Age-related Differences in the Efficacy of Dexamethasone for Postoperative Analgesia in Patients undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A randomised controlled study

Objective: This study aimed to investigate age-related differences in the effects of dexamethasone pre-treatment on pain intensity and morphine consumption in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Design: Randomized, prospective study

Setting: Operating room of a Wonkwang university hospital, South Korea

Subjects: Three hundred and eighty-eight patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 194 from a younger age group [18 - 45 years] and 194 from an older age group [ >/= 65 years]

Intervention: The patients within each group were randomly allocated into younger [normal saline/dexamethasone: 97/97] and older [97/97] groups. They received either intravenous dexamethasone 0.1 mg/kg or normal saline 1 hour before anaesthesia induction

Main outcome measures: The effect of dexamethasone on cumulative morphine-containing patient-controlled analgesia consumption, visual analogue scale scores for pain at 1, 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery, mean morphine consumption, and time to first rescue analgesia

Results: When dexamethasone was administered, both age groups had significantly less cumulative patient-controlled analgesia consumption, mean morphine consumption, and longer time to first rescue analgesia. These effects were of greater magnitude in the older than in the younger group. Visual analogue scales for pain at 1, 6, and 12 hours after surgery was significantly higher in the younger group

Conclusion: The effects of dexamethasone on clinically relevant pain were greater in the older group, who experienced less post-operative pain. Further investigation regarding this association is warranted

Effects of preoperative dextrose loading on hyperalgesia Induced by High-Doses remifentanil in patients undergoing laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of preoperative administration of 5% dextrose on hyperalgesia induced by high-doses remifentanil

Design: Randomized, prospective

Setting: Operating room of a Wonkwang university hospital, South Korea

Subjects: One hundred and twenty-six patients undergoing laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy

Intervention: Three groups received either 250 ml Hartmann's solution [HS] or 5% dextrose in HS for 1 hour before anesthesia and intraoperative remifentanil infusion. Group LHS received HS and 0.05 microg/kg/min remifentanil; group HHS received HS and 0.3 microg/kg/min remifentanil, and group HHD received 5% dextrose in HS and.3 microg/kg/min remifentanil

Main outcome measures: Mechanical hyperalgesia threshold at 1 hour after surgery, time to first postoperative analgesicrequirement, cumulative patient-controlled analgesia [PCA] volume containing morphine for 24 hours after surgery, and pain intensity using visual analog scale [VAS] for 24 hours after surgery were measured

Results: Mechanical hyperalgesia threshold of group HHS and HHD were significantly lower than that of LHS group. Cumulative PCA volume containing morphine for 24 hours after surgery and pain intensity for 12 hours after surgery of group LHS were significantly reduced than that of both HHS and HHD groups, both of which were not significant.Time to first postoperative analgesic requirement was longer in group LHS than in groups HHS and HHD, both of which were not significant

Conclusion: Preoperative intravenous administration of dextrose in patients undergoing laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy didn't show any effects on hyperalgesia induced by high-doses remifentanil

A Rare Cause of Acute Colonic Pseudo-obstruction: Ogilvie’s Syndrome Caused by Herpes Zoster

No abstract available.

Adjacent Segment Pathology after Anterior Cervical Fusion

Anterior cervical fusion has become a standard of care for numerous pathologic conditions of the cervical spine. However, subsequent development of clinically significant disc disease at levels adjacent to fused discs is a serious long-term complication of this procedure. As more patients live longer after surgery, it is foreseeable that adjacent segment pathology (ASP) will develop in increasing numbers of patients. Also, ASP has been studied more intensively with the recent popularity of motion preservation technologies like total disc arthroplasty. The true nature and scope of ASP remains poorly understood. The etiology of ASP is most likely multifactorial. Various factors including altered biomechanical stresses, surgical disruption of soft tissue and the natural history of cervical disc disease contribute to the development of ASP. General factors associated with disc degeneration including gender, age, smoking and sports may play a role in the development of ASP. Postoperative sagittal alignment and type of surgery are also considered potential causes of ASP. Therefore, a spine surgeon must be particularly careful to avoid unnecessary disruption of the musculoligamentous structures, reduced risk of direct injury to the disc during dissection and maintain a safe margin between the plate edge and adjacent vertebrae during anterior cervical fusion.

Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes of Posterior Interbody Fusion for High-Grade Spondylolisthesis

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of posterior interbody fusion using pedicle screw fixation after posterior decompression for high-grade spondylolisthesis. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: The surgical treatment of high-grade spondylolisthesis has been controversial. However, few reports on the results of reduction and posterior interbody fusion after posterior decompression have been published. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients with L5-S1 high-grade spondylolisthesis (Meyerding grade III, IV) who underwent reduction and posterior interbody fusion were analyzed with at least 2 years of follow-up. The mean age of the patients (male 2, female 11) was 51 years. Classified by the type of spondylolisthesis, 10 cases were isthmic, 2 cases dysplastic, and 1 case degenerative. A visual analogue scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, bone union, anterior slippage, and slip angle were used in comparing clinical and radiographic outcomes. RESULTS: All cases showed improvement of preoperative symptoms. The VAS and ODI score improved from a mean of 8.9 points and 36.2 points preoperatively to 2.1 points and 10.2 points, respectively, at last follow-up. The degree of anterior slippage measured by Taillard's method was improved from a mean of 57.7% before surgery to mean of 14.6% at last follow-up. The slip angle also changed from a mean of 2.4° kyphosis before surgery to a mean of 7.6°C lordosis at last follow-up. There were two complications: infection and new radiating pain. CONCLUSIONS: Reduction and posterior interbody fusion using pedicle screw fixation after posterior decompression was a useful surgical method for high-grade spondylolisthesis that corrected lumbosacral kyphosis, filled the structural space of the anterior column, and acheived fusion of interbody movement.

Prognostic Factors for Postsurgical Recovery of Deltoid Palsy due to Cervical Disc Herniations

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective multicenter study. PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate prognostic factors affecting postsurgical recovery of deltoid palsy due to cervical disc herniation (CDH). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Little information is available about prognostic factors affecting postsurgical recovery of deltoid palsy due to CDH. METHODS: Sixty-one patients with CDH causing deltoid palsy (less than grade 3) were included in this study: 35 soft discs and 26 hard discs. Average duration of preoperative deltoid palsy was 11.9 weeks. Thirty-two patients underwent single-level surgery, 22 two-level, four three-level, and three four-level. Patients with accompanying myelopathy, shoulder diseases, or peripheral neuropathy were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Deltoid palsy (2.4 grades vs. 4.5 grades, p<0.001) and radiculopathy (6.4 points vs. 2.1 points, p<0.001) significantly improved after surgery. Thirty-six of 61 patients (59%) achieved full recovery (grade 5) of deltoid palsy, with an average time of 8.4 weeks. Longer duration of preoperative deltoid palsy and more severe radiculopathy negatively affected the degree of improvement in deltoid palsy. Age, gender, number of surgery level, and disc type did not affect the degree of improvement of deltoid palsy. Contrary to our expectations, severity of preoperative deltoid palsy did not affect the degree of improvement. Due to the shorter duration of preoperative deltoid palsy, in the context of rapid referral, early surgical decompression resulted in significant recovery of more severe grades (grade 0 or 1) of deltoid palsy compared to grade 2 or 3 deltoid palsy. CONCLUSIONS: Early surgical decompression significantly improved deltoid palsy caused by CDH, irrespective of age, gender, number of surgery level, and disc type. However, longer duration of deltoid palsy and more severe intensity of preoperative radiating pain were associated with less improvement of deltoid palsy postoperatively.

Surgical Technique for Repairing Foveal Tear of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex: Arthroscopic Knotless Repair

Knotless repair of triangular fibrocartilage complex has several advantages. All procedures for triangular fibrocartilage complex repair could be done under arthroscopy in this technique. In addition, this technique allows for repair of deep layers of triangular fibrocartilage complex down to fovea of the ulnar head. This article describes arthroscopic repair of the Palmer type 1B triangular fibrocartilage complex tear using arthroscopic knotless technique.

Epidural steroid injection

Excessive spine operations is an economic and social problem today in Korea. Proper conservative treatment can reduce the need for surgical treatment by relieving the pain during the acute phase of spinal disease. Epidural steroid injection and a selective nerve root block are relatively safer and easier than other treatments. They may have many advantages such as relief of neck and back pain and of radicular pain, and reducing the gastrointestinal adverse effects caused by long-term NSAID medication or injection. Furthermore, patients in an inoperable state due to old age or other comorbidities and outpatients who want conservative treatment may benefit from epidural steroid injection and a nerve root block. The treatment outcomes differ among reports. The efficacy of temporary pain relief has been described to be excellent, but it gradually decreases as time passes. Recently, transforaminal epidural steroid injection has been widely performed. Epidural steroid injection should be performed for temporary pain relief due to its limited efficacy. In addition, an overuse of epidural and selective nerve root steroid injection can cause serious side effects. Therefore, this procedure should be done with caution, taking into account the technical risks and side effects.

