Cervical Schwannoma camouflaged by cervical intervertebral disc prolapse-A case report

INTRODUCTION

Cervical prolapsed intervertebral disc is one of the common conditions causing cervical myeloradiculopathy. Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) is the standard line of management for the same. Intradural neurogenic origin tumors are relatively rare and can present with features of myeloradiculopathy. Radiological imaging plays important role in diagnosis of such pathologies.

CASE REPORT

We report a patient with C5-6 cervical disc prolapse that presented with radiculopathy symptoms in the right upper limb, which was refractory to conservative care. He underwent a C5-6 ACDF and reported complete relief from symptoms at 4 weeks. He developed deteriorating symptoms over the next 10 weeks and presented at 14 weeks follow-up with severe myeloradiculopathy symptoms on the left upper limb with upper limb weakness. A fresh MRI identified an intradural extramedullary tumor with cystic changes at the index surgery level. This was treated with tumor excision and histopathology confirmed a diagnosis of schwannoma. Simultaneous presence of cord signal changes with disc herniation obscured the cystic schwannoma which became apparent later on contrast enhanced MRI imaging.

CONCLUSION

Careful review of preoperative imaging and contrast MRI study may help in diagnosing cystic schwannomas with concomitant cervical disc herniations that have cord signal changes.

Osteosclerotic Multiple Myeloma without POEMS Syndrome - A Rare Case Report

Introduction

Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell neoplasm that is commonly associated with lytic bone lesions; however, osteosclerotic multiple myeloma is a rare entity. Osteosclerotic multiple myeloma has been reported in association with POEMS syndrome.

Case Presentation

A 60-year-old female patient presented to us with low back pain for 2 months. The investigations revealed that the patient had multiple osteosclerotic lesions in the axial skeleton with a L4 ivory vertebra. The serum immunoelectrophoresis was negative. Positron emission tomography scan was done which showed multiple skeletal lesions in the right iliac bone, left femoral neck, thoracic vertebrae T1, T6, T12, and lumbar vertebra L4. Biopsy and immunohistochemistry of the lesion showed plasma cell proliferation; producing lambda light chains. However, there were no features of POEMS syndrome including polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, and skin changes. The patient was started on chemoradiation and achieved clinical remission and was asymptomatic at 12 months follow-up.

Conclusion

Osteosclerotic myeloma without the features of POEMS syndrome is an extremely rare entity. This case reports documents a unique clinical scenario of osteosclerotic non-secretory light chain myeloma without POEMS syndrome.

Clinical and radiological factors associated with postoperative shoulder imbalance and correlation with patient-reported outcomes following scoliosis surgery

Background

Shoulder balance (SB) is an important cosmetic concern and is a determinant to assess outcomes following scoliosis surgery. Shoulder imbalance (SI) has been studied predominantly in idiopathic scoliosis with limited literature on other etiologies.

Purpose

To assess SB following scoliosis surgery and correlate SRS-30 self-image scores with radiological shoulder imbalance SI.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed for 43 patients undergoing scoliosis surgery with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Radiological SI was assessed by the coracoid height difference on whole spine standing radiographs at preoperative, 12-weeks postoperative and 2-year follow-up. The preoperative Cobb angle, postoperative Cobb angle and mean correction were recorded. The upper and lower end vertebrae (UEV/LEV), and instrumented vertebrae (UIV/LIV) were documented. The aetiology of scoliosis and functional outcomes based on the SRS-30 questionnaire were noted.

Results

There were 19 males and 24 females with a mean age of 14.5 ± 4.7 years. The 12-week postoperative radiographs showed SI in 15 patients and residual SI in 7 patients at 2-year follow-up. SI was seen in four congenital scoliosis with segmentation or mixed anomalies in the proximal thoracic spine. Two idiopathic scoliosis (Lenke type 1 and type 3) showed SI where the UIV was T3 and T2 respectively. The mean preoperative SRS-30 score for patients with SB (N = 9) was 2.5 ± 0.72 and for SI (N = 34) was 3 ± 0.42 without significant difference (p > 0.5). The final mean SRS-30 self-image score for patients with SB was 3.7 ± 0.54 and for patients with SI was 3.7 ± 0.53 without significant difference (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Radiological SI assessed by coracoid height difference was not associated with a significant difference in SRS 30 scores preoperatively and at 2 year follow up. SI was seen with congenital scoliosis associated with segmentation and mixed anomalies of the proximal thoracic spine.

