Sacral Defect Research Articles

Perioperative epidural catheter analgesia as a component of a multimodal analgesic approach in a dog with thoracic hemivertebrae and kyphosis undergoing thoracic vertebral stabilisation

AbstractA 4‐year‐old, male, neutered French bulldog weighing 13.5 kg presented with urinary and faecal incontinence, progressive, non‐painful paraparesis and pelvic limb proprioceptive ataxia. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a T12 constrictive myelopathy in association with multiple thoracic vertebral malformations, and mildly impinging thoracic intervertebral disc protrusions. Additionally, there was a sacral axial defect and degenerative lumbosacral stenosis. Surgical treatment comprised bilateral dorsal vertebral stabilisation of T9–T13. This case report summarises the peri‐anaesthetic management, which included an ‘in‐plane’ ultrasound‐guided placement of an epidural catheter at the level of L3–L4 and advancement cranially to T12 as a component of a multimodal analgesic regimen. Following the cessation of postoperative epidural bupivacaine administration, the patient remained comfortable without requiring rescue analgesia, and was discharged within 24 hours of surgery. At the latest recheck 5 months after surgery, the dog's neurological status remained static. This technique and application remain unexplored in existing veterinary literature.

Two-stage microsurgical soft tissue reconstruction of a complex sacral wound using an arteriovenous loop

The surgical reconstruction of sacral soft tissue defects is challenging, and complications are frequent. We report a successful two-stage three-dimensional microsurgical soft tissue reconstruction of a wide and deep sacral defect anastomosing a free combined ALT/TFL/rectus femoris flap to an ipsilateral vena saphena magna arteriovenous loop which was applied primarily. This case shows that complex microsurgical procedures can be promising in this demanding patient population if the indication is correct and the operative/perioperative strategy is clear.

Dural Punctures Through Sacral Posterior Vertebral Arch Fusion Defects: CT Morphometric Assessment and Application in Patients With Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

Dural Punctures Through Sacral Posterior Vertebral Arch Fusion Defects: CT Morphometric Assessment and Application in Patients With Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

Using Superiorly Located Perforator Based Parasacral Perforator Flaps For Reconstruction of Sacral Defects

Using Superiorly Located Perforator Based Parasacral Perforator Flaps For Reconstruction of Sacral Defects

A Surgical Case of Currarino Syndrome with Syringomyelia

Currarino syndrome is characterized by a triad of anorectal malformations, sacral defects, and presacral masses. Although it is not extremely rare, this report presents a surgical case of Currarino syndrome with syringomyelia and discusses related literature. The patient is a girl, aged 2 years and 2 months, who presented with marked constipation, chronic cystitis, and lower limb weakness. After examining the patient through magnetic resonance imaging, we diagnosed her with rectal compression due to meningocele and syringomyelia. The base of the meningocele was detached, and the spinal cord was untethered. One week after surgery, her lower limb weakness and constipation improved. Following up on symptoms and performing imaging is essential to determine a treatment plan for Currarino syndrome. (Received 28 February, 2023; Accepted 22 March, 2023; Published 1 August, 2023).

Spinal dysraphism in exstrophy: a single-center study of a 39-year prospective database.

