Impacto de los ejercicios físicos en la rehabilitación de pacientes con lesiones medulares cervical incompleta, en Guinea-Bissau

Las personas con lesiones de la médula espinal cervical tienen de dos a cinco veces más probabilidades de morir prematuramente, estas lesiones son una de las causas de muerte más frecuente en la población mundial independientemente de la religión, edad, raza, sexo, nacionalidad o clase social; las tasas de supervivencia más bajas, se encuentran en los países de ingresos bajos y medianos. En Guinea-Bissau, los pacientes desconocen su enfermedad y los beneficios de la actividad física para su tratamiento; por ello, se realizó un estudio con diez pacientes que asisten al área de Neuro-rehabilitación motora, Bissau, donde el objetivo fue: determinar el impacto de los ejercicios físicos en la rehabilitación de los pacientes con lesión medular cervical incompleta. Se utilizaron métodos de orden cualitativo (revisión documental) y cuantitativos (medición) y criterio de expertos que permitieron el estudio del objeto y la evaluación teórica y práctica de los ejercicios físicos, los que fueron validados por 17 expertos, entre los cuales el 95 % evaluaron los indicadores en adecuados y muy adecuados y se aplicó en la práctica a diez pacientes con resultados muy satisfactorios, lo que confirmó la pertinencia del estudio realizado. El 100 % de los participantes alcanzaron un nivel significativo en las actividades de la vida diaria, capacidades físicas y funcionales. Este estudio respondió a necesidades investigativas de la Universidad de Ciencias de la Cultura Física y el Deporte "Manuel Fajardo", de Cuba y al Centro de Neuro-Rehabilitación Físico Motor Sanca, de Guinea-Bissau.

SÍNTESE Pessoas com lesões da medula cervical têm duas a cinco vezes mais probabilidade de morrer prematuramente, essas lesões são uma das causas de morte mais freqüentes na população mundial, independentemente da religião, idade, raça, sexo, nacionalidade ou classe social; as mais baixas taxas de sobrevivência são encontradas em países de baixa e média renda. Na Guiné-Bissau, os pacientes desconhecem sua doença e os benefícios da atividade física para seu tratamento; portanto, foi realizado um estudo com dez pacientes que freqüentavam a área de neuro-reabilitação motora, Bissau, onde o objetivo era: determinar o impacto dos exercícios físicos na reabilitação de pacientes com lesão incompleta da medula cervical. Foram utilizados métodos qualitativos (revisão documental) e quantitativos (medição) e julgamento de especialistas para estudar o objeto e a avaliação teórica e prática dos exercícios físicos, que foram validados por 17 especialistas, 95% dos quais avaliaram os indicadores como adequados e muito adequados, e foram aplicados na prática a dez pacientes com resultados muito satisfatórios, confirmando a relevância do estudo realizado. 100% dos participantes atingiram um nível significativo nas atividades de vida diária, nas habilidades físicas e funcionais. Este estudo respondeu às necessidades de pesquisa da Universidade de Cultura Física e Ciências do Esporte "Manuel Fajardo", Cuba e do Centro de Reabilitação Neuro-Motora Sanca, Guiné-Bissau.

People with cervical spinal cord injuries are two to five times more likely to die prematurely, these injuries are one of the most frequent causes of death in the world population regardless of religion, age, race, sex, nationality or social class; the lowest survival rates are found in low- and middle-income countries. In Guinea-Bissau, patients are unaware of their illness and the benefits of physical activity for their treatment; for this reason, a study was carried out with ten patients who attend the area of Motor Neuro-rehabilitation, Bissau, where the objective was: to determine the impact of physical exercises on the rehabilitation of patients with incomplete cervical spinal cord injury. Qualitative (documentary review) and quantitative (measurement) and expert criteria methods were used, which allowed the study of the object and the theoretical and practical evaluation of the physical exercises, which were validated by 17 experts, among whom 95% they evaluated the indicators as adequate and very adequate and it was applied in practice to ten patients with very satisfactory results, which confirmed the relevance of the study carried out. 100% of the participants reached a significant level in activities of daily living, physical and functional capacities. This study responded to the research needs of the "Manuel Fajardo" University of Physical Culture and Sports Sciences, of Cuba and the Sanca Neuro - Physical Motor Rehabilitation Center, of Guinea-Bissau.