Assessment of Interobserver Variability for CT Scan-Based Evaluation of Posterior Ligament Complex Injury in Thoracolumbar Fractures: An International Multicenter Pilot Study

STUDY DESIGN

A multicenter, pilot study, for radiological assessment of thoracolumbar spine fractures was performed with the participation of 7 centers in Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America as a part of the AO Foundation network.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the interobserver variability for computed tomography (CT) scan-based evaluation of posterior ligament complex (PLC) injury in thoracolumbar fractures.

METHODS

Forty-two observers including 1 principal investigator at each participating center performed variability assessment. Each center contributed toward a total of 91 patient images with A3 or A4 thoracolumbar burst fractures (T11-L2) with or without suspected PLC injury. Pathological fractures, multilevel injuries, obvious posterior bony element injury and translation/dislocation injuries were excluded. Ten patients were randomly selected and commonly reported CT parameters indicating PLC injury, including superior inferior endplate angle, vertebral body height loss, local kyphotic deformity, interspinous distance and interpedicular distance were assessed for variability. Observer values were compared with an experienced gold rater in spinal trauma. Analysis of variability was performed for all observers, between the principal investigators and also between observers participating in each center.

RESULTS

The studied parameters showed considerable variability in measurements among all observers and amongst all participating centers. The variability between the principal investigators was lower, but still substantial. The deviation of observer measurements from the gold rater were also significant for all CT parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

CT-based radiological parameters previously reported to be suggestive of PLC injury showed considerable variability and magnetic resonance imaging verification of a PLC injury in all doubtful cases is suggested.

Coronal Vertebral Dislocation Due to Congenital Absence of Multiple Thoracic and Lumbar Pedicles: Report of Three Cases, Review of Literature, and Role of Intraoperative CT Navigation

STUDY DESIGN

Case report OBJECTIVE: To present three cases of coronal vertebral dislocation due to congenital multiple thoracic and lumbar pedicle agenesis.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Congenital pedicle agenesis is an uncommon condition and is frequently identified as an incidental finding on diagnostic imaging in asymptomatic individuals. This agenesis is frequently limited to a single level and is commonly seen in the cervical and lumbar spine.

METHODS

We report three patients who presented with multiple thoracic and lumbar pedicle agenesis resulting in coronal vertebral dislocation. The patients presented with progressive kyphoscoliosis deformity. Identification of this malformation on conventional radiographs is difficult, and computed tomographic (CT) scan with 3D reconstruction provides a better delineation of the deformity.

RESULTS

Computed tomography showed complete absence of pedicles and dissociation of anterior column from the posterior column, resulting in coronal vertebral dislocation. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the absence of pedicles and decreased anteroposterior diameter, causing canal stenosis. Two patients were treated by spanning internal fixation, partial deformity correction, and posterior fusion, with satisfactory results.

CONCLUSION

Coronal vertebral dislocation can be easily missed on plain radiograph because many patients with severe scoliotic deformity have thin or sclerotic pedicles. Computed tomography is essential to demonstrate these anomalies. It is important to recognize pedicle aplasia early to prevent rapid progression of deformity and neurologic deficit.

A Classification for Kyphosis Based on Column Deficiency, Curve Magnitude, and Osteotomy Requirement

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of a classification system providing uniformity in description and guiding management decisions for kyphotic spinal deformities. We developed such a classification based on column deficiency, flexibility of disc spaces, curve magnitude, and correlation with the corrective osteotomy required.