The two main objectives of this study were to explore the rate of spinal dysraphism within bladder and cloacal exstrophy and to analyze the relationship between spinal dysraphism surgery, including timing of spinal dysraphism surgery, with urological and neurological outcomes. A prospectively maintained IRB-approved database of pediatric exstrophy patients treated from 1982 to 2021 was retrospectively reviewed for patients with spinal dysraphism. Spinal dysraphism was categorized into the following 7 subtypes: lipoma-based closed defect, myelomeningocele, meningocele, diastematomyelia, myelocystocele, low-lying conus with tethered cord/fatty filum, and sacral bony defect. Other factors assessed included patient demographic characteristics, type of spinal dysraphism procedure, reoperation, complication, presence of other neurological problems (e.g., hydrocephalus, Chiari malformation), neurological status, and urological function. Analysis revealed that 114/1401 patients had coexisting spinal dysraphism. Of these 114, sufficient records including type of dysraphism were available for 54. Spinal dysraphism was most common within cloacal exstrophy (83.3% [45/54 patients]), followed by cloacal exstrophy variants (9.3% [5/54]), classic bladder exstrophy (3.7% [2/54]), and classic bladder exstrophy variants (3.7% [2/54]). Within spinal dysraphism, lipoma-based closed defects (63.0% [34/54]) and low-lying conus with tethered cord/fatty filum (11.1% [6/54]) were most common. Hydrocephalus and Chiari malformation occurred in 24.1% (13/54) and 11.1% (6/54) of patients. All 13 patients with hydrocephalus underwent shunt placement. Among those who underwent neurosurgical intervention, the complication rate for spinal dysraphism was 14.6% (7/48). Motor function data were available for 41 patients and revealed that motor function declined for 2/41 (4.8%) patients and improved for 6/41 (14.6%) after neurosurgery. There was no statistical difference in lower-extremity motor outcome related to timing of neurosurgery and exstrophy closure. The authors have reported the surgical management and outcomes of patients with exstrophy and coexisting spinal dysraphism (n = 54). In 54 patients, spinal dysraphism was most common in the subset of patients with cloacal exstrophy (83.3%). Lipoma-based closed defects (63.0%) and low-lying conus with tethered cord/fatty filum (11.1%) were the most common, and the rates of hydrocephalus and Chiari malformation were 24.1% and 11.1%, respectively. There was no difference in lower-extremity motor outcome related to timing of neurosurgery and exstrophy closure.

Bilateral bony fusion of sacroiliac joint- A rare case report

SI joint dysfunction is responsible for about 15-30% of low backache causes. It is crucial for locomotor activity as well as delivery during labour. It aids in axial body weight transmission and distribution from the sacrum to the pelvis. Limited gliding movements occur within joint cavity of this synovial joint. They are a category of inflammatory illnesses that affect the vertebral spines and peripheral joints, with stiffness as a common symptom. Anatomical differences in SI joint morphology, such as auxiliary SI joint, ilio sacral complex and sacral defect, and dismorphic joint, are of compelling interest when it comes to SI joint diseases. Obese people suffer from a variety of health problems related to sacroiliac joint.

Vertical wound closure following sacrococcygeal teratoma excision: an approachable aesthetic solution

BackgroundSacrococcygeal teratoma is a rare tumour, usually presenting in the neonatal period. The benign nature of most tumours and the high survival rates would emphasise on the importance of both cosmetic and functional outcomes.We report on our extended experience with more cases concentrating on the aesthetic outcome of vertical wound closure following excision of large irregular sacrococcygeal tumours.The study included primary cases of sacrococcygeal teratoma who were referred to our surgical team for excision. Cases of presacral tumours associated with anorectal anomalies and sacral bony defects (Currarino triad) were excluded. In all cases, we planned for a vertical midline wound closure after tumour excision. The aesthetic outcomes are evaluated concerning the vertical midline scar, buttock’s contour, and position of the anus.ResultsIn addition to twelve previously reported cases (during the period 2011 through 2016), we included another ten new consecutive cases operated during the period 2017 through 2021. Collectively, the study included 22 cases of sacrococcygeal teratoma that underwent vertical perineal wound closure after excision of the tumour. In 13 cases (those with relatively small or medium-sized tumours), the perineal wound was perfectly closed in the midline (well-hidden vertical scar in the natal cleft). For the rest of the cases (9 cases with large and/or irregular sacrococcygeal tumours), some modification was applied on the vertical linear mid-line skin closure to accommodate for skin redundancy and irregularity at the lower end of the wound, usually ending with an ‘inverted-Y’ skin closureConclusionVertical wound closure was always feasible after excision of sacrococcygeal teratomas. Even with large and irregular tumours, the vertical scar was perfectly or partially hidden within the natal cleft. Usually, there was adequate buttock development with minimal disturbance to the normal anal location within the perineum.

Designing with relaxed skin tension line in perforator-based island flap for sacral sore reconstruction: A STROBE-compliant observational study.

