após o procedimento. Métodos Foram analisados 54 membros inferiores de 46 pacientes submetidos à terapia por endolaser 1470 nm, sob anestesia local, para o tratamento da IVC em um hospital terciário. Os pacientes foram avaliados no período pré-operatório, intraoperatório e pós-operatório de 30 dias, através da clínica, exame físico e achados ecográficos. Resultados Nos 54 membros inferiores submetidos ao tratamento, comparando-se o período pré-operatório e o 30º dia pós-operatório, houve diferença significativa (p < 0,003) na redução do diâmetro da VSP tratada (6,37 mm pré-operatório e 5,15 mm no 30º dia pós-operatório) (IC95% 4,58-5,72) e na melhora do escore de gravidade clínica venosa (VCSS) (média de 8,02 pré-operatório e 6,11 no 30º dia pós-operatório) (IC95% 5,01-7,21) (p < 0,02). Complicações pós-operatórias, como parestesia e flebite, estiveram presentes e foram diagnosticadas em cinco e três pacientes, respectivamente, sem significar alteração na qualidade de vida e nas atividades de rotina. Conclusões A técnica de termoablação com laser da VSP mostrou-se segura e eficaz na redução dos sintomas clínicos e na melhora da qualidade de vida.

Abstract Background The small saphenous vein (SSV) is affected in 15% of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) cases. Conventional surgery is the standard technique for treatment of SSV insufficiency, but sural nerve injury is a complication of great concern. Endovenous laser ablation is a surgical technique for treatment of CVI that is considered likely to reduce morbidity and mortality. Objectives To evaluate patients with CVI undergoing endovenous laser ablation of the SSV at least 30 days after the procedure. Methods We analyzed 54 lower extremities in 46 patients scheduled for 1470-nm endovenous laser ablation under local anesthesia to treat CVI in a tertiary hospital. Patients were evaluated preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively over 30 days with clinical examination, physical examination, and ultrasound. Results In the 54 lower extremities treated, there was a significant difference (p < 0.003) in terms of reduction in the diameter of treated veins (6.37 mm preoperatively and 5.15 mm on the 30th postoperative day) and improvement in the venous clinical severity score (VCSS) (means of 8.02 preoperative and 6.11 on the 30th postoperative day) (95%CI, 5.01—7.21) (p < 0.02). Postoperative complications such as paresthesia and phlebitis were present and diagnosed in 5 and 3 patients, respectively, but did not affect their quality of life or routine activities. Conclusions Intravenous laser ablation of the SSV proved to be safe and effective for reducing clinical symptoms and improving quality of life.

Cobertura de lesões em pé e terço inferior da perna com retalho fasciocutâneo reverso da panturrilha (Carriquiry) / Coverage of the lower third of the limb and foot injuries using reverse sural fasciocutaneous flap described by Carriquiry

Introdução: Lesões no terço distal dos membros inferiores, com exposição de ossos, articulações, tendões e vasos sanguíneos, não são passíveis do uso de enxertos de pele. Isto ocorre porque o leito vascular é exíguo e pela pobre granulação das feridas, podendo apenas ser corrigidas com retalhos musculares, miocutâneos, fasciocutâneos ou transferência microcirúrgica. Métodos: O retalho em seu limite inferior é demarcado a partir de 5 cm acima dos maléolos. Superiormente, é marcado num comprimento suficiente para cobertura total da lesão. Realizada incisão em demarcação prévia, e elevados pele e tecido subcutâneo juntamente com a fáscia muscular. O nervo sural é preservado em seu leito original. A elevação do retalho se dá até o ponto inferior marcado (o pedículo). Neste ponto, o retalho é transposto numa angulação suficiente para alcançar a lesão. Resultados: Oito casos foram operados utilizando o retalho descrito. Todos apresentavam exposição de ossos e tendões em região distal da perna, dorso do pé ou ambos, nos quais foram utilizados o retalho fasciocutâneo reverso da perna com a técnica proposta por Carriquiry. Os casos apresentaram resultados estético e funcional satisfatórios. Conclusão: O retalho utilizado se presta à correção de lesões do terço inferior da perna e do pé. É relativamente fácil de ser confeccionado, com bom suprimento vascular, e não há perda funcional do leito doador.

