Lower Limb Pain Research Articles

Spinal cord electrical stimulation with neurophysiological monitoring for treatment of high-risk diabetic foot

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a single-session implantation of spinal cord electrical stimulation with neurophysiological monitoring a spinal cord electrical stimulator under general anesthesia with neurophysiological monitoring for the treatment of high-risk diabetic foot. The clinical data of seven patients with high-risk diabetic foot who underwent spinal cord electrical stimulation in neurosurgery ward nine of Tianjin Huanhu Hospital from May 2022 to May 2023 were collected. The operation was performed under general anesthesia with the "C" arm X ray machine guidance and neurophysiological monitoring. The arterial diameter and peak flow rate of lower extremity, lower extremity skin temperature (calf skin temperature, foot skin temperature), visual analog scale (VAS), continuous distance of movement, blood glucose level and toe wound were compared between patients before and after surgery. A total of seven patients with high-risk diabetic foot were included. The diameters and peak flow rates of femoral artery, popliteal artery, anterior tibial artery, posterior tibial artery and dorsal foot artery in both lower limbs were significantly improved after surgery. All patients had different degrees of lower limb pain before operation. After operation, VAS score decreased significantly (1.1±0.9 vs. 6.8±3.4), the pain was significantly relieved, and the calf skin temperature and foot skin temperature were significantly higher than those before surgery [calf skin temperature (centigrade): 33.3±0.9 vs. 30.9±0.7, foot skin temperature (centigrade): 31.4±0.8 vs. 29.1±0.6], fasting blood glucose and postprandial blood glucose were significantly lower than those before surgery [fasting blood glucose (mmol/L): 7.6±1.4 vs. 10.5±1.2, postprandial blood glucose (mmol/L): 9.3±2.3 vs. 13.5±1.1], the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.01). The lower limb movement of all seven patients was significantly improved after surgery, including one patient who needed wheelchair travel before surgery, and one patient who had intermittent claudication before surgery. Among them, one patient needed wheelchair travel and one patient had intermittent claudication before surgery. All patients could walk normally at 2 weeks after operation. Among the seven patients, two patients had the diabetic foot wound ulceration before surgery, which could not heal for a long time. One month after surgery, blood flow around the foot wound recovered and the healing was accelerated. The wound was dry and crusted around the wound, and the wound healed well. For diabetic high-risk foot patients who are intolerant to diabetic peripheral neuralgia and local anesthesia spinal cord electrical stimulation test, one-time implantation of spinal cord electrical stimulator under general anesthesia under neurophysiological monitoring can effectively alleviate peripheral neuralgia and other diabetic foot related symptoms, improve lower limb blood supply, and reduce the risk of toe amputation. Clinical practice has proved the effectiveness of this technique, especially for the early treatment of diabetic high-risk foot patients.

Gastrointestinal perforations induced by long-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use: a case series analysis and discussion

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are used in a wide range but may cause harm to the gastrointestinal mucosa, which leads to various complications. This study shows the impact of long term NSAID use on small and large intestine and presents 2 cases of patients with NSAID induced perforations. The first case involves a 62-year-old male patient with RA on long term Ibuprofen use, presented with abdominal pain, vomiting, and lower limbs pain. Laparotomy revealed a 5 mm perforation in the proximal jejunum. The second case, a male patient of 65 years of age using diclofenac without a prescription, which lead to a 4×4 cm sigmoid colon perforation. The comparison of both the cases presents a difference in examination and laboratory findings. Long-term NSAID use has been associated with various GI complications, including perforations. The case presents the importance of considering NSAID related complications, mainly in older patients and the persons with ulcers. Combining NSAIDS with other drugs, like misoprostol may minimize the risk of the GI complications. NSAIDs are also linked with cardiovascular events, and heart related issues. This study shows the need of careful NSAID prescription, with their association with preventable adverse effects. 30% of hospitalizations for adverse drug reactions are only by the NSAIDs. PPIs and H2 receptor antagonist are commonly used to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa which minimizes the occurrence of ulcers. Healthcare professionals should be careful particularly in case of high risk patients to minimize the NSAID related complications.