METHODS

A classification was developed based on analysis of 180 patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis requiring osteotomy. The deformity was classified as Type I if the anterior and posterior columns were intact (IA indicated mobile disc spaces and IB, ankylosed segments). Type II indicated deficiency of only 1 column (IIA = anterior column and IIB = posterior column). Type III indicated deficiency of both columns (IIIA = kyphosis of ≤60°, IIIB = kyphosis of >60°, and IIIC = buckling collapse). A prospective analysis of 76 patients was performed to determine interobserver variability and the ability of the classification to guide selection of osteotomies of increasing complexity, including the Ponte osteotomy, pedicle subtraction osteotomy, disc bone osteotomy, single vertebrectomy, multiple vertebrectomies, and anterior in situ strut fusion procedure.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 76 patients was 21.2 years, the mean kyphosis was 69.9° (range, 26° to 120°), and the mean follow-up duration was 30 months. Six deformities were classified as IA, 5 as IB, 5 as IIA, 2 as IIB, 13 as IIIA, 35 as IIIB, and 10 as IIIC. Four surgeons classifying the deformities had a high agreement rate (kappa = 0.83), with the highest agreement for Types IA, IB, and IIIB. A correlation between the type of deformity and the osteotomy performed demonstrated that the classification could indicate the type of osteotomy required. All 18 patients with Type-I or II kyphosis were treated with Ponte, pedicle subtraction, or disc bone osteotomy. Forty-three (90%) of the 48 patients with Type IIIA or IIIB underwent vertebrectomy (single in 27 [56%] and multiple in 16 [33%]), and only 5 (10%) underwent disc bone osteotomy. Seven of the 10 patients with Type-IIIC kyphosis were treated with multiple vertebrectomies, with 5 of them needing preoperative halo gravity traction; the other 3 patients underwent an anterior in situ strut fusion procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed classification based on the morphology of column deficiency, flexibility, and curve magnitude demonstrated a high interobserver agreement and ability to guide selection of the appropriate osteotomy.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

A novel classification system for kyphosis based on spinal column deficiency, flexibility of disc spaces, and curve magnitude would bring uniformity in management and help guide surgeons in the choice of the appropriate corrective osteotomy.

Radiological factors affecting post-operative global coronal balance in Lenke 5 C scoliosis

Background

Lenke 5 C curves are frequently associated with clinically and radiological coronal imbalance. Appropriate selection of proximal and distal levels of fusion is essential to ensure good coronal balance (CB). We aimed to evaluate radiological factors associated with (I) global CB in the early post-operative period; (II) late decompensation of CB; and (III) favourable spontaneous correction of CB on long term follow up.

Methods

Twenty-three Lenke type 5C scoliosis cases treated with selective posterior lumbar instrumentation were retrospectively evaluated. Pre-operative, early post-operative and late post-operative (>2 years) whole length radiographs were analysed. Cobb's angle, lumbar lordosis, coronal imbalance, lower instrumented vertebra (LIV) tilt and translation and upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) tilt and translation were measured. The proximal and distal fusion levels were noted and correlated with post-operative CB.

Results

There were 21 females and 2 males with a mean follow up of 36 months. The mean pre-operative cobb angle was 55°±13.26°, which corrected to 14.7°±8.84° and was maintained on follow up. Eight patients had early post-operative coronal imbalance with spontaneous resolution seen in six cases on long term follow-up. At final follow-up, four cases had coronal imbalance (persistent imbalance since early post-operative period =2; late decompensation =2). In cases with early imbalance 5/8 cases had a pre-operative LIV tilt of ≥25°. All four patients with coronal imbalance at final follow-up had pre-operative LIV tilt ≥25°. Radiographic parameters which correlated with post-operative coronal imbalance were pre-operative LIV tilt (r=0.64, P=0.001), pre-operative LIV translation (r=0.696, P<0.001), pre-operative UIV translation (r=0.44, P=0.030), post-operative LIV tilt (r=0.804, P<0.001), and post-operative UIV tilt (r=0.62, P=0.001).

Conclusions

In Lenke 5C scoliosis, a pre-operative LIV tilt ≥25° significantly correlates with post-operative global coronal imbalance. Increasing UIV tilt may be a factor that accounts for improvement of CB in late follow-up period.

