The effect of patient positioning on the relative position of the aorta to the thoracic spine.

PURPOSE: Detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the thoracic aorta is crucial for thoracolumbar spinal surgery. The purpose of the present study is to describe the relative displacement of the aorta to the spine in supine, prone and prone position with padding. Improved understanding of the magnitude and direction of this often-overlooked change could benefit preoperative planning and decision-making. METHODS: A total of 200 patients underwent CT scan of the thoracic spine in the standard supine, prone and prone position with padding. Axial CT images from T4 to T12, in all three different positions, were selected and the following parameters were measured: (a) distance B connecting left pedicle entry point to the edge of the aortic wall and (b) projections Bx and By, representing the minimum AP depth and horizontal displacement of the aortic wall relative to the left pedicle entry point O. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the distance B between the three different positions across all thoracic vertebrae levels, confirming that positioning significantly affects aorta's relative position. Moreover, in the prone position with padding at the level of T6, the aortic wall lies at a minimum distance from the left pedicular axis and thus from the typical screw trajectory. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that prone positioning for posterior thoracolumbar approach affects significantly the anatomic relationship of the aorta to the spine. Surgeons should be aware that standard supine CT evaluation represents a static technique, which can differ considerably from surgical reality. These slides can be retrieved from electronic supplementary material.

Treatment of neuromyelitis optica and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders with rituximab using a maintenance treatment regimen and close CD19 B cell monitoring. A six-year follow-up.

Neuromyelitis optinca (NMO) represents a serious demyelinating disease of the central nervous system selectively attacking the spinal cord and optic nerve. Early differential diagnosis from multiple sclerosis is of vital importance, as NMO mandates immunosuppressive and not immunomodulatory treatment. Rituximab has been recently introduced as a treatment option for NMO. However, optimal surrogate measures and treatment intervals are still unclear. Five patients (females, mean age 54±10.21years) with NMO and NMO spectrum disorders (NMOSD) were evaluated with respect to disability and relapse rate. All patients were found positive for NMO IgG. All patients (three with NMO and two with NMOSD, 1 patient with recurrent optic neuritis and 1 patient with recurrent myelitis) had received rituximab treatment for six years. One patient with NMOSD received cyclophosphamide prior to rituximab while two were misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis and had received interferon treatment. All received rituximab infusion of 375mg/m2 once per week for 4weeks and then every two months for the first two years and then every six months. B-cell counts were measured every two months and were kept in almost undetectable levels. No relapse was noted during the treatment period while EDSS score was improved in all patients. No severe adverse effects occurred during RTX treatment. Rituximab treatment on NMO and NMOSD patients showed significant improvement in disability and relapse-rate without any significant adverse effects.

Dynamic intraligamentary stabilisation: initial experience with treatment of acute ACL ruptures.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to report the experience of dynamic intraligamentary stabilisation (DIS) using the Ligamys device for the treatment of acute ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between March 2011 and April 2012, 50 patients (34 men and 16 women) with an acute rupture of the ACL underwent primary repair using this device. The mean age of the patients was 30 years (18 to 50). Patients were evaluated for laxity, stability, range of movement (ROM), Tegner, Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores over a follow-up period of two years. RESULTS: At final follow-up, anteroposterior translation differed from the normal knee by a mean of 0.96 mm (-2 mm to 6 mm). Median (interquartile range) IKDC, Tegner, Lysholm and VAS scores were 98 (95 to 100), 6 (5 to 7), 100 (98 to 100) and 10 (9 to 10), respectively. Pre-injury Tegner activity levels were reached one year post-operatively. A total of nine patients (18%) required a secondary intervention; five developed instability, of whom four underwent secondary hamstring reconstructive surgery, and five required arthroscopic treatment for intra-articular impingement due to scar tissue which caused a fixed flexion deformity. In addition, 30 patients (60%) required removal of the tibial screw. CONCLUSION: While there was a high rate of secondary interventions, 45 patients (90%) retained their repaired ACL two years post-operatively, with good clinical scores and stability of the knee. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Dynamic intraligamentary stabilisation presents a promising treatment option for acute ACL ruptures, eliminating the need for ACL reconstruction. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:793-8.

Pulsed corticosteroid treatment in MS patients stabilizes disease activity following natalizumab withdrawal prior to switching to fingolimod.

