Single-port laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication: initial experience with a new approach for the treatment of pediatric achalasia

Purpose

The aim of this report was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of single-port laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication (SPLHD) as treatment of pediatric esophageal achalasia.

Methods

A 9-year-old boy with a significant history of achalasia underwent SPLHD. The single-port was inserted using an umbilical incision. The falciform ligament and left liver lobe were raised using an elevating suture, providing good visualization of the operative field at the cardia. The Heller myotomy was planned to be 4 cm long, extending 1 cm onto the gastric wall.

Results

The SPLHD was successfully accomplished without the need for any skin incisions or additional ports. Oral intake was resumed on the first postoperative day, and the length of hospital stay was 8 days. The patient had complete resolution of dysphagia and regurgitation. No complications were noted, and the patient had an excellent cosmetic result.

Conclusions

The SPLHD is a safe and feasible procedure for symptomatic pediatric achalasia when performed by a surgeon experienced in laparoscopic and esophageal surgery.     

Preventive antireflux surgery in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a single-blinded prospective study

Objective

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is known to be a predisposing factor in gastroesophageal reflux (GER) leading to pulmonary and nutritional problems. The aim of this prospective, randomized, patient-blinded study was to evaluate the benefit of antireflux surgery at the time of CDH repair.

Methods

From 2003 to 2009, 79 neonates with left-sided CDH were included. Forty-three had regular hernia closure. Thirty-six patients additionally had fundoplication at hernia repair. Follow-up was at 6, 12, and 24 months after birth with a standardized questionnaire and a thorax radiograph. Patients with clinical signs for GER were evaluated with upper gastrointestinal series and 24-hour pH-metry.

Results

Seventy-nine of 263 patients participated in this prospective trial. Survival rate was 88.61%. The GER symptoms were almost significantly more frequent in the group without concomitant fundoplication at the age of 6 months. At 24 months, the difference between both groups was not significant anymore. Development of body weight in the first 2 years of life was similar in both groups. No complications related to initial antireflux surgery were noted.

Conclusion

Patients profit from fundoplication at CDH repair only within the first year of life. At the present point of this study, simultaneous fundoplication at the time of primary CDH repair cannot be recommended as a standard procedure in all patients with left-sided CDH.     

Preliminary results of lumbar disk herniation surgery by Endoscopic Destandau Method

Background

The incidence of Disc herniation is about 2–3% of population. Each year 300,000 procedures performed in USA. The aim of this paper is to describe the utility of endoscopic procedure in treatment of lumbar disc herniation.

“Is the length of time in acute burn surgery associated with poorer outcomes?”

Background

Acute wound closure surgery improves outcomes, after burn particularly mortality, but also imposes physiological stress on the patient. The duration of surgery is associated with adverse outcomes in other populations. This study aimed to examine if extended acute burn surgery duration was associated with poorer in-hospital outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included adult burn patients who required a single wound closure surgery at Royal Perth Hospital between 2004 and 2011. Multivariable regression analyses were used to assess the influence of patient and injury factors on surgery duration and length of stay (LOS).

Results

Surgery duration independently increased LOS (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.004, p < 0.001). This translates to a predicted 13% increase in LOS for a 30 min increase in surgery ‘knife to skin’ time. Total body surface area (TBSA) was identified as a significant predictor of surgery duration (IRR = 1.047, p < 0.001), estimating that a 10% TBSA increase results in a 59% increase in surgery duration.

Conclusion

The results show that surgery duration is associated with LOS after adjusting for size of burn and other factors. The study justifies the need to explore strategies to reduce acute burn surgery duration.     

Experimental Disc Herniation in the Rat Causes Downregulation of Serotonin Receptor 2c in a TNF-dependent Manner

Background

During recent decades, the knowledge of the pathophysiology of disc herniation and sciatica has drastically improved. What previously was considered a strict biomechanical process is now considered a more complex interaction between leaked nucleus pulposus and the tissue in the spinal canal. An inflammatory reaction, with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) playing an essential role, has been demonstrated. However, the exact mechanisms of the pathophysiology of disc herniation remain unknown.