Relationship between impairment and magnetic resonance imaging finding in patients with traumatic cervical spinal cord injury after surgery / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo explore the application of Brain and Spinal Injury Center (BASIC) score in evaluation of traumatic cervical spinal cord injury. MethodsFrom January, 2015 to December, 2021, 175 patients with traumatic cervical spinal cord injury in Beijing Bo'ai Hospital were analyzed. Gender, age, cause of injury, injury mechanism and American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade were collected. The sagittal and axial T2 weighted imaging (T2WI) of the patients were evaluated with BASIC score, single/multi-segment injury, and with/without intramedullary hemorrhage. According to the injury mechanism, the patients were divided into two groups: with fracture/fracture dislocation (n = 92) and without fracture and dislocation (n = 83). The baseline demographic indicators and T2WI evaluation indicators were compared between the two groups, and the relationship between AIS grade and BASIC score, intramedullary hemorrhage, single/multi-segment injury were investigated. ResultsThere were significant differences in gender, age and AIS grade, BASIC score, and the rates of inntramedullary hemorrhage and single segment injury of T2WI between two groups (t = -10.276, χ2 > 8.703, P < 0.01); however, no difference was found in the cause of injury (P > 0.05). The AIS grade was significantly correlated with the BASIC score (r = 0.790, P < 0.001). There was significant difference in AIS grade between intramedullary hemorrhage or not, and single/multi-segment injury (χ2 > 5.516, P < 0.05). ConclusionThe BASIC score of T2WI is a predictor of the severity of spinal cord injury after traumatic cervical spinal cord injury, and is different with the injury mechanisms.

Reliability, Validity, and Responsiveness of the Upper Extremity Test for Spinal Cord Injury / The Japanese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine

Introduction：There are few detailed evaluations of upper extremity function in Japan, especially for cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI). The capabilities of upper extremity test (CUE-T) evaluates upper extremity function, is specialized for CSCI, and is internationally used；however, there are few reports from Japan. This study verified the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the CUE-T in Japan.Methods：We determined the interrater reliability, internal consistency, weighted kappa coefficient, intraclass correlation coefficient, and Cronbach's α coefficient for acute and chronic CSCI. The correlation coefficient with other evaluations was calculated and validated. Furthermore, the evaluation was performed twice at regular intervals, and the correlation between the change in CUE-T and other evaluations and the sensitivity to change using the standardized response mean (SRM) were verified.Results：The weighted kappa coefficient was 0.61-1.00, intraclass correlation coefficient was ≥0.9, and Cronbach's α coefficient were ≥0.9. The CUE-T and other evaluation methods showed moderate to strong correlations. In addition, the amount of change between CUE-T and the other evaluations were significantly correlated, and the SRM was ≥0.8.Discussion：In Japan, the CUE-T has been suggested to have good reliability, validity, responsiveness, and interpretability as an evaluation of upper extremity function in patients with CSCI. We will continue to verify the interpretability of the CUE-T and consider its dissemination in Japan.

Reliability, Validity, and Responsiveness of the Upper Extremity Test for Spinal Cord Injury / The Japanese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine

Introduction：There are few detailed evaluations of upper extremity function in Japan, especially for cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI). The capabilities of upper extremity test (CUE-T) evaluates upper extremity function, is specialized for CSCI, and is internationally used；however, there are few reports from Japan. This study verified the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the CUE-T in Japan.Methods：We determined the interrater reliability, internal consistency, weighted kappa coefficient, intraclass correlation coefficient, and Cronbach's α coefficient for acute and chronic CSCI. The correlation coefficient with other evaluations was calculated and validated. Furthermore, the evaluation was performed twice at regular intervals, and the correlation between the change in CUE-T and other evaluations and the sensitivity to change using the standardized response mean (SRM) were verified.Results：The weighted kappa coefficient was 0.61-1.00, intraclass correlation coefficient was ≥0.9, and Cronbach's α coefficient were ≥0.9. The CUE-T and other evaluation methods showed moderate to strong correlations. In addition, the amount of change between CUE-T and the other evaluations were significantly correlated, and the SRM was ≥0.8.Discussion：In Japan, the CUE-T has been suggested to have good reliability, validity, responsiveness, and interpretability as an evaluation of upper extremity function in patients with CSCI. We will continue to verify the interpretability of the CUE-T and consider its dissemination in Japan.

Training load, stress, recovery, mood, and motivation of athletes with spinal cord injury in wheelchair rugby during a competitive preseason

