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A post-traumatic ligamentum flavum progressive hematoma: a case report.

STUDY DESIGN: A case report. OBJECTIVES: To understand a rare case of ligamentum flavum progressive hematoma. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Previously there were only two reports about ligamentum flavum hematoma. METHODS: A patient was surgically treated for ligamentum flavum hematoma causing progressive L5 radiculopathy. Clinical and neuroradiologic features were reported, and the literature was reviewed. RESULTS: The etiology of this case could not be defined except by minor back injury. In spite of conservative therapy, the symptoms were progressive for 7 months. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated the epidural mass lesion at L4-L5 that was continuous with the ligamentum flavum. The mass was hypointense in T1-weighted images and central hyperintense and marginal hypointense in T2-weighted images. The margin was well enhanced by Gd-DTPA administration. After removal of the mass lesion, the patient's symptoms completely resolved. Before surgery, accurate diagnosis was difficult even based on magnetic resonance imaging and was achieved after histologic examinations. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery could be a choice of the treatment modality to resolve symptoms in ligamentum flavum hematoma.

Hematoma↗

Peak stresses observed in the posterior lateral anulus.

STUDY DESIGN: The stress distributions within cadaveric lumbar intervertebral discs were measured for a range of loading conditions. OBJECTIVES: To examine the distribution of stress across the area of the intervertebral disc and to compare regional variations in peak stress during compression loading with various flexion angles. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The rate of disc degeneration and the occurrence of low back disorders increase with higher mechanical loading of the spine. The largest peak stresses occur in the anulus. METHODS: Human lumbar L2--L3 and L4--L5 cadaver functional spinal units were obtained and tested. The distribution of disc stress was measured using a pressure probe with loads applied, pure compression and compression with 5 degrees of either flexion or extension. RESULTS: Stress profiles were recorded across the intervertebral disc at a compressive force of 1000 N and each of the three flexion-extension angles. The highest values (2.99 +/- 1.31 MPa) were measured during extension-compression lateral to the midline of the disc in the posterior anulus. The pressure in the nucleus was relatively unchanged by flexion angle remaining about 1.00 MPa for a 1000-N compression. CONCLUSIONS: Pressure measurements of the cadaveric nucleus have been used to validate models of lumbar spine loading and to evaluate the risk of low back injury and disc herniation. Previous observations limited to midsagittal measurements of the nucleus did not identify the regions of highest stress. The highest values observed here within the posterolateral anulus correspond to common sites of disc degeneration and herniation.

Adult↗

Risk factors associated with the transition from acute to chronic occupational back pain.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective cohort study was conducted on workers claiming earnings-related compensation for low back pain. Information obtained at the time of the initial claim was linked to compensation status (still claiming or not claiming) 3 months later. OBJECTIVE: To identify individual, psychosocial, and workplace risk factors associated with the transition from acute to chronic occupational back pain. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Despite the magnitude of the economic and social costs associated with chronic occupational back pain, few prospective studies have investigated risk factors identifiable in the acute stage. METHODS: At the time of the initial compensation claim, a self-administered questionnaire was used to gather information on a wide range of risk factors. Then 3 months later, chronicity was determined from claimants' computerized records. RESULTS: The findings showed that 3 months after the initial assessment, 204 of the recruited 854 claimants (23.9%) still were receiving compensation payments. A combined multiple regression model of individual, psychosocial, and workplace risk factors demonstrated that severe leg pain (odds ratio [OR], 1.9), obesity (OR, 1.7), all three Oswestry Disability Index categories above minimal disability (OR, 3.1-4), a General Health Questionnaire score of at least 6 (OR, 1.9), unavailability of light duties on return to work (OR, 1.7), and a job requirement of lifting for three fourths of the day or more all were significant, independent determinants of chronicity (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Simple self-report measures of individual, psychosocial, and workplace factors administered when earnings-related compensation for back pain is claimed initially can identify individuals with increased odds for development of chronic occupational disability.

Acute Disease↗

Back education efficacy in elementary schoolchildren: a 1-year follow-up study.

STUDY DESIGN: A control group-designed 1-year follow-up study involving 9 to 11-year-old schoolchildren who followed back education. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of a back education program, consisting of six sessions of 1 hour each, in elementary school. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: In surveys among children and teenagers during the past few years, as many as half of all children in a community report a history of low back pain. Although several authors advocate the implementation of back education in elementary school, no guidelines exist and little is known about the efficacy of such a program. METHODS: A total of 198 children (subjected to back education) and 165 controls performed a practical test, evaluating the use of back care principles while sitting, taking off shoes, picking up a pen, and handling a load and a book bag. Post-tests were performed within 1 week after the intervention, after 3 months, and after 1 year. The week prevalence of back and neck pain was evaluated at these test moments in extended samples of intervention children (n = 347) and controls (n = 349). To evaluate habit changes, a limited group of intervention pupils (n = 38) and controls (n = 31) was additionally evaluated in a candid camera observation at the last post-test. RESULTS: At all post-tests intervention pupils scored significantly higher (P < 0.001) than controls for all practical test items. Candid camera evaluation scores were higher in the intervention group sample compared with the control group sample for four of the eight evaluated items. Following back education significantly decreased the week prevalence of back and neck pain. CONCLUSIONS: Back education in elementary schoolchildren is efficacious up to 1 year. The role of early back education in preventing back pain at the adult age merits further attention.

