Femoral Nerve Research Articles

Differential effect of heteronymous feedback from femoral nerve and quadriceps muscle stimulation onto soleus H-reflex.

Excitatory feedback from muscle spindles, and inhibitory feedback from Golgi tendon organs and recurrent inhibitory circuits are widely distributed within the spinal cord to modulate activity between human lower limb muscles. Heteronymous feedback is most commonly studied in humans by stimulating peripheral nerves, but the unique effect of non-spindle heteronymous feedback is difficult to determine due to the lower threshold of excitatory spindle axons. A few studies suggest stimulation of the muscle belly preferentially elicits non-spindle heteronymous feedback. However, there remains a lack of consensus on the differential effect of nerve and muscle stimulation onto the H-reflex, and the relation of the heteronymous effects onto H-reflex compared to that onto ongoing EMG has not been determined. In this cross-sectional study, we compared excitatory and inhibitory effects from femoral nerve and quadriceps muscle belly stimulation onto soleus H-reflex size in 15 able-bodied participants and in a subset also compared heteronymous effects onto ongoing soleus EMG at 10% and 20% max. Femoral nerve stimulation elicited greater excitation of the H-reflex compared to quadriceps stimulation. The differential effect was also observed onto ongoing soleus EMG at 20% max but not 10%. Femoral nerve and quadriceps stimulation elicited similar inhibition of the soleus H-reflexes, and these results were better associated with soleus EMG at 20%. The results support surface quadriceps muscles stimulation as a method to preferentially study heteronymous inhibition at least in healthy adults. The primary benefit of using muscle stimulation is expected to be in persons with abnormal, prolonged heteronymous excitation. These data further suggest heteronymous feedback should be evaluated with H-reflex or onto ongoing EMG of at least 20% max to identify group differences or modulation of heteronymous feedback in response to treatment or task.

Effectiveness of ultrasound-guided dual nerve block in the below-knee amputation

PurposeBelow knee amputation (BKA) is a common surgical procedure for diabetic foot ulcers and necrotizing lower limb fasciitis patients. However, it is a painful procedure and inadequate postoperative analgesia impedes rehabilitation and prolongs hospitalization. An ideal pain management regimen should provide superior analgesia while minimizing opioid consumption and improving rehabilitation.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed medical charts of 218 patients who underwent BKA for diabetic foot ulcer or necrotizing lower limb fasciitis at a single center between January 2017 and September 2020. Two groups were analyzed: patients who received dual nerve block (DNB) before surgery (Group I; n = 104), and patients who did not (Group II; n = 93). By the exclusion criteria, 21 patients were excluded. The femoral and sciatic nerves were each blocked separately under ultrasound guidance. This procedure was performed immediately before the operation.ResultsGroup I patients' subjective pain scores were significantly lower than that of Group II at 6, 12, and 24 h after BKA (P < 0.05). Group I’s morphine milligram equivalent (MME) was significantly lower than those of Group II at 72 h after BKA (P < 0.05). Moreover, the rate of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and delirium was significantly lower in Group I patients than that in Group II patients.ConclusionUltrasound-guided lower extremity nerve block surgery is excellent for early postoperative pain control, could be used as an accurate and effective pain control method, and can reduce the side effects of opioid consumption after BKA.

A nerve-to-implant distance as a novel predictor for lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injuries after anterior subcutaneous pelvic internal fixation.

Although anterior subcutaneous pelvic internal fixation is a valuable tool for the reduction and fixation of unstable pelvic ring injuries, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve irritation by the implant is the most common complication. This study aimed to investigate the association between the nerve-to-implant distance and the postoperative lateral femoral cutaneous nerve symptom. Patients who underwent anterior subcutaneous pelvic internal fixation between 2016 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve status was defined as follows: not identified, nerve-to-implant distance <13 mm, and ≥13 mm. The proportion of patients who experienced postoperative nerve disorders was compared using the nerve status. Nerve-to-implant distances were compared using the presence or absence of postoperative lateral femoral cutaneous nerve disorders. The predictive value of a nerve-to-implant distance of 13 mm for postoperative nerve disorders was assessed. Overall, 26 lateral femoral cutaneous nerves were included. Ten patients had postoperative nerve disorders, of which seven had an nerve-to-implant distance <13 mm, while the other three occurred in patients whose nerves were not identified. A nerve-to-implant distance ≥13 mm was significantly associated with a decreased risk of postoperative nerve disorder compared to a nerve-to-implant distance <13 mm (p = 0.017). A nerve-to-implant distance ≥13 mm had a perfect sensitivity (100%) and modest specificity (58.3%). Nerve-to-implant distance was ≥13 mm. Nerve disorders were frequently observed when the nerve-to-implant distance was <13 mm or the nerve was not identified intraoperatively. Efforts to identify the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve may be useful to avoid internal fixation-related nerve disorders.

