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Alexander TD, Stefanelli A, Thalheimer S, Heller JE. Sleep apnea and unilateral upper and lower extremity allodynia as a result of a large thoracic disc herniation: a case report. SLEEP SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s41606-021-00067-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Clinically significant disc herniations in the thoracic spine are rare accounting for approximately 1% of all disc herniations. In patients with significant spinal cord compression, presenting symptoms typically include ambulatory dysfunction, lower extremity weakness, lower extremity sensory changes, as well as bowl, bladder, or sexual dysfunction. Thoracic disc herniations can also present with thoracic radiculopathy including midback pain and radiating pain wrapping around the chest or abdomen. The association between thoracic disc herniation with cord compression and sleep apnea is not well described.
Case presentation
The following is a case of a young male patient with high grade spinal cord compression at T7-8, as a result of a large thoracic disc herniation. The patient presented with complaints of upper and lower extremity unilateral allodynia and sleep apnea. Diagnosis was only made once the patient manifested more common symptoms of thoracic stenosis including left lower extremity weakness and sexual dysfunction. Following decompression and fusion the patient’s allodynia and sleep apnea quickly resolved.
Conclusions
Thoracic disc herniations can present atypically with sleep apnea. We recommend taking into consideration that sleep symptoms may resolve when planning treatment for thoracic disc herniation.
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Perry T. Treatment of thoracic spine pain and pseudovisceral symptoms with dry needling and manual therapy in a 78-year-old female: A case report. Physiother Theory Pract 2021; 38:3255-3263. [PMID: 34632909 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2021.1987603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
DESIGN Case Report. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Thoracic spine pain and movement dysfunction is a relatively common problem in the general population but has received little attention in research. Dry needling is frequently utilized by physical therapists and has been shown to reduce pain and improve function in areas, such as the cervical and lumbar spine, shoulder, hip, and knee. However, little research has been performed on the use of dry needling in the thoracic area with only two prior case studies being published. This case report documents the use of dry needling and manual therapy to treat a patient with symptoms of thoracic spine pain with concurrent pseudovisceral symptoms of chest pain and difficulty breathing. CASE DESCRIPTION The patient was a 78-year-old female who was referred to physical therapy with complaints of pain focused in her mid-thoracic spine radiating anteriorly into her chest. The patient underwent medical diagnostic tests prior to her referral to physical therapy to rule out cardiac pathology, pulmonary pathology, and fracture. She was treated with dry needling and manual therapy for a total of four sessions over a two-week period. OUTCOMES Fifteen days after her initial evaluation, the patient reported she was pain-free with a pain score of 0/10 on the VAS. She reported she was no longer taking pain medication or NSAIDS. She was able to return to normal daily activities without restriction and normal sleep pattern. Her score on the Oswestry disability index at intake was 42% impairment and 2% impairment after 4 treatments. At follow-up 6 weeks and 12 weeks after her discharge from physical therapy, the patient reported she continued to be pain-free.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd Perry
- Perry Physical Therapy, PLLC, Trillium Wellness Center, Potsdam, NY, USA.,Department of Physical Therapy, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, USA
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3
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Kashyap S, Webb AG, Friis EA, Arnold PM. Management of single-level thoracic disc herniation through a modified transfacet approach: A review of 86 patients. Surg Neurol Int 2021; 12:338. [PMID: 34345479 PMCID: PMC8326068 DOI: 10.25259/sni_94_2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Symptomatic thoracic disc herniation (TDH) is rare and does not typically resolve with conservative management. Traditional surgical management is the transthoracic approach; however, this approach can carry significant risk. Posterolateral approaches are less invasive, but no single approach has proven to be more effective than the other results are often dependent on surgeon experience with a particular approach, as well as the location and characteristics of the disc herniation. Methods: This was retrospective review of a prospectively collected database. Eighty-six patients with TDH treated surgically through the modified transfacet approach were reviewed and evaluated for pain improvement, Nurick grade, and neurological symptoms. Patients were followed for 12 months postoperatively; estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, hospital course, and postoperative complications were also assessed. Results: All attempts at disc resection were successful. Most patients reported improvement in pain, sensory involvement, and strength. Seventy-nine patients had complete resolution of their symptoms while four patients had unchanged symptoms. Three patients experienced mild neurologic worsening postoperatively, but this resolved back to baseline. One patient experienced myelopathy during the postoperative period that resolved with steroid administration. The procedure was well tolerated with minimal complications. Conclusion: TDH can be managed surgically through a variety of approaches. The selection of approach is dependent on surgeon experience with an approach, the patient’s health, and the location and type of disc. The transfacet approach is safe and efficacious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Kashyap