Abstract Aim: This study aims to characterize the stress, recovery, mood, and motivation together with the training load of athletes with cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) during a period of resumption of wheelchair rugby (WCR) training. Additionally, it aims to compare the psychological and load training aspects during a competitive preseason and determine the correlations between training load, mood, stress, and recovery. Methods: We evaluated variables such as mood (Brazilian Mood Scale, BRAMS), stress and recovery (Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes, RESTQ-Sport 76) and training load (Subjective Perception of Effort - SPE) of eight high-performance athletes of wheelchair rugby with CSCIs at three different times (E1 = returning from vacation, E2 = half of the preseason, and E3 = after 2 months of training) for 2 months at a monthly interval. We also evaluated motivation (Sport Motivation Scale) at E1 and E3. Results: Results indicated few changes during the competitive preseason in terms of stress, recovery, and mood. However, the training load decreased toward the end of this period. Furthermore, we found that physical complaints positively correlated with depression when resuming training. In the middle of the competitive preseason period, we also noted positive correlations between conflict/pressure and fatigue and between fatigue and energy loss. At the end of this period, the SPE and arbitrary units correlated positively with conflict/pressure. Conclusion: We found few changes during the competitive preseason in terms of stress, recovery, and mood but not motivation, which did not change during this period. On the other hand, the training load decreased at the end of the competitive preseason. Furthermore, we observed correlations between training load and psychological aspects at different times.

A case-control study:the clinical efficacy of total laminectomy with lateral mass screw fixation and single open-door laminoplasty for cervical spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical effects of total laminectomy with lateral mass screw fixation and single open-door laminoplasty in the treatment of cervical spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 75 patients with cervical spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation treated from December 2014 to April 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, including 65 males and 10 females, aged from 33 to 83 years old with an average of (60.1±11.4) years. According to surgical method, the patients were divided into observation group (36 cases) and control group (39 cases). The observation group was treated with C3-C6 single open-door laminoplasty. In the control group, the C3-C6 whole lamina was opened by "uncovering", and the lateral mass screw was fixed and fused. The general conditions including operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay and complications such as axial pain, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, postoperative C5 nerve palsy were recorded. Visual analogue scale(VAS), Nurick pain scale, Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA) scores and American Spinal Injury Association(AISA) injury scale were used to evaluate the improvement of clinical symptoms and related functional recovery 12 months after operation.@*RESULTS@#There were no statistically significant differences in operation time, intraoperative blood loss and hospital stay between two groups(P>0.05). There were statistically significant differences in JOA, VAS, ASIA and Nurick scores of the all patients between 12 months after surgery and before surgery (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between groups. There was significant difference in the incidence of C5 nerve root palsy and axial pain between two groups(P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the complications of cerebrospinal fluid leakage between two groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Total laminectomy with lateral mass screw fixation and single open-door laminoplasty in treating cervical spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation can obtain satisfactory results in restoring nerve function, alleviating pain and improving daily behavior, but single open-door laminoplasty has the advantages of less trauma and low incidence of complications.

Manejo quirúrgico de ependimomas en médula cervical: A propósito de un caso clínico / Surgical management of ependymomas in the cervical spine: Apropos of a clinical case

Introducción: los ependimomas son tumores cerebrales que surgen de células ependimarias, células de soporte en el cerebro y la médula espinal. Representan entre el 2 y el 3% de todos los tumores cerebrales primarios. Son el cuarto tumor cerebral más común en los niños, donde el 90% de los mismos se localizan en la fosa posterior. En adultos, el 60% de estos tumores se encuentran en la médula espinal pudiendo presentarse a cualquier nivel de ésta; el caso a continuación reporta un ependimoma cervical. Objetivo: reportar un caso de ependimoma medular de ubicación poco frecuente, con resección total, sin recidiva porterior a 2 años de seguimiento.Descripción del caso: se reporta el caso de un paciente adulto, 44 años, masculino, con un síndrome medular cervical completo, progresivo, provocado por un ependimoma cervical. Intervención: se realizó laminectomía de dos espacios [C7 a T1], apertura dural, mielotomía posterior logrando exéresis total de la lesión con durorrafia a sello de agua y posterior cierre por planos sin complicaciones, con seguimiento de 2 años de sobrevida. Conclusiones: la resección total macroscópica de este tipo de tumores es muy importante para poder evitar residiva. El ependimoma cervical puede recidivar, sobre todo cuando existen residuales de la lesión. El manejo oportuno depende de gran manera de que los pacientes acudan tempranamente a valoración especializada; la resección guiada con monitorización neurofisiológica transoperatoria provee mayor oportunidad a los pacientes a no presentar secuelas permanentes y permite asimismo, mejores resultados de la rehabilitación neurológica postoperatoria

Introduction: ependymomas are brain tumors that arise from ependymal cells, supporting cells in the brain and spinal cord. They represent between 2 and 3% of all primary brain tumors. They are the fourth most common brain tumor in children, where 90% of them are located in the posterior fossa. In adults, 60% of these tumors are found in the spinal cord and can occur at any level of the spinal cord; the case below reports a cervical ependymoma. Objective: to report a case of medullary ependymoma of rare location, with total resection, without recurrence after 2 years of follow-up. Case description: a 44-year-old male adult patient with a progressive, complete cervical spinal cord syndrome, caused by a cervical ependymoma, is reported.Intervention: two-space laminectomy [C7 to T1], dural opening and posterior myelotomy were performed, achieving total excision of the lesion with water-seal durorrhaphy and subsequent closure by planes without complications, with a 2-year survival follow-up. Conclusions: macroscopic total resection of this type of tumor is very important to avoid residual. Cervical ependymoma can recur, especially when there is residual lesion. Timely management depends to a great extent on the patients attending early for a specialized evaluation; guided resection with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring provides a greater opportunity for patients to not present permanent sequelae and also allows better results of postoperative neurological rehabilitation.

