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Introduction Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a rare genetic disease characterized by development of dysplastic bone tissue leading to pain, deformities and compressive complications. Spinal involvement is rare particularly for the polyostotic form. Case report Herein, we present a case of 52-year-old man presented with isolated low back pain who received non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with partial pain relief. On examination, the thoracic and lumbar spines were tender. Lumbar spine movements, attested by Shober’s test and finger-to-floor test, were limited. There was no radicular pain and neurological examination was normal. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 20 mm/1st hour, C- reactive protein 2 mg/l and white blood cell count, serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and parathormone were normal. Plain x-ray lumbar and thoracic spine and hips were normal. X-ray cervical spine and peripheral bone showed no lesions. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple osteolytic lesions with ground-glass opacity and sclerotic rims of thoracic and lumbar (L1 and L2) spine. Investigations to rule out malignancy or infections were negative. CT guided biopsy of a lumbar vertebra was performed and showed the presence of abnormal fibrous matrix surrounding an irregular shaped immature bone. The diagnosis of polyostotic FD of the spine was made. Zoledronic acid infusion was introduced and the patient felt better thereafter with no additional osteolytic lesions or new pain localization reported for 2 years on follow up. Conclusion Thoracic and lumbar spine FD is a rare localization that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of back pain.

Background: Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare disease, difficult to detect, high defect rate, and can be lifethreatening. It is characterized by accumulation of pus in the epidural space causing suppression of the spinal cord and spinal roots. This study will describe a case of a 35-year-old man with SEA in Indonesia. Case presentation: A 35-year-old male with pain in the lumbar region 1, radicular pain according to thoracic dermatome 10, flaccid inferior paraplegia, hypoesthesia as high as thoracic dermatome 10, and retention of alviet uri due to SEA caused by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius confirmed by abscess culture. Management of this patient was through an operation, debridement, and administration of antibiotic. Conclusion: This patient was diagnosed with SEA from anamnesis, physical examination, laboratory finding, and radiology finding. This case is rarely found and is a big problem for neurologists due to the difficulty of early diagnosis.

Introduction: Pain in degenerative lumbar canal stenosis is caused by osteoarthritis of a facet joint and intervertebral disc degeneration. Some inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α are present in degenerative lumbar canal stenosis. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation of pain and functional pre-operative scores with the expression of TNF-α in nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus, and facet joint. Methods: Patients diagnosed with degenerative lumbar canal stenosis and planned for surgical treatment were included in this study. Patients with history of fracture, neoplasm, and/or infection of the spine were excluded. Tissue samples were collected from the nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus, facet joint, flavum ligament and paraspinal muscles of the spine during the surgery. TNF-α expression was examined semi-quantitively and correlated with the axial and radicular pain that were measured using Visual Analog Score (VAS) score. The result was then statistically analyzed. Results: The expression of TNF-α in the paraspinal muscle (6.30±14.20) was significantly higher compared to other locations. TNF-α expression in the facet joint group was significantly correlated with the intensity of low back pain measured by VAS score (r=0.893, p < 0.001), and pre-operative functional outcome based on Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) (r=0.948, p < 0.001). Conclusion: TNF-α expression, especially in the facet joint, is significantly associated with the pain intensity and pre-operative ODI that allow pain reduction with less invasive treatment in lumbar canal stenosis patients.

The study aimed to determine how much change in neurogenic claudication spinal surgeons expect in patients following lumbar decompression for lumbar spine stenosis (LSS), and radicular leg pain following microdiscectomy. Secondary aims were to identify surgeons’ preferences regarding surgical techniques for lumbar decompression, and their rating of the quality of current evidence for lumbar decompression. All Australian spine surgeons were invited, of whom 71 completed the survey (31% response rate). Only registered spinal surgeons were included. The online survey, administered using REDCap, included 4 sections: demographics and background; expected change in symptoms on a +/− 100% scale (−100% worst, 0% no change and 100% best possible); surgical preference; and rating of current evidence for lumbar decompression compared with other treatments. There were 71 complete responses, 76% were neurosurgeons (N = 54), predominantly male (96%; N = 68). On average, surgeons expected an 86% (median: 87%, inter-quartile range (IQR): 80%, 91%) improvement in neurogenic claudication following lumbar decompression for LSS and 89% (median: 91%, IQR: 85%, 95%) improvement in radicular pain following microdiscectomy. A multiple linear regression found no surgeon characteristics were associated with expected change following surgery. The preferred surgical technique for LSS was full laminectomy (58%; N = 41). Thirty-five percent of surgeons accurately rated the evidence supporting the superiority of lumbar decompression compared with non-surgical care for LSS as low quality. Spine surgeons expect large symptom improvements following lumbar decompression and microdiscectomy. Understanding of the current evidence was higher for lumbar decompression with fusion, than for decompression alone for LSS.

Objective Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are a commonly utilized treatment for lumbosacral radicular pain caused by intervertebral disc herniation or stenosis. Although effective in certain patient populations, ESIs have been associated with serious complications, including paralysis and death. In 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety warning on the risk of injecting corticosteroids into the epidural space. The aims of this article were to review the neurological complications associated with ESIs and to compare the formulations, safety, and effectiveness of commercially available corticosteroids given by transforaminal (TF), interlaminar (IL) or caudal (C) injection. Methods Serious adverse events associated with ESIs were identified by search of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. A MEDLINE search of the literature was conducted to identify clinical trials comparing the safety and effectiveness of nonparticulate and particulate corticosteroid formulations. Results Neurological complications with ESIs were rare and more often associated with the use of particulate corticosteroids administered by transforaminal injection. Among the ten comparative-effectiveness studies reviewed, 7 found nonparticulate steroids had comparable efficacy to particulate steroids, and 3 studies suggested reduced efficacy or shorter duration of effect for nonparticulate steroids. Discussion The risk of complications for transforaminal ESI is greater with particulate corticosteroids. Nonparticulate corticosteroids, which are often recommended as a first line therapy, may have a short duration of effect and many commercial formulations contain neurotoxic preservatives. The safety profile of ESIs may continue to improve with the development of safer, sterile formulations that reduce the risk of complications while maintaining efficacy.

Osteoporosis and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are age-related diseases, and surgery for osteoporotic vertebral collapse (OVC) in PD patients become more common. OVC commonly affects the thoracolumbar spine, but low lumbar OVC is frequent in patients with lower bone mineral density (BMD). The aim of this study was to identify differences in clinical and imaging features of low lumbar OVC with or without PD and to discuss the appropriate treatment. The subjects were 43 patients with low lumbar OVC below L3 who were treated surgically, including 11 patients with PD. The main clinical symptoms were radicular pain in non-PD cases and a cauda equina sign in PD cases. Rapid progression and destructive changes of OVC were seen in patients with PD. The morphological features of OVC were flat-type in non-PD cases with old compression fracture, and destruction-type in PD cases without old compression fracture. Progression of PD was associated with decreased lumbar lordosis, lower lumbar BMD, and severe sarcopenia. High postoperative complication rates were associated with vertebral fragility and longer fusion surgery. Progression of postural instability as a natural course of PD may lead to mechanical stress and instrumentation failure. Invasive long-fusion surgery should be avoided for single low lumbar OVC.