Spontaneous Reduction Finding: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation of Segmental Instability in Spondylolisthesis

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. PURPOSE: To assess whether spontaneous reduction of spondylolisthesis, as seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is related to the degree of segmental instability and low back pain. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: The flexion-extension radiographs obtained in the sagittal plane are frequently used when segmental instability of spondylolisthesis is evaluated. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 137 patients and measured the differences of the percentage of sagittal translation and sagittal angulation to determine the segmental instability between the flexion and extension radiographs, and the spontaneous reduction on MRI. We then compared the degrees of segmental instability and the degrees of spontaneous reduction. To assess the effect of low back pain on segmental motion in regards to the flexion-extension radiographs, we compared the preoperative visual analogue scales (VAS) score for low back pain between the more and the less spontaneous reduction groups. RESULTS: The mean degree of spontaneous reduction was 5.2%. A statistically significant correlation was found between the sagittal translation on the flexion-extension radiographs and the degree of spontaneous reduction (r = 0.557, p < 0.001) and between the sagittal angulation on the flexion-extension radiographs and the degree of spontaneous reduction (r = 0.215, p = 0.012). The preoperative VAS scores for low back pain of the more spontaneous reduction group and the less spontaneous reduction group were 4.6 and 3.6 points, respectively, and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous reduction of spondylolisthesis on MRI was found to be closely related to segmental instability, and the degree of spontaneous reduction seen on MRI could be useful for the evaluation of segmental instability in patients with spondylolisthesis, especially with severe low back pain.

The Efficacy and Persistence of Selective Nerve Root Block under Fluoroscopic Guidance for Cervical Radiculopathy

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the outcomes of fluoroscopically guided selective nerve root block as a nonsurgical treatment for cervical radiculopathy. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Only a few studies have addressed the efficacy and persistence of cervical nerve root block. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted on 28 consecutive patients with radicular pain due to cervical disc disease or cervical spondylosis. Myelopathy was excluded. Cervical nerve root blocks were administered every 2 weeks, up to 3 times. Outcomes were measured by comparing visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, patient satisfaction, and medication usage before the procedure and at 1 week and 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure. In addition, complications associated with the procedure and need for other treatments were evaluated. RESULTS: The average preoperative VAS score was 7.8 (range, 5 to 10), and this changed to 2.9 (range, 1 to 7) at 3 months and 4.6 (range, 2 to 7) at 12 months. Patient satisfaction was 71% at 3 months and 50% at 12 months. Five patients used medication at 3 months, whereas 13 used medication at 12 months. Average symptom free duration after the procedure was 7.8 months (range, 1 to 12 months). Two patients were treated surgically. Only two minor complications were noted; transient ptosis with Horner's syndrome and transient causalgia. CONCLUSIONS: Although selective nerve root block for cervical radiculopathy is limited as a definitive treatment, it appears to be useful in terms of providing relief from radicular pain in about 50% of patients at 12 months.

Incidentally Detected Concurrent Lower Thoracic Lesions in Extended Lumbar Spine MRI

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence and associated factors of the concurrent lower thoracic lesions in patients who have a lumbar spine disease, using the extended lumbar MRI. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: There are no studies regarding the concurrent thoracic lesions with lumbar disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All the patients, who had visited the out-patient department (OPD) of orthopaedic surgery in our hospital and underwent lumbar spine MRI, were studied during 1 year. Totally, 750 patients were included. The extended lumbar spine MRI contained additional extended T2-weighted sagittal images that cover the lower thoracic vertebrae with 35 centimeters long. We analyzed the highest observable level, characteristics of detected thoracic lesions. Those lesions were classified according to the severity of compression of the spinal cord and investigation for associated factors of patients. Also, the times for additional tests were measured. RESULTS: Additional tests were able to observe up to the 7th thoracic vertebrae. In 257 cases (34.3%), the lower thoracic lesions were detected and increased with aging (p<0.001). A total of 48 patients (6%) had the lesion compressing the spinal cord and 28 patients needed further evaluation for the lower thoracic lesion. Further, 2 cases were treated surgically for lower thoracic lesions. Scanning extra time for additional test were 3 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of lower thoracic lesions accompanied with the lumbar disease was 34% in this study. Therefore, additional extended lumbar spine MRI is needed to check possible concurrent lesions in the lower thoracic spine.

