Thigh Numbness Research Articles

Anterior Column Release: With Great Lordosis Comes Great Risk of Complications-A Case Series.

Retrospective review. We sought to characterize complications associated with anterior column release (ACR). Correction of positive sagittal imbalance was traditionally completed with anterior column grafts or posterior osteotomies. ACR is a minimally invasive technique for addressing sagittal plane deformity by restoring lumbar lordosis. We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent ACR in a prospectively kept database at a tertiary care academic center from January 2012 to December 2018. The prespecified complications were hardware failure (rod fracture, hardware loosening, or screw fracture), proximal junctional kyphosis, ipsilateral thigh numbness, ipsilateral femoral nerve weakness, arterial injury requiring blood transfusion, bowel injury, and abdominal pseudohernia. Thirty-eight patients were identified. Thirty-five patients had ACR at L3-4, 1 had ACR at L4-5, and 1 patient had ACR at L2-3 and L3-4. Eighteen patients (47.4%) had one of the prespecified complications (10 patients had multiple). Ten patients developed hardware failure (26.3%); 8 patients (21.1%) had rod fracture, 4 (10.5%) had screw fracture, and 1 (2.6%) had screw loosening. At discharge, rates of ipsilateral thigh numbness (37.8%) and hip flexor (37.8%)/quadriceps weakness (29.7%) were the highest. At follow-up, 6 patients (16.2%) had ipsilateral anterolateral thigh numbness, 5 (13.5%) suffered from ipsilateral hip flexion weakness, and 3 patients (5.4%) from ipsilateral quadriceps weakness. Arterial injury occurred in 1 patient (2.7%). Abdominal pseudohernia occurred in 1 patient (2.7%). There were no bowel injuries observed. ACR is associated with a higher than initially anticipated risk of neurological complications, hardware failure, and proximal junctional kyphosis.

ABDUCTOR RECONSTRUCTION WITH VASTUS LATERALIS TO GLUTEUS MEDIUS TRANSFER

Few surgical techniques to reconstruct the abductor mechanism of the hip have been reported, with outcomes reported only from case reports and small case series from the centres that described the techniques. As in many of our revision THA patients the gluteus maximus was affected by previous repeat posterior approaches, we opted to reconstruct the abductor mechanism using a vastus lateralis to gluteus medius transfer.We report the results of such reconstructions in seven patients, mean age 66 (range, 53–77), five females, presenting with severe abductor deficiency (MRC grade 1–2). Five patients had previous revision THA, two with a proximal femoral replacement, one patient had a primary THA after a failed malunited trochanteric fracture, and one patient had a native hip with idiopathic fatty infiltration of glutei of >90%. All patients had instrumented gait analysis, and surface electromyography (EMG) of the glutei, TFL, and vastus muscles simultaneously before surgery and at each post-op follow-up. Postoperatively, patients were allowed to weight bear as tolerated and were requested to wear an abduction brace for the first six weeks after surgery to protect the transfer.All patients improved after surgery and reached an abductor power of 3 or more. All patients walked without support six months after surgery and were satisfied with the result. Abductor function continued to improve beyond one year of follow-up, and some patients reached an abductor power of 5. EMG demonstrated that the transferred vastus lateralis started firing synchronously with gluteus medius after three months post-surgery, suggesting adaptation to its new function. No knee extension weakness was recorded. One patient complained of lateral thigh numbness and was dissatisfied with the cosmetic look of her thigh after surgery.Our preliminary results are encouraging and comparable with those achieved by the originators of the technique.

1070 Muscle Mechanomyography (MMG) for Peripheral Nerve Monitoring During Lateral Lumbar Fusion: The New Kid on the Block?

