Muscular Trauma Research Articles

ZnO/RuO2 nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode as sensor for determination of exercise-induced myoglobin biomarkers

A novel ZnO/RuO2 nanocomposite modified electrochemical sensor was developed for the rapid and ultrasensitive quantification of Mb biomarkers related to exercise-induced muscle injury. The sensor demonstrated a wide linear range from 0.1 to 100 nM along with an ultra-low detection limit down to 30 pM Mb under optimal conditions. A rapid response time below 10 s was achieved. The sensor surface showed excellent electrocatalytic activities towards Mb oxidation, attributing to the synergistic properties of the mixed transition metal oxide interface. Systematic investigations revealed reversible electrochemical behavior and diffusion controlled electron transfer kinetics governing the oxidation process. Negligible interferences were observed against potentially co-existing species. Spike-recovery experiments using real human serum samples yielded excellent recovery rates between 97.3% and 103.1%. Significantly enhanced post-exercise Mb levels up to 8.2 nM were successfully detected in clinical specimens, confirming the sensor's ability to sensitively monitor muscular trauma via minimally invasive blood tests. The sensor provided tangible analytical advantages over previous Mb detectors and immunoassays in terms of detection limit, sensitivity, simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Findings validate the feasible adoption of the sensor technology to facilitate prompt diagnosis of exercise-induced myoglobinemia in sports medicine clinics.

Minimally invasive resection of a prominent transverse process in neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome: new application for a primarily spinal approach. Illustrative case.

The optimal surgical approach to treat neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (nTOS) depends on the individual patient's anatomy as well as the surgeon's experience. The authors present a minimally invasive posterior approach for the resection of a prominent transverse process to reduce local muscular trauma. A 19-year-old female presented with painful sensations in the right arm and severe fine-motor skill dysfunction in the right hand, each of which had been present for several years. Further examination confirmed affected C8 and T1 areas, and imaging showed an elongated C7 transverse process displacing the lower trunk of the brachial plexus. Decompression of the plexus structures by resection of the C7 transverse process was indicated, owing to persistent neurological effects. Surgery was performed using a minimally invasive posterior approach in which the nuchal soft tissue was bluntly dissected by dilatators and resection of the transverse process was done microscopically through a tubular retractor. The postoperative course showed a sufficient reduction of pain and paresthesia. The authors describe a minimally invasive posterior approach for the treatment of nTOS with the aim of providing indirect relief of strain on brachial plexus structures. The advantages of this technique include a small skin incision and minor soft tissue damage.

Rhabdomyolysis and the Use of Low-Dose Amphetamine

Rhabdomyolysis ranges from being asymptomatic with elevated creatine kinase (CK) to a potentially life-threatening condition involving multiple organ systems. Muscular trauma is the most common cause, followed by enzyme deficiencies, electrolyte abnormalities, drugs, toxins, and endocrinopathies. While these risk factors are delineated, it is not clear if mild exposure to a combination of risk factors could lead to the development of rhabdomyolysis. In this case report, a 22-year-old male of Pakistani/Caucasian ethnicity presented to the emergency room with myalgias and tea-colored urine after starting a new exercise program. His serum CK level and liver function tests were significantly elevated. He was successfully treated for acute rhabdomyolysis with aggressive hydration. However, the etiology of his condition was not clear given that his exercise was not considered vigorous. The only plausible explanation for his symptoms included the use of prescribed dextroamphetamine, which may have exacerbated the physiologic responses induced by exercise. This report describes a novel case in which a patient may have developed recurrent episodes of rhabdomyolysis due to low-dose dextroamphetamine use. The combination of exercise and dextroamphetamine use may predispose patients to develop rhabdomyolysis.

Tissue accumulation of neutrophil extracellular traps mediates muscle hyperalgesia in a mouse model

