Brachytherapy: An emblematic example of extreme hypofractionated regimen

In order to provide more convenient irradiation regimens for patient comfort, radiation facility organization and health expenses, new hypofractionated protocols have been evaluated. Moderately (dose/fraction: 2.3 to 3 Gy), then ultra (dose/fraction: 5.2 to 6.1 Gy) hypofractionated irradiations were first validated. The current question is: is it possible to go forward using extreme hypofractionated regimens (EHR) based on 1 to 3 fractions. Different irradiation techniques are under investigation. However, brachytherapy remains the smartest way to deliver a high dose in a small volume. We report prospective and retrospective study results which evaluated EHR for breast and prostate brachytherapy. While oncological outcome and toxicity profile appear extremely encouraging for low-risk breast cancer after a 1 to 4 fractions (6.25 to 20 Gy/fraction), the use of a single fraction of 19 to 23 Gy appears debatable for prostate cancer. Brachytherapy represents an emblematic example of EHR but longer follow-up and more mature results are awaited in order to specify the right indications and refine the EQD2 calculation method including new biological and technical factors.     

以就业为导向的脊柱相关疾病的推拿教学策略

目的培养脊柱及相关疾病推拿治疗的应用型人才。方法采用编写应用型教材、把教室转移到诊室和示教室、教材-案例“逼真”教学法、创造学生在临床真实环境下的动手操作机会和产-学-研相结合教学法等手段和方法,在内容改革上纳入目前医院和社会机构多使用的规划教材之外的手法技术、现代康复技术和世界各地的脊柱手法技术,拓宽知识面,与临床应用接轨;发挥考试的导向功能,通过改革考试和评价方法,切实培养应用型人才。结果教学效果良好,有效提升了学生临床适应能力和社会生存能力。结论以就业为导向的脊柱及相关疾病的推拿教学模式值得进一步探索。     

Reoperation rates and risk factors for revision 4 years after dynamic stabilization of the lumbar spine

Background Context

The concept of dynamic stabilization (DS) of the lumbar spine for treatment of degenerative instability has been introduced almost two decades ago. Dynamic stabilization follows the principle of controlling movement in the coronal plane by providing load transfer of the spinal segment without fusion and, at the same time, reducing side effects such as adjacent segment disease (ASD). So far, only little is known about revision rates after DS due to ASD and screw loosening (SL).

Early onset scoliosis and current treatment methods

ObjectiveProvide an update of the management options for early onset scoliosis patients, including general assessment, conservative and surgical options.MethodsWe included the updated information about the assessment and management options of Early Onset Scoliosis, taking into consideration the non-fusion methods, including the burden on the patient and their family.ResultsWith the heterogeneity of this population, it is difficult to get a consensus about a unified protocol for management. Accordingly, the surgeon dealing with these cases needs to be aware of the broad range of surgical and non-surgical methods when treating these patients.ConclusionThe main aim of early onset scoliosis treatment is to gain a flexible spine associated with normal lung development and thoracic growth. Management needs to be individualized between the surgeon and patient in relation to the etiology and patient conditions.     

可吸收明胶海绵棒在椎弓根内止血的应用

[目的]观察评价可吸收明胶海绵棒在椎弓根置钉过程中的止血效果。[方法]2017年10月~2018年6月,48例胸腰椎骨折即将行后路手术的患者纳入本研究,采用随机数字表法分为明胶海绵组和骨蜡组。明胶海绵组共23例,置钉过程中应用明胶海绵棒填塞至椎弓根孔道止血;骨蜡组共25例,在透视定位时应用骨蜡封闭椎弓根孔道。记录置钉情况;记录术中出血量、自体血回输量、置钉过程中的出血量、输血量;检测术前和术后5 d RBC、HB和HCT。[结果]两组在置钉总数、伤椎置钉数、伤椎位置各椎置钉数量的差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术后两组各出现1例小腿肌间静脉血栓,抗凝治疗后于复查时消失。术后两组均无明胶海绵或骨蜡导致的不良反应。两组在术中出血量、术中自体血回收量、输血量的差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),但明胶海绵组上述指标均小于骨蜡组。每钉置入过程中明胶海绵组的出血量显著少于骨蜡组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组术后5 d的RBC、HB和HCT均较术前显著减少,两时间点间差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。术前两组在RBC、HB和HCT的差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05),术后5 d两组在RBC、HB和HCT的差异亦均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。[结论]应用明胶海绵棒填塞椎弓根孔道止血可显著减少安置椎弓根螺钉过程中的出血,是一种简单、安全、有效的脊柱外科术中止血方法。     

Primary epidural lumbar Ewing sarcoma presenting as cauda equina syndrome in an adult patient who underwent surgical decompression: A case report

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a rare primary neoplasm in the lumbar adult spine and may mimic a benign tumor. In this case, after a patient's three-month history of lower back pain and rapidly progressing leg numbness and weakness, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a mass in the third lumbar vertebra. At a two-month follow-up, imaging showed a fracture, compression and lesion enlargement. Decompression and fixation confirmed ES, and the patient began combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Two months postoperatively, residual ES was suspected on MRI. The patient underwent a second surgery, and histopathology confirmed necrosis. A six-month follow-up after the first surgery showed no tumor recurrence. This case supports the inclusion of ES in the differential diagnosis of pathologic spinal fracture. Early decompression and spinal fixation are critical for preserving neurologic and spinal functions in ES complicated by a compression fracture. Combined adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy remain the standard therapeutic strategy.