Many various types of operative techniques have been performed used to treat make-up for sacral defects. Perforator-based flaps with flap transposition, but achieving an optimal flap design and tension-free flap closure without skeletonizing the perforator requires a great deal of clinical experience. In this study, we demonstrate perforator selection based on considerations of the relaxed skin tension line (RSTL), which has proven to be a suitable method of achieving an efficient flap design that enables primary closure.Twenty-five perforator-based flap procedures were performed on 25 patients at a single institution from February 2018 to January 2021. The medical records of patients were retrospectively reviewed.Twenty-three flaps survived completely. Two flaps developed partial tip necrosis but recovered after secondary healing, and 1 patient developed temporary congestion, which resolved spontaneously. No recipient or donor site recurrence or dehiscence was identified during follow-up.We report our clinical experiences of perforator-based flap use in the sacral region. When selecting an appropriate perforating vessel, 2 important points should be considered, that is, a flap long axis parallel to RSTLs and defect shape. According to the method presented in this paper, perforator-based flaps can be transposed safely and easily with few complications and serve as useful practice models to cover sacral defects.

Closure of Large Sacral Defects using Oblique-vector Design Bilateral Perforator Flaps: The Walking Crab Technique.

Closure of Large Sacral Defects using Oblique-vector Design Bilateral Perforator Flaps: The Walking Crab Technique.

Gluteus Maximus Muscle Flap in Tongue in Groove and Wrap Around Pattern for Refractory CSF Leakage in Extradural Cyst Patient.

Spinal extradural arachnoid cyst (SEAC) is a rare disease and has surgical challenges because of the critical surrounding anatomy. We describe the rare case of a 58-year-old woman who underwent extradural cyst total excision with dural repair and presented with refractory cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage even though two consecutive surgeries including dural defect re-repair and lumbar-peritoneal shunt were performed. The authors covered the sacral defect using bilateral gluteus maximus muscle flap in tongue in groove and wrap around pattern for protection of visible sacral nerve roots and blockage of CSF leakage point. With the flap coverage, the disappearance of cyst and fluid collection was confirmed in the postoperative radiological finding, and the clinical symptoms were significantly improved. By protecting the sacral nerve roots and covering the base of sacral defect, we can minimize the risk of complication and resolve the refractory fluid collection. Our results suggest that the gluteus muscle flap can be a safe and effective option for sacral defect and CSF leakage in extradural cyst or other conditions.

Blanching Defects at the Pressure Points: Observations from Dynamic Total-Body PET/CT Studies.

Total-body PET/CT allows simultaneous acquisition of all the body parts in a single bed position during the radiotracer uptake phase. Dynamic imaging protocols employing total-body PET could demonstrate findings that may not have been previously visualized or described using conventional PET/CT scanners. We examined the characteristics of blanching defects, areas of markedly reduced (partial defect) or absent (complete defect) radiotracer uptake seen at the skin/subcutaneous tissues opposite the bony prominences at pressure points. Methods: In this observational study, 77 participants underwent dynamic total-body PET/CT imaging using 18F-FDG (Group 1, N = 47, 60-min dynamic, arms-down, divided into 3 subgroups according to the injected dose) or 18F-fluciclovine (Group 2, N = 30, 25-min dynamic, arms above the head). 40 out of 47 participants in Group 1 were re-imaged at 90 min after being allowed off the scanning table. Blanching defects, partial or complete, were characterized opposite the bony prominences at 7 pressure points (the skull, scapula, and calcaneus bilaterally, as well as the sacrum). Association of the blanching defects with different clinical and technical characteristics were analyzed using uni- and multi-variate analyses. Results: A total of 124 blanching defects were seen in 68 out of 77 (88%) participants at one or more pressure points. Blanching defects were higher, on average, in Group 2 participants (3.5±1.7) compared to Group 1 (2.1±1.4; P <0.001), but it did not vary within Group 1 for different 18F-FDG dose subgroups. All defects resumed normal pattern on delayed static (90-min) images except for 14 partial defects. No complete blanching defects were seen on the 90-min images. By multivariate analysis, arm positioning above the head was associated with skull defects; scapular and sacral defects were significantly more encountered in men and with lower BMI, while calcaneal defects could not be associated to any factor. Conclusion: Blanching defects opposite the bony pressure points are common on dynamic total-body PET/CT images using different radiopharmaceuticals and injection doses. Their appearance should not be immediately interpreted as an abnormality. The current findings warrant further exploration in a prospective setting and may be utilized to study various mechano-pathologic conditions, such as pressure ulcers.