Spontaneous Rupture of Superficial Femoral Artery Treated Endovascularly Using CO2 Angiography

AbstractSpontaneous rupture of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) is extremely rare. We report an interesting case of an elderly man presented with a history of hearing a click sound in his left lower thigh followed by sudden onset pain, swelling, and discoloration in the left lower limb while coming back from the bathroom. He was a known case of chronic kidney disease, and cirrhosis of the liver with moderate left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. We treated the ruptured SFA using overlapping stent grafts with CO2 angiography. The pseudoaneurysm got thrombosed. The pain and swelling of the left lower limb gradually subsided. The patient went home walking.

Asymmetric changes in foot anthropometry with pregnancy may be related to onset of lower limb and low back pain.

Fifty percent of pregnant females experience pain with 20% reporting long-term pain post-partum. Pregnant females undergo changes in foot anthropometry, lower extremity alignment, and joint laxity. It is unknown if asymmetric alterations may be related to development of pain. The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) to compare asymmetric alignment in pregnant females with and without pain during pregnancy and in nulliparous controls and 2) to assess the relationship between asymmetric alignment and pain severity in all participants. Ten pregnant females in their third trimester and nine nulliparous controls participated. Bilateral asymmetry of foot length, width, arch index, arch height index, arch rigidity index, arch drop, rearfoot angle, and pelvic obliquity were determined. Joint laxity and musculoskeletal pain were also assessed. ANOVAs were utilized to compare asymmetries between pregnant females reporting pain (n = 5), those not reporting pain (n = 5), and controls. Spearman's Rho correlations were used to relate asymmetry to pain magnitude (α = 0.05). No statistical differences (p>0.05) were found between pregnant females with or without pain and controls for any of the metrics. Negative correlations were found between arch index asymmetry and low back pain (p = 0.005), foot length asymmetry and lower leg pain (p = 0.008), and pelvic obliquity and lower leg pain (p = 0.020). Positive correlations were found between foot width asymmetry and knee pain (p = 0.028), as well as arch drop asymmetry and upper leg (p = 0.024), knee (p = 0.005), and lower leg pain (p = 0.019). This study was successful in identifying potential targets for prevention and treatment of pain in pregnancy. Furthermore, because pain during pregnancy may be predictive of pain post-partum, it is important to conduct future research to determine both if interventions such as footwear or exercise can prevent or treat these asymmetries and prevent post-partum pain.

NTPDase1-ATP-P2Y2Rs axis in the sciatic nerve contributes to acupuncture at “Zusanli” (ST36)-induced analgesia in ankle arthritis rats

BackgroundThe efficacy of acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) in alleviating lower-limb pain is widely acknowledged in clinical practice, while its underlying mechanism remains incompletely elucidated. Our previous research had revealed that the prompt analgesia induced by needling-ST36 was accompanied by expression alterations in certain exco-nucleotidases within the sciatic nerve. Building upon this finding, the current work focused on NTPDase1, the primary ecto-nucleotidase in the human body, which converts ATP into AMP. MethodsA 20-min acupuncture was administered unilaterally at the ST36 on rats with acute ankle arthritis. The pain thresholds of the injured hind paws were determined. Pharmacological interference was carried out by introducing the corresponding reagents to the sciatic nerve. ATP levels around the excised nerve were measured using a luciferase-luciferin assay. Live calcium imaging, utilizing the Fura 2-related-F340/F380 ratio, was conducted on Schwann cells in excised nerves and cultured rat SCs line, RSC96 cells. ResultsThe analgesic effect induced by needling-ST36 was impaired when preventing ATP degradation via inhibiting NTPDase1 activities with ARL67156 or Ticlopidine. Conversely, increasing NTPDase1 activities with Apyrase duplicated the acupuncture effect. Similarly, preventing the conversion of AMP to adenosine via suppression of NT5E with AMP-CP hindered the acupuncture effect. Unexpectedly, impeded ATP hydrolysis ability and diminished NTPDase1 expression were observed in the treated group. Agonism at P2Y2Rs with ATP, UTP, or INS365 resulted in anti-nociception. Contrarily, antagonism at P2Y2Rs with Suramin or AR-C 118925xx prevented acupuncture analgesia. Immunofluorescent labeling demonstrated that the treated rats expressed more P2Y2Rs that were predominant in Schwann cells. Suppression of Schwann cells by inhibiting ErbB receptors also prevented acupuncture analgesia. Finally, living imaging on the excised nerves or RSC96 cells showed that agonism at P2Y2Rs indeed led to [Ca2+]i rise. ConclusionThese findings strongly suggest that the analgesic mechanism of needling-ST36 on the hypersensation in the lower limb partially relies on NTPDase1 activities in the sciatic nerve. In addition to facilitating adenosine signaling in conjunction with NT5E, most importantly, NTPDase1 may provide an appropriate low-level ATP milieu for the activation of P2Y2R in the sciatic nerve, particularly in Schwann cells.

