Temporal Evolution of White Blood Cell Count and Differential: Reliable and Early Detection Markers for Surgical Site Infection Following Spinal Posterior Decompression Surgery.

Introduction: For early detection of surgical site infection (SSI) following spinal decompression surgery, we compared temporal changes in the values of laboratory markers that are not affected by operative parameters. Methods: The study included 302 patients, which were divided into an SSI group (patients who developed deep SSI) and a non-SSI group for analysis. We reviewed data on C-reactive protein level, total white blood cell (WBC) count, and WBC differential percentage and count before spinal decompression, on postoperative day 1, and on postoperative day 4. We identified laboratory markers that are not affected by operative parameters (operating time, intraoperative blood loss, and number of operative segments). Laboratory markers with a significant difference observed between the peak or nadir value and the value in the subsequent survey day were considered as an indicator of SSI. We examined the utility of each indicator by calculating sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, we investigated the utility of the combination of all five indicators (wherein the recognition of one marker was considered positive). Results: Temporal changes in five laboratory markers were considered indicators of SSI. The changes from postoperative day 1 to postoperative day 4 were as follows: (1) increased WBC count (42% sensitivity, 88% specificity), (2) increased neutrophil percentage (25% sensitivity, 96% specificity), (3) increased neutrophil count (25% sensitivity, 94% specificity), (4) decreased lymphocyte percentage (25% sensitivity, 95% specificity), and (5) decreased lymphocyte count (25% sensitivity, 85% specificity). The combination of these five markers showed a 50% sensitivity, 81% specificity, and 0.65 AUC. Conclusions: Five markers were found to be reliable indicators of SSI following spinal decompression surgery because they were not affected by operative parameters. The combination of all five indicators had moderate sensitivity and high specificity. Therefore, this may be reliable and useful for the early detection of SSI.

Severe complication subsequent to surgical site infection after cervical laminoplasty: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical site infections (SSI) following spinal surgery can result in serious complications. Although early detection and intensive care are essential to minimize possible sequelae, more than one surgical intervention is required to alleviate the infection in some cases. CASE PRESENTATION: A 66-year-old man with long-standing Parkinson's disease (PD) developed SSIs after cervical laminoplasty. Despite surgical debridement and irrigation, his neurological status worsened severely and anterior infectious involvement at the C4-5 level was identified by magnetic resonance imaging. He underwent another urgent surgery for anterior debridement and iliac bone grafting. His laboratory results gradually normalized with antibiotic therapy, and his neurological status improved. One year after surgery, he was ambulatory with walker assistance. However, his right hand remained difficult to control with significant sensory loss and numbness. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this is the first case of SSI that extended rapidly to the anterior side despite immediate and intensive treatment in a patient with PD after laminoplasty. During SSI treatment, meticulous observation should be performed to check for exacerbations.

Differential diagnosis between metastatic and osteoporotic vertebral fractures using sagittal T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most helpful for determining the differential diagnosis between metastatic and osteoporotic vertebral fractures; especially whole spine MRI is effective if patients have multiple spinal metastases. However, it is time-consuming to obtain all planes for all metastatic vertebrae. If we can differentiate these metastatic and osteoporotic vertebral fractures based on only one section and signal intensity, it would save time and be effective for patients with pain. This study investigated the usefulness of sagittal T1-weighted MRI findings in differentiating metastatic and osteoporotic vertebral fractures. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients diagnosed with metastatic or osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Findings characteristic of metastatic fractures were considered: (a) pedicle or posterior element involvement; (b) convex posterior border of the vertebral body; (c) epidural infiltration; and (d) diffuse homogeneous low signal intensity; findings characteristic of osteoporotic compression fractures were also considered: (e) low-signal-intensity band and (f) posterior retropulsion. Chi-square test or Fisher's exact probability test was used to investigate the usefulness of each MRI finding. Intra- and inter-observer reliability analysis was performed. RESULTS: This study comprised 43 patients with metastases (45 vertebrae) and 118 patients with osteoporotic fractures (156 vertebrae). All findings showed significant difference with each fracture (p-value: <0.01 to 0.03). Although each MRI finding exhibited high intra- and inter-observer reliability (κ: 0.66 to 1.00), finding (c) exhibited low reliability. Finding (a) showed high sensitivity (88.9%) and usefulness for screening, and findings (b), (d), (e), and (f) showed high specificity (90.4%-100%) and usefulness for definitive diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Characteristic findings with sagittal T1-weighted MRI were useful in the differential diagnosis of metastatic and osteoporotic vertebral fractures. To prevent overlooking metastatic fractures with sagittal T1-weighted MRI, findings of the pedicle or posterior element involvement should be focused on because of its reliability and sensitivity.

