Cholangiocarcinoma with spinal metastasis: Single center survival analysis.

The aim of this study was to perform a survival analysis of Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) with spinal metastases. 55 cases of CCA with spinal metastases were retrospectively reviewed. We recorded age, sex, Kanofsky performance score, Frankel scale, number and region of affected vertebrae, presence of appendicular bone metastases, treatment received, and survival time; then performed a survival analysis. Overall median survival was 4months (95%CI, 2.89-5.11). Frankel A had the poorest survival (2months-95%CI, 1.15-2.85) compared to Frankel C and D (P=0.004 and <0.001, respectively). One-level spinal metastasis had the longest survival (8months-95%CI, 5.98-10.02) compared to two-level and more than two-level involvement (P=0.036 and 0.001, respectively). The higher Kanofsky score had the longer survival (11months-95%CI, 9.61-12.39) compared with the low and moderate score groups (P<0.001 and 0.012, respectively). Radiation therapy had a survival of 6months (95%CI, 3.41-8.59), significantly longer than the 3months for palliative spine surgery and 2months for palliative treatment alone. CCA resection and palliative spine surgery-when performed together and/or combined with other adjuvant treatment(s)-had a survival time of longer than 9months. In conclusion, CCA with spinal metastases had a poor median survival. A single level of affected spine, a Frankel scale of C or better, a moderate to high Kanofsky score, and radiation therapy were associated with significantly longer median survival. CCA resection and spinal surgery may play an important role in prolonging survival when used in conjunction with other adjuvant treatment modalities.

The Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ): A validation of the reliability of the Thai version.

BACKGROUND: The Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ) was developed by the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) for assessment of lower back pain and lumbar spinal disease. We aimed to translate the JOABPEQ into Thai and test its reliability and validity in the Thai context. METHODS: The original JOABPEQ was translated into Thai in accordance with international recommendations. Then 180 lumbar spinal disease patients (mean age 58.58 ± 11.97, 68.3% female) were asked to complete the Thai version of the JOABPEQ twice at 2-week intervals. Test-retest reliability was analyzed using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Internal consistencies were analyzed using Cronbach's alpha, while the construct validity was compared with the Thai version of the modified SF-36, and tested using the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The Thai JOABPEQ showed satisfactory test-retest reliability in all parameters (Intra-class Correlation Coefficient 0.761-0.862). The variables low back pain, walking ability, social life function, and mental health had satisfactory internal consistency (the respective Cronbach's α was 0.798, 0.721, 0.707, and 0.795). Only the lumbar function parameter showed moderate reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.654). All of the variables in the Thai JOABPEQ had a statistically positive correlation with the correspondent Thai SF-36 subscales (Spearman's rank correlation p value < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Thai version of JOABPEQ had satisfactory internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity; it can be used as a reliable tool for assessing quality of life for lumbar spinal disease patients in Thailand.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the reliability of the Thai version of the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS).

HOOS was developed as an extension of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities' Osteoarthritis Index questionnaire for measuring symptoms and functional limitations related to the hip(s) of patients with osteoarthritis. To determine the validity and reliability of the Thai version of the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) vis-à-vis hip osteoarthritis, the original HOOS was translated into a Thai version of HOOS, according to international recommendations. Patients with hip osteoarthritis (n = 57; 25 males) were asked to complete the Thai version of HOOS twice: once then again after a 3-week interval. The test-retest reliability was analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Internal consistencies were analyzed using Cronbach's alpha, while the construct validity was tested by comparing the Thai HOOS with the Thai modified SF-36 and calculating the Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. The Thai HOOS produced good reliability (i.e., the ICC was greater than 0.9 in all five subscales). All of the Cronbach's alpha showed that the Thai HOOS had high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha greater than 0.8), especially for the pain and ADL subscales (0.89 and 0.90, respectively). The Spearman's rank correlation for all five subscales of the Thai HOOS had moderate correlation with the Bodily Pain subscale of the Thai SF-36. The pain subscale of the Thai HOOS had a high correlation with the Vitality and Social Function subscales of the Thai SF-36 (r = 0.55 and 0.54)-with which the symptom subscale had a moderate correlation. The Thai version of HOOS had excellent internal consistency, excellent test-retest reliability, and good construct validity. It can be used as a reliable tool for assessing quality of life for patients with hip osteoarthritis in Thailand.

