RCAAP Repository

Objective : This work aims to study the areolar space anterior to the lumbar spine, and also the positioning of the large vessels focusing a lateral approach. Methods :This is a morphometric study of 108 cases based on T2 weighted-MRI images in the supine position. The following measurements were performed: lumbar and segmental lordosis; anteroposterior disc diameter; space between the disc/vertebral body and the vessels; bifurcation between the abdominal aorta and the common iliac veins confluence in relation to the lumbar level. Results :The areolar space with respect to the iliac veins, and with the vena cava increased cranially (p<0.001), starting from average 0.6mm at L4-L5 and reaching 8.4mm at L2, while the abdominal aorta showed no increase or decrease pattern across the different levels (p=0.135) ranging from 1.8 to 4.6mm. The diameter of the discs increased distally (p<0.01) as well as the lordosis (p<0.001). The disc diameter was 11% larger when compared to the adjacent vertebral bodies (p<0.001) and that resulted in a smaller distance of the vessels in the disc level than in the level of the adjacent vertebral bodies (p<0.001). The aortic bifurcation was generally ahead of L4 (52%) and less frequently at L3-L4 (28%) and L4-L5 (18%). The confluence of the veins was usually at the L4-L5 level (38%) and at L5 (37%), and less frequently at L4 (26%). Conclusions : There is an identifiable plane between the great vessels and the lumbar spine which is particularly narrow in its distal portion. It is theoretically feasible to reach this plan, handle the anterior complex disc/ALL and protect the great vessels by lateral approach, however, it is challenging.

Objective : To evaluate the quality of life related to the spine in patients with proximal femoral fractures. Methods : Study conducted in a tertiary public hospital in patients with proximal femoral fractures caused by low-energy trauma, through the Oswestry Disability Index questionnaire to asses complaints related to the spine at the time of life prior to the femoral fracture. The thoracic and lumbar spine of patients were also evaluated applying the radiographic index described by Gennant (Spinal Deformity Index), which assesses the number and severity of fractures. Results : Seventeen subjects completed the study. All had some degree of vertebral fracture. Patients were classified in the categories of severe and very severe disability in the questionnaire about quality of life. It was found that the higher SDI, the better the quality of life. Conclusion : There is a strong association of disability related to the spine in patients with proximal femoral fracture, and this complaint must be systematically evaluated in patients with appendicular fracture.

Objective : To develop a consensus for translation of the most relevant terms used in the study of Adult Spinal Deformity, from their original languages into Brazilian Portuguese. Methods : A panel of 12 experts in spine surgery from the five Brazilian regions was constituted. To obtain the standardization of terminology, the Delphi method with an electronic questionnaire was administered to participants about their opinion on the translation of 13 relevant terms chosen by literature review. Each term was considered standard when there was consensus, that is, concordance higher than 80% among participants as to the suggestion to be adopted, and then on the acceptance of the term and its abbreviation in Portuguese. Results : Initially there was consensus (over 80% concordance) on the translation of seven terms in the electronic questionnaire. The other six terms that have not reached consensus were discussed at a meeting among the participants, relying on the opinion of a specialized professional in simultaneous translation of orthopedic terms in Portuguese and other professional majored in Portuguese language. It was decided how these terms should be translated and there was a consensus among all participants regarding their acceptance. Finally, there was consensus among the participants, who agreed with the translation and abbreviation of the 13 propose terms, defining its standardization for Brazilian Portuguese. Conclusion : We present a standard terminology used in the study of Adult Spinal Deformity through consensus among experts, seeking uniformity in the use of these terms in Brazilian Portuguese.

Objective : To assess the segmental sagittal parameters and the adjacent mobile segment after interbody fusion by anterior approach in single-level L5-S1. Methods : Retrospective study. Inclusion: Interbody fusion by anterior approach (10°/15° angle), due to DDD, low-grade spondylolisthesis and/or stenosis without prior lumbar fusion. Thirty-five cases were included (25 women; mean age 47±15 years). Analysis of lumbar radiographs were performed preoperatively and 3 months after surgery. The following parameters were evaluated: lumbar lordosis; segmental lordosis L4-L5 and L5-S1; sacral and L5 slope. Two independent evaluators made the measurements. Student's t test was used. Results : There was correction of lordosis at the L5-S1 level, from an average of 19° prior to surgery to 28° three months after surgery (p<0.001). It was observed reduction of the L4-L5 angle from 17° to 14° (p <0.001). Moreover, there was a small, but statistically significant, reduction of L5 inclination from 17 ° to 13 ° (p=0.007) and increase in the sacral slope from 37° to 40° (p=0.002). The change of total lumbar lordosis was not significant: 52° versus 53° (p=0.461). Before surgical correction, lordosis of the L5-S1 level contributed, on average, 37% of lumbar lordosis, and after, 54% (p<0.001). The L4-L5 level accounted for 34% and decreased to 24% (p<0.001). Conclusion : In the group studied, it was observed a decrease in lordosis of the adjacent mobile level following the treatment of the degenerate level by anterior interbody fusion and concomitant increase in lordosis.

