Terminology and Legislation referring to Percutaneous Facet Procedures to Treat Low Back Pain in Brazil ­ Current Status

Incongruities in the terminology and in the Brazilian legislation about percutaneous facet procedures (PFPs) for the treatment of chronic lower back pain are frequently the subject of litigations between health professionals and supplementary healthcare providers. The Brazilian Hierarchical Classification of Medical Procedures (CBHPM, in the Portuguese acronym) describes four types of PFPs, while the Brazilian Unified Supplementary Health Terminology (TUSS, in the Portuguese acronym) describes five distinct lumbar PFPs, which correlate with the ones described on the List of Procedures and Events in Health, created by the Brazilian National Agency of Supplementary Health (ANS, in the Portuguese acronym). In the present paper, we review the terminology of the procedures, proposing the unification of the terminology and the abolition of redundancies in the tables. Finally, we developed a single terminology proposal for the PFPs based on their complexity and objectives to be used for the treatment of lower back pain.

The effect of filum terminale sectioning for Chiari 1 malformation treatment: systematic review.

PURPOSE: Symptomatic Chiari type I malformation (CM) is treated with posterior fossa decompression with/ without duroplasty. Few authors suggested cerebellar tonsil caudal migration due to a supposed "caudal traction" of cranial nerve structures in a so-called occult tethered cord syndrome. For these authors, filum terminale (FT) sectioning may improve CM symptoms. The objective of this review is to evaluate the effect of FT sectioning on the treatment of CM. METHODS: Using the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews, we reviewed studies to evaluate patient's outcomes with CM who underwent FT sectioning. The MINORS instrument was used for methodological quality assessment. The included studies' levels of evidence (LOE) were classified according to the Oxford Centre of Evidence-Based Medicine. RESULTS: Two studies from the same group of authors were included. We cannot assure if the cited cases in the first study were also included in their latter published study. The described results suggest that outcomes were not collected in a standardized fashion. Outcomes are described vaguely as a percentage of improvement. Case series samples were small and included not only patients with CM but also patients with scoliosis and syringomyelia. The MINORS score reported that both studies had low methodological quality. Both included studies were classified as level 4 of evidence. CONCLUSION: There is no scientific support for filum terminale sectioning in patients with CM without evidence of tethered cord. This procedure may be considered experimental and should be validated in a strict criterion of inclusion clinical trial comparing outcomes in posterior fossa decompression.

Posterior Subaxial Cervical Spine Screw Fixation: A Review of Techniques.

STUDY DESIGN: A narrative literature review. OBJECTIVES: To review the surgical techniques of posterior screw fixation in the subaxial cervical spine. METHODS: A broad literature review on the most common screw fixation techniques including lateral mass, pedicle, intralaminar and transfacet screws was performed on PubMed. The techniques and surgical nuances are summarized. RESULTS: The following techniques were described in detail and presented with illustrative figures, including (1) lateral mass screw insertion: by Roy-Camille, Louis, Magerl, Anderson, An, Riew techniques and also a modified technique for C7 lateral mass fixation; (2) pedicle screw fixation technique as described by Abumi and also a freehand technique description; (3) intralaminar screw fixation; and finally, (4) transfacet screw fixation, as described by Takayasu, DalCanto, Klekamp, and Miyanji. CONCLUSIONS: Many different techniques of subaxial screw fixation were described and are available. To know the nuances of each one allows surgeons to choose the best option for each patient, improving the success of the fixation and decrease complications.

Lumbar herniated disc - endoscopic discectomy treatment.

The Guidelines Project, an initiative of the Brazilian Medical Association, aims to combine information from the medical field in order to standardize producers to assist the reasoning and decision-making of doctors. The information provided through this project must be assessed and criticized by the physician responsible for the conduct that will be adopted, depending on the conditions and the clinical status of each patient.

Effect of Kyphoplasty in the Treatment of Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures Compared to Vertebroplasty ­ Overview of Systematic Reviews

Introduction Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are possible options for vertebral augmentation after osteoporotic fractures. Both are percutaneous techniques with specific advantages and disadvantages. Our aim is to compare the clinical and radiological results of these two procedures. Methods An overview of published systematic reviews in the literature on the effects of kyphoplasty compared with vertebroplasty was performed. Results After short and long follow-up, the kyphoplasty group had lower pain scores on the visual analogue scale (VAS), lower scores in the Oswestry Disability index (ODI), greater restoration of the vertebral body height and lower kyphosis angle in the immediate postoperative period. There was less leakage of cement to the vertebral canal and extraspinal spaces. Conclusions Compared with vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty achieved better results in pain relief, quality of life, correction of spinal deformity and lower risk of cement leakage.