PURPOSE: Interruption of natalizumab (NTM) treatment in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients may be followed by disease reactivation. On the other hand, patients with positive John Cunningham virus (JCV) antibodies treated with NTM over 24 months demonstrate a higher risk for developing progressive multifocal encephalopathy (PML). No established therapeutic approach is available for treating these patients to prevent disease reactivation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the MS patients treated with NTM at the authors' institution, 30 were found positive for JCV abs. NTM was interrupted followed by a washout period of 6 months. During this period, 20/30 patients received monthly intravenous (i.v.) methylprednisolone (MPD) 1000 mg infusion and regular clinical assessment. On months 3 and 6, brain MRI was performed and 1000 mg MPD was administered for 5 days. RESULTS: All patients were clinically and radiologically stable at the time of NTM break. No clinical relapse was observed during the six-month washout period for the MS patients under monthly MPD treatment, while one patient had a relapse and active lesions in the MRI on month 6. Of the other patients not receiving i.v. MPD regularly after NTM withdrawal, one showed several active lesions in brain MRI and the other had a severe relapse. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limited size of this patients' cohort, the results of this study support that monthly MPD treatment for 6 months may result in a clinically stable disease status, thus ensuring safe transition to another second-line therapy such as fingolimod, following NTM withdrawal.

Mapping tibiofemoral gonarthrosis: an MRI analysis of non-traumatic knee cartilage defects.

OBJECTIVE: Arthroscopy is "the gold standard" for the diagnosis of knee cartilage lesions. However, it is invasive and expensive, and displays all the potential complications of an open surgical procedure. Ultra-high-field MRI now offers good opportunities for the indirect assessment of the integrity and structural changes of joint cartilage of the knee. The goal of the present study is to determine the site of early cartilaginous lesions in adults with non-traumatic knee pain. METHODS: 3-T MRI examinations of 200 asymptomatic knees with standard and three-dimensional double-echo steady-state (3D-DESS) cartilage-specific sequences were prospectively studied for early degenerative lesions of the tibiofemoral joint. Lesions were classified and mapped using the modified Outerbridge and modified International Cartilage Repair Society classifications. RESULTS: A total of 1437 lesions were detected: 56.1% grade I, 33.5% grade II, 7.2% grade III and 3.3% grade IV. Cartographically, grade I lesions were most common in the anteromedial tibial areas; grade II lesions in the anteromedial L5 femoral areas; and grade III in the centromedial M2 femoral areas. CONCLUSION: 3-T MRI with standard and 3D-DESS cartilage-specific sequences demonstrated that areas predisposed to early osteoarthritis are the central, lateral and ventromedial tibial plateau, as well as the central and medial femoral condyle. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: In contrast with previous studies reporting early cartilaginous lesions in the medial tibial compartment and/or in the medial femoral condyle, this study demonstrates that, regardless of grade, lesions preferentially occur at the L5 and M4 tibial and L5 and L2 femoral areas of the knee joint.

Dynamic intraligamentary stabilization: novel technique for preserving the ruptured ACL.

PURPOSE: Replacement of the torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with a transplant is today`s gold standard. A new technique for preserving and healing the torn ACL is presented. HYPOTHESIS: a dynamic intraligamentary stabilization (DIS) that provides continuous postinjury stability of the knee and ACL in combination with biological improvement of the healing environment [leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) and microfracturing] should enable biomechanically stable ACL self-healing. METHODS: Ten sportive patients were treated by DIS employing an internal stabilizer to keep the unstable knee in a posterior translation, combined with microfracturing and platelet-rich fibrin induction at the rupture site to promote self-healing. Postoperative clinical [Tegner, Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), visual analogue scale patient satisfaction score] and radiological evaluation, as well as assessment of knee laxity was performed at 6 weeks, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. RESULTS: One patient had a re-rupture 5 months postoperative and was hence excluded from further follow-ups. The other nine patients presented the following outcomes at 24 months: median Lysholm score of 100; IKDC score of 98 (97-100); median Tegner score of 6 (range 9-5); anterior translation difference of 1.4 mm (-1 to 3 mm); median satisfaction score of 9.8 (9-10). MRI showed scarring and continuity of the ligament in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: DIS combined with microfracturing and L-PRF resulted in stable clinical and radiological healing of the torn ACL in all but one patient of this first series. They attained normal knee scores, reported excellent satisfaction and could return to their previous levels of sporting activity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case series with no comparison group, Level IV.

Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of spinal osteoid osteoma under CT guidance.