Biceps-Related Physical Findings Are Useful to Prevent Misdiagnosis of Cervical Spondylotic Amyotrophy as a Rotator Cuff Tear.

STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to identify physical findings useful for differentiating between cervical spondylotic amyotrophy (CSA) and rotator cuff tears to prevent the misdiagnosis of CSA as a rotator cuff tear. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: CSA and rotator cuff tears are often confused among patients presenting with difficulty in shoulder elevation. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with CSA and 27 with rotator cuff tears were enrolled. We included five physical findings specific to CSA that were observed in both CSA and rotator cuff tear patients. The findings were as follows: (1) weakness of the deltoid muscle, (2) weakness of the biceps muscle, (3) atrophy of the deltoid muscle, (4) atrophy of the biceps muscle, and (5) swallow-tail sign (assessment of the posterior fibers of the deltoid). RESULTS: Among 25 CSA patients, 10 (40.0%) were misdiagnosed with a rotator cuff tear on initial diagnosis. The sensitivity and specificity of each physical finding were as follows: (1) deltoid weakness (sensitivity, 92.0%; specificity, 55.6%), (2) biceps weakness (sensitivity, 80.0%; specificity, 100%), (3) deltoid atrophy (sensitivity, 96.0%; specificity, 77.8%), (4) biceps atrophy (sensitivity, 88.8%; specificity, 92.6%), and (5) swallow-tail sign (sensitivity, 56.0%; specificity, 74.1%). There were statistically significant differences in each physical finding. CONCLUSIONS: CSA is likely to be misdiagnosed as a rotator cuff tear; however, weakness and atrophy of the biceps are useful findings for differentiating between CSA and rotator cuff tears to prevent misdiagnosis.

Lymphocyte Count at 4 Days Postoperatively: A Reliable Screening Marker for Surgical Site Infection After Posterior Lumbar Decompression Surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. OBJECTIVE: To identify laboratory markers for surgical site infection (SSI) in posterior lumbar decompression surgery, which are not affected by operative factors, and to determine the diagnostic cutoffs of these markers. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Numerous laboratory markers are used for the early detection of SSI; however, these markers may be affected by operative factors. METHODS: The study included 182 participants. They were divided into an SSI group (patients who developed deep SSI; n = 8) and a no-SSI group (n = 174). We reviewed data on the C-reactive protein level and total white blood cell count and differential count before posterior lumbar decompression surgery and 1 and 4 days postoperatively. We determined which markers differed significantly between the groups and identified the markers that were not affected by operative factors (operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and number of operative segments) in the no-SSI group. We then determined the diagnostic cutoffs of these unaffected markers using receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS: We identified the lymphocyte percentage at 4 days postoperatively (cutoff, <19.4%; sensitivity, 80.0%; specificity, 62.5%; area under the curve, 0.78) and lymphocyte count at 4 days postoperatively (cutoff, <1010/µL; sensitivity, 93.7%; specificity, 62.5%; area under the curve, 0.78) as reliable markers. CONCLUSION: Lymphocyte percentage and count at 4 days postoperatively are reliable markers for SSI after posterior lumbar decompression surgery. Lymphocyte count at 4 days postoperatively can be considered as a superior marker for screening because it has a high sensitivity and can be measured early. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Comparison of neutrophil and lymphocyte at 1 and 4 days postoperatively: reliable and early detection markers for surgical site infection following instrumented spinal fusion.