Validation of the reliability of the Thai version of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire (JOACMEQ).

BACKGROUND: The Japanese Orthopaedic Association Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire (JOACMEQ) was developed to resolve problems associated with the original evaluation of cervical myelopathic patients. The aim of this study was to translate the JOACMEQ into Thai as per international recommendations, and to test its reliability and validity in the Thai context METHODS: The JOACMEQ was translated into Thai, using international guidelines. Cervical myelopathy patients (n = 70; 31 males) were asked to complete the Thai version JOACMEQ twice (4 weeks apart). Test-retest reliability was analyzed using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Internal consistencies were analyzed using Cronbach's alpha, while the construct validity was compared with the Thai version modified SF-36; using the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The Thai JOACMEQ produced good reliability (i.e., the ICC was >0.9 in 2 parameters and >0.8 in one). Overall the Cronbach's α for the 24 questions showed very high internal consistency (Cronbach's α > 0.8) and almost all Cronbach's α showed satisfactory internal consistency except for bladder function. The Spearman's rank correlation for all the JOACMEQ parameters had a positive correlation with all Thai SF 36 subscales, especially the quality of life parameter, which showed a strong correlation with all SF-36 subscales. CONCLUSION: The Thai version of the JOACMEQ had satisfactory internal consistency and test-retest reliability: it also had good construct validity. It can therefore be used as a reliable tool for assessing quality of life for cervical myelopathy patients in Thailand.

Clinical results of primary malignant musculoskeletal tumor treated by wide resection and recycling autograft reconstruction using liquid nitrogen.

AIM: To evaluate the clinical results of primary malignant musculoskeletal tumors treated with wide resection and recycling autograft reconstruction using liquid nitrogen. METHODS: We reviewed 12 patients who had a primary malignant bone and soft tissue tumor treated by wide resection and recycling autograft reconstruction using liquid nitrogen between March 2006 and March 2013. The results were judged by recurrence, functional status and complications. Functional status was assessed according to the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTSS). Clinical failure was defined as need for reoperation in order to change the type of reconstruction or to amputate, and the presence of local recurrence. RESULTS: The most common tumor was osteosarcoma (eight cases) followed by Ewing's sarcoma (two cases). The tibia was the most frequently involved skeletal site (six cases) followed by the femur (three cases). The median follow-up period was 32 months. In 12 patients, 7 were still alive without recurrence. There were 3 clinical failures: 1 local recurrence and 2 graft complications at 28, 51 and 20 months after reconstruction, respectively. The main complication was infection (three cases). All osteotomy sites were radiographic unions, and the union time was 8.2 ± 2.7 months. The mean ± SD MSTSS score was 79% ± 11%; excellent functional results were achieved in seven patients. CONCLUSIONS: Recycling autograft reconstruction using liquid nitrogen had favorable clinical outcomes in terms of functional status and local recurrence. This reconstruction method, therefore, represents a reasonable alternative for limb salvage surgery.

Morphological study of subaxial cervical pedicles by using three-dimensional computed tomography reconstruction image.

Malpositioning of cervical screws risks neurovascular injury. A cervical screw fixation system can provide proper rigidity, alignment correction, and high rates of fusion afforded by high pullout biomechanical strength. The objective is to assess the dimensions and axis of the C3-C7 cervical pedicles. A 1-mm slice thickness computed tomography (CT) scan of the cervical spine of 30 patients (15 males, 15 females) were analyzed and reconstructed in three-dimensions using Mimics(®) 10.01 software. We measured pedicle axis length (PAL), pedicle and lateral mass length (PL-LM), pedicle length (PL), outer pedicle width (OPW), and pedicle transverse angle (PTA) from the axial image and outer pedicle height (OPH) and pedicle sagittal angle (PSA) from the sagittal image. The OPH and OPW at all subaxial cervical spines were suitable for insertion of 3.5 mm cervical pedicle screws. PSA was directed cranially at C3 to C5 (13.84, 7.09, and 2.71) and directed caudally at C6 and C7 (-4.55, -6.94). PTA was greatest at C5 and smallest at C7. The respective difference between the left and right side for nearly all parameters was not statistically significant (except for C6 PL and C7 OPH). Females had a significantly smaller OPH and OPW than males at nearly all levels. The PTA was not significantly different between the sexes. Cervical pedicle screw fixation in the Thai population can be safely performed and guidelines for insertion at each vertebra documented. Appropriate preoperative planning is necessary to achieve safe and accurate placement of the screws.

