Variation in the sacrum of phytosaurs: New evidence from a partial skeleton of Machaeroprosopus mccauleyi.

Phytosaurs are a group of Upper Triassic semi-aquatic archosauriform reptiles. Their variable skull morphology forms the foundation of our understanding of their relationships and paleoecology, while only a few studies have focused on demonstrating the existence of postcranial variation. The numbers of vertebrae in the sacrum are thought to vary from two, the plesiomorphic condition for archosauriforms, to three, with the addition of a sacralized dorsal (i.e., dorsosacral) vertebra. In this study, we demonstrate the presence of a sacralized first caudal (i.e., caudosacral) vertebra in a sacrum belonging to Machaeroprosopus mccauleyi. We rule out taphonomic distortion or pathology as explanations for the inclusion of this element in the sacrum, suggesting instead that it occurred through modifications of the same developmental processes that likely produced dorsosacral vertebrae in phytosaurs. Additionally, we show that a dorsosacral vertebra is common in phytosaur specimens from the Chinle Formation and Dockum Group of the southwestern United States and suggest that it may be widespread among phytosaurs. The addition of sacral vertebrae potentially aided adaptation to larger body sizes or more terrestrial lifestyles in certain taxa.

[Clinical observation on electroacupuncture at "four points of sacral region" on moderate to severe stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical therapeutic effect between electroacupuncture at "four points of sacral region" and transurethral Erbium laser in treatment of moderate to severe stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. METHODS: A total of 68 patients of moderate to severe stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy were divided into an electroacupuncture group (34 cases) and an Erbium laser group (34 cases, 3 cases dropped off) according to the settings. In the electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture was applied at "four points of sacral region", i.e. points of 0.5 cun beside bilateral sacrococcygeal joints and bilateral Huiyang (BL 35), with continuous wave, 2 Hz in frequency, 60 min each time, once every other day, 3 times a week, 12 times as one course of treatment. In the Erbium laser group, transurethral Erbium laser technology was given, once every 4 weeks as one course of treatment. Both groups were treated for 5 courses. The scores of the International Consultation on Incontinence questionnaire-short form (ICI-Q-SF) and the incontinence quality of life questionnaire (I-QOL) were observed before treatment, after each course of treatment and in follow-up after 1 and 2 months of treatment completion, respectively, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated after treatment in the two groups. RESULTS: Compared with those before treatment, the ICI-Q-SF scores were decreased while the I-QOL scores were increased after 5 courses of treatment and in follow-up after 1, 2 months of treatment completion in the two groups (P<0.01). The ICI-Q-SF score in follow-up after 2 months of treatment completion were higher than that after 5 courses of treatment in the Erbium laser group (P<0.05). After 3, 4, 5 courses of treatment and in follow-up after 1 and 2 months of treatment completion, the ICI-Q-SF scores in the electroacupuncture group were lower than those in the Erbium laser group (P<0.05, P<0.01); after 2, 3, 4, 5 courses of treatment and in follow-up after 1 and 2 months of treatment completion, the I-QOL scores in the electroacupuncture group were higher than those in the Erbium laser group (P<0.01). The change ranges of ICI-Q-SF score and I-QOL score between before treatment and after each course of treatment in the electroacupuncture group were lager than those in the Erbium laser group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The total effective rate was 61.8% (21/34) in the electroacupuncture group, which was superior to 19.4 (6/31) in the Erbium laser group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Both electroacupuncture at "four points of sacral region" and transurethral Erbium laser can improve the clinical symptoms and the quality of life in patients of moderate to severe stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. The short-term efficacy and long-term efficacy of electroacupuncture are superior to the Erbium laser technology.

Treatment of filum terminale pial arteriovenous fistulas in the sacral region: A case report and systematic review.

Spinal filum terminale pial arteriovenous fistulas (FT PAVFs) are uncommon. Most FT PAVFs are located in the lumbar region; far fewer are located in the sacral region. Due to the rarity of sacral FT PAVFs, the precise surgical dissection and removal of these lesions are challenging. Here, we report an FT PAVF in the sacral region. The patient was a 45-year-old male who suffered from progressive weakness and numbness of the bilateral lower limbs; his symptoms gradually worsened. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) showed an AVF at the sacral canal at the S3-4 level. Microsurgical treatment with intraoperative DSA was performed, and the FT PAVF was resected. After the operation, the patient gradually recovered. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging revealed a recession in the dilation of the spinal cord venous plexuses. A literature review was also performed, and a total of 14 FT PAVFs of the sacral region were identified. The patients identified in the literature review had an average age of 58.9 ± 12.9 years, and 92.9% of the patients were male. Spinal cord edema was present in 85.7% of the FT PAVF patients. Regarding treatment, 64.3% of the FT PAVF patients underwent microsurgical resection, 28.6% patients underwent endovascular treatment, and 7.1% patients underwent a hybrid operation; good outcomes were achieved with all three methods. Therefore, FT PAVF of the sacral region is a unique lesion whose angioarchitecture needs to be identified carefully; prompt treatment is necessary, and microsurgery can yield good outcomes.