Establishment of Three-Dimensional Finite Element Model of Medulla Oblongata-Upper Cervical Spinal Cord Based on Pathological Section and Biomechanical Analysis of Related Injury / 医用生物力学

Objective The three-dimensional (3D) solid model of medulla oblongata-upper cervical spinal cord based on specimen pathological section data was established, and the stress and strain levels of medulla oblongata-upper cervical spinal cord under dentate process compression were obtained by finite element analysis, so as to provide references for clinical research. Methods Mimics was used to process the slice data, so as to establish the point cloud model. SolidWorks was used to locate, edit and optimize the point cloud model, so as to establish the 3D solid model. HyperMesh was used to establish the finite element model and ANSYS was used for finite element analysis. Results The medulla oblongata-upper cervical spinal cord model with clear boundary between gray matter and white matter and white matter fiber bundle was established. The stress and strain levels and stress-strain curves of white matter and gray matter under different compression degrees were obtained. Conclusions Combined with pathological sections of specimens and reverse engineering, the 3D medulla oblongata-upper cervical spinal cord model with clear morphology and structure of gray/white matter can be established. When the medulla oblongata-upper cervical spinal cord is compressed, the stress level of gray matter is lower than that of white matter, and about 20% of compression is the critical state of white matter. When the disease develops beyond the critical state, the biomechanical properties of white matter may fail, resulting in gray matter damage.

Hot spots of animal models of cervical spondylotic myelopathy / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is one of the most serious types of cervical spondylosis. The histopathological study of cervical spondylotic myelopathy is not very clear, mainly because of the lack of ideal animal models. OBJECTIVE: To review the common methods of making cervical spondylotic myelopathy model, and analyze and evaluate the different methods of making the model, so as to promote the improvement and perfection of cervical spondylotic myelopathy animal models in the future. METHODS: The “cervical spondylotic myelopathy, cervical spinal compression, animal model” in Chinese and English, respectively were used as keywords. The first author retrieved the literature concerning construction methods of cervical spondylotic myelopathy animal model in CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, Medline and Embase databases from 2000 to 2019, and all data were filtered for analysis and evaluation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) There are many construction methods of cervical spondylotic myelopathy animal model at present, which can be divided into two types: dynamic modeling methods and static modeling methods, and their advantages and disadvantages coexist. (2) Screw compression is the most common construction method of cervical spondylotic myelopathy animal models, which has the advantages of strong controllability and short modeling cycle, but the damage to cervical spinal cord of animals is more serious and has a high fatality rate. The technology of expansion material compression method is difficult, but it has a high success rate and high reliability. It needs to be further improved and promoted. (3) At present, the construction methods of cervical spondylotic myelopathy animal model still have many disadvantages, and need to be improved on the basis of previous modeling by researchers, so as to realize good reproducibility, repeatable and scalable animal model making and provide a better clinical theoretical basis for cervical spondylotic myelopathy in the future.

Multivariate analysis of the operative effect on cervical spinal cord injury without fracture or dislocation / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the influencing factors of the operative effect on cervical spinal cord injury without fracture or dislocation.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 69 patients with cervical spinal cord injury without fracture or dislocation from November 2010 to November 2016 who received operation were retrospectively analyzed. There were 37 males and 32 females, aged from 32 to76 years with an average of (51.6±7.3) years. The clinical data of 12 factors were selected, including age, gender, ASIA grade of spine cord injury, the length of spine cord injury by MRI, Pavlov ratio, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), intervertebral disc herniation, type of spine cord injury by MRI, time from injury to operation, treatment of high-dose methylprednisolone, operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume. In order to screen the main influencing factors of above items to prognosis, the single factor and multiple factor Logistic regression analysis were used in the clinical data by SPSS 22.0 statistical software.@*RESULTS@#Univariate analysis results showed that the factors including ASIA grade of spine cord injury, the length of spine cord injury by MRI, Pavlov ratio, ossification of longitudinal ligament, intervertebral disc herniation, the type of spine cord injury by MRI were associated with prognosis (<0.05). Multi factor analysis of the selected factors indicated that the type of spine cord injury by MRI, the length of spine cord injury by MRI, Pavlov ratio, ASIA grade of spine cord injury were the main prognostic factors according to the influence intensity (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The influencing factors of the operative effect on cervical spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation were the type of spine cord injury by MRI, the length of spine cord injury by MRI, Pavlov ratio, ASIA grade of spine cord injury, and the foremost were the type and length of spine cord injury by MRI. Compared with other patients, preoperative MRI showed the patient with spinal cord injury type with bleeding and edema, or the length of spine cord injury larger than 45 mm may be less effective, therefore, it is necessary to thoroughly communicate with the patients and their kin before surgery.