Geometry of the clavicle and reliability of measurement using PACS.

PURPOSE: To investigate the geometry of the clavicle and to assess the reliability of Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) for its measurement. METHODS: One hundred pairs of dry clavicles from 78 males and 22 females were measured on radiographs using PACS. Measurements included all of the following parameters: length, width, medial and lateral angulation. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the inter-observer and intra-observer reliability was calculated. RESULTS: The mean left clavicle length among males and females was 149.25 ± 9.64 and 133.30 ± 8.32 mm, respectively. The respective mean right clavicle length among the males and females was 147.77 ± 9.99 and 132.08 ± 6.92 mm. The clavicles from male cadavers were significantly longer, wider and thicker than those from females, on both the left and right (P < 0.05). Among both the male and female clavicles, the left side was significantly longer than the right (P < 0.05). There was good to excellent intra-observer reliability (ICC > 0.70) for all parameters. Inter-observer reliability was also found good to excellent for all parameters except for medial clavicular angulation; for which there was fair reliability (ICC = 0.697). CONCLUSION: The geometry of the clavicle is influenced by sex and side. Use of PACS as a measurement tool is reliable. Data from this study will be useful for pre-contouring plate or improving future designs of the anatomical plate of the clavicle.

Prognostic factors and clinical outcomes in synovial sarcoma of the extremities.

AIMS: To evaluate the clinical outcomes and identify which prognostic factors influence the clinical outcomes of synovial sarcoma patients at a tertiary university hospital in Thailand. METHODS: Patients with synovial sarcoma of the extremities between 1997 and 2007 were reviewed from the database of the Musculoskeletal Oncology Unit, Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand. RESULTS: Of 41 patients, 23 males (56%) and 18 females (44%) with a median age of 39 (range, 1-78 years), 18 (44%) had metastasis at the first diagnosis and 23 (56%) had only a localized tumor. The 5-year overall survival of all the patients was 36%; 64% in patients with localized disease and 0% in patients with metastasis at first diagnosis. In all 23 patients (56%) died of the disease at a median duration of 11 months (range 3-47 months). All patients with metastases died at a median 9 months (range 1-41 months). Metastasis at first diagnosis influenced overall survival for patients with synovial sarcoma (P < 0.001). According to a univariate analysis, the significant adverse factors were biphasic histological subtype and an inadequate surgical margin of the definitive surgery (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Synovial sarcoma is still a disease with a poor prognosis. Distant metastasis at initial diagnosis is a significant adverse prognostic factor for overall survival. A biphasic histological subtype and an inadequate surgical margin are significant adverse prognostic factors in localized synovial sarcoma.

Prevalence of known and unknown primary tumor sites in spinal metastasis patients.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: THREE OBJECTIVES HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED FOR THIS STUDY: (1) to determine the prevalence of identifiable and non-identifiable primary tumor sites in patients with spinal metastasis, (2) to identify the most common site of the known primary tumor sites, and (3) to identify the factors associated with survival time. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The spine is the third most common metastatic site for several primary visceral carcinomas. The primary tumor site could not be identified in 15% to 20% of patients who had been diagnosed of with a skeletal metastasis. Most of the previous studies on skeletal metastasis have not been limited to spinal metastasis alone. METHODS: Between January 2007 and July 2011 reviews were done for 82 patients with spinal metastasis who had not received a previous diagnosis of carcinoma. The assessment parameters included the following: general demographic data, Karnofsky score, Frankel score, number of spinal vertebra affected, region of the spine affected by metastasis, other skeletal metastasis site, visceral metastasis, known or unknown primary sites of metastasis, histological cell type of metastasis, and the survival period. The log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard model were used to study the survival analysis. RESULTS: Of the 82 patients included in the study, 56 were male. The mean age was 57 years. 86.6% had a known primary carcinoma site while the remaining 13.4% had none. The two most common known carcinoma sites were the lung and biliary systems. Among the 11 unknown primary sites, the most common histological finding was adenocarcinoma. The mean survival period was 8.7 ± 11.7 months. The survival analysis revealed two statistically significant factors: the primary tumor site's aggressiveness (P<0.005) and the presence of visceral metastasis (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of identifiable primary site was 86.6% and the most common site was the lungs followed by the biliary system. The primary carcinoma site's aggressiveness and the presence of visceral metastasis were the factors associated with patient survival.