Objective : To evaluate and compare radiographic and clinical evaluation of patients undergoing interbody fusion versus posterolateral fusion of the lumbar spine. Methods : Retrospective study of patients diagnosed with lumbar spondylosis that were surgically treated in the period from 2012 to 2014. The results were observed by clinical evaluation by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for low back and leg pain. We evaluated functional results and quality of life through the application of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires, respectively. The pre and postoperative condition were compared in Group 1 (interbody fusion) and Group 2 (posterolateral fusion), in addition to evaluation of fusion by means of post-operative radiograph. Results : A total of 30 patients of 36 were eligible, 12 in Group 1 and 18 in Group 2. The mean follow-up was 10.1 months. Statistical analysis showed similar scores for back and leg pain VAS, SF-36 function scores and Oswestry between groups with interbody and posterolateral fusion, and compared within these groups regarding the pre- and postoperative condition, and found no statistical significance. The successful fusion was similar in both groups, with 11 of 12 patients in Group 1 showing bone fusion and 17 of 18 in Group 2 showing arthrodesis. Conclusion : No clinical or radiographic differences between patients who underwent posterolateral or interbody fusion were observed. Both methods showed improvement in functional outcome and pain reduction.

Objective : Compare the interlaminar blocking technique with the transforaminal blocking, with regard to pain and the presence or absence of complications. Methods : Prospective, descriptive and comparative, double-blind, randomized study, with 40 patients of both sex suffering from sciatic pain due to central-lateral or foraminal disc herniation, who did not respond to 20 physiotherapy sessions and had no instability diagnosed on examination of dynamic radiography. The type of blocking, transforaminal or interlaminar, to be performed was determined by draw. Results : We evaluated 40 patients, 17 males, mean age 49 years, average VAS pre-blocking of 8.85, average values in transforaminal technique in 24 hours, 7, 21, and 90 days of 0.71, 1.04, 2.33 and 3.84, respectively; the average VAS post-blocking for interlaminar technique was 0.89, 1.52, 3.63 and 4.88. The techniques differ only in the post-blocking period of 21 days and overall post-blocking, with significance of p=0.022 and p=0.027, respectively. Conclusion : Both techniques are effective in relieving pain and present low complication rate, and the transforaminal technique proved to be the most effective.

Objective : To analyze aspects related to the diagnostic difficulty in patients with bacterial spondylodiscitis. Methods : Cross-sectional observational study with retrospective data collected in the period from March 2004 to January 2014.Twenty-one patients diagnosed with bacterial spondylodiscitis were analyzed. Results : Women were the most affected, as well as older individuals. Pain in the affected region was the initial symptom in 52% of patients, and 45.5% of the patients had low back pain, and those with dorsal discitis had back pain as the main complaint; the patients with thoracolumbar discitis had pain in that region, and only one patient had sacroiliac discitis. The average time between onset of symptoms and treatment was five months. The lumbar segment was the most affected with 11 cases (52%), followed by thoracolumbar in 24%, dorsal in 19% of cases and a case in the sacroiliac segment. Only seven patients had fever. Pain in the affected level was coincidentally the most common symptom. Conclusions : Early diagnosis of bacterial spondylodiscitis remains a challenge due to the nonspecific signs and symptoms reported by the patient and the wide variability of laboratory results and imaging. The basis for early diagnosis remains the clinical suspicion at the time of initial treatment.