Clinical and radiological factors related to the presence of motor deficit in lumbar disc prolapse: a prospective analysis of 70 consecutive cases with neurological deficit

PURPOSE

To analyse the clinic-radiological factors associated with neurological deficit following lumbar disc herniation.

METHODS

A prospective, cross-sectional study was performed in 140 cases of micro-discectomy following lumbar disc herniation. Group 1 included 70 consecutive patients with motor deficit and group 2 (controls) included 70 patients with intact neurology. Motor deficit was defined as the occurrence of motor power ≤3/5 in L2-S1 myotomes. Multiple clinical and radiological parameters were studied between the two groups.

RESULTS

Patients with diabetes (p 0.004), acute onset of symptoms (p 0.036), L3-4 discs (p 0.001), sequestrated discs (p 0.004), superiorly migrated discs (p 0.012) and central discs (p 0.004), greater antero-posterior disc dimension (p 0.023), primary canal stenosis (p 0.0001); and greater canal compromise (p 0.002) had a significant correlation with the development of neurological deficit. The presence of four or more of these risk factors showed a higher chance of the presence of motor deficit (sensitivity of 74%, specificity of 77%). Age, sex, previous precipitating events, severity of pain, smoking, and number of herniations levels did not affect the occurrence of deficit (p > 0.05 for all). Patients with or without bladder symptoms were similar with respect to all clinico-radiological parameters. However, the time delay since the occurrence of deficit was significantly shorter in patients with bladder involvement (p 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Patients with diabetes, acute presentation, central, sequestrated and superiorly migrated discs, high lumbar disc prolapse, and greater spinal canal compromise are predisposed to the presence of motor deficit.

Unplanned 90-day readmissions in a specialty orthopaedic unit-A prospective analysis of consecutive 12729 admissions

INTRODUCTION

Unplanned readmissions are an undesirable and expensive outcome of clinical practice. Previous reported literature is limited by retrospective study designs and 30 day study intervals. We analyzed causes for 90-day unplanned readmission, temporal occurrence of major causes, possible predisposing factors, bed days lost and economic impact.

MATERIALS & METHODS

A prospective analysis of 12729 admissions was performed over 1 year in an Orthopaedic unit. Consecutive readmissions for unplanned circumstances within 90-days of discharge following the index procedure were included. Open injuries, polytrauma, primary osseous infections and planned readmissions were excluded.

RESULTS

We noted an overall readmission rate of 2.07% and subspecialty rate of 1.43%, 3.32%, 2.9% in trauma, spine and total joint arthroplasty (TJA) respectively. The leading cause was wound complications accounting for 49.62%, followed by medical causes (trauma -18.37%; TJA -27.5%) and aseptic pain (spine-31.6%). Though 87.1% of superficial surgical site infections (SSIs) occurred within 30 days, 21.1%, 41.2% and 60% of the deep SSIs in spine, trauma and TJA respectively occurred beyond 30 days. The financial burden amounted to INR 1,01,55,770 and mean bed days lost was 7.6 per readmission. Age ≥70 years, indoor-stay ≥10 days, health insurance and co-morbid illnesses were associated with readmissions (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that limiting analysis to 30 day unplanned readmissions would lead to failure in identification of 34.85% of readmissions especially deep surgical site infections in TJA and trauma.

ISSLS PRIZE IN CLINICAL SCIENCE 2017: Is infection the possible initiator of disc disease? An insight from proteomic analysis

STUDY DESIGN

Proteomic and 16S rDNA analysis of disc tissues obtained in vivo.

OBJECTIVE

To address the controversy of infection as an aetiology for disc disorders through protein profiling. There is raging controversy over the presence of bacteria in human lumbar discs in vivo, and if they represent contamination or infection. Proteomics can provide valuable insight by identifying proteins signifying bacterial presence and, also host defence response proteins (HDRPs), which will confirm infection.