INTRODUCTION: To identify the temporal comparison of biochemical markers for early detection of surgical site infection (SSI) following instrumented spinal fusion that are not affected by operative factors. METHODS: We reviewed data on C-reactive protein level and total white blood cell count and differential count before instrumented spinal fusion and at 1, 4, and 7 days postoperatively. The 141 patients in our sample were divided into an SSI group (patients who developed deep SSI) and a non-SSI group. We investigated the peak or nadir value day and identified those not affected by operative circumstances (operating time, intraoperative blood loss, and number of fusion segments) in the non-SSI group. If there was a significant difference between the peak or nadir value day and the next survey day, we considered the temporal comparison between these unaffected markers as an indicator of SSI and examined the usefulness of these indicators by calculating sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, we investigated the usefulness of the combination of these markers (if even each one marker was recognized, we considered it positive). RESULTS: Four biochemical markers of SSI were selected: neutrophil percentage at postoperative day 4 more than day 1 (sensitivity 36%, specificity 95%), neutrophil count at postoperative day 4 more than day 1 (sensitivity 46%, specificity 93%), lymphocyte percentage at postoperative day 4 less than day 1 (sensitivity 36%, specificity 90%), and lymphocyte count at postoperative day 4 less than day 1 (sensitivity 36%, specificity 90%). The combination of these markers showed sensitivity 100%, specificity 80%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Four markers are reliable indicators for early detection of SSI following spinal instrumented fusion because they are not affected by operative factor. The combination of each indicator had both high sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, it is reliable and much useful for early detection of SSI.

Preliminary algorithm for differential diagnosis between spinal meningioma and schwannoma using plain magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative differential diagnosis between spinal meningioma and schwannoma is critical due to the characteristic differences of the surgical treatments. Thus, we aimed to develop an algorithm for the differential diagnosis of these two lesions based on plain MRI findings. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed plain MR images from patients who had undergone surgical treatment for meningiomas and schwannomas in our hospital between 2002 and 2016. Seven findings characteristic of meningioma or schwannoma were considered: (a) low or equal signal intensity on T2-weighted images, (b) obtuse angle from the dura mater, (c) anterior location in the spinal canal, (d) cystic degeneration, (e) lumbar occurrence, (f) oval or round shape, and (g) dumbbell type. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of each MRI finding, following which the algorithm was developed using decision tree analysis. Finally, we examined the usefulness of the algorithm for differential diagnosis between the two lesions. RESULTS: Twenty four patients with meningiomas and 56 with schwannomas were enrolled. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of each finding were as follows: (a) [58%, 100%, 100%, 85%, 88%], (b) [67%, 89%, 73%, 86%, 83%], (c) [29%, 88%, 50%, 74%, 70%], (d) [30%, 96%, 94%, 37%, 50%], (e) [43%, 96%, 96%, 42%, 59%], (f) [33%, 88%, 73%, 57%, 60%], and (g) [25%, 96%, 93%, 35%, 46%]. Significant differences were observed with regard to (a), (b), (d), (e), and (g). The algorithm was developed using these five findings, all of which exhibited high specificity and reliability. Accuracy of the algorithm was 91.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that plain MRI findings can be used to differentiate between spinal meningiomas and schwannomas. Furthermore, our novel algorithm exhibited high accuracy, suggesting that this algorithm may aid in the differential diagnosis of these two lesions.

Bone marrow stromal cell sheets may promote axonal regeneration and functional recovery with suppression of glial scar formation after spinal cord transection injury in rats.

