Ultrasound-guided perineural steroid injection to treat intractable pain due to sciatic nerve injury

Purpose

Sciatic neuropathy is a rare but serious complication of cardiac surgery. Neuropathic pain following nerve injury can be severely debilitating and largely resistant to treatment. We present a case of this complication where ultrasound-guided perineural steroid injection at the site of the sciatic nerve injury provided excellent pain relief and facilitated subsequent rehabilitation.

Clinical features

A 17-yr-old boy developed bilateral sciatic neuropathy after a nine-hour cardiac surgical procedure in the supine position, resulting in debilitating dysesthesia refractory to neuropathic pain therapies and leading to severe functional limitation. With magnetic resonance imaging of the lower extremities, the location of the lesion was determined to be from the level of the superior gemellus to the level of the quadratus femoris. An ultrasound-guided injection of triamcinolone 20 mg and lidocaine 40 mg around both sciatic nerves at the level of the lesion was administered two months after the surgery, and the pain score (rated on a scale 0-10) at rest decreased from 9-10 to 1 two weeks after the injection.

Conclusions

There are a limited number of reports in the literature on sciatic nerve injuries associated with cardiac surgery. This case illustrates the efficacy of ultrasound-guided steroid injection around sciatic nerves at the level of superior gemellus in treating our patient’s neuropathic pain.     

Observation of Vocal Fold and Pharyngeal Paralysis After Carotid Endarterectomy Using a Magnifying Laryngoscope

Background

Injury to the vagus nerve or one of its branches during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) can result in vocal fold paralysis (VFP), but the exact mechanisms and site of injury responsible for VFP after CEA are unclear. The aim of this study was to identify the site of nerve injury in patients with VFP after CEA using magnifying laryngoscopy.

Methods

We performed 96 consecutive CEA procedures in 87 patients over 5 years. After 56 CEA procedures, we examined vocal fold movements with a flexible nasolaryngoscope and detected VFP in 5 of 40 cases (9 %). At 6–8 weeks after CEA, these five patients also underwent magnifying laryngoscopy at another institution by a specialist in vocalization.

Results

We confirmed ipsilateral VFP and pharyngeal paralysis in three patients. The other two patients recovered from their nerve injuries spontaneously before the magnifying examination.

Conclusions

VFP and pharyngeal paralysis were caused by damage to the recurrent laryngeal and pharyngeal nerves. Therefore, the probable site of nerve injury during CEA was near the inferior vagal ganglion of the vagus nerve trunk in our three patients.     

A new device for nerve approximation in traumatic injuries of extremities

Background

Precise approximation of two nerve endings is a major determinant of outcomes following nerve repairs. Despite technical and instrumental advances, approximation of nerve endings remains a challenge in reconstructive surgeries. We designed a new nerve approximator device for precise approximation of nerve endings and evaluated its utility in surgeries of peripheral nerves.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal study comparing postoperative functional outcomes between patients with peripheral nerve injury undergoing surgical repair by the new approximator device and conventional technique.

Results

A total of 204 nerve trunks were repaired by the new approximator device and 91 nerves by conventional technique. Patients were followed for a median of 30 months. Time required for nerve approximation was significantly reduced with the approximator device (4.5 min vs. 7 min, p?Conclusions Our new nerve approximator device is feasible to use and reduces time of neurorrhaphy in microsurgical nerve repairs with sustained outcomes comparable to the conventional techniques. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.     

Subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy combined with cemented total hip arthroplasty for Crowe group IV hips

Background

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a challenging surgical procedure that can be used to treat severely dislocated hips. There are few reports regarding cemented THAs involving subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy (SSO), even though cemented THAs provide great advantages because the femur is generally hypoplastic with a narrow, deformed canal.