INTRODUCTION: The lateral transpsoas approach has become a valuable minimally invasive option in lumbar spine surgery to achieve fusion, decompression, and deformity correction. However, femoral nerve injury during psoas retraction remains a significant concern, especially in the lower spinal levels. A newer alternative to electromyography (EMG), muscle mechanomyography (MMG) measures muscle fiber oscillation during contraction, providing a more specific and quantifiable response with a high signal to noise ratio. These characteristics make MMG an attractive option for intraoperative neuromonitoring (ION) in minimally invasive spine surgery. METHODS: Patients who underwent LLIF between 2018-2021 with MMG ION were included and compared to a historical cohot of patients who underwent LLIF from 2016-2021 with EMG ION. The femoral nerve palsy rate defined by ipsilateral thigh numbness, hip flexor, or quadricep weakness immediately post operatively were collected for both groups. Patients were re-evaluated at 3 month and 1 year follow up intervals. RESULTS: The rate of ipsilateral thigh numbness, hip flexor, and quadricep weakness at hospital discharge were 14.6% (6/41), 9.8% (4/41), and 7.3% (3/41) respectively for the MMG group, comparable to 14.8% (9/61), 23% (14/61), and 14.8% (9/61) observed in the EMG control group. Improvement in thigh numbness and leg weakness was observed for both groups at 3 month and 1 year follow up. No patients with leg weakness had less than antigravity strength. There were no statistically significant difference amongst patient demographics for both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, MMG appears to be clinically equivalent to EMG as an intraoperative modality for femoral nerve monitoring in LLIF procedures. Further research is needed to evaluate the additional clinical advantages proposed by mechanomyography, such as low signal interference and quantifiable nerve localization.

Surgical management of tethered spinal cord syndrome through biportal endoscopic approach: a novel technical note.

This video article explores a case of tethered cord release through a minimally invasive biportal endoscopic approach. A 24-year-old female with chronic back pain and thigh numbness underwent surgery. The chosen approach involved biportal endoscopic technique, demonstrating precision with minimal bone excision. Preoperative imaging revealed a midline fusion defect at L5 and abnormal conus medullaris termination. The surgical procedure involved one-sided hemilaminectomy, durotomy, and careful filum terminale separation. Postoperatively, radiological exams confirmed success with minimal bone defect. Emphasizing minimal invasiveness, reduced bone excision, and muscle sparing, this technique showcased successful outcomes, enabling the patient's rapid postoperative recovery without complications. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2024.1.FOCVID23228.

Removal of schwannoma from the psoas muscle with intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring: A case report.

The incidence of a schwannoma within the psoas muscle is rare, and only a few cases have been reported. The surgical approach to removing schwannomas present in the psoas muscle is challenging because of its anatomical proximity to the lumbar plexus. A 31-year-old man experienced right lower back pain and anterolateral thigh numbness for 2 months. Magnetic resonance imaging of the patient's lumbar spine revealed a mass lesion, which was radiologically diagnosed as a well-demarcated schwannoma. The patient underwent surgery for excision of the schwannoma in the right psoas muscle at the second to fourth lumbar vertebrae levels. During surgery, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring modalities, free-running and triggered electromyography and evoked potentials, from the target muscles were recorded. There was no neurotonic discharge corresponding to neuronal injury. Compound motor nerve action potential was detected in the triggered electromyography of muscles around the medial margin of the tumor. However, direct integration of the motor nerve was not observed in the intra-tumor region. We report that schwannoma removal in the psoas muscle, which is adjacent to the lumbar plexus, can be safely performed using intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring.

Outcomes of supra-acetabular pin placement with and without fluoroscopic assisted: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

To compare outcomes of fluoroscopic-assisted supra-acetabular pin placement percutaneous technique versus the open technique in traumatic pelvic fractures. Prospective randomized controlled trial was performed at Maharat Nakhon ratchasima hospital from January 2020 to March 2021. Time, size of wound, and position of supra-acetabular pin were recorded intraoperatively. Pin positions were confirmed and measured by postoperative CT scan. Complications such as cortex penetration, infection, hip joint violation, and lateral thigh numbness were recorded at 2weeks postoperatively. Twenty patients (40 hemipelvis) were randomized to fluoroscopic-assisted and non-fluoroscopic groups. Time taken for supra-acetabular pin placement for fluoroscopic-assisted and non-fluoroscopic-assisted groups was 211 and 522s, respectively (P value < 0.001). Average wound size was 2.81cm in the fluoroscopic-assisted group and 6.01cm in the non-fluoroscopic-assisted group (P value < 0.001). Overall complications were similar in both groups with higher infection rates in the fluoroscopic-assisted group (5 and 0%, respectively). Pelvic fracture is a life-threatening condition, which requires emergency pelvic stabilization. This study examined operative times for supra-acetabular placement and complication rates. The results show shorter operative times for the non-fluoroscopic-assisted technique without significant differences in complication rates. Non-fluoroscopic technique greatly reduced operative times for supra-acetabular pin placement with comparable safety to the fluoroscopic-assisted technique.