Introduction: Skin grafts are not effective to cover lesions in the distal third of the lower limbs that expose the bones, joints, tendons, and blood vessels due to a limited vascular bed and poor granulation of the wounds. These lesions can only be corrected with microsurgical transfer or muscle, myocutaneous, or fasciocutaneous flaps. Methods: The lower border of the flap was marked 5 cm above the malleolus. The upper border was marked after providing sufficient length for complete coverage of the lesion. The incision was performed at the marked upper border, and the skin and subcutaneous tissue were elevated together with muscle fascia. The sural nerve was preserved in its original bed. The flap was lifted to the marked lower border (the pedicle). At this point, the flap was transposed at a sufficient angle to cover the lesion. Results: Eight cases of surgery were conducted using the flap described above. All cases had exposed bones and tendons in the distal region of the limb, back of the foot, or both, in which the reverse sural fasciocutaneous flap with the technique proposed by Carriquiry was used. The cases showed satisfactory esthetic and functional results. Conclusion: The used flap can correct lesions of the lower third of the limbs and foot. It is relatively easy to make, with good vascular supply, and there is no functional loss of the donor area.

Influencia de la extensibilidad isquiosural en la morfología sagital del raquis e inclinación pélvica en deportistas / Influence of hamstring extensibility on sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic inclination in athletes

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la influencia de la extensibilidad isquiosural en la morfología sagital del raquis e inclinación pélvica en deportistas jóvenes. Métodos. Un total de 152 deportistas (media de edad: 16,22 +/- 0,80 años) participaron voluntariamente en este estudio. La morfología sagital de las curvas torácica y lumbar, así como la inclinación pélvica, fueron evaluadas con un Spinal Mouse al realizar los test sit-and-reach, toe-touch y McRae & Wright. La extensibilidad isquiosural fue determinada mediante el test de elevación de la pierna recta (EPR). En base al valor obtenido en el test EPR, la muestra fue dividida en tres grupos (Grupo A: EPR < 76, n=49; Grupo B, EPR entre 76-88, n=45; y Grupo C, EPR > 88, n=50). Resultados. Los deportistas con menor extensibilidad isquiosural adoptaron posturas de mayor cifosis torácica y una mayor retroversión pélvica en los test sit-and-reach y toe-touch. No obstante, no se encontraron diferencias significativas entre grupos en el test McRae & Wright. Además, la extensibilidad isquiosural no tuvo influencia alguna en la morfología sagital del raquis lumbar. Conclusiones. Una menor extensibilidad isquiosural está relacionada con una mayor cifosis torácica y una mayor retroversión pélvica cuando se realizan movimientos de flexión máxima del tronco con rodillas extendidas. La extensibilidad isquiosural no afecta a la disposición sagital del raquis lumbar en movimientos de flexión máxima del tronco.

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of hamstring extensibility in sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic inclination on young athletes. Methods: A hundred and fifty-two young athletes (mean age: 16.22 +/- 0.80 years) were recruited. Thoracic and lumbar curvatures and pelvic inclination were evaluated with a Spinal Mouse system in the sit-and-reach test, toe-touch test and McRae & Wright test. Hamstring muscle extensibility was determined by passive straight leg raise test (PSLR). The sample was divided into three groups with regard to straight leg raise angle (Group A: PSLR < 76, n=49; Group B, PSLR between 76-88, n=45; and Group C, PSLR > 88, n=50). Results. Athletes with lower extensibility presented higher thoracic angle and a more posterior pelvic tilt in the sit-and-reach and toe-touch tests. However, no significant differences were found between groups when maximal trunk flexion with knees flexed was performed (McRae & Wright test). The lumbar curve was not affected by hamstring extensibility in any position. Conclusions: Lower hamstring extensibility is related to increased thoracic curve and more posterior pelvic tilt when maximal trunk flexion with knees extended is performed. Hamstring extensibility has not any influence in sagittal lumbar morphology when trunk flexion is performed.

