Clinical and imaging effects of corticosteroids and platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis: A comparative non randomized prospective study

The purpose is to compare the effectiveness and imaging changes (US and MRI) between PRP and corticoids injections for the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis, using clinical results evaluated by the visual analogue scale (VAS), the AOFAS clinical rating system and the modified Roles and Maudsley score, and using imaging results (US and MRI). Our hypothesis is that PRP infiltrations are a more effective therapeutic method than infiltrations with corticosteroids. A single-centre, non randomized, prospective study of 40 consecutive patients (40 feet) with plantar fasciitis who had not responded to conservative treatment for at least 6 months was undertaken. The first 20 consecutive patients (group A) were treated with two local injections of 4 ml of a PRP concentrate. The second group of 20 patients (group B) were injected with 4 ml of 40 mg methylprednisolone. Clinical results were evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS), the AOFAS clinical rating system and the modified Roles and Maudsley score, with a mean follow-up of 33 months. Imaging results were evaluated by plantar US after 3 and 6 months, and MRI after 6 months. There were no complications arising from the treatment. In group A (PRP), the VAS changed from 8.25 to 1.85 and the AOFAS from 47.05 to 92.10. In group B (methylprednisolone), the VAS changed from 7.7 to 5.30 points and from 50.85 to 49.75 on the AOFAS. In the imaging tests, the thickness of the fascia in group A changed from 7.90 mm to 4.82 mm over 3 months following the injection, maintaining this thickness in the biannual controls. In group B the change was from 8.05 mm to 6.13 mm over 3 months, increasing to 6.9 mm after 6 months. The other inflammatory signs improved in all cases, especially in group A. The treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis by two injections of PRP is a safe, more efficient and long-lasting method than corticoid injections.     

Ultrasonographic measurements of plantar fascia thickness and echogenicity in individuals with and without plantar fasciitis: Reliability and group differences

ObjectiveImaging techniques such as ultrasonography are beneficial for diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. The purpose of this study was to investigate intra-rater reliability of plantar fascia thickness and echogenicity in subjects with and without plantar fasciitis and to compare the measurements between the two groups.DesignSonographic evaluation of the plantar fascia was performed in prone position in 20 subjects without plantar fasciitis and 20 subjects with plantar fasciitis. The outcome measures extracted from the ultrasound images included plantar fascia thickness at the insertion, 1 cm and 3 cm distal from the insertion and plantar fascia echogenicity. The reliability of outcome measures was estimated for both groups using absolute and relative reliability variables. The two groups were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA).ResultsICCs _{(3, 3)} for intra-rater reliability of plantar fascia thickness and echogenicity were, respectively, ≥0.89 and ≥0.89 in the healthy controls and 0.87≥ and 0.90≥ in the plantar fasciitis group. The subjects with plantar fasciitis showed a thicker plantar fascia with lower echogenicity in all of measurement stations of plantar fascia compared to the healthy controls.ConclusionThe results of the present study indicated that ultrasonography is a reliable method to measure plantar fascia thickness and echogenicity. Furthermore, the findings showed that plantar fascia is affected not only at its insertion but also in other points remote from the insertion in patients with plantar fasciitis. These findings support the diagnostic value of ultrasonography in therapy and research of the patients with plantar fasciitis.     

C反应蛋白和血沉联合检测对慢性阻塞性肺疾病并发急性感染的预测价值

目的:探讨联合检测C反应蛋白(CRP)和血沉(ESR)对慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)患者并发感染的早期预测价值.方法:选取COPD患者50例,其中并发急性感染患者38例,未并发感染者12例,23例健康体检者作为健康对照组.分别检测各组人群静脉血CRP和ESR水平,受试者工作特征曲线(ROC曲线)下面积判断CRP和ESR联合检测预测COPD合并急性感染的诊断价值.结果:COPD无感染组及COPD合并感染组患者血清CRP和ESR的水平显著高于健康对照组(P＜0.05);COPD合并感染组CRP和ESR的水平均显著高于COPD无感染组(P＜0.05);以CRP为参考指标(截断值=8.2 mg/L)评估COPD感染的敏感性为97.4％,特异性为90.0％,ROC曲线下面积为0.921 1;以ESR为参考指标(截断值=14.1 mm/1 h)评估COPD感染的敏感性为100.0％,特异性为80.0％,ROC曲线下面积为0.914 5.结论:COPD感染患者CRP和ESR显著升高,联合监测CRP和ESR对COPD患者是否并发感染的早期预测有重要临床价值.     

