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The supraorbital craniotomy through an eyebrow incision, referred to as the suprabrow approach, may be used to access intracranial lesions. Though offering good surgical exposure for anterior base cranial lesions, the suprabrow approach has a paucity of studies on its cosmetic outcomes. In this study, we aimed to assess the cosmetic outcomes of suprabrow approach using validated Scar Cosmesis Assessment Rating (SCAR) scale for the first time. Three patients underwent a suprabrow approach for resection of a suprasellar or frontal mass. Their postoperative courses were followed, with specific attention to the cosmetic outcome of their procedures. The SCAR scale was used to determine the cosmetic success of the approach. We found that all 3 patients scored ≤ 5 on the SCAR scale. All 3 resections were successful with no major postoperative complications. The only minor complication was transient hypoesthesia of the ipsilateral forehead that was noted in all 3 patients.This study quantified the positive cosmetic outcomes of a minimally invasive suprabrow approach. The suprabrow approach provides acceptable surgical exposure and access in an appropriately selected patient with anterior cranial base lesions and results in favorable cosmesis. Although transient hypoesthesia in the distribution of the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve occurs, the overall benefits of the approach and desirable cosmetic outcomes make the suprabrow approach a good technique to access intracranial lesions in appropriate cases.

Lingual nerve injury rarely occurs after using the laryngeal mask airway (LMA). A 40-year-old woman with no comorbidities visited the hospital for left breast-conserving surgery. Anesthesia was performed using LMA Supreme™. She complained of decreased sensation in the right front part of the tongue postoperatively. She received prednisolone and tongue sensation returned on postoperative day 28. The lingual nerve could be damaged by the LMA, particularly the lateral edge of the tongue base and inner part of the mandible around the third molar. When using the LMA, it is necessary to check the cuff pressure to prevent lingual nerve damage.

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.

The iliac crest flap, due to its bone quality and 3D volumetric characteristics, is considered a good alternative for the reconstruction of large bone defects, specifically maxillectomy and mandibulectomy defects. However, recently, it has lost some popularity as a bone flap, in part due to donor site morbidity risk. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the iliac crest free flap donor site morbidity at our centre. A series of patients submitted to deep circumflex iliac artery free flap transfer between January 2000 and January 2020 was evaluated. Patient clinical information was retrospectively collected from electronic medical records and by direct interview and physical examination, including the following: demographic characteristics; flap style (inclusion or not of the antero-superior iliac spine (ASIS)); donor-site post-operative complications (hematoma, infection); donor site sequelae: chronic pain, lateral thigh hypoesthesia/analgesia; hernia/abdominal bulge; and patient overall opinion of the aesthetics and morbidity of the donor site. In the patients with preserved ASIS, the presence of fracture of the ASIS was also evaluated. Data was analysed using SPSS version 26.0. Categorical variables were presented as percentages and numeric variables as means. Results are expressed as percentages or means with standard deviation (SD) for continuous variables. The χ2 test was used to compare non-continuous variables. Results where p

Summary Background Two main trends are described for the treatment of diastasis recti: plication versus midline mesh reinforcement. Indications for these procedures have not been clearly described. This study reviewed the outcomes in the treatment of rectus diastasis with plication versus mesh by the assessment of durability, complications, and patient-reported outcomes. Materials and methods A systematic review of literature on the treatment of diastasis recti was performed searching through PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. This resulted in 53 eligible articles and predefined inclusion criteria led to the selection of 24 articles. Primary outcomes included recurrence and perioperative complications and secondary outcomes were defined as patient satisfaction, chronic pain, and quality of life. Results A total of 931 patients were surgically treated for rectus divarication (age range: 18 - 70 years). The most frequently noted comorbidity was obesity and 10.6 percent were smokers. Recurrence was reported in 5 percent of the patients. The most frequent complication was seroma (7 percent), followed by abdominal hypoesthesia (6 percent), and surgical site infection (2 percent). Chronic pain was reported in 4 percent of the patients. Satisfaction was assessed subjectively in the majority of patients and was generally rated as high. Follow-up period ranged from 3 weeks to 20 years. Conclusions Durability, safety, and high patient satisfaction support surgical correction of rectus diastasis and could not favor a treatment method. Inter-rectus distance could not be identified as the indicator for technique, which emphasizes that other factors might add to the entity of abdominal wall protrusion more than previously thought.

Background Myriad open and endoscopic approaches are employed to resect maxillary sinus lesions, each with associated advantages and disadvantages. The inferior and anterior portion of the sinus remains a challenging space to access. Objectives To describe the extended anterior inferior approach to endoscopic medial maxillectomy (EAMM) as a novel and valuable addition to a stepwise approach for minimizing surgical morbidity without compromising tumor outcomes. To report the outcomes of patients treated with this approach. Methods A retrospective case series study of 9 patients who underwent EAMM between 2016 and 2019 at a tertiary care referral center was performed. The endoscopic technique is described. The duration of follow-up ranged from 1 to 53 months. Intraoperative steps, including transection of the nasolacrimal duct and execution of an intraoperative dacryocystorhinostomy, were reviewed. Postoperative outcomes, including patient symptoms at follow-up and tumor recurrence, were recorded. Results Adequate exposure with gross total tumor resection or margin-negative tumor resection was achieved in all cases. Sparing of the nasolacrimal duct was achieved in 2 patients. No patients reported persistent epiphora, empty nose syndrome, or changes in cosmesis such as alar or nasal tip collapse. One patient reported unilateral V2 hypoesthesia at 6 months postoperatively that had resolved by his next follow-up 18 months after surgery. Postoperative tumor surveillance was achieved by endoscopic examinations in all patients and there was no evidence of tumor recurrence at a median follow-up of 22 months. Conclusions The EAMM provides improved access to the inferior–posterior–medial maxillary sinus. This approach minimizes the risk of hypoesthesia and change in cosmesis present in other approaches, and obviates division of the nasolacrimal duct for inferior, posterior–medial attached lesions. This progressive escalation of approach for maxillary sinus lesions minimizes injury to nasal and nasolacrimal structures without compromising tumor outcomes.

Introduction: Neuromuscular choristoma (NC) is a rare tumor composed of striated muscle fibers admixed with nerve fibers that often affects large peripheral nerve trunks in children. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case in the literature of a NC of the ophthalmic nerve in an adult. Case description: A 27-year-old woman presented with a 20-day history of left periorbital headache radiating to the frontotemporal region, with associated tearing, nausea, and vomiting. The examination was normal, except for hypoesthesia in the distribution of the first trigeminal nerve branch (V1). Cranial computerized tomography showed a lesion in the left orbit and cavernous sinus with widening of the superior orbital fissure. On magnetic resonance imaging, the lesion was well-defined with fusiform morphology and showed a central cystic component and peripheral enhancement. An extradural approach was performed with subtotal tumor resection. Biopsy showed proliferation of striated muscle cells admixed with nerve fascicles and Schwann cells. A pathological diagnosis of NC of V1 was determined. Six months after surgery, left hypotropia with limitation of supraduction was observed, as well as hypoesthesia and paralysis of the left forehead with ipsilateral eyebrow ptosis. The rest of the examination remained within normal limits. Conclusion: NC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a young patient with periorbital headache and hypoesthesia in the V1 region.

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare but possible complication of neuroaxial anesthesia. Damage to the nerve roots may occur due to compression, inflammation, stretching, direct trauma, spinal ischemia or neurotoxicity, usually with lidocaine or bupivacaine. We describe a case of a 33-year-old patient that underwent an uneventful cesarean section with a combined spinal-epidural technique anesthesia, with levobupivacaine. 48hours after the procedure, she presented diminished muscular strength and abolished osteotendinous reflexes in the left lower limb, limited flexion of the right hallux, urinary retention and saddle anesthesia. Imaging exams excluded hematoma, thickening or compression of the cauda equina nerve roots. CES was suspected and treatment was initiated. 9-month follow up revealed diminished osteotendinous reflexes on the left lower limb and perianal hypoesthesia. Despite being unusual, neurological complications require prompt recognition and management to avoid permanent damage.