Application of oblique lateral interbody fusion in the treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration in patients with Modic change and endplate sclerosis

To explore the feasibility and clinical effect of Stand-alone oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) in the treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration with Modic changes and endplate sclerosis. A retrospective analysis was performed on 16 cases with lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration with Modic changes and endplate sclerosis admitted to three medical centers from January 2015 to December 2018. There were 6 males and 10 females, the age ranged from 45 to 67 years old with an average of (55.48±8.07) years old, the medical history ranged from 36 to 240 months with an average of (82.40±47.68) months. The lesion sites included L2,3 in 2 cases, L3,4 in 5 cases, and L4,5 in 9 cases. All patients presented with chronic low back pain with lower limb neurological symptoms in 3 cases. All patients were treated by Stand-alone oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion. Clinical and radiological findings and complications were observed. There was no vascular injury, endplate injury and vertebral fracture during the operation. The mean incision length, operation time, and intraoperative blood loss were(4.06±0.42) cm, (45.12±5.43) min, (33.40±7.29) ml, respectively. The mean visual analogue scale (VAS) of the incision pain was (1.14±0.47) at 72 hours after operation. There was no incision skin necrosis, poor incision healing or infection in patients. Sympathetic chain injury occurred in 1 case, anterolateral pain and numbness of the left thigh in 2 cases, and weakness of the left iliopsoas muscle in 1 case, all of which were transient injuries with a complication rate of 25%(4/16). All 16 patients were followed up from 12 to 36 months with an average of (20.80±5.46) months. The intervertebral space height was significantly recovered after operation, with slight lost during the follow-up. Coronal and sagittal balance of the lumbar spine showed good improvement at the final follow-up. There was no obvious subsidence or displacement of the cage, and the interbody fusion was obtained. At the final follow-up, Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA) score and Oswestry disability index(ODI) were significantly improved. As long as the selection of case is strict enough and the preoperative examination is sufficients, the use of Stand-alone OLIF in the treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration with Modic changes and endplate sclerosis has a good results, with obvious clinical advantages and is a better surgical choice.

Simultaneous Anterior Posterior Approach for Single-Position Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion with Robotic Assistance: Technical Guidelines and Early Outcomes

Lumbar lateral interbody fusion (LLIF) is traditionally performed in 2 stages: placing the interbody cage in the lateral decubitus position, then placing the percutaneous pedicle screw in the prone position. Performing interbody fusion and posterior fixation simultaneously could improve operative efficiency and clinical outcomes associated with longer operative times. We describe the operative steps and report clinical and radiographic outcomes associated with a simultaneous anterior and posterior approach (SAPA) for LLIF. Patients who underwent SAPA LLIF performed by a single surgeon over 1 year were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic, clinical, and radiographic data were analyzed, an operative guideline was created, and a learning curve was constructed using operative times. SAPA LLIF was performed in 11 patients. Three patients experienced transient postoperative femoral nerve plexopathy with symptoms of ipsilateral hip flexion weakness and/or anterior thigh numbness; there were no other complications in the cohort. Radiographically, patients achieved significant increases in disc height (8.3 mm vs. 13.5 mm, P= 0.002) and foraminal height (20.2 mm vs. 25.3 mm, P= 0.0001). Patients showed significant improvements in Oswestry Disability Index (52 vs. 27.8, P= 0.002) and Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Physical Function (32.6 vs. 39, P= 0.048) and Pain Interference (64.9 vs. 59.6, P= 0.001) at 3 months. A downward trend in operative time was observed for 1-level SAPA LLIF. SAPA LLIF is a safe approach for LLIF that results in favorable clinical outcomes. This technique can potentially improve operative efficiency further along the course of a surgeon's learning curve.