A Single Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap in Reconstruction of Large Midline Sacral Defects: A Method for Practical Harvest and Safe Closure.

Large midline sacral defects are reconstructive challenges. Superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap provides enough tissue and versatility to cover large defects; however, a single flap may be insufficient. We present a technique to cover large defects using single SGAP flaps. Large sacral defects (>100 cm2) reconstructed with single SGAP flaps were included. Angle of transposition (45°-60°) was determined based on the tissue laxity and mobility of gluteal area. Perforator identification, intramuscular dissection, or skeletonization was not performed. Outcomes were measured as achieving durable reconstruction, flap viability, and complications. There were 17 patients (12 male, 5 females; aged 25-72 years) with different etiologies. The mean flap surface area (136.1 ± 45.6 cm2, between 9 × 8 and 26 × 10 cm) was smaller than the mean defect surface area (211.1 ± 87.2 cm2, between 10 × 10 and 28 × 14 cm) (P < 0.001). All flaps survived with no partial or complete flap loss. Minor dehiscence in 4 patients (2 at donor site and 2 at recipient site) healed with dressing changes or using negative-pressure vacuum therapy. All patients had durable outcomes without any recurrence. Single unilateral SGAP flaps can be used to completely cover midline large sacral defects. It is important to design the flaps to have a joint side with the defect in the proximal part and use the intrinsic mobility of gluteal soft tissues for the closure. Flaps can be (1) planned to be smaller than the defects, (2) harvested with no intramuscular perforator dissection or pedicle skeletonization, and (3) transposed with an angle less than 60°.

Currarino triad with a duplicate anal canal presenting with an infected sacral mass

Currarino syndrome is a rare congenital malformation characterised by the triad of: an anorectal malformation, sacral bony defect and presacral mass. One rare but possible anorectal malformation is an anal canal duplication, a congenital anomaly which is not only the most distal but also the rarest form of digestive tract duplication. We present the case of a four-year-old female who had a complete form of the Currarino triad including an anal canal duplication.

VP3: Pelvic Reconstruction After Large Sacral Chordoma Resection Using Acellular Dermal Matrix and Double Pedicled Gracilis Muscle Flap Combined with Gluteal Fasciocutaneous Rotation Flap

INTRODUCTION: Sacral chordomas are rare, malignant primary bone tumors. Surgical resection with wide margins, combined or not with radiotherapy, is the only effective treatment with near 50% remission at 10 years. Surgery results in large three dimensional defects, as total or subtotal sacrectomy is often required. The treatment is challenging and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Several reconstructive approaches have been described, classically including rectus abdominis or gluteus musculocutaneus flap and omental flap. We aim at presenting an innovative method of pelvic floor reconstruction using acellular dermal matrix and double pedicled Gracilis muscle flap combined with gluteal fasciocutaneous rotation flap. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report the case of a 70 yo patient affected by locally invasive sacral chordoma. The oncological treatment included neuronavigation-assisted subtotal sacrectomy with en bloc resection at the level of S1-S2 intervertebral disc and laparoscopic abdomino-perineal amputation with terminal colostomy. After the R0 resection was confirmed, pelvic floor was reconstructed with an acellular dermal matrix and a double-breasted pedicled muscle Gracilis flap to avoid herniation of the abdominal cavity organs. The overlying soft tissue defect was reconstructed with an unilateral gluteal fasciocutaneous rotation flap partially deepitelialized to fill the dead space. The donor sites were closed directly. RESULTS: No surgical complications were observed, with flaps and donor sites healing uneventfully. After 3 days in intermediate intensive care and 22 days in plastic surgery department, he was transferred to rehabilitation center. Walking was reassumed after 2 weeks, sitting after 4 weeks. Satisfying outcomes both functionally and cosmetically for both patient and surgeons were observed at 3 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: Large sacral defect can successfully be reconstructed with double pedicled muscle Gracilis flap combined with gluteal rotation flap. The association with acellular dermal matrix is recommended to avoid abdominal cavity organs herniation. The oncological, functional results at 3 months are satisfying with minimal donor site morbidity. Presentation Type