Electroacupuncture alleviated incisional neck pain possibly by suppressing TNF-α expression and increasing IL-4/IL-4 receptor signaling in cervical dorsal part of spinal cord in incisio-nal neck pain rats / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on incisional pain and expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) of cervical dorsal part of spinal cord in rats with incisional neck pain, so as to explore its analgesic mechanisms. METHODS: Eighty-four male SD rats were randomly divided into normal control, model, EA-Futu(LI18) and EA-Zusanli(ST36)-Yanglingquan(GB34, EA-ST36-GB34) groups (n=21 in each group). The incisional neck pain model was established by making a longitudinal incision along the bilateral cervical thyroid regions and repeated mechanical separation stimulation. For rats of the EA groups, EA (2 Hz/100 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to bilateral LI18 or ST36-GB34 for 30 min/ time during the surgery, and 20 and 44 h after surgery, respectively. The thermal pain threshold (TPT) of the incisional region was detected. The immunoactivity of TNF-α and IL-10 of the dorsal portion of the cervical spinal cord (C2-C5) was detected by immunofluorescence, and the expression of TNF-α, IL-10, IL-4 and IL-4 receptor (IL-4R) mRNAs was determined by quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, the TPT of the incisional area was significantly decreased at 4, 24 and 48 h after neck-incision (P<0.05), the levels of TNF-α mRNA, IL-10 mRNA and TNF-α IL-10 immunoactivity at 24 h were remarkably increased (P<0.05), and the expression of IL-4R mRNA was considerably decreased at 24 h in the model group (P<0.05). Following EA intervention, the TPT, and expression levels of IL-4 mRNA and IL-4R mRNA were significantly increased at 24 h after surgery in the EA-LI18 group relevant to the model group (P<0.05), while the expression level of TNF-α(coexpressed with microgliacytes) in the EA-LI18 group, and TNF-α mRNA expression at 24 h in both EA-LI18 and EA-ST36-GB34 groups, as well as the expression of IL-10 and IL-10 mRNA at 24 h in both EA-LI18 and EA-ST36-GB34 groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The effect of EA LI18 was significantly superior to that of EA ST36-GB34 in up-regulating TPT and expression of IL-4 mRNA and IL-4R mRNA at 24 h (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EA of LI18 has an analgesic effect in incisional neck pain rats, which may be related to its effect in down-regulating the expression of TNF-α, IL-10 and promoting IL-4 /IL-4R signaling in dorsal portions of the cervical spinal cord. The analgesic effect of EA LI18 is better than that of EA ST36-GB34.

Comparison of clinical treatment of traumatic cervical spinal cord injuries with acute respiratory failure treated by high-flow nasal cannula therapy and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To compare the clinical efficacy of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNC) with non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) in patients with traumatic cervical spinal cord injury complicated with acute respiratory failure (ARF).Methods A prospective randomized controlled trial was performed in EICU of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from May 2016 to January 2018.One hundred sixty-eight consecutive patients with traumatic cervical spinal cord injury complicated with ARF,who did not respond to conventional oxygen therapy,were assigned to the HFNC or NPPV treatment group sequenced by the random number table.The baseline clinical characteristics of randomized participants and respiratory frequency (RR),PaCO2,mean arterial pressure (MAP) at 1,12,24,48 h after treatment were evaluated.Comfortable scale,tracheal intubation rate within 28 d,duration of mechanical ventilation,length of stay in ICU and mortality rate were compared as well.Results There was no significant differences in baseline clinical characteristics,such as sex,age.between the two groups (P＞0.05).RR and PaCO2 were lower in the HFNC group at all time point.In addition,the HFNC group had significantly lower PaCO2 than the NPPV group at 24 and 48 h after treatment (P＜0.01);Oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2) was improved in both groups,and the HFNC group had superior oxygenation index than the NPPV group at 12,24,48 h after treatment (P＜0.01).Furthermore,the HFNC group had better comfort scale (6.93±0.71 vs 4.29±0.93,P＜0.01),shorter length of stay in ICU and duration of mechanical ventilation compared to the NPPV group (P＜0.01).There was no significant differences in tracheal intubation rate and mortality rate between the two groups (P＞0.05).Conclusions In addition to the superior efficacy in improving respiratory function and shortening length of stay in ICU,HFNC was well tolerated by patients with traumatic cervical spinal cord injury complicated with ARF,and could be recommended in clinical practice.

