Retroclavicular vs supraclavicular brachial plexus block for distal upper limb surgery: a randomised,controlled, single-blinded trial

Background

Regional anaesthesia for upper limb surgery is routinely performed with brachial plexus blocks. A retroclavicular brachial plexus block has recently been described, but has not been adequately compared with another approach. This randomised controlled single-blinded trial tested the hypothesis that the retroclavicular approach, when compared with the supraclavicular approach, would increase the success rate.

视神经炎的临床特征分析及早期视盘和黄斑的改变

目的　研究视神经炎患者的临床特征及早期视盘和黄斑的改变。方法　回顾性分析山西省眼科医院视神经炎患者67例85眼。分析患者基本情况、眼科检查结果及OCT检查结果。结果　67例85眼中，男24例，女43例；28例（41.8%）发生于冬季；49眼（57.6%）入院时最佳矫正视力小于1.7 logMAR。视神经脊髓炎抗体阳性者出院和入院时的最佳矫正视力均较髓鞘少突胶质糖蛋白抗体阳性者差。患眼较健眼视盘周围神经纤维层增厚，杯盘面积比、杯盘垂直比、杯盘水平比、杯容积减小，盘沿面积、视盘面积增大（均为P=0.000）；与健眼相比，患眼早期上方、下方和平均黄斑区神经节细胞层厚度及黄斑区神经节细胞复合体的局部丢失体积、整体丢失体积均未发生明显改变（均为P＞0.05）。视盘水肿与患眼平均视盘周围神经纤维层厚度存在正相关（r=0.728，P=0.000）。结论　视神经炎多发生于女性，早期视力损害严重，视神经脊髓炎抗体阳性者视力预后差。早期由于视盘水肿，视盘周围神经纤维层增厚，盘沿面积、视盘面积增大；杯容积、杯盘比减小，早期病变未累及黄斑区。     

Inter-ictal assay of peripheral circulating inflammatory mediators in migraine patients under adjunctive cervical non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS): A proof-of-concept study

Objective

To assay peripheral inter-ictal cytokine serum levels and possible relations with non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) responsiveness in migraineurs.

Structures at Risk From an Intermetatarsal Screw for Lapidus Bunionectomy: A Cadaveric Study

The Lapidus bunionectomy is performed to treat hallux valgus. Recurrence of the deformity remains a concern. A transverse intermetatarsal screw spanning the base of the first metatarsal to the base of the second can increase stability. The neurovascular bundle is located within the proximity of this screw. In this study, we assessed the structures at risks with the use of this technique. In 10 specimens, a guide wire was placed, and a 4.0-mm cannulated screw was inserted. The neurovascular bundle was dissected and inspected for direct trauma to the neurovascular bundle, and the proximity of the screw was measured using a digital caliper. Ten cadaveric specimens were used. The dorsalis pedis artery and deep peroneal nerve were free from injury in 9 of 10 specimens. In those 9 specimens, the neurovascular bundle was located dorsal in relation to the screw. The mean distance of the screw to the neurovascular bundle was 7.1 ± 3.3 mm. The mean distance from the screw to the first tarsometatarsal joint (TMTJ) was 14.7 ± 4.3 mm. The mean distance from the screw as it entered the second metatarsal to the second TMTJ was 18.0 ± 7.2 mm. In 1 specimen, the screw was found to be traversing through the neurovascular bundle. The distance from the screw to the first TMTJ was 15.0 mm. The distance of the screw from where it entered the second metatarsal to the second TMTJ was 24.0 mm. Although the intermetatarsal screw avoided the neurovascular cases in most instances, there is some anatomic risk to the neurovascular bundle. Further study is warranted to evaluate clinical results using the intermetatarsal screw for the modified Lapidus procedure.     

Personalizing surgical margins in retroperitoneal sarcomas: an update

Introduction: Tumor biology, as well as completeness of surgical resection, are two important prognostic factors when treating retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS). A frontline extended surgical approach is associated with improved local control and possibly improved survival. However, this approach has to be tailored to each histological subtype, as the patterns of growth and recurrence risks vary significantly among them.

Areas covered: We provide a review of the literature in RPS, describing the behavior of each of the five main histologic subtypes: well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDLPS), dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS), leiomyosarcoma (LMS), solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST). The prognostic factors relevant to oncologic outcomes of RPS, the role of margins and the importance of local control are discussed. Finally, a histologic specific surgical approach to RPS is provided in detail.

Expert opinion: While tumor-related factors are paramount, the only intervenable predictive factor is extent and quality of surgery. The extended surgical approach has been advocated for previously and again we describe it in more detail, tailored specifically to the tumor subtype. The aim of this approach is to maximize the possibility of achieving a complete resection through a standardized approach based on histologic behavior and site of origin.