Introducción: Los hemangiomas agresivos constituyen el 1% del total de los hemangiomas vertebrales. Pueden producir dolor, fracturas, deformidad y compromiso neurológico, generalmente de larga evolución. Se han descrito diferentes opciones terapéuticas, pero el manejo óptimo sigue sin estar claro. Comunicamos dos casos de paraparesia aguda secundaria a un hemangioma torácico agresivo, describimos su tratamiento y evolución. Realizamos una revisión narrativa de la bibliografía. Conclusión: Mediante la descompresión y la artrodesis tempranas seguidas de radioterapia, se logró la recuperación neurológica completa y el control de la enfermedad en un seguimiento a mediano plazo.

Patients presenting to an outpatient spine clinic frequently report symptoms of low back pain with associated buttock, groin, and lower extremity pain. While many of these individuals suffer from lumbar spine radiculopathy, a number of different orthopedic pathologies can mimic these symptoms. Management depends substantially on a detailed history and physical examination, in addition to working from a broad list of differential diagnoses when evaluating these patients. It is imperative that spine practitioners have a comprehensive understanding of the differential diagnoses that may mimic those originating from the lumbar spine, especially when a patient's symptoms are atypical from classic radicular pain. Misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary testing and treatment, while delaying an accurate clinical assessment and treatment plan. This review highlights common orthopedic diagnoses that may present similar to lumbar spine pathologies and the evidence-based evaluation of these conditions.

The objective is to present a clinical case of successful treatment of a patient with recurrent spondylitis at the cervical level.Clinical case. A 65-year-old patient was diagnosed with purulent spondylodiscitis at the level of C6-C7 vertebrae with the epidural and paravertebral abscesses and spinal cord compression. Emergency left colotomy, paravertebral abscess dissection, corporectomy of the C6 vertebra, abscess removal, anterior spondylodesis with bone autograft and titanium plate were performed. Massive antibacterial therapy was prescribed. After the operation, the volume of movement in the left limbs was restored, and on the 15th day after the operation, the patient was discharged. On the 36th day after discharge, she was hospitalized again with hematuria. A recurrence of suppuration in the area of the operation and phlegmon of both feet was revealed. Revision of the surgical wound and rehabilitation of the purulent focus on the neck, surgical intervention for phlegmon were performed. In purulent foci, Staphylococcus aureus was verified, which is sensitive to the main antibacterial drugs. Antibacterial therapy was continued, then, after changing the microflora in the wound, other antibiotics were prescribed. There was a pain in the area of the left spinal root C5. The connection of the fistula course with the titanium plate, the increase of pathological kyphosis at the level of the overlying vertebrae was found. The wound was examined, the titanium plate was removed, and the halo device was applied to correct the pathological kyphosis. After the operation, the radicular pain syndrome regressed, and the axis of the cervical spine was restored. After 1 month, the posterior combined fixation of the cervical spine at the C3-Th7 level was performed, and the halo device was dismantled. After 6 months, the patient was stopped wearing the Philadelphia neck collar, no recurrence of suppuration was observed, and a complete regression of neurological disorders was noted. After 1 year, a complete bone block is preserved between the C4-C7 vertebrae.Conclusion. The presented clinical case clearly illustrates the complexity of managing patients with inflammatory diseases of the cervical spine. Currently, there is no single treatment strategy for patients with spondylitis.

Background: Lumbosacral radicular pain is the most common neuropathic pain. Pulsed Radio Frequency (PRF) is a method that believes to be safe and effective for reducing pain. Case: A 43-year-old woman experiences chronic right lumbar radiculopathy due to Herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) L4-5. Anamnesis and physical examination show a sign of neuropathic pain. The MRI examination shows a paracentral disc protrusion L4-5 that compresses the transversing nerve L5. The conservative management did not produce a satisfying result indicated by the patient still experience pain with the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) 4-5. Patient unable to do activity properly. We perform pain management using the dorsal root ganglion L5 pulsed radiofrequency-fluoroscopy (PRF) and producing a positive outcome. Patients experience a decrease in pain intensity with NRS 1. The examination on one and two months post-intervention show an improvement. Patient able to do the daily activity with NRS 1-2. Conclusion: Pulsed radiofrequency dorsal root ganglion-fluoroscopy guide that relatively safe, minimum complications, and minimal side effects, making it the preferred treatment for chronic lumbar radicular pain.

BACKGROUND A high degree of vigilance is warranted for a spinal infection, particularly in a patient who has undergone an invasive procedure such as a spinal injection. The average delay in diagnosing a spinal infection is 2-4 mo. In our patient, the diagnosis of a spinal infection was delayed by 1.5 mo. CASE SUMMARY A 60-year-old male patient with a 1-year history of right-sided lumbar radicular pain failed conservative treatment. Six weeks to prior to surgery he received a spinal injection, which was followed by increasing lumbar radicular pain, weight loss and chills. This went unnoticed and surgery took place with right-sided L4-L5 combined microdiscectomy and foraminotomy via a posterior approach. The day after surgery, the patient developed left-sided lumbar radicular pain. Blood cultures grew Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Magnetic resonance imaging showed inflammatory aberrations, revealing septic arthritis of the left-sided L4/L5 facet joint as the probable cause. Revision surgery took place and S. aureus was isolated from bacteriological samples. The patient received postoperative antibiotic treatment, which completely eradicated the infection. CONCLUSION The development of postoperative lower back pain and/or lumbar radicular pain can be a sign of a spinal infection. A thorough clinical and laboratory work-up is essential in the preoperative evaluation of patients with spinal pain.

Cauda equina paragangliomas are rare benign extra-adrenal neuroendocrine tumours arising from the neural crest cells associated with autonomic ganglia. These tumours are often mistaken preoperatively for ependymomas or schwannomas. Patients present with axial or radicular pain with or without neurological deficits. Recurrence, secretory features and length of follow-up are controversial. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of paraganglioma through searching a prospectively maintained histopathology database. Patient demographics, presentation, surgery, complications, recurrence, follow-up and outcome between 2004 and 2016 were studied. The primary aim was to collate and describe the current evidence base for recurrence and secretory features of the tumour. The secondary objective was to report outcome and follow-up strategy. A scoping review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR Checklist. Ten patients were diagnosed (M:F 7:3) with a mean age of 53.6 ± 5.1 (range 34–71 years). MRI scans revealed intradural lumbar enhancing lesions. All patients had complete microsurgical excisions without adjuvant therapy with no recurrence with a mean follow-up of 5.1 ± 1.4 years. Tumours were attached to the filum terminale. Electron microscopic images demonstrated abundant neurosecretory granules with no evidence of catecholamine production. A total of 620 articles were screened and 65 papers (including ours) combining 121 patients (mean age 48.8 and M:F 71:50) were included. The mean follow-up was 3.48 ± 0.46 (range 0.15–23 years). Back pain was the most common symptom (94%). Cure following surgery was achieved in 93% of the patients whilst 7% had recurrence. Total resection likely results in cure without the need for adjuvant therapy or prolonged follow-up. However, in certain situations, the length of follow-up should be determined by the treating surgeon.

Ligamentum flavum cyst of the lumbar spine has seldom been described. The mechanism of formation of these cysts remains unknown, but it is thought to be part of the degenerative process. Although they are clearly visible on imaging studies, these cysts are frequently wrongly diagnosed as ganglion or synovial cysts. Bone erosion is rarely associated with this pathology. Most common symptom is back and radicular pain due to nerve root compression. We report a case of ligamentum flavum cyst associated with bone remodeling presented with back and radicular pain. It was correctly diagnosed pre-operatively and treated surgically with satisfactory clinical outcome.