Objective : Tomographic analysis of the T1 vertebra in children from 0 to 12 years of age, in order to obtain anatomical parameters that assist intralaminar fixation in this pediatric population. Methods : Retrospectively analysis of the spine with CT (cervical and thoracic) of individuals aged between 0 and 12 years old, of both sexes, without anatomical deformities. The CT scans were evaluated separately, on each side, for length and thickness of the laminas as well as spinolaminar angle. The morphometric analysis was performed with iSite PACS Philips Healthcare Informatics(r) program and the values were expressed in millimeters (mm). The variables were correlated with age groups and sex of individuals. Statistical analysis was performed using t test and the results were considered significant when p<0.05. Results : By means of tomographic analysis of 24 patients it was found that age has no correlation with the angle of attack for intralaminar screws T1. However, the length and thickness of the T1 lamina increase proportionally with age. The total average length of the laminas was 28.62 ± 4.42 mm. The total average thickness was 4.75 ± 0.95 mm (3.2 to 6.5). Conclusion : This study shows relevant data on the use of Tran laminar screws currently commercially available with a minimum thickness of 3.5 mm. It is thus possible to say in this sample, they can be used in 87.5% of all laminas, being applicable in all lamina in patients older than 44 months of age.

Objective : To evaluate the accuracy of free-hand pedicle screws placement at the seventh cervical vertebra. Methods : The authors have exposed the cervicothoracic junction of 9 adult cadavers (7 male and 2 female) preserved in formalin from the Faculty of Medicine of the Universidad Andina Néstor Cáceres Velásquez, city of Juliaca, Puno - Peru, locating the C7 vertebra based on anatomical parameters. According to previous publications, the entry point for the C7 pedicle was determined as 3-4mm lateral and 5-6mm superior to the center of the lateral mass, and the pedicle was drilled manually and instrumented with 3.5mm screws. After the screws placement, the C7 vertebrae were removed for radiographic analysis. Results : The authors were able to adequately locate the C7 entry point in 12 pedicles (66.6% accuracy), finding a great variability both laterally (2-5mm) and cranially (3-10mm). The angulation in the coronal plane was correct in 13 pedicles (72.3%), despite the incorrect location of the entry point. Angle values in the coronal plane ranged from 38 to 62 degrees. In the sagittal plane angulation, 2 screws were placed in the C6-C7 disc. The midtransversal diameter of the 18 pedicles ranged from 4 to 7mm. Conclusions : The location of the entry point for placement of C7 pedicle screws with pure free-hand technique is very variable due to anatomical differences and the authors recommend some type of guidance for increased safety and accuracy.

Objective : The aim of this study is to assess the intra- and interobserver concordance of SINS, Harrington, Tokuhashi and Tomita scores among general orthopedic surgeons and spine surgeons with experience above 5 and 10 years in the evaluation of patients with spinal metastasis. Methods : Twenty cases of patients with metastatic lesion of the spine were presented to 10 examiners and the scores aforementioned have been applied. After six weeks, the cases were reintroduced in a different order and data were analyzed. Results : The intraobserver reliability showed better agreement in SINS score among examiners with less experience and Harrington and Tomita scores among those who had more than 10-year experience. The interobserver reliability of the examiners of the group with over 10-year experience showed higher precision when using these scores, especially Harrington and Tomita. The SINS score was the choice for daily practice and was able to modify the management more often. Conclusions : This study demonstrated that the use of predictive scores of instability, Harrington, and prognosis, Tomita, had a higher intra- and interobserver reliability particularly among spine surgeons with experience above 10 years.

Microsurgical landmarks of the facet joint complex were defined to provide guidance and security within the tubular retractor during transforaminal surgery. A retrospective observational study was performed in segments L4-L5 by the left side approach. Microsurgical relevant photos, anatomical models and drawing were used to expose the suggested landmarks. The MI-TLIF technique has advantages compared with conventional open TLIF technique, however minimally invasive technique implies lack of security for the surgeon due to the lack of defined microanatomical landmarks compared to open spine surgery, and disorientation within the tubular retractor, the reason why to have precise microsurgical references and its recognition within the surgical field provide speed and safety when performing minimally invasive technique.

The aim of this review is to present the imaging features of Schmorl's node (SN) occurring in conjunction with several etiologies. The SN is a relatively common finding in diagnostic spinal imaging. This condition is usually asymptomatic and its etiology is not always clear. Any disorder that weakens the subchondral bone of the vertebral body may lead to endplate disruption and consequent intravertebral disc herniation. SN is a common finding among asymptomatic patients, but may possibly be accompanied by symptoms in cases of trauma, hemispherical spondylosclerosis, calcific discitis with intravertebral migration, inflammatory diseases and neoplasms. Even though SN is generally associated with benign diseases, its presence does not exclude the possibility of concomitant malignancy in the vertebral body. Radiologists and spine surgeons must be aware of uncommon conditions that might be associated with SNs, as well as related radiological findings, in order to avoid misdiagnosis.