Meningomyelocele Repair: An Algorithmic Approach based on 5-year Review and Systematic Review of the Literature

PURPOSE: We propose a reconstructive algorithm based on retrospective review of meningomyelocele (MM) repairs at our institution and systematic review of the literature. METHODS: A retrospective review of human infants undergoing MM repair over 5 years at a single children’s hospital. Location and size of defect, major wound complications (MWC) (return to the operating room), minor wound complications (mWC) (any wound breakdown treated without return to operating room, superficial infection, or CSF leak), and follow up were recorded. Interviews of neurosurgeons and plastic surgeons were performed on approach MMC repairs. A systematic review of the literature was performed to evaluate all reconstructions for MM. Inclusion criteria included articles that discussed reconstructive technique, age, defect location and size, and complications (MWC and mWC). Exclusion criteria included age greater than 1 year, articles published prior to 1984, and non-English language. Additionally, articles missing individual patient data, reconstructions using greater than two flaps, or use of alloplastic/xenograft were excluded. Flaps were categorized by reconstructive method: primary closure with and without fascial flaps (PC), random pattern flap (based on unnamed vessels) (RP), VY advancement flap (VY), perforator flap (based on unnamed vessels) (PF), myocutaneous flap (defined muscle flap or perforators off named muscle), and keystone island perforator flap (islanded fasciocutaneous flap based on random regional musculocutaneous perforators) (KIPF). RESULTS: In our cohort, there were 39 patients who underwent repair with three MWC (8%). An estimated 79% of cases (n = 31) were performed by neurosurgery with PC. Two (5%) had an MWC. Plastic surgery was consulted for 20% of the cases (n = 8), with 1 patient (13%) having an MWC. Of the three total MWC for MM repair, two were located in the lumbosacral area and one in the lumbar area. All complications occurred with defects greater than 50 cm2. On interviews of neurosurgeons, plastic surgery consultation occurs when there is a paucity of soft tissue (lack of adequate skin or redundant tissue) or subsequent wound breakdown. Upon systematic review, 551 articles were screened with 95 articles assessed for eligibility. Twenty-seven articles were further reviewed and included for qualitative synthesis. Two hundred fifty-six patients underwent MM repair: 41 PC (16%), 71 RP (28%), 25 VY (10%), 61 PF (24%), 26 myocutaneous flap (10%), and 32 KIPF (13%). MM were located at thoracic (n = 6), thoracolumbar (n = 84), lumbar (n = 15), lumbrosacral/sacral (n = 151). Lowest MWC were associated with KIPF (6%), RP (7%), myocutaneous flap (11%), VY (13%), PC (15%), and PF (17%), respectively. A majority of MWC were in the lumbrosacral/sacral region (90% of MWC). In this region, PC was used for average defect [9.7 cm2 (3–28.3 cm2) with 16% MWC]. The only reconstructions for sacral MM were PF (n = 2) and KIPF (n = 7). PF average defect was 6.8 cm2 (3.5–10 cm2) with no MWC and 1 mWC. KIPF average defect was 43.7 cm2 (8–100 cm2) with 1 MWC and 3 mWC (3% and 9%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Plastic surgery consultation should be strongly considered for MM with defects in the lumbosacral/sacral region. KIPF and PF should be considered for sacral defects.

Sacral Curvature in Addition to Sacral Ratio to Assess Sacral Development and the Association With the Type of Anorectal Malformations.