Questions/purposes

In this study we use an animal model to investigate (1) if and/or how experimental disc herniation affects gene expression in the early phase (24 hours postsurgery) in the dorsal root ganglion; and (2) if TNF inhibition can reduce any observed changes.

Methods

A rat model of disc herniation was used. Twenty rats were evenly divided into four groups: naïve, sham, disc herniation, and disc herniation with TNF inhibition. The dorsal root ganglion of the affected nerve root was harvested 24 hours after surgery and analyzed with a TaqMan Low Density Array^® quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. Gene expression levels in sham were compared with disc herniation to assess question 1 and disc herniation to disc herniation with TNF inhibition to assess question 2.

Results

Experimental disc herniation caused a decrease in the expression of the serotonin receptor 2c gene (p = 0.022). TNF inhibition was found to reduce the observed decrease in expression of serotonin receptor 2c (p = 0.037).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that a decrease in the expression of the serotonin receptor 2c gene may contribute to the pathophysiology of disc herniation. Further research on its involvement is warranted.

Clinical Relevance

This pilot study gives a brief insight into cellular changes that may contribute to the pathophysiology of disc herniation. This knowledge may contribute to the development of more and better treatment options for patients with disc herniation and sciatica.     

Effects of postoperative background PCA morphine infusion on pain management and related side effects in patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy

Study Objective

To examine the effects of background morphine infusion via patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCA) device.

Design

Randomized, controlled, double-blinded study.

Setting

University-affiliated hospital.

Patients

60 ASA physical status 1 and 2 patients scheduled for abdominal hysterectomy.

Interventions

Patients were randomly allocated to either the PCA group without continuous background morphine infusion (Group 1; n = 30) or the PCA group with continuous background morphine infusion (Group 2; n = 30).

Measurements

Pain intensity during movement and at rest, morphine consumption at indicated time intervals, and related side effects were evaluated and recorded for three postoperative days at 12-hour intervals. The degree of patient satisfaction with PCA pain management was elicited and recorded.

Main Results

Pain intensity during movement (VASC) at 12 and 36 hours postoperatively and pain intensity at rest from 12 to 60 hours were significantly higher in Group 2 than Group 1. PCA morphine consumption for three days postoperatively in Group 2 was significantly higher. The frequency of vomiting, nausea, and dizziness were higher in Group 2. The frequency of pruritus, urinary retention, and allodynia was similar for both groups. The degree of patient satisfaction with pain management was generally equivalent between the groups.

Conclusion

A continuous background morphine infusion of 0.5 mg/hr did not lower pain intensity during movement or at rest, but induced higher pain intensity, higher opioid usage, and more complications such as vomiting, nausea, and dizziness.     

Rectal prolapse following posterior sagittal anorectoplasty for anorectal malformations

Purpose

Rectal prolapse is a known postoperative problem in children with anorectal malformations. The aims of this study were to determine the incidence of significant rectal prolapse (>5 mm), to objectively quantify its predisposing factors, and to offer recommendations as to its prevention and surgical treatment.

Methods

The authors reviewed their series of 1619 patients with anorectal malformations; 1169 underwent primary posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) at their institution between 1980 and 2002, and complete records were available for 833. The series was analyzed for incidence of prolapse, type of anorectal malformation, status of the sacrum, muscle quality, associated vertebral and spinal anomalies, and postoperative constipation. A specific technique for prolapse repair was used.