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are widely used for osteoporotic and cancer-related vertebral compression fractures refractory to medical treatment. Many aspects of these procedures have been extensively discussed in the literature during the last few years. In this article, we perform a critical appraisal of current evidence on effectiveness and ongoing controversies regarding surgical technique, indications and contraindications, clinical outcomes and potential complications of these procedures.

ABSTRACT Objective: The adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a spine deformity that occurs in both the coronal plane and the sagittal plane of patients between 10 and 17 years. The Cobb method is the most widely used to determine the angular value of scoliosis and it is defined as the "gold standard". The goal is to verify the reproducibility of the measured angles between orthopedic residents and spinal pathologies specialists, comparing the variability of the angles measured by professionals with greater and lesser experience. Method: A total of 10 radiographs of patients diagnosed with AIS were assessed. Radiographs were handed over to 7 orthopedists specialized in spine and 14 orthopedic residents. The measurement of the angles for each of the examiners was described using means and standard deviations and intraclass correlations were calculated, as well as the measure of repeatability, and Bland-Altman plots were designed with the results of the measurements of each group of examiners, according to experience, to assess the agreement/reproducibility of Cobb angle measurements. Results: Each examiner obtained a resulting average of 10 cases summation. In order to assess trends in variability of the measurements of the angles of each group graphs were plotted based on the arithmetic mean of each of the 10 cases by the total number of participants in the group versus the standard deviation in each case. Conclusion: There was a poor correlation (ICC=0.4) in the measurement of Cobb in both groups, demonstrating difficulties in the method, which cannot be overcome by the expertise.

ABSTRACT Objective: The objective was to investigate implant density or the number of screws correlated with the correction of the main curve in patients undergoing surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Methods: We evaluated 112 medical records: 33 patients with screw density of up to 50%, and 79 patients with a density of 100%; all patients underwent surgical correction by posterior approach with transpedicular fixation. Results: In the group of patients with screw density of up to 50% the residual Cobb median was 10°; in the group with 100% density, the median was 7°. Conclusion: Biostatistical analysis showed that the group with up to 50% of screw density presented correction rate of 82.1% and the group with 100% density had correction of about 86.8%. It is therefore concluded that the difference is statistically significant in favor of the fixation with 100% density (p =0.010).

ABSTRACT Objectives: To compare the outcomes of surgical treatment with lumbar fixation using nitinol rods without fusion and with standard lumbar fixation with titanium rods and interbody fusion. Methods: Treatment results of 70 patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis aged 40 to 82 were analyzed. In all cases pedicle screws and nitinol rods with a diameter of 5.5 mm were used. Thirty patients underwent fixation at L1-S1 and 40 patients underwent fixation at L1-L5. Spinal fusion was not performed. All patients had radiography, CT and MRI performed. The results were assessed according to the Oswestry scale, SRS 22, SF 36 and VAS. The minimum follow-up period for all patients was 2.5 years. For the control group, consisting of 72 patients, pedicle fixation with titanium rods and interbody fusion in the lumbosacral region were performed. Results: The average level of deformity correction equaled 25° (10° - 38°). The analysis of X-ray and CT-scans revealed a single patient with implant instability, two patients with bone resorption around the screws and one patient with rod fractures. Functional radiography 2.5 years after surgery showed an average mobility of the lumbar spine of 21° (15° - 30°). There were no problems at the adjacent levels. Conclusions: The use of nitinol rods in spinal deformity surgery is promising. This technology is an alternative to rigid fixation. Continued gathering of clinical data and its further evaluation is necessary.