Accumulation of uric acid (UA) during muscular trauma is a factor involved in the development of muscle hyperalgesia. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), DNA-based reticular structures to capture UA, play a central role in the pain onset of gout attacks; however, the involvement of NETs via the elevation of local UA level in muscle hyperalgesia due to injuries from muscle overuse remains unknown. The triceps surae muscles (TSMs) in the unilateral hindlimb of mice were electrically stimulated to induce excessive muscle contraction. Mechanical withdrawal thresholds, tissue UA levels, neutrophil recruitment, and protein amount of citrullinated histone 3 (citH3), a major marker of NETs, were investigated. Furthermore, whether neutrophil depletion, extracellular DNA cleavage, and administration of the urate-lowering agent febuxostat improved muscle hyperalgesia caused by NET formation was examined. CitH3 expression upon neutrophil recruitment was significantly increased in the stimulated TSMs with increased tissue UA levels, whereas febuxostat administration improved muscle hyperalgesia with decreased citH3 and tissue UA levels, as observed in neutrophil depletion and extracellular DNA digestion. The underlying mechanism of muscle hyperalgesia associated with locally recruited neutrophils forming NETs due to increased tissue UA levels potentially plays a significant role in creating a vicious circle of muscle pain.

Injectable laminin-biofunctionalized gellan gum hydrogels loaded with myoblasts for skeletal muscle regeneration

Moderate muscular injuries that exceed muscular tissue's auto-healing capacity are still a topic of noteworthy concern. Tissue engineering appeared as a promising therapeutic strategy capable of overcoming this unmet clinical need. To attain such goal, herein we propose an in situ-crosslinking gellan gum (GG)-based hydrogel tethered with a skeletal muscle-inspired laminin-derived peptide RKRLQVQLSIRTC(Q) and encapsulated with skeletal muscle cells (SMCs). Pre-hydrogel solutions presented decreasing shear viscosity with increasing shear rate and shear stress, and required low forces for extrusion, validating their injectability. The GGDVS hydrogel was functionalized with Q-peptide with 30% of efficiency. C2C12 were able to adhere to the developed hydrogel, remained living and spreading 7 days post-encapsulation. Q-peptide release studies indicated that 25% of the unbound peptide can be released from the hydrogels up to 7 days, dependent on the hydrogel formulation. Treatment of a chemically-induced muscular lesion in mice with an injection of C2C12-laden hydrogels improved myogenesis, primarily promoted by the C2C12. In accordance, a high density of myoblasts (α-SA+ and MYH7+) were localized in tissues treated with the C2C12 (alone or encapsulated in the hydrogel). α-SA protein levels were significantly increased 8 weeks post-treatment with C2C12-laden hydrogels and MHC protein levels were increased in all experimental groups 4 weeks post-treatment, in relation to the SHAM. Neovascularization and neoinnervation was also detected in the defects. Altogether, this study indicates that C2C12-laden hydrogels hold great potential for skeletal muscle regeneration. Statement of significanceWe developed an injectable gellan gum-based hydrogel for delivering C2C12 into localized myopathic model. The gellan gum was biofunctinalized with laminin-derived peptide to mimic the native muscular ECM. In addition, hydrogel was physically tuned to mimic the mechanical properties of native tissue. To the best of our knowledge, this formula was used for the first time under the context of skeletal muscle tissue regeneration. The injectability of the developed hydrogel provided non-invasive administration method, combined with a reliable microenvironment that can host C2C12 with nominal inflammation, indicated by the survival and adhesion of encapsulated cells post-injection. The treatment of skeletal muscle defect with the cell-laden hydrogel approach significantly enhanced the regeneration of localized muscular trauma.

Retraction notice to "Changes in the supporting muscles of the fractured hip in elderly women".

There is little information concerning the changes in the muscles supporting the fractured hip joint. Morphologic and histochemical examinations of biopsy specimen from the middle gluteal muscles were performed at surgery in 42 elderly women with hip fracture caused by a fall. On the basis of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) concentration, the patients were divided into a sufficient group (25-OHD concentration >39 nmol/L, n = 20) and a deficient group (25-OHD concentration <39 nmol/L, n = 22). Reflecting the muscular trauma in the fall-induced hip fracture, the following pathologic changes were common in both the sufficient and deficient groups: degenerating and regenerating fibers; fiber necrosis; and inflammatory reaction. The mean type II fiber diameter in the deficient group (15.4 ± 4.2 μm) was significantly smaller than that in the sufficient group (38.7 ± 8.1 μm) (p < 0.0001). In the deficient group, the mean type II fiber diameter correlated with the serum 25-OHD concentration (r = 0.714, p = 0.0011). This correlation was not observed in the sufficient group. Low physical activity along with vitamin D deficiency prior to the hip fractures may have caused the severe type II fiber atrophy in the deficient group. Such changes may weaken the support of the hip joint and lead to falls. We believe that severe type fiber II atrophy is an independent risk factor for hip fractures and this should be studied in a classic case-control study. Severe type II fiber atrophy may also have contributed to the poor functional outcome in the deficient group. Further research is needed to develop treatments and rehabilitation protocols that might improve gait and body function by attenuating type II fiber atrophy.