Introdução Vertebroplastia e cifoplastia são opções possíveis de tratamento para fraturas vertebrais osteoporóticas. Ambas são técnicas percutâneas com vantagens e desvantagens específicas. Nosso objetivo é comparar os resultados clínicos e radiológicos dos dois procedimentos. Métodos Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática da literatura publicada sobre os efeitos da cifoplastia em comparação com a vertebroplastia. Resultados No acompanhamento a curto e longo prazo, o grupo de cifoplastia teve valores mais baixos na escala visual analógica (EVA) de dor, valores mais baixos no índice de incapacidade de Oswestry (IIO), maior restauração da altura do corpo vertebral e menor ângulo de cifose no pós-operatório imediato. Houve menor incidência de extravasamento de cimento no canal vertebral e nos espaços extraespinhais. Conclusões Em comparação com a vertebroplastia, a cifoplastia obteve melhores resultados no alívio da dor, na qualidade de vida, na correção de deformidade espinhal e menor risco de extravasamento de cimento.

Visualização radiológica intraoperatória em cirurgias da região cervicotorácica: Nota técnica / Intraoperative radiological visualization in cervicothoracic surgery: Technical note / Visualización radiológica intraoperatoria en cirugía de la región cervicotorácica: Nota técnica

Relatamos nota técnica de posicionamento do paciente para melhor visualização radiológica intraoperatória em cirurgias da região cervicotorácica.

We report a technical note on patient positioning to obtain a better intraoperative radiological view in cervicothoracic region surgeries.

Relatamos nota técnica sobre el posicionamiento quirúrgico para mejor visualización radiológica intraoperatoria en las cirugías de la región cervicotorácica.

Transoral needle procedures for upper cervical spine and clival lesions: technical note and indications / Procedimentos percutâneos transorais com agulha para lesões do clivo e da coluna cervical alta: indicações e nota técnica

Transoral needle procedures are minimally invasive techniques derived from the transoral (or transoropharyngeal) approach to the upper cervical spine and clival region. They are indicated for diagnostic procedures and vertebroplasty. These techniques are appropriated to access midline pathologies from the lower clivus to the C2-C3 disk. This article describes in a step by step manner, the technique and indications for needle biopsy and vertebroplasty in this region, discussing technical nuances.

Procedimentos transorais com agulhas são técnicas minimamente invasivas derivadas do acesso transoral (ou transorofaríngeo), utilizadas para cirurgias da coluna cervical superior e região do clivo. São geralmente indicados para procedimentos diagnósticos ou vertebroplastia, em lesões localizadas na linha média, do clivo inferior até o espaço discal C2-C3. No presente artigo, descrevem-se passo a passo a técnica e as indicações para biópsia de agulha e vertebroplastia nessa região, discutindo nuances técnicas.

Avaliação epidemiológica dos pacientes com traumatismo raquimedular operados no Hospital Estadual Professor Carlos da Silva Lacaz / Epidemiological evaluation of patients with spinal cord injury treated surgically on the Hospital / Evaluación epidemiológica de los pacientes con traumatismo raquimedular operados en el Hospital Estadual Professor Carlos da Silva Lacaz