Comparison of mini-open, anteroinferior psoas approach and mini-open, direct lateral transpsoas approach for lumbar burst fractures: A retrospective cohort study.

ObjectiveWe evaluated the effect of a novel modified OLIF technique (anteroinferior psoas approach, AIPA) for anterior decompression reconstruction in lumbar burst fractures, and compared the clinical, radiological outcomes and approach-related complications with the mini-open, lateral transpsoas approach (LTPA).MethodsFrom March 2016 to November 2019, 68 patients with lumbar burst fractures underwent one-stage monosegmental posterior/anterior surgery from L1–L4 segments. 35 patients included in AIPA and 33 patients in LTPA group underwent anterior decompression reconstruction. The clinical, radiological and functional evaluation outcomes were recorded during the 16–60 months follow-up period.ResultsAt the latest follow up, neurological state of one or more ASIA grades were achieved in AIPA (90.9%) and LTPA group (94.9%). No significant differences were noted between the two groups regarding preoperative and postoperative Cobbs angle. The surgery time (192.29 vs. 230.47 min, P = 0.02) in AIPA group was better compared with LTPA. The AIPA showed better improvement on Oswestry Disability Index (43.4% vs. 60.8%, P < 0.05) and Mental Component Score (49.0% vs. 43.7%, P < 0.05) one month after surgery, but no difference at the latest follow-up. 10 patients (9 in LTPA and 1 in AIPA) experienced temporary motor deficits in hip flexor and groin or thigh numbness, which disappeared six months after surgery.ConclusionsCompared with lateral transpsoas approach, anterior decompression reconstruction via mini-open, anteroinferior psoas approach was a safe and less invasive approach, with fewer approach-related complications in the treatment for unstable lumbar burst fractures

Extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) approach for L5-S1: Preliminary experience.

Study DesignTechnical report.ObjectiveEvaluate technical feasibility of extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) at the L5-S1 level and provide an elaborate description of the surgical technique.Summary of Background DataWith the development of surgical techniques, the indications for oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) surgery have been broadened to the L5/S1 segment. However, this technique also has limitations. Different from OLIF, the L5/S1 segment used to be considered the main contraindication for XLIF. To date, no authors have reported the application of XLIF at the L5/S1 level.MethodsOnly patients whose preoperative lumbar MRI showed the position of the psoas major muscles and blood vessels at the L5/S1 level were similar to those seen at supra-L5 levels were seleted. By folding the operating table, the iliac crest was moved downward to expose the L5/S1 intervertebral space during the operation. The remaining surgical procedures were consistent with routine XLIF surgery.Results8 patients successfully underwent XLIF at the L5/S1 level. The L5/S1 disk spaces were always exposed sufficiently for disk preparation and cage insertion. The post operative radiographs showed a satisfactory L5/S1 reconstruction with good cage position. Only 1 patient (12.5%) felt thigh numbness, and the symptoms gradually resolved after surgery and were no longer present in a month. There were no cases of psoas hematoma, retrograde ejaculation or vascular injury. The postoperative VAS score showed that all the patients achieved satisfactory results.ConclusionsXLIF at L5-S1 is feasible in strictly selected cases after thorough preoperative preparation and careful intraoperative procedures. However, we did not recommend XLIF as a routine surgical option at the L5/S1 level.

Diaphragmatic Hernia With Incarcerated Spleen as a Complication After Lateral Anterior Column Realignment.