The importance of pseudocapsule preservation during hysteroscopic myomectomy

Minimally invasive techniques for myomectomy are based on the rationale of preserving the myometrial integrity, in order to spare muscular and fibro-neurovascular myometrial fibers and ensure complete and bloodless myoma removal. Post-operative myometrial vascularization is crucial in injured muscle regeneration. The post-surgical myometrial healing is needful for uterine reproductive function. Neurotransmitters and neurofibers were analyzed in the myoma pseudocapsule surrounding fibroid. They activate signaling molecule synthesis and release which, in turn, promote cell activation and induce muscle regeneration and growth. Pseudocapsule damage during myomectomy may lead to a reduction of neuropeptides and neurofibers at the hysterotomic site, to a poor physiological myometrial healing, with more fibrosis due to hypoxia, ischemia and necrosis.These pathophysiological events cause deficit in myometrial neurotransmission, muscular impulse and contractility, with ultimately impaired uterine muscle function during pregnancy, labor and delivery. Hence, during myomectomy, all manipulations should be performed as precisely and bloodlessly as possible, avoiding extensive, high wattage diathermocoagulation or excessive tissue manipulation or muscular trauma. Any iatrogenic pseudocapsule damage may alter neurotransmitter function during successive myometrial healing, impacting negatively on uterine repair and on eventual pregnancies. Hence the reasoned myomectomy on a biological basis, the “intracapsular myomectomy”, satisfied these surgical and physiological requirements. It was described precisely and firstly by the hysteroscopy, with the image magnification of the preservation of the myoma pseudocapsule. The “intracapsular hysteroscopic myomectomy” demonstrated the safe and effective removal of submucous myomas with intramural development. It allowed to completely remove the myoma in one or two surgical steps, saving the pseudocapsule and the surrounding healthy myometrium. The respect of the myometrium and the reduced thermal injury, a part the excellent outcomes in terms of surgical complications prevention, post-surgical fibrosis and intrauterine synechiae reduction, highlighted the physiological development of a successive pregnancy, without any myometrial complications during pregnancy, labor and delivery.

A comparative prospective study of clinical and radiological outcomes between open and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion

Context: Fusion of lumbar spine is one of the standards of care for various pathologies such as lumbar canal stenosis and spondylolisthesis. Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) achieves the necessary goals but with greater muscular trauma due to denervation and loss of muscle mass which may result in poor short-term outcomes. Minimally invasive-TLIF (MIS-TLIF) overcomes these shortcomings by preserving the muscle mass by splitting and dilating the muscles. Aims: The goals of the minimally invasive procedures are to reduce iatrogenic muscle injury, postoperative pain, and disability without compromising on the goals of the surgery. Aim of this study was to compare the 1-year postoperative results of TLIF by a minimally invasive technique and open approach in relation to improvement in functional outcome and interbody fusion. Settings and Design: This was a prospective study. Subjects and Methods: We performed a comparative prospective study on 80 patients. All patients were followed up for minimum of 1-year postoperatively. Functional outcome in all patients was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and short form-36 (SF-36) scores. Creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) was assessed at the third-day postoperatively. All patients were radiologically assessed with X-rays and computed tomography scans at 1 year to assess fusion. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS version 17 was used for analysis. P

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of melatonin on recovery from muscular trauma induced in rats

In recent decades, the number of people who practice sports has grown exponentially, increasing the number of muscular injuries. Trauma injury occurs when the muscle is exposed to a sudden compression force. Melatonin (MLT) has often been cited in the literature as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. This study was designed to evaluate MLT action on muscle tissue in Wistar rats in an experimental model of muscle trauma. Twenty-eight Wistar rats were used, divided into four groups: CO (Control), CO + MLT (Control + Melatonin), T (Trauma) and T + MLT (Trauma + Melatonin). MLT (20 mg/kg) was administered (ip) daily at dusk until day 7. The trauma occurred on day 1, 2 h before the first MLT application. On day 8, muscle tissue was collected for histological analysis (HE), immunohistochemistry (TNF-α and NFκB), evaluation of oxidative stress through analysis of lipoperoxidation by TBARS and activity of SOD and GPx enzymes, and analysis of nitrites and nitrates. In the evaluation of TBARS and SOD, we observed a significant increase in the T group and a significant decrease in the T + MLT group. In the evaluation of GPx, there was a significant increase in the T group and a significant decrease in the T + MLT group. The histological analysis of muscle tissue revealed structural changes of muscle fibers and inflammatory infiltrate in the T group but a decrease in this damage in the T + MLT group. In the immunohistochemical evaluation, increased expression of TNFα and NFκB proteins in the T group was observed and a significant decrease of this expression in the T + MLT group. MLT was shown to attenuate oxidative damage and to diminish the expression of inflammatory proteins and tissue damage in this experimental model.