Chronic contained ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm with a rare presentation of lower limb neuropathic claudication: a report of two cases.

We present the two cases of 62-year-old and 65-year-old males. Preoperative radiology for each patient showed an infrarenal aortic aneurysm with a retroperitoneal hematoma in contact with the lumbar vertebral bodies and psoas muscle. The draped aorta sign was evident in both cases. A curative surgical intervention was accomplished for both patients, respectively. This was achieved through the removal of the existing hematomas that were compressing the vertebrae in addition to the complete isolation and resection of the respective abdominal aortic aneurysms along with thorough reconstruction of the aortoiliac spindles with patent synthetic grafts to ensure the patency of the preexisting vascular axis. A contained rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm is a rare occurring vascular pathology that manifests with nonspecific symptoms, such as femoral neuropathy and lower back pain proportionate to the degree of the level of erosion of the affected lumbar vertebrae. This will increase the possibility of misdiagnosis and delays in treatment. Such a life-threatening vascular emergency should be timely detected and treated to avoid its complications and patient mortality.

A comprehensive nonoperative treatment protocol for developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants.

Brace treatment is the cornerstone of managing developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), yet there is a lack of evidence-based treatment protocols, which results in wide variations in practice. To resolve this, we have developed a comprehensive nonoperative treatment protocol conforming to published consensus principles, with well-defined a priori criteria for inclusion and successful treatment. This was a single-centre, prospective, longitudinal cohort study of a consecutive series of infants with ultrasound-confirmed DDH who underwent a comprehensive nonoperative brace management protocol in a unified multidisciplinary clinic between January 2012 and December 2016 with five-year follow-up radiographs. The radiological outcomes were acetabular index-lateral edge (AI-L), acetabular index-sourcil (AI-S), centre-edge angle (CEA), acetabular depth ratio (ADR), International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) grade, and evidence of avascular necrosis (AVN). At five years, each hip was classified as normal (< 1 SD), borderline dysplastic (1 to 2 SDs), or dysplastic (> 2 SDs) based on validated radiological norm-referenced values. Of 993 infants assessed clinically and sonographically, 21% (212 infants, 354 abnormal hips) had DDH and were included. Of these, 95% (202 infants, 335 hips) successfully completed bracing, and 5% (ten infants, 19 hips) failed bracing due to irreducible hip(s). The success rate of bracing for unilateral dislocations was 88% (45/51 infants) and for bilateral dislocations 83% (20/24 infants). The femoral nerve palsy rate was 1% (2/212 infants). At five-year follow-up (mean 63 months (SD 5.9; 49 to 83)) the prevalence of residual dysplasia after successful brace treatment was 1.6% (5/312 hips). All hips were IHDI grade I and none had AVN. Four children (4/186; 2%) subsequently underwent surgery for residual dysplasia. Our comprehensive protocol for nonoperative treatment of infant DDH has shown high rates of success and extremely low rates of residual dysplasia at a mean age of five years.

A COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF FEMORAL NERVE BLOCK AND INTRAVENOUS FENTANYL FOR POSITIONING DURING SPINAL ANAESTHESIA IN SURGERY OF FEMUR FRACTURE

Background:Femur surgeries are very common surgeriesRegional anaesthesia is common for that.Giving position for it is real task for anaesthetist.This challange can be overcome by giving Femoral nerve block.Ultrasonography guided blocks are getting famous in last 5 years.we have studied USG guided femoral nerve block for positioning for spinal anaesthesia in fracture femur patients. Methods: This study was conducted at tertiary care hospital on 60 elective patients posted for elective femur fracture surgeries, with ASA grade I and II, in age group of 18-70 years. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups – Group FNB and Group FENT. In FNB group, patients received USG guided FNB 15 minutes prior to positioning with 15 ml, 1.5 % lignocaine with Adrenaline. In FENT group, patients received injection fentanyl 1µg/kg IV 15 minutes prior to positioning for SA.Both the groups were evaluated for Hemodynamic changes, VAS score, Rescue requirements of fentanyl aliquots, Performance time, Patients satisfaction, Anesthetists satisfaction and Perioperative complications. Results :Both the groups were comparable with respect to age, gender, ASA grade, HR and MAP.In our study,Hemodynamic stability was observed in both groups. VAS Score was lesser in Group FNB (0.93±0.87mins) compared to GroupFENT (1.72±1.09 mins) prior to positioning for SA (p value &lt;0.003). Rescue requirement of fentanyl aliquots for positioning It was less in Group FNB (0.06±0.25 mins) compared to Group FENT (0.34±0.61 mins) (p value&lt;0.02 ). Performance time was shorter in Group FNB (15.33±1.27 mins) compared to Group FENT (16.72±3.07 mins) (p value&lt;0.02 ). Patients satisfaction was less in Group FENT as compared to Group FNB. (p value &lt; 0.03). Anesthetists satisfaction was less in Group FENT as compared to Group FNB. (p value &lt; 0.02). Perioperative complications: In FNB group out of 30 patients, 1 patient had shivering. In FENT group out of 30 patients, 2 patients had shivering and 1 patient had hypotension. Conclusion: US guided femoral nerve block is more advantageous than IV fentanyl for position of fracture femur patients.

The Efficacy of Pericapsular Nerve Group Block Versus Facia Iliaca Block on Immediate Postoperative Pain and Opioid Consumption After Hip Arthroscopy Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain after hip arthroscopy remains a major cause of patient dissatisfaction in the immediate postoperative period. Adequate postoperative analgesia is associated with increased patient satisfaction, earlier mobilization, and decreased opioid consumption. OBJECTIVES: Therefore, there is a need for safe, reliable, and opioid- and motor-sparing methods of achieving postoperative analgesia following hip arthroscopy. We evaluated the efficacy of pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block vs fascia iliaca block (FIB) in reducing postoperative pain and analgesic consumption in the first 24 hours following hip arthroscopy. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective randomized double-blinded control clinical trial. SETTING: At the arthroscopy unit of the orthopedic department of Assiut University Hospitals, Assiut, Egypt from 2019 to 2022. METHODS: Forty-three patients comprising 18 women and 25 men scheduled for hip arthroscopy were randomized to receive a preoperative block with PENG or FIB from March 2019 to March 2022. The mean age was 27.9 years (standard deviation [SD], 6.2 years; range, 18-42 years) and the mean body mass index was 25.13 kg/m2 (SD, 5.08 kg/m2). Patients were randomized into 2 groups: group A comprising 20 patients that received FIB; and group B comprising 23 patients that received PENG block. The efficacies of FIB and PENG block were evaluated using Visual Analog Scale scores. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in median pain scores and mean at rest pain scores were observed between the 2 groups at all measured time points following surgery (i.e., 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours). Further, dynamic pain scores (with hip flexion) scores significantly differed between the 2 groups at 24 hours postoperatively (P = 0.001). PENG block significantly decreased postoperative opioid use compared to FIB. Total opioid use in the 24-hour postoperative period was lower in the PENG group compared to the FIB group (16.5 ± 9.9 vs 27.5 ± 9.6; P &lt; 005). LIMITATIONS: Different hip pathologies and different interventions lead to different outcomes. Also, a larger sample size and longer follow-up duration are required. CONCLUSIONS: PENG block may represent the ideal regional anesthesia modality for hip arthroscopy as an alternative to more conventional regional nerve blocks, such as FIB, femoral nerve block, and lumbar plexus block. PENG block is reproducible, easily performed in the preoperative setting, and appears to spare motor function while providing prolonged sensory analgesia. KEY WORDS: Pericapsular, nerve group block, fascia iliaca block, peripheral nerve blocks, hip arthroscopy