Epidemiological analysis of traumatic cervical spinal cord injury / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To describe the epidemiological characteristics of cervical spine fracture combined with trauma cervical spinal cord injury (TCSCI) in Guangxi province. Methods A total of 385 patients met the inclusion criteria were enrolled for retrospective investigation. Detailed information included age, sex, marital status, occupation, date of admission, mechanisms of trauma, level of injury, ASIA grade, concomitant injuries, length of hospital stay, complications, and mortality. Results The ratio of Male/Female was 4.4:1. The average age of the patients was 47.9 years, and 88.8％ of the patients were married. 72.9％ of TCSCI occurred between the age of 35-64 years. Farmers accounted for the largest number of patients with TCSCIs, and 63％ of patients with TCSCI were caused by falling. The damage was located at the C3-C5 level, accounting for 63.8％. More than half of the patients with CSCI had brain injury. The most common complication was respiratory infection (54.5％). Among the injury levels, the proportions of ASIA grade A, B, C, and D were 34.8％, 8.5％, 35.5％, and 21％, respectively. During the treatment, 58 patients required cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and 36 patients required mechanical ventilation. The average length of hospital stay was (26.5±21.6) d. Of the 375 patients discharged from the hospital, 51.2％ patients had no improvement in the muscle strength. Conclusions Falling is the main cause of CSCI and men are more likely to be exposed to the injury. Patients with TCSCI have long treatment time and poor treatment results. Additionally, complications during the treatment should not be ignored.

Application of self-made transfer band in patients with cervical spinal cord injury / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective@#To make a postural transfer belt for patients with cervical spinal cord injury, to reduce and prevent the corresponding nursing problems with traditional methods of transfer@*Methods@#44 patients with cervical spinal cord injury admitted to the ward from January to June 2017 were selected as the control group by traditional methods of postural metastasis, and 48 patients with cervical spinal cord injury admitted to the ward from July to December 2017 were selected as the observation group by using self-made transfer belt.@*Results@#Number of the skin injury caused by transfer in observation group was 0 cases, in control group was four cases, and there was significant difference (χ2=1.91, P=0.049). Falls occur due to metastasis: there were 0 cases in the observation group and five cases in the control group, there was significant difference (χ2=2.39, P=0.026). The number of caregivers in the observation group decreased on average (1.21±0.08), and the number of caregivers in the control group decreased on average (0.86±0.09). The differences between the two groups are statistically significant (t=2.905, P=0.005). The results of the investigation on the escorts in the observation group showed that 46 (95.8%) people believed that the transfer belt was convenient for patients. 47 people believed that the transfer belt was safer and more labor-saving to use, accounting for 97.9%, and 47 people believed that the transfer belt would continue to be used when they went home, who occupied 97.9%.@*Conclusion@#The self-made transfer belt is convenient for the caregivers to carry the patients with cervical spinal cord injury, which effectively prevents the occurrence of skin injury, falls and other nursing problems, and improves the quality and experience of the caregivers. This technology is worthwhile to spread.

Application of intraoperative ultrasound and neuromonitoring in microsurgical treatment of intramedullary tumor in the superior cervical spinal cord / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To analyze the effect of clinical application of ultrasound in microsurgical treatment of intramedullary tumors in the superior cervical spinal cord.Methods Retrospective study the clinical data of 15 patients with intramedullary tumors in the superior cervical spinal cord,which were underwent a laminectomy for microsurgical tumor resection during January,2014 and January,2018.Intraoperative ultrasound and neuromonitoring was accompanied by the whole surgical procedure for each case.The follow-up data was collected by outpatient department visits and telephone interviews.Results All the described patients were performed with microscopic tumor resection by using intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring and ultrasound.The pathological diagnosis was ependymocytoma (n=8) and astrocytoma (n=7).Gross total resections comprised 86.7％ of cases (n=13),and subtotal resections 13.3％ (n=2).The neurological outcome was as follows:Mc-Cormick scale grade Ⅰ,10 patients;grade Ⅱ,3 patients;grade Ⅲ,1 patient;and grade Ⅳ 1 patient;Follow-up was applied for (19.2±7.6) months in 13 cases and 12.0 months in 2 cases.Compared to the preoperative period,66.6％ of patients recovered postoperatively,20.0％ improved,6.7％ remained without deficit and deterioration persisted in 6.7％.Conclusion The microscopic resection of tumors is the effective way to cure this disease.By using intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring and ultrasound,the complete tumor resection and the minimal spinal cord injury were certainly achieved.