Introduction Lumbar spinal stenosis is often the result of advanced degeneration of motion segments of the lumbar spine. The incidence of this case is 3.57% (3570 per 100,000) population in Southeast Asia. The main symptoms are low back pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower extremity that occur and intensify on walking caused by the load of the body weight on the spine. Loss of disc height, facet displacement and hypertrophy, spondylosis, and spondylolisthesis , all contribute to impact the spinal canal and intervertebral foramen in lumbar stenosis . There is a subgroup of patients with spinal stenosis in whom the spine is unstable preoperatively or become destabilized following decompression who would benefit from fusion procedure. Objective Surgical treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis by posterior lumbar interbody fusion is indicated for patients with symptoms of low back pain and lower limb radicular pain, that are unsuccessful treated with medicines and /or patients with persisting or worsening neurological deficit.However, this procedure may lead to possible complications. This case report study was conducted to show how our hospital handling spinal stenosis case. Case A 67-year-old woman presented with low back pain that has occured for two years, and had been worsening for the past 3 months. She described the pain as an intermitten ache down on her leg, the pain was severe and worsened when the patient is standing, sitting, or walking for a long time , The pain severity was measured by visual analog score (vas), graded between 7/10 to 9/10. She also complained numbness from the bilateral gluteal region to the lateral side of lower extremities, when she feel too tired. On the physical examination, She was found to have limited range of motion for flexion and extension, on the lumbar spine, due to pain. The motoric strength of both lower limbs were decreased, so did the sensory function. The Radiological examination showed a severe stenosis at lumbar spinal bone region on L4-L5 area. After the examination, the patient agreed to undergo the suggested operative procedure and gare the consent at the hospital.

Background: Lumbar disc herniation is the most common cause of low back pain and significant disability with economic impact too. Management of disc herniation is challenging, often confusing when surgical treatment is considered, because of frequent failures after surgery in many patients to relieve symptoms. In the current study, we aimed to compare the functional outcomes of treating PIVD with discectomy alone and discectomy associated with posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF).Materials and Methods: This study is randomised control study was conducted over 36 patients diagnosed with PIVD and operated for Discectomy (18 patients) or PLIF (18 patients) in Orthopaedic department, Geetanjali Medical College, Udaipur, Rajasthan between January 2019 to June 2020 and randomly allotted in two groups.To evaluate Functional outcomes using Japanese orthopedic score (JOA) and kirkaldy-willis criteria in every follow up at 2 week, 6 week, 3 month and 6 month.Results: Calculating the functional outcome by both the criteria in all follow ups, we concluded that in early follow up that is of second post op week, discectomy shows satisfactory outcome then that of PLIF group. In 6 month last follow up, PLIF group show satisfactory outcome then that of Discectomy patients groups and p value was 0.0042 which was significant. Out of 36 patients, one patient had dura rupture intraoperatively which was repaired simultaneously and one patient had surgical site infection which resolved later on, both patients were in discectomy group. Conclusions: Although both discectomy alone and discectomy with PLIF were associated with favorable mid-term results in treating patients with PIVD, however, we recommend using discectomy with PLIF for lower radicular pain for better long term results..

Study DesignClinical audit via retrospective review of a database.PurposeTo report an early experience using ultrasound-guided lumbar spinal injection for axial and radicular pain in an Asian multiethnic cohort.Overview of LiteratureUltrasound-guided spine injection therapy is a comparatively new technique in the management of axial and radicular pain from degenerative lumbar spinal conditions, which may be a reasonable alternative to conventional fluoroscopic or computed tomography-guided injection.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted, involving all patients who underwent ultrasound-guided lumbar spine injection therapy at a single institution over 1 year. Patients were evaluated by two interventionists, who then performed standardized ultrasound-guided lumbar facet joint and pararadicular spinal injections.ResultsThere were 42 patients treated at our Sports Medicine Centre; with 27 patients (64.3%) receiving facet joint injections and 18 patients (42.9%) receiving nerve root injections. The majority (90.5%) of patients experienced an improvement of >30% in pain intensity at 3 months post-injection, using the Numerical Rating Scale pain score (ppConclusionsOur initial experience confirms the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of ultrasound-guided lumbar spinal injection for the treatment of axial and radicular pain in an Asian multiethnic cohort.

Objective This retrospective study aims to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of posterolateral fusion (PLF) with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF + PLF) for the treatment of patients with low-grade spondylolisthesis. Methodology A total of 77 adult patients ≥18 years with low-grade spondylolisthesis, Meyerding grades I and II, were assigned into two groups: 36 patients treated with PLF and 41 patients treated with TLIF + PLF. The PLF group is composed of the patients that were operated with pedicle screw and the TLIF + PLF group is composed of the ones that were operated with fixation and TILF by autografting. Clinical evaluation was performed using the spino-pelvic sagittal balance, Numeric Rating Scale, Oswestry Disability Index, blood loss, operation times, and postoperative hospital stay of the PLF vs TLIF groups. The incidences of postoperative low back pain and radicular pain in the two groups were also recorded. Radiography was performed preoperatively and postoperatively to assess spino-pelvic parameters. Results Significant restoration of spino-pelvic sagittal balance was observed in the TLIF group after surgery, and all spino-pelvic sagittal balance parameters showed significant improvement in the TLIF group after surgery, while in the PLF group, all spino-pelvic sagittal parameters had improved except the segmental angle lordosis (p = 0.316), which showed no significant difference after surgery in the PLF group. Postoperative pelvic incidence and pelvic tilt significantly improved in the TLIF group in comparison to PLF groups. Hence, TLIF can achieve better postoperative spino-pelvic sagittal balance parameters than PLF. There was no difference in the complication rates for each group. Both groups achieved significant improvement in postoperative clinical outcomes, and there was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative low back pain or radicular pain between the two groups. Conclusion Both surgical procedures PLF and TLIF were effective. PLF and TLIF can result in improved clinical and radiological outcomes for patients treated for low-grade spondylolisthesis. TLIF can achieve better restoration of spino-pelvic sagittal balance parameters than PLF alone.

STUDY DESIGN Prospective clinical pilot study and cadaveric study. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the spread of an ultrasound-guided interfascial plane blocks (UGIPBs) and its potential efficacy for cervical radiculopathy. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Cervical radiculopathy is a common disorder, potentially leading to severe pain and disability. Conservative treatment with cervical epidural steroid injections (ESI) is limited by concerns regarding their safety. UGIPBs are used in cervical surgical procedures as part of the multimodal postoperative analgesia regimen however, were not described for cervical radiculopathy. METHODS Twelve patients with acute cervical radicular pain who failed conservative treatment and were candidates for surgery were offered a cervical retrolaminar injection. A solution of 4 mL lidocaine 0.5% and 10 mg dexamethasone was injected, assisted by ultrasound guidance, at the posterior aspect of the cervical lamina corresponding to the compressed nerve root level. Additionally, a cadaver study was carried to evaluate the contrast spread and infiltration into near structures, both anatomically and radiographically. RESULTS Twelve patients underwent the procedure, with a mean follow-up time of 14.5 weeks. Average numerical rating scale improved from 7.25 at baseline to 2.83 following the injection (P