OBJECTIVE: Osteoid osteoma (OO) accounts for approximately 10-12% of all benign bone tumours and 3% of all bone tumours. Spinal involvement appears in 10-25% of all cases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CT-guided radiofrequency (RF) ablation in the treatment of spinal OOs and report our experience. METHODS: 13 patients suffering from spinal OO and treated at the authors' institution using CT-guided RF ablation were retrospectively evaluated. The RF probe was introduced through a 11-G Jamshidi(®) needle, and the lesion was heated at 90°C for 6 min. RESULTS: All procedures were considered technically successful as the correct positioning of the probe was proven by CT. 11 of the 13 patients reported pain relief after RF ablation. In two cases, RF ablation was repeated 1 month after the first procedure. Pain relief was achieved in both cases after the second procedure. No recurrence was reported throughout the follow-up. No complications like skin burn, soft-tissue haematoma, infection, vessel damage or neurological deficit were reported. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that CT-guided percutaneous RF ablation is a safe and effective method for the treatment of spinal OOs. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: The data of this study support the efficacy and safety of the recently applied CT-guided percutaneous RF ablation technique for the treatment of spinal OOs.

Sonication: a valuable technique for diagnosis and treatment of periprosthetic joint infections.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the most severe complication, following joint arthroplasty. Identification of the causal microbial factor is of paramount importance for the successful treatment. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to compare the sonication fluid cultures derived from joint prosthetic components with the respective periprosthetic tissue cultures. METHODS: Explanted prosthesis components for suspected infection were placed into a tank containing sterile Ringer's solution and sonicated for 1 minute at 40 kHz. Sonication fluid cultures were examined for 10 days, and the number and identity of any colony morphology was recorded. In addition, periprosthetic tissue specimens (>5) were collected and cultured according to standard practice. The duration of antimicrobial interruption interval before culture sampling was recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients composed the study group. Sonication fluid cultures were positive in 24 patients (70.5%). Sixteen of thirty four periprosthetic tissue cultures (47.1%) were considered positive, all revealing the same microbial species with the respective sonication fluid cultures: 3 tissue samples showed polymicrobial infection. All tissue cultures were also found positive by the sonication fluid culture. CONCLUSIONS: Sonication fluid cultures represent a cheap, easy, accurate, and sensitive diagnostic modality demonstrating increased sensitivity compared to periprosthetic tissue cultures (70.5 versus 47.1%).

What is the incidence of intracranial bleeding in patients with mild traumatic brain injury? A retrospective study in 3088 Canadian CT head rule patients.

OBJECTIVE: Only limited data exists in terms of the incidence of intracranial bleeding (ICB) in patients with mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). METHODS: We retrospectively identified 3088 patients (mean age 41 range (7-99) years) presenting with isolated MTBI and GCS 14-15 at our Emergency Department who had undergone cranial CT (CCT) between 2002 and 2011. Indication for CCT was according to the "Canadian CT head rules." Patients with ICB were either submitted for neurosurgical treatment or kept under surveillance for at least 24 hours. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to correlate the incidence of ICB with age, gender, or intake of coumarins, platelet aggregation inhibitors, or heparins. RESULTS: 149 patients (4.8%) had ICB on CCT. No patient with ICB died or deteriorated neurologically. The incidence of ICB increased with age and intake of anticoagulants without clinically relevant correlation (R = 0.11; P < 0.001; R = -0.06; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our data show an incidence of 4.8% for ICB after MTBI. However, neurological deterioration after MTBI seems to be rare, and the need for neurosurgical intervention is only required in selected cases. The general need for CCT in patients after MTBI is therefore questionable, and clinical surveillance may be sufficient when CCT is not available.

High failure rate of trochanteric fracture osteosynthesis with proximal femoral locking compression plate.