Purposes

We evaluated the utility of cemented THA with SSO for Crowe group IV hips, and assessed the relationship between leg lengthening and nerve injury. Our goal was to describe surgical techniques for optimizing surgical outcomes while minimizing the risk of nerve injury.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 34 cases of cemented THAs with transverse SSO for Crowe group IV. Prior to surgery, mean hip flexion was 93.1° (40°–130°). The mean follow-up period was 5.2 years (3–10 years).

Results

Bone union took an average of 7.7 months (3–24 months). Mean leg lengthening was 40.5 mm (15–70 mm) and was greater in patients without hip flexion contracture. None of the patients experienced any nerve injuries associated with leg lengthening, and radiographic evidence of loosening was not observed at the final follow-up.

Conclusions

SSO combined with cemented THA is an effective treatment for severely dislocated hips. Leg lengthening is not necessarily associated with nerve injuries, and the likelihood of this surgical complication may be related to the presence of hip flexion contracture.     

Functional results after posterior interosseous nerve microsurgical repair

Background

The posterior interosseous nerve is one of the terminal branches of the radial nerve, and its motor function is very important for finger extension. Its repair success can be ascertained by the recovery of this motor function. Early surgical exploration is advocated in open injuries, and there is still some controversy regarding the appropriate approach in closed injuries. Tendon transfer is only performed in neglected cases and in cases with poor functional outcome after nerve repair.

Patients and methods

Consent was taken from 23 patients suffering from posterior interosseous nerve injury from January 2005 to December 2012. Eighteen patients had undergone end-to-end repair of the posterior interosseous nerve by epineurial repair, and five patients were treated by sural nerve graft using an operating microscope.

Results

There were 19 males and 4 females. The mean age was 25 years old with a range of 16–45 years; there were 16 injuries on the right side and 7 on the left side. The mean follow-up period was 12 months with range from 10 to 36 months. All patients had satisfactory results except for two cases that necessitated tendon transfer surgery. In 21 of the 23 patients, the British Medical Research Council (BMRC) metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP) extension power was measured at M4–M5. The thumb opening angle was measured between 55° and 70° in 19 patients. According to the modified Verga classification scores, there were 19 excellent cases, 2 good and 2 poor results. The primarily repaired posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) injuries had better muscle recovery than the grafted nerves.

Conclusions

The posterior interosseous nerve repairs, if done using end-to-end anastomosis or a nerve graft and with the appropriate technique, may result to nearly full recovery in young patients. Nerve repair is suggested until the 6th month after the injury using end-to-end anastomosis or grafting methods.

Level of clinical evidence

Level 4, case series study     

Intraoperative Nerve Monitoring Can Reduce Prevalence of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injury in Thyroid Reoperations: Results of a Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

The prevalence of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury is higher in repeat than in primary thyroid operations. The use of intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) as an aid in dissection of the scar tissue is believed to minimize the risk of nerve injury. The aim of this study was to examine whether the use of IONM in thyroid reoperations can reduce the prevalence of RLN injury.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent thyroid reoperations with IONM versus with RLN visualization, but without IONM. The database of thyroid surgery was searched for eligible patients (treated in the years 1993–2012). The primary outcomes were transient and permanent RLN injury. Laryngoscopy was used to evaluate and follow RLN injury.

Results

The study group comprised 854 patients (139 men, 715 women) operated for recurrent goiter (n = 576), recurrent hyperthyroidism (n = 36), completion thyroidectomy for cancer (n = 194) or recurrent thyroid cancer (n = 48), including 472 bilateral and 382 unilateral reoperations; 1,326 nerves at risk (NAR). A group of 306 patients (500 NAR) underwent reoperations with IONM and 548 patients (826 NAR) had reoperations with RLN visualization, but without IONM. Transient and permanent RLN injuries were found respectively in 13 (2.6 %) and seven (1.4 %) nerves with IONM versus 52 (6.3 %) and 20 (2.4 %) nerves without IONM (p = 0.003 and p = 0.202, respectively).