Introducción: La enfermedad de Parkinson afecta principalmente a personas >65 años. El cuadro degenerativo lumbar en el contexto de un canal estrecho sumado a la alteración neuromuscular y la mala calidad ósea, favorece al desequilibrio sagital y coronal. Los pacientes que necesitan cirugía tienen altas tasas de revisión y reoperación con técnicas instrumentadas y no instrumentadas. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la técnica quirúrgica de descompresión mínimamente invasiva en pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson y dolor radicular o claudicación neurogénica en los miembros inferiores. Materiales y Métodos:Se evaluó a pacientes con diagnóstico de canal lumbar estrecho y enfermedad de Parkinson tratados quirúrgicamente. El procedimiento se indicó por síntomas de canal estrecho o estenosis foraminal de causa degenerativa. Todos fueron tratados con una cirugía descompresiva a través de una hemilaminectomía mínimamente invasiva mediante retracción tubular y asistencia con microscopia. Resultados: De enero de 2015 a diciembre de 2017, se trató a 6 pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson y canal lumbar estrecho. Se descomprimieron 12 niveles en total, todos estuvieron internados

Background Spinal schwannomas are commonly presented with minor symptoms, including radicular pain, sensory deficits, and minor neurologic deficit. Acute neurologic deterioration is uncommon. Case Description In this study, a case of cauda equina schwannoma presented with acute neurologic deficit after movement of spinal schwannoma is presented. Conclusions It is noted that movement of spinal schwannoma and resultant acute neurologic deterioration should be considered during the follow-up.

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an established therapy for chronic neuropathic pain and most frequently utilised for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS). BurstDR™ also known as DeRidder Burst-SCS, a novel waveform, has demonstrated superiority to conventional tonic stimulation of the thoracic spine in FBSS. There are case reports of an improvement in multidimensional pain outcomes using DeRidder Burst-SCS in the cervical spine for chronic neck and cervical radicular pain. The safety and efficacy of cervical DeRidder Burst-SCS stimulation still however remain undetermined. This is a prospective, multicentre feasibility trial evaluating the safety and therapeutic efficacy of DeRidder Burst-SCS stimulation for the treatment of chronic intractable neck pain with or without radiation to the arm, shoulder, and upper back. After baseline evaluation, subjects will undergo an SCS trial using the Abbott Invisible Trial system according to standard clinical procedures. During the trial phase, SCS leads will be implanted in the cervical epidural space. At the end of the SCS trial, subjects experiencing at least 50% pain relief will be considered for permanent implant. Pain intensity, medication usage, and other multidimensional pain outcomes will be collected. The timing of these will be at baseline, end of the SCS trial and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month visits. Incidence of adverse events will be collected throughout the study duration. The results of this feasibility study will validate the efficacy and safety of DeRidder Burst-SCS stimulation in the cervical spine. The results obtained in this study will potentially be used to generate a level 1 evidence-based study with formal statistical hypotheses testing. www.clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03159169.

A patient with a prior history of intradural schwannoma and disc herniation presented with radicular pain after being hit in the thigh by a dog’s tail. She was worked up and found to have a tumor of her right sciatic nerve. The tumor was resected and histology was consistent with schwannoma. The dog’s tail acted as a Tinel’s sign maneuver and led to timely identification of her peripheral nerve tumor. Peripheral nerve schwannomas can present in unusual forms, and Tinel’s maneuver may be a useful tool in diagnosis.

The authors reported complete regression of a large hemorrhagic lumbar synovial cyst following posterior spinal fusion without direct cystic resection. A 64-year-old woman suffered from sudden onset of the left buttock pain radiating to the left leg after waking up in the morning following the previous history of a minor accident 2 months ago. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbosacral spine showed a large extradural round mass originating from the left facet joint at the level of L3–L4. The mass was hyperintense on T1-weighted images and hypointense on T2-weighted images, probably compatible with hemorrhagic joint-related cyst. Surgical treatment was chosen for her because of persistent left radicular pain with no responding to medications. The patient underwent decompressive laminectomy, subtotal facetectomy, instrumented fusion, and only tissue biopsy due to severe adherence of the mass and dura. Histopathological examination was consistent with a hemorrhagic synovial cyst. The radicular pain completely disappeared after the surgery. Follow-up MRI of the lumbosacral spine obtained 6 months after the surgery demonstrated complete resolution of the hemorrhagic cyst. Complete resolution of hemorrhagic synovial cyst seems to correlate with subtotal facetectomy, probably resulting in leakage of cyst content and subsequent resorption of the cyst wall. In addition, hematoma within the synovial cyst may resolve spontaneously over time.

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a common cause of low back pain and radicular pain. The aim of our study was to evaluate the regression of LDH in patients who are considered to require surgical treatment but prefer conservative treatment. Patients who presented between January 2018 and June 2020 and who did not accept the recommended surgical treatment following a diagnosis of LDH based on clinical and radiological findings were retrospectively reviewed. All 12 of the patients included in the study showed spontaneous regression of LDH during outpatient clinical follow-up. Our study included 12 patients (seven male and five female). The mean age was 46.5 (the youngest was 30 years old; the oldest was 70 years old). Regression was observed at the L2-L3 level in two patients (10%), at the L4-L5 level in four patients (40%), and at the L5-S1 level in six patients (50%). On the follow-up examination of all patients, the severity of their pain was evaluated with the Visual Analogue Scale, and all patients described a reduction in pain (min: 2, max: 8). Ten patients described radicular pain at the initial examination, eight patients received physical therapy and rehabilitation treatment before the follow-up examination, and nine patients described neuropathic pain at the follow-up examination. Spontaneous regression of LDH is rare. While conservative treatments provided partial improvement in the complaints of these patients, conservative treatments usually cannot prevent the development of neuropathic pain.

Summary of Background DataNo study has evaluated the relationship between contrast dispersion patterns and outcomes after fluoroscopically guided cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injection (CTFESI).ObjectivesDetermine whether contrast dispersion patterns predict pain and functional outcomes after CTFESI.MethodsSecondary analysis of data collected during two prospective studies of CTFESI for the treatment of refractory radicular pain. Contrast dispersion patterns visualized by true anteroposterior (AP) projections during CTFESIs were categorized by flow: 1) completely external to the lateral border of the neuroforamen (zone 1); 2) within the neuroforamen but without entry into the lateral epidural space (zone 2); and 3) with extension into the lateral epidural space (zone 3). At baseline and at 1 month post-CTFESI, neck pain, arm pain, and “dominant index pain” (the greater of arm or neck pain) were evaluated using a numeric rating scale (NRS); physical function was assessed using the Five-Item Version of the Neck Disability Index (NDI-5).ResultsOne-month post-CTFESI, neck pain, arm pain, and “dominant index pain” reductions of ≥50% were observed in 39.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 28.2–51.8), 55.6% (95% CI, 43.0–67.5), and 44.1% (95% CI, 32.7–56.2) of participants, respectively. Regarding “dominant index pain,” 72.7% (95% CI, 40.8–91.2), 39.4% (95% CI, 24.2–57.0), and 37.5% (95% CI, 20.5–58.2) of participants reported ≥50% pain reduction when zone 1, zone 2, and zone 3 contrast flow patterns were observed. Contrast dispersion zone was not significantly associated with subgroup differences in neck pain, arm pain, or NDI-5 scores (P>0.05).ConclusionImprovements in pain and function 1 month after treatment with CTFESI did not differ significantly based on the contrast dispersion pattern. Future study is needed to confirm or refute these findings in other procedural settings, in broader patient populations, and with longer-term outcome assessment.

Percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID) is widely used as a minimally invasive procedure that shows satisfying outcomes for the treatment of L5/S1 and even L4/5 disc herniation. PEID can be divided into direct and indirect approaches according to the established method of the working channel. The direct approach mainly utilizes the puncture needle directly through the intervertebral space into the intervertebral disc under non-direct vision and insertion of the guidewire into the puncture needle to guide the dilator and working channel to retract the ligamentum flavum, dural sac and nerve roots. This approach requires a skilled puncture technique, as damage to the nerve roots and dural sac can easily occur. Therefore, we improved this interlaminar access procedure; we placed the puncture target at the inferior endplate and performed preoperative epidurography to expose the spinal nerve roots and dural sac after the puncture needle was passed through the ligamentum flavum. Then, we positioned the puncture needle at the posterior edge of the superior centrum. Finally, we inserted the working sleeve for the operation. This approach is convenient and effectively reduces the learning curve and intraoperative complications. The aim of this study was to introduce the procedure and investigate the safety and efficacy of full-endoscopic interlaminar discectomy via an inferior endplate approach for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation.We performed full-endoscopic interlaminar discectomy via the inferior endplate approach in 321 patients who satisfied our inclusion criteria during the period from May 2014 to May 2017. All operations were completed under local anaesthesia. Under fluoroscopic guidance, we performed epidurography to expose the spinal nerve roots and dural sac. The working sleeve and endoscope were then introduced into the inferior endplate of the superior centrum. Herniated disc material was removed using forceps and a laser under clear endoscopic visualization. We retrospectively evaluated the 321 patients with more than 30 (range 12-48) months of follow-up. The therapeutic effects were assessed using scores of the visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), Macnab standard and infrared thermal imaging.The mean VAS score for radicular pain improved from 6.3 ± 1.01 preoperatively to 1.01 ± 0.35 at the final follow-up (P0.01). The mean ODI score improved from 85.5 ± 12 preoperatively to 12.4 ± 3.7 at the final follow-up (P0.01). According to the Macnab standard, the excellent and good outcome scores were 96.5%. The infrared thermal imaging scores indicated that the skin temperature of both lower extremities significantly improved 1 week after surgery compared with the preoperation temperature (P0.01).The inferior endplate approach for percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy provides a safe and very effective alternative for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation.

The study objective is to assess the effectiveness of spinal cord electrostimulation in patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis. Materials and methods . A study was conducted among 20 patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis. All patients had radicular symptoms or neurogenic claudication. Most patients (n = 18) were rejected from open decompression because of severe concomitant somatic pathology. Two patients refused from open intervention, they were offered electrostimulation. All patients (n = 20) were implanted of the test epidural electrode for spinal cord electrostimulation. Outcomes were assessed by using a visual analogue scale and increasing of the distance of non-stop walking in 8 days after surgery. Among patients with chronic spinal cord electrostimulation, outcomes were assessed in 6 months after implantation. A satisfactory result was considered as a decreasing of pain more than 50 %. Results. А satisfactory result of test electrostimulation was noted in 18 patients, all of them were implanted of system of the chronic spinal cord electrostimulation. The average value of lumbar pain changed from 4.2 to 3.1 points, and the average value of leg-pain changed from 7.2 to 2.2 points. The average value of the non-stop walking distance changedfrom 58 to 245 meters. At the same time, the motor component of neurogenic claudication decreased in only 1 patient. In some patients, after regression of radicular pain, heart complaints became the main factor limiting walking. Before electrostimulation, only 3 patients had no walking restriction. After electrostimulation 7 patients had no walking restriction. Conclusion. Spinal cord electrostimulation is an effective palliative option in patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis.

The potential paravertebral space includes spinal nerves, dorsal rami, rami communicants, and sympathetic chains. This study evaluated correlations between paravertebral spread of injectate and clinical efficacy in lumbar transforaminal block. We retrospectively analysed the data of 88 patients who received transforaminal blocks for lumbar radicular pain. We categorized patients into two groups: patients with ≥ 50% pain reduction on a numeric rating scale at 30 min following a block (responder group), and patients with

Background: Foraminal stenosis, defined as a narrowing of the cervical neural foramen, is one of the most common causes of upper extremity radicular pain. Objectives: The aim of our study was to determine the effects of the severity of neural foraminal stenosis and spinal herniation level on treatment success in patients treated with interlaminar epidural steroid injections (ILESI) due to cervical disc herniation-related radiculopathy and their possible predictive roles. Study Design: A retrospective assessment. Setting: A university hospital interventional pain management center. Methods: We performed our study between August 2017 and February 2019, retrospectively. All patients’ demographic characteristics, clinical and demographic data, including pain scores before and after cervical ILESI in the first hour, third week, and third month follow-ups, presence of motor deficits, symptom side, symptom duration before cervical ILESI, and whether there was progression to surgery in the 3-month period after injection, were collected. Results: We evaluated 61 patients in the final analysis. When the spinal herniation levels and foraminal stenosis grades were compared, there was a significant difference between the groups (P = 0.003, P = 0.005). We reported significant correlations between foraminal stenosis grade (odds ratio [OR], –0.425, P = 0.038) and spinal herniation level (OR, –0.925, P = 0.001) and treatment success. Limitations: Our study’s design was retrospective. Conclusions: Cervical ILESI is a reliable treatment option that provides a significant reduction in pain of patients with cervical radiculopathy. However, the success of ILESI treatment may be negatively affected in these patients in the presence of high spinal level cervical disc herniation and severe foraminal stenosis. Therefore considering these 2 parameters in predicting the patient population who will benefit from cervical ILESI is of importance in terms of decreasing potential complications. Key words: Interlaminar epidural steroid injections, foraminal stenosis, spinal level, cervical disc herniation, radicular pain

We present a rare case of a patient initially presenting with unilateral abdominal wall bulging and radicular pain caused by a lateral disc herniation at Th11/12, later suffering from a hernia recurrence with bilateral disc prolapse and motor deficits. The patient underwent sequesterectomy via a right hemilaminectomy at Th11, and after 8 weeks, a bilateral sequesterectomy with semirigid fusion Th11/12 was performed. Unilateral motor deficits at the thoracic level have been discussed in case reports; a bilateral disc protrusion with abdominal wall bulging occurring as a recurrent disc herniation has never been described before.

OBJECTIVEStereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been used to treat trigeminal neuralgia by targeting the cisternal segment of the trigeminal nerve, which in turn triggers changes in the gasserian ganglion. In the lumbar spine, the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) is responsible for transmitting pain sensitivity and is involved in the pathogenesis of peripheral neuropathic pain. Therefore, radiosurgery to the DRG might improve chronic peripheral pain. This study evaluated the clinical and histological effects of high-dose radiosurgery to the DRG in a rodent model.METHODSEight Sprague-Dawley rats received either 40- or 80-Gy SRS to the fifth and sixth lumbar DRGs using the Leksell Gamma Knife Icon. Animals were euthanized 3 months after treatment, and the lumbar spine was dissected and taken for analysis. Simple histology was used to assess collagen deposition and inflammatory response. GFAP, Neu-N, substance P, and internexin were used as a measure of peripheral glial activation, neurogenesis, pain-specific neurotransmission, and neurotransmission in general, respectively. The integrity of the spinothalamic tract was assessed by means of the von Frey test.RESULTSThe animals did not exhibit any signs of motor or sensory deficits during the experimentation period. Edema, fibrosis, and vascular sclerotic changes were present on the treated, but not the control, side. SRS reduced the expression of GFAP without affecting the expression of Neu-N, substance P, or internexin. The von Frey sensory perception elicited equivalent results for the control side and both radiosurgical doses.CONCLUSIONSSRS did not alter sensory or motor function but reduced the activation of satellite glial cells, a pathway for DRG-mediated pain perpetuation. Radiosurgery provoked changes equivalent to the effects of focal radiation on the trigeminal ganglion after SRS for trigeminal neuralgia, suggesting that radiosurgery could be successful in relieving radiculopathic pain.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE We evaluated the effect of caudal epidural pulsed radiofrequency stimulation in patients with chronic lumbosacral radicular pain due to postlumbar surgery syndrome who were unresponsive to at least two epidural steroid injections through the interlaminar, transforaminal, or caudal route. METHODS We recruited 25 patients with chronic persistent radicular pain in one or both legs (⩾ 4 on the Numeric Rating Scale [NRS]) despite spinal surgery. They were unresponsive to at least two epidural steroid injections. We retrospectively conducted this study. Electrode needles were placed into the epidural space (S2-3 intervertebral level) through the sacral hiatus, and pulsed radiofrequency stimulation was administered. The outcomes were evaluated using the NRS scores for radicular pain before treatment and 1-3 months after treatment. Successful pain relief was defined as a ⩾ 50% reduction in the scores at 3 months after treatment. RESULTS The pain scores changed significantly over time (p< 0.001): pretreatment, 4.9 ± 0.9; 1 month, 3.6 ± 1.4; 2 months, 3.8 ± 1.4; and 3 months, 3.9 ± 1.4. At 1, 2, and 3 months after pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) procedure, the NRS scores were significantly reduced compared with the scores before the treatment. Eight patients (32%) reported successful pain relief at 3 months after treatment. CONCLUSIONS Although only 32% of the patients with postlumbar surgery syndrome showed successful pain relief after treatment, the result is encouraging because we recruited only patients unresponsive to repeated epidural steroid injections.

We describe a case of a patient suffering with cervical radiculopathy due to vertebral artery loop with nerve root compression, treated with an epidural steroid injection. A 37-year-old man presented with a 2-year history of right-sided radicular pain along the C7 dermatome. Imaging showed a right-sided loop of the vertebral artery at the V1-V2 transition with contact on the C7 nerve root. The pain was resistant to conservative treatment, and the decision was made to perform a focused fluoroscopy-guided translaminar epidural steroid injection near the C7 nerve root. The procedure was uneventful, and the symptoms resolved completely after the procedure. Targeted epidural steroid injection might be a useful and safe diagnostic and therapeutic approach in patients affected by cervical radiculopathy due to a VA loop. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a VA loop associated with cervical radiculopathy treated with this technique.

Background Data: Intradural-extramedullary (IDEM) tumors represent two-thirds of spinal cord tumors. As IDEM tumors are mostly benign, advocated approaches for surgical excision of these lesions should aim for total excision of the lesion with avoiding unnecessary disruption of spinal stability. Study design: This is a retrospective case series. Purpose: To assess the feasibility and advantages of a minimally invasive hemilaminectomy approach for excising IDEM spinal tumors. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted in our institution to review retrospectively cases of IDEM spinal tumors that underwent a minimally invasive hemilaminectomy approach from January 2016 to January 2019. Twenty-six patients who presented with twenty-seven tumors fulfilled our criteria and were included in this study. The history of all patients was taken and they were subjected to clinical examination and preoperative MRI with contrast. Frankel scale was used to assess the neurological status of the affected limbs and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for the evaluation of associated radicular pain. Regular follow-up visits were arranged for our cases one month after surgery and then every three months for at least 6 months. Results: Twenty-six patients with 27 tumors were included in this study, 15 females (57.7%) and 11 males (42.3%). The mean age of patients was 42.3 ± 12.8 years. This study included 15 schwannomas (55.6%), 4 neurofibromas (14.8%), and 8 meningiomas (29.6%). Gross total excision was achieved in 26 tumors (96%). Early mobilization and short hospital stay (1.38 ± 1.09) days were reported in all these cases. Complications reported in this study included one case of wound infection, one patient developed a CSF leak, and one patient experienced a mild deterioration of motor power. Conclusion: This study suggests that a minimally invasive hemilaminectomy approach offers an adequate, safe, and convenient corridor for the total excision of IDEM tumors. However, good patient selection, accurate preoperative and intraoperative tumor localization, and meticulous microsurgical resection are mandatory. (2020ESJ208)

Background The optimal management of lumbar synovial cysts (LSCs) has always been controversial. Open or minimally invasive partial hemilaminotomy as a direct decompression approach has been widely studied, whereas to our knowledge, there has been no report of an indirect decompression method for LSC. Case Description A 60-year-old male complained of chronic low back pain for 2 years. He reported that the pain had been getting worse and started radiating to the bilateral posterior thighs and right lateral calf for 6 months. An ovoid lesion with a hyperintense center attached to the medial side of the right facet joint at the L4-5 level, as well as L4-5 dynamic instability, were found with magnetic resonance imaging and lumbar x-ray examinations, respectively. L4-5 oblique lumbar interbody fusion combined with anterior fixation was performed. After surgery, the patient felt distinct pain relief and was discharged on the third day postoperatively. Three months later, lumbar magnetic resonance imaging and 3-dimensional computed tomography were performed again. The L4-5 disk height and foraminal height recovered from 7.1–12.3 mm and 14.8–18.5 mm, respectively. No evidence of a cyst was disclosed. The patient did not complain of any low back pain or radicular pain during the 12-month follow-up. Conclusions Indirect decompression surgery may be a new option for the management of LSC, especially in those with lumbar instability and that communicate with the facet joint. Further research with a larger and more comprehensive sample population is required.

Merkel cell carcinoma is a cutaneous neuroendocrine malignancy that has an aggressive nature. Classically, it affects the elderly Caucasian population with a predilection for the sun-exposed areas of the body. Pathogenesis has been linked to ultraviolet radiation, immunosuppression, and the Merkel cell polyomavirus. Definitive diagnosis entails histologic evaluation and immunohistochemical staining. With its generalized appearance and tendency for metastasis, a high index of suspicion must be utilized. In this case, we present the unique presentation of Merkel cell carcinoma as a rapidly enlarging lymph node with metastatic disease to the spinal column presenting as new-onset low back and radicular pain.

Background There is presently insufficient data on small groups of patients, without focus on time since herniation occurred and without establishing a valid method of measurement for signal intensity (SI) of a lumbar disc herniation (LDH) in a standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). SI could be reported in relation to SI of nucleus pulposus of herniated intervertebral disc, nucleus pulposus of a healthy “control” intervertebral disc, cerebral spinal fluid, or anterior anulus fibrosus. It is not known which signal intensity ratio (SIR) shows the highest correlation with time since onset of pain and how SIR of different Combined Task Forces (CTF)-types of herniation develop over time. Methods Out of 1053 patients, we enrolled 151 patients to a retrospective single-center analysis of standard MRIs of consecutive patients treated for LDH from February 2008 to December 2017 with confirmed (surgery, injection, or electrophysiologic testing) radicular pain by LDH and known exact date of onset of pain. We excluded patients 70 years, with chronical pain syndrome, spinal deformity, and history of prior spinal surgery on the affected spinal level. Because data did not show normal distribution, we assessed correlation by Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Correlation (R) and coefficient of correlation (CC) are reported. Results SI of LDH referenced by SI of nucleus pulposus of the affected intervertebral disc and CTF type “extrusion” showed the highest correlations with time since onset of pain (R: −0.893; CC: 79.7), followed by CTF-type “sequestration” (R: −0.356; CC: 12.7). Conclusions SIR of extrusion referenced by nucleus pulposus of the affected intervertebral disc does show a high correlation with days since onset of herniation and may be applied to monitor changes of SI of LDH after herniation in standard MRIs of the lumbar spine.