OBJETIVOS: avaliar as características dos pacientes com traumatismo raquimedular tratados cirurgicamente no Hospital Estadual de Francisco Morato "Professor Carlos da Silva Lacaz". MÉTODOS: realizou-se estudo retrospectivo dos prontuários de pacientes operados com o diagnóstico de traumatismo raquimedular no Hospital Estadual de Francisco Morato "Professor Carlos da Silva Lacaz", no período de Maio de 2005 a Dezembro de 2008, avaliando-se características clínicas e epidemiológicas até a alta hospitalar. RESULTADOS: Sessenta e nove casos foram revisados. Houve prevalência de indivíduos do sexo masculino (72,7 por cento), com idade entre 30 e 40 anos (34,1 por cento). A distribuição do traumatismo raquimedular, quanto à localização, foi: cervical, com 25 casos (36 por cento); torácico, com 10 (14,4 por cento); toracolombar, com 28 (40,5 por cento) e lombar, com 6 (8,6 por cento). A maioria desses pacientes (56,6 por cento) chegou ao serviço apresentando índice E da escala ASIA, com predominância de lesões toracolombares (40,5 por cento). Foi observado Glasgow Outcome Scale de 5 na alta, em 71 por cento dos pacientes. A queda de laje foi a causa mais comum de traumatismo raquimedular, sendo responsável por 34,8 por cento dos casos. CONCLUSÕES: o traumatismo raquimedular em nosso serviço foi geralmente secundária a queda da laje, atingindo principalmente indivíduos homens em idade economicamente ativa. As fraturas na região toracolombar, seguidas pela região cervical, foram as mais comuns. A identificação desses dados permite criar intervenções racionalizadas de caráter preventivo com maior impacto e disponibilizar recursos para o tratamento das ocorrências.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate spinal cord injury patients surgically treated at the Hospital Estadual de Francisco Morato "Professor Carlos da Silva Lacaz". METHODS: a retrospective study was performed with medical records of spinal cord injury patients surgically treated at the hospital, from May 2005 to December 2008. Their clinical and epidemiological characteristics, from hospital admission to discharge, were studied. RESULTS: 69 cases were reviewed. There was male prevalence (72.7 percent), with age varying from 30 to 40 years (34.1 percent). According to localization, spinal cord injury was: cervical in 25 cases (36 percent), thoracic in 10 (14.4 percent), thoraco-lumbar in 28 (40.5 percent) and lumbar in 6 (8.6 percent). Most of these patients were neurologically intact (56.6 percent), with thoraco-lumbar spine trauma (40.5 percent). Glasgow Outcome Scale of 5 was observed in 71 percent of these patients. The main cause of spinal cord injury was flagstone falling, in 34.8 percent of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: spinal cord injury, in our service, was generally due to flagstone falling, in economically active young males, in the thoracolumbar or cervical spine. The identification of these data allows the creation of rational interventions with great impact and resources for the treatment of these occurrences.

OBJETIVO: evaluar las características de los pacientes con traumatismo raquimedular, tratados quirúrgicamente en el Hospital "Profesor Carlos Lacaz". MÉTODOS: se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de las historias clínicas de los pacientes operados con el diagnóstico de traumatismo raquimedular del Hospital Estadual de Francisco Morato "Profesor Carlos Lacaz" en el período de mayo de 2005 a diciembre de 2008, evaluándose características clínicas y epidemiológicas hasta el alta del hospital. RESULTADOS: 69 casos fueron revisados. Hubo mayor prevalencia de individuos del sexo masculino (72.7 por ciento), con edad entre 30 y 40 años (34.1 por ciento). La distribución del traumatismo raquimedular según su localización fue: cervical con 25 casos (36 por ciento), torácico con 10 (14.4 por ciento), toraco-lumbar con 28 (40.5 por ciento) y lumbar, 6 (8.6 por ciento). La mayoría de los pacientes (56.6 por ciento) llegó al servicio presentando un índice E de la escala ASIA, con predominio de lesiones toraco-lumbares (40.5 por ciento). El "Glasgow Outcome Scale" fue de 5 en el alta, se observó en 71 por ciento de los pacientes. La caída desde un lastre fue la causa más común del traumatismo raquimedular, siendo responsable por el 34.8 por ciento de los casos. CONCLUSIONES: el traumatismo raquimedular en nuestro servicio fue generalmente secundario a la caída desde un lastre, comprometiendo principalmente individuos hombres en edad económicamente activa. Las fracturas en la región toraco-lumbar seguidas por la cervical fueron las más comunes. La identificación de estos datos permite crear intervenciones racionales de carácter preventivo con mayor impacto.

Evaluation of arthrodesis and cervical alignment in the surgical results of cervical discectomy using polymethylmetacrylate.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Surgical treatment of cervical radiculopathy with or without myelopathy is a controversy issue, although anterior discectomy is the most common form of treatment. METHOD: We present the evaluation of the arthrodesis' rate and cervical alignment in 48 patients with cervical degenerative disease (CDD) submitted to anterior cervical discectomy with interposition of polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA). Odom and Nürick scales were used to evaluation of functional status before and after surgery. Cervical spine X-rays were used to access arthrodesis and alignment, at least 2 years after the procedure. RESULTS: Excellent and good results (Odom I and II) were obtained in 91% of the patients with radiculopathy and in 69% of those with myelopathy. Using the chi square test of independence (1% of significance), there was no association between excellent and good clinical results with the presence of arthrodesis verified in cervical X-rays. The presence of cervical alignment had association with good results, whereas the misalignment was associated with unfavorable outcomes. Two patients died: one cervical hematoma and other from graft migration with cord compression. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical alignment was more important than fusion to achieve good surgical results in CDD.