Objective The common fibular nerve (CFN) is the most frequently injured nerve in the lower limbs. Surgical management is necessary in approximately two thirds of patients and includes neurolysis, suture, graft repair, or nerve transfer. The distal sural nerve is the preferred donor for grafting, but it is not without complications and requires a second incision. We sought to study the surgical anatomy of the lateral sural cutaneous nerve (LSCN) with the aim of repairing CFN injuries through the same incision and as a potential source for grafting in other nerve injuries. Methods The popliteal fossa was dissected in 11 lower limbs of embalmed cadavers to study LSCN variations. Four patients with CFN injuries then underwent surgical repair by LSCN grafting using the same surgical approach. Results At the medial margin of the biceps femoris, the LSCN emerged from the CFN approximately 8.15 cm above the fibular head. The LSCN ran longitudinally to the long axis of the popliteal fossa, with an average of 3.2 cm medial to the fibular head. The mean LSCN length and diameter were 9.61 cm and 3.6 mm, respectively. The LSCN could be harvested in all patients for grafting. The mean graft length was 4.4 cm. Motor function was consistently recovered for foot eversion but was recovered to a lesser extent for dorsiflexion and toe extension. All patients recovered sensitive function (75% of S3). Hypoesthesia was recognized at the calf. Conclusions LSCN harvest is a viable alternative for nerve grafting, especially for repairing short CFN injuries, thereby avoiding the need for a second incision.

We described two cases operated by the author: 1° a 30-year-old patient who suffered an aggression by third parties with a sharp weapon, with a penetrating injury of the cervical spine and spinal cord at the level of C2-C3, who entered to the hospital tetraplegic, conscious, with a left Claude Bernard Horner syndrome, with mild respiratory compromise. 2° a 20-year-old patient who suffered aggression by third parties with a knife, with spinal and spinal cord penetration at the dorsal level, who entered to the hospital with left distal motor compromise in L5-S1 and bilateral distal hypoesthesia. Both were emergency operated to remove the foreign element, verifying during surgery that this was transfixing the spinal cord at the levels described. Postoperative, both patients evolved with partial recovery of their neurological involvement, the first being discharged with a left hemiplegia and the second discharged only with an area of distal hypoesthesia in the left leg.

Background: Hypoesthesia occurs as a result of injuries resulting in injury to the nerve fibres. The causes of injury include direct harm from the needle injections, around the nerve fibres, mechanical injuries resulting in an indirect pressure into the mandibular canal, during the dental surgical procures, as well as the toxicity of the local anaesthetic agents. Methods: This cross-sectional research was conducted by recruiting N=79 adult individuals (>18 years), who had visited the district hospital for acquiring clinical assistance and treatment of facial muscles or nerve-related complications in August 2020. Data collection for this research was carried out by using a specially designed questionnaire, which facilitated in acquiring data related to aetiology of trauma, identification of the hypoesthesia area, as well as the clinical complications experienced by the respondents. The clinical reports of the patients were also collected for analysing the hypoesthesia area. SPSS was utilised for data analysis, and statistical tests were conducted for assessing the risk factors for hypoesthesia after repair of facial fractures. Results: The statistical tests revealed that only a small percentage of the sample population, i.e., (N=9) or 11.8% experienced the facial bone fracture, male respondents had more exposure to the facial bone fractures, as compared to the females (Mean=1.81, SD= 0.397), and the individuals below 25 years of age had high exposure of facial bone fracture (Mean=1.78, SD= 0.428). A significant majority of hypoesthesia cases were at mandible, and orbit region. Conclusion: The dental treatment resulting in nerve manipulation results in nerve elongation, nerve compression, contributing to transient hypoesthesia. Hypoesthesia might also lead to other clinical complications.

Background To report cases of extraspinal mimics of cauda equina syndrome (CES) to enable prompt diagnosis and treatment in the future. CES results from compression of spinal nerve roots. Current practice mandates lumbosacral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning to diagnose CES. However, it may not reveal compression or provide an explanation for the presentation. We present 3 cases of suspected CES who went on to have intracranial pathology. Methods Retrospective review of all patients presenting with CES-type features who were subsequently found to have causative intracranial pathology over a 6-month period. Results Three cases were found, and these are hereby presented. Case Presentation: Case 1: A 57-year-old lady presented with urinary retention and bilateral leg weakness. She underwent an MRI spine which showed no evidence of CES. She was diagnosed with haemorrhagic intracranial metastases. Case 2: A 52-year-old lady presented with lower back and right buttock pain, with right-sided leg numbness, saddle hypoesthesia, and bowel and bladder incontinence. MRI spine showed no cauda equina compression. MRI neuraxis revealed a subdural haematoma. Case 3: A 69-year-old lady presented with a 6-day history of urinary incontinence, right foot drop, and leg weakness. MRI spine was negative for CES. She was diagnosed with an intraparenchymal haematoma of posterior left frontal lobe. Conclusions Negative lumbosacral MRI will not exclude extraspinal mimics of CES and, although rare, these cases should be considered.

Gasperini syndrome (GS), a rare brainstem syndrome, is featured by ipsilateral cranial nerves (CN) V–VIII dysfunction with contralateral hemibody hypoesthesia. While there have been 18 reported cases, the GS definition remains ambiguous. We report a new case and reviewed the clinical features of this syndrome from all published reports to propose a new definition. A 57-year-old man with acute brainstem stroke had right CN V–VIII and XII palsies, left body hypoesthesia and ataxia. Brain MRI showed an acute stroke in the right caudal pons and bilateral cerebellum. After a systematic review, we classified the clinical manifestations into core and associate features based on the frequencies of occurring neurological deficits. We propose that a definitive GS requires the presence of ipsilateral CN VI and VII palsies, plus one or more of the other three core features (ipsilateral CN V, VIII palsies and contralateral hemibody hemihypalgesia). Additionally, GS, similar to Wallenberg’s syndrome, represents a spectrum that can have other associated neurological features. The revised definition presented in this study may enlighten physicians with the immediate recognition of the syndrome and help improve clinical localization of the lesions and its management.

El síndrome de Wallenberg es el accidente cerebrovascular isquémico más común de la circulación posterior, causado por una obstrucción aterotrombótica en la arteria vertebral o la arteria cerebelosa posteroinferior. Esta oclusión origina una isquemia en la porción lateral del bulbo que resulta en la triada representativa del síndrome de Horner, ataxia ipsilateral a la lesión y alteraciones sensitivas. El riesgo de padecer este cuadro es mayor si se tiene variaciones anatómicas tales como una arteria vertebral hipoplásica y/o duplicada. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 45 años admitida por hipoestesia en el lado derecho del rostro y en el hemicuerpo izquierdo, así como disfagia y vómitos. La resonancia magnética reveló una lesión isquémica en la zona bulbar lateral derecha; en la angiorresonancia se evidenció una arteria vertebral derecha hipoplásica, en tanto que la angio-TEM del cuello mostró una arteria vertebral derecha hipoplásica y bifurcada. En base a la clínica y exámenes radiológicos se confirmó el diagnóstico de Síndrome de Wallenberg, causado por isquemia en el territorio de la arteria vertebral derecha hipoplásica bifurcada.