Background Spinal angiolipomas (SALs) are benign tumors that usually present a slow progressive spinal cord or radicular compression. Acute myelopathy or acute aggravated radicular syndrome are exceedingly rare. Case Description The authors report an original case with sudden aggravated radicular pain caused by hemorrhagic SALs. A 54-year-old woman presented with a 2-month history of mild back pain, and the pain was significantly aggravated after a therapeutic back massage. Neurologic examination showed pain and hyperalgesia between T4 and T7 dermatome, from back to front, just like a band. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a dorsally located epidural lesion (T4–T6) and a small intratumoral hemorrhage at the lower part of the tumor. A bilateral T4–T6 laminectomy was performed to achieve total excision of the tumors. Histologic examination showed that the tumors were composed of mature adipose tissue and vascular tissue as angiolipomas. The postoperative course was uneventful with complete neurologic recovery 4 days after the surgery. MRI at 1-year follow-up indicated no recurrence. Conclusions SALs are unusual benign tumors that are composed of mature fatty tissue and abnormal blood vessels; sudden aggravated spinal cord or radicular compression syndrome is rare. MRI is the best choice in the diagnosis of SALs. Surgery may be performed in different ways depending on the type of SALs, and the prognosis is generally good.

The sacroiliac joint is a complex, variable, and irregular structure, thought to be the source of 15% to 30% of low back, pelvic, and radicular pain. Several predisposing factors, including prior spinal surgery and particularly lumbar fusion, can contribute to joint inflammation and acceleration of joint degeneration. Evaluation of the sacroiliac joint as a pain generator using history and physical alone can prove difficult, because a number of other pathologies can have a similar presentation. Whereas a number of tests are used to examine the joint, no single test alone has proven validity. Imaging alone has also not been proven efficacious, particularly in nonspondyloarthropathy-mediated pain. Although no "gold standard" exists, diagnostic sacroiliac joint block has been shown to be a useful confirmatory tool in assessing sacroiliac (SI) joint-mediated pain. Sacroiliac joint injection with local anesthetic and steroids can be used as a possible therapeutic endeavor to manage pain and inflammation.

OBJECTIVEPostoperative C5 palsy affects 7%–12% of patients who undergo posterior cervical decompression for degenerative cervical spine pathologies. Minimal evidence exists regarding the natural history of expected recovery and variables that affect palsy recovery. The authors investigated pre- and postoperative variables that predict recovery and recovery time among patients with postoperative C5 palsy.METHODSThe authors included patients who underwent posterior cervical decompression at a tertiary referral center between 2004 and 2018 and who experienced postoperative C5 palsy. All patients had preoperative MR images and full records, including operative note, postoperative course, and clinical presentation. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to evaluate both times to complete recovery and to new neurological baseline—defined by deltoid strength on manual motor testing of the affected side—as a function of clinical symptoms, surgical maneuvers, and the severity of postoperative deficits.RESULTSSeventy-seven patients were included, with an average age of 64 years. The mean follow-up period was 17.7 months. The mean postoperative C5 strength was grade 2.7/5, and the mean time to first motor examination with documented C5 palsy was 3.5 days. Sixteen patients (21%) had bilateral deficits, and 9 (12%) had new-onset biceps weakness; 36% of patients had undergone C4–5 foraminotomy of the affected root, and 17% had presented with radicular pain in the dermatome of the affected root. On univariable analysis, patients’ reporting of numbness or tingling (p = 0.02) and a baseline deficit (p < 0.001) were the only predictors of time to recovery. Patients with grade 4+/5 weakness had significantly shorter times to recovery than patients with grade 4/5 weakness (p = 0.001) or ≤ grade 3/5 weakness (p < 0.001). There was no difference between those with grade 4/5 weakness and those with ≤ grade 3/5 weakness. Patients with postoperative strength < grade 3/5 had a < 50% chance of achieving complete recovery.CONCLUSIONSThe timing and odds of recovery following C5 palsy were best predicted by the magnitude of the postoperative deficit. The use of C4–5 foraminotomy did not predict the time to or likelihood of recovery.

Lower back pain is generally most common musculoskeletal complaints in routine clinical practice now a days. Lower back pain is most significant reason behind development of walking disability. Irritation and pressure on nerve root in lumbar region leads to Lumbar sacral radiculopathy andits very painful condition. Reason behind radiculopathy can be herniating disc in lumbar region, vertebral defect or disintegration and neural foramen size decrease.Epidural steroid injection is effective treatment for lumbar pain. Study objective is to assess the efficacy of hypertonic saline in radicular lower back pain.Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was used as data collecting tools. comparison between intervention and control group for pain score at three and six months. With p value =0.04 and 0.02 respectively for 3 and 6 months. shown pain was reduced gradually at 3 and 6 months. As conclusion wasSuperior and longer duration of effect was observed with addition of hypertonic saline along with steroid in lumbar radiculopathy. And this can be used as a major cost-effective adjuvant.

Introduction Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) in spine is a benign disorder that mainly affects children and is rare in adults. The treatment of LCH in adults is still controversial. The literature is drought with reports regarding management of LCH in adults with pathological fracture. We report a case of LCH at L5 vertebra in an adult patient treated with posterior stabilization, decompression, and anterior corpectomy and reconstruction. Case presentation A 30-year-old manual laborer working in Middle East, presented to us with severe pain in the lower back (VAS-8) with the right lower limb radiculopathy for 6 months. Radiological investigations revealed to have a solitary osteolytic lesion with pathological fracture at L5 vertebral body. MRI showed hyperintense lesion in T2 sagittal images and hypointense in T1 sagittal images in L5 vertebral body. PET scan showed metabolically active lesion involving L5 vertebra body and right ischium. CT-guided biopsy from L5 vertebral body was performed, but was inconclusive. The patient underwent surgical management in the form of posterior stabilization L4-S1 and transpedicular biopsy. The sample was sent for frozen section and confirmed the presence of neoplasia but did not provide sufficient information about the nature of pathology. Intraoperatively, the decision was made to do anterior excision biopsy, corpectomy, and reconstruction with titanium mesh cage filled with cement. The precise diagnosis of LCH was established on histopathological examination and confirmed with immunohistochemistry positivity for CD1a and S100. The patient had immediate relief of his back pain and radicular pain. He was able to resume his daily activities at 1 month after the surgery. At 2-year follow-up patient was asymptomatic and no local recurrence was noticed. Conclusion Surgical excisionfor LCH in adults should be considered in patients with refractory low back pain with pathological fracture, neurological deficits, or spinal instability.