OBJECTIVE Transplantation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) is a theoretical potential as a therapeutic strategy in the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI). Although a scaffold is sometimes used for retaining transplanted cells in damaged tissue, it is also known to induce redundant immunoreactions during the degradation processes. In this study, the authors prepared cell sheets made of BMSCs, which are transplantable without a scaffold, and investigated their effects on axonal regeneration, glial scar formation, and functional recovery in a completely transected SCI model in rats. METHODS BMSC sheets were prepared from the bone marrow of female Fischer 344 rats using ascorbic acid and were cryopreserved until the day of transplantation. A gelatin sponge (GS), as a control, or BMSC sheet was transplanted into a 2-mm-sized defect of the spinal cord at the T-8 level. Axonal regeneration and glial scar formation were assessed 2 and 8 weeks after transplantation by immunohistochemical analyses using anti-Tuj1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) antibodies, respectively. Locomotor function was evaluated using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scale. RESULTS The BMSC sheets promoted axonal regeneration at 2 weeks after transplantation, but there was no significant difference in the number of Tuj1-positive axons between the sheet- and GS-transplanted groups. At 8 weeks after transplantation, Tuj1-positive axons elongated across the sheet, and their numbers were significantly greater in the sheet group than in the GS group. The areas of GFAP-positive glial scars in the sheet group were significantly reduced compared with those of the GS group at both time points. Finally, hindlimb locomotor function was ameliorated in the sheet group at 4 and 8 weeks after transplantation. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study indicate that an ascorbic acid-induced BMSC sheet is effective in the treatment of SCI and enables autologous transplantation without requiring a scaffold.

Lymphopenia at 4 Days Postoperatively Is the Most Significant Laboratory Marker for Early Detection of Surgical Site Infection Following Posterior Lumbar Instrumentation Surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: Case control study. PURPOSE: To identify the most significant laboratory marker for early detection of surgical site infection (SSI) using multiple logistic regression analysis. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: SSI is a serious complication of spinal instrumentation surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the laboratory data of patients who underwent posterior lumbar instrumentation surgery for degenerative spinal disease from January 2003 to December 2014. Six laboratory markers for early SSI detection were considered: renewed elevation of the white blood cell count, higher at 7 than 4 days postoperatively; renewed elevation of the C-reactive protein (CRP) level, higher at 7 than 4 days postoperatively; CRP level of >10 mg/dL at 4 days postoperatively; neutrophil percentage of >75% at 4 days postoperatively; lymphocyte percentage of <10% at 4 days postoperatively; and lymphocyte count of <1,000/µL at 4 days postoperatively. RESULTS: Ninety patients were enrolled; five developed deep SSI. Multivariate regression analysis showed that a lymphocyte count of <1,000/µL at 4 days postoperatively was the sole significant independent laboratory marker for early detection of SSI (p=0.037; odds ratio, 11.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-122.7). CONCLUSIONS: A lymphocyte count of <1,000/µL at 4 days postoperatively is the most significant laboratory marker for early detection of SSI.

Lymphopenia and Elevated Blood C-Reactive Protein Levels at Four Days Postoperatively Are Useful Markers for Early Detection of Surgical Site Infection Following Posterior Lumbar Instrumentation Surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. PURPOSE: To identify the characteristics of candidate indexes for early detection of surgical site infection (SSI). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: SSI is a serious complication of spinal instrumentation surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for the welfare of the patient postoperation. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed laboratory data of patients who underwent posterior lumbar instrumentation surgery for degenerative spine disease. The sensitivity and specificity of six laboratory markers for early detection of SSI were calculated: greater elevation of the white blood cell count at day 7 than at day 4 postoperatively, greater elevation of the C-reactive protein (CRP) level at day 7 than at day 4 postoperatively, a CRP level of >10 mg/dL at 4 days postoperatively, neutrophil percentage of >75% at 4 days postoperatively, a lymphocyte percentage of <10% at 4 days postoperatively, and a lymphocyte count of <1,000/µL at 4 days postoperatively. Statistical analysis was via Fisher's exact test and a p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: In total, 85 patients were enrolled. Of these, five patients developed deep SSI. The sensitivity and specificity of each index were as follows: index 1, 20.0% and 77.5%; index 2, 20.0% and 83.8%; index 3, 40.0% and 97.5%; index 4, 40.0% and 86.3%; index 5, 0% and 96.3%; and index 6, 80.0% and 80.0%. A significant difference was noted for indexes 3 and 6. CONCLUSIONS: A CRP level of >10 mg/dL at 4 days postoperatively would be useful for definitive diagnosis of SSI, and a lymphocyte count of <1,000/µL at 4 days postoperatively would be a useful screening test for SSI. Although laboratory markers for early detection of SSI have been frequently reported, we believe that it is important to understand the characteristics of each index for a precise diagnosis.