Background Data: Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) deposition disease is a metabolic disorder caused by the deposition of CPPD crystals in the articular or periarticular structures that leads to inflammation of the joints. Spine affection is rare. Purpose: To present a rare case of lumbar facet joint cyst caused by calcium pyrophosphate arthropathy. Study Design: A case report with a brief review of the literature. Patient and Methods: Seventy-three-year-old man, who underwent PLIF L5/S1 ten years ago, presented with right L4 nerve root compression symptoms that have started two months ago. Clinical examination revealed no motor function disturbance but hypoesthesia in the L4 dermatome. He has no history of crystal deposition disorder. The patient underwent decompression and fusion at this level. Results: The symptoms were completely resolved postoperatively and after one-year follow-up. Histopathological examination of the cyst revealed fibrous granulation tissue. Examination of the tissue under polarized light showed positively birefringent, short blunt crystals of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate. Conclusion: Calcium pyrophosphate arthropathy, although rare, should be incorporated into the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions of the facet joints. (2020ESJ221)

Objectives This study aims to define the chronological, angular, and topographic classes in presumed idiopathic scoliosis and to investigate the frequency of generalized joint hypermobility, pain, neurological deficit, ankle deformity, Risser grade, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in these patients. Patients and methods This cross-sectional, descriptive study included a total of 36 patients (11 males, 25 females; mean age 13.4±4.6 years; range, 6 to 24 years) with idiopathic scoliosis between January 2015 and January 2019. Data including age, sex, complaint of pain, generalized joint hypermobility (based on Beighton score), neurological deficit, ankle deformity, and definition of scoliosis were recorded. Chronological, angular, and topographic classification were carried out. The Risser grade and MRI findings were noted. Results Of all patients, 30 (83.3%) were idiopathic, five (13.9%) were neuromuscular, and one (2.8%) was congenital scoliosis based on MRI findings. Of 13 (36.1%) spine MRI scans, six (46.2%) were intraspinal anomalies, four were syringomyelia (30.8%), one was Chiari type 1 malformation (7.7%), and one was hemivertebrae with diastematomyelia (7.7%). The highest rates of classes according to chronological, angular, and topographical classifications of idiopathic scoliosis were adolescent (17/30, 56.7%), low angular (24/30, 80.0%), and lumbar scoliosis (15/30, 50.0%), respectively. Ten patients (33.3%) complained of pain, while 23 patients (76.7%) had no neurological deficit and seven (23.3%) had hypoesthesia. Seventeen patients (56.7%) had generalized joint hypermobility. Conclusion Idiopathic scoliosis with non-severe spinal deformity may present with intraspinal neural axis abnormalities, even when it is neurologically intact. Based on our study results, it seems to be useful to consider whole spine MRI for the evaluation of thoracic and lumbar scoliosis.

Context Penile prosthesis surgery is currently the most effective treatment for erectile dysfunction when medical treatment is ineffective or contraindicated. Among the surgical approaches described in the literature, the scrotal, infrapubic and subcoronal are the most common in the daily clinical practice. Objectives The main objectives were to describe the infrapubic surgical technique evaluating its indications and complications, as well as comparing its advantages and disadvantages with the penoscrotal approach. Acquisition and synthesis of the evidence A literature review from 1983 until current date was carried out in Medline (PubMed and Cochrane Library databases) following PRISMA standards. Sixteen studies were included: 4 prospective, 4 retrospective, one systematic review, one randomized trial, one original article, 5 expert opinion/surgical technique descriptive paper. Discussion According to the literature reviewed, although the penoscrotal approach is the most applied, the infrapubic approach showed a shorter operative time and a tendency for an earlier recovery of sexual activity after surgery. Complications are rare, having similar rates to the penoscrotal approach; no cases of glans hypoesthesia have been reported and peri-prosthetic infection rates were less than 3%. Satisfaction rates of infrapubic penile prosthesis were higher than 80%. Conclusions Penile prosthesis implantation requires of a profound knowledge of the different surgical approaches in order to best adapt each technique based on each individualized case. The infrapubic approach, even if it is not the most used, is as feasible and reliable as the penoscrotal approach. The infrapubic approach is effective and safe, with high level of both, patients and partners’ satisfaction.

Background: The evolution of skull base approaches associated with individualization of surgical corridor and minimizing the collateral damage. Achieving the radical removal of tumor and preserving the neurological status of the patient is possible, both with the traditional approaches and keyhole approaches. Our work presents experience using the transpalpebral approach (TPA) for microsurgical removal of tuberculum sellae meningioma (TSM). Materials and Methods: A total of 15 patients with meningiomas underwent microsurgical removal of TSM through TPA. Ten patients were women and five were men. The standard preoperative diagnostic protocol includes magnetic resonance imaging with contrast enhancement, brain computed tomography for neuronavigation. We assess surgical complications, functional and cosmetic outcomes, and surgical parameters, including the time of surgery and intraoperative blood loss. Results: Visual impairment was finding in 100% patients, including slight decrease of vision (46,7%, seven patients), partial vision field loss (six patients, 40%), and serious visual impairment (two patients 13.3%). Visual improvement was noted in ten cases (66.7%), there was no improvement in four cases (26.7%), and one case (6.6%) had transient visual worsening for 4 days and slow improvement in 1 month. Headache disappeared in three patients (50%). There were no cases of cerebrospinal fluid leak. Transient frontal hypoesthesia was noted in all patients (100%) without permanent deficit. Transient palsy of the frontal muscle was noted in four patients for 4–6 months. Histological examination revealed WHO Grade I meningioma in 14 cases and in 1 case WHO Grade II meningioma. No deaths were identified in follow-up at 12 months. The average value of the Modified Rankin Scale was 1.4. The mean length of stay in hospital was 5. Conclusion: TPA is technically difficult and requires some experience to work in deep structures in a small surgical corridor. This technique can be good alternative to traditional fronto-lateral, supraorbital keyhole craniotomies, and endoscopic endonasal approaches.

Osteochondral lesions of the ankle are lesions that involve the cartilage and the subchondral bone of the talus. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical results of a consecutive case series of posterior osteochondral lesions of the talus treated with debridement and bone marrow stimulation by means of posterior ankle arthroscopy. We hypothesise that posterior ankle arthroscopy is an effective and safe procedure to treat lesions less than 10–15 mm in size and 5 mm in depth located in zones 7, 8 and 9 of the Raikin and Elias grid. We prospectively analysed the outcomes of 36 patients who underwent posterior endoscopic treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) clinical rating system and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure were used and patient satisfaction was evaluated. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was complementarily used with these measures to evaluate the clinical behaviour of the patients. The average AOFAS score improved from 42.3 preoperatively to 89.29 postoperatively. All patients were satisfied with the surgical outcome and would choose this surgical treatment again. Three minor and transitory postoperative complications (5.55%) were observed: one patient with pain on the portals, one ecchymosis and one hypoesthesia of the heel. The average score on VAS improved from 7.75 preoperatively to 1.54 postoperatively, with an average improvement of 6.21 points. 75% of patients were able to resume their ‘preinjury’ physical activity level. The posterior arthroscopic approach with bone marrow stimulation is technically simple and is a safe and effective procedure to treat posterior talar osteochondral lesions. It has few complications, thus reducing time to return to sports and/or work activity. Level of evidence IV, case series.

Introduction Cluster headache (CH) is a refractory headache. Low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation is a relatively novel technique with promising applications in neuropathic pain. It may improve the treatment of CH. Aim To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sphenopalatine ganglion-targeted low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of patients with refractory CH. Material and methods A retrospective cohort study including seventy-five patients with refractory cluster headache who underwent computed tomography (CT)-guided sphenopalatine ganglion-targeted low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation between January 2015 and December 2017 at the Beijing Xuanwu Hospital was conducted. Results Effective pain relief rate 3 months after the procedure was 96% with 40 (53.3%) patients achieving complete relief; 32 (42.7%) patients obtained partial relief and 3 (4%) patients showed no relief. The effective pain relief rate two years after the procedure remained as high as 85.3% with 29 (38.6%) achieving complete relief, 35 (46.7%) partial relief and 11 (14.7%) no relief. The procedure proved equally effective for both episodic and chronic cluster headache. Complications including facial numbness, masseter weakness, facial hypoesthesia and cheek hematoma were observed, but all were mild and disappeared within 6 months. Conclusions CT-guided low-temperature plasma radiofrequency ablation is an effective and safe strategy for refractory cluster headache. For patients who have not responded to conservative treatment, this minimally invasive intervention is a reliable alternative.