Results

Of 833 patients, 45 developed significant rectal prolapse (3.8%). The mean age at the time of PSARP was 0.73 years (range, 0.19-5 years). The average time to recognition of prolapse following PSARP was 13.1 months. Of these 45 patients, 32 required surgical repair and of those, 3 required a second surgical repair. The incidence of prolapse varied by complexity of anorectal defect: cloaca (6.2%), rectobladder neck fistula (6.8%), rectourethral fistula (5.4%), rectovestibular fistula (1.2%), rectal atresia (0%), and rectoperineal fistula (0%). There was a significantly increased incidence of prolapse in patients with a low muscle quality score and in patients with vertebral anomalies (20% vs 3.2%). The presence of a tethered cord and an abnormal sacral ratio did not correlate with an increased incidence of prolapse. Twenty-two patients developed prolapse following colostomy closure, and of these, 12 (55%) suffered from constipation.

Conclusions

The overall incidence of significant rectal prolapse following PSARP is low. Prevention of prolapse with the PSARP technique may be because of key technical steps. Patients with higher anorectal malformations, poorer muscle quality, and vertebral anomalies had a greater risk of developing postoperative rectal prolapse. The presence of tethered cord and quality of the sacrum were not predictive of postoperative prolapse. Constipation seems to be a factor in the development of prolapse.     

Laparoscopic improves perioperative outcomes of antireflux surgery at US academic centers

Background

Open and laparoscopic antireflux surgeries are standard for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The in-hospital outcomes of laparoscopic and open antireflux procedures were analyzed and compared at US academic medical centers.

Methods

Using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes for 5,737 patients with GERD that underwent open (n = 1,377) or laparoscopic (n = 4,360) antireflux surgery were identified from the University Health-System Consortium Database over a 3-year period (2004-2007). Demographic and outcome data measured included length of stay, overall complications, in-hospital mortality, observed-to-expected mortality ratio (risk-adjusted mortality), and hospital costs.

Results

Laparoscopic antireflux procedures offered significantly lower mean length of stay, in-hospital morbidity, and hospital costs. Both procedures had a low observed to expected in-hospital mortality. Open surgery was associated with significantly higher procedure-related and pulmonary complications.

Conclusions

In the context of US academic centers, approximately three quarters of antireflux procedures are being performed using the laparoscopic approach. These data suggest that laparoscopy has improved in-hospital outcomes when compared with open surgery and is preferred for the surgical treatment of GERD.     

Peri-operative hyperglycemia: a consideration for general surgery?

Background

Intraoperative hyperglycemia in cardiac and neurosurgical patients is significantly associated with morbidity. Little is known about the perioperative glycemic profile or its impact in other surgical populations or in nondiabetic patients.

Methods

A systematic review of blood glucose values during major general surgical procedures reported since 1980 was conducted. Data extracted included blood glucose measures, study sample size, gender distribution, age grouping, study purpose, surgical procedure, anesthetic details, and infusion regime. Excluded studies were those with subjects with diabetes insipidus, insulin-treated diabetes, renal or hepatic failure, adrenal gland tumors or dysfunction, pregnancy, and emergency or trauma surgery.

Results

Blood glucose levels rose significantly with the induction of anesthesia (P < .001) in nondiabetic patients. At incision, 2 hours, 4 hours, and 6 hours, 30%, 40%, 38%, and 40% of studies, respectively, reported hyperglycemia.

Conclusions

Factors that confound or protect against significant rises in perioperative glycemic levels in nondiabetic patients were identified. The findings facilitate investigating the impact of hyperglycemia on general surgical outcomes.     

Prospective study of antibiotic protocols for managing surgical site infections in children

Purpose

We adopted antibiotic (Ab) protocols for managing surgical site infections in children and assessed their effectiveness.

Methods

We used our protocols on 1313 children between 2004 and 2005. All wounds were monitored for 30 days and classified as clean, clean-contaminated, contaminated, or dirty-infected. Infections were defined as superficial, deep, or organ/space. A retrospective study involving 721 children who had surgery in 2003 was also performed. χ² Statistical analysis was performed.