Lymphocyte Count at 4 Days Postoperatively and CRP Level at 7 Days Postoperatively: Reliable and Useful Markers for Surgical Site Infection Following Instrumented Spinal Fusion.

STUDY DESIGN: A case-control study. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to identify biochemical markers for surgical site infection (SSI) in posterior instrumented spinal fusion that are not affected by operative circumstances and to determine diagnostic cutoffs for these markers. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Numerous biochemical markers may be used for early detection of SSI; however, these markers may be affected by operative factors. METHODS: We reviewed data on C-reactive protein level and total white blood cell count and differential count before instrumented spinal fusion and at 1, 4, and 7 days postoperatively. The 141 patients in our sample were divided into an SSI group (patients who developed deep SSI) and a no-SSI group. We determined which markers differed significantly between groups and identified those not affected by operative circumstances (operating time, intraoperative blood loss, number of fusion segments) in the no-SSI group. Then, we determined diagnostic cutoffs for these unaffected markers by using receiver-operating characteristic curves. RESULTS: Three markers were selected: lymphocyte count at 4 days postoperatively (cutoff 1180/µL, sensitivity 90.9%, specificity 65.4%, area under the curve [AUC] 0.80), lymphocyte count of at 7 days postoperatively (cutoff <1090/µL, sensitivity 63.6%, specificity 78.5%, AUC 0.77), and C-reactive protein level at 7 days postoperatively (cutoff >4.4 mg/dL, sensitivity 90.9%, specificity 89.2%, AUC 0.95). CONCLUSION: Lymphocyte count at 4 and 7 days postoperatively and C-reactive protein level at 7 days postoperatively are reliable markers for SSI following instrumented spinal fusion. Lymphocyte count at 4 days should be useful for screening because of its high sensitivity and because it can be measured early. C-reactive protein level at 7 days should be useful for definitive diagnosis given its high sensitivity and specificity and large AUC. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Adolescent Scoliosis Screening in Nara City Schools: A 23-Year Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of idiopathic scoliosis, define the distribution of the curve magnitude, evaluate the accuracy of Moiré topography as a screening tool, and investigate the cost-effectiveness of our screening system. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Early detection of idiopathic scoliosis provides the opportunity for conservative treatment before the deformity is noticeable. We believe that scoliosis screening in schools is useful for detection; however, screening programs are controversial owing to over referral of students who do not require further testing or follow-up. In Japan, school scoliosis screening programs are mandated by law with individual policies determined by local educational committees. We selected Moiré topography as the scoliosis screening tool for schools in Nara City. METHODS: We selected Moiré topography as the scoliosis screening tool for schools in Nara City. We screened boys and girls aged 11-14 years and reviewed the school scoliosis screening results from 1990 to 2012. RESULTS: A total of 195,149 children aged 11-14 years were screened. The prevalence of scoliosis (defined as ≥10° curvature) was 0.057%, 0.010%, and 0.059% in fifth, sixth, and seventh grade boys and 0.337%, 0.369%, and 0.727% in fifth, sixth, and seventh grade girls, respectively. The false-positive rate of our Moiré topography was 66.7%. The minimum cost incurred for scoliosis detection in one student was 2,000 USD. CONCLUSIONS: The overall prevalence of scoliosis was low in the students of Nara City schools. Over 23 years, the prevalence of scoliosis in girls increased compared to that in the first decade of the study.