The Effect of Sacral Alar Screw on Long-level Fusion Including Lumbosacral Segment

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluated the clinical and radiological effectiveness of sacral alar screws for augmentation of S1 pedicle screws in long-level fusion including L5-S1 segment. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: The fusion rates of lumbosacral junction in long-level fusion are various when S1 pedicle screws are used without augmentation. But, reports of sacral alar screw augmentation are rare. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 1996 to 2005, 63 patients performed more than two-level fusion including lumbosacral junction were reviewed. 47 patients underwent lumbosacral fusion with S1 pedicle screws only (S1 group), and 16 patients with sacral alar screws augmentation in addition to S1 pedicle screws (S1-2 group). Radiologically, bony union, halo sign, and breakage of implants were evaluated. Clinically, complications associated with screw placement and general complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Bony union was obtained in 56 cases(89%) at postoperative 4.3 months. Nonunion was observed in 7 cases(11%, S1 group:5, S1-2 group:2). Loosening of S1 pedicle screw was observed in 32 cases(89%) of S1 group and in 4 cases(25%) of S1-2 group. It showed statistical significance between two groups. Sacral alar screw loosening occurred in 8 cases(50%) of S1-2 group. Metal breakage was developed in 2 cases of S1 group without nonunion or loosening. Postoperative infection occurred in 7 cases(11%, S1 group:5, S1-2 group:2). CONCLUSIONS: Sacral alar screw augmentation was effective on protecting the loosening of S1 pedicle screw. Additional sacral alar screw can improve the rate of fusion for lumbosacral junction despite no statistical significance.

Cervical Facet Cyst Causing Progressive Paraplegia: A Case Report and Review of Literature

STUDY DESIGN: A case report and literature review. OBJECTIVES: To report a patient with a cervical facet cyst causing progressive paraplegia, and to review the clinical features, treatment and outcomes of a cervical facetal cyst. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Extradural intraspinal synovial cysts of the cervical spine are quite rare. They typically occur in the cervical region at the C1-C2 junction or in the space adjacent to the facet joints in the lower cervical spine, and show similar clinical features to the intervertebral disc protrusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This article reports a case of a male patient, 64 years old, who presented with a 2 day history of numbness below the nipple and progressive paraplegia. A physical examination at admission revealed a wheelchair ambulatory state due to a motor deficit (motor grade good) below both hip flexors. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine showed an extradural lesion with a left lateral extension between C7 and T1, causing spinal cord compression. The patient underwent a hemi-laminectomy of C7 and complete cyst excision through the posterior approach. His motor power improved to almost normal. RESULTS: The patient showed good recovery of myelopathy, and he was able to walk with a cane 3 months after surgery. A 1 year follow-up did not reveal any recurrence or new neurological conditions. CONCLUSION: Cervical facet cysts are rare lesions that are occasionally signaled by progressive paraplegia but can be treated successfully by a surgical excision.

A Comparative Study of the Anterior Cervical Fusion with Harms Cage versus Iliac Bone Block: Clinical and Radiological Outcomes

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of anterior cervical fusion within Harms cage versus an iliac bone block graft. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: There is no current consensus regarding the optimal material for anterior cervical fusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single-center study of 107 patients who either underwent anterior cervical fusion with an iliac bone block graft (n=56; group A) or a cancellous bone graft within the cervical Harms titanium cage (n=51; group B). Anterior plating occurred in all cases. Clinical outcomes and complications were evaluated using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores and Odom's Criteria. Radiological outcomes were evaluated by the height of vertebral bodies, sagittal lordosis, the rate of bony union, and the subsidence of cage. RESULTS: The VAS of donor site pain was significantly higher in group A than in group B at the final follow-up. Sagittal lordosis was increased in both groups, but was significantly higher in group B than group A. The rate of bony union was 95% and 91% for both groups 6 months after surgery and reached 100% for both groups at the final follow-up. In terms of cage subsidence, the highest point of subsidence was at the inferior and posterior aspect of the cage and the average amount of subsidence was approximately 1.3 mm at final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior cervical fusion using a cancellous bone graft within Harms titanium cage is a good method for anterior cervical fusion with iliac bone block.