The superior orbital apex syndrome is a relatively uncommon complication of midface maxillofacial trauma. The clinical symptoms consist in ophthalmoplegia, palpebral ptosis, exophthalmia, fixed mydriasis, retrobulbar pain and supraorbital nerve hypoesthesia by involvement of the third (oculomotor nerve), fourth (trochlear), fifth (trigeminal) and sixth nerve (abducens). If there is involvement of the optical nerve, the syndrome is termed - orbital apex syndrome. In this article, we will present the case of a 33-years old male, victim of human aggression with traumatic superior orbital apex syndrome. We discuss details of diagnosis and surgical treatment. We will make, also, a review of literature on this subject. Even if the actual therapeutic algorithm is currently a matter of controversy, the generally accepted therapy plane initiated with a high dose of corticosteroids. Fine slice CT scan examination is mandatory for the correct planning. If the CT scan reveals a highly displaced maxillo-zygomatic complex fracture with or without orbital blow-out fracture, we recommend early surgical intervention after the resolving of the periorbital hematoma within 5 to 10 days ideally if concomitant intracranial injury or other conditions permit it. The early restoration of the orbital anatomy and volume will create the basis for cranial nerve decompression and function at the level of superior orbital fissure.

Dysesthesia is an unpleasant abnormal sensation, often accompanied by pain, paresthesia (abnormal sensation), and numbness (decrease or loss of sensation). Dysesthesia has been associated with various conditions, although its underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. This study assessed the roles of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) in dysesthesia by utilizing three animal models of dysesthesia characterized by reductions in blood flow to the skin: a transient hindlimb ischemia/reperfusion model, characterized by spontaneous licking and tactile hypoesthesia of the ischemic hindpaw; a streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy model in mice, characterized by cold hypersensitivity, which is likely parallel to the reduced skin blood flow of the hindpaw; and a hindlimb ischemia model. TRPA1 inhibition or deficiency blocked spontaneous licking in the transient hindlimb ischemia/reperfusion model and cold hypersensitivity in the diabetic mouse model mice. Consistent with these results, the nocifensive behaviors induced by intraplantar injection of a TRPA1 agonist were enhanced in the diabetic neuropathy and hindlimb ischemia models. Hypoxia enhanced H2O2-induced TRPA1 responses in human TRPA1-expressing cells and cultured mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons, with this hypoxia-induced TRPA1 sensitization to H2O2 being associated with hypoxia-induced inhibition of the hydroxylation of prolyl hydroxylases. These results suggest that dysesthesia following blood flow reduction is caused by the activation of TRPA1 sensitized by hypoxia and that hypoxia-induced TRPA1 sensitization plays a pivotal role in painful dysesthesia induced by peripheral blood flow reduction.

Highlights • Spinal intramedullary tuberculoma is a rare case. • Clinical presentation of spinal IMTB is non-distinctive from other intramedullary lesions in the absence of systemic TB. • Tuberculoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all intramedullary space-occupying lesion (SOL) in TB endemic countries. • Early surgical decompression in selected cases may provide good long-term outcomes., Introduction Spinal intramedullary tuberculoma (IMTB) is a rare disease that accounts for 1 to 2/100,000 patients with tuberculosis [1]. This case demonstrated that this patient had atypical presentations compared to common tuberculosis considering that IMTB cases are really rare. Case presentation A 19-year-old male presenting with back pain and weakness of both lower limbs, which started in the left lower limb and subsequently involved the right lower limb for three months. He had sensory impairment below T6 and hypoesthesia. He complained of urine hesitancy and a feeling of incomplete voiding of urine. He was on anti-tubercular treatment (ATT) for last two months. MRI exhibited hypointense portion on T1-weighted images. T2-weighted image also showed hypointensity at T6, which suggested for intramedullary mass. Excisional biopsy was suggestive for tuberculoma. Discussion In TB-endemic country like in Indonesia, tuberculoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis for intramedullary SOL irrespective of age or presence of extra-cranial focus of TB. MRI is the optimal tool for evaluating and diagnosing IMTB at an early stage and useful in follow-up. However, IMTB imaging characteristics may vary with immune response of individual or the stage of the tuberculoma formation [3]. The aim of early surgery is to decompress the spinal cord and achieve improvement in neurological function. Conclusion This case was reported to emphasize that early surgical decompression is required as a delay might cause damage to the spinal cord. This case also provides some evidences based data, thus contributing to the future research studies and clinical practice.

Highlights • Osteochondroma is the most common type of bone tumor. • It rarely arises on the cervical spine. • It rarely occurs in the elderly. • Although rare, it may be considered as a differential diagnosis of radiculopathy among the elderly., Introduction Osteochondroma is the most prevalent type of bone tumour, often arising in the long bones. Most are found in the third decade of life, and rarely in the axial skeleton of elderly patients. This case report aims to highlight the possibility of this differential diagnosis in an elderly patient with symptoms of radiculopathy, aside from degenerative cause. Presentation of case A 76-years-old woman presented to the authors’ hospital with complaints of pain and numbness of the left suboccipital and preauricular region. There was hypoesthesia of left C2 and C3 dermatome without any signs of myelopathy. CT-scan and MRI showed an expansile bone lesion from the posterior arch of C1 and lamina of C2. The patient underwent laminectomy of C1 and hemilaminectomy of C2. Postoperative histopathologic examination showed the features of osteochondroma. Radiologic follow-up after nine months showed no sign of recurrence. After eighteen months, the patient was ambulatory with complaints of fingers numbness and moderate neck pain. Discussion Osteochondroma usually arises in long bone metaphysis. This lesion normally ceases to grow with growth plate closure, but other findings suggest it may continue to grow beyond skeletal maturity. About 29.5% of all osteochondroma of the spine would cause radiculopathy, and 27% would cause myelopathy. The cervical spine osteochondroma is usually treated by en bloc resection through posterior approach. Conclusion Osteochondroma of the cervical spine in the elderly is rare. However, this diagnosis could be considered as a possible cause of radiculopathy in this age group aside from other degenerative causes.

Lipofibromatous hamartoma (LFH) is a rare benign tumor affecting the peripheral nerves, particularly the median nerve. It is characterized by fatty tissue infiltrating the nerve. We report the case of a patient with LFH of the median nerve, recurrent branch and ulnar proper palmar digital nerve of the thumb associated with macrodactyly. It was responsible for hypoesthesia of the thumb's hemi-pulp and secondary carpal tunnel syndrome confirmed by electroneuromyography (ENMG). Diagnosis was suspected based on the MRI findings. The patient underwent surgical treatment consisting of open carpal tunnel release combined with neurolysis of the ulnar proper palmar digital nerve of the thumb. The extraneural LFH tissue was excised also. Forty-five days after surgery, the patient no longer had nocturnal paresthesia. Ninety days after surgery, sensitivity of the thumb pulp was satisfactory. Symptoms of LFH are related to the increased volume of the affected nerve. In the absence of symptoms, abstention seems to be the best option. In case of neurological clinical signs or ENMG abnormality, surgical treatment is indicated to perform neurolysis and excision of extraneural LFH tissue. The diagnosis is based on histological examination of tissue samples.