Clinical observation on electroacupuncture at "four points of sacral region" on moderate to severe stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical therapeutic effect between electroacupuncture at "four points of sacral region" and transurethral Erbium laser in treatment of moderate to severe stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy.@*METHODS@#A total of 68 patients of moderate to severe stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy were divided into an electroacupuncture group (34 cases) and an Erbium laser group (34 cases, 3 cases dropped off) according to the settings. In the electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture was applied at "four points of sacral region", i.e. points of 0.5 cun beside bilateral sacrococcygeal joints and bilateral Huiyang (BL 35), with continuous wave, 2 Hz in frequency, 60 min each time, once every other day, 3 times a week, 12 times as one course of treatment. In the Erbium laser group, transurethral Erbium laser technology was given, once every 4 weeks as one course of treatment. Both groups were treated for 5 courses. The scores of the International Consultation on Incontinence questionnaire-short form (ICI-Q-SF) and the incontinence quality of life questionnaire (I-QOL) were observed before treatment, after each course of treatment and in follow-up after 1 and 2 months of treatment completion, respectively, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated after treatment in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared with those before treatment, the ICI-Q-SF scores were decreased while the I-QOL scores were increased after 5 courses of treatment and in follow-up after 1, 2 months of treatment completion in the two groups (P<0.01). The ICI-Q-SF score in follow-up after 2 months of treatment completion were higher than that after 5 courses of treatment in the Erbium laser group (P<0.05). After 3, 4, 5 courses of treatment and in follow-up after 1 and 2 months of treatment completion, the ICI-Q-SF scores in the electroacupuncture group were lower than those in the Erbium laser group (P<0.05, P<0.01); after 2, 3, 4, 5 courses of treatment and in follow-up after 1 and 2 months of treatment completion, the I-QOL scores in the electroacupuncture group were higher than those in the Erbium laser group (P<0.01). The change ranges of ICI-Q-SF score and I-QOL score between before treatment and after each course of treatment in the electroacupuncture group were lager than those in the Erbium laser group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The total effective rate was 61.8% (21/34) in the electroacupuncture group, which was superior to 19.4 (6/31) in the Erbium laser group (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Both electroacupuncture at "four points of sacral region" and transurethral Erbium laser can improve the clinical symptoms and the quality of life in patients of moderate to severe stress urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. The short-term efficacy and long-term efficacy of electroacupuncture are superior to the Erbium laser technology.

Cross-cultural Adaptation of Self-report S4-5 Sensory and Motor Function Questionnaire (S4-5Q) in People with Spinal Cord Injury to Portuguese.

Objective The "Self-report S4-5 sensory and motor function questionnaire (S4-5Q)" is a short questionnaire that aims to assess the function of the sacral segments, S4 and S5, after a spinal cord injury (SCI), with the purpose of replacing the rectal exam test. The aim of the present study was to carry out a cross-cultural adaptation of the S4-5Q to the Brazilian Portuguese language and to investigate the test-retest reliability of this version. Method The translation and cross-cultural adaptation was performed using the methodology of translation and backtranslation. Initially, translations were done by three independent translators. Their synthesis was then submitted to an expert committee for analysis (SCI health professionals); then, the backtranslation to the original language was sent to the original author and, after all the adjustments, the final version was completed. For test-retest reliability, 24 individuals with chronic SCI were recruited (2 evaluations with an interval of 7 to 14 days between them). Statistical analysis was performed using IBM-SPSS (Version 20, SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA) with data pretabulated in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA). Reliability was tested with Cohen Kappa, and internal consistency with Cronbach α, both adopting p < 0.05 as significant. Results In the reliability analysis, the results of all questions showed almost perfect agreement (Kappa > 0.81) and good internal consistency (Cronbach α: 0.65-0.77) between the questions and final classification. Conclusion The cross-culturally adapted S4-5Q is reliable to be applied to the Brazilian population with chronic SCI to determine their S4-5 sensory and motor function.