Experiencia clínica con el colgajo neurocutáneo sural superficial invertido en la reconstrucción del pie y el tercio distal de la pierna: revisión de 18 casos / Clinical experience with sural neurocutaneous flap surface invested in the reconstruction of the foot and the distal third of the leg: review of 18 cases

El colgajo neurocutáneo sural invertido está basado en el nervio sural con la arteria sural superficial, que por sus anastomosis con la arteria peronea en su parte distal, es posible diseñarlo a pedículo distal. Usamos este colgajo en 18 pacientes con diversas lesiones localizadas en el tercio distal de la pierna o del pie que comprometían el tendón de Aquiles, tendones extensores del pie y los dedos, o el sistema osteoarticular. Se logró cobertura en todos los pacientes. Sólo uno presentó necrosis del colgajo pero con viabilidad de la fascia profunda. El colgajo neurocutáneo sural invertido es una buena alternativa en los defectos de cobertura de la parte distal de la pierna, región históricamente difícil para lograr este objetivo.

Retalho sural para reconstrução do pé / Sural flap for reconstruction of the foot

Introdução: as perdas de substância localizadas no pé mostram-se bastante desafiadoras quanto a sua reconstrução. Os retalhos livres microcirúrgicos eram primeira escolha quando se necessitava de uma cobertura mais elaborada. Com a publicação de Masquelet e Col. (1992), abriu-se uma nova possibilidade de tratamento dessas lesões. Objetivo: mostrar que o retalho neurocutâneo sural constitui-se numa alternativa efetiva para o tratamento de lesões extensas no pé. Métodos: o retalho sural foi utilizado em 24 pacientes, no período de 1990 a 2006. Descreve-se a técnica de confecção deste retalho para cobrir lesões situadas no pé. Resultados: todos os defeitos foram corrigidos, com baixo índice de complicações. Discussão: Os retalhos microcirúrgicos, por muito tempo, foram a opção principal para o tratamento de lesões extensas localizadas no pé. Para a realização deste procedimento faz-se necessária a participação de equipe especializada e material especial. O retalho neurocutâneo sural substitui, em parte, os retalhos microcirúrgicos, com a vantagem de apresentar menor dificuldade técnica, confecção mais rápida, pequena morbidade e ser eficaz. Conclusão: o retalho neurocutâneo sural é eficiente na cobertura de lesões com perda de substância no pé e substitui, em muitos casos, o retalho microcirúrgico.

Background: the reconstructions related to loose of foot substance are challenging. The microsurgical flaps were the first choice when a more elaborated coverture was needed. With Masquelet e Col's publication (1992) a new possibility of treating those lesions was opened: the sural neurocutaneus flap. Objective: to show that the sural neurocutaneus flap is an effective alternative to treat extensive injuries on the foot. Methods: the sural neurocutaneus flap was used to cover the traumatic injuries on the foot of 24 patients, between the years of 1990 and 2006. This flap is made from the vascularization that follows the sural nerve and has become an excellent option for the treatment of lost of foot substance. Resultads: all the flaps were corrected with a low complication average.Discussion: the microsurgical flap asforalong time the main option when itcametotreating extensive injuries on the foot. The sural neurocutaneus flap replaces, partially, this flap, with the advantage of presenting a lower technical difficulty and also for being produced quicker, with small morbidity. Conclusions: the sural neurocutaneus flap is efficient in covering injuries with lost of foot substance.

Ultrastructural changes of Schwann cells during nerve regeneration following a crush injury of the sural nerve in rats

Twenty-four male albino rats [200 to 250g in weight] were used in the present study. The left sural nerve of 18 rats was subjected to crush injury while the sural nerves of 6 animals were used as control. After one week of the crush injury the Schwann cells showed multiple cytoplasmic processes. Those with long cytoplasmic processes wrapped only one axon while those wrapping multiple unmyelinated axons showed shorter processes. Some of these processes wrapped or surrounded collagen bundles [collagen pockets] and degenerated myelin, and some contained electronlucent vacuoles. Schwann cell cytoplasm showed asymmetric hypertrophy and contained dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes. Also, electronlucent vacuoles and whorls of degenerated myelin were seen in the cytoplasm of some Schwann cells. Schwann cells were surrounded by basal laminae which may be redundant. Two weeks post-crush, the number of regenerating Schwann cells increased and the myelin sheaths covering the myelinated axons were thicker. Schwann cells possessed long cytoplasmic processes that wrapped unmyelinated axons. After the third week of the crush injury, the Schwann cells wrapped shrunken myelinated axons with degeneration of the myelin of such axons. The number of myelinated axons increased, together with the thickness of their myelin sheath. It could be concluded that the Schwann cells play a phagocytic role during regeneration of peripheral nerves which is indicated by the presence of cytoplasmic vacuoles and degenerated myelin. Such phagocytic process might be performed by the use of their cytoplasmic processes

Does the Tibial and Sural Nerve Transection Model Represent Sympathetically Independent Pain?

