RESUMO
Introduction: Cervical radiofrequency neurotomy is a safe and relatively low-risk procedure commonly used to treat facet joint-mediated axial neck pain. Severe complications are extremely rare and can be avoided with proper technique and appropriate imaging guidance. This article describes the development and subsequent management of a case of dropped head syndrome after cervical radiofrequency neurotomy. Methods: A 77-year-old man with cervicalgia, multilevel facet arthropathy, and a known kyphosis in the setting of cervical degenerative disk disease underwent successful conventional radiofrequency neurotomy to the bilateral C3, C4, and C5 medial branches. No immediate complications were noted. Results: Six weeks subsequent to the procedure, the patient reported difficulty keeping his head erect, and physical examination revealed weakness of the cervical paraspinal musculature, with restriction of active extension to about neutral. A diagnosis of dropped head syndrome was made. The patient was successfully managed with temporary use of soft cervical collar and physical therapy for progressive range of motion and strengthening. Discussion: Dropped head syndrome is a known, but likely underappreciated, complication of cervical radiofrequency neurotomy, with only 2 other cases reported and published in the literature to our knowledge. Mild cases may resolve with conservative management, but this is a potentially debilitating condition that we recommend should be routinely discussed during procedural consent for cervical radiofrequency neurotomy. Future studies should explore specific mitigating factors to reduce the risk of development of this possible complication.
RESUMO
This study evaluated the clinical outcome in 21 patients (22 knees) undergoing osteochondral autologous transplantation (OATS) in the knee over a 5-year period. Sixteen knees in 15 patients were available for follow-up at an average of 40 months after the procedure. The clinical outcome was analyzed using the IKDC and Knee and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) evaluation forms, a subjective questionnaire, and a clinical examination. At final follow-up, the average KOOS result for pain was 80.6 (range: 56-94), symptoms 53.6 (range: 25-71), function of activities of daily living 93.4 (range: 79-100), function of sports and recreational activities 65.3 (range: 20-100), and quality of life 51.0 (range: 6-88). The average IKDC score was 68.2. On our subjective questionnaire, the average preoperative grade given was 3.1 (range: 1-7) with an improvement at the most recent follow-up to a grade of 8.0 (range: 5-10) (P < .00001). Thirteen (86%) patients reported that they would have the surgery again if they had to make the decision a second time. Age did not correlate with subjective results on the IKDC evaluation (P = .7048) or score difference on our questionnaire (P = .9175). This procedure provides an option for articular resurfacing of the femoral condyles for focal areas of chondral defects with promising results regarding subjective improvement.
