Multiple Rice Bodies in Subacromial Space: A Case Report

Multiple rice bodies are a rare disorder that is most commonly observed in chronic rheumatoid arthritis patients and as a complication of chronic inflammation in the bursa. However, it can occur in the absence of an underlying systemic disorder. Although it resembles synovial chondromatosis clinically and on imaging, the condition can be discriminated by an analysis of the radiographic and MR appearances. We encountered a case of multiple rice body formation with subacromial bursitis on the shoulder of a 37-year old man suffering from pain and motion limitation. The patient was treated by arthroscopic removal of the multiple rice bodies and a subacromial bursectomy. We present this case with a review of the relevant literature.

Kyphoplasty with Calcium Phosphate Cement (Calcibon(R)) in Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study OBJECTIVES: We analyzed clinical and radiological results to verify the efficacy of calcium phosphate cement in kyphoplasty for treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fracture. SUMMARY AND LITERATURE REVIEW: Calcium phosphate is a biocompatible alternative to PMMA for vertebral augmentation in painful osteoporotic vertebral fracture as it is osteoconductive, non-exothermic, and injectable. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 45 cases treated from April 2005 to August 2006 with a minimum of 1 year follow-up. Preoperative and post operative pain scores (visual analogue scale), ambulatory status, and patient satisfaction were measured. Anterior vertebral height, as well as the status and size of cement were assessed radiologically preoperatively, postoperatively, and at 3 months and 1 year. RESULTS: Pain scores (visual analogue scale) and ambulatory status improved significantly after kyphoplasty and remained unchanged during follow-up. Overall patient satisfaction was 93%. Radiological findings showed that mean vertebral height was significantly higher than preoperative (p<0.05). According to follow-up radiological finding, we divided cases into 4 groups: Group 1, 2; maintained vertebral height with minimal or some cement resorption; Group 3, 4; cement crack resorption and vertebral collapse. Group 1, 2 and Group 3, 4 had 38 patients (84%) and 7 patients(16%) respectively. Revision surgery was needed in 3 cases (antero-posterior surgery in 2 cases of group 4, and decompression in 1 case of extravasation into the neural canal). CONCLUSIONS: Kyphoplasty with calcium phosphate may be a good alternative for treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fracture, but non-union of the vertebral body with a large cleft showed a high risk of premature resorption and collapse of the vertebral body. The presumed advantage over PMMA needs longer follow-up.

Safety and Efficacy of Metalic Implants in the Treatments of Tuberculous Spondylitis / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study OBJECTIVE: To analyze the safety and effectiveness of treatments using metallic implants in the tuberculous spondylitis. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Residual kyphosis and loss of correction remain the major problems following surgery for tuberculous spondylitis. Several authors have used metallic implants for the prevention of these complications. However, the safety of metallic implants use in tuberculous spine infections are still controversial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients, who underwent surgery, and were stabilized by the use of a metallic implant for tuberculous spondylitis, and followed up for more than 1 year were included in this study. All patients were treated with combined anterior fusion (with or without mesh) and/or posterior pedicle screw instrumentation. The patients were followed up with serial plain radiographs, laboratory inflammatory parameters and neurological recovery. RESULTS: The overall correction of the kyphotic deformity was initially 8.5 degrees, and loss of correction occurred at 5.8 degrees. Although some loss of correction occurred, even after the use of a metallic implant, clinically significant kyphotic deformity was effectively prevented. There were no cases of persistent infection or failure to control infection when the metallic implantation was combined with an anterior radical debridement and chemotherapy. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were eventually normalized in all patients. The preoperative neurological deficits were: incomplete paralysis in 9 cases and radiculopathy in 4. At the final follow-up, 11 cases had completely recovered, partial residual neurological deficits remaining in 2. CONCLUSIONS: The use of instrumentation with metallic implants, in tubercuous spondylitis of the spine, provided immediate stability, and did not prohibit the control of infection when combined with radical debridement and anti-tuberculous chemotherapy.

Intraoperative Spinal Nerve Root Injuries during Surgery for Degenerative Low Back Disease / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study OBJECTIVE: To analyze incidence, causes and prognosis of the spinal nerve root injury during the degenerative low back surgery. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: There were very few studies about intraoperative spinal nerve root injuries during low back surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six hundred and twenty seven patients underwent degenerative low back surgery from Jan 1990 to Jan 2001 were included in this study. All patients were operated on by the first author and operation records made by the author himself were reviewed. Eight cases of intraoperative spinal nerve root injury were identified and causes and level of injuries, preoperative diagnosis, types of surgery and follow-up clinical results were analyzed. RESULTS: Eight cases of nerve root injury were developed during 5 posterior laminotomies for discectomy and 3 instrumentation and fusion. Spinal nerve root injuries were caused by Kerrison punch in 4 cases, pituitary forcep in 2, rongeur in 1, and not certain but probably by Kerrison punch in 1 case. The levels of injuries were 5th lumbar nerve root in 4 cases, and 1st sacral nerve root and 2nd lumbar nerve root in 1 case respectively. Two cases had sacral nerve rootlet injury with paramedian dural tear but the level of root injury was uncertain. Six of 8 patients had symptoms. There were sensory loss in 4 patients, pain in 2, and one patient had both sensory loss and loss of big toe extension power. Neurological symptoms were not improved throughout the follow-up period, but 2 patients who had pain were resolved their symptoms by 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Incidental spinal nerve root injury occurred in 1.3 percentage of the patients who underwent low back surgery. Half of them had neurologic symptoms and they showed poor prognosis. However motor deficit was relatively uncommon and it might be related to the anatomical characteristics of spinal nerve root.