METHODS

22 discs (15-disc herniations (DH), 5-degenerate (DD), 2-normal in MRI (NM) were harvested intraoperatively and immediately snap frozen. Samples were pooled into three groups and proteins extracted were analysed with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Post identification, data analysis was performed using Uniprotdb, Pantherdb, Proteome discoverer and STRING network. Authentication for bacterial presence was performed by PCR amplification of 16S rDNA.

RESULTS

LC-MS/MS analysis using Orbitrap showed 1103 proteins in DH group, compared to 394 in NM and 564 in DD. 73 bacterial specific proteins were identified (56 specific for Propionibacterium acnes; 17 for Staphylococcus epidermidis). In addition, 67 infection-specific HDRPs, unique or upregulated, such as Defensin, Lysozyme, Dermcidin, Cathepsin-G, Prolactin-Induced Protein, and Phospholipase-A2, were identified confirming presence of infection. Species-specific primers for P. acnes exhibited amplicons at 946 bp (16S rDNA) and 515 bp (Lipase) confirming presence of P. acnes in both NM discs, 11 of 15 DH discs, and all five DD discs. Bioinformatic search for protein-protein interactions (STRING) documented 169 proteins with close interactions (protein clustering co-efficient 0.7) between host response and degenerative proteins implying that infection may initiate degradation through Ubiquitin C.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates bacterial specific proteins and host defence proteins to infection which strengthen the hypothesis of infection as a possible initiator of disc disease. These results can lead to a paradigm shift in our understanding and management of disc disorders.

Enterococcus faecalis causing delayed spondylodiscitis in a case with retained intraspinal bullet

Delayed presentations have been reported following gunshot wounds (GSW) with retained intraspinal bullets due to migration of projectile or lead intoxication. We report on the rare occurrence of delayed pyogenic spondylodiscitis and neurological dysfunction following injury from low velocity GSW to the spine with a retained projectile. A 55-year-old male presented 4 months following GSW to the abdomen which resulted in colonic injury and L5 fracture. The patient was treated initially with ileo-transverse anastomosis, antibiotics, without retrieval of the bullet. He developed low back pain, claudication 4 months following GSW and investigations suggested a pyogenic spondylodiscitis at L5-S1. The patient was treated with surgical debridement of infective focus and stabilisation with definitive fusion being performed after an interval of 14 days. The biopsy of the lesion confirmed findings of spondylodiscitis and the culture isolated Enterococcus faecalis species. The patient was treated with antibiotics as per sensitivity and made an uneventful recovery over 4 weeks. The follow-up radiographs showed satisfactory healing at final follow up of 24 months. GSW with colonic perforation have higher incidence of infective complications however majority to these occur in the early postoperative period. This case report demonstrates the possibility of late onset presentation due to spinal infection occurring following colonic perforation with retained intraspinal bullet.

Isolated dorsal column dysfunction due to an intraspinal Osteolipoma - Case report and review of literature

Osteolipoma is a rare variant of the ubiquitous lipoma. Published literature appears in the form of isolated case reports affecting soft tissue structures in the head, neck and rarely affecting the spine. We present a unique instance of an intraspinal osteolipoma in the cervical spine, without evidence of accompanying spinal dysraphism and an atypical clinical presentation of isolated dorsal column dysfunction. We describe the clinical presentation, operative procedure and post-operative outcomes with histopathological findings of this rare entity. A 61-year-old male presented with impaired dorsal column sensation due to an intraspinal extradural ossifying lesion in the cervical spinal canal. The patient underwent excision of the lesion with complete resolution of symptoms. Ossifying lesion in the spinal canal may be frequent finding on radiological imaging but presence of possible adipose tissue in the lesion should raise suspicion of rare clinical scenario of an osteolipoma.

Incidence and preventability of adverse events in an orthopaedic unit: a prospective analysis of four thousand, nine hundred and six admissions

PURPOSE

We aimed to identify the incidence and preventability rate of adverse events (AEs) occurring in a specialty orthopaedic unit.