Introduction: Sacral ratio (SR) is currently the only measurement to quantitatively evaluate sacral development in patients with anorectal malformations (ARM). This study proposes sacral curvature (SC) as a new indicator to qualitatively assess the sacrum and hypothesizes that sacral development, both quantitatively and qualitatively, can be an indicator to predict the type of ARM. The study aims to investigate the difference of SR and SC between ARM types and the association with the type of ARM.Methods and Materials: This study was retrospectively conducted between August 2008 and April 2019. Male patients with ARMs were enrolled and divided into three groups based on the types of ARM: (1) rectoperineal fistulae, (2) rectourethral-bulbar fistulae, and (3) rectourethral-prostatic or rectobladder-neck fistulae. SC was measured in the sagittal views of an MRI or a lateral radiograph of the sacrum.Results: Included in the study were 316 male patients with ARMs. SRs were 0.73 ± 0.12, 0.65 ± 0.12, and 0.57 ± 0.12 in perineal, bulbar, and prostatic/bladderneck fistula, respectively (p < 0.01). The SCs in perineal fistulae and bulbar fistulae were significantly higher than that in prostatic/bladderneck fistulae (0.25 ± 0.04, 0.22 ± 0.14, and 0.14 ± 0.18, p < 0.01). When SR ≥ 0.779, there was an 89.9% of possibility that the child has a perineal fistula. When SR ≤ 0.490 and SC ≤ 0, the possibilities of the child having prostatic/bladderneck fistulae were 91.6 and 89.5%, respectively. SC < 0 was also noted in 27 (27.8%), 19 (10.5%), and no (0%) patients of prostatic/bladderneck, bulbar, and perineal fistulae (p < 0.01), respectively. Sacral defect was noted in 63% of patients with SC ≤ 0, compared to none with SC > 0 (p < 0.01).Conclusions: The higher the rectal level is in an ARM, the lower are the objective measurements of the sacrum. SC ≤ 0 is associated with sacral defects and implies a high likelihood of prostatic/bladderneck fistulae.

Currarino syndrome or Hirschsprung disease: how to prevent diagnostic dilemma in chronic constipation

BackgroundCurrarino syndrome is a rare congenital malformation having autosomal dominant inheritance. It comprises of anorectal malformation, presacral mass, and sacral vertebral defect occurring in variable proportion. The most common presentation is chronic constipation which is usually due to compression of rectum by anterior sacral mass. If clinical examination is not properly done and digital rectal examination is excluded from the examination, it can be misdiagnosed as other common cause of constipation like Hirschsprung disease.Case presentationWe are reporting one such case of one-and-half-year-old female child with chronic constipation which was initially managed as Hirschsprung disease, but later on, after a repeat clinical examination with digital rectal examination, it was evaluated on the line of Currarino syndrome. The diagnosis was confirmed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography of abdomen with 3 dimensional reconstruction. It was then managed by posterior sagittal approach with excision of mass and anorectoplasty.ConclusionA proper protocol for clinical evaluation of patient with constipation prevents diagnostic dilemma between surgical causes of constipation in pediatric age group. Digital rectal examination must be included in the protocol for evaluation of chronic constipation. In pediatric age group, clinical workup should be done with keeping in mind the rare diagnosis of Currarino syndrome along with common cause of constipation like Hirschsprung disease.

Bilateral Sacroiliac Joint Fusion: A Case Report

Sacroiliac (SI) joint is the articulation which forms the part of the bony pelvis. It plays an important role in locomotor activity, and childbirth during labour. It helps in the transmission and distribution of axial body weight from the spine to the pelvis. This synovial joint exhibit limited gliding movements within the joint cavity. About 15-30% of low backache aetiologies are attributed to SI joint dysfunction. People who are overweight, have co-morbid conditions, and pregnant women are at higher risk of developing vertebral joint deformities called spondylarthropathies. They are group of inflammatory disorders which are involving the vertebral spines and peripheral joints, where the symptom of stiffness is prominently seen. The anatomical variations in the SI joint morphology like accessory SI joint, iliosacral complex and sacral defect, dismorphic joint, are of compelling interest concerning SI joint pathologies from the orthopaedic viewpoint. This case report presents a bilateral fusion of SI joint, found in a skeleton in the museum of medical college.

Reconstruction of a sacral defect with bilateral gluteus maximus V-Y advancement flap following resection of squamous cell carcinoma (Marjolin's ulcer)

The incidence of squamous cell carcinoma arising from pressure ulcers has been reported to be as low as 0.5%. Malignant transformation arising from pressure ulcers is frequently overlooked as they often present with invasive infections. This results in wide defects post-excision which may not be amicable to reconstruction with conventional locoregional flaps. Through this case report, we discuss the versatility of using the bilateral gluteus maximus V-Y advancement flap following resection of sacral squamous cell carcinoma (Marjolin's ulcer).