Tibial Schwannoma Mimicking a Popliteal Cyst / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Schwannoma is the most common benign tumor of peripheral nerves and usually appears on the trunk, head and neck, or extremities. A mass arising at popliteal fossa can be misdiagnosed as a popliteal cyst. We report on a rare case of a popliteal schwannoma mimicking a popliteal cyst in a 39-year-old female who showed a clinical presentation similar to that of a popliteal cyst. Diagnosis was delayed until ultrasonographic evaluation was performed due to its anatomical location, the same as that of a popliteal cyst. We describe the clinical significance and ultrasonographic findings of the schwannoma for initial differential diagnosis from a popliteal cyst.

The Result of Minimal Invasive Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion with Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion on Degenerative Lumbar Flat Back Disease

STUDY DESIGN: Restrospective study. OBJECTIVES: We tried to find out the effects of minimal invasive anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) combined with posterior lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative lumbar flat back disease. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: ALIF combined with PLIF is effective in correcting lumbar lordosis. However, the complication rate with conventional ALIF is higher on the lower level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 21 cases (9 men and 12 women, 46-83 years of age) of having undergone minimal invasive ALIF and PLIF due to degenerative flat back disease were reviewed. The follow-up period was an average of 23 months. We compared the pre-postoperative pain, the functional outcome, the correction of sagittal imbalance and lordotic angle. RESULTS: At final follow-up, 21 cases with the solid fusion experienced a great improvement in their lower back pain(VAS: 7.3 --> 2.6) and leg pain (VAS: 7.0 --> 2.7) and ODI(38.5 --> 18.1). And we experienced correction in sagital imbalance. On levels with anterior fusion, lordotic angle is corrected 6.3 degrees while on levels with posterior fusion, lordotic angle is corrected 9.7 degrees. Plumb line is corrected by 5.2cm, and no complication was found in the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Combined surgery with minimal invasive anterior lumbar interbody fusion and posterior fusion is an effective procedure on patients who need long level surgery for correction of lumbar deformity and decompression.