ABSTRACT Objective: To define and quantify the degree of change of the spinal canal diameter in patients with degenerative and spondylolytic spondylolisthesis. Methods: We studied CT scans of 54 patients. Of this total, 37 (29 women and 8 men) had degenerative type and 17 (7 women and 10 men) had spondylolytic type. Results: In the degenerative spondylolisthesis group, the average diameter of the spinal canal at the injured vertebra level was 17.35 mm and 17.64 mm for the upper vertebra level. The average diameter of the foramen at the level of the affected vertebra was 14.61 mm to left side and 15.00 mm to the right side. The average diameter of the foramen at the upper vertebra level was 16.82 mm to the left side and 16.51 mm to the right side. In the spondylolytic group, the average diameter of the spinal canal at the level of the affected vertebra was 23.25 mm and at the upper vertebra level was 18.66 mm. The average diameter of the foramen at the level of the affected vertebra was 11.98 mm to the left side and 12.34 mm to the right side. The average diameter of the foramen at the level of the upper vertebra was 16.97 mm to the left side and 15.58 mm to the right side. Conclusion: The diameter of the spinal canal in the sagittal plane showed no statistically significant increase in the spondylolytic spondylolisthesis group, in contrast to what is found in the degenerative spondylolisthesis group. It was also observed a reduction in vertebral foramina of the injured level in both groups.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To demonstrate the recovery of lumbar sagittal pelvic alignment and sagittal pelvic balance after surgical reduction of lumbar spondylolisthesis and establish the benefits of the surgery for reduction and fixation of the lumbar spondylolisthesis with 360o circumferential arthrodesis for 2 surgical approaches by clinical and functional evaluation. Method: Eight patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis treated with surgical reduction and fixation of listhesis and segmental circumferential fusion with two surgical approaches were reviewed. They were evaluated before and after treatment with Oswestry, Visual Analogue for pain and Odom scales, performing radiographic measurement of lumbar sagittal alignment and pelvic sagittal balance with the technique of pelvic radius. Results: Oswestry scales and EVA reported improvement of symptoms after treatment in 8 cases; the Odom scale had six outstanding cases reported. The lumbar sagittal alignment presented a lumbosacral lordosis angle and a lumbopelvic lordosis angle reduced in 4 cases and increased in 4 other cases; pelvic sagittal balance increased the pelvic angle in 4 cases and decreased in 3 cases and the sacral translation of the hip axis to the promontory increased in 6 cases. Conclusion: The surgical procedure evaluated proved to be useful by modifying the lumbar sagittal alignment and the pelvic balance, besides reducing the symptoms, enabling the patient to have mobility and movement and the consequent satisfaction with the surgery.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate clinical and functional results of patients with lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis treated with operatively or nonoperatively. Methods: Patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis treated either nonoperatively or operatively from 2004 to 2014 were selected from databases and a cross-sectional evaluation was performed. Outcome measures included back and leg visual analogue scales (VAS), Fischgrund criteria, Short Form-36 (SF-36) function score, and the modified Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Results: 43 patients were evaluated: 20 with nonoperative treatment and 23 with operative treatment. Baseline characteristics were similar without significant differences between groups. Mean follow-up time was 43 months (range 10 - 72) for the nonoperative group and 36 months (range 6-80) for the operative group. Significant statistical difference in favor of operative group were found in back VAS (mean 4 versus 8, p = 0.000), leg VAS (mean 3 versus 6, p = 0.0015), SF-36 function score (mean 77 versus 35, p = 0.000), and ODI (mean 17 versus 46, p = 0.000). On the basis of the Fischgrund criteria, only 10 % of patients reported excellent or good health post nonoperative treatment versus 83% for those treated operatively (p = 0.000). Conclusion: In this cross-sectional study, we observed that symptomatic patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis who underwent operative treatment have superior clinical and functional scores compared to those that underwent nonoperative treatment.

Abstract Background: Chagas disease continues to be a serious public health problem, and accounts for 25-30% of the indications for cardiac stimulation in Brazil. Objective: To assess clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with Chagas disease, younger than 18 years, who had undergone pacemaker implantation in Brazil between 1994 and 2011, and its temporal trend. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Brazilian Pacemaker Registry database. The following variables were analyzed: year when pacemaker was implanted, location, age, sex, ethnic group, functional class and the main electrocardiographic findings at baseline. Results: In a total of 183,123 implants performed between 1994 and 2011, 214 implants of cardiac stimulation device in Chagas disease patients aged younger than 18 years were identified. Mean age at implantation was 5.6 ± 6.2 years. Second- and third-degree atrioventricular blocks corresponded to 71% of indications for pacemaker implantation. Fifty-six percent of the procedures were performed in the southeast region. Regarding the total number of pacemaker implants per year, there was a remarkable increase in the implants for all causes. However, time series analysis of the implants in Chagas disease patients younger than 18 years revealed a significant reduction in the annual number of implants. Conclusion: There has been an important reduction in the number of pacemaker implantations among children and adolescents with Chagas disease, suggesting a reduction in the vertical transmission of the parasite.