Results

Postprotocol, all Abs were administered accurately by anesthesiologists and infections developed in only 22 cases (1.7%): 0.2% (clean), 2.6% (clean-contaminated), 5.8% (contaminated), and 20.8% (dirty-infected), respectively; 21 were superficial or deep and 1 was organ/space. Age at surgery and sex did not influence incidence, neither did length of surgery for clean-contaminated, contaminated, and dirty-infected wounds; clean wounds were excluded because all surgery was minor. Overall, incidence of infections was 1.2% for elective surgery and 4.5% for emergency surgery (P < .01). Preprotocol, only 67% had Ab and infections developed in 27 cases (3.7%), which is significantly higher than in postprotocol (P < .01).

Conclusions

Accurate administration of Ab and careful supervision by an infection control team appear to be effective for preventing wound infections in children.     

Bladder autoaugmentation using various biodegradable scaffolds seeded with autologous smooth muscle cells in a rabbit model

Background/Purpose

The prolapsed mucosa after bladder autoaugmentation usually collapses, and the volume increment is limited. This study is aimed at evaluating the efficacy of autoaugmentation assisted with 2 different scaffolds, polyglycolic acid (PGA) mesh and small intestinal submucosa (SIS), seeded with autologous bladder smooth muscle cells in a rabbit model.

Methods

One month after an initial 70% partial cystectomy, various autoaugmentation surgeries were performed. These procedures included traditional autoaugmentation (n = 6) and traditional autoaugmentation covered with PGA or SIS without cell seeding (N) (PGA-N, n = 6; SIS-N, n = 6) or covered with scaffolds seeded with autologous bladder smooth muscle cells (C) (PGA-C, n = 6; SIS-C, n = 6). All were followed up by bladder volume measurement and retrieved on 1, 2, 3, and 6 months. Statistical analysis was by analysis of variance.

Results

A normal urothelial layer was maintained in all groups. Only PGA-C group showed a significant bladder capacity increment as compared with the other groups in all time-points (P = .001, .000, .000, and .001 at first, second, third, and sixth months, respectively). The PGA-C group showed grossly normal bladder wall with scattered smooth muscle bundles. The other groups had marked graft shrinkage with only unorganized muscle fibers.

Conclusion

Cell-seeded PGA polymer facilitates smooth muscle regeneration, offers sufficient bladder wall backup, and achieves satisfactory volume increment after the autoaugmentation with time. The collagen matrix, although seeded with cells, did not offer adequate mechanical support after the surgery.     

Non-operative management of right side thoracoabdominal penetrating injuries—The value of testing chest tube effluent for bile

Introduction

While mandatory surgery for all thoracoabdominal penetrating injuries is advocated by some, the high rate of unnecessary operations challenges this approach. However, the consequences of intrathoracic bile remains poorly investigated. We sought to evaluate the outcome of patients who underwent non-operative management of right side thoracoabdominal (RST) penetrating trauma, and the levels of bilirubin obtained from those patients’ chest tube effluent.

Patients and methods

We managed non-operatively all stable patients with a single RST penetrating injury. Chest tube effluent samples were obtained six times within (4-8 h; 12-16 h; 20-24 h; 28-32 h; 36-40 h; 48 h and 72 h) of admission for bilirubin measurement and blood for complete blood count, bilirubin, alanine (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferases (AST) assays. For comparison we studied patients with single left thoracic penetrating injury.

Results

Forty-two patients with RST injuries were included. All had liver and lung injuries confirmed by CT scans. Only one patient failed non-operative management. Chest tube bilirubin peaked at 48 h post-trauma (mean 3.3 ± 4.1 mg/dL) and was always higher than both serum bilirubin (p < 0.05) and chest tube effluent from control group (27 patients with left side thoracic trauma). Serum ALT and AST were higher in RST injury patients (p < 0.05). One RST injury patient died of line sepsis.

Conclusion

Non-operative management of RST penetrating trauma appears to be safe. Bile originating from the liver injury reaches the right thoracic cavity but does not reflect the severity of that injury. The highest concentration was found in the patient failing non-operative management. The presence of intrathoracic bile in selected patients who sustain RST penetrating trauma, with liver injury, does not preclude non-operative management. Our study suggests that monitoring chest tube effluent bilirubin may provide helpful information when managing a patient non-operatively.     