The creation of sagittal balance of the spine is critical in the treatment adult spinal deformity. Anterior column release (ACR) has gained traction as a minimally invasive alternative to pedicle subtraction osteotomy. By releasing the anterior longitudinal ligament, the anterior column can be lengthened and physiologic lordosis restored. Risks such as transient psoas weakness and thigh numbness have been well documented in the literature; however, diaphragmatic hernia has never been reported. To highlight the difficulties encountered in diagnosing, managing, and treating iatrogenic diaphragmatic hernia in the setting of ACR and stress the relevant retropleural, retroperitoneal, and diaphragmatic structures during the surgical approach. In this technical note, we discuss the relevant anatomy in a direct lateral approach to the thoracolumbar junction and the management of an iatrogenic diaphragmatic hernia, which occurred in a patient who underwent a L1 ACR. Three months after surgery, our patient was assessed in clinic and endorsed significant improvements in her pain and mobility. Her 3-month postoperative scoliosis x-rays demonstrated a significant improvement in her sagittal alignment, and she experienced no further negative sequelae from the iatrogenic hernia. Iatrogenic diaphragmatic hernia with an intrathoracic spleen after direct lateral ACR is a risk spine surgeons should be aware of and address promptly.

Expandable Lateral Lumbar Cages With Integrated Fixation: A Viable Option for Rostral Adjacent Segment Disease.

Adjacent segment disease (ASD) above a previous posterior lumbar instrumented fusion can be managed with minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusion. Earlier procedures with stand-alone lateral cages risked nonunion, and lateral cages with separate lateral plates risked lumbar plexus injury and vertebral fracture. We investigated clinical and radiographic outcomes of an expandable lateral titanium interbody cage with an integrated lateral fixation (eLLIFp) device as a stand-alone treatment for symptomatic ASD above a previous posterior lumbar fusion and performed a comparative cost analysis of eLLIFp to alternative operations for ASD. In this prospective, observational study, patients with ASD above 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-level instrumented posterior fusions underwent surgery with lateral expandable titanium cage(s) with an integrated lateral plate with single screws into each adjacent vertebra from August 2017 to August 2019. Multimodality intraoperative neural monitoring was performed. Patient-reported outcomes, computed tomography outcomes, and total costs were analyzed. A total of 33 patients received 35 eLLIFp cages. All clinical outcomes improved significantly. The eLLIFp cages added 2.2° segmental lordosis and 2.7 mm posterior disc height. Interbody fusion rate was 94% at 12 months. There were 2 neurologic complications (6%): 1 patient reported transient anterior thigh numbness and 1 had mild persistent L4 radiculopathy. No cage subsidence, cage migration, screw loosening, or vertebral fracture occurred. No revision lateral surgery, posterior decompression, or supplemental posterior fixation was required. The total eLLIFp cost (AU$19,715) was lower than the cost for all other procedures. eLLIFp provided a minimally invasive, low morbidity, cost-effective, and robust alternative to traditional posterior construct extension surgery for rostral lumbar ASD in selected patients with 1- to 2-level stenosis and minimal deformity. Traditional ASD treatment involves substantial risks and expense. eLLIFp should be considered a safe, effective, and lower cost alternative to posterior construct extension surgery.

Saphenous somatosensory-evoked potentials monitoring of femoral nerve health during prone transpsoas lateral lumbar interbody fusion.

To assess whether saphenous somatosensory-evoked potentials (saphSSEP) monitoring may provide predictive information of femoral nerve health during prone lateral interbody fusion (LIF) procedures. Intraoperative details were captured prospectively in consecutive prone LIF surgeries at a single institution. Triggered electromyography was used during the approach; saphSSEP was monitored throughout using a novel system that enables acquisition of difficult signals and real-time actionable feedback facilitating intraoperative intervention. Postoperative neural function was correlated with intraoperative findings. Fifty-nine patients (58% female, mean age 64, mean BMI 32) underwent LIF at 95 total levels, inclusive of L4-5 in 76%, fixated via percutaneous pedicle screws (81%) or lateral plate, with direct decompression in 39%. Total operative time averaged 149min. Psoas retraction time averaged 16min/level. Baseline SSEPs were unreliable in 3due to comorbidities in 2and anesthesia in1; one of those resulted in transient quadriceps weakness, fully recovered at 6weeks. In 25/56, no saphSSEP changes occurred, and none had postoperative femoral nerve deficits. In 24/31 with saphSSEP changes, responses recovered intraoperatively following intervention, with normal postoperative function in all but one with delayed quadriceps weakness, improved at 4months and recovered at 9months, and a second with transient isolated anterior thigh numbness. In the remaining 7/31, saphSSEP changes persisted to close, and resulted in 2 transient isolated anterior thigh numbness and 2 combined sensory and motor femoral nerve deficits, both resolved at between 4 and 8months. SaphSSEP was reliably monitored in most cases and provided actionable feedback that was highly predictive of neurological events during LIF. Diagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with consistently applied reference standard and blinding.