Right Common Iliac Artery Gunshot Projectile Embolism

Background: In Ecuador, the number of patients who have suffered gunshot wounds has increased remarkably, mainly due to the increase of terrorist groups. Clinical Case: 17-year-old male, arriving with pain, coldness, and paleness of the right lower limb after a gunshot wound to the right upper limb and right hemithorax. Exploratory laparotomy was performed after CT angiography revealed the presence of a hyperdense image in the right common iliac artery. In the trans operative study, after arteriotomy, a firearm projectile was identified in the lumen of the artery. Thrombectomy and primary repair were performed. Conclusion: Guidelines for the management of this type of patient are lacking. Treatment options and surgical decision must be made individually according to the site of the gunshot, severity of the injury and clinical status of the patient.

Deep Vein Thrombosis of Saphenous-Femoral Junction After Leg Lauromacrogol Foam Ultrasound Guided Percutaneous Sclerotherapy

Background: Lauromacrogol foam sclerotherapy is characterized by a high success rate in obliterating varicose veins and a low frequency of adverse effects. Most of these parts consist of minor effects, and few data are available about significant effects (e.g., vein thrombosis), pointing out the technical safety of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy.Case Presentation: a 78-year-old woman was evaluated for chronic vein disease; at ultrasonographic and Doppler scan (USDS), severe GSV dilatation and GSV reflux were documented in both legs below the knee. After meticulous anamnesis and physical examination, informed consent was obtained, and ultrasound-guided percutaneous polidocanol foam (one part of 2% lauromacrogol solution + one part of the air, mixed with Double Syringe System) sclerotherapy was performed in the right leg; best medical therapy was given after the procedure. After five days, USDS pointed out thrombosis extending to the thigh upper region to saphenous-femoral junctions, consisting of deep vein thrombosis. Appropriate anticoagulant therapy was promptly dispensed, and the patient had no aftermaths.Conclusion:The prevalence of vein thrombosis after lauromacrogol sclerotherapy is unknown, and their correlation is uncertain, but, in our experience, it should be suspected in patients who referred lower limb pain after this procedure despite the best medical therapy dispensation.

The CSF1-CSF1R pathway in the trigeminal ganglion mediates trigeminal neuralgia via inflammatory responses in mice.

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is the most severe type of neuropathic pain. The trigeminal ganglion (TG) is a crucial target for the pathogenesis and treatment of TN. The colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) - colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) pathway regulates lower limb pain development. However, the effect and mechanism of the CSF1-CSF1R pathway in TG on TN are unclear. Partial transection of the infraorbital nerve (pT-ION) model was used to generate a mouse TN model. Mechanical and cold allodynia were used to measure pain behaviors. Pro-inflammatory factors (IL-6, TNF-a) were used to measure inflammatory responses in TG. PLX3397, an inhibitor of CSF1R, was applied to inhibit the CSF1-CSF1R pathway in TG. This pathway was activated in naïve mice by stereotactic injection of CSF1 into the TG. The TN model activated the CSF1-CSF1R pathway in the TG, leading to exacerbated mechanical and cold allodynia. TN activated inflammatory responses in the TG manifested as a significant increase in IL-6 and TNF-a levels. After using PLX3397 to inhibit CSF1R, CSF1R expression in the TG declined significantly. Inhibiting the CSF1-CSF1R pathway in the TG downregulated the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α to reduce allodynia-related behaviors. Finally, mechanical allodynia behaviors were exacerbated in naïve mice after activating the CSF1-CSF1R pathway in the TG. The CSF1-CSF1R pathway in the TG modulates TN by regulating neuroimmune responses. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for the development of treatments for TN in the TG.