Traumatic injury of left femoral nerve causing unilateral hindlimb lameness in a cat

AbstractA 1‐year‐old, female, domestic shorthair cat was referred for orthopaedic evaluation of acute‐onset, non‐progressive left pelvic limb lameness of 2.5‐week duration. Orthopaedic examination revealed an abnormal gait with impaired ability to support weight on the left pelvic limb. There was marked atrophy of the quadriceps muscles. Neurological examination revealed an absent patellar reflex and decreased sensation in the cutaneous zone of the saphenous nerve of the left pelvic limb. Magnetic resonance imaging showed T2‐weighted/short‐tau inversion recovery hyperintensity and contrast enhancement in the area of the femoral nerve and within muscles innervated by this nerve. Findings were deemed consistent with traumatic nerve injury and denervation/traumatic myopathy or myositis/neuritis. Electromyography of the quadriceps muscles revealed fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves. Follow‐up over the next 9 months revealed no changes in the neurological deficits. This was deemed to be consistent with either partial axonotmesis or partial neurotmesis of the left femoral nerve.

The Effects of Intraoperative Remifentanil Infusion on Postoperative Opioid Consumption in Patients Who Underwent Total Knee Arthroplasty with Femoral Nerve Block.

(1) Background: Remifentanil is used for intraoperative pain control; however, it has several side effects, such as hypotension and opioid-induced hyperalgesia. We aimed to determine whether an intraoperative remifentanil infusion may increase postoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing total knee arthroscopy (TKA) under femoral nerve block (FNB) in addition to general anesthesia. (2) Methods: We randomly assigned 66 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty to the remifentanil (R) and control (C) groups. All patients underwent FNB and popliteal artery and posterior capsule of the knee (iPACK) block in addition to sevoflurane-based general anesthesia. Postoperative pain control was achieved using intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) fentanyl. We recorded IV-PCA fentanyl consumption at various postoperative timepoints, numerical rating scale (NRS) scores, intraoperative changes in vital signs and index of nociception (qNOX), ephedrine consumption, postoperative side effects, satisfaction, and sleep quality. (3) Results: The primary outcome (the cumulative IV-PCA fentanyl usage within 48 h postoperatively) was significantly lower in the C group (541.1 ± 294.5 µg) than in the R group (717.5 ± 224.0 µg) (p < 0.001). The secondary outcome (the cumulative IV-PCA fentanyl usage within 12, 24, and 72 h) was lower in the C group than in the R group and the mean arterial pressure was lower in the R group than in the C group from immediately after tourniquet on to immediately after tourniquet off. The heart rate was lower in the R group from immediately after incision to immediately after irrigation. There was no significant between-group difference in the perioperative qNOX and NRS scores at rest and activity except for NRS scores at 72 h postoperatively. Ephedrine use was higher in the R group than in the C group (p = 0.003). There was no significant between-group difference in the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, nor in the postoperative satisfaction and sleep quality. (4) Conclusions: Avoiding intraoperative remifentanil infusion may reduce total opioid consumption in patients undergoing FNB before TKA.

Selective MR neurography-guided lumbosacral plexus perineural injections: techniques, targets, and territories.

The T12 to S4 spinal nerves form the lumbosacral plexus in the retroperitoneum, providing sensory and motor innervation to the pelvis and lower extremities. The lumbosacral plexus has a wide range of anatomic variations and interchange of fibers between nerve anastomoses. Neuropathies of the lumbosacral plexus cause a broad spectrum of complex pelvic and lower extremity pain syndromes, which can be challenging to diagnose and treat successfully. In their workup, selective nerve blocks are employed to test the hypothesis that a lumbosacral plexus nerve contributes to a suspected pelvic and extremity pain syndrome, whereas therapeutic perineural injections aim to alleviate pain and paresthesia symptoms. While the sciatic and femoral nerves are large in caliber, the iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal, genitofemoral, lateral femoral cutaneous, anterior femoral cutaneous, posterior femoral cutaneous, obturator, and pudendal nerves are small, measuring a few millimeters in diameter and have a wide range of anatomic variants. Due to their minuteness, direct visualization of the smaller lumbosacral plexus branches can be difficult during selective nerve blocks, particularly in deeper pelvic locations or larger patients. In this setting, the high spatial and contrast resolution of interventional MR neurography guidance benefits nerve visualization and targeting, needle placement, and visualization of perineural injectant distribution, providing a highly accurate alternative to more commonly used ultrasonography, fluoroscopy, and computed tomography guidance for perineural injections. This article offers a practical guide for MR neurography-guided lumbosacral plexus perineural injections, including interventional setup, pulse sequence protocols, lumbosacral plexus MR neurography anatomy, anatomic variations, and injection targets.