Conclusions

IONM decreased the incidence of transient RLN paresis in repeat thyroid operations compared with nerve visualization alone. The prevalence of permanent RLN injury tended to be lower in thyroid reoperations with IONM, but statistical validation of the observed differences requires a sample size of 920 NAR per arm.     

Ultrasound-guided ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve blocks for chronic pain after inguinal hernia repair

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve blocks in patients with chronic pain after herniorrhaphy, by comparing nerve stimulator and ultrasound guidance to administer the block.

Methods

A total of 43 patients who received nerve blocks for chronic inguinal post-herniorrhaphy pain received standardized questionnaires. Nerve stimulator–guided blocks were performed prior to January 2009, and thereafter, ultrasound-guided blocks were performed using a local anaesthetic solution and a corticosteroid.

Results

The questionnaire was completed by 38 patients (88 %). The inguinal hernia repair was performed for a median 16 months (range 3–219) ahead of the nerve blocks. A median of 2 pain treatments (range 1–7) was calculated. Median follow-up was 21 months (range 3–68). According to the DN4, 21 patients (55.3 %) no longer reported neuropathic pain. Subjectively, 32 % no longer reported moderate-to-severe pain. After ultrasound-guided blocks, a higher VAS score (at rest and during activities), a higher proportion of daily pain and more anxiety and depression are reported compared to blocks performed after nerve stimulator guidance.

Conclusions

Ilioinguinal/iliohypogastric nerve blocks can be effective to treat chronic inguinal pain following surgery of the groin. The use of ultrasound was not superior to nerve stimulator–guided blocks. These blocks could be considered prior to more invasive procedures such as neurectomy.     

Trans-Rectus Sheath Extra-Peritoneal Procedure (TREPP) for Inguinal Hernia: The First 1,000 Patients

Introduction

After the introduction of mesh in inguinal hernia repair, the focus to improve surgical technique has changed from recurrence to chronic postoperative inguinal pain. At present, the most common surgical techniques are the Lichtenstein hernioplasty and total extraperitoneal procedure. Both techniques have their own specific disadvantages, with regard to potential nerve damage and the necessity of general anesthesia, respectively.

Objective

The goal of this study was to evaluate the results of a new technique in which the inguinal nerves are not at risk, and in which general anesthesia is not needed: trans rectus sheath extraperitoneal procedure (TREPP).

Material and methods

Between 2006 and 2010, a total of 1,000 patients were treated for inguinal hernia with TREPP. A questionnaire concerning pain, sensibility changes, patient satisfaction, and recurrence was sent to all patients.

Results

The questionnaire was completed by 932 patients. Almost 90 % of patients had not experienced any pain since the surgical procedure; 8 % of patients reported experiencing some pain, but less than preoperatively; and 2 % of patients reported an increase in pain postoperatively. Recurrence occurred in 1 and 3 % were unsure about this. Reduced sensibility of the scar, scrotum, and upper leg was reported by 12.4, 1.4, and 1.5 %, respectively. Overall, 97.4 % of patients were satisfied with the results of the surgical procedure. The time period in which TREPP was performed was not associated with any of the outcome measures.

Conclusion

TREPP has proven to be a feasible new technique for inguinal hernia repair, with excellent results, justifying a randomized controlled trial in which TREPP should be compared with standard techniques.     

Arthrolysis combined with reconstruction for treatment of terrible triad injury with a poor outcome after surgical as well as conservative intervention

Introduction

The treatment of terrible triad injury with a poor outcome after intervention has not been successful thus far. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of arthrolysis and reconstruction in the treatment of terrible triad injury with a poor outcome after surgical as well as conservative intervention.

Materials and methods

Twelve patients (12 elbows) with the diagnosis of terrible triad injury were respectively reviewed. All the 12 patients had elbow dysfunction after conservative and surgical treatment of the terrible triad injury. Preoperatively, the flexion arc and forearm rotation were 36.7° ± 28.5° and 51.3° ± 43.4°, respectively, and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 56.3 points. The mean interval between the primary injury and our surgical treatment was 6.6 months. Our surgical intervention included elbow arthrolysis, ulnar nerve transposition, radial head replacement, coronoid process and ligament repair, and hinged external fixation. Patients were encouraged to participate in rehabilitation training 24 h after surgery.