Cross-cultural Adaptation of Self-report S4-5 Sensory and Motor Function Questionnaire (S4-5Q) in People with Spinal Cord Injury to Portuguese / Adaptação transcultural para o Português do questionário de autorrelato da função sensorial e motora de S4-5 (S4-5Q) em pessoas com lesão medular espinhal

Abstract Objective The "Self-report S4-5 sensory and motor function questionnaire (S4-5Q)" is a short questionnaire that aims to assess the function of the sacral segments, S4 and S5, after a spinal cord injury (SCI), with the purpose of replacing the rectal exam test. The aim of the present study was to carry out a cross-cultural adaptation of the S4-5Q to the Brazilian Portuguese language and to investigate the test-retest reliability of this version. Method The translation and cross-cultural adaptation was performed using the methodology of translation and backtranslation. Initially, translations were done by three independent translators. Their synthesis was then submitted to an expert committee for analysis (SCI health professionals); then, the backtranslation to the original language was sent to the original author and, after all the adjustments, the final version was completed. For test-retest reliability, 24 individuals with chronic SCI were recruited (2 evaluations with an interval of 7 to 14 days between them). Statistical analysis was performed using IBM-SPSS (Version 20, SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA) with data pretabulated in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA). Reliability was tested with Cohen Kappa, and internal consistency with Cronbach α, both adopting p < 0.05 as significant. Results In the reliability analysis, the results of all questions showed almost perfect agreement (Kappa > 0.81) and good internal consistency (Cronbach α: 0.65-0.77) between the questions and final classification. Conclusion The cross-culturally adapted S4-5Q is reliable to be applied to the Brazilian population with chronic SCI to determine their S4-5 sensory and motor function.

Resumo Objetivo O "Self-report S4-5 Sensory and Motor Function Questionnaire (S4-5Q)" é um breve questionário de avaliação da função dos segmentos sacrais S4 e S5 após uma lesão medular (LM), cuja finalidade é substituir o exame de toque retal. O objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar uma adaptação transcultural do questionário S4-5Q para a língua portuguesa do Brasil e investigar a confiabilidade teste-reteste desta versão. Método A tradução e a adaptação transcultural foram realizadas utilizando a metodologia de tradução e retrotradução. Inicialmente, as traduções foram realizadas por três tradutores independentes. Sua síntese foi então submetida a um comitê de especialistas (profissionais de saúde com experiência em LM). Em seguida, a retrotradução para o idioma original foi enviada ao autor original, sendo que a versão final foi concluída após todas as adaptações. Para a confiabilidade teste-reteste, foram recrutados 24 indivíduos com lesão medular espinal (LME) em fase crônica (2 avaliações com intervalo de 7 a 14 dias entre elas). A análise estatística foi realizada no IBM-SPSS (Version 20, SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA) com dados pré- tabulados no programa Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, EUA). A confiabilidade foi testada por meio do coeficiente Kappa de Cohen, e a consistência interna foi medida através do α de Cronbach, ambas adotando p < 0,05 como significante. Resultados Na análise de confiabilidade, os resultados de todas as perguntas apresentaram concordância quase perfeita (Kappa > 0,81) e boa consistência interna (α de Cronbach: 0,65-0,77) entre as perguntas e a classificação final. Conclusão O questionário S4-5Q adaptado culturalmente é confiável, podendo ser aplicado à população brasileira com LME crônica, com o objetivo de avaliar a função sensorial e motora nos segmentos sacrais S4-S5.

The use of denosumab in giant cell tumors in the sacrum / O uso de denosumab em tumores de células gigantes no sacro / El uso de denosumab en el tumor de celulas gigantes en el sacro

ABSTRACT Giant Cell Tumor (GCT), a benign tumor with local aggression, corresponds to 5% of primary tumors. Fifteen percent of these are located in the sacrum. En bloc resection is an effective treatment, but when it cannot be performed, Denosumab may be indicated as an alternative treatment. The objectives of this work are: to justify the indication; determine the best dose and time of use; and recognize the need for post-treatment surgery. Methods A systematic search of clinical trials. Twenty-five articles were selected, ten of which met the inclusion criteria. The use of Denosumab is justified in advanced stages, with a dose of 120 mg administered subcutaneously, every 7 days in the first month and then maintained every 4 weeks, for 2.5 to 13 months. Adverse events are mild and can be observed in 84% of patients. With Denosumab, surgery may be less aggressive or even unnecessary. The bibliography justifies the indication of Denosumab in advanced stages of GCT, with a dose of 120 mg administered subcutaneously; there is no consensus as to the maintenance dose, which is a weekly dose in the first month and then every four weeks for 2.5 to 13 months. Complications are frequent but mild. Level of evidence III; Systematic review.