Revision surgery after cervical laminoplasty: report of five cases and literature review.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Revision surgery after laminoplasty is rarely performed, and there are few reports of this procedure in the English literature. PURPOSE: To evaluate the reasons why patients underwent revision surgery after laminoplasty and to discuss methods of preventing the need for revision surgery. A literature review with a comparative analysis between previous reports and present cases was also performed. STUDY DESIGN: Case report and literature review. PATIENT SAMPLE: Five patients who underwent revision surgery after laminoplasty. OUTCOME MEASURES: Diagnosis was based on the preoperative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings. Neurologic findings were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopedic Association score. METHODS: A total of 237 patients who underwent cervical laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy from 1990 to 2010 were reviewed. Patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, renal dialysis, infection, tumor, or rheumatoid arthritis were excluded. Five patients who underwent revision surgery for symptoms of recurrent myelopathy or radiculopathy were identified, and the clinical courses and radiological findings of these patients were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The average interval from the initial surgery to revision surgery was 15.0 (range 9-19) years. The patients were four men and one woman with an average age at the time of the initial operation of 49.8 (range 34-65) years. Four patients developed symptoms of recurrent myelopathy after their initial surgery, for the following reasons: adjacent segment canal stenosis, restenosis after inadequate opening of the lamina with degenerative changes, and trauma after inadequate opening of the lamina. One patient developed new radiculopathy symptoms because of foraminal stenosis secondary to osteoarthritis at the Luschka and zygapophyseal joints. All patients experienced resolution of their symptoms after revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Revision surgery after laminoplasty is rare. Inadequate opening of the lamina is one of the important reasons for needing revision surgery. Degenerative changes after laminoplasty may also result in a need for revision surgery. Surgeons should be aware of the degenerative changes that can cause neurologic deterioration after laminoplasty.

Floating spine after pedicle subtraction osteotomy for post-traumatic kyphosis.

PURPOSE: Pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) was developed to achieve significant correction of a deformity. It was initially used to correct sagittal plane deformities associated with ankylosing spondylitis, but recently it has also been performed in patients with post-traumatic kyphosis. Our aim was to report a case of a floating spine after PSO for post-traumatic kyphosis. METHODS: A 50-year-old man was injured after a fall. He had a compression fracture at T12 and an open fracture of the right lower limb. Although he presented with focal back pain, his open fracture was treated first by surgical intervention. The T12 compression fracture was treated conservatively. One year later, he had lower limb numbness and muscle weakness. His imaging demonstrated focal kyphosis on T12 and spinal cord compression. The diagnosis was post-traumatic kyphosis, which was treated with PSO. We performed osteotomy at T12, discectomy and bone graft at T11-T12, and posterior fusion from T10 to L2. RESULTS: One year after PSO, we removed the instruments because he complained of pain around them and found complete bony union between T11 and T12. He immediately experienced worse pain and could not walk or stand for more than 10 min. Imaging showed a floating spine between T12 and L1. He underwent anterior fusion at T12-L1, after which his severe back pain disappeared. CONCLUSIONS: This case points out a pitfall of PSO. Although it is a powerful tool for correcting an imbalanced spine, we should recognize its pitfalls and try to avoid them.

Magnification error in digital radiographs of the cervical spine against magnetic resonance imaging measurements.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. PURPOSE: The main purpose of this study was to clarify the range of magnification errors on digital plain radiographs and to determine if there is a correlation between the body mass index (BMI) of a patient and the magnification error. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Most clinicians currently use digital plain radiography. This new method allows one to access images and measure lengths and angles more easily than with the past technologies. In addition, conventional plain radiography has magnification errors. Although few articles mention magnification errors in regards to digital radiographs, they are known to have the same errors. METHODS: We used plain digital radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to acquire images of the cervical spine with the goal of evaluating magnification errors by measuring the anteroposterior vertebral body lengths of C2 and C5. The magnification error (ME) was then calculated: ME=(length on radiograph-length on MRI)/length on MRI ×100 (%). The correlation coefficient between the magnification error and BMI was obtained using Pearson's correlation analysis. RESULTS: Average magnification errors in C2 and C5 were approximately 18.5%±5.4% (range, 0%-30%) and 20.7%±6.3% (range, 1%-32%). There was no positive correlation between BMI and the magnification error. CONCLUSIONS: There were magnification errors on the digital plain radiographs, and they were different in each case. Maximum magnification error differences were 30% (C2) and 31% (C5). Based on these finding, clinicians must pay attention to magnification errors when measuring lengths using digital plain radiography.