Results

The mean follow-up duration was 20.1 months; the flexion arc and forearm rotation were 122° ± 18° and 140° ± 20°, respectively, and the mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 94.6 points (9 excellent, 3 good). Concentric stability was restored in all elbows. Complications included superficial pin tract infection (1), heterotopic ossification (3), and ulnar nerve palsy (1); the ulnar nerve symptoms had improved at the last follow-up.

Conclusions

The combination of open arthrolysis and reconstruction performed at a mean interval of 6-month posttrauma can restore functional mobility in cases of terrible triad injury with a poor outcome after surgical as well as conservative intervention. Thus, it may be an effective alternative for the treatment of the poor outcome terrible triad injury. We recommend early functional rehabilitation with adherence to the guidelines for hinged external fixation.     

Prevalence of neuropathic pain in cases with chronic pain related to spinal disorders

Background

The incidence and characteristics of neuropathic pain associated with spinal disorders have not yet been fully clarified. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of neuropathic pain and the degree of deterioration of quality of life (QOL) in patients with chronic pain associated with spinal disorders who visited orthopedic outpatient clinics.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 1,857 patients recruited from 137 medical institutions nationwide. Participants were men and women aged 20–79 years with a history of spine-related pain for at least 3 months and a visual analog scale (VAS) score of at least 30 in the previous week. Patients were screened using a neuropathic pain screening questionnaire. The degree of QOL deterioration and its correlation with the presence of neuropathic pain were assessed using the Short Form Health Survey with 36 questions (SF-36).

Results

Overall prevalence of neuropathic pain was 53.3 %. It was relatively high in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (77.3 %) and ligament ossification (75.7 %) and relatively low in those with low back pain (29.4 %) and spondylolysis (40.4 %). Only 56.9 % of patients with radiculopathy were diagnosed with neuropathic pain. Logistic regression analysis identified several risk factors, including advanced age, severe pain, disease duration of at least 6 months, and cervical lesions. In QOL assessment, physical functioning, role-physical, role-emotional, and social functioning were severely affected, and this trend was more pronounced in patients who were more likely to have neuropathic pain.

Conclusions

The frequency of neuropathic pain tended to be higher in patients with diseases associated with spinal cord damage and lower in patients with diseases that primarily manifested as somatic pain. A bias toward allodynia symptoms in the screening questionnaire may have resulted in the failure to diagnose neuropathic pain in some patients with radiculopathy. Poor QOL, primarily from the aspect of physical functioning, was demonstrated in patients with neuropathic pain associated with spinal disorders.     

Management of facial and periocular dog bites: a review of 104 cases

Background

Dog bites are a frequent cause of facial and periocular injuries in both children and adults. This aim of this study is to review current practice in the management of facial and periorbital dog bite injuries and to examine the current evidence-base for such treatment strategies.

Methods

Five hundred eighty-seven patients with dog bite injuries requiring surgical intervention were identified from operating theatre records in one tertiary centre over a 9-year period. A retrospective case note review of 104 patients with facial and periorbital dog bite injuries was performed. Data on patient demographics, type of injury, treatment, and outcome was collected and analysed.

Results

The majority of patients were children, with a mean age of 11 years (range 1–91 years). Injuries involved the cheek in 57 cases (55 %), eyelids in 17 cases (16 %), lips in 24 cases (23 %) and nose in 8 cases (8 %). No facial fractures, canalicular, or globe injuries were recorded. All patients underwent irrigation, debridement, and primary wound closure. Surgical repair occurred within 24 h in 19 cases (18.2 %), within 48 h in 71 cases (68.3 %) and within 5 days in 14 cases (13.4 %). Three patients (2.9 %) developed a wound infection. Two patients (1.9 %) required scar revision surgery.