- Department of Neurosurgery, Riverside University Health System, Riverside, California, United States
| | - Andrew G Webb
- Department of Clinical Imaging Research, Carle Illinois College of Medicine Beckman Institute of Advanced Science and Technology, Urbana, Illinois, United States
| | - Elizabeth A Friis
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
| | - Paul M Arnold
- Department of Neurosurgery, Carle Neuroscience Institute, Urbana, Illinois, United States
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Abedi A, Formanek B, Hah R, Buser Z, Wang JC. Anterior Versus Posterior Decompression for Degenerative Thoracic Spine Diseases: A Comparison of Complications. Global Spine J 2021; 11:442-449. [PMID: 32875877 PMCID: PMC8119921 DOI: 10.1177/2192568220907337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective database. OBJECTIVES Although posterior decompression is the most common approach for surgical treatment of degenerative thoracic spine disease, anterior approach is gaining interest due to its advantage in disc visualization. The objective of this study was to compare the intra- and postoperative medical complication rates between anterior and posterior decompression for degenerative thoracic spine pathologies. METHODS A national US insurance database was queried for patients with degenerative diagnoses who had undergone anterior or posterior thoracic decompression. Incidence of intra- and postoperative complications were evaluated on the day of surgery and within 1 and 3 months. Two subgroups were matched based on age, gender, and comorbidity. The association of decompression approach and complications was assessed using logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 1459 patients were included, consisting of 1004 patients in posterior and 455 patients in anterior group. Respiratory complications were the most common complications on the day of surgery (8.57%) and within 30 days (17.75%). Matched analysis showed that anterior approach was associated with organ failure, gastrointestinal, and device-/implant-/graft-related complications in all follow-up periods; and with cardiovascular, deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, and respiratory complications in at least 1 follow-up period. Among respiratory complications, anterior decompression was significantly associated with noninfectious etiologies on the day of surgery (odds ratio [OR] = 1.72), within 30 days (OR = 2.05), and within 90 days (OR = 1.92). CONCLUSIONS Anterior approach was associated with increased rates of several complications. High rates of respiratory complications necessitate comprehensive preoperative risk stratification to identify those who may benefit more from posterior approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidin Abedi
- University of Southern
California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Raymond Hah
- University of Southern
California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Zorica Buser
- University of Southern
California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Zorica Buser, Department of Orthopaedic
Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1450 San
Pablo Street, HC4 #5400A, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
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Ishii M, Nishimura Y, Hara M, Eguchi K, Nagashima Y, Awaya T, Ando R, Haimoto S, Wakabayashi T. Thoracic Disc Herniation Manifesting as Abdominal Pain Alone Associated with Thoracic Radiculopathy. NMC Case Rep J 2020; 7:161-165. [PMID: 33062562 PMCID: PMC7538457 DOI: 10.2176/nmccrj.cr.2019-0247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Symptomatic thoracic disc herniation (TDH) with thoracic radiculopathy alone is an extremely rare condition. Here, we report a rare case of TDH in a 52-year-old man who presented with medically refractory severe right flank pain. Based on pain distribution, pain intensity changes according to truncal position, ineffectiveness of intercostal nerve block, and radiological findings, his pain was determined to be caused by TDH at T9-10 level. Symptomatic TDH often requires invasive surgery. However, TDH with radiculopathy alone can be treated via a posterior approach without spinal cord manipulation or spinal fusion. We could eliminate the pain by removing TDH with hemilaminectomy and microdiscectomy using an O-arm-based navigation system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motonori Ishii
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yusuke Nishimura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Masahito Hara
- Department of Neurosurgery, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kaoru Eguchi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Nagashima
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takayuki Awaya
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Ryo Ando
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shoichi Haimoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Wakabayashi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
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Li B, Sursal T, Bowers C, Cole C, Gandhi C, Schmidt M, Mayer S, Al-Mufti F. Chameleons, red herrings, and false localizing signs in neurocritical care. Br J Neurosurg 2020; 36:298-306. [PMID: 32924623 DOI: 10.1080/02688697.2020.1820945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