A radiological cadaveric study of obturator nerve involvement and cranial injectate spread after different approaches to the fascia iliaca compartment block

Whether the fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) involves the obturator nerve (ON) remains controversial. Involvement may require that the injectate spreads deep in the cranial direction, and might thus depend on the site of injection. Therefore, the effect of suprainguinal needle insertion with five centimeters of hydrodissection-mediated needle advancement (S-FICB-H) on ON involvement and cranial injectate spread was studied in this radiological cadaveric study. Results were compared with suprainguinal FICB without additional hydrodissection-mediated needle advancement (S-FICB), infrainguinal FICB (I-FICB), and femoral nerve block (FNB). Seventeen human cadavers were randomized to receive ultrasound-guided nerve block with a 40 mL solution of local anesthetic and contrast medium, on both sides. Injectate spread was objectified using computed tomography. The femoral and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves were consistently covered when S-FICB-H, S-FICB or FNB was applied, while the ON was involved in only one of the 34 nerve blocks. I-FICB failed to provide the same consistency of nerve involvement as S-FICB-H, S-FICB or FNB. Injectate reached most cranial in specimens treated with S-FICB-H. Our results demonstrate that even the technique with the most extensive cranial spread (S-FICB-H) does not lead to ON involvement and as such, the ON seems unrelated to FICB. Separate ON block should be considered when clinically indicated.

Ultrasound-Guided Block of the Sciatic and the Femoral Nerves in Rabbits-A Descriptive Anatomical Study.

The rabbit is a popular animal model for human biomechanical research involving surgery on the hind limb. Mortality is higher in rabbits when undergoing general anesthesia compared to dogs and cats. Moreover, due to their nature as prey animals, rabbits have a tendency to hide signs of pain, making it challenging to detect discomfort at an early stage. Incorporating regional anesthesia into an anesthetic protocol can greatly reduce the requirements for systemic anesthetic and analgesic drugs, thereby minimizing associated side effects. In other species, a block of the sciatic (ScN) and the femoral nerves (FN) is usually applied in patients undergoing hind limb surgery. In phase 1 of this study, the ScN and the FN have been localized and an appropriate approach has been evaluated under sonographic guidance. In phase 2, a mixture of new methylene blue and lidocaine have been administered to the ScN and the FN in 10 cadavers (20 hind limbs). Staining of the nerves was evaluated by dissection. Ultrasonographically, the ScN appeared as a binocular structure surrounded by a hyperechoic rim. The FN appeared as a hypoechoic structure in the dorsal part of the iliopsoas muscle (IPM), becoming hyperechoic/honey-comb-like in the ventral part. Both nerves could be successfully stained in all animals over a median length of 2.3 cm which was considered effective. This technique allows feasible and accurate access to block the ScN and the FN and may lead to successful analgesia in rabbits undergoing hind limb surgery.

The Association of Lumbar Plexus Lengthening With Neurological Deficit After Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery.