Usefulness of Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion Combined with Indirect Decompression for Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: A Systematic Review.

Background and Objective: The aim of this review was to analyze the existing literature and investigate the outcomes or complications of lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) combined with indirect decompression for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DS). Materials and Methods: A database search algorithm was used to query MEDLINE, COCHRANE, and EMBASE to identify the literature reporting LLIF with indirect decompression for DS between January 2010 and December 2021. Improvements in outcome measures and complication rates were pooled and tested for significance. Results: A total of 412 publications were assessed, and 12 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria after full review. The pooled data available in the included studies showed that 438 patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis (mean age 65.2 years; mean body mass index (BMI) 38.1 kg/m2) underwent LLIF. A total of 546 disc spaces were operated on. The most frequently treated levels were L4–L5 and L3–L4. Clinically, the average improvement was 32.5% in ODI, 46.3 mm in low back pain, and 48.3 mm in leg pain estimated from the studies included. SF-36 PCS improved by 51.5% and MCS improved by 19.5%. For radiological outcomes, a reduction in slippage was seen in 6.3%. Disc height increased by 55%, foraminal height increased by 21.1%, the foraminal area on the approach side increased by 21.9%, and on the opposite side it increased by 26.1%. The cross-sectional spinal canal area increased by 20.6% after surgery. Post-operative complications occurred in 5–40% of patients with thigh symptoms, such as anterior thigh numbness, dysesthesia, discomfort, pain, and sensory deficits. Conclusions: Indirect decompression by LLIF for DS is an effective method for improving pain and dysfunction with less surgical invasion. In addition, it has the effect of significantly improving disc height, foraminal height and area, and segmental lordosis on radiological outcomes compared to the posterior approach.

Application of wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet technique in the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture

To explore the value of wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) technique in the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture. In a prospective randomized controlled trial, 48 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture who met the criteria between March 2020 and October 2020 were randomly divided into two groups according to 1∶1 distribution, with 24 cases in each group. The study group used WALANT technique and the control group used epidural anesthesia with tourniquet for channel-assisted minimally invasive repair (CAMIR). There was no significant difference between the two groups in gender, age, injured side, cause of injury, distance from broken end of Achilles tendon to calcaneal tubercle, and time from injury to hospitalization ( P>0.05). The operating room use time (from patients entering the operating room to leaving the operating room), intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and the highest pain score [using Numerical Rating Scale (NRS)] during operation and at 1 day after operation were recorded and compared between the two groups. The tourniquet adverse reactions in the control group were recorded. The functional recovery was evaluated by the scoring method of American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) at 12 months after operation. The operation was successfully completed in both groups. The operating room use time and hospital stay in the study group were significantly less than those in the control group ( P<0.05), but the difference in the intraoperative blood loss between the two groups was not significant ( t=0.429, P=0.670). There was no significant difference in the highest NRS score during operation between the two groups ( t=1.671, P=0.101); the highest NRS score in the study group at 1 day after operation was significantly lower than that in the control group ( t=-6.384, P<0.001). In the control group, 13 patients had different degrees of tourniquet adverse reactions, including tourniquet regional pain, local swelling, blisters, thigh numbness, and discomfort. The patients in both groups were followed up 12-18 months, with an average of 13.9 months. The motor function of all patients returned to normal at 12 months after operation. The difference in AOFAS scores between the two groups was not significant ( t=0.345, P=0.731). There was no complication such as sural nerve injury, local infection, and secondary rupture in both groups. The application of WALANT combined with CAMIR technique in the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture has good anesthetic and effectiveness, avoids the adverse reactions of tourniquet, and reasonably saves social medical resources.