Endoscopic gastrostomy placement in the child with gastroesophageal reflux: is concomitant antireflux surgery indicated?

Background/Purpose

Previously, we performed concomitant antireflux surgery in patients with abnormal pH study undergoing gastrostomy. This increased complications without always alleviating the troublesome symptom of vomiting. In contrast, vomiting with normal preoperative pH study generally disappeared after gastrostomy placement. Therefore, we changed policy to perform only gastrostomy, regardless of pH study results. Subsequent antireflux surgery is performed only as necessary. We report here our results.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing gastrostomy from April 1997 to January 2004. For patients with abnormal preoperative pH studies, detailed data were recorded including medical history, indication for gastrostomy, operative technique, symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GER), and use of antireflux medication. Symptomatic GER postgastrostomy was managed pharmacotherapeutically. If this proved inadequate, patients underwent antireflux surgery.

Results

Twenty-eight patients with abnormal pregastrostomy pH study entered the study. Median age was 3 years and 2 months. Seventy-five percent were neurologically impaired. Indication for gastrostomy was inadequate oral nutrition in 26 of 28 patients. Only 3 of 28 patients were asymptomatic for GER. Of the 25 symptomatic patients 19 improved postgastrostomy (6 did not). Antireflux surgery ultimately proved indicated in 2 patients (7% [2/28]). The asymptomatic patients remained asymptomatic.

Conclusions

For patients with abnormal pH study presenting primarily for gastrostomy placement, concomitant antireflux surgery is not indicated.     

Testicular rerouting by modified Prentiss maneuver: Usefulness in bilateral synchronous orchidopexy for high inguinal undescended testes

Objectives

To describe our experience and illustrate the surgical procedure of synchronous bilateral testicular rerouting in high inguinal undescended testes (HIUT) by extending the use of “modified Prentiss maneuver” in bilateral situation, to establish this as a procedure of choice in bilateral HIUT and secondly to demonstrate the length gained by maneuver itself.

Methods

Between January 2011 and December 2012 ten boys (8 months–6 years) with diagnosis of bilateral HIUT were included in the study. Bilateral orchidopexy was done by "modified Prentiss maneuver" under general anesthesia. Postoperatively all patients were evaluated at 3 months ,6 months and 1 year by physical examinations and ultrasound.

Results

It was possible to reroute the testes underneath inferior epigastric artery (IEA) without its mobilization and thus locate testicular pedicle through a fascial hole above pubic tubercle, well medial to IEA. The average gain in scrotal positioning was 16 mm (10–22 mm).No retractions, atrophy of testis, clinical weakness of anterior abdominal wall or inguinal herniation was noted in any patient up to one year follow up.

Conclusions

Testicular re-routing by "modified Prentiss maneuver" is a simple, feasible, safe and efficient method for bilateral orchidopexy in bilateral HIUT. Preserving the inferior epigastric artery bilaterally has physiologic advantages.     

Screw fixation of radial head fractures: Compression screw versus lag screw—A biomechanical comparison

Introduction

Secondary loss of reduction and pseudarthrosis due to unstable fixation methods remain challenging problems of surgical stabilisation of radial head fractures. The purpose of our study was to determine whether the 3.0 mm Headless Compression Screw (HCS) provides superior stability to the standard 2.0 mm cortical screw (COS).

Materials and methods

Eight pairs of fresh frozen human cadaveric proximal radii were used for this paired comparison. A standardised Mason II-Fracture was created with a fragment size of 1/3 of the radial head's articular surface that was then stabilised either with two 3.0 mm HCS (Synthes) or two 2.0 mm COS (Synthes) according to a randomisation protocol. The specimens were then loaded axially and transversely with 100 N each for 4 cycles. Cyclic loading with 1000 cycles as well as failure load tests were performed. The Wilcoxon test was used to assess statistically significant differences between the two groups.

