Complete resolution of syrinx after circumferential adhesiolysis without deformity correction in a case of 6 year old neglected cervical facet dislocation.

Neglected traumatic cervical dislocation can be difficult to treat as such and more so if they are accompanied by an associated post traumatic syringomyelia (PTS). We present the case of a 55 year old gentleman who had a traumatic C6-C7 grade 2 listhesis which was neglected and presented 6 year later with 6 months history of neck pain, spastic quadriparesis and bowel bladder involvement. The patient was diagnosed with a PTS extending from C4 to D5. The possible aetiology and management of such cases has been discussed. The patient was successfully treated with decompression, adhesiolysis of arachnoid bands and syringotomy without the correction of deformity. The patient improved neurologically and had complete resolution of syrinx at final followup.

Patient Positioning in Spine Surgery: What Spine Surgeons Should Know?

Spine surgery has advanced tremendously over the last decade. The number of spine surgeries performed each year has also been increasing constantly. Unfortunately, the reporting of position-related complications in spine surgery has also been steadily increasing. These complications not only result in significant morbidity for the patient but also raises the risk of litigation for the surgical and anesthetic teams. Fortunately, most position-related complications are avoidable with basic positioning knowledge. Hence, it is critical to be cautious and take all necessary precautions to avoid position-related complications. We discuss the various position-related complications associated with the prone position, which is the most commonly used position in spine surgery, in this narrative review. We also discuss the various methods for avoiding complications. Furthermore, we briefly discuss less commonly used positions in spine surgery, like the lateral and sitting positions.

Congenital absence of the long head of biceps tendon & its clinical implications: a systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Multiple reports of congenitally absent long head of biceps tendon (LHBT) have been reported in the literature. However, there is no consensus on the clinical implications of this relatively rare entity. STUDY PURPOSE: To systematically review and analyze all studies which have reported absence of LHBT. METHODS: PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched. Also, a secondary search was performed by pearling the bibliography of all the full-text articles obtained. Pre defined inclusion criteria was used for abstract screening by two independent observers. Twenty three studies met our inclusion criteria, were included for the final analysis and the data was pooled. The cases were further sub-grouped according to the classification of Dierickx et al. RESULTS: Till date, 35 cases of absent LHBT have been reported. Males and females were equally affected. Eight of these were bilateral and only four cases had other associated congenital anomalies. Majority of the patients presented with shoulder pain (85.7%) while 37.1% had shoulder instability (mainly anterior instability). The ABS type was the most common variant reported. The finding was missed in 60% of the cases on the initial MRI only to be detected later on shoulder arthroscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Congenitally absent LHBT may not be as rare as was previously thought to be. Due to the heterogeneity and the low level of evidence of the data available, it is hard to conclude if a congenitally absent LHBT is a cause of shoulder pain/impingement or instability on its own. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.