A man in his 30s presented with one month of progressive bilateral numbness and paralysis in the lower extremities. He had a history of pulmonary tuberculosis two years earlier, which resolved after treatment with isoniazid, rifampicin, and ethambutol. Physical examination showed hypoesthesia below the level of T10; grade I strength in the bilateral iliopsoas, quadriceps femoris, and tibialis anterior muscles; and bilateral lower extremity hyperreflexia. Gadolinium enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detected a mass in the thoracic canal (fig 1). Fig 1 Gadolinium enhanced MRI of the thoracic spine (sagittal plane) showing a “target” sign—a ring enhancing intramedullary lesion with a clear border measuring 0.8 cm×3.0 cm×0.8 cm (red arrows) …

Background and Aims Etiologic evaluation of postoperative neurologic lesions after regional techniques can be challenging. We present a case of a neurologic lesion after a gynecologic procedure under combined epidural and general anesthesia. Methods Forty-one-year-old female, ASA I, scheduled for abdominal hysterectomy. Epidural catheter was placed before surgery at L3-L4: linear and atraumatic technique, without pain/paresthesia and a negative 0.375% ropivacaine test dose. The surgery lasted 2h in supine position. Gosset retractors were used. In postoperative care unit, a 0.2% ropivacaine bolus (10 ml) was performed and 0.16% ropivacaine epidural perfusion (5.2 ml/h) was connected. Motor block at discharge: Bromage II. Results Twenty-four-hours after surgery epidural perfusion was stopped due to proximal right inferior limb paresthesia and hemiparesis. These complaints persisted and a formal neurological evaluation was performed, documenting decrease segmental strength and allodynia at L3-L4 distribution and hypoesthesia at L5 dermatome. Radiologic evaluation (head/lumbar spine CT and MRI) excluded acute complications. Electromyography revealed decreased motor response on right femoral nerve territory: absent motor activity on vastus-medialis and rectus-femoris muscles; mild signs of active denervation. Physical rehabilitation resulted in progressive improvement of motor deficit. Two months after, hypoesthesia of L2-L4 territory persisted. Conclusions Radiculopathy is a complication of 2.19/10000 epidurals. It can be a consequence of mechanical lesions or neurotoxicity. With a linear epidural technique and normal imaging, the first seems unlikely, but neurotoxicity cannot be excluded. On the other hand, the use of static retractors can cause mechanical or ischemic femoral nerve lesions. Regardless of the etiology, early recognition and implementation of motor rehabilitation programs are crucial.

The peripheral nerve is usually spared in chronic immune sensory polyradiculoneuropathy (CISP) according to a literature review; however, an extended-spectrum of CISP, CISP-plus, was introduced recently. Here we report a 29-year-old Taiwanese man who presented with numbness and hypoesthesia in all distal extremities, tightness sensation in the left posterior thigh, and sensory ataxia for three months. The clinical and neurophysiological examinations revealed proximal sensory abnormalities along with sural nerve involvement. The elevated protein level of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was noted and enlarged dorsal root ganglia were seen on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the whole spine. Autoimmune workup showed only positive human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27. Biopsy of the sural nerve revealed inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy. Only mild improvement was noted after methylprednisolone pulse therapy (1,000mg/day) for three days, and he was then treated with intravenous immunoglobulin with the dosage of 2g/kg-BW followed by azathioprine, and objective improvements were reported. Different from the previous case reports, CISP may also associate with peripheral nerve involvements. A sural nerve biopsy could assist the diagnosis. Further investigation is needed for the possible immune association between CISP-plus and HLA-B27.

Background Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a challenging condition and it can be caused by variable entities. Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LC) is a multifocal seeding of the leptomeninges by malignant cells and it is observed in 1-8% of patients with solid tumors. Diagnosis of intradural metastases of the cauda equina is often delayed due to the non-specific characteristics of this condition but also to the delay of presentation of many patients. Cauda equina metastases usually occur in advanced cancers, but rarely can be the first presentation of disease. Case description A 63-year-old man presented with 6 months history of low back pain and 20 d history of bilateral sciatica, hypoesthesia of the legs and the saddle, flaccid paraparesis and bowel incontinence determine by multiple nodular small lesions on the entire cauda equina with contrast-enhancement. Total-body CT showed a millimetric lesion at the lung. The patient underwent L2-L5 laminectomy and subtotal removal and histological examination showed a small cell lung carcinoma metastasis. Conclusions In the literature, 54 cases of CES from non-CNS tumor metastasis are described. The diagnosis is challenging, back pain, with or without irradiation to the lower limbs, is the most frequently reported disturbance. In about 30% of patients there is no known malignancy and CES is the first clinical presentation. Treatment of choice is surgery, followed by radiotherapy and less frequently adjuvant chemotherapy. The surgical removal is almost always incomplete and functional outcome is often not satisfactory. Prognosis is poor.

Introduction Neurological sequelae of infraorbital nerve (ION) lesion 6 months after orbital floor or zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures, associated with initial ION injury, were compared according to the treatment performed and the type of fracture. The topographic and symptomatic sequelae at 6 months were described. Materials and methods Patients with orbital floor or ZMC fracture associated with initial ION injury, between November 2018 and April 2020 and clinically reassessed 6 months after trauma were included. Detailed neurological symptomatology was assessed by a questionnaire. Results A total of 81 patients were included. Forty-two patients (51.8%) showed persistent neurological signs, i.e., isolated hypoesthesia in 28 patients (66.7%), isolated pain in 10 patients (23.8%) and both in 5 patients (9.5%). The most affected area was the cheek (42.8%). Thirty-eight patients (46.9%) presented associated signs, which were intermittent in 78.9% of cases. A pronounced improvement happened for 65.1% of patients and 76.7% were not or only slightly hindered in their daily activities. There were significantly more neurologic symptoms at 6 months in the surgical group than in the observational group and more in the ZMC fracture group than in the orbital floor fracture group. Discussion Neurological symptomatology was more frequent in patients treated surgically. Our results suggest the interest of a surgical decompression when orbital or ZMC fracture is associated with nerve damage but more data are needed. Neurological injury requires a careful initial clinical evaluation and regular follow-up to help patients coping, painful symptoms may benefit from specialized care.

Patient: Male, 33-year-old Final Diagnosis: Traumatic Brown-Séquard syndrome Symptoms: Bilateral lower limb weakness • contralateral (right) hypoesthesia from the level of the nipple below • knee and ankle jerks both were 2 on the right side and 0 on the left Medication: — Clinical Procedure: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical and thoracic spine • whole-body computed tomography (CT) Specialty: Surgery Objective: Unusual clinical course Background: Traumatic spinal cord injuries are quite common; however, a rare form of incomplete spinal cord injury is Brown-Séquard syndrome. Brown-Séquard syndrome is defined by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes as “a rare neurological condition characterized by a lesion in the spinal cord which results in weakness or paralysis (hemiparaplegia) on one side of the body and a loss of sensation (hemianesthesia) on the opposite side.” Case Report: A 33-year-old man was brought to the Emergency Department by Saudi Red Crescent with multiple stab wounds on the left upper thoracic and lower cervical regions. He was tachycardic, but otherwise vitally stable. His Glasgow Coma Scale score was 15. The patient presented with bilateral lower limb weakness, more on the ipsilateral (left) side, and contralateral (right) hypoesthesia from the level of the nipple below. Cervical and thoracic magnetic resonance imaging revealed ligamentous injury defect at the posterior dura and indicating a dural tear with minor cerebrospinal fluid leak. Focal hyperintense signal intensity was noted on the left side of the spinal cord, representing contusion. The patient was managed conservatively with daily physical therapy. Strength had improved substantially by the time of discharge and sensation was improving. Conclusions: Brown-Séquard syndrome is associated with good prognosis. These patients require a multidisciplinary approach because it provides the best chance of recovery to pre-injury status. These injuries may cause disastrous neurological deficits; therefore, preventive strategies should be designated to decrease the incidence of such injuries.