Rhabdomyolysis and coeliac disease: A causal or casual association? A case report and review of literature

Rhabdomyolysis is a rare, potentially life-threatening condition, caused by multiple disorders. The association with Coeliac Disease (CD) has been rarely reported and in these cases muscular damage was imputed to hypokalemia. Herein we describe a new case of severe rhabdomyolysis in a child subsequently diagnosed as affected by CD, and review previous reports. A 3-year-old boy was referred for diarrhea, brown urine, muscular pain/weakness, and no history of muscular trauma. At entry, laboratory tests showed elevated levels of creatine kinase (CK) (x100 unv) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (x10 unv), alanine aminotrasferase (ALT) (x5 unv); electrolytes were within the reference range. Twenty-four hours after admission serum CK peaked 115,000 U/L and transaminases increased up to 30 times unv. Hyperhydration treatment was started with renal function monitoring. Urine output decreased little, while serum creatinine and urea nitrogen stayed within the reference range. Serum potassium levels went down to 2.8 mEq/L at day 3, in spite of supplementation. The patient completely recovered at day 16. Main metabolic causes of rhabdomyolysis were ruled out by appropriate tests. Because of rarely reported cases of CD/rhabdomyolysis, anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies were measured and found positive (IgA 34 U/mL, unv <9). HLA typing was DQA1 05:02, DQB1 03:02. As jejunal biopsy showed patchy villous atrophy, gluten free diet (GFD) was prescribed. One year after starting GFD, histology was normal. Literature (search engines: PUB MED and GOOGLE SCHOLAR) from 1980 to 2016 retrieved 8 cases (age range: 12 to 75 years old) previously described. The present case suggests to check for CD in children with severe rhabdomyolysis. Because severe rhabdomyolysis itself may elevate the serum potassium levels, hypokalemia might go unrecognized as the cause of muscular damage.

Spontaneous Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis in the Thoracic or Lumbar Spine: A Retrospective Cohort Study Comparing the Safety and Efficacy of Minimally Invasive and Open Surgery Over a Nine-Year Period.

Pyogenic spondylodiscitis is a rare disease, but its incidence is increasing. Over the last decade, spinal surgery has been modified to become minimally invasive. In degenerative spinal disorders, such minimally invasive surgery (MIS) reduces blood loss, muscular trauma, and thehospital stay. However, it is not known whether MISalso confers these benefits to patients with pyogenicspondylodiscitis. This retrospective cohort study comparedthe safety and efficacy of MIS and the conventional open surgical procedure in patients with pyogenic spondylodiscitis. The study cohort consisted of all consecutive patients who underwent surgery for thoracic or lumbar pyogenic spondylodiscitis that was not caused by previous surgery or tuberculosis in our tertiary-care institution between January 2003 and December2011. Of the 148 eligible patients, 75 and 73 underwent MIS and open surgery, respectively. The 2 groups did not differ in terms of age, body mass index, American Society of Anaesthesiologists score, comorbidities, septic disease, or preoperative neurologic deficit. The 2 methods were associated with similar postoperative stays in the intensive care unit, overall hospital stays, complication rates, and postoperative survival. However, MIS was associated with a significantly shorter operating time, a lower perioperative need for blood products, and, as expected, an increased intraoperative fluoroscopy duration. Our 9-year experience suggests that MIS is safe and effective for spontaneous pyogenic thoracic and lumbar spondylodiscitis.