False localizing signs (FLS) and other misleading neurological signs have long been an intractable aspect of neurocritical care. Because they suggest an incorrect location or etiology of the pathological lesion, they have often led to misdiagnosis and mismanagement of the patient. Here, we reviewed the existing literature to provide an updated, comprehensive descriptive review of these difficult to diagnose signs in neurocritical care. For each sign presented, we discuss the non-false localizing presentation of symptoms, the common FLS or misleading presentation, etiology/pathogenesis of the sign, and diagnosis, as well as any other clinically relevant considerations. Within cranial neuropathies, we cover cranial nerves III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, as well as multiple cranial nerve involvement of IX, X, and XII. FLS ophthalmologic symptoms indicate diagnostically challenging neurological deficits, and here we discuss downbeat nystagmus, ping-pong-gaze, one-and-a-half syndrome, and wall-eyed bilateral nuclear ophthalmoplegia (WEBINO). Cranial herniation syndromes are integral to any discussion of FLS and here we cover Kernohan's notch phenomenon, pseudo-Dandy Walker malformation, and uncal herniation. FLS in the spinal cord have also been relatively well documented, but in addition to compressive lesions, we also discuss newer findings in radiculopathy and disc herniation. Finally, pulmonary syndromes may sometimes be overlooked in discussions of neurological signs but are critically important to recognize and manage in neurocritical care, and here we discuss Cheyne-Stokes respiration, cluster breathing, central neurogenic hyperventilation, ataxic breathing, Ondine's curse, and hypercapnia. Though some of these signs may be rare, the framework for diagnosing and treating them must continue to evolve with our growing understanding of their etiology and varied presentations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyi Li
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Tolga Sursal
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Christian Bowers
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Chad Cole
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Chirag Gandhi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Meic Schmidt
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Stephan Mayer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Fawaz Al-Mufti
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, USA
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Transforaminal Percutaneous Endoscopic Decompression for Lower Thoracic Spinal Stenosis. World Neurosurg 2019; 128:e504-e512. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.04.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Ruetten S, Hahn P, Oezdemir S, Baraliakos X, Merk H, Godolias G, Komp M. Full-endoscopic uniportal decompression in disc herniations and stenosis of the thoracic spine using the interlaminar, extraforaminal, or transthoracic retropleural approach. J Neurosurg Spine 2018; 29:157-168. [PMID: 29856303 DOI: 10.3171/2017.12.spine171096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Surgery for thoracic disc herniation and spinal canal stenosis is comparatively rare and often challenging. Individual planning and various surgical techniques and approaches are required. The key factors for selecting the technique and approach are anatomical location, consistency of the pathology, general condition of the patient, and the surgeon's experience. The objective of the study was to evaluate the technical implementation and outcomes of a full-endoscopic uniportal technique via the interlaminar, extraforaminal, or transthoracic retropleural approach in patients with symptomatic disc herniation and stenosis of the thoracic spine, taking specific advantages and disadvantages and literature into consideration. METHODS Between 2009 and 2015, decompression was performed in 55 patients with thoracic disc herniation or stenosis using a full-endoscopic uniportal technique via an interlaminar, extraforaminal, or transthoracic retropleural approach. Imaging and clinical data were collected during follow-up examinations for 18 months. RESULTS Sufficient decompression was achieved in the full-endoscopic uniportal technique. One patient required revision due to secondary bleeding, and another exhibited persistent deterioration on myelopathy. No other serious complications were observed. All but one patient experienced regression or improvement of their symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The full-endoscopic uniportal technique with an interlaminar, extraforaminal, or transthoracic retropleural approach was found to be a sufficient and minimally invasive method. To cover the entire range of thoracic disc herniations and stenosis within the criteria named, all full-endoscopic approaches are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Ruetten
- 1Center for Spine Surgery and Pain Therapy, Center for Orthopedics and Traumatology of the St. Elisabeth Group-Catholic Hospital Rhein-Ruhr, St. Anna Hospital Herne/Marien Hospital Herne University Hospital of the Ruhr University of Bochum/Marien Hospital Witten, Herne
| | - Patrick Hahn
- 1Center for Spine Surgery and Pain Therapy, Center for Orthopedics and Traumatology of the St. Elisabeth Group-Catholic Hospital Rhein-Ruhr, St. Anna Hospital Herne/Marien Hospital Herne University Hospital of the Ruhr University of Bochum/Marien Hospital Witten, Herne
| | - Semih Oezdemir
- 1Center for Spine Surgery and Pain Therapy, Center for Orthopedics and Traumatology of the St. Elisabeth Group-Catholic Hospital Rhein-Ruhr, St. Anna Hospital Herne/Marien Hospital Herne University Hospital of the Ruhr University of Bochum/Marien Hospital Witten, Herne
| | - Xenophon Baraliakos
- 2Center for Rheumatology, Rheumazentrum Ruhrgebiet, Ruhr University of Bochum, Herne
| | - Harry Merk
- 3Clinic for Orthopaedics and Orthopaedic Surgery, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald
| | - Georgios Godolias