Correlation between erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein level in patients with rheumatic diseases

Objectives

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and serum level of C-reactive protein (CRP) are the acute phase reactants most commonly determined in patients with rheumatic diseases. The indices are affected by different factors, but both of them are applied for evaluation of the disease activity in patients with inflammatory disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Material and methods

The authors compared the results of ESR and CRP, which were carried out during routine diagnosis in 200 patients admitted to the Department of Rheumatology.

Results

A significant correlation between ESR and CRP was found (ESR after 1 h/CRP: correlation coefficient 0.6944, ESR after 2 h/CRP: correlation coefficient 0.6126). There was no difference in ESR or CRP between male and female patients, and patients older than 40 years had higher ESR and CRP.

Conclusions

The obtained results support the usefulness of both indices in the clinical practice of rheumatologists.     

Impact of plantar fasciitis on postural control and walking in young middle-aged adults

PurposeTo assess if plantar fasciitis has an impact on postural control and walking pattern from gait analysis across different experimental conditions.MethodsThirty participants (n = 15 with plantar fasciitis) performed 5 different balance tasks on a force platform, and the center of pressure (COP) was computed for postural control analysis. Participants were also asked to walk at 3 different speeds on a gait analysis system to compute the spatial-temporal parameters. Clinical foot measurements (pain, mobility) were also collected through all participants.ResultsClinical foot measurements showed no significant difference between the two groups; except for pain palpation in plantar fasciitis group. Significant differences were observed between the two groups for COP area displacement sway (p < 0.01; d = 0.08) and velocity (p = 0.022; d = 0.04), where the fasciitis group reported poorer postural control than control mainly during more challenging balance tasks (semi-tandem, unipodal). Plantar fasciitis group reported a decrease of gait velocity (p < 0.01; d = 0.12), step length (p < 0.01; d = 0.16) and step width (p < 0.01; d = 0.18) when compared to the healthy group across walking speed tests.ConclusionsIndividuals with plantar fasciitis report poor postural control and changes in walking pattern across three speeds performance.     

术后椎间盘炎的血沉与C反应蛋白分析比较

目的: 探讨腰椎术后椎间隙感染的ESR和CRP特征性改变及早期诊断价值。方法: 回顾 25例行椎板减压髓核摘除术并发椎间隙感染的患者以及前瞻性研究 50例同种手术无感染的患者, 分别于术前、术后 2d、1、2周以及 4周进行ESR和CRP分析对比。结果: 所有患者术后均出现不同程度的ESR和CRP增快, 与术前相比有显著性差异 (P<0. 01), 感染组与非感染组同期比较没有统计学差异 (P>0. 05); 同期CRP与ESR相比, 峰值出现更早, 持续时间更短。结论: 两组ESR和CRP虽没有统计学差异, 但仍是早期诊断椎间盘感染的一种简单、有效和经济的术后常规筛选检查指标, 而且动态监测时间越长, 升高越快, 诊断价值越大。     

Investigation of the relationship between the thickness of the plantar calcaneonavicular ligament and plantar fascia in patients with plantar fasciitis

BackgroundAlthough patients with plantar fasciitis show spring ligament laxity, the thickness of the spring ligament in patients with plantar fasciitis remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the morphological characteristics of the spring ligament in patients with plantar fasciitis based on an ultrasound imaging system (US).MethodsThirty feet of 30 patients (painful group) diagnosed with plantar fasciitis at our hospital and thirty feet of 30 healthy volunteers (healthy group) without plantar pain were investigated. The thicknesses of both the spring ligament and plantar fascia were assessed via a US statistical comparison of the spring ligament and plantar fascia thickness between the painful and healthy groups. This was performed using Welch’s t-test, and the significance level was set at p < 0.01. In addition, Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated to assess the correlation between the spring ligament and plantar fascia thickness in the two groups, and the significance level was set at p < 0.01.ResultsThe spring ligament thickness in the painful group was significantly lower than that in the healthy group (p < 0.001). The thickness of the plantar fascia in the painful group was significantly greater than that in the healthy group (p = 0.03). In addition, the correlation between the spring ligament and plantar fascia thickness was moderately negative (r = −0.42, p = 0.001). The thicker the plantar fascia in the subjects, the thinner was the spring ligament.ConclusionsThe thickness of the spring ligament in patients with plantar fasciitis decreased. The thinning of the spring ligament was negatively correlated with the thickening of the plantar fascia as per the US evaluation. Based on the spring ligament thinning determined via US evaluation, interventions such as insoles from an early stage could prevent the onset of plantar fasciitis.     