Retrospective cohort study. This study aimed to evaluate the association between nerve lengthening after adult deformity correction and motor deficits dervied from the upper lumbar plexus or femoral nerve. Adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery is associated with high rates of neurological deficits. Certain postoperative deficits may be related to lengthening of the upper lumbar plexus (ULP) and/or femoral nerve (FN) after correction of lumbar deformity. Patients with ASD who underwent posterior-only corrective surgery from the sacrum to L3 or above were included. The length of each lumbar nerve root was calculated geometrically using the distance from the foramen to the midpoint between the anterosuperior iliac crest and pubic symphysis on AP and lateral radiographs. The mean lengths of the L1 to 3 and L2 to 4 nerve roots were used to define the lengths of the ULP and FN, respectively. Preoperative to postoperative changes in nerve length were calculated. Neurological examination was performed at discharge. Proximal weakness (PW) was defined as the presence of weakness compared with baseline in either hip flexors or knee extensors. Multiple linear regression analysis was used for estimating the postoperative lengthening according to the magnitude of preoperative curvature and postoperative correction angles. A total of 202 sides were analyzed in 101 patients, and PW was present on 15 (7.4%) sides in 10 patients. Excluding the 10 cases with three-column osteotomies, those with PW had a significantly higher rate of pure sagittal deformity ( P <.001) and greater nerve lengthening than those without PW (ULP 24 vs. 15mm, P =0.02; FN 18 vs. 11mm, P =0.05). No patient had advanced imaging showing neural compression, and complete recovery of PW occurred in eight patients at one-year follow-up. After ASD surgery, lengthening of the ULP was associated with PW. In preoperative planning, surgeons must consider how the type of correction may influence the risk for nerve lengthening, which may contribute to postoperative neurological deficit.

Two Affordable, High-Fidelity Central Venous Models for Ultrasound-Guided Interventional Training.

Ultrasound-guided vascular access is an increasingly popular technique due to its reduced complication and higher success rates. Commercially bought training phantoms allow providers to develop tactile skills in a low-risk setting, but are also expensive and poorly accessible. This study analyzes the efficacy of homemade, low-cost, gelatin-based central line vascular models to teach vascular anatomy and intravascular access techniques in training physicians. A gelatin mold was created using a mixture of unflavored gelatin, hot water, psyllium husk powder, and rubbing alcohol. Latex tubing, balloons, precooked hot dog, and tofu were inserted to simulate arteries, veins, nerves, and the sternocleidomastoid muscle, respectively. Medical students from a single institution participated in a 90-minute workshop led by interventional radiology residents. Participants completed presurveys and postsurveys that assessed knowledge acquisition and confidence levels related to acquiring central access. All images were obtained using a USB-C Butterfly iQ probe. Twenty medical students were analyzed after the workshop. There was a statistically significant increase in self-reported confidence in basic ultrasound use (adjusting gain, depth, probe manipulation), localizing major anatomical structures, using ultrasound for vessel access, and reported ease in identifying muscle, nerves, and major blood vessels under ultrasound. There was also a significant increase in correctly identified anatomical landmarks after the workshop, including the sternocleidomastoid muscle, internal jugular vein, carotid artery, femoral nerve, femoral artery, and femoral vein. Our findings suggest that our homemade, low-cost, gelatin-based models were effective in teaching vascular anatomy and ultrasound-guided vascular access techniques to training physicians.

TLR4-MyD88 signaling is involved in the spinal neurons during the full length of recovery from transection of the motor branch of the femoral nerve in mice.

This study was designed to see the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and downstream molecules including myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and interleukin 1-β (IL-1β) in the spinal cord as peripheral nerve injury recovered in mice. We established a model of femoral nerve injury (FNI) in C57BL/6 mice by transection of the motor branch of the femoral nerve, followed by retrograde labeling to show the according motor neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord pars lumbar. We observed the motor function recovery of the injured hind limbs using behavioral tests. The expression of TLR4, MyD88, and IL-1β was examined by immunofluorescent staining and western blot. According to the behavior test, the FNI animals fully recovered within 6-8 weeks. TLR4, MyD88, and IL-1β were expressed in the ventral horn of the spinal cord both at 72 h till 6 weeks after the femoral nerve transection surgery, and these proteins were mostly co-localized with neurons. IL-1β also tended to rise in the same surgery groups, but more intimate with microglia surrounding nearby retrograde labeled neurons. And western blot results were consistent with histological findings. The results indicate that peripheral nerve injury may induce innate immune reactions of the central neurons and critical signaling like TLR4/MyD88 in the spinal cord may reflect the recovery of the injury. These findings suggest that peripheral nerve injury triggered the TLR4/MyD88 signal in the soma of spinal neurons may be involved in function and nerve restoration through neuron-glia crosstalk.