- 4Center for Orthopedics and Traumatology of the St. Elisabeth Group-Catholic Hospital Rhein-Ruhr, St. Anna Hospital Herne/Marien Hospital Herne University Hospital of the Ruhr University Bochum/Marien Hospital Witten, Herne; and
| | - Martin Komp
- 5Center for Spine Surgery and Pain Therapy, Center for Orthopedics and Traumatology of the St. Elisabeth Group-Catholic Hospital Rhein-Ruhr, St. Anna Hospital Herne, University of Witten/Herdecke, Herne, Germany
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The incidence and most common levels of thoracic degenerative disc pathologies. Turk J Phys Med Rehabil 2018; 64:155-161. [PMID: 31453506 DOI: 10.5606/tftrd.2018.1302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives In this study, we aimed to describe and characterize the incidence of thoracic degenerative disc pathologies, bulging/herniation, and the most common affected levels. Patients and methods Between January 2008 and May 2012, a total of 195 patients (109 females, 86 males; mean age 43.5 years; range, 15 to 74 years) who were admitted with the complaint of dorsalgia and underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the thoracic vertebral column were included in the study. Data including MRI findings, endplate and disc degeneration, disc height loss, bulging, and disc herniation were retrospectively analyzed. Results Of 3,348 patients, 195 patients had disc bulging/herniation. When 12 levels in 195 cases were taken into consideration, disc pathologies were found in 412 (18%) levels among the total of 2,340 intervertebral disc levels. Bulging was present in 11% (244/2,340) of the levels. Disc herniation was present in 7% (168/2,340) of the levels. The most commonly affected site was T7-8, followed by T8-9 and T11-12. Conclusion Thoracic disc pathologies are still a significant diagnostic challenge. Our study results show that the incidence of these pathologies is higher than expected.
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Experience in the treatment of thoracic herniated disc using image-guided thorascopy. Rev Esp Cir Ortop Traumatol (Engl Ed) 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.recote.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Sari H, Misirlioglu TO, Palamar D. Regression of a symptomatic thoracic disc herniation with a calcified intervertebral disc component. ACTA ORTHOPAEDICA ET TRAUMATOLOGICA TURCICA 2016; 50:698-701. [PMID: 27956079 PMCID: PMC6197642 DOI: 10.1016/j.aott.2015.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 02/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2015] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
There were only a few cases describing spontaneous regression of calcified thoracic disc herniation in the literature. We present a 38-year-old male office worker who had left paramedian-foraminal extruded disc at T7-T8 with calcifications of the T7-T8 and T8-T9 intervertebral discs. This case was unique in that the non-calcified extruded disc material regressed almost completely in 5 months while the calcified intervertebral discs remained the same during the process of regression. This report stresses that regression of the herniated material of the thoracic discs with subsidence of the symptoms is still possible even if the disc material is calcified.
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Bordon G, Burguet Girona S. Experience in the treatment of thoracic herniated disc using image-guided thorascopy. Rev Esp Cir Ortop Traumatol (Engl Ed) 2015; 61:124-129. [PMID: 26385190 DOI: 10.1016/j.recot.2015.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Thoracoscopic micro-discectomy is a treatment option for thoracic disc disease that combines the advantages of the anterior approach and the benefits of a minimally invasive technique. Adding a navigation system provides many advantages to the usual technique, as it allows accurate marking of the lesion level, improvement in the surgical approach, and precise control of herniated disc resection and vertebral osteotomy. The navigation system also reduces the learning curve for thoracoscopic technique. We report our experience in the treatment of thoracic disc herniation with image-guided thoracoscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Bordon
- Facultativo especialista Unidad de Raquis, Hospital de Manises, Valencia, España, Doctor por la Universidad de Giessen (Alemania).
| | - S Burguet Girona
- Facultativo especialista Unidad de Raquis, Hospital de Manises, Valencia, España.
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Abstract
Every element or cell in the human body produces substances that communicate and respond in an autocrine or paracrine mode, consequently affecting organs and structures that are seemingly far from each other. The same also applies to the skin. In fact, when the integrity of the skin has been altered, or when its healing process is disturbed, it becomes a source of symptoms that are not merely cutaneous. The skin is an organ, and similar to any other structure, it has different functions in addition to connections with the central and peripheral nervous system. This article examines pathological responses produced by scars, analyzing definitions and differences. At the same time, it considers the subcutaneous fascias, as this connective structure is altered when there is a discontinuous cutaneous surface. The consequence is an ample symptomatology, which is not limited to the body area where the scar is located, such as a postural or trigeminal disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Bordoni
- Rehabilitation Cardiology Institute of Hospitalization and Care with Scientific Address, S Maria Nascente Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation. CRESO Osteopathic Centre for Research and Studies
| | - Emiliano Zanier
- EdiAcademy, Milano, Italy. CRESO Osteopathic Centre for Research and Studies
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