RESUMO O tumor de células gigantes (TCG), um tumor benigno com agressão local, corresponde a 5% dos tumores primários. Quinze por cento desses estão localizados no sacro. A ressecção em bloco é um tratamento eficaz, mas quando não pode ser realizada, o Denosumabe pode ser indicado como tratamento alternativo. Os objetivos desse estudo consistem em justificar a indicação; determinar a melhor dose e tempo de uso e reconhecer a necessidade de cirurgia pós-tratamento. Métodos Foi realizada uma busca sistemática de ensaios clínicos, sendo que foram selecionados 25 artigos, dos quais dez atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. O uso do Denosumabe é justificado em estágios avançados, com uma dose de 120 mg administrada por via subcutânea, a cada 7 dias no primeiro mês e, depois, mantida a cada 4 semanas, durante 2,5 a 13 meses. Os eventos adversos são leves e podem ser observados em 84% dos pacientes. Com o Denosumabe, a cirurgia pode ser menos agressiva ou nem necessária. A bibliografia justifica a indicação de Denosumabe em estágios avançados do TCG, com dose de 120 mg administrada por via subcutânea; não há consenso quanto à dose de manutenção, a qual é uma dose semanal no primeiro mês e depois a cada quatro semanas durante 2,5 a 13 meses. As complicações são frequentes, porém leves. Nível de evidência III; Revisão sistemática.

RESUMEN El tumor de células gigantes (TCG), un tumor benigno con agresión local, corresponde a 5% de los tumores primarios. Quince por ciento de éstos están localizados en el sacro. La resección en bloque es un tratamiento eficaz, pero cuando no puede ser realizada, el Denosumab puede ser indicado como tratamiento alternativo. Los objetivos de este estudio consisten en justificar la indicación, determinar la mejor dosis y tiempo de uso, y reconocer la necesidad de cirugía postratamiento. Métodos Fue realizada una búsqueda sistemática de ensayos clínicos, siendo que fueron seleccionados veinticinco artículos, de los cuales diez atendieron los criterios de inclusión. El uso de Denosumab está justificado en etapas avanzadas, con una dosis de 120 mg administrada por vía subcutánea, a cada 7 días en el primer mes y, después, mantenida a cada 4 semanas, durante 2,5 a 13 meses. Los eventos adversos son leves y pueden observarse en 84% de los pacientes. Con el Denosumab, la cirugía puede ser menos agresiva o ni necesaria. La bibliografía justifica la indicación de Denosumab en etapas avanzados de TCG, con dosis de 120 mg administrada por vía subcutánea; no hay consenso cuanto a la dosis de mantenimiento, la cual es una dosis semanal en el primer mes y después a cada cuatro semanas durante 2,5 a 13 meses. Las complicaciones son frecuentes, aunque leves. Nivel de evidencia III; Revisión Sistemática.

Angioleiomyoma of the lumbo-sacral region with unusual keloid-like collagen fibers.

Angioleiomyoma is a benign soft tissue tumor which usually occurs in superficial or deep soft tissues. Only rarely does this tumor occur at unusual sites, including retroperitoneum. We present a rare case of lumbo-sacral angioleiomyoma in a 54-year-old man. Apart from this unusual site, the most striking morphological feature was the presence of numerous keloid-like collagen fibers interspersed among the fascicles of the neoplastic cells. Radiological, morphological and immunohistochemical features are presented, and differential diagnosis with its potential morphological mimickers is discussed.

Retrograde Cannulation of the Draining Vein for Embolization of Filum Terminale Arteriovenous Fistula in the Lower Sacral Region.

BACKGROUND: Filum terminale arteriovenous fistulae (FTAVFs) are rare entities. For those with the fistulous point located in the lower sacral region (below S2), neither surgical nor endovascular strategies are the optimal treatment. CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe 2 FTAVF cases with the fistulous point below S2: one had the anterior spinal artery (ASA) as a single feeder with a long distance to the fistula and the other developed an inaccessible feeder after the initial non-ASA feeder embolization. In a hybrid operating room, through an L4 laminectomy, we surgically exposed and cannulated the cephalad draining vein, other than the feeding arteries, to retrograde occlude the proximal draining vein along with the fistulous point and feeders using Onyx. All shunt points were obliterated with the help of intraoperative digital subtraction angiography. CONCLUSIONS: Retrograde embolization of the draining vein to obliterate FTAVFs in the lower sacral region is feasible and complete. This technique may provide a new treatment option for FTAVFs.

[Flap coverage using the posterior gluteal thigh flap]. / Defektdeckung mit posteriorem Oberschenkellappen.