Introduction: For centuries fracture of clavicle has been treated conservatively non-union of clavicle fracture is rare, Mal-union was considered to be of radiographic importance only. The scenario has changed and there has been a shift towards operative treatment on union, cosmesis, early recovery grounds. Both the methods is compared taking into account the union, cosmesis, early recovery, functional outcome and satisfaction of the patient. Materials and Methods: Total 70 patients of displaced fracture of clavicle (AO B1 & B2) were divided into two groups that is non-operative and operative. The informed consent was taken. The patient were explained about both modalities & procedure, cost, outcome and complications of each modality. After the decision of the patient he was allotted to Group I (conservative) & Group II (operative) the study was carried out till 35 patients were included in each group. The follow-up of both group’s patients were done at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months using patients subjective evaluation, DASH score, range of motion, radiological assessment and complication if any. Observation and Result: Of all 70 patients the age varied between 20-66 years with mean age was 34.5 years. In the conservative group 23(65.7%) and in operative group 26 (74.2%) had dominant side involvement. In non-operative group there were 3(8.75%) cases of non-union, 15 (42.8%) mal-union, 5 (14.2%) muscle wasting, and 4 (11.4%) pressure symptoms in upper limb 2 (5.71%) stiffness of shoulder, 8 (22.85%) pain after union. Of 15 cases of mal-union only 7 (20%). 5 (14.28%) patients complaint of hardware prominence and irritation. Total 4 (11.42%) patients needed implant removal (2 due to infection and 2 due to hardware problem). 6 (17.14%) patients complaint of postoperative infraclavicular hypoesthesia. The DASH score was superior in Group II over I at 6 weeks and at 3 months. Overall in non-operative patients 22 (62.85%) were satisfied (17.14%) were not satisfied in opera

One of the drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome is atomoxetine. Usually, the drug is well tolerated but in rare cases adverse advents may occur. An 18-year-old female under atomoxetine (60 mg/d) since 2 years for attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome since age 13 years, developed sudden onset headache, hemianopia to the right, hypoesthesia of the tongue and right arm, aphasia, and depersonalisation. Blood tests revealed hyper-CK-emia of 2860U/L, cerebral magnetic resonance imaging showed disturbed perfusion on the left temporo-parieto-occipital region, and electroencephalography (EEG) revealed focal slowing and spikes and sharp waves in the same projections. After discontinuation of atomoxetine, symptoms, EEG, and magnetic resonance imaging findings resolved spontaneously within 48 hours. In conclusion, atomoxetine may rarely cause severe side effects such as complex partial seizures with CK-elevation, transient hypoperfusion of the temporal, parietal and occipital lobes, and prolonged reorientation. Atomoxetine should be discontinued if such side effects occur.

Tolosa-Hunt syndrome is an uncommon disease that exhibits unilateral periorbital pain or headache, accompanied by cranial nerve palsies. Myasthenia gravis is an acquired immune system disease involving the neuromuscular junction. One rare case of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome combined with ocular myasthenia gravis had been reported in the literature, but not general myasthenia gravis. We present a patient with a probable coincidence of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome and general myasthenia gravis. A 63-year-old male exhibited episodes of unilateral headache with double vision, bilateral ptosis, vision decrease in the left eye and left facial hypoesthesia, muscle weakness in limbs and neck. The muscle weakness was fluctuating and could be relieved by rest. Blood analysis, cranial magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance angiography/venogram) and orbit/mediastinum computed tomography demonstrated no abnormalities. Serum myasthenia gravis related antibodies detection showed positive titin- antibodies and ryanodine receptor antibodies. Corticosteroid and pyridostigmine bromide treatments were effective. Each of the patient's symptoms had almost disappeared at the third-month follow-up. We speculate on the etiology of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome with general myasthenia.

An intraneural hemangioma of the peroneal nerve is quite a rare disease with only 2 case reports in the literature. In this article, we have presented a 39-year-old male patient with a peroneal nerve intraneural hemangioma. The patient presented to our clinic with hypoesthesia on the dorsal aspect of the foot and with weakness in dorsiflexion of the ankle one day later after undergoing a puncture at another clinic due to swelling and pain at the level of the head of the fibula and at the peroneal nerve track. MRI revealed a mass with a hyperintense signaling pattern on the T1, T2 and fat-suppressed sequences at the peroneal nerve bifurcation. The surgical resection and histopathological examination confirmed the presence of the intraneural hemangioma. During follow up, it is seen that the clinic dramatically got well. There were no recurrences in the MRI in the 2 years of follow-up.follow-up. [Hand Microsurg 2019; 8(3.000): 185-189]

The syndrome of Foix–Alajouanine (SFA) is a group of rare vascular diseases of the spinal cord. Etiological factors of development of this condition are anomalies of spinal veins, spinal dural arterio-venous fi stulas in the leading arteries, in the intramedullary network, as well as in venous collectors. The disease has a progressive and step-like course with periods of exacerbations and incomplete remissions, while the beginning can be both acute and subacute. The clinical picture is dominated by symptoms of myelopathy. Depending on the level of the lesion of the spinal cord violation of its functions can be characterized by a symptom complex of: 1) movement disorders (tetra – or paraparaesis spastic or peripheral); 2) changes in superfi cial and deep sensitivity (anesthesia, hypoesthesia, hyperesthesia at polyneuritises, conduction or segmental type, hyperpathia, allodynia, sensory ataxia); 3) infringement of functions of pelvic organs by type of Central delay or incontinence; 4) autonomic-trophic disorders. The manifestation of myelopathy may be initially asymmetric. Nonspecifi c symptoms often mask the disease, which causes diffi culties in timely diagnosis, diff erential search, establishing the true cause of disorders of the spinal cord. As a rule, only with a detailed clinical picture that determines the topical level of the lesion, and after a targeted MRI study with a vascular program, it is possible to establish a fi nal diagnosis. Lethal outcomes in this disease are possible in the case of thromboembolic complications associated with opportunistic infections of the pulmonary and urinary systems. We have presented a description of two patients with signs of progressive myelopathy at the thoracic level. One of them had background diseases – atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus. Identifi ed the syndrome of Foix–Alajouanine vascular anomalies require immediate surgical intervention. With untimely treatment, a severe irreversible neurological defi cit, especially motor function, can form, which prevents the social adaptation of patients.

Background: Iatrogenic cervical spondylodiscitis is rare, but may occur after various medical interventions.Methods: We report a case of a diabetic 70-years-old female with C5-C6 spondylodiscitis and symptomatic epidural abscess with neck pain and upper limb paresis after endoscopic botulinum toxin injection for the treatment of dysphagia. Treatment included antibiotic therapy with amoxicillin and later on benzylpenicillin for the next ten weeks and corporectomy with spondylodesis.Result: The patient made an excellent recovery, with complete resolution of paresis and only minor residual hypoesthesia at one year after operation.Conclusion: Cervical spondylodiscitis should be considered early, in patients with neck pain after endoscopic cricopharyngeal injection, as timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious and irreversible neurological deficit. (C) 2019 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Demographic and clinical features of 32 patients diagnosed with dupuytren contracture and operated by partial fasciectomy were included in this study. Functional results, complications and recurrence rates were discussed with current literature. In our study male/female ratio was 7/1, mean age at onset of disease was 55.4±7.1, mean age at surgery was 60.4±8.1. There were etiological factors such as a family history in 7 patients (21.875%), smoking in 22 patients (68.75%), regular alcohol use in 6 patients (%18,75), type 2 diabetes in 10 patients (31.25%), hepatic disease in 2 patients (6.25%), long term barbiturate use for epilepsy in 1 patients (3.125%). The most often involved finger was the ring finger in 26 patients (81.25%), the small finger in 18 patients (56.25%), middle finger in 8 patients (25%) and index finger in 1 patient (3.125%). The pre-operative mean total passive extension deficit (TPEK) was 89.68o ± 30.29, the post-operative mean TPED was 6.09o ± 6.44. The post-operative mean total extension gain was 93.2%. The mean follow-up was 70±44 months, 1 patient (3.125%) had a recurrence in this period. The overall complications occured in 3 patients (9.375%), including skin necrosis in 2 patients (treated with dressings) and temporary hypoesthesia in 1 patient. The partial faciectomy is an effective and reliable method for the surgical treatment of dupuyren contracture because of improvement enough correction in the MCF and PIP joint contracture, the low rate of complication and recurrence rates.