A biomechanical comparison of a tendon repair device and 4 stranded, cruciate repair sutures for flexor tendon ruptured.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the biomechanical properties of the single strand monofilament Nylon 2-0 Khon Kaen tendon repair device for flexor tendon repair and standard 4-stranded cruciate repair sutures. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 80 flexor digitorum longus tendons from fresh cadavers, were cut and sutured by Khon Kaen tendon repair device (core nylon) or 4-stranded, cruciate repair (3-0 monofilament nylon) and both groups were divided into two groups; the first group combined with 5-0 monofilament nylon circumferential epitendinous suture and the second group without epitendinous suture. The sutured tendons were tested by using biomechanical testing machine (LLOYD instruments, LR30K), in rate 5 mm/s. Force, stiffness and energy absorbed at peak force (calculated from the force-displacement curves) and mode of failure were compared RESULTS: The Khon Kaen tendon repair device (core nylon) without epitendinous sutured group has 2 mm gap force, peak force and stiffness significantly lower than standard 4-stranded, cruciate repair; but with no statistical difference in the epitendinous sutured group; 90% of Khon Kaen tendon repair device failed by suture breakage and 10% failed by ankle pullout. CONCLUSION: Although the strength of Khon Kaen tendon repair device (core nylon) alone is lower than the strength of 4-stranded, cruciate repair, and 90% mode of failure was core suture breakage, the authors recommended to change core suture from nylon to a stiffer material and re-inforced with epitendinous suture.

Tissue imprint for intra-operative evaluation of musculoskeletal tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of an intra-operative tissue imprint as a role to provide a provisional diagnosis in patients with musculoskeletal tumors. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 118 patients underwent surgical treatment for musculoskeletal tumors. Tissue imprints from suspected tissues were conducted in all of the patients and the results were compared with the final permanent section. RESULTS: The usefulness of the imprint slides (i.e., the diagnostic yield) was 88.14%. The respective, overall sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive value was 93.75%, 100%, 96.15%, 100% and 90.90%. CONCLUSION: Tissue imprinting is a useful method for intra-operative evaluation of adequacy and provides a provisional diagnosis of the musculoskeletal tumors lesions.

Melioidotic septic arthritis and its risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Melioidotic septic arthritis is an infection caused by the gram-negative bacillus Burkholderia pseudomallei. It is commonly found in Northeast Thailand. The goal of our study was to identify specific characteristics of patients with melioidotic septic arthritis by comparing them with patients with non-melioidotic septic arthritis and to describe the results of treatment of melioidotic septic arthritis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of seventy-seven patients with septic arthritis who were treated in our hospital over a period of four years. Twenty-five of the patients had melioidotic septic arthritis, and fifty-two had non-melioidotic septic arthritis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify the risk factors for melioidotic septic arthritis, and the clinical course of the twenty-five patients with melioidotic septic arthritis was followed until the infection resolved. RESULTS: Patients with melioidotic septic arthritis differed significantly (p = 0.002 ) from those with non-melioidotic septic arthritis with regard to the frequency of diabetes mellitus and of involvement of an upper-extremity joint. The odds ratio that melioidosis was the cause of the infection was 15.7 (95% confidence interval, 4.5 to 55.6) in a patient with diabetes mellitus and 4.51 (95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 19.65) in a patient with involvement of an upper-extremity joint. Twenty-two of the twenty-five patients with melioidotic septic arthritis responded to treatment, which consisted of six months of antibiotic therapy combined with needle aspiration, as well as surgical drainage of the affected joint when necessary (sixteen patients). CONCLUSIONS: A diagnosis of melioidotic septic arthritis should be considered when septic arthritis is seen in an individual who is indigenous to or has recently visited Southeast Asia. The infection is more likely to be melioidotic septic arthritis if it involves an upper-extremity joint and if the patient has diabetes mellitus.