Tension Distension Sign (Acevedo's Sign) for the Diagnosis of Lumbar Facet Syndrome: Technical Note

The treatment of low back pain has evolved from an understanding of its pathophysiology, biomechanics, and therapy. The events that characterize the degenerative cascade of modifications that produce pain are well described. Facet joints are early affected when there is a loss of intervertebral disc height and may present biomechanical overload that translates into pain. Clinical diagnosis of lumbar facet syndrome is not straightforward because there are no specific features other than pain triggered by hyperextension + forced rotation of the lumbar spine in a standing position to suspect it. This implies that its diagnostic confirmation depends on bone scintigraphy and selective anesthetic blockade of the dorsal and medial branches of the joint. In this technical note, we present a new clinical sign (Tension Distension Signo sign/Acevedo's sign) described since 2004.

Modification to the Hartel Route Radiofrequency Technique for the Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Technical Note

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a modification to the classical Hartel technique for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

METHODS

Intraoperative radiographs of 30 patients with trigeminal neuralgia treated with radiofrequency were retrospectively reviewed. The distance between the needle and the anterior edge of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) was measured on strict lateral skull radiographs. Surgical time was reviewed, and clinical outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

All patients showed clinical improvement in pain (Visual Analog Scale). In all radiographs, the measurement between the needle and the anterior edge of the TMJ ranged from 10 mm to 22 mm. None of the measurements were below 10 mm or above 22 mm. In most cases, this distance was 18 mm (9 patients), followed by 16 mm in 5 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the inclusion of the oval foramen in a Cartesian coordinate system with axes X, Y, and Z is useful. Directing the needle to a point located 1 cm from the anterior edge of the TMJ, avoiding the medial aspect of the upper jaw ridge, allows for a safer and faster procedure.