OBJECTIVE: Defect coverage of the sacral, trochanteric or ischial region with durable tissue (gluteal thigh flap). INDICATIONS: Decubital ulcers of the sacral, trochanteric or ischial region after exhaustion of conservative measures. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Moribund or palliative patients who do not benefit from defect coverage and are likely to suffer a life-threatening complication. Noncompliant patients, who cannot follow the postoperative recommendations or protocols in regard to positioning or recurrence prevention. The presence of extensive scars after previous operations in the donor area or irradiation of the donor area can lead to flap necrosis. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: The posterior gluteal thigh flap can either be used as a fasciocutaneous flap or in combination with the gluteus muscle as myofasciocutaneous flap. Further microsurgical transfers have been described. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Following surgery the patient needs to be positioned on the side or prone to prevent recurrence. Drains should be left for 5-7 days. Antibiotics are only needed in the case of persistent florid infection. RESULTS: The posterior gluteal thigh flap is a well-known, reliable and versatile option for coverage of decubital ulcers in the sacral and ischial region with low recurrence rates described in the literature.

[Defect coverage using gluteal flaps]. / Defektdeckung durch Gluteuslappen.

OBJECTIVE: Gluteal skin, fasciocutaneous and myocutaneous flaps can be used to cover decubitus ulcers in the sacral and ischiocrural area. INDICATIONS: Decubitus ulcers in the sacral or ischial area that do not heal after exhausted conservative therapy. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Moribund patients who are very likely to suffer a life-threatening complication. Non-cooperative patients who cannot follow the postoperative recommendations. The presence of extensive scars after previous operations in the donor area or irradiation of the donor area which may compromise the flap perfusion. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: A distinction is made between local skin flaps, perforator-based fasciocutaneous flaps and the myocutaneous gluteus maximus flap. By partial or complete elevation of the gluteus maximus muscle based on the superior and inferior gluteal vessels, this flap is useful for larger and deep defects in the sacral and ischial region. For more superficial defects, fasciocutaneous perforator flaps might be used. Smaller ulcers can be treated with local skin flaps. The donor site should be closed primarily. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Consistent, postoperative relief by prone and lateral positioning of the patient, avoiding new decubitus ulcers. Drainage for at least 5-7 days. Antibiotic therapy is indicated only with appropriate detection of pathogens and in case of persistent infection. RESULTS: With distinct anatomical and improved technical knowledge, the use of fasciocutaneous and myocutaneous flaps in the gluteal region is now an established procedure and can be used for reliable coverage of sacral and ischiocrural decubitus ulcers.

Management of sacral soft tissue defects with combined bilateral gluteus maximus musculocutaneous flap and postoperative negative pressure wound therapy / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To demonstrate the clinical outcome of bilateral gluteus maximus musculocutaneous flap in conjunction with continuous postoperative negative pressure wound therapy in reconstruction of sacral soft tissue defects.Methods From January, 2008 to April, 2013, 18 patients (8 males and 10 females, aged from 34 to 78 years old) with full-thickness sacral soft tissue defects were treated.The size of the defects after initial debridement ranged from 3.0 cm × 2.0 cm to 18.0 cm × 14.0 cm, with the exposure of sacrum or ligament.Bilateral gluteus maximus musculocutaneous flap were applied in all the patients.Two drainage tubes were placed on each side of the flaps during the surgery and suck for 10 to 12 consecutive days after the operation.Results The size of the harvested flaps ranged from 12.0 cm × 8.0 cm to 18.0 cm × 12.0 cm, and all the donor sites of the flaps were closed with primary suture.Thirty-five flaps in 17 patients survived without any complication.Partial necrosis of one flap was found in 1 patient and managed successfully with conservative dressing change.Fourteen patients were followed-up ranged from 8 months to 2.5 years (mean follow-up was 18 months).Color and texture of the flaps were satisfactory and no recurrence of sacral defect was noted.Conclusion Bilateral gluteus maximus musculocutaneous flap in conjunction with continuous postoperative negative pressure wound therapy may serve as a useful option for fullthickness sacral soft tissue defects.

Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma Mimicking Lumbar Disc Herniation

We experienced 5 surgically confirmed cases of spontaneous lumbosacral spinal epidural hematoma. There was no history of major trauma to the lumbar spine, anticoagulant use, or coagulopathy except repeated minor trauma. The clinical findings in spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma were identical to those in acute disc herniation. These cases were combined with diffuse disc bulging and located in one level of intervertebral segment. Etiologic factors, the clinical findings, bleeding source of lumbo-sacral spontaneous epidural hematoma are stressed with review of patient literature.