The effectiveness of allied health and nurse practitioner models-of-care in managing musculoskeletal conditions in the emergency department: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundMusculoskeletal conditions are the most common health condition seen in emergency departments. Hence, the most effective approaches to managing these conditions is of interest. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of allied health and nursing models of care for the management of musculoskeletal pain in ED.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and LILACS databases were searched from inception to March 2023 for published randomised trials that compared the effectiveness of allied health and nursing models of care for musculoskeletal conditions in ED to usual ED care. Trials were eligible if they enrolled participants presenting to ED with a musculoskeletal condition including low back pain, neck pain, upper or lower limb pain and any soft tissue injury. Trials that included patients with serious pathology (e.g. malignancy, infection or cauda equina syndrome) were excluded. The primary outcome was patient-flow; other outcomes included pain intensity, disability, hospital admission and re-presentation rates, patient satisfaction, medication prescription and adverse events. Two reviewers performed search screening, data extraction, quality and certainty of evidence assessments.ResultsWe identified 1746 records and included 5 randomised trials (n = 1512 patients). Only one trial (n = 260) reported on patient-flow. The study provides very-low certainty evidence that a greater proportion of patients were seen within 20 min when seen by a physician (98%) than when seen by a nurse (86%) or physiotherapist (77%). There was no difference in pain intensity and disability between patients managed by ED physicians and those managed by physiotherapists. Evidence was limited regarding patient satisfaction, inpatient admission and ED re-presentation rates, medication prescription and adverse events. The certainty of evidence for secondary outcomes ranged from very-low to low, but generally did not suggest a benefit of one model over another.ConclusionThere is limited research to judge the effectiveness of allied health and nursing models of care for the management of musculoskeletal conditions in ED. Currently, it is unclear as to whether allied health and nurse practitioners are more effective than ED physicians at managing musculoskeletal conditions in ED. Further high-quality trials investigating the impact of models of care on service and health outcomes are needed.

Application of unilateral biportal endoscopy technique to resect a thoracic spinal intradural extramedullary meningioma: technical report and review of the literature

BackgroundMeningiomas are common intradural extramedullary spinal tumors, which arise from arachnoid cap cells in the leptomeninges surrounding the brain or spinal cord. Sensory and motor dysfunction as well as pain were the most common presenting symptoms. Surgical resection remains the primary treatment for spinal intradural extramedullary meningiomas. Traditionally, spinal meningiomas excision requires longer skin incision, bilateral subperiosteal muscle stripping, and total laminectomy. We report a new technique for the treatment of thoracic spinal intradural extramedullary meningioma, which involves the use of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) technique to resect the tumor, and reviewed and analyzed relevant literature.Case presentationA 69-year-old female patient presented with back pain accompanied by slowly progressive lower limb paresis, and severe pain in the right lower limb. Magnetic resonance imaging suggests a thoracic spinal intradural extramedullary meningioma. She underwent meningioma resection using UBE technique with complete recovery at the follow-up examination 3 months after surgery.ConclusionThis case confirmed the UBE technique can be a good choice for resection of spinal intradural extramedullary meningioma.

Myositis: A Comeback Complication of Viral Endemics

Acute benign childhood myositis (ABCM) is an uncommon presentation of viral upper respiratory tract infection. Multiple etiologies exist, with the common association of influenzas A and B. The patient usually presents with lower limb pain with associated gait abnormalities in much more severe cases. The diagnosis is made through certain laboratory investigations, with an important aspect of excluding more serious differential diagnoses. This case report follows a 6-year-old male presenting with a complaint of bilateral calf pain and weakness, The Patient tested positive for influenza A leading to the diagnosis of ABCM.

Investigating the immediate and short-term effects of a kinesiology tape application on work-related lower limb pain

Introduction and Aim: Lower limb discomfort at work is a prevalent problem that many employees in a variety of industries face. Kinesiology tape is a widely used modality for managing musculoskeletal pain and is commonly applied to the lower limb area. This study aims to investigate the short- and immediate-term benefits of using kinesiology tape for work-related lower limb pain. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 employees with lower limb pain associated with their job were randomised into two groups: one for the application of kinesiology tape and the other for control. The kinesiology tape application group received a kinesiology tape application on the affected lower limb area, while the control group received a placebo tape application. At baseline, immediately following the application, and one week later, the immediate and short-term effects of the tape application were assessed using measures of range of motion (ROM), functional capacity assessments, and the use of a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. Results: The results of the study showed that the kinesiology tape application group had a significantly higher acute pain reduction (p &lt; 0.05) than the control group. The kinesiology tape application group performed better than the control group at the one-week follow-up in terms of improvement in measures of functional capacity and range of motion (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, this randomized controlled trial provided evidence supporting the immediate and short-term effectiveness of a kinesiology tape application on work-related lower limb pain.