Lumbar Spinous Process–Splitting Laminoplasty: A Novel Technique for Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression

Minimally invasive posterior spinous process-splitting laminoplasty preserving the paraspinal musculature has been introduced to treat patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. Despite its theoretical advantage of limiting muscular trauma, additional efforts are required to evaluate patients' clinical and functional results following this procedure. Between 2010 and 2012, 37 patients underwent spinous process-splitting laminoplasty for lumbar stenosis at a mean age of 68 years (range, 36-87 years) and were followed for minimum of 1 year (mean, 1.3 years). There were 22 (59%) men and 15 (41%) women. Mean number of levels treated with a spinous process-splitting laminoplasty was 2.2 (range, 1-6 levels). Patients had statistically significant improvements in their scores for all self-reported outcomes, including visual analog scale (VAS) for back and leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Short Form 36 (SF-36) components. Mean VAS significantly decreased by 4.4±3.2 points for back pain and 3.9±3.7 points for leg pain (P<.0001). Mean ODI significantly decreased by 17.5±19.1 points (P<.0001), and mean SF-36 significantly increased by 29±30.4 points (P=.0017) for the physical component and 21.8±25.6 points (P=.0062) for the mental health component. Four (10.8%) patients had a dural tear requiring repair (3 were intraoperative), 3 (8%) had an epidural hematoma requiring evacuation, 1 (2.7%) had an infection requiring irrigation and debridement, and 2 (5%) had additional decompression for symptom recurrence secondary to instability. Lumbar spinous process-splitting laminoplasty is a novel minimally invasive technique that provides adequate decompression for the neuronal elements and may avoid extensive paraspinal muscular damage associated with conventional laminectomy. Patients demonstrated significant improvements in pain and overall heath and function scores at a minimum 1-year follow-up. [Orthopedics.2016; 39(5):e950-e956.].

Surgical Dislocation of the Hip in the Treatment of Complex Osteochondral Injury to the Femoral Head.

The optimal treatment for osteochondral fracture of the femoral head associated with posterior dislocation remains unclear. A case can be made to treat small fragments and those that concentrically reduce nonoperatively. On the other end of the spectrum are those where significant size and residual displacement warrant consideration of operative fixation. This video demonstrates the treatment of a large complex multifragmentary osteochondral femoral head fracture with surgical dislocation. With the patient in lateral decubitus position, the trochanter is approached through lateral incision. The trochanter is cut and capsulotomy performed taking care to preserve the critical medial femoral circumflex artery. Fixation with headless screws is performed from the small comminuted fragments into the dominant section of intact femoral head. Experience suggests that anatomic fixation through surgical dislocation can be carried out with low incidence of subsequent avascular necrosis and degenerative articular change. Given the degree of local osseous and muscular trauma, consideration should be given to prophylaxis of heterotopic bone. Although small osteochondral fragments restricted to the acetabular fossa can be treated nonoperatively, the size and displacement of the presented fragment mandated operative reduction. Given the predicted complexity of repair, the surgical dislocation approach was chosen to provide maximum exposure optimizing the chances for successful fixation.

The role of muscular trauma in the development of heterotopic ossification after hip surgery: An animal-model study in rats

BackgroundHeterotopic ossification (HO), the formation of bone in soft tissues, is a frequent complication after surgery of the hip and the pelvis. Although the pathophysiological entities responsible for the formation of HO remain largely unclear, muscle trauma is alleged to play a central role in the pathogenic mechanisms underlying HO. However, for this observation, made by many surgeons for decades, no objective evidence has been provided yet. MethodsFifty male Wistar rats were subjected to surgery of the right hip. The femoral canal was reamed in three steps up to 2mm. Animals formed 2 groups: in group 1 (25 animals) every effort was taken not to injure the muscles. In contrast, in the rats of group 2 (25 animals), an additional muscle lesion was created. Twelve weeks after surgery, the amount of heterotopic bone was assessed using micro-computed tomography, and classified using a modified Brooker classification system. A chi-square test was used to assess the statistical hypothesis comparing both groups. ResultsA significant higher amount of heterotopic bone was observed in animals that underwent additional muscular trauma. ConclusionAccording to our data, muscle trauma seems to play an important role in the development of HO after hip surgery. Hence, during surgery, particular care not to injure the surrounding muscular tissue should be taken.