Acute and Delayed Cerebrovascular Injury From Gunshot to the Head in a 12-Year-Old Child During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Acute and Delayed Cerebrovascular Injury From Gunshot to the Head in a 12-Year-Old Child During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Safety and Neurologic Recovery of L2 Nerve Root Sacrificed in Total En Bloc Spondylectomy Involving the L2 Vertebra.

The L2 nerve root is considered part of the lumbar plexus that innervates the iliopsoas (IP) and quadricep muscles (Qd). Total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) at the L2 vertebra requires bilateral nerve root transection to facilitate surgical dissection and vertebral body removal. Information regarding neurological function recovery of the IP and Qd in patients with muscle weakness before TES is lacking. We aimed to report the neurological recovery of IP and Qd after TES involving the L2 vertebra in preoperative lower extremity weakness in spinal tumor patients. We prospectively recorded all L2-involved spinal tumor patients undergoing TES between January 2018 and November 2020. As a primary outcome, we recorded the Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) grade of the IP and Qd preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at follow-up. Secondary outcomes included the Frankel neurological status, sensation impairment, and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score. From 8 TES-involving L2 patients, 6 (4 males) met the inclusion criteria. One patient had first-grade deterioration of the Qd MMT immediately postoperatively. All patients could ambulate independently 6 months after surgery. Five patients required follow-up for more than 1 year and could walk without any gait aids. All patients had persistent anterior groin and bilateral thigh numbness until the final follow-up. Neurological recovery of the IP and Qd muscles as measured by MMT can occur within 6 months of bilateral L2 nerve root transection. Bilateral L2 nerve root sacrifice can have acceptable neurological outcomes and recovery, even in patients with preoperative IP and Qd weakness. 4.

Ultrasound Image-Guided Pudendal Nerve Block on Analgesic Effect of Perineotomy under Optimized Fast Super Resolution Reconstructed Convolutional Neural Network Algorithm

This work was aimed to study the analgesic effect of pudendal nerve block on obstetrics and gynecology under the guidance of ultrasound image based on optimized fast super resolution reconstructed convolutional neural network (FSRCNN) algorithm. A total of 110 primiparas from hospital who gave birth through vagina were randomly rolled into experimental group (55 cases) and control group (55 cases). The optimized FSRCNN algorithm was constructed, compared with the FSRCNN algorithm and the Bicubic algorithm and applied to 110 cases of maternal patients undergoing perineotomy under ultrasound image-guided pudendal nerve block. Visual analogue scoring (VAS), incision suture pain VAS score, occurrence of complications, puerpera labor time, and newborn weight were recorded and compared, so did Apgar score of newborns, numbness of maternal thigh, recovery of puncture site, and satisfaction of maternal analgesia. The results showed that the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) of the high-resolution image reconstructed by the FSRCNN algorithm was 32.68 dB and that reconstructed by the optimized FSRCNN algorithm was 32.19 dB. The PSNR of the Bicubic algorithm processed image was 28.51 dB. In the lateral resection of episiotomy in the second stage of labor, the visual analog score (2.3 ± 1.5 points) of the experimental group was inferior to that of the control group (7.1 ± 2.6 points) ( P &lt; 0.05 ). The visual analogue score of stitch pain (1.3 ± 0.8 points) was also inferior to that of the control group (5.2 ± 1.9 points) ( P &lt; 0.05 ). Moreover, the satisfaction of the parturients in the experimental group (9.86 ± 0.41 points) was considerably superior to that of the control group (7.36 ± 1.25 points) ( P &lt; 0.05 ). In short, the optimized FSRCNN algorithm had a short training time and good reconstruction effect. Ultrasound-guided pudendal nerve block had a substantial analgesic effect on the second stage of labor and improved parturients’ satisfaction.