The role of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy in patients with high cervical spinal cord injury / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To study the effect of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNC) in reduction in re-intubation rate, length of ICU stay and improvement of respiratory function in patients with high cervical spinal cord injury.Methods Single center retrospective study was carried out in our intensive care unit from September 2016 to March 2018. Post-operative patients ready for planned extubation with high cervical spinal cord injury were included. The length of ICU stay, re-intubation rate in case of respiratory failure, respiratory rate, pulse rate, MAP, SaO2, PaO2/FiO2, and PaCO2 of patients at 6, 24 and 72 h after extubation were compared between the HFNC and conventional oxygen therapy (COT) groups. Results During the study period, 38 patients were enrolled in the study. Of them, 16 patients were assigned in the HFNC group and 22patients in the COT group. Re-intubation rate was significantly different between the two groups (18.8％ vs 27.3％, P<0.05), but the length of ICU stay had no significant difference [(15.5±3.4) days vs (16.6±5.2) days]. The respiratory rate, pulse rate, SaO2 and PaO2/FiO2 at 6 h after extubation in the HFNC group were improved markedly than those in the COT group (P<0.05); and the PaCO2 and PaO2/FiO2 at 24 and 72 h after extubation in the HFNC group had much more improvement than those in the COT group (P<0.05). Conclusions Among individuals with post-operative high cervical spinal cord injury, high-flow oxygen therapy could reduce re-intubation rate, and PaCO2 level, and improve the respiratory function, but cannot reduce the length of ICU stay. High-flow oxygen therapy may offer advantages for patients with high cervical spinal cord injury.

Intramedullary Dermoid Cyst of the Cervical Spinal Cord ­ C5­C7 Level

Introduction: Inclusion cysts of the spinal cord are rarely intramedullary. Such cysts are commonly located in the lumbar and thoracic regions and are usually associated with congenital spinal dysraphism and dermal sinus. Intramedullary dermoid cysts in the cervical region without spinal dysraphism are extremely rare. To our knowledge, only seven such cases are reported in the literature to date. Materials and Methods: An 18-year-old female patient presented with weakness in all four limbs, more distal than proximal muscle weakness, that had been progressing for 3 years. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an intramedullary lesion from C5­ C7 with peripheral ring enhancement. "Whorls" were observed within the lesion on T2 weighted image, with associated excavation of vertebral bodies C5­ C7. Operative procedure and findings: partial laminectomy of C5­ D1was performed. The dura was opened. A small myelotomy was made in the root entry zone. About 1.5 ml of yellowish colored fluid was drained. White shiny debris with hair, whitish pultaceous content and teeth were removed. Complete excision of cyst and its wall was performed. Results The histopathological examination revealed that the cyst wall was lined by stratified squamous epithelium with underlying dermis showing hair follicles, sebaceous glands, adipose tissue and cyst filled with keratin debris suggestive of dermoid cyst. Conclusion: The intramedullary location of the dermoid cyst in the cervical cord and the absence of any congenital spinal dysraphism make this case a very unique and rare entity and warrants its inclusion in the reported cases of rare intramedullary space occupying lesions.

Introdução: Cistos de inclusão da medula espinhal raramente são intramedulares. Tais cistos são comumente localizados nas regiões lombares e torácicas e geralmente estão associados com disrafismo espinhal congênito e sinus dérmico. Cistos dermoides intramedulares na região cervical sem a presença de disrafismo espinhal são extremamente raros. Apenas sete casos foram relatados na literatura até a data do presente estudo. Materiais e Métodos: Uma paciente de 18 anos de idade apresentou fraqueza nos quatro membros, mais distal que proximal, com três anos progressivos de duração. A ressonância magnética apresentou uma lesão intramedular de C5 a C7 com realce do anel periférico. Espirais foram observadas dentro da lesão na imagem ponderada em T2, com escavação dos corpos vertebrais C5­C7. Procedimentos operatórios e achados: realização de laminectomia parcial de C5 a D1. A dura cervical foi aberta. Uma pequena mielotomia foi feita na zona de entrada da raiz. Cerca de 1,5 ml de fluído amarelado foi extraído. Detritos brancos brilhantes com cabelo, polpa esbranquiçada e dentes foram removidos. Foi realizada a excisão completa do cisto com parede de cisto. Resultados O exame histopatológico revelou que a parede do cisto estava alinhada por epitélio escamoso estratificado com derme subjacente apresentando folículos capilares, glândulas sebáceas, tecido adiposo e cisto cheio de detritos de creatinina, sugerindo cisto dermoide. Conclusão: A posição intramedular do cisto dermoide no cordão cervical e a ausência de disrafismo espinhal congênito faz deste um caso único, uma entidade rara, e assegura sua inclusão junto aos casos relatados de lesões raras ocupando espaço intramedulares.