Background Intradural metastases to the cauda equina from renal cell carcinoma are exceptional, with only 14 reported cases in the literature. This article reports a further case and discusses the indications and limits of the surgery and the best management. Case report: A 64-year-old man was observed because of sudden onset of intense radicular pain in the left L5 territory. Fourteen years before he underwent right nephrectomy for a clear renal cell carcinoma. MRI revealed two intradural metastatic lesions at L1-L2 and L4-L5 levels, respectively. Surgical resection of the symptomatic L4-L5 lesion, radiotherapy and chemotherapy were performed. The histological and immunohistochemical studies confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The treatment resulted in remission of the radicular pain with no neurological deficits. The patient was symptom-free at one year follow-up. Conclusion Intradural metastases to the cauda from renal cell carcinoma are exceptional. Surgery is the first option in selected patients with stable neoplastic disease, good Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS > 70), intense radicular pain and progressive neurological symptoms. The tumor resection, even incomplete, results in clinical improvement.

Human herpesviruses, particularly the varicella-zoster virus, are notorious for affecting the central nervous system, especially when secondarily reactivated from a latent state. We present one such case of zoster radiculitis with an ensemble of typical dermatological and neurological features diagnosed on imaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies and encourage the consideration of viral (zoster) neuritis as a differential in patients presenting with radicular pain.

Objective Pulsed radiofrequency stimulation at the dorsal root ganglion is used for treatment of radicular pain; however, its mechanism for neuropathic pain treatment has not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated whether pulsed radiofrequency stimulation affects the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors, which play a critical role in synaptic plasticity. Methods Neuropathic pain was studied using a radicular neuropathic pain model (43 female Sprague-Dawley rats; 200–250 g). In total, 28 rats were assigned to the following groups for fraction analysis: a control group, a control + pulsed radiofrequency stimulation group, a disc pain group, and a disc pain + pulsed radiofrequency stimulation group. For nonfraction analysis of Glutamate A1 (GluA1) and GluA2 subunits, a total of 15 female Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to a control group, a disc pain group, and a disc pain + pulsed radiofrequency stimulation group. Pulsed radiofrequency stimulation and subsequent analysis were conducted three days after surgery. Results AMPA receptor subunits, GluA1 and GluA2, in the radicular neuropathic pain model were upregulated compared with those in the control group three days after surgery. Pulsed radiofrequency stimulation induced the translocation of GluA1 and GluA2 subunits from the synaptosome to cytosol without a change in the total amount of AMPA receptors in the dorsal horn. Conclusions Our results demonstrated that pulsed radiofrequency stimulation affected the synaptic plasticity corresponding to long-term depression. Thus, we show that long-term depression from pulsed radiofrequency stimulation is associated with analgesic effects in the radicular neuropathic pain model following peripheral inflammation.

Congenital vertebral synostosis (CVS) is a rare developmental condition due to failure of vertebral segmentation. Vertebrae and their intervertebral discs differentiate and resegment at the time of organogenesis during fetal life. Failure of this embryological process can result in the limitation of mobility of the involved segment. This inappropriate segmentation thus results in vertebral fusion or a block vertebra with subsequent vertebral synostosis. Long-term, such segmental fusion can increase osteoarthritis at levels below and above the fused segment due to excessive wear on these joints. Presentations can include congenital kyphosis and scoliosis. Patients may present with back and radicular pain, and possible myelopathy CVS usually occurs, in order of frequency, in the cervical, lumbar, and thoracic vertebral levels. This paper reviews congenital lumbar synostosis with associated findings and its clinical implications and embryological significance. A case illustration is also included.

Herpes zoster (HZ) affects approximately 1 in 3 persons in their lifetime, and the risk of HZ increases with increasing age. The most common, debilitating complication of HZ is the chronic neuropathic pain of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Two herpes zoster vaccines, a live-attenuated varicella-zoster virus (VZV) vaccine (zoster vaccine live [ZVL]; ZOSTAVAX [Merck]) and an adjuvanted VZV glycoprotein E (gE) subunit vaccine (recombinant zoster vaccine [RZV]; SHINGRIX [GlaxoSmithKline]) are licensed for the prevention of HZ and PHN in healthy older adults. The safety and efficacy of both vaccines has been demonstrated in clinical trials in immunocompetent adults and in selected immunocompromised persons and persons with immune-mediated diseases. Numerous real-world effectiveness studies have confirmed the safety and effectiveness of both ZVL and RZV. Recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) is more effective for prevention of HZ than ZVL. Recombinant zoster vaccine is nonreplicating and is thus safe in immunocompromised persons. Additional zoster vaccines are in different stages of development. Wider distribution of safe and effective zoster vaccines will improve the health and well being of the rapidly growing population of older adults around the world.

Background Spinal arachnoiditis is an insidious disease caused by an inflammatory process of the arachnoid membrane resulting from many possible causes. Several factors such as spinal surgery, myelography, or infectious meningitis are known to cause adhesive arachnoiditis. Multiple studies proposed that the initial stage of syringomyelia in spinal arachnoiditis would be intramedullary cystic degeneration caused by ischemia due to circulatory disturbance in the pia-arachnoid. Disturbance of cerebrospinal fluid flow around the spinal cord has an important role in the development of syringomyelia due to spinal arachnoiditis. The presentation of spinal arachnoiditis depends on the level of the disease. For instance, Lumbar or lumbosacral adhesive arachnoiditis is usually related to lumbar disc diseases, and radicular pain due to involvement of the cauda equina is the main symptom. Our case represents a rare cause of arachnoiditis for a patient was presented with lower limb weakness and found to have extensive syringomyelia. Case description 29-year-old male patient, presented with 3 days history of progressive lower limbs weakness. He had 3 months history of mild lower back pain and subjective left lower limb weakness. MRI showed extensive intramedullary hyperintense lesion extending from T3 to L1 with scattered post-contrast nodular enhancement. Diagnosis of arachnoiditis with syringomyelia done. The patient underwent Thoracic 8 laminectomy, arachnoid biopsy, and syrinx to subarachnoid space shunt. Tissue culture-confirmed Staphylococcus cohnii. Conclusion Arachnoiditis is a common pathology with multiple causes. However, isolated bacterial arachnoiditis is rare and has not been mentioned in literature before to our knowledge. We present a case of arachnoiditis proven to be bacterial by tissue culture from the thickened arachnoid layer we took during the surgery after we exclude all other causes.

Background There is a general assumption that after deposition into skin, Lyme borreliae disseminate hematogenously to other organs, resulting in extracutaneous manifestations of Lyme borreliosis, including Lyme neuroborreliosis. However, our experience over the past 40 years, along with several published case reports that observed colocalization of radicular pain and erythema migrans (EM) in patients with borrelial meningoradiculoneuritis (Bannwarth syndrome), argues against hematogenous dissemination in Lyme neuroborreliosis. Methods We compared the location of EM in 112 patients with Bannwarth syndrome to 12315 EM patients without neurological involvement. Moreover, we assessed the colocalization of EM and radicular pain in patients with Bannwarth syndrome. Results Compared to >12000 EM patients without neurological involvement, patients with Bannwarth syndrome had a significantly higher frequency of EM on head/neck (6% vs 1%; P=.0005) and trunk (47% vs 24%; P Conclusions The greater frequency of EM on head/neck and trunk and the colocalization of EM with radicular pain in patients with Bannwarth syndrome suggest that central nervous system involvement in Lyme neuroborreliosis is due to a retrograde spread of borrelia from skin to the spinal cord via peripheral nerves.