Background Transoral robotic thyroidectomy (TORT) is an ideal method for minimally invasive thyroidectomy, as there is less flap dissection during the procedure and no postoperative scars. However, this method also has the limitation of present DaVinci system and some technical problems related to CO2 gas insufflation that must be resolved. We investigated the feasibility and safety of gasless TORT using the latest version of the DaVinci system (SP). Methods From October 2018 to January 2019, we performed 10 surgeries of gasless TORT using the DaVinci SP at Yonsei University Hospital. Results Nine patients underwent unilateral thyroid lobectomy and one patient received total thyroidectomy. All operations were successfully completed. Nine cases had papillary thyroid carcinoma, and one had benign nodules. The mean surgical time was 177 min, and the mean hospital stay was 6.3 days. There were no reports of transient or permanent vocal cord palsy, recurrence, or mortality during the follow-up period. Temporary hypoesthesia of the chin due to mental nerve injury was observed in 3 of 10 patients, but it recovered spontaneously within 1 months in all cases. Conclusions Gasless TORT using the DaVinci SP system is feasible and safe for selected patients and is a potential alternative approach for scarless thyroid surgery.

Anatomic variation of palmar digital nerve pathways were reported in several cases. Selective exploration of palmar digital nerves with a nerve conduction study has been challenging, because of technical issues. We report a patient who received bilateral carpal tunnel release operation, complaining of a tingling sensation, and hypoesthesia on the middle and ring fingers. An electrodiagnostic study revealed a sensory neuropathy of palmar digital nerve of the left median nerve, supplying the ulnar side of the middle finger, and radial side of the ring finger. She underwent re-operation of open left carpal tunnel release, and a branching site of common digital nerves of the median nerve was identified not at the palm, but at a far proximal site around the distal wrist crease. Usefulness of an orthodromic sensory conduction study was clarified to eliminate volume conducted response or co-activation of nearby nerves in the patient with selective involvement of palmar digital nerve.

The long-term results for inguinal hernia repair (IH) with the use of biological mesh (BM) are not known. A prospective study was started in 2003–2004 to evaluate the results of pure tissue (IH) repair with the use of biological mesh with a 10-year follow-up. From March 2003 to December 2004, all patients with IH who presented to the office, including incarcerated and recurrent IH, not excluding any, underwent pure tissue IH repair reinforced with a BM. During this period, 101 patients (87/male, 14/female) underwent 104 IH repair with a continuous suture of transversalis to transversalis fascia repair reinforced with BM of porcine intestinal submucosal origin (Surgisis, Cook) and were followed up for 10 years. There were 104 IH, 90 electives (86%), 2 incarcerated (1.9%), and 12 recurrent (11%). Follow-up was scheduled at 1 week, 1 month, 1 year, 3 years, 7 years and 10 years., in 100%, 100%, 99%, 93%, 89% and 85% of the patients, respectively. Recurrence was observed in 2/104 (1.9%): one recurrence at 1 week in a patient with bilateral IH and one at 7 years. The mean recovery time was 1.2 days (range 1–5 days). Mortality was 0(0%). Complications: six hematic infiltration to the scrotum and one to the vulva, all resolved spontaneously; wound infection 0(0%); urinary retention 11/104 (10.5%); inguinal scrotal hypoesthesia 7/104(6.7%), improved after 4–6months; asymptomatic fever of 39°C, 2/104 patients (1.9%), responded to a single dose of 4 mg betamethasone. No long-term inguinal pain complaint was found except for one patient with a recurrent IH. The use of BM to reinforce a pure tissue IH repair is safe and effective. The recurrence rate is comparable to short- and long-term synthetic mesh IH repair with less complications and pain than the use of synthetic mesh as reported in the literature.

Background Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a severe type of neuropathic pain which is often inadequately managed using conventional therapies. In this report, we present the first case of TN treated with gasserian ganglion nerve coblation (NC). Case summary A 58-year-old man presented with right facial pain, mostly localized in the right zygomatic zone, alveolar region, and jaws. Similar to acupuncture and shock pain, the pain lasted about five seconds after each attack before resolving unaided. A diagnosis of TN was made, after which treatment with acupuncture therapy and oral carbamazepine was given. However, the pain was not satisfactorily controlled. Subsequently, gasserian ganglion NC of the right trigeminal nerve guided by computed tomography (CT) was performed on the patient. Following this procedure, the right zygomatic, alveolar, submandibular, and cheek pain disappeared completely. The right zygomatic and alveolar areas experienced mild numbness (level II). At 1-, 2-, 3-, and 6-mo follow-ups after surgery, the patient was painless and the numbness score was level I. Conclusion CT-guided gasserian ganglion (NC) is an effective treatment for TN and is associated with less or no postoperative numbness or hypoesthesia in comparison with current standard-of-care approaches.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Neuropathic mechanisms are involved in burning mouth syndrome (BMS), and variation of the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) gene contributes to experimental pain perception. We investigated whether neurophysiologic findings differ in BMS patients compared to healthy controls, and whether 957C>T polymorphism of the DRD2 gene influences thermal sensitivity or pain experience in BMS. METHODS Forty-five BMS patients (43 women), mean age 62.5 years, and 32 healthy controls (30 women), mean age 64.8 years, participated. Patients estimated pain intensity, interference, suffering and sleep with Numeric Rating Scale. Blink reflex tests of the supraorbital (SON), mental (MN) and lingual (LN) nerves, and thermal quantitative sensory testing were done. The results were analysed with ANOVA. DRD2 gene 957C>T polymorphism was determined in 31 patients, and its effects on neurophysiologic and clinical variables were analysed. RESULTS Cool (p = 0.0090) and warm detection thresholds (p = 0.0229) of the tongue were higher in BMS patients than controls. The stimulation threshold for SON BR was higher in patients than in controls (p = 0.0056). The latencies of R2 component were longer in BMS patients than in controls (p = 0.0005) at the SON distribution. Habituation of SON BR did not differ between the groups. The heat pain thresholds were highest (p = 0.0312) in homozygous patients with 957TT, who also reported most interference (p = 0.0352) and greatest suffering (p = 0.0341). Genotype 957CC associated with sleep disturbances (p = 0.0254). CONCLUSIONS Burning mouth syndrome patients showed thermal hypoesthesia within LN distribution compatible with small fibre neuropathy. The DRD2 957C>T genotype influences perception and experience of BMS pain. SIGNIFICANCE The results confirm earlier findings of neuropathic pain in BMS. The DRD2 957 C>T genotype influences perception and experience of clinical pain in BMS.