Conclusions

Periorbital and facial dog bite injuries may result in considerable morbidity. However, the majority of injuries are superficial and canalicular injury and bony injury is uncommon. Early wound irrigation, debridement and primary closure results in a good cosmetic outcome with a low risk of infection.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, risk/prognostic study.     

Lead toxicity and management of gunshot wounds in the lumbar spine

Introduction

Gunshot wounds are one of the commonest causes of spinal injury. Management of these patients differs from other blunt trauma injuries to the spine. We present a case of a gunshot wound to the lumbar spine that occurred in 1985 which was treated non-operatively.

Methods

In the last 10 years, the patient was admitted multiple times for confusion and lead toxicity with blood levels over 100 μg/dl. Inpatient chelation therapy was implemented. After multiple recommendations for surgery, the patient agreed to have as much of the bullet removed as possible. The patient successfully underwent decompression and fusion from both anterior and posterior approaches. Lead levels subsequently declined.

Conclusion

The purpose of this paper is to show a case of a gunshot wound to the spine that ultimately caused plumbism and required surgery. Technical aspects of the surgery are described as well as pre- and post-procedural imaging. Recommendations for the general management of spine gunshot wounds are also described.     

The treatment of type III acromioclavicular dislocations with a modified Cadenat procedure: surgical technique and mid-term results

Introduction

The treatment of type III acromioclavicular injuries is controversial. Both conservative and surgical approaches have been successful. Aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the results of the modified Cadenat procedure in subjects with type III acromioclavicular joint injuries.

Methods

Twenty-eight patients with acute type III acromioclavicular joint dislocations (mean age 31 years) were prospectively enrolled in the present study. The delay between the injury and the surgery varied between 4 and 19 days, with an average of 8.3 days. All patients were evaluated both preoperatively and postoperatively with radiographs and clinically with visual analog scale and Constant score. A modified Cadenat procedure was performed in all cases.

Results

Twenty-five patients were evaluated at an average follow-up of 72 months. One patient had a re-dislocation 3 years after surgery. At the last follow-up, average visual analog scale score of was 0.96 (range 0–3), while mean constant score was 94.32 (range 90–99) and 92 % of patient were very happy or happy with their functional result. Radiographs showed complete reduction in 22 patients and loss of reduction in two cases. No major complications were recorded.

Interpretation

This is the first clinical report on a modified Cadenat procedure. This operation has a reduced morbidity if compared to other techniques involving autologous grafts. Moreover, it yielded good functional results, with complete pain relief, and full strength recovery at mid-term follow-up. No major loss of reduction or recurrence of instability was observed.

Level of evidence

4, Case series.     

Litigation following groin hernia repair in England

Purpose

Since 1995, litigation following surgical procedures has cost the National Health Service (NHS) over 1.3 billion GBP (Great British Pounds)/2.1 billion USD (United States Dollars)/1.4 billion Euros. Despite it being the most commonly undertaken general surgical operation, no study has examined clinical negligence claims in England following groin hernia repairs.

Methods

Data from the NHS Litigation Authority of all claims made from 1995 to 2009 was obtained and interrogated.

Results

In total, 398 claims were made. Of these, 209 cases had been settled, of which 144 (46.6%) were in favour of the claimant to a cost of 7.35 million GBP/12 million USD/7.93 million Euros. Testicular injury and chronic pain featured in 40% of all claims. Visceral injuries and injuries requiring corrective procedures were the only predictors of a successful claim (P = 0.015 and P = 0.002, respectively). Claims associated with visceral and vascular injuries were more likely to occur in laparoscopic than in open repairs. Sexual dysfunction and chronic pain resulted in the highest average payouts of 85,467 GBP/140,565 USD/92,177 Euros and 81,288 GBP/133,693 USD/87,674 Euros, respectively.