Results

No statistical differences could be detected between the two fixation methods. Under axial loads the COS showed a displacement of 0.32 mm vs. 0.49 mm for the HCS. Under transverse loads the displacement was 0.25 mm for the COS vs. 0.58 mm for the HCS group. After 1000 cycles of axial loading there were still no significant differences. The failure load for the COS group was 291 N and 282 N for the HCS group.

Conclusion

No significant differences concerning the stability achieved by 3.0 mm HCS and the 2.0 mm COS could be detected in the experimental setup presented.     

Estudio prospectivo de la procalcitonina como marcador diagnóstico de gravedad en la peritonitis secundaria

Introduction

It has been shown that procalcitonin (PCT) is a good marker for sepsis as the more severe the infection the higher the plasma levels. The Mannheim peritonitis index (MPI) is very effective in assessing the prognosis of secondary peritonitis. The aim of this study is to find out whether there is any correlation between preoperative PCT levels and the postoperative MPI, as well as the prognostic value of preoperative PCT levels.

Patients and method

Prospective study of 57 patients operated on between December 2006-August 2008 for secondary peritonitis and classified into three groups (A: 23 patients, B: 24 patients and C: 10 patients) from lowest to highest severity of MPI. The preoperative values of procalcitonin were obtained with PCT-Q test (BRAHMS).

Results

PCT-Q was normal (<0.5 ng/ml) in 19 patients in group A, in 2 patients in group B and none in group C (p<0.001). PCT-Q between 2-10 ng/ml were found in one patient in group A, 13 in group B and none in group C (p<0.001). PCT-Q >10 ng/ml were found in 10 cases in group C, 6 in group B and none in group A (p<0.001). Of the 19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit, the PCT-Q was >10 ng/ml in 15 cases vs a PCT-Q<10 mg/ml (p<0.001) in 4 cases. Seven patients died, all of them with a PCT-Q >10 mg/ml (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The correlation between preoperative PCT-Q and postoperative MPI is positive and significant. The values of PCT-Q are higher as the MPI severity increases. Values >10 ng/ml are significant for admission to the ICU and a poor clinical prognosis.     

Microscopic anterior foraminal decompression combined with anterior lumbar interbody fusion

Background context

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPF) provides successful surgical outcomes to isthmic spondylolisthesis patients with indirect decompression through foraminal volume expansion. However, indirect decompression through ALIF followed by PPF may not obtain a successful surgical outcome in patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis accompanied by foraminal stenosis caused by a posterior osteophyte or foraminal sequestrated disc herniation. Thus far, there has been no report of foraminal decompression through anterior direct access in the lumbar spine.

Purpose

This study aims to describe the new surgical technique of microscopic anterior foraminal decompression and to analyze the clinical outcomes and radiologic results of the microscopic anterior decompression during ALIF followed by PPF.

Study design/Setting

We conducted a multisurgeon, retrospective, clinical series from a single institution.

Patient sample

This study was carried out from March 2007 to July 2010 and included 40 consecutive patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis accompanied by foraminal stenosis caused by posterior osteophyte or foraminal sequestrated disc herniation undergoing microscopic anterior foraminal decompression during ALIF followed by PPF.

Outcome measures

The visual analog scales (VAS) of back and leg pain and the Oswestry disability index were measured preoperatively and at the last follow-up.

Methods

Postoperative computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging measured whether decompression of neural structure had been made and morphometric change of the foramen and the amount of resected bone. Moreover, segmental lordosis, whole lumbar lordosis, disc height, and degree of listhesis were measured through X-ray examination before the operation and at the last follow-up; we also verified whether fusion had been achieved.