Prevalence of lower limb pain and disability in football, hockey, and floorball players.

Currently there are not enough studies that compared frequent types of collective sports with regard to the prevalence of pain and disability of the lower limb. To determine the prevalence of lower limb pain and disability in team sports players. 388 athletes with average age 27.26 ± 4.69, from sports clubs at the national level were included in the study. The Oxford Hip Score was used to determine the prevalence of hip pain. The International Knee Documentation Committee was used to determine the prevalence of knee pain. The Foot and Ankle Disability Index was used to determine the prevalence of ankle pain. Hockey players had a prevalence of hip pain of 97.2% and a 14.3 times higher risk of developing hip pain compared with football and floorball players. Floorball players had a 81.9% prevalence of knee pain, with a 3.8 times higher the risk of knee pain compared with football and hockey. Floorball players had a 62.3% prevalence of ankle pain and a 1.8 times higher the risk of developing ankle pain compared with football and hockey players. The highest percentage of knee 81.9% and ankle 62.3% pain, as well as the greatest risk of pain, was found among floorball players. Hockey players had the highest prevalence (97.2%) and risk of developing hip pain.

Effects of manual lymphatic drainage on total knee replacement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundTotal knee joint replacement (TKR) is an effective method for the treatment of severe knee osteoarthritis. With an increasing number of surgeries, complications such as lower limb edema, pain, and limited mobility have caused a heavy burden. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) may be a solution to solve the problem. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of MLD in reducing knee edema, pain, and improving range of motion (ROM) in patients after TKR.MethodsA search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, VIPs, WanFang database, and Google Scholar from inception to June 2023. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effects of MLD and non-MLD (or another physiotherapy) on improving knee edema, pain, and ROM after TKR were included. Stata 16.0 was used for meta-analysis. GRADE was used to assess the quality of evidence.ResultsIn total, 7 RCTs with 285 patients were identified. There were no significant differences found in the ROM of knee flexion (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.03, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.22, 0.28, P = 0.812) and the ROM of knee extension (SMD= -0.30, 95%CI: -0.64, 0.04, P = 0.084). No differences were observed in the lower extremity circumference after TKR (SMD= -0.09, 95%CI: -0.27, 0.09, P = 0.324). For postoperative pain, there was no significant advantage between the MLD and non-MLD groups (SMD= -0.33, 95%CI: -0.71, 0.04, P = 0.083).ConclusionsBased on the current evidence from RCTs, manual lymphatic drainage is not recommended for the rehabilitation of patients following total knee replacement.

Epidemiology of Non-Emergent Cancer-Related Emergency Department Visits in Korea between 2016 and 2020.

As people living with cancer increase in the aging society, cancer-related emergency department (ED) visits are also increasing. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiologic characteristics of non-emergent cancer-related ED visits using a nationwide ED database. A cross-sectional study was conducted using the National Emergency Department Information System (NEDIS) database. All cancer-related ED visits between 2016 and 2020 were included. The study outcome was non-emergent ED visits, defined as patients triaged into non-emergent condition at both the time of arrival at ED and discharge from ED and were discharged without hospitalization. Among 1185871 cancer-related ED visits over 5 years, 19.0% (n=225491) were classified as non-emergent visits. While abdominal pain and fever are the top chief complaints in both emergent and non-emergent visits, non-emergent visits had high proportions of abdomen distension (4.8%), ascite (2.4%), and pain in lower limb (2.0%) compared with emergent visits. The cancer types with a high proportion of non-emergent visits were thyroid (32.4%) and prostate cancer (30.4%). Adults compared with children or older adults, female, medical aid insurance, urban/rural ED, direct-in compared with transfer-in, and weekend visit were associated with high odds for non-emergent visits. Approximately 20% of cancer-related ED visits may be potentially non-emergent. A significant number of non-emergent patients visited the ED due to cancer-related symptoms. To improve the quality of care for people living with cancer, the expansion of supportive care resources besides of ED, including active symptom control, is necessary.