Objective The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation (PRT) via the foramen rotundum (FR) for the treatment of isolated maxillary (V2) idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (ITN) and assess the appropriate puncture angle through the anterior coronoid process to reach the FR. Methods Between January 2011 and October 2016, 87 patients with V2 ITN refractory to conservative treatment were treated by computed tomography (CT)–guided PRT via the FR at our institution. The outcome of pain relief was assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS) and Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain grade and grouped as complete pain relief (BNI grades I–III) or unsuccessful pain relief (BNI grades IV–V). Recurrence and complications were also monitored and recorded. The puncture angle for this novel approach was assessed based on intraoperative CT images. Results Of the 87 treated patients, 85 (97.7%) achieved complete pain relief, and two patients (2.3%) experienced unsuccessful pain relief immediately after operation. During the mean follow-up period of 44.3 months, 15 patients (17.2%) experienced recurring pain. No severe complications occurred, except for hypoesthesia restricted to the V2 distribution in all patients (100%) and facial hematoma in 10 patients (11.5%). The mean puncture angle to reach the FR was 33.6° ± 5.7° toward the sagittal plane. Discussion CT-guided PRT via the FR for refractory isolated V2 ITN is effective and safe and could be a rational therapy for patients with V2 ITN.

The aim of our study was to demonstrate the benefits of combining the Canaletto® implant with carboxymethylcellulose/polyethylene oxide gel in the surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) recurrences. Our case series included 39 patients (40 hands, one bilateral case) who underwent revision surgery for recurrent CTS (28 cases) or resistant CTS (12 cases). The mean age of the patients was 56 years. The Canaletto® only was implanted in the first 21 cases (group I). In the following 19 cases (group II), Dynavisc® gel was added to the protocol and applied around the median nerve when the Canaletto® was implanted. At 12 months’ follow-up (group I) and 11 months’ follow-up (group II), the pre-versus post-operative difference between the average values of the DN4 neuropathic Pain Score was 0.55/10 in group I and 2.25/10 in group II; the Pain Score was 2.23/10 (in group I) and 2.52/10 (in group II); the Quick DASH Score was 18.98/100 (group I) and 19.06/100 (in group II); the hand grip strength was 19.55% (group I) and 28.53% (group II); the sensory nerve conduction velocity was 8.67 m/s (group I) and 10.27 m/s (group II); the distal motor latency was 1.05 m/s (group I) and 1.75 m/s (group II). Nine patients recovered from hypoesthesia in both groups, 5 patients regained satisfactory trophism of the thenar muscles in group I and 3 patients in group II. No improvement whatsoever was noted in 2 patients in group II, despite the electromyogram being normal. One patient from group II suffered an infection that required revision surgery to remove the Canaletto®; this led to a moderate improvement. Our results show that when resistant or recurrent CTS is diagnosed, the combined treatment of an anti-adhesion gel such as Dynavics® around the median nerve with the Canaletto® implant after performing secondary neurolysis leads to satisfactory post-operative outcomes. Compared to other techniques described in the current literature, our technique is less invasive, quicker and associated with minimal morbidity of the surgical site.

Background While surgical reconstruction restores mechanical stability following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, many experience early-onset osteoarthritis despite surgery. Neurophysiological changes are hypothesized to contribute to knee osteoarthritis progression. Proprioceptive deficits have been reported following ACL injury/reconstruction; however, vibration perception threshold (VPT) has been less studied. This study explored relationships between pain, VPT, proprioception, function, and strength following ACL-reconstruction. Methods Twenty individuals (27 ± 6 years; 10 males) (standard deviation) status-post ACL-reconstruction were compared with a control group. Measurements included VPT, proprioception (threshold to detect passive movement), pain, function (Knee Outcome Survey (KOS)) and isometric quadriceps strength. Group differences were assessed using Mann-Whitney U tests, side-to-side differences with Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests, and associations evaluated using Spearman correlations. Results The ACL-reconstruction group had minor functional deficits (15 ± 11%) and resting pain (1.8 ± 1.7). Impaired VPT and proprioception (hypoesthesia) were demonstrated on surgical compared to contralateral and control limbs (p ≤ 0.008). Proprioception was significantly different between contralateral and control knees, but not VPT. Surgical knee proprioceptive deficits and VPT deficits were positively correlated (ρ = 0.462, p = 0.047) but not in controls (ρ = −0.042, p = 0.862). Strength was negatively correlated to pain (ρ = −0.589; p = 0.006), but not to KOS scores, proprioception or VPT (p ≥ 0.099). Conclusion Proprioceptive deficits following ACL injury have been ascribed to loss of afferent input from the torn ligament. Alternatively, multi-modality as well as contralateral sensory deficits suggest a spinal/supraspinal source of neurophysiological findings which may predispose to early osteoarthritis. Level of evidence III.

A 58-year-old female with an eight-year history of rhinorrhea and a two-day history of subjective fever, chills, and vomiting presented to the emergency department for neurosurgical evaluation. Brain MRI demonstrated herniation of the meninges and portions of the inferomedial right temporal lobe through a defect of the lateral wall of the right sphenoid sinus, extending to the sphenoethmoidal recess and posterior right ethmoid air cells. A right pterional craniotomy was performed where the herniated part of the right temporal lobe, and its associated meninges, were excised. After surgery, she had hypoesthesia at the right maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve. This finding was caused by the proximity of the trigeminal nerve to the dural dissection that we performed at the bone defect. This rare complication has never been described after intracranial surgery. Only eight literature reports have described hypoesthesia or paresthesia of the trigeminal nerve after endoscopic resection of a sphenoid sinus meningoencephalocele. The patient has not had any recurrence of rhinorrhea after a six-month follow-up period.

When lower third molar inclusion is associated with neurosensorial complications, the treatment of choice is its surgical avulsion. One of these complications, that may be the most alarming during a first medical examination, is hemi-lip paraesthesia, that can appear in the presence of several mandibular lesions. This is a report of a rare clinical case in which paraesthesia was linked to the closeness between the root block of the dental element and the mandibular canal, which houses the neurovascular trunk of the lower mandibular nerve. A 64 year-old male Caucasian patient, presented with the chief complaint of past periodic inflammatory events in the retromolar region of the oral cavity and hemi-lip paraesthesia. Upon local clinical and radiological examination, a lower left third molar with class 3 position C inclusion was incriminated. The medical history of the patient revealed well compensated diabetes mellitus type II, and pharmacologically controlled hypertension. The tooth was surgically removed using piezoelectric instruments. Before and after surgery, three types of tests (tactile, pain and thermal sensitivity) were carried out to delimit the area affected by paraesthesia. At 7 days, the area of hypoesthesia of the hemi-lip was significantly reduced. Further improvement in tactile and thermal sensitivity occurred in subsequent follow-up, at 1 and 3 months, postoperatively. This clinical case demonstrates that the surgical intervention performed with piezoelectric instruments prevented the damage of an important structure such as the lower mandibular nerve, and promoted regression of a contingent paraesthesia.

Perineal anesthesia is defined as the loss of sensation to the area of buttocks, perianal space and thighs. It is often seen in cauda equina syndrome as a collection of acute symptoms mostly occurring secondary to a large disc herniations leading to neuropathy of multiple lumbar and sacral nerve roots. We present 30 years- old male patient who was admitted with sever left leg pain for over a month. On neurological examination a 3/5 plantarflexion paresis was observed on the left with hypoesthesia concordant to the S1 dermatome. A lumbar MRI showed a broad left L5-S1 disc herniation was detected. The patient underwent interlaminar endoscopic disc surgery and postoperatively, was relieved of his pain and a slightly improvement of his paresis was seen. On the first week follow-up he complained of anesthesia of his buttocks when sitting. On follow-up MRI, the disc was removed completely and no further pathologies could be seen. The patient continued physical therapy and on the 8th week postoperatively his paresis and perineal anesthesia resolved completely. Perineal anesthesia following endoscopic disc surgery was a complication we never have experienced at out clinic. Even when searching through medical databases we have not seen any reports in the literature in that way.