Unstable Pathologic Vertebral Fractures in Multiple Myeloma : Propensity Score Matched Cohort Study between Reconstructive Surgery with Adjuvant Radiotherapy and Radiotherapy Alone

Objective@#: Although radiotherapy (RT) is recommended for multiple myeloma (MM) involving spine, the treatment of choice between reconstructive surgery with RT and RT alone for pathologic vertebral fractures (PVFs) associated with structural instability or neurologic compromises remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacies of reconstructive surgery with adjuvant RT for treatment of MM with PVFs by comparing with matched cohorts treated with RT alone. @*Methods@#: Twenty-eight patients underwent reconstructive surgery followed by RT between 2008 and 2015 in a single institution, for management of PVFs associated with structural instability of the spine and/or neurologic compromises (group I). Twentyeight patients were treated with RT alone (group II) after propensity score matching in a 1-to-1 format based on instability of the spine, as well as age and performance. Clinical outcomes including the overall survival rates, duration of independent ambulation, neurological status, and numeric rating scale (NRS) for back pain were compared. @*Results@#: Clinical and radiological features before treatment were similar in both groups. The median survival period was similar between the two groups. However, the mean duration of independent ambulation was significantly longer in group I (88.8 months; 95% confidence interval [CI], 66.0–111.5) than in group II (39.4 months; 95% CI, 25.2–53.6) (log rank test; p=0.022). Deterioration of Frankel grade (21.4% vs. 60.7%, p=0.024) and NRS for back pain (2.7±2.2 vs. 5.0±2.7, p=0.000) at the last follow-up were higher in the group II. Treatment-related complications were similar in both groups. @*Conclusion@#: In patients with unstable PVFs due to MM, reconstructive surgery may yield superior clinical outcomes compared with RT alone in maintaining independent ambulation and neurological status, as well as pain control despite similar median survival and complications.

Clinical Significance of Preoperative Embolization for Non-Hypervascular Metastatic Spine Tumors

OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of preoperative embolization for hypervascular metastatic spine disease (MSD) such as renal cell and thyroid cancers has been reported. However, the debate on the efficacy of preoperative embolization for non-hypervascular MSD still remains unsettled. The purpose of this study is to determine whether preoperative embolization for non-hypervascular MSD decreases perioperative blood loss.METHODS: A total of 79 patients (36 cases of preoperative embolization and 43 cases of non-embolization) who underwent surgery for metastatic spine lesions were included. Representative hypervascular tumors such as renal cell and thyroid cancers were excluded. Intraoperative and perioperative estimated blood losses (EBL), total number of transfusion and calibrated EBL were recorded in the embolization and non-embolization groups. The differences in EBL were also compared along with the type of surgery. In addition, the incidence of Adamkiewicz artery and complications of embolization were assessed.RESULTS: The average age of 50 males and 29 females was 57.6±13.5 years. Lung (30), hepatocellular (14), gastrointestinal (nine) and others (26) were the primary cancers. The demographic data was not significantly different between the embolization and the non-embolization groups. There were no significant differences in intraoperative EBL, perioperative EBL, total transfusion and calibrated EBL between two groups. However, intraoperative EBL and total transfusion in patients with preoperative embolization were significantly lower than in non-embolization in the corpectomy group (1645.5 vs. 892.6 mL, p=0.017 for intraoperative EBL and 6.1 vs. 3.9, p=0.018 for number of transfusion). In addition, the presence of Adamkiewicz artery at the index level was noted in two patients. Disruption of this major feeder artery resulted in significant changes in intraoperative neuromonitoring.CONCLUSION: Preoperative embolization for non-hypervascular MSD did not reduce perioperative blood loss. However, the embolization significantly reduced intraoperative bleeding and total transfusion in corpectomy group. Moreover, the procedure provided insights into the anatomy of tumor and spinal cord vasculature.

Clinical Significance of Preoperative Embolization for Non-Hypervascular Metastatic Spine Tumors

OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of preoperative embolization for hypervascular metastatic spine disease (MSD) such as renal cell and thyroid cancers has been reported. However, the debate on the efficacy of preoperative embolization for non-hypervascular MSD still remains unsettled. The purpose of this study is to determine whether preoperative embolization for non-hypervascular MSD decreases perioperative blood loss. METHODS: A total of 79 patients (36 cases of preoperative embolization and 43 cases of non-embolization) who underwent surgery for metastatic spine lesions were included. Representative hypervascular tumors such as renal cell and thyroid cancers were excluded. Intraoperative and perioperative estimated blood losses (EBL), total number of transfusion and calibrated EBL were recorded in the embolization and non-embolization groups. The differences in EBL were also compared along with the type of surgery. In addition, the incidence of Adamkiewicz artery and complications of embolization were assessed. RESULTS: The average age of 50 males and 29 females was 57.6±13.5 years. Lung (30), hepatocellular (14), gastrointestinal (nine) and others (26) were the primary cancers. The demographic data was not significantly different between the embolization and the non-embolization groups. There were no significant differences in intraoperative EBL, perioperative EBL, total transfusion and calibrated EBL between two groups. However, intraoperative EBL and total transfusion in patients with preoperative embolization were significantly lower than in non-embolization in the corpectomy group (1645.5 vs. 892.6 mL, p=0.017 for intraoperative EBL and 6.1 vs. 3.9, p=0.018 for number of transfusion). In addition, the presence of Adamkiewicz artery at the index level was noted in two patients. Disruption of this major feeder artery resulted in significant changes in intraoperative neuromonitoring. CONCLUSION: Preoperative embolization for non-hypervascular MSD did not reduce perioperative blood loss. However, the embolization significantly reduced intraoperative bleeding and total transfusion in corpectomy group. Moreover, the procedure provided insights into the anatomy of tumor and spinal cord vasculature.

Surfer's Myelopathy: A Case Report

STUDY DESIGN: A case report. OBJECTIVES: To report a rare cause of non-traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) during surfing SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Surfer's myelopathy is a non-traumatic SCI associated with the hyperextension posture during paddling in surfing. Although the definite pathomechanism has not been identified, cord ischemia followed by arterial infarction may be related to this injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A young healthy male patient presented with a SCI that occurred during his first time surfing. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a T2-hyperintense lesion in the spinal cord from D10 to the conus medullaris. RESULTS: The patient completely recovered without any neurologic deficits after steroid therapy and other forms of supportive management. CONCLUSIONS: Since surfing is becoming more common in Korea, awareness of surfer's myelopathy is important for early diagnosis and proper management.

Foreign Body Reaction after Implantation of a Device for Intervertebral Assisted Motion

The device for intervertebral assisted motion (DIAM) is a dynamic implant that consists of a silicone bumper enveloped by a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber sack. Silicone and PET were used because of their biological inertness, but repetitive motion of the spine can cause wear on the implant nonetheless. The purpose of this study is to report a case of foreign body reaction (FBR) against a DIAM. A 72-year-old female patient presented with lower back pain and both legs radiating pain. She had undergone DIAM implantation at L4–5 for spinal stenosis 5 years previously. The intervertebral disc space of L4–5, where the DIAM was inserted, had collapsed and degenerative scoliosis had developed due to left-side collapse. MRI showed L3–4 thecal sac compression and left L4–5 foraminal stenosis. The patient underwent removal of the DIAM and instrumented fusion from L3 to L5. During surgery, fluid and granulation tissue were evident around the DIAM. Histopathology showed scattered wear debris from the DIAM causing chronic inflammation due to the resulting FBR. A FBR due to wear debris of a DIAM can induce a hypersensitivity reaction and bone resorption around the implant, causing it to loosen.

Bone Cement Augmentation Procedures for Spinal Pathologic Fractures by Multiple Myeloma

Efficacy and safety of bone cement augmentations for spinal pathologic fractures related to multiple myeloma, and usefulness of radionuclide studies for surgical decision were retrospectively evaluated. Forty eight vertebrae from 27 patients for bone cement augmentation procedures and 48 vertebrae from 29 patients for conservative treatment were enrolled. Clinical results using visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI), and radiologic results were assessed. For clinical decisions on treatment of spinal pathologic fracture, bone scan or single photon emission computed tomography was done for 20 patients who underwent surgery. Mean follow-up was 16.8 months. In terms of clinical results, immediate pain relief was superior in the operated group to that in the conservative group. ODI, maintenance of vertebral height and local kyphotic angle at the last follow-up were superior in the operated group in comparison to the conservative group. At one year follow-up, cumulative survival rate were 77.4% and 74.7% in the operated and conservative groups, respectively (log rank test> 0.05). Leakage of bone cement was noted at 10 treated vertebrae. Bone cement augmentations presented short-term pain relief for spinal pathologic fractures by myeloma with relative safety in highly selected patients, and radionuclide imaging studies were useful for the surgical decision on these procedures.

Two Solitary Lesions of Fibrous Dysplasia in the Tibia (A Case Report) / 대한족부족관절학회지

Fibrous dysplasia is a benign disease that causes replacement of the medullary bone with fibrous tissue in one or more bones. Long bone like femur, tibia and fibular are often affected and occurring under 30 years old. We report a case of two solitary lesions of fibrous dysplasia with pathologic fracture treated with bone curettage, bone graft, plate fixation, who complains of lower leg pain.