Role of laparoscopic lumbar sympathectomy in chronic limb-threatening ischemia due to nonreconstructable peripheral arterial disease

Background Lumbar sympathectomy (LS) was traditionally performed for intermittent claudication but is now eclipsed by revascularization for that indication. However, it retains a role in the management of chronic limb-threatening ischemia and other conditions causing lower limb pain with or without ischemia. In this study, we identify its role in the management of chronic limb-threatening ischemia in cases of nonreconstructable peripheral arterial disease. Aim The main aim of this study is to determine if LS procedure has an effective role in limb salvage and pain control for patients with nonreconstructable peripheral limb ischemia. The primary endpoint was limb salvage in the target limb, while the secondary endpoint targeted assessment of pain improvement in the same limb. Patients and methods This study is a prospective single-arm cohort study conducted using 21 patients between the January 1, 2021 and the January 1, 2023 at two hospitals, Ain Shams University Hospital and Nasser Institute Hospital. Patients complained of nonreconstructable peripheral arterial disease and there was no chance for revascularization either endovascular or surgical bypass. Results This study included 60 patients; one patient was excluded due to being lost to follow-up, and presented with nonconstructable critical limb ischemia between the January 1, 2021 and the January 1, 2023. There were 42 (70%) males and 18 (30%) females. Follow-up for all patients was subjected to measurement of ankle brachial pressure index, digital pulse oximetry, toe pressure and numerical rating scale for pain scoring preoperative and postoperative. On follow-up we noticed that there was no change in either ankle brachial pressure index or toe pressure immediately postoperatively and after 12 months. However, the digital pulse oximetry showed significant improvement immediately postoperatively from 68.40±7.36 to 81.15±12.23 with a P value of 0.001. The most remarkable improvement was found in pain scoring immediately, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively with P values showing statistical significance. As for limb salvage, there was a 100% limb survival for 3 months. After 6 months, only nine cases underwent above-knee amputation, one of them was due to severe limb infection, and three cases had minor amputation ‘toe amputation.’ We noticed that three out of the nine cases suffering major amputations had femoropopliteal disease. Of the patients, 80% suffered no minor or major amputation, while 15% had major amputations beyond the tarsometatarsal joint and only 5% underwent minor toe amputation or debridement. Fortunately, there was no mortality among the studied cases. Conclusion Retroperitoneoscopic LS is significantly less invasive than open surgical technique with fewer wound complications and less hospital stay period and offers a longer duration of pain relief and less incidence of recurrence of manifestations.

Intradural Extramedullary Spinal Tumors: A Clinical Study and Management without the Aid of Nerve Monitoring

Abstract Background: The incidence of primary spinal cord tumors is less and the true incidence is still not known and various studies are still being done. These tumors are benign and slow growing, and they generally present with pain – either radiculopathy or axial back pain or focal neurological deficits due to the loss of roots, myelopathy from spinal cord compression, or cauda equina symptoms due to chronic compression. Early diagnosis and operation are gratifying as the lesions are mostly benign and can be completely resected as well as preservation of functionality if operated as early as possible. Although rare, an inadvertent neurological injury during surgery is a concerning complication that can potentially be prevented with the assistance of intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM). This technology enables real-time assessment of spinal cord function by providing feedback from sensory tracts, motor tracts, and individual nerve roots. However, the definitive requirement for IONM in the treatment of a highly curable condition is still under consideration. Objective: our study aims at studying the clinical features of intradural extramedullary tumors and their operative management without nerve monitoring. Material and Methods: Patients with intradural extramedullary (IDEM) spinal cord tumors who fit the inclusion criteria and who were willing to investigations, surgical procedures, and follow up were enrolled in the study, and consent was obtained. Patient assessment was done clinically by McCormick’s Scale and radiologically by magnetic resonance imaging. Patients who underwent operation were followed up. The data was collected and analysed using SPSS software. Results: Nineteen patients were enrolled in the study. The age group ranged from 6 years to 79 years. There were 13 females and 6 males in the study group. The common presenting complaints were backache and upper and lower limb pain. Nine out of the 19 patients underwent operative procedures after thorough radiological and clinical evaluation. Histopathology showed five cases of schwannoma and four cases of meningioma. The mean McCormick’s Scale preoperatively was 4.11, whereas postoperatively, it was 3.10. The operative procedures were performed without the aid of IONM, yet there were no inadvertent intraoperative injuries and postoperative outcomes were good. Our study data were comparable with other studies. Conclusion: IDEM tumors, though technically challenging to operate, have excellent results in terms of outcomes due to their benign characteristics as well as complete resectability. Therefore, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive examination and imaging for patients experiencing backaches and weakness. Following a careful evaluation, early surgical intervention should be considered, as the timeliness of the surgery contributes to enhanced outcomes. The unavailability of nerve monitoring did not portend any added risk of surgery if done meticulously though its aid would make the operative procedure safer and gross resection better.