Nerve-Sparing Gynecologic Surgery Enabled by A Near-Infrared Nerve-Specific Fluorophore Using Existing Clinical Fluorescence Imaging Systems.

Patients undergoing gynecological procedures suffer from lasting side effects due to intraoperative nerve damage. Small, delicate nerves with complex and nonuniform branching patterns in the female pelvic neuroanatomy make nerve-sparing efforts during standard gynecological procedures such as hysterectomy, cystectomy, and colorectal cancer resection difficult, and thus many patients are left with incontinence and sexual dysfunction. Herein, a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent nerve-specific contrast agent, LGW08-35, that is spectrally compatible with clinical fluorescence guided surgery (FGS) systems is formulated and characterized for rapid implementation for nerve-sparing gynecologic surgeries. The toxicology, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of micelle formulated LGW08-35 are examined, enabling the determination of the optimal imaging doses and time points, blood and tissue uptake parameters, and maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Application of the formulated fluorophore to imaging of female rat and swine pelvic neuroanatomy validates the continued clinical translation and use for real-time identification of important nerves such as the femoral, sciatic, lumbar, iliac, and hypogastric nerves. Further development of LGW08-35 for clinical use will unlock a valuable tool for surgeons in direct visualization of important nerves and contribute to the ongoing characterization of the female pelvic neuroanatomy to eliminate the debilitating side effects of nerve damage during gynecological procedures.

Both-column Acetabular Fractures with Posterior Wall Involved can be Managed through Single Anterior Approach by Evaluation of Computer-assisted Virtual Surgery Technique.

Posterior wall (PW) fractures were sometimes associated in both-column acetabular fractures. How to evaluate pre-operatively the necessity for the performance of the posterior approach was an issue to be solved. In order to solve this issue, the computer-assisted virtual surgery technique was used to evaluate if the involved PW in both-column acetabular fractures (BACF) should be managed through posterior approach and verify the feasibility of this method. Data of a consecutive cohort of 72 patients with both-acetabular fractures from January 2012 to January 2020 was collected for retrospective study, of which 44 patients had concomitant acetabular PW fractures, and patients without PW fractures were labeled as the BCAF group. Computer-assisted virtual surgery technique was performed pre-operatively to evaluate the necessity for performance of posterior approach in 44 patients, and posterior approach was required if more than 3 mm of displacement was still present in the reduced 3D model. The 23 patients without treatment through posterior approach were labeled as the BCAF-PW- group, and the 21 patients with treatment through posterior approach were labeled as the BCAF-PW+ group. Operation-related and post-operative parameters were recorded. The quality of reduction and functional outcomes were assessed by the Matta scoring system and modified Merle d'Aubigné and Postel scoring system. The measurement data were analyzed using the t-test of independent samples and rank-sum test of ranked data between every two groups. Also, the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze data between the three groups. Comparing operation-related and post-operative parameters in the three groups, some PW fractures in both-column acetabular fractures could be ignored, and which could be evaluated pre-operatively for necessity of an additional posterior approach. Operative time (271.2 ± 32.8 mins) and intra-operative blood loss (1176.7 ± 211.1 mL) were significantly higher in the BCAF-PW+ group. The excellent/good of reduction (25/28 of the BCAF group, 21/23 of the BCAF-PW- group, 19/21 of the BCAF-PW+ group) and functional outcomes (24/28 of the BCAF group, 18/23 of the BCAF-PW- group, 18/21 of the BCAF-PW+ group) of three groups were similar. The incidence of complications, such as deep vein thrombosis (4/28 of the BCAF group >3/23 of the BCAF-PW- group >1/21 of the BCAF-PW+ group) and injury of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (3/23 of the BCAF-PW- group >2/28 of the BCAF group >0/21 of the BCAF-PW+ group), was no significant difference. The partial both-column acetabular fractures with PW involvement could be managed through a single anterior approach without another posterior approach by evaluation of computer-assisted virtual surgery technique.