A Case of Synovial Hemangioma of the Knee

We report an unusual case of a 17-years-old male with complaints of pain and swelling of the left knee for the last 3 years with limitation of movement. He presented with spontaneous hemarthrosis of the knee joint. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intra articular mass. Arthroscopic excision was performed and the histology was characteristic of synovial hemangioma. After 1 year, the patient was completely asymptomatic and showed no signs of recurrence.

New V-shaped Technique in SLAP Repair (Comparison of Cinical Results Between New V-shaped Repair and Conventional Rapair Technique in Arthroscopic Type II SLAP Surgery)

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes between the new V-shaped repair method and conventional methods for the arthroscopic repair of Type II SLAP lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study population consisted of 23 people treated with the new V-shaped repair method or conventional methods in the arthroscopic repair of Type II SLAP lesions at our institution between May 2006 and October 2008. Eleven shoulders were treated using the new V-shaped repair method. Twelve shoulders were treated using conventional methods. The average follow up period was 15 months. For evaluation of clinical results, we used UCLA and VAS pain scores. RESULTS: Comparing change scores (preoperative vs. postoperative states) there were no significant differences in UCLA score or VAS score between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The new V-shaped repair technique elicits similar clinical results with conventional arthroscopic repair techniques and thus can be considered a useful alternative when using an absorbable suture that is anchor linked with only one suture.

Development of Fine Time Controller of a Transtracheal Jet Ventilator and Its Experimental Application / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Transtracheal jet ventilation (TTJV) with a large-bore angiocath that is inserted through the cricothyroid membrane can provide immediate oxygenation from a high pressure-oxygen wall outlet, as well as ventilation by means of manual triggering. However, there is widespread agreement that TTJV with a high pressure oxygen system may induce numerous complications including tracheal hemorrhage/ulceration, subcutaneous/mediastinal emphysema, and barotrauma resulting in a pneumothorax. The goal of this study was to highlight the potential effectiveness of a TTJ-ventilator with an oxygen supply pressure lower than 50 psig for proper oxygenation and ventilation avoiding the possibility of complications from a high pressure oxygen supply system. METHODS: Five mongrel dogs were intubated, paralyzed with vecuronium, and mechanically ventilated with enflurane in air maintaining the PaCO2 at 35 - 40 mmHg. A 16 G IV catheter was inserted percutaneously into the trachea below the tip of the endotracheal tube. We measured the injection volumes, entrained air volumes, and peak inflation pressures according to the changes of oxygen supply pressure (10 to 50 psig) with a fixed injection time (1 second). In addition, we evaluated the oxygenation effects of TTJV at 15 breaths per minute and an I : E 1 : 3 on 20 psig of oxygen supply pressure in hypoxic dogs. RESULTS: A 16 G angiocath provided the injected volumes from 139 ml to 595 ml according to the changes of oxygen pressure from 10 to 50 psig. The entrained air volumes were 6.7 48% of total inspirated volumes. The PaO2 was elevated over 300 mmHg and the PaCO2 was reduced to 45 mmHg within 1 minute of TTJV in hypoxic dogs. CONCLUSIONS: A TTJV system equipped with a time-controller and pressure-regulator can provide enough tidal volume to maintain oxygenation, and could minimize the volu/barotrauma of a conventional TTJV.

The Development of an Inspiratory Time Adjustable Transtracheal Jet Ventilator and Evaluation in a Human Adult Trachea-Lung Model / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Transtracheal jet ventilation (TTJV) has been used for 'Cannot Ventilate/Cannot Intubate' situation, lefe-saving situations, by simply introducing an IV catheter (angiocatheter) through the cricothyroid membrane. To decrease the occurrence of barotrauma caused by a continuous high pressure oxygen supply while applying TTJV, it would be ideal to have a TTJV system equipped with an inspiration time adjustable function which any currently commercially available TTJV does not have. METHODS: Recently, we made a prototype of an inspiration time adjustable TTJV and measured the corresponding injection volumes and peak inflation pressures according to the changes of oxygen supply pressure and inspiration time using catheters ranging from 14 to 20 G in a simulated human adult trachea-lung model. RESULTS: A 16 G angiocatheter provided 465 +/- 5 ml of injected volume with a peak inflation pressure of 25 cmH2O under a 50 psi oxygen supply at 1 second of inspiration, which would be adequate for an adult tidal volume. When a 14 G catheter was used under the same conditions as above, the injected volume was 1128 +/- 9 ml. All injected volumes were under 310 ml when 18 and 20 G angiocathers were used at variosus driving pressures (10 - 50 psi) and inspiration time (0.5, 0.75, and 1 s). CONCLUSIONS: An inspiration time adjustable TTJV can easily provide enough tidal volume to maintain oxygenation, and could be expected to prevent or reduce barotraumatic complications such as pneumothorax.