Evaluation of arthrodesis and cervical alignment in the surgical results of cervical discectomy using polymethylmetacrylate / Avaliação da artrodese e do alinhamento cervical após discectomia cervical com interposição de polimetilmetacrilato

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Surgical treatment of cervical radiculopathy with or without myelopathy is a controversy issue, although anterior discectomy is the most common form of treatment. METHOD: We present the evaluation of the arthrodesis' rate and cervical alignment in 48 patients with cervical degenerative disease (CDD) submitted to anterior cervical discectomy with interposition of polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA). Odom and Nürick scales were used to evaluation of functional status before and after surgery. Cervical spine X-rays were used to access arthrodesis and alignment, at least 2 years after the procedure. RESULTS: Excellent and good results (Odom I and II) were obtained in 91 percent of the patients with radiculopathy and in 69 percent of those with myelopathy. Using the chi square test of independence (1 percent of significance), there was no association between excellent and good clinical results with the presence of arthrodesis verified in cervical X-rays. The presence of cervical alignment had association with good results, whereas the misalignment was associated with unfavorable outcomes. Two patients died: one cervical hematoma and other from graft migration with cord compression. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical alignment was more important than fusion to achieve good surgical results in CDD.

TEMA E OBJETIVO: O tratamento cirúrgico da radiculopatia cervical com ou sem mielopatia é um tema controverso, embora a discectomia por via anterior seja uma das formas mais comuns de tratamento. MÉTODO: Apresentamos a avaliação da artrodese cervical e do alinhamento pós operatório em 48 pacientes com doença degenerativa cervical (DDC) submetidos a discectomia por via anterior seguida da interposição de polimetilmetacrilato (PMMA). As escalas de Odom e de Nurick foram utilizadas para avaliar o status funcional dos pacientes antes e após a cirurgia. Radiografias da coluna cervical foram utilizadas para avaliar a artrodese e o alinhamento cervical, pelo menos 2 anos após o procedimento. RESULTADOS: Excelentes e bons resultados (Odom I e II) foram obtidos em 91 por cento dos casos com radiculopatia e em 69 por cento dos pacientes com mielopatia. Usando o teste do qui-quadrado de independência (1 por cento de significância), não houve associação entre os resultados excelentes e bons e a presença de artrodese. A presença de alinhamento cervical, ao contrário, correlacionou-se com bons resultados. Dois pacientes faleceram devido a hematoma cervical e migração do enxerto. CONCLUSÃO: O alinhamento cervical correlacionou-se com bons resultados cirúrgicos em nossos pacientes, enquanto que a taxa de artrodese não teve relação com o resultado clínico dos pacientes.

Visualização radiológica intraoperatória da região occipitocervical e coluna cervical superior: nota técnica / Visualización radiológica intraoperatoria de la región occipito-cervical y columna cervical alta: nota técnica / Intraoperative radiological visualization of the occipito-cervical transition and upper cervical spine: technical note

Relatamos nota técnica para melhor visualização radiológica intraoperatória em cirurgias da região occipitocervical e coluna cervical superior.

We report a technical note to obtain a better intraoperative radiological view in surgeries of the craniocervical junction and upper cervical spine.

Relatamos nota técnica para mejor visualización radiológica intraoperatória en las cirugías de la región occipito-cervical y de la columna cervical alta.

Hemangioma vertebral sintomático durante a gravidez. Relato de caso e revisão da literatura / Spinal hemangioma and pregnancy. Case report

Os hemangiomas vertebrais são lesões bastante freqüentes, mas raramente tornam-se sintomáticas. Há poucos casos relatados na literatura de hemangiomas vertebrais causando sintomas de compressão medular durante a gravidez. Relatamos um caso nessa situação, discutindo os aspectos diagnósticos, as manifestações clínicas, a fisiopatologia e o tratamento.

Frontal sinus adenocarcinoma

CONTEXT: Paranasal sinus cancer is considered rare, with an incidence of less than 1 per 100,000 per year, with the frontal sinus being the primary site in only 0.3 per cent. We report a case of adenocarcinoma arising in the frontal sinus. DESIGN: Case report. CASE REPORT: A 59-year-old woman, secretary, came in February 1998 with a 4-month history of low intensity frontal headache. She denied contact with wood dust. On examination a non-tender swelling was noted over her right forehead next to the medial aspect of the right orbit. CT scan showed a soft-tissue mass involving frontal sinus with intracranial invasion through the posterior wall. The anterior ethmoid sinus and the medial aspect of the right orbit were also involved. MRI demonstrated dural thickening in communication with the frontal mass. She underwent an en-bloc tumor resection by craniotomy including orbital clearance. Histology revealed an adenocarcinoma. After surgery she had tumor recurrence, and chemotherapy and radiotherapy were started resulting in partial improvement