The thickness of heel fat-pad in patients with plantar fasciitis

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the thickness of heel fat pad (THP) and to detect the relationship between the plantar fasciitis (PF) and age, occupation, BMI, longitudinal arch, the thickness of heel fat-pad in the patients with PF.MethodsA total of 50 patients (29 women and 21 men; mean age: 46.5 years (range: 22–70)) that were diagnosed with PF were included to this study. Patients' affected side were compared with the healthy opposite side with the angle of medial arch (AMA) and first metatarsophalangeal angle (FMTPA) on the foot radiograms, and THP and thickness of first metatarsal fat pad (TFMFP) using ultrasonography (USG) of both feet.ResultsThe mean AMAs of feet with pain and without pain were 122.56° and 120.60°, respectively. The mean FMTPAs of feet with pain and without pain were 14.72° and 14.40°, respectively. The mean THPs of feet with pain at the point of the medial calcaneal tubercle and the mean TFMFPs of the feet with pain at the point of the first metatarsal head were 19.45 mm and 6.75 mm, respectively. The mean THPs of feet without pain at the point of the medial calcaneal tubercle and the mean TFMFPs of the feet without pain at the point of the first metatarsal head were 19.94 mm and 6.75 mm, respectively. It was observed that the mean AMA in the heels with pain was significantly higher than that of the heel without pain (p < 0.05) and the mean THP in the heels with pain was significantly thinner than that of the heel without pain (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe results indicate that USG is an accurate and reliable imaging technique for the measurement of THP in the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis and the heel pad was thinner in the painful heels of patients with plantar fasciitis.Level of evidenceLevel III, Diagnostic Study.     

Efficacies of extracorporeal shockwave therapy and low-level laser therapy in patients with plantar fasciitis

BackgroundVarious conservative treatment methods can be administered in the early stages of plantar fasciitis (PF). The aim of the treatment is to enable the patient to return to the physical activity as soon as possible.AimIn this study it was aimed to compare efficacies of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) and Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) on patients with PF.DesignA local prospective cross-sectional studySettingDepartment of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic of Sakarya University, Faculty of MedicinePopulationPatients aged 18–70 years, having ongoing heel pain for at least 3 months, and not using oral and/or parenteral corticosteroids in the last 6 months.MethodsA total of 40 patients with PF included in the current study. Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Roles and Maudsley Score (RMS), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Association Score (AOFAS) and Foot Function Index (FFI) questionnaire were performed for all patients. ESWT and LLLT groups comprised of 22 (55%) and 18 (45%) patients, respectively.ResultsWe found significant improvements in scores based on the VAS, RMS, AOFAS, FFI in patients with PF and it was sustained for 3 months (p = 0.001, for all scores). While decrease in scores based on the VAS and FFI in LLLT group was statistically more significant compared to ESWT group (p = 0.014, p = 0.013), there was statistically less significant decrease in scores on the AOFAS in LLLT group than that of ESWT group (p = 0.032).ConclusionsThe results of this study indicated significant improvements in terms of pain, functional status and daily life activities following the administration of either of the treatments. Furthermore, LLLT was found to be significantly more effective for alleviating pain than ESWT in the treatment of PF.     

Delayed normalization of C-Reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate was not associated with inferior clinical outcomes after total knee arthroplasty

BackgroundThe purpose of this study aimed to identify the proportion of patients with delayed normalization of C-reactive protein (CRP) and Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) after TKA, to determine postoperative thresholds predictive of prolonged elevation. Further, we aimed to determine if the clinical outcomes of patients with prolonged elevation were inferior to those without prolonged elevation.MethodsThe records of 211 unilateral and 320 bilateral TKA were reviewed. Patients were divided into the normal and elevation group based on CRP and ESR levels at 6 weeks and 3 months. The temporal pattern of CRP and ESR change in both groups was compared, and thresholds predictive of elevation at 6 weeks and 3 months were identified. Further, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index and Tegner activity scale of both groups at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after TKA were compared.ResultsThe proportion of patients with elevated CRP and ESR at 6 weeks and 3 months was CRP: 24.2%, 10%, ESR: 51.6%, 29.9% in unilateral and CRP: 31.5%, 10.6%, ESR: 58.1%, 42.7% in bilateral TKA. The thresholds for elevation at 6 weeks and 3 months were 9.5 mg/dL, 11.4 mg/dL (CRP at 6 weeks) and 81.5 mm/h, 74.5 mm/h (ESR at 3 months). There was no difference in the WOMAC score and Tegner activity scale between both groups.ConclusionsCRP and ESR are often elevated for a prolonged period even in the absence of infection after TKA. Such cases show distinct temporal patterns, which are predictable, and do not appear to have a significant effect on clinical outcome     