Study on Correlation Between Hotel Cleaners’ Musculoskeletal Pain and Cleaning Pose by RULA (Upper Limb Assessment) and MSDs Checklist: Using Hot Spring Hotels and Motels in Taiwan as Examples

Information of hotel cleaners’ musculoskeletal pain can be acquired by subjective survey on patients. The ultrasonic waves and X-ray examination can reveal the parts of muscular trauma, bones and joints, and fracture. Medical instruments can recognize the situation musculoskeletal pain and related treatment and recovery will be offered. However, after pain is relieved, hotel cleaners often experience musculoskeletal pain again. Hot Spring Hotels and Motels in employment caused by the cleaners will reduce the manpower supply shortage, the impact of manpower supply chain management (SCM) performance.Hence, it is necessary to find the causes of their musculoskeletal pain. Does cleaning pose cause hotel cleaners’ musculoskeletal pain? It is an important research topic. Hence, this study probed into the correlation among hotel cleaners’ working pose, force and musculoskeletal pain by RULA (Upper Limb Assessment). The MSDs Checklist revealed the risk factors of cleaning as the reference for medical personnel’s diagnosis and treatment. This study treated hot spring hotel and motel cleaners as the subjects. According to the results, based on the correlation between hotel cleaners’ musculoskeletal discomfort and RULA, subjective discomfort of neck, body and upper arm is significantly related to score of RULA. A comparison of hot spring hotel and motel cleaners’ work situations showed that when cleaning hot spring pools and bathtubs, the scores of different poses in RULA vary significantly. This is due to different designs of hot spring pools of hot spring hotels and Jacuzzis of motels. The cleaners may easily have musculoskeletal discomfort due to excessive force and bad poses. This study suggests using long brushes to improve bad poses and excessive force. According to the analytical result of MSDs, regarding raising mattress and changing bed sheet and bedspread, compared to hot spring hotels, motels are more dangerous. Regarding cleaning of bathtubs and hot spring pools, hot spring hotels are more dangerous than motels. The findings of this study can serve as reference for hotels to improve work process or for medical personnel to enhance diagnosis and treatment.

Surgical outcomes of a modified Marmot operation with transverse cutting of the spinal process in patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis

ObjectiveThe authors developed a minimally invasive spinal surgery technique—a microscope-assisted modified Marmot operation combined with transverse cutting of the spinal process—to increase surgical field exposure and improve surgical outcomes in patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis. Materials and methodsWe retrospectively analyzed 45 patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis who underwent a microscope-assisted modified Marmot operation combined with spinal process transverse cutting laminectomy from February 2009 to June 2011. Pre- and postoperative evaluations of the patients were conducted using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire and visual analog scale (VAS) scores for back pain. Operation time, blood loss, and postoperative time until ambulation were also measured. ResultsThe age of the patients was 68.2 ± 7.2 years. The follow-up period was 15.3 ± 4.5 months. The postoperative hospital stay was 3.5 ± 2.2 days. The VAS scores of low back pain and leg pain were 72.1 ± 18.3 mm and 75.6 ± 20.1 mm preoperative, and 18.6 ± 17.3 and 23.8 ± 14.6 postoperative, respectively. The ODI questionnaire scores before and after the operation were 63.1 ± 6.8 and 26.5 ± 5.0, respectively. Patients had significant improvement in both VAS and ODI questionnaire scores after surgical decompression (p < 0.05). Operation time was 134.2 ± 19.6 minutes. Intraoperative blood loss was 66.5 ± 35.3 mL. No perioperative complication such as dural tear, hematoma, surgical site infection, or neurological deterioration was noted. All patients were able to walk within 2.4 ± 1.5 days. ConclusionsA microscope-assisted modified Marmot operation combined with spinal process transverse cutting laminectomy was an effective procedure for spinal decompression. As the procedure produces only unilateral muscular trauma, patients can ambulate early. Overall, the procedure is safe and effective. It provides good surgical field exposure and satisfactory neurological and functional outcomes.

Adolescent with Hypothyroidism Induced Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Injury