INTRODUCTION: Stable reconstruction of proximal femoral (PF) fractures is especially challenging due to the peculiarity of the injury patterns and the high load-bearing requirement. Since its introduction in 2007, the PF-locking compression plate (LCP) 4.5/5.0 has improved osteosynthesis for intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures of the femur. This study reports our early results with this implant. METHODS: Between January 2008 and June 2010, 19 of 52 patients (12 males, 7 females; mean age 59 years, range 19-96 years) presenting with fractures of the trochanteric region were treated at the authors' level 1 trauma centre with open reduction and internal fixation using PF-LCP. Postoperatively, partial weight bearing was allowed for all 19 patients. Follow-up included a thorough clinical and radiological evaluation at 1.5, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months. Failure analysis was based on conventional radiological and clinical assessment regarding the type of fracture, postoperative repositioning, secondary fracture dislocation in relation to the fracture constellation and postoperative clinical function (Merle d'Aubigné score). RESULTS: In 18 patients surgery achieved adequate reduction and stable fixation without intra-operative complications. In one patient an ad latus displacement was observed on postoperative X-rays. At the third month follow-up four patients presented with secondary varus collapse and at the sixth month follow-up two patients had 'cut-outs' of the proximal fragment, with one patient having implant failure due to a broken proximal screw. Revision surgeries were performed in eight patients, one patient receiving a change of one screw, three patients undergoing reosteosynthesis with implantation of a condylar plate and one patient undergoing hardware removal with secondary implantation of a total hip prosthesis. Eight patients suffered from persistent trochanteric pain and three patients underwent hardware removal. CONCLUSIONS: Early results for PF-LCP osteosynthesis show major complications in 7 of 19 patients requiring reosteosynthesis or prosthesis implantation due to secondary loss of reduction or hardware removal. Further studies are required to evaluate the limitations of this device.

Bioabsorbable pins for treatment of osteochondral fractures of the knee after acute patella dislocation in children and young adolescents.

A retrospective study was performed on the use of bioabsorbable pins in the fixation of osteochondral fractures (OCFs) after traumatic patellar dislocation in children. Eighteen children (13 females, 5 males) aged 11 to 15 years (mean age 13.1 years) with osteochondral fracture (OCF) of the knee joint were treated at the authors' institution. Followup ranged from 22 months to 5 years. Diagnosis was verified by X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee and patella. In seven patients the osteochondral fragment was detached from the patella and in 11 it was detached from the lateral femoral condyle. All patients were subjected to open reduction and fixation of the lesion with bioabsorbable pins. Postoperatively, the knee was immobilized in a cast and all patients were mobilized applying a standardized protocol. Bone consolidation was successful in 17 of the 18 patients. Bioabsorbable pins reliably fix OCF in children and adolescents, demonstrating a high incidence of consolidation of the detached osteochondral fragment in short- and middle-term followup without requiring further operative procedures.

Treatment of osteitis pubis in non-athlete female patients.

BACKGROUND: Osteitis pubis represents a non-infectious inflammation of the pubic symphysis causing varying degrees of lower abdominal and pelvic pain. Although, the disease is believed to affect mainly young athletic patients, it is also encountered in other specific patient groups. Both conservative and surgical treatment options are available. While for elite athletes surgical treatment is indicated, leading to fast pain relief and mobilization, for non-athletic patients no clear indication can be established. METHODS: Eight non-athletic women with osteitis pubis, referred to our Department for treatment, were evaluated. All were initially treated conservatively with bed rest, per os non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy. RESULTS: Seven patients improved significantly with conservative treatment while one displayed no improvement and was treated surgically with arthrodesis. CONCLUSION: We conclude that, for non-athletic female patients suffering from osteitis pubis, surgery is rarely required and that conservative treatment by means of non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs and physical modalities represents a fair option regarding pain and limitation of everyday activity.

Can S-100B serum protein help to save cranial CT resources in a peripheral trauma centre? A study and consensus paper.

BACKGROUND: Cranial CT (CCT) is the gold standard to rule out traumatic brain injury. The serum level of the protein S-100B has recently been proposed as promising marker of traumatic brain injury. We prospectively investigated whether it might be a reliable tool for CCT triage in mild brain injury at a peripheral trauma centre with limited CT resources. METHODS: Patients with mild head injury and a Glasgow Coma Score of 13-15 admitted to the emergency department of a peripheral trauma centre were enrolled. Blood samples for S-100B analysis were obtained after clinical evaluation. The cut-off level for positive S-100B was 0.105 µg/l. All patients underwent CCT. The relationship between clinical findings, CCT results and S-100B levels was evaluated. RESULTS: 233 patients were enrolled. Median time between injury and sampling was 137 min. CCT was positive in 22 (9%) patients. Of these, 19 (8%) had positive serum S-100B levels. Overall, S-100B had a specificity of 12.2% and a sensitivity of 86.4%, with a positive predictive value of 12.8% and a negative predictive value of 85.7% as a selection tool for CCT triage in patients with mild head injury. CONCLUSION: The S-100B serum level showed a high sensitivity and negative predictive value in the screening of patients with mild head injury. The use of serum S-100B as a biomarker for CCT triage may improve patient screening and decrease the number of CCT scans performed. This would reduce unnecessary radiation exposure and free up capacity in the emergency rooms of peripheral hospitals to enable them to cope better with multiple admissions.