Persistent Contralateral Pain Compromises Exercise Tolerance but Does not Alter Corticomotor Responses During Repeated, Submaximal Isometric Knee Extensions to Task Failure

Muscle pain is an important determinant of exercise tolerance, but its relationship with neurophysiological responses during a submaximal exercise trial is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of persistent contralateral pain on neurophysiological function and perceptual responses during ipsilateral isometric knee extensions to task failure. Ten participants performed a single-leg repeated submaximal isometric knee extensions with (PAIN) or without (CTRL) constant pain induced by intermittent blood flow occlusion combined with evoked muscle contraction applied to the contralateral, resting leg. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) applied over the motor cortex was used to assess corticospinal excitability (quantified as motor evoked potentials), corticospinal inhibition (quantified as silent period duration), and short interval intracortical inhibition. Maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs), coupled with femoral nerve stimulation to the exercising leg, were performed every 12 submaximal contractions to assess neuromuscular function. Perceived leg pain and effort were also assessed throughout the exercise. The experimental pain shortened the time to task failure compared to CTRL (P = 0.019). Although time effects were present, no differences appeared between conditions for MVC force, voluntary activation, or potentiated twitch force across both tasks (all P > 0.05). Additionally, no differences between CTRL and PAIN were demonstrated for any TMS-derived measures assessing corticospinal responses. Exercising leg pain was higher in CTRL (P = 0.018), as was perceived exertion (P = 0.030). Overall, when using a persistent, submaximal experimental pain intervention, it appears that although muscle pain compromises exercise tolerance, this phenomenon occurs independently of potential alterations in corticomotor mechanisms.

Outcome comparison of femoral nerve block and adductor canal block during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: adductor canal block may cause an unexpected decrease in knee flexor strength at 6months postoperatively.

Peripheral nerve blocks are frequently used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. While femoral nerve block (FNB) has been associated with knee extensor strength reduction in the early postoperative period, no consistent view of knee extensor strength several months after ACL reconstruction exists. This study aimed to compare the impact of intraoperative FNB and adductor canal block (ACB) during ACL reconstruction on knee extensor strength at 3 and 6months postoperatively. This retrospective study included 108 patients divided into FNB (70 patients) and ACB (38 patients) groups based on their postoperative pain management methods. Knee joint extensor and flexor strength were measured at 3 and 6months postoperatively, using BIODEX at angular velocities of 60°/s and 180°/s. From these results, peak torque, limb symmetry index (LSI), peak knee extensor torque (time to peak torque and angle of peak torque), hamstrings-to-quadriceps (HQ) ratio, and amount of work were computed for two-group comparison. There were no statistically significant differences in peak torque, LSI of knee extensor strength, HQ ratio, and amount of work between the two groups. However, maximum knee extension torque at 60°/s occurred significantly later in the FNB than in the ACB group at 3months postoperatively. Additionally, the LSI of the knee flexor at 6months postoperatively was significantly lower in the ACB group. In ACL reconstruction, FNB may delay the time to peak torque for knee extension at 3months postoperatively, which is likely to improve over the treatment course. In contrast, ACB may result in unexpected loss of knee flexor strength at 6months postoperatively and should be considered with caution. Level III.

Possibilities of treatment by radiofrequency denervation in coxarthrosis of various stages

The scientific review presents the treatment of coxarthrosis of various stages by the radiofrequency denervations technique. Full-text articles were searched in open electronic databases PubMed, eLibrary, CyberLeninka for the maximum possible time interval for the time interval from 1990 to 2023. Fifteen scientific articles were selected, in which 302 patients were treated with 489 radiofrequency denervations of the hip joint. The authors provide information about the state of the problem with special attention to the characteristics of various denervation protocols and justification of the choice of target points for exposure from the standpoint of anatomy and innervation of the hip joint. RCD is a modern, interventional, and effective solution to the main symptom, which is pain, according to numerous studies. The introduction of targeted effects on the articular branches of the locking and femoral nerves by radiofrequency denervation into the work of a practitioner can increase the period of remission of exacerbation of coxarthrosis and shorten the period of disability with a high level of intervention safety for the patient. Conducting further research on the role of radiofrequency denervation in coxarthrosis is critical.