The "sliding door" technique for closure of abdominal wall defects after rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap transposition.

Radical surgery is often necessary in patients with local recurrence of rectal cancer or in those with carcinoma associated with an anal fistula. The surgery may include extended excision of the perineal area and can create a large dead space in the pelvis and a large skin defect, often necessitating reconstruction of the pelvic floor using rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (RAM) flap transposition. Wound dehiscence and incisional hernia are common complications of RAM flap transposition. We report herein our encounter with 3 patients in whom we used a "sliding door" technique for reconstruction of the abdominal wall after the creation of a RAM flap. One patient underwent abdominoperineal resection with sacrectomy and RAM flap transposition; he experienced a postoperative surgical site infection and wound dehiscence, which we urgently repaired by reconstructing the abdominal wall using the sliding door technique. Two other patients underwent posterior pelvic exenteration with sacrectomy and RAM flap transposition. These patients underwent simultaneous abdominal wall reconstruction using the sliding door technique. No patient experienced postoperative pelvic sepsis, wound dehiscence, or incisional hernia. The sliding door technique might be useful for preventing wound dehiscence and incisional hernia in patients undergoing RAM flap transposition.

Posterior Fixation of a Cervical Fracture Using the RRS Loop Spine System and Polyethylene Tape in an Elderly Ankylosing Spondylitis Patient: A Case Report.

An 80-year-old woman presented with neck pain and paraparesis of Frankel C in her upper and lower extremities after falling. Imaging revealed an ankylosing cervical spine and a fracture line running obliquely from the anterior C3-4 to the posterior C4-5 level. Posterior fixation from the occi pit to T3 was performed using the RRS Loop Spine System and concomitant polyethylene tape fixation. This system is characterized by the uniqueness of how it screws to the occi pit and its use of a fixation rod with a larger diameter than in other instrumentation devices for use in the cervical region. Sublaminar banding using polyethylene tape was used to secure fixation. Her postoperative course was unremarkable, and her neck pain was relieved, although neurological improvement was minor. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an application of the RRS Loop Spine System to an ankylosing spondylitis patient with a cervical fracture.

Extent and contraindications for sacral amputation in patients with recurrent rectal cancer: a systematic literature review.

BACKGROUND: Abdominosacral amputation is a potentially curative surgical approach for patients with recurrent rectal cancer. Previous reports have described differing extents of sacral resection. Most of these reports stated that high sacral involvement of the tumor is a contraindication for surgery; however, the basis for this is unclear. METHODS: In this study, we reviewed the highest level of sacral amputation and the "contraindications" for this technique. Using a systematic literature survey, we analyzed the theoretical basis and the changes in surgical indications for recurrent rectal cancer. RESULTS: We retrieved 33 articles from Medline and one study from the Cochrane Center Register of Controlled Trials. The highest level of resection was at the level of L5/S and S1 in one article, S1/2 and S2 in nine articles and S2/3 and S3 in 11 articles. Fifteen articles stated contraindications regarding sacral level, including tumor involvement of S1, the S1/2 junction, or the level above the S2/3 junction. Reasons stated for these contraindications included the risks associated with surgery, namely bladder dysfunction, anorectal dysfunction, genital dysfunction, walking disorder, and spinal fluid leak. In terms of the rationale for the contraindications, three articles referred to four previously published reviews or case series. None of these supporting publications were randomized controlled trials and they did not include any statistical evaluation. CONCLUSION: The consensus for contraindications for sacral amputation was formed empirically, without strong supporting evidence. The balance between curability and dysfunction should be further evaluated scientifically.