Neuropathic pain can be divided into sympathetically maintained pain (SMP) and sympathetically independent pain (SIP). Rats with tibial and sural nerve transection (TST) produce neuropathic pain behaviors, including spontaneous pain, tactile allodynia, and cold allodynia. The present study was undertaken to examine whether rats with TST would represent SMP- or SIP-dominant neuropathic pain by lumbar surgical sympathectomy. The TST model was generated by transecting the tibial and sural nerves, leaving the common peroneal nerve intact. Animals were divided into the sympathectomy group and the sham group. For the sympathectomy group, the sympathetic chain was removed bilaterally from L2 to L6 one week after nerve transection. The success of the sympathectomy was verified by measuring skin temperature on the hind paw and by infra red thermography. Tactile allodynia was assessed using von Frey filaments, and cold allodynia was assessed using acetone drops. A majority of the rats exhibited withdrawal behaviors in response to tactile and cold stimulations after nerve stimulation. Neither tactile allodynia nor cold allodynia improved after successful sympathectomy, and there were no differences in the threshold of tactile and cold allodynia between the sympathectomy and sham groups. Tactile allodynia and cold allodynia in the neuropathic pain model of TST are not dependent on the sympathetic nervous system, and this model can be used to investigate SIP syndromes.

Does the Tibial and Sural Nerve Transection Model Represent Sympathetically Independent Pain?

Neuropathic pain can be divided into sympathetically maintained pain (SMP) and sympathetically independent pain (SIP). Rats with tibial and sural nerve transection (TST) produce neuropathic pain behaviors, including spontaneous pain, tactile allodynia, and cold allodynia. The present study was undertaken to examine whether rats with TST would represent SMP- or SIP-dominant neuropathic pain by lumbar surgical sympathectomy. The TST model was generated by transecting the tibial and sural nerves, leaving the common peroneal nerve intact. Animals were divided into the sympathectomy group and the sham group. For the sympathectomy group, the sympathetic chain was removed bilaterally from L2 to L6 one week after nerve transection. The success of the sympathectomy was verified by measuring skin temperature on the hind paw and by infra red thermography. Tactile allodynia was assessed using von Frey filaments, and cold allodynia was assessed using acetone drops. A majority of the rats exhibited withdrawal behaviors in response to tactile and cold stimulations after nerve stimulation. Neither tactile allodynia nor cold allodynia improved after successful sympathectomy, and there were no differences in the threshold of tactile and cold allodynia between the sympathectomy and sham groups. Tactile allodynia and cold allodynia in the neuropathic pain model of TST are not dependent on the sympathetic nervous system, and this model can be used to investigate SIP syndromes.

Variability in the extent of sensory deficit after sural nerve biopsy.

BACKGROUND: Sural nerve biopsy (SNBx) is associated with multiple complications such as paresthesia, pain, or numbness in the sural nerve distribution at the site of biopsy and wound infection. An accurate idea of these adverse events would be useful while taking informed consent from patients. AIMS: We conducted a prospective study to determine the extent of sensory deficits after SNBx. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: It is a prospective, hospital-based (tertiary teaching hospital) study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All the patients who had SNBx between May 2003 and March 2004 were eligible for inclusion. However, patients with sensory impairment in sural nerve territory or abnormal sural nerve conduction studies prior to the procedure were excluded. SNBx was performed in the ankle region under local anesthesia, and a 3 cm nerve segment was excised. Touch, pain, temperature, vibration and joint position were tested after the nerve biopsy. The extent of sensory deficit was determined. Any other complications, when present were also noted. Follow-up assessment was performed at three months or later. RESULTS: Fifty patients (26 women) fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean age was 37.4 (16-63) years. One-two weeks after the SNBx, 46 (92%) patients had sensory deficit along the lateral aspect of the foot at the site of the biopsy, and 48 (96%) patients had sensory impairment extending beyond the outer aspect of the fifth toe. At follow-up, sensory deficit was present in 89% patients and paresthesia in 39%. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the patients undergoing SNBx develop persistent sensory deficits, which often extend beyond the typical sural nerve territory.