Femoral nerve neuromonitoring for lateral lumbar interbody fusion surgery

BACKGROUND CONTEXTThe transpsoas lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) technique is an effective alternative to traditional anterior and posterior approaches to the lumbar spine; however, nerve injuries are the most reported postoperative complication. Commonly used strategies to avoid nerve injury (eg, limiting retraction duration) have not been effective in detecting or preventing femoral nerve injuries. PURPOSETo evaluate the efficacy of emerging intraoperative femoral nerve monitoring techniques and the importance of employing prompt surgical countermeasures when degraded femoral nerve function is detected. STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGWe present the results from a retrospective analysis of a multi-center study conducted over the course of 3 years. PATIENT SAMPLEOne hundred and seventy-two lateral lumbar interbody fusion procedures were reviewed. OUTCOME MEASURESIntraoperative femoral nerve monitoring data was correlated to immediate postoperative neurologic examinations. METHODSFemoral nerve evoked potentials (FNEP) including saphenous nerve somatosensory evoked potentials (snSSEP) and motor evoked potentials with quadriceps recordings were used to detect evidence of degraded femoral nerve function during the time of surgical retraction. RESULTSIn 89% (n=153) of the surgeries, there were no surgeon alerts as the FNEP response amplitudes remained relatively unchanged throughout the surgery (negative group). The positive group included 11% of the cases (n=19) where the surgeon was alerted to a deterioration of the FNEP amplitudes during surgical retraction. Prompt surgical countermeasures to an FNEP alert included loosening, adjusting, or removing surgical retraction, and/or requesting an increase in blood pressure from the anesthesiologist. All the cases where prompt surgical countermeasures were employed resulted in recovery of the degraded FNEP amplitudes and no postoperative femoral nerve injuries. In two cases, the surgeons were given verbal alerts of degraded FNEPs but did not employ prompt surgical countermeasures. In both cases, the degraded FNEP amplitudes did not recover by the time of surgical closure, and both patients exhibited postoperative signs of sensorimotor femoral nerve injury including anterior thigh numbness and weakened knee extension. CONCLUSIONSMultimodal femoral nerve monitoring can provide surgeons with a timely alert to hyperacute femoral nerve conduction failure, enabling prompt surgical countermeasures to be employed that can mitigate or avoid femoral nerve injury. Our data also suggests that the common strategy of limiting retraction duration may not be effective in preventing iatrogenic femoral nerve injuries.

Complications in Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF®): A Retrospective Study in Siriraj Hospital

Background: Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF®) is a well-known transpsoas approach technique that confers advantages including excellent visualization, easy access to the lumbar disc, accommodation for a large anterior graft, restoration of disk height and lumbar alignment, and indirect decompression. However, no study in Thailand has investigated early postoperative complications after spinal fusion with XLIF surgery. Objective: To determine the early postoperative complication rates among Thai patients that underwent spinal fusion with XLIF procedure. Materials and Methods: The present study was a retrospective chart review to evaluate perioperative and early postoperative complications in patients that underwent spinal interbody fusion with XLIF procedure and were followed-up for a minimum of three months at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand between 2015 and 2019. Results: One hundred eighteen patients, including 82 females and 36 males, with a mean age of 64.2 years and 165 levels, that were operated upon, were included. Eighty patients (67.8%) underwent one-level fusion, 29 (24.6%) had two-level fusion, and 9 (7.6%) underwent three-level fusion. Immediate postoperative complications occurred in 66 patients (55.9%), consisting of eight (6.7%) with medical complications, 57 (48.3%) with surgical complications, and one (0.8%) with combined medical and surgical complications. Postoperative complications were resolved within three months after surgery in 48 patients. Forty-one patients (34.7%) had postoperative proximal lower limb neuropathy. Only 10 patients (24.4%) still had neuropathy at the 3-month follow-up, but it did not affect their function. Conclusion: Postoperative proximal limb neuropathy, including thigh numbness, pain, or hip flexor weakness, had a high prevalence in the present study despite intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring; however, most cases resolved by the 3-month follow-up. Patient education about potential nerve irritation complication is recommended, and meticulous preoperative radiographic assessment and careful step-by-step intraoperative surgical approach may reduce the rates of these postoperative complications. Keywords: Extreme lateral interbody fusion; Complications; Neuropathy; Postoperative