Immediate Effects, Detailed Clinical Outcomes, and Prognostic Factors of Chemonucleolysis Using Condoliase for Lumbar Disc Herniation.

Chemonucleolysis utilizing condoliase is a minimally invasive treatment for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) aimed at reducing intervertebral disc pressure and enhancing symptoms. In this study, lower limb pain was measured using the numeric rating scale (NRS) the day after treatment and 1 and 3 months after treatment. Prognostic factors were assessed, categorizing participants into an improvement group (I-group) for NRS lower limb pain scores of ≥3.5 and a non-improvement group (N-group) for scores of <3.5. This study included a total of 225 patients treated between April 2020 and March 2023. The mean age was 46.5 ± 16.5 years, with 151 males. The mean duration of illness was 6.2 ± 8.52 months. As of the day after treatment, 60 cases were classified into the I-group, 118 cases at 1 month after surgery, and 152 cases at 3 months after surgery. The disease duration before treatment was significantly shorter in the I-group at 1 (8.19 ± 8.74 [I-group] vs. 5.17 ± 8.04 [N-group] months) and 3 months (8.51 [I-group] ± 7.35 vs. 5.69 ± 8.87[N-group] months) after treatment. The comparison of baseline leg pain NRS shows a difference in leg pain NRS in the I-group when compared on the day after treatment (6.02 ± 2.64 [I-group] vs. 7.50 ± 1.79 [N-group]), 1 (5.13 ± 2.69 [I-group] vs. 7.58 ± 1.66 [N-group]), and 3 months (4.42 ± 2.70 [I-group] vs. 7.34 ± 1.77 [N-group]). Chemonucleolysis using condoliase for LDH can improve symptoms the day after treatment and can be a minimally invasive treatment to avoid surgery.

Statin-Induced Rhabdomyolysis: A Rare Case

ABSTRACT Statins are a group of lipid-lowering agents currently used as mainstay agents in the primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular heart disease. Rhabdomyolysis is one of the rare adverse effects of statin therapy, the incidence of which increases in the presence of risk factors. We report a rare case of statin-induced rhabdomyolysis presenting with acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring dialysis in the absence of risk factors. A 58-year-old diabetic and hypertensive female presented with pain and weakness of lower limbs, difficulty in walking, shortness of breath, and decreased urine output. She was receiving statin therapy for the past 1 week. Her blood investigations showed elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and renal parameters. Electromyography and magnetic resonance imaging of thigh and calf muscles were suggestive of myositis. Statin was withdrawn and hemodialysis was done. The patient recovered gradually with no residual deficit. Statin-induced rhabdomyolysis is a rare but serious adverse effect requiring timely management. CPK levels along with thorough history and physical examination are useful to establish the diagnosis. Treatment is hydration and supportive therapy when diagnosed early. Hemodialysis is required in severe cases with AKI.

Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA): A Case Report Presenting with Peripheral Polyneuropathy

Background: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a rare clinical condition with multiple organ involvement. We report a case of a 64-year-old male patient who presented with symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis, numbness, and pain in both lower limbs, weight loss of 6 kg/3 months, and subcutaneous vasculitis lesions along the forearms and legs on both sides. The patient had peripheral eosinophilia with an eosinophil count of 11.6%, eosinophil count of 1.56G/l, positive pANCA test, and electromyography results showing damage to the left calf nerve, bilateral superficial peroneal nerve, and left deep peroneal nerve with axonal loss. Biopsy results of calf muscle showed chronic granulomatous vasculitis. The patient was diagnosed with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) according to the ACR/EULAR 2022 criteria. The patient was given intravenous Methylprednisolone, followed by maintenance treatment with reduced doses of Corticosteroids and Methotrexate. The patient’s leg pain was significantly reduced, numbness in both lower limbs was reduced, and the patient’s quality of life was improved. Methods: clinical case report. Results: The patient’s peripheral polyneuropathy and subcutaneous vasculitis were significantly reduced after treatment with Corticosteroids and Methotrexate. Conclusion: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a rare clinical condition with manifestations of multiple organ damage. Timely detection and diagnosis help increase treatment effectiveness and improve clinical symptoms for patients.