Results

Successful decompression was confirmed in both patients with foraminal stenosis caused by posterior osteophyte and those with foraminal sequestrated disc herniation. Clinically, compared with before the surgery, the VAS (leg and back) and the Oswestry disability index significantly decreased at the last follow-up (p=.000). With regard to radiology, at the last follow-up all patients had bone fusion on X-ray examination, and an increase in disc height, a reduction in the degree of listhesis, an increase in segmental lordosis, and an increase in whole lumbar lordosis were significant in both groups (p=.000) compared with before the surgery. Foraminal volume, foraminal width, and foraminal height also significantly increased postoperatively compared with before the operation (p=.000). The height, width, and dimension of resected body were 4.61±1.05 mm, 7.92±1.42 mm, 17.15±4.96 mm², respectively, in patients with foraminal stenosis caused by a posterior osteophyte, and 3.88±0.92 mm, 6.8±1.29 mm, and 13.12±2.25 mm², respectively, in patients with foraminal sequestrated disc.

Conclusions

The microscopic anterior foraminal approach provides successful foraminal decompression. Combined with ALIF and PPF, this approach shows a good surgical outcome in patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis accompanied by foraminal stenosis caused by a posterior osteophyte or those with foraminal sequestrated disc herniation.     

Paraspinal muscle asymmetry and fat infiltration in patients with symptomatic disc herniation

Purpose

To investigate asymmetry in size and composition of the multifidus and erector spinae in patients with posterolateral disc herniation and concordant radicular symptoms, and determine whether symptom duration is associated with degree of asymmetry.

Methods

Thirty-three patients diagnosed with posterolateral disc herniation at L4–L5 verified on imaging and concordant leg pain were included. Multifidus and erector spinae cross-sectional area (CSA), functional cross-sectional area (FCSA, fat-free area), signal intensity and ratio of FCSA to total CSA were measured bilaterally from T ₂-weighted axial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at L3–L4, L4–L5, L5–S1 and S1 levels.

Results

No side-to-side differences in multifidus CSA, FCSA, and ratio of FCSA/CSA reached statistical significance at any spinal level. The multifidus signal intensity at L5–S1 was significantly greater (more fatty infiltration) on the side of the disc herniation. The erector spinae FCSA (lean muscle mass) at L5–S1 was found to be significantly smaller on the side of the herniation and the ratio of FCSA/CSA was smaller (more fatty infiltration) on the side of the herniation at L4–L5 and L5–S1. The degree of muscle asymmetry was not associated with symptoms duration.

Conclusions

There was no significant asymmetry of the multifidus at spinal level above, same or level below the disc herniation. Instead, variations in muscle composition were observed, with greater fat infiltration on the side and at spinal levels adjacent to the disc herniation. Muscle asymmetry was not correlated with symptom duration.

     

Open minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair with early rehabilitation: Functional results of 25 consecutive patients

Background

Various treatment techniques have been described for the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture. However, there is no consensus among orthopaedic surgeons regarding the surgical technique and the postoperative rehabilitation program. Mid-term functional outcome results of the patients who had undergone open minimally invasive repair of fresh Achilles tendon ruptures followed by an early rehabilitation programme were evaluated.

Methods

Twenty-five consecutive patients who underwent open minimally invasive repair of Achiles tendon ruptures during January 2004-October 2005 were independently reviewed at an average follow-up of 34 months (range 24-45 months). The mean age of the patients was 41 (35-47). A functional rehabilitation protocol based on early range of motion exercises was used after surgery. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was used to evaluate the outcomes of the patients. Ankle range of motion; thigh, calf and ankle circumferences of the injured leg and the contralateral side, return to work and sports activities time were evaluated.

Results

One patient had a partial rerupture and one had superficial wound infection. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 93 (80-100). Patients returned to work at 3 weeks (range 1-5 weeks) and to preinjury sportive activities at 3 months (range 2-4 months). Ankle ROM and circumference measurements did not reveal a significant difference between the two sides.

Conclusion

These results suggest that open minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair and an early rehabilitation programme provides satisfactory results with early return to previous functional status with low complication rates.