Radiographic Analysis of Atlantoaxial Fusion for Atlantoaxial Instability: Comparison of Posterior wiring, Transarticular screw, Posterior screw-rod fixation

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: We wanted to clarify the association between the position of the atlantoaxial fusion angle and the change of the subaxial cervical spine alignment (SCA) and the reduction loss after atlantoaxial fusion (AAF) using the posterior wiring technique (PWT), transarticular screw fixation (TAF) and posterior screw-rod fixation (PSR) for treating atlantoaxial instability (AAI). SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: There are not many studies on the change of the SCA and the reduction loss after AAF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty five patients underwent AAF for AAI from 1986 to 2008. The mean follow-up period was 59.5 months. The surgical techniques were divided into three groups, that is, PWT: 17 patients, TAS: 10 and PSR: 8. The causes of instability were transverse ligament rupture in 12 patients, rheumatoid arthritis in 11, Os odontoideum in 6 and nonunion of an odontoid fracture in 6. Plain radiographs were used to assess the atlanto-dental interval, the posterior arch-lamina angle, the change of the SCA and the time of fusion. RESULTS: Fusion was achieved in all the patients within 3.5 months (range: 3-5 months). The radiologic findings in the 5 PWT patients showed a reduction loss and 3 patients showed subaxial cervical kyphosis (SCK). The TAS group had no reduction loss or SCK. The PSR group had no reduction loss and one patient showed SCK. A statistically significant reduction loss and SCK occurred in the group in which there was a posterior arch-laminar angle greater than 10 degrees before and after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: For the treatment of AAI, the position of the AAF is associated with the change of the postoperative SCA. The preoperative lodortic position of C1-2 should be maintained to prevent the change of the SCA.

The Influence of Cervical Spondylosis to Acute Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study OBJECTIVES: To examine the influence of cervical spondylosis on an acute cervical spinal cord injury. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: There are no reports on the relationship between cervical spondylosis and acute cervical spinal cord injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty six patients who underwent operative treatment for acute cervical injuries with spinal cord injury were evaluated. The mean age and follow-up period was 58 years and 2.2 years, respectively. The evaluation was performed by examining the causes of the injuries, and the classification of fractures according to the presence of cervical spondylosis. This study compared the degrees of postoperative neurological recovery with motor index score in the groups with and without cervical spondylosis. RESULTS: Cervical cord injuries were more prevalent in the group 60 years and older; 17 cases vs. 9 cases in the group under 60 years. Eleven (65%) and 6 (35%) cases in the group 60 years and older had sustained a high and low energy injury, respectively. In contrast, mostly high energy injuries (8 in 9 cases) were encountered in the group under 60 years of age. A low energy injury could cause a acute cervical cord injury in the group 60 years and older, who also had cervical spondylosis. In those cases, previous cervical spondylosis might be one of the etiologic factors. CONCLUSIONS: The cases with cervical spondylosis in the group 60 years and older tended to show incomplete cord injury and good postoperative neurological recovery when they had sustained cervical cord injuries.

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Using New Hydroxyapatite Block: Comparison with Metal and PEEK Cages / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study OBJECTIVES: This study compared the clinical outcomes of posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) using hydroxyapatite blocks with PLIF using a metal or poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) cage. SUMMARY OF THE LITERATURE REVIEW: There are few reports on the clinical outcomes of PLIF using a hydroxyapatite block for treating lumbar degenerative disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 27 PLIF cases (62 units, HA block) that were followed up for 1-year were compared with 13 cases using a metal cage and 13 cases using a PEEK cage. Pedicle screw fixation was performed for all the cases. If the local bone is deficient, then an additional bone graft with autogeous iliac bone or bone substitute was used. The visual analog scale(VAS) for low back pain and radiating pain, the Oswestry disability index (ODI), the intervertebral height and the halo sign around the cages and pedicle screws were comparatively analyzed. RESULTS: The mean VAS score for low back pain before PLIF and using the HA block, the metal cage and the PEEK cage was 7.5, 8.3 and 6.2, respectively, and this was 3.3, 2.9 and 4.8 after PLIF (P0.05, One-way ANOVA). CONCLUSION: PLIF using a HA block showed improvements, including the back pain, and the ODI was satisfactory and this didn't fall below those ODIs of using metal or PEEK cages. Although a HA block may have higher tendency to break, there was no breakage at the 1-year follow up.