Susceptibility Weighted Imaging of the Cervical Spinal Cord with Compensation of Respiratory-Induced Artifact

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to obtain improved susceptibility weighted images (SWI) of the cervical spinal cord using respiratory-induced artifact compensation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The artifact from B0 fluctuations by respiration could be compensated using a double navigator echo approach. The two navigators were inserted in an SWI sequence before and after the image readouts. The B0 fluctuation was measured by each navigator echoes, and the inverse of the fluctuation was applied to eliminate the artifact from fluctuation. The degree of compensation was quantified using a quality index (QI) term for compensated imaging using each navigator. Also, the effect of compensation was analyzed according to the position of the spinal cord using QI values. RESULTS: Compensation using navigator echo gave the improved visualization of SWI in cervical spinal cord compared to non-compensated images. Before compensation, images were influenced by artificial noise from motion in both the superior (QI = 0.031) and inferior (QI = 0.043) regions. In most parts of the superior regions, the second navigator resulted in better quality (QI = 0.024, P < 0.01) compared to the first navigator, but in the inferior regions the first navigator showed better quality (QI = 0.033, P < 0.01) after correction. CONCLUSION: Motion compensation using a double navigator method can increase the improvement of the SWI in the cervical spinal cord. The proposed method makes SWI a useful tool for the diagnosis of spinal cord injury by reducing respiratory-induced artifact.

Profile of the cardiac repolarization in cervical spinal cord injury subjects performing physical exercise / Perfil da repolarização cardíaca de sujeitos com lesão medular cervical submetidos a exercícios físicos

The aim of the study was to compare rest QT interval and QTcorrected intervals of electrocardiogram in trained men with and without cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) and investigate cardiac electrocardiogram parameters in trained men with CSCI submitted to maximal effort test. Thirty men were separated into three groups: Control without CSCI (CON, 25.3 ± 4.1 yrs, strength training: 3 days week-1; aerobic training 1day week-1; n = 10), high volume exercise (30.5 ± 4.3 yrs, 3 day week-1 rugby specific exercises, 60min. day-1; n = 12) and moderate volume of exercise (33.7 ± 5.9 yrs, 2 days week- 1 specific rugby exercises, 60 min. day-1; n = 8) with incomplete CSCI (C5-C7 cervical vertrebae) more than 12 months. Electrocardiogram was recorded in rest, during and after effort test. QT interval was significantly reduced (p = 0.001) in the high volume exercise group compared to control. Corrected QT interval showed no difference between moderate vs. high volume exercise group (p > 0.05). No changes were observed in QT, corrected QT, PR and QRS intervals of electrocardiogram between rest and post effort (p > 0.05). Thus, effort test does not change electrocardiogram parameters in CSCI subjects. High volume of week exercise promotes abnormalities in cardiac repolarization compared to a moderate training program.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar o perfil dos intervalos QT e QT corrigido (QTc) em homens treinados com e sem lesão medular cervical (LMC) e investigar o perfil eletrocardiográfico de homens treinados com LMC submetidos ao teste de esforço máximo. Trinta homens foram separados em três grupos: controle sem LMC (CON, indivíduos fisicamente ativos; n = 10), LMC praticantes de alto volume de exercícios (praticantes de rugby em cadeira de rodas 180 min. Semana-1; n = 12) e LMC praticantes de moderado volume de exercícios (praticantes de rugby em cadeira de rodas 120 min. Semana-1; n = 8). Todos os participantes do grupo LMC apresentavam lesões incompletas (C5-C7) mais do que 12 meses. Eletrocardiograma foi registrado em repouso, durante e após o teste de esforço. O intervalo QT apresentou redução significativa (p = 0,001) no grupo de alto volume de exercícios quando comparado ao controle. O QTc não mostrou diferença entre os distintos volumes de exercícios (p > 0,05). Ambos os grupos LMC não apresentaram mudanças significativas no intervalo QT, QTc, intervalos PR e QRS entre o repouso e pós-esforço (p > 0,05). Concluimos que o alto volume de exercícios semanais parece promover anormalidades na repolarização cardíaca.

Application of Neural Prosthesis in Rehabilitation of Cervical Spinal Cord Injury (review) / 中国康复理论与实践

Neural prosthesis control system is based on brain-computer interface and functional electrical stimulation technology, by an-alyzing the electroencephalograph control commands directly into the muscle system or an external device, which compensated efferent pathway from the brain-spinal cord, and recovered motor function of patients with cervical spinal cord injury. This paper described the basic structure, working principle and key technology of neural prosthetic system, summarized the application, problems and prospects of neural prosthetic technology in the rehabilitation of cervical spinal cord injury.