Recto-femoral fistula presenting as emphysematous cellulitis of the knee: a case report & literature review.

Purpose. The rectofemoral fistula represents a devastating complication of colorectal surgery. Its early diagnosis and treatment are critical to obtain a good patient outcome. Case Presentation. A 75-year-old Caucasian female patient presented with high fever, ileus, low back pain, sciatic nerve palsy, and infection of the right knee. After numerous surgical debridements and antibiotic therapies, a rectofemoral fistula was diagnosed. Conclusion. Increased doctors' alertness is mandatory for the early identification and surgical treatment of patients suffering from a rectofemoral fistula before the stage of diffuse infection has significantly decreases their postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Impact of Lodox Statscan on radiation dose and screening time in paediatric trauma patients.

INTRODUCTION: As part of the primary investigation, polytrauma patients arriving at our emergency department are examined in accordance with the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) rules, using the new Lodox Statscan (LS) digital low-radiation imaging device. The aim of this study was to establish whether entrance and effective radiation doses using LS in children were comparable to those of paediatric Computed Radiography (CR) and to evaluate the duration of scanning for both techniques in young polytrauma patients. METHODS: 19 consecutive polytrauma patients aged <16 years who had LS imaging were included in this prospective analysis. For a comparison of our results, we put together an age-, size-, injury type- and ISS-matched group of young patients screened using paediatric Conventional Radiology (CR). Entrance, effective doses and mean duration of diagnostic imaging were recorded for both groups. RESULTS: Effective and entrance doses were higher in the LS group compared to the paediatric CR group (p<0.001). This might be partly due to the higher radiation dose necessary for lateral LS spine imaging, and also because with conventional radiography, only selected parts of the spine are imaged compared to the standard full spinal view with LS. Diagnostic imaging with LS required less time than paediatric CR (p=0.117). CONCLUSION: LS scanning will probably be a useful diagnostic tool for a range of paediatric clinical indications in the future. But only the future will show whether LS will survive in the face of low-dose radiation CT scanners and magnetic resonance imaging devices that may eventually completely replace conventional radiography.

Review of Lodox Statscan in the detection of peripheral skeletal fractures in multiple injury patients.

INTRODUCTION: As part of the primary survey, polytrauma patients in our emergency department are examined using the new 'Lodox Statscan' (LS) digital low-radiation imaging device. The LS provides full-body anterior and lateral views based on enhanced linear slot-scanning technology, in accordance with the recommended Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Guidelines. This study's objectives were to establish whether LS appropriately rules out peripheral bone injuries and to examine whether LS imaging provides adequate information for the preoperative planning of such lesions. METHODS: A total of 245 consecutive polytrauma patients aged 16 years or more undergoing LS imaging were included in this retrospective chart analysis. The results of the LS scans were reviewed and compared to additional plain radiographs or computed tomography scans, whenever further radiological imaging was required to determine consecutive therapy. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of the LS scans were 73% and 100%, respectively, for peripheral skeletal injuries. Additional plain radiographs were performed in 50% of cases for (1) superior focussing and more precise resolution of the affected part of the body, (2) additional second or third plane, (3) additional information about fracture type and planning of the surgical approach and (4) for preoperative planning of implant size and positioning on calibrated digitised films, <1% because of the low quality of the LS scan and <1% because the fracture zone had not been fully captured. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates that despite LS's high sensitivity and specificity in the detection of peripheral skeletal injuries, additional radiological imaging for diagnostic or preoperative reasons was required. Our results imply that LS, although efficient for patient screening in the emergency room, cannot always rule out peripheral skeletal injuries.

Distal tibial fractures treated with hybrid external fixation.

Management of distal tibia fractures remains challenging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether hybrid external fixation, as definite treatment, was associated with satisfactory results and low rate of complications. Between November 1999 and October 2006, 48 patients (33 men and 15 women) with a mean age of 45.6 years and a median ISS of 14.3 were admitted to our department with a distal tibia fracture and treated with the use of a hybrid external fixator. Eight patients had an open fracture. Mean follow-up was 14 months (range, 9-36 months). In 40 patients, radiographic evidence of union was observed at 3.6 months (range, 3-6 months). Delayed union was observed in three patients. There were five non-unions (10.4%) with three of them were septic. When compared to previously reported series, with conventional open reduction and internal fixation, the use of hybrid external fixation with or without open reduction and internal fixation of the fibula, was associated with satisfactory clinical and radiographic results and limited complications.