Diverse Characteristics of Spinal Nerve Sheath Tumor on Magnetic Resonance Images / 대한척추외과학회지

STUDY DESIGN: A restrosepctive study OBJECTIVES: We present the diverse imaging features of a spinal nerve sheath tumor for the preoperative diagnosis and treatment. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: The typical imaging findings of spinal nerve sheath tumors are reported in the literature. However, they can show diverse and unusual imaging features. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 30 patients who had undergone MR imaging for a preoperative evaluation of a spinal nerve sheath tumor from September 1989 to February 2008. All patients had undergone surgery for a spinal tumor that was confirmed by biopsy. The mean follow-up period was 13.1 months. The T1-, T2-weighted spine echo images and contrast material images were obtained in the sagittal plane. Axial images were obtained in any area of the spine where the sagittal images demonstrated abnormal findings. The signal intensity of the lesion, homogenicity, heterogenicity were evaluated in the T1-, T2-, and enhanced images RESULTS: Twenty-four cases were neurilemmoma and 6 cases were neurofibromas. Different types of neurilemmomas included neurilemmomas with cystic changes (n=6), focal hemorrhage (n=5), extensive vertebral destruction (n=1), and giant neurilemmoma(n=1). The T1-weighted image showed low and intermediate signal intensity. The T2-weighted image showed high-signal intensity except for one neurilemmoma. The Gd-DTPA enhanced image showed homogenous, heterogeneous, and rim enhancement except for one case of a neurilemmoma with cystic changes. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal nerve sheath tumors can show diverse and unusual imaging findings. An awareness of the uncommon presentations of these tumors is important for making a preoperative diagnosis and treatment. MRI is valuable in characterizing the soft tissue and bony anatomy in spinal neurilemmoma and neurofibroma.

Characterization of Magnetic Resonance Images for Spinal Cord Tumors

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study MR images for spinal cord tumors. PURPOSE: To analyze the characteristics of MR images for spinal cord tumors, which were then verified at surgery or biopsy. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: MR images are often used as the primary diagnostic imaging tool and the preoperative study of choice. The need for biopsy may be obviated because of increasingly accurate preoperative histologic diagnosis by MR images. METHODS: The study group consisted of 39 patients who had undergone MR imaging for preoperative evaluation of spinal cord tumors between September 1989 and February 2008. All patients had operations for spinal cord tumors, which were confirmed at biopsy. Of the 39 patients, 18 were men, and 21 were women. The average follow-up period was 23.8 months. The mean patient age was 46.6 years. RESULTS: Diagnoses included neurilemmoma (19 cases), neurofibroma (4 cases), meningioma (5 cases), hemangioma (3 cases), giant cell tumor (1 case), ganglioneuroma (1 case), lymphoma (1 case), neuroblastoma (1 case), and metastatic tumor from the prostate (1 case). The remaining 3 cases were composed of arachnoid cysts (2 cases) and a vascular malformation (arteriovenous malformation, 1 case). CONCLUSIONS: MR images are the preoperative modality of choice in the evaluation of spinal cord tumors. MR images can narrow the differential diagnosis and guide surgical resection.

The Clinical Results of En Bloc Proximal Fibula Resection for the Treatment of Fibular Head Tumor / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We retrospectively reviewed cases of en bloc resection of the proximal fibula for the treatment of tumor arising from the fibular head. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 1996 and August 2006, 10 patients who underwent en bloc proximal fibular resection and were followed for at least 12 months were included in this study. The mean age was 27.1 years (range, 5-60 years) and the mean follow-up duration was 64.7 months (range, 12.7-140.6 months). The type of en bloc resection was classified according to the Malaweros resection criteria and the postoperative clinical results were evaluated according to the range of motion, knee joint stability and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) functional scoring system. RESULTS: All patients were able to move the knee joint from 0degrees extension to 145degrees flexion except one patient with flexion contracture of 5degrees. Grade 1 lateral instability of the knee joint was present in two patients. The average MSTS function score was 92.6% (range, 73-100%). There was one patient with lung metastasis who was underwent lobectomy, but there were no patients with local recurrence. CONCLUSION: En bloc resection of the proximal fibula for the treatment of tumors arising from the fibular head is a useful therapeutic method that preserves the knee stability and promotes good functional outcome.