METHODS

Four thousand nine hundred and six consecutive in-patient admissions over six months in an orthopaedic unit were prospectively analysed. The total indoor patient capacity was segregated into 25-bed units each, and AEs were recorded on a daily basis by two observers. Each event was assessed by allotting a causation score (1-6), with a score of ≥ 4 implying a systemic/individual failure of healthcare provision. A preventability score (1-6) was allotted and scores ≥ 4 were considered to be preventable.

RESULTS

Four hundred and sixty-seven patients (9.5 %) suffered a total of 529 AEs, including 127 readmissions; 49 patients suffering multiple events. Three hundred and thirty-three (62.9 %) events had a causation score of ≥ 4, indicating a failure of healthcare delivery systems. Three hundred and one (56.8 %) events could have been prevented with better regulation and adherence to management protocols. Hospital-acquired infections were the most common event, with surgical-site infection in 102 cases (19.2 and 2 % overall) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections noted in 45 (8.5 %) patients. Medical events included seven deep vein thrombosis, two pulmonary embolisms, five myocardial infarctions and one stroke. AEs occurred 56.3 % in the ward, 4.3 % in the intensive care unit (ICU), 6.2 % in the emergency room, and 9.0 % in the operating theatre.

CONCLUSION

This prospective study documented an adverse event rate of 9.5 %, of which 56 % were preventable. AEs occurred in all stages of treatment care, emphasising the need for vigilance during the entire treatment process.

Spinal cord herniation following cervical meningioma excision: a rare clinical entity and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Spinal cord herniation following surgery is an extremely uncommon clinical condition with very few reports in published literature. This condition usually occurs as a spontaneous idiopathic phenomenon often in the thoracic spine or following a scenario of post traumatic spinal cord/nerve root injury. Rarely has it been reported following spinal cord tumor surgery.

PURPOSE

To document a case of cervical spinal cord herniation as a late onset complication following spinal cord tumor surgery with an atypical presentation of monoparesis.

DESIGN

Case report.

METHODS

We describe the clinical presentation, operative procedure, post operative outcome and review of literature of this rare clinical condition.

RESULTS

A 57-year-old man presented with right upper limb monoparesis due to a spinal cord herniation 6 years after a cervical intradural meningioma excision. The patients underwent surgery to reduce the herniation and duroplasty with subsequent complete resolution of symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal cord herniation must be considered as differential diagnosis in scenarios of spinal cord tumor excision presenting with late onset neurological deficit. These cases may present as paraparesis, Brown-sequard syndrome and rarely as in our case as monoparesis.

Effectiveness of Riluzole as a pharmacotherapeutic treatment option for early cervical myelopathy: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomised controlled trial

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness of Riluzole as a pharmacotherapeutic treatment option for early cervical myelopathy using clinical parameters and DTI analysis.

METHODS

Early cervical myelopathy cases with MJOA scores ≥13, were recruited for the double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomised control trial. Thirty cases with fifteen cases each in the test and placebo group were studied. Analysis was done using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and clinical evaluation, pre- and post-institution of sodium channel blocker Riluzole for a period of 1 month (50 mg twice daily). Placebo group was treated with Vitamin B complex tablets. Diffusion co-efficient fractional anisotrophy (FA), apparent diffusion co-efficient (ADC), volume ratio (VR), relative anisotrophy (RA) and Eigen vectors were calculated. Outcomes analysis was based on clinical scores of MJOA, Nurick grading, SF-12, NDI, and statistical analysis of DTI datametrics.

RESULTS

The mean MJOA score was 15.6 (13-17) with no significant change in the test and control groups. The mean ADC, FA values were 1533.36 (1238-1779) and 494.36 (364-628) and changed to 1531.57 (1312-2091) and 484.86 (294-597), respectively, in the Riluzole group. However, the changes in the values of ADC, FA, and other co-efficients including VR, RA and eigenvectors in the two groups were not statistically significant. The functional scores in the SF-12 and NDI questionnaires did not change significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study did not show a significant change in the clinical outcome and DTI Indices with the use of Riluzole as a standalone pharmacotherapeutic agent for early cervical myelopathy. More studies may be needed to confirm the usefulness of Riluzole as a treatment option for cervical myelopathy.