Assessment of pure single nerve root resection in the treatment of spinal schwannoma: focus on solitary spinal schwannomas located below the thoracolumbar junction.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of neurological deficits is reportedly low after sacrificing the affected nerve root during spinal schwannoma treatment. Although the incidence has been widely reported, the operative method for nerve root resection has been not clarified. To evaluate the safety of pure nerve root resection, we focused on solitary spinal schwannomas below the thoracolumbar level and investigated the effect of affected nerve resection. METHODS: Twenty-three spinal schwannoma patients were retrospectively examined. The mean age at surgery was 53 years. We investigated preoperative symptoms, duration of the disorder, postoperative neurological deficits, and clinical outcomes. In addition, we measured tumor size on computed tomography after myelography or on magnetic resonance images using image-analysis software. We retrospectively assessed correlations among duration of symptoms, tumor size, and postoperative neurological deficits. RESULTS: The tumors comprised 19 intradural schwannomas and 4 dumbbell-shaped schwannomas. No postoperative neurological deficits were observed in the intradural schwannoma patients. In contrast, three of the four dumbbell-shaped schwannoma patients experienced postoperative neurological deficits. Among these three patients, two recovered quickly whereas one never recovered. The mean duration of the disorder was 29 months. The postoperative modified JOA score (13.0) was significantly improved compared with the preoperative score (8.9). The mean maximum tumor sizes were 97.2 mm(2) for the intradural schwannomas and 884.0 mm(2) for the dumbbell-shaped schwannomas. There were no correlations among tumor size, duration of the disorder, and postoperative neurological deficits. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of this study, we recommend pure single nerve resection for treatment of intradural spinal schwannomas before such tumors progress and involve other normal roots, because postoperative neurological deficits did not occur in our intradural schwannoma patients, irrespective of tumor size, when this procedure was used. However, dumbbell-shaped schwannoma patients should be carefully treated operatively, because high incidence of postoperative neurological deficits can be expected.

Disc regeneration therapy using marrow mesenchymal cell transplantation: a report of two case studies.

STUDY DESIGN: Marrow mesenchymal cells (MSCs) contain stem cells and possess the ability to regenerate bone, cartilage, and fibrous tissues. Here, we applied this regenerative ability to intervertebral disc regeneration therapy in an attempt to develop a new spinal surgery technique. OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the regenerative restoration ability of autologous MSCs in the markedly degenerated intervertebral discs. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Fusion for lumbar intervertebral disc instability improves lumbago. However, fused intervertebral discs lack the natural and physiologic functions of intervertebral discs. If intervertebral discs can be regenerated and repaired, then damage to adjacent intervertebral discs can be avoided. We verified the regenerative ability of MSCs by animal studies, and for the first time, performed therapeutic intervertebral disc regeneration therapy in patients and obtained favorable findings. METHODS: Subjects were 2 women aged 70 and 67 years; both patients had lumbago, leg pain, and numbness. Myelography and magnetic resonance imaging showed lumbar spinal canal stenosis, and radiograph confirmed the vacuum phenomenon with instability. From the ilium of each patient, marrow fluid was collected, and MSCs were cultured using the medium containing autogenous serum. In surgery, fenestration was performed on the stenosed spinal canal and then pieces of collagen sponge containing autologous MSCs were grafted percutaneously to degenerated intervertebral discs. RESULTS: At 2 years after surgery, radiograph and computed tomography showed improvements in the vacuum phenomenon in both patients. On T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, signal intensity of intervertebral discs with cell grafts was high, thus indicating high moisture contents. Roentgenkymography showed that lumbar disc instability improved. Symptom was alleviated in both patients. CONCLUSION: The intervertebral disc regeneration therapy using MSC brought about favorable results in these 2 cases. It seems to be a promising minimally invasive treatment.