Conclusion

Patients should be fully informed of the incidence of testicular injury and chronic pain during the consent process. Approaches minimising visceral and vascular injury particularly in laparoscopic repair should be adopted to reduce litigation and improve patient care.     

Eviszeration von Darm nach Stichverletzung des Abdomens

Study aim

The aim of the study was an estimation of the incidence and clinical aspects of emergency room (ER) parameters of penetrating abdominal injury patients with bowel evisceration.

Study design and methods

The study involved a retrospective cohort analysis of ER data from the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospitals, Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa between September 2000 to May 2005.

Results

Out of 9,010 ER patients, 4,390 suffered penetrating injuries with 8 out of 71 eviscerations due to a single gunshot wound, 60 out of 71 eviscerations due to single stab wounds and 3 further patients suffered multiple injuries. The ER mortality was 1 out of 71(1.6 %) with an average ER mortality of 4.2 %. The only death seen was a single abdominal gunshot wound with vascular injury. The causative mortality due to abdominal stab wounds with evisceration of the bowels was therefore zero. The heart rate in patients with abdominal stab wounds with and without bowel evisceration showed no significant difference, thus mesentery tearing or vagal overstimulation could not be seen, neither with bradycardia nor hypotension.

Conclusion

Evisceration itself is not a cause for increased mortality or cardiovascular instability seen in the ER. There is ample time for diagnostic procedures before laparotomy is performed.     

Schussverletzungen: Müssen Projektile und Fragmente immer entfernt werden?

Background

Projectiles or metal fragments can remain lodged in the body of victims of gunshot injuries. This also applies to projectiles which do not tend to deform or fragment on impact. When a projectile fragments on penetration, jacket or lead core particles are likely to remain lodged in the affected region even if the projectile has exited the body.

Aim of the study

A frequently asked question in the surgical management of such injuries is whether there are medical indications for the surgical removal of projectiles or fragments.

Material and methods

This article presents some typical cases of patients who have received treatment at our institution and reviews the pertinent literature to show general recommendations in special cases concerning the removal of projectiles or fragments and when additional surgical trauma is justified. Parameters for decision making are presented in an algorithm.

Results

From our own patients, 5 with remaining fragments in the soft tissue were invited for a clinical follow up. Serum probes and 24 h urine output was analysed for serum lead levels and urinary aminolevulinic acid levels. 74 months (max. 128 – min. 42 months) after injury we documented not elevated serum lead levels of 8.25 μg/ml and urinary aminolevulinic acid levels of 4.8 mg/24 h.

Discussion

When lead-containing projectiles or fragments remain lodged in the body, monitoring is required and includes the measurement of serum lead levels and urinary aminolevulinic acid levels. The most important clinical symptoms of lead poisoning are gastrointestinal and neurological in nature. The treatment of choice for lead poisoning is the administration of chelating agents and removal of the lead source by surgical intervention.     

Management and outcomes of penile fracture: 10 years’ experience from a tertiary care center

Objectives

To evaluate our experience on diagnosis and management of penile fractures.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study included 31 patients who were treated for penile fracture between 2002 and 2012. We analyzed the etiology of penile fracture, concomitant pathologies such as urethral injury, deep or superficial dorsal vein ruptures, treatment modalities (surgery or conservative treatment) and complications of treatment modalities.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 32 years (range, 23–47 years). In 27 patients (87 %), the cause of penile fracture was sexual intercourse. Patients presented with swelling, pain and popping or cracking sound in penis. The diagnosis of penile fracture was established clinically in all of the patients. There were no urethral injuries or dorsal vein ruptures. Ten patients who refused surgical treatment were treated conservatively and remaining 21 patients with early surgical intervention. Among conservatively treated patients, two suffered from erectile dysfunction, two from painful erection and another two from penile curvature. No serious complications such as erectile dysfunction, penile curvature or painful erection were observed in surgically treated patients.

Conclusion

Penile fracture can be diagnosed easily with history and physical examination, and favorable functional results can be achieved with early surgical repair.