Objectives: Rhabdomyolysis is a potentially life-threatening syndrome. Hypothyroid patients may present with myopathy and mild elevation of CK levels; however, overt rhabdomyolysis is extremely rare, and few cases have been described. Hypothyroidism should be considered in patients presenting with renal impairment associated with rhabdomyolysis. Case report: A 24-year-old young man with accidently discovered hypothyrodism on admission presented with generalized myalgia, profound proximal muscle weakness of the bilateral lower extremities, anuria, vomiting and dark colored urine lasting for three days. Neurological examination revealed bilateral marked weakness and tenderness of muscles of both lower and upper extremities. Urine had dark red appearance and urinalysis showed blood reaction with dipstick test, but there were no erythrocytes on microscopic examination. Serum creatine phosphokinase and myoglobin levels were elevated. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were high, and Free Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) levels were low, renal function tests showed acute kidney injury. Other causes of rhabdomyolysis such as muscular trauma, drugs, toxins, infections, vigorous exercise, and electrolyte abnormalities were excluded. Hemodialysis was administered for five sessions. After L-thyroxine therapy, thyroid function tests normalized, muscle strength improved, serum muscle enzyme levels returned to normal levels, and renal function tests recovered. Conclusion: Hypothyroidism should be considered in patients presenting with renal impairment associated with rhabdomyolysis.

Assessment of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies and isolated creatin-kinase elevation.

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are a group of diseases characterized by inflammation of the skeletal muscle. Weakness, mainly affecting the proximal muscles, is the cardinal muscular symptom in IIM. In patients with dermatomyositis, peculiar skin lesions are observed. The assessment of patients with IIM includes clinical and laboratory evaluation, and clinimetric measurements. Different tools have been proposed to measure muscular and extramuscular disease activity and damage in patients with IIM. A core set of measurements to use in clinical practice was recently proposed. Among laboratory features the increase of serum creatine kinase (CK) is considered a hallmark of muscle inflammation/damage. However, subjects with persistent CK elevation, without any evidence of a definite myopathy, are often seen in clinical practice and need a careful assessment. Indeed, CK blood levels can also increase in non-myopathic conditions, e.g. in case of intense physical exercise, assumption of some drugs (statins), muscular dystrophy, muscular trauma or in case of neuro-muscular disorders which all should be considered in the diagnostic work-up. The assessment of patients with IIM and hyperCKemia will be discussed in this paper.

Significance of Minimally Invasive Approaches during Primary Hip Arthroplasty - an Update

Minimally invasive approaches to the hip joint during primary endoprosthetics have been for many years the focus of controversial discussion. Minimally invasive approaches offer soft tissue protecting implantations clear advantages regarding early postoperative functional results and reduced intraoperative blood loss. On the basis of comprising literary research the available primary and secondary literature is evaluated - the advantages and disadvantages of minimally invasive approaches at the hip joint are discussed in relation to traditional approaches. The available primary and secondary literature verifies that the advantages of minimally invasive approaches at the hip joint include functional outcome in the early postoperative phase. In comparison to standard approaches there are no differences in the functional outcome after 12 months follow-up. Additionally, reduced length of operation, reduced blood loss and shorter stationary stay are confirmed. Studies relating to degrees of evidence I and II, which concern the medium- and long-term results of minimally invasive approaches in comparison to the established standard approaches, are not available. The available systematic reviews and meta-analyses merely allow a global evaluation of the primary literature on minimally invasive approaches, without thereby differentiating between the established standard approaches and the modified pendant according to minimally invasive criteria. There is a lack of knowledge with regard to in-vivo imaging data (MRI) as a potential evidence for reduction of muscular trauma by using minimally invasive approaches. Presently, the available literature does not allow definitive assessment regarding the significance of minimally invasive approaches at the hip joint. Future, random-controlled studies are necessary in order to compare the reliable (long-term) results of the established standard approaches with the hip approaches according to minimally invasive criteria. As long as sufficient long-term results regarding the complication and revision rates of minimally invasive approaches are not available, the method cannot be recommended as "gold standard."

Peripheral cytokines as a chemical mediator for postconcussion like sickness behaviour in trauma and perioperative patients: literature review.

Besides brain injury and systemic infection, cognitive and concussion like sickness behaviour is associated with muscular trauma and perioperative patients, which represents a major obstacle to daily activities and rehabilitation. The neuroinflammatory response triggers glial activation and consequently the release of proinflammatory cytokines within the hippocampus. We review clinical studies that have investigated neurocognitive and psychosomatic symptoms related to muscular trauma and in perioperative conditions. These include impaired attention and executive and general cognitive functioning. The purpose of this literature review is to focus on the systemic inflammation and the role of proinflammatory cytokines IL1, IL6,and TNF and other inflammatory mediators which mediates the cognitive impairment and induces sickness behaviour. Moreover, this review will also help to determine if some patients could have long-term cognitive changes associated with musculoskeletal injuries or as a consequence of surgery and thereby will lead to efforts in reducing that risk.