Gastrocnemius recession for recalcitrant plantar fasciitis in overweight and obese patients

Background

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot pathology that is typically treated non-operatively. However, a minority of patients fail non-operative management, develop chronic symptoms, and request a surgical option. Gastrocnemius recession has recently been shown to be effective for the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis. The purpose of this paper is to present evidence that gastrocnemius recession is safe and effective in the subset of chronic plantar fasciitis patients who are overweight and obese.

Kirschner Wire as a Reference Marker for the Positioning of a Syndesmotic Screw: A Radiological Study and Clinical Evaluation

ObjectiveNo consensus has been reached regarding optimal implantation for a syndesmotic screw. Thus, we aimed to explore the feasibility of a reliable and static fibular incisura plane reference for ideal syndesmotic screw placement.MethodsA retrospective review of computed tomography (CT) scans of 42 uninjured adult ankles with foot fractures were analyzed to measure the tibiofibular vertical distance (TFVD) at 2.5 cm proximal to the plafond from August 2016 to June 2017 in our hospital. The patients (20 females, 22 males) were divided into four groups according to their TFVD: 0–1, 1–2, 2–3, and 3–4 mm, and patients in each group were counted. We retrospectively assessed 41 patients (15 females, 26 males) who underwent syndesmotic screw fixation for ankle fractures from December 2015 to June 2020. We performed t‐testing of two independent samples to determine the differences in the angle between the anatomic axis of the syndesmosis and screw axis (AAS) and ankle function using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score at 3 and 6 months postoperatively between the conventional (20 patients) and K‐wire marker (21 patients) groups. The correlation between the AAS and AOFAS score was analyzed.ResultsThe TFVD measured 2.23 ± 1.01 mm at 2.5 cm proximal to the plafond, and occurred at 25% of the distance from 2 to 3 mm in 47.6% of the patients. This new technique decreased AAS deformation by 62%, from 13.01° ± 2.84° to 4.89° ± 2.43°, in the conventional group (p < 0.001). At 3 months postoperatively, the AOFAS scores of ankle function were similar in both groups, but it was significantly better in the new group than that of conventional group at the 6‐month follow‐up (p = 0.024). There was a moderate negative correlation between AAS and AOFAS score at 6 months postoperatively (R = −0.684). No obvious complications affecting ankle function were observed in either group postoperatively.ConclusionsSurgeons can accurately place a screw trajectory using the fibular incisura plane as a reliable intraoperative reference. A 1.6‐mm K‐wire placed in the syndesmosis at 2.5 cm proximal to the tibial plafond could act as a static marker of the syndesmotic plane.     

Intensive physiotherapy versus home-based exercise and custom-made orthotic insoles in patients with plantar fasciitis: Pilot study

BackgroundThis prospective pilot study assessed the feasibility of comparing intensive physiotherapy group (IPG), home-based exercise (HBEG) group, and insole group (IG) to find the most effective treatment program for plantar fasciitis.MethodsThirty-nine individuals with plantar fasciitis were selected to participate in this pilot study. The patients were randomly divided into 3 groups, as IPG (manual interventions, exercise, insoles), HBEG (exercise, insoles), and IG (insoles). The feasibility details including percentage of the enrollment and adherence to the groups were recorded. Pain was measured with a visual analog scale, and dorsiflexion range of motion (DROM), foot function, and health-related quality of life were evaluated at the baseline and week 6. One-way ANOVA analysis and Kruskal Wallis test were used to determine the differences of the percentage change of the parameters.ResultsPain and functional evaluation results showed improvements clinically in all of groups and quality of life results were similar for all groups. There was no difference between the groups after 6 weeks of treatment (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe 3 treatment programs were found clinically applicable with high patient adherence. According to the data all intervention types were found moderately effective for pain and function. Insoles could be an option applied alone or with other treatments, and manual techniques gave better results in patients with limited ankle dorsiflexion. Although the results should be interpreted with caution because of the small sample size, these results were found promising and feasible to conduct a future RCT.Clinical trial registration numberRCT 06144834.     

Validation of the Turkish version of the Revised Foot Function Index for patients with foot and ankle disorders

BackgroundThe revised Foot Function Index (FFI-R) is a multidimensional instrument that was developed to assess a patient’s self-reported health-related foot function. The FFI-R is clinically useful and easy to apply, and it has comprehensive subscales assessing the pain, stiffness, psychosocial stress, disability, and activity limitations related to foot and ankle problems. The present study was conducted to validate the Turkish version of the FFI-R, and to demonstrate its use in a Turkish population with various foot and ankle problems.MethodsThe English version of the FFI-R was translated into Turkish, and then, it was administered to 124 patients (mean age of 39.9 years old) with foot and ankle problems and a mean symptom duration of 7.9 months. These patients completed two well-established foot and ankle-specific patient-reported outcome measures, the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOX-FQ), and a general instrument, the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). The test-retest reliability was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient, and the internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s alpha. The construct validity of the FFI-R was assessed by correlating its subscales with the FAOS, MOX-FQ, and SF-36 subscales.ResultsThe test-retest reliability of the FFI-R ranged between 0.84 and 0.97. The internal consistency was 0.97 for the overall FFI-R, and it ranged between 0.85 and 0.97 for the subscales. Significant correlations were obtained between the FFI-R subscales and the FAOS, MOX-FQ, and SF-36 subscales.ConclusionsThe Turkish version of the FFI-R was found to be a reliable and valid instrument for measuring the foot and ankle-related functional disability and health status of Turkish patients with foot and ankle problems.     

输注自体血与库存血对患者术后炎症反应的影响

目的探讨输注自体回输血与保存时间短于2周的库存血对患者术后炎症反应的影响。方法选择择期行腰椎滑脱椎弓根内固定植骨融合术手术,估计出血量多于500ml的骨科患者40例。其中20例患者应用自体血回输装置即为回收血组(A组),20例患者单独输注短于2周的库存血即为库存血组(B组)。检测两组患者Hb、Hct、pH、K+、ATP含量和2,3-二磷酸甘油酸(2,3-DPG)及输血后患者的WBC、C-反应蛋白(CRP)、血沉(ESR)。结果 A组患者的pH值、K+、Hct、ATP、2,3-DPG均明显高于B组(P0.05);两组术后1、3dWBC,术后1、3、5dCRP、ESR均明显高于术前(P0.05);术后1、3、5dB组的CRP、ESR均明显高于A组(P0.05)。结论自体血的质量明显优于库存血,输注自体血的患者术后CRP、ESR明显低于输注库存血的患者,提示输注自体血的炎症反应发生率较库存血低。     

腰椎手术后血清C-反应蛋白与血沉定量分析及临床意义

目的：为４种腰椎术式术后血清Ｃ－反应蛋白（ＣＲＰ）提供临床反应参数，并与红细胞沉降率（ＥＳＲ）做对比，探讨二者在腰椎术后体现的临床意义。方法：对开窗髓核摘除组（４３例）、侧椎管减压组（２８例）、全椎板切除组（１３例）和后路减压植骨组（９例）四种常用腰椎术式病人术后血清ＣＲＰ进行１～３５ｄ动态监测，并与血沉做对照分析。结果：所有病人术后ＣＲＰ值均升高，２～３ｄ达到峰值，１０ｄ后回落至正常水平。各组术式ＣＲＰ值存在差异（Ｐ＜０．０１）。与ＥＳＲ相比，ＣＲＰ高峰出现早，回落周期短，稳定性好。结论：腰椎术后ＣＲＰ持续性或二次升高者要考虑感染存在。与ＥＳＲ相比较，ＣＲＰ具有灵敏性高，准确性强之优点，可望作为早期判断腰椎术后感染的重要指标。     

粪钙卫蛋白在溃疡性结肠炎活动性分级评价中的临床意义

目的探讨粪钙卫蛋白在溃疡性结肠炎（UC）活动性评价中的临床意义。方法收集2007年9月至2009年12月期间中国医科大学附属第四医院肛肠外科确诊为UC的患者63例及结肠镜检查结果正常但存在相应消化道症状的患者30例,检测并比较其粪钙卫蛋白、红细胞沉降率及C反应蛋白水平。结果活动期Ⅰ、Ⅱ及Ⅲ级组的粪钙卫蛋白和C反应蛋白水平均高于对照组和缓解组（P〈0.05）,且随活动期级别增高,粪钙卫蛋白的水平逐渐增高（P〈0.05）;活动期Ⅱ级及Ⅲ级组的C反应蛋白水平均高于Ⅰ级组（P〈0.05）,但前两者比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）;5组红细胞沉降率比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。UC活动组的粪钙卫蛋白水平（rs=0.807,P〈0.01）、C反应蛋白水平（rs=0.651,P〈0.01）和红细胞沉降率（rs=0.371,P〈0.05）均与结肠镜下分级相关。结论粪钙卫蛋白可用于评价UC的活动性。由于其检测方法简单、无创、方便及依从性好,具有一定的临床意义。     

Diagnostic significance of clinical and laboratory findings to localize site of urinary infection

The aim of this study was to define in children younger than 2 years of age the diagnostic significance of clinical and laboratory findings to localize site of febrile urinary tract infection. We reviewed the records of 185 children younger than 2 years of age admitted to hospital with febrile urinary tract infection. Patients were divided into having either acute pyelonephritis or acute cystitis according to the presence or absence of acute lesions on dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scintigraphy. Clinical and laboratory [white blood cell count (WBC), urinalysis, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP)] findings were compared between the two groups using Student’s t test, chi-square test, and multivariate analysis. Patients with pyelonephritis had statistically significant higher age, WBC, ESR, and CRP than those with cystitis. Although the sensitivity of the tests was 80–100%, their specificity was <28%. On multivariate analysis, 33% of patients with cystitis were diagnosed as having pyelonephritis, whereas 22% of those with pyelonephritis were considered to have cystitis. Given the low specificity of clinical findings and available laboratory tests to define the site of urine infection in this age group, we recommend DMSA renal scintigram as the test of choice to make the diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis in these patients.     

血沉与肾癌肿瘤大小及分期的相关性分析

目的分析肾细胞癌患者血沉增快程度和肿瘤大小及分期的相关性。方法2000年1月至2004年12月原发性肾透明细胞癌患者173例,均行根治性肾切除术并经病理证实。男120例,女53例。年龄37～86岁,平均61岁。肿瘤最大径≤2.5cm者30例,2.6～5.0cm者130例,>5.0cm者13例。临床分期T130例,T2125例,T317例,T41例。173例患者术前均行血沉检查。按血沉增快程度分4组,红细胞沉降率<25mm/h为轻度增快组(A组)、25mm/h～为中度增快组(B组),50mm/h～为高度增快组(C组)、>100mm/h为极度增快组(D组)。对4组肿瘤大小及分期进行差异性分析和相关性研究。结果血沉正常者89例,A组18例,B组49例,C组14例,D组3例。A～D4组肿瘤大小差异性分析显示,χ2=13.621,P=0.003;Spearman相关分析显示相关系数为0.341,P=0.002。A～D4组间肿瘤分期差异性分析显示,χ2=5.959,P=0.114;Spearman相关系数为0.208,P=0.057。结论血沉与肾细胞癌肿瘤大小呈正相关,与肿瘤分期间不存在相关性。     

Normal Range of the Inflammation Related Laboratory Findings and Predictors of the Postoperative Infection in Spinal Posterior Fusion Surgery

Background

Inflammation related hematological parameters vary greatly depending on patients. It is not well known how much increase of which parameter warrants suspicion of postoperative infection. This study proposes to identify the normal range and the predictive factors for postoperative infection by conducting a time series analysis of the hematological parameters of patients after the spinal posterior fusion.

Methods

A retrospective study was done with 608 patients who underwent spinal posterior fusion with pedicle screw fixation. Laboratory assessment including the leucocyte, neutrophil, C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of patients for 2 weeks after operation. The patients were divided into the one-level fusion group (group I), the two-level fusion group (group II), the three or multi-level fusion or reoperation group (group III), and the postoperative infection group (group IV). Blood was drawn before breakfast prior to the operation, and then 2-3 days, 4-7 days, 8-11 days, and 12-14 days after the operation. The leucocyte count, neutrophil count, CRP, and ESR were measured.

Results

From 4-7 days after the operation, the CRP and neutrophil count of group IV were significantly higher than those of group I and II, and from 8-11 days after operation, the CRP and neutrophil counts were significantly higher than those of all groups. Twelve to fourteen days after the operation, the neutrophil count of group IV was significantly higher than that of group I and II, while the neutrophil count of group III was also higher than that of group I. The lower limit of the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the CRP and neutrophil count group IV was greater than the upper limit of the 95% CI of group I and II. The ESR of group IV was significantly higher than that of group I and III.

Conclusions

If the postoperative CRP and neutrophil counts are high, or if the CRP begins to rise again 8 days after the operation, the likelihood of infection increases, but caution must be exercised in interpreting the results. If the hematological parameters are higher than the lower limit of the 95% CI of the postoperative infection group, infection must be strongly suspected.