Back Injuries↗

Backpacks in children.

Back pain and deformity are common in adolescents. There has been extensive discussion in the lay literature as to the potential for back pain and spinal deformity with backpack use. The scientific literature on this subject is sparse but is increasing. Epidemiologic studies have identified risk factors associated with back pain in adolescents and daily use of a heavy backpack may be important. A book bag weighing more than 15% to 20% of a child's weight is associated with back pain, and improper use of the backpack can result in changes of posture and gait. There is no evidence that structural spinal deformity can result from backpack use. Children who experience back pain are at increased risk of having back pain as adults. The economic impact may be significant, because back pain is a major cause of disability in adults. The current authors review the available scientific literature and comments on this public health issue.

Adolescent↗

Wrestling and sports medicine.

The coverage of wrestling events from the perspective of medical personnel is reviewed here. Considerations are made regarding the role of medical personnel, the supplies that are important for wrestling event coverage, and the injuries that are frequently encountered in wrestling. Attention is given to treatment of injuries and conditions that are largely specific to wrestling.

Athletic Injuries↗

Blunt trauma and the role of routine pelvic radiographs: a prospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that clinical factors accurately identify those trauma patients at high risk for pelvic fractures making routine films unnecessary. METHODS: Blunt trauma patients were prospectively analyzed both with and without a clinical protocol. The protocol group had pelvic films obtained only if they had a Glasgow Coma Scale score < 13 or had signs and symptoms of pelvic or back injury. RESULTS: The protocol patients with fractures (n = 45) had a higher Injury Severity Score (p = 0.001) and lower systolic blood pressure (p = 0.04) than those without fractures (n = 475). All 45 patients with pelvic fractures were identified by history and physical examination (p = 0.001). The clinical assessment resulted in a sensitivity and a negative predictive value of 100%. A total of 273 films were eliminated, resulting in a charge savings of $51,051. A comparison between the protocol and nonprotocol groups showed the nonprotocol patients with pelvic fractures to have a higher Injury Severity Score (p < 0.002). All of these patients' pelvic fractures were identified by clinical evaluation (67 of 67). CONCLUSION: In the awake and alert patient, the need for a pelvic radiograph was readily identified by clinical examination. Because elimination of this film would result in financial savings, its routine use should be removed from standard trauma protocols in the minimally injured patient and limited to severely injured patients as recommended by the Advanced Trauma Life Support protocol.

Adult↗

Extended workshifts and excessive fatigue.

Studies of overtime have pointed to fatigue as a potential factor producing, for example, a three-fold increase in accident rate after 16 h of work, increases in back injuries, hospital outbreaks of bacterial infection, or nuclear-power plant safety compromises. Fatigue has been measured more directly in studies of scheduled long workshifts, where performance decrements in both work-related tasks and laboratory-type behavioural tests have been observed, and significant loss of sleep and increases in subjective sleepiness have been reported. Analyses of accidents or injuries during scheduled extended workshifts, however, have produced equivocal results. Factors which could compound the fatiguing effects of extended workshifts, such as workload, noise, chemical exposure, or duties and responsibilities outside of the workplace, rarely have been studied systematically. It is concluded that extended workshift schedules should be instituted cautiously and evaluated carefully, with appropriate attention given to staffing levels, workload, job rotation, environmental exposures, emergency contingencies, rest breaks, commuting time, and social or domestic responsibilities.

Journal Article↗

Investigation of the pathophysiology of fecal seepage.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Unintentional seepage of stool without awareness is common but its pathophysiology is poorly understood. Our aim was to examine the underlying mechanism(s) for fecal seepage. METHODS: We evaluated prospectively 25 patients with fecal seepage, by performing anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion, saline infusion, pudendal nerve latency tests, and symptom assessments and compared their data with 26 fecal incontinence patients and 43 healthy controls. RESULTS: Predisposing factors for fecal seepage were back injury (7), obstetric injury (6), hemorrhoidectomy (3), pelvic radiotherapy (1), and unknown (8). In the seepage group, the resting and squeeze sphincter pressures were lower (p < 0.02) than healthy controls, but higher (p < 0.002) than incontinent group. During straining, the intrarectal pressure and defecation index were lower (p < 0.05) in the seepage group compared to controls; 72% showed dyssynergia and balloon expulsion time was prolonged (p < 0.01). Threshold for first rectal sensation was impaired (p < 0.002) in the seepage group compared to controls and incontinent group. The seepage group retained more (p < 0.001) saline than the incontinent group but pudendal nerve latency time was impaired (p < 0.05) in both patient groups compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Anal sphincter function and rectal reservoir capacity were relatively well preserved but most patients with seepage demonstrated dyssynergia with impaired rectal sensation and impaired balloon expulsion. Thus, incomplete evacuation of stool may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of seepage.

Adult↗

Neisseria sicca osteomyelitis.

Neisseria sicca was identified as the cause of vertebral osteomyelitis in a male patient who had previously suffered a nonpenetrating, traumatic back injury. The identifying characteristics and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns are presented for this rare human pathogen, which heretofore has not been reported as a cause of infection localized to bone.

Humans↗

Track and field athletics injuries--a one-year survey.

The training programmes and competitive performances of 147 track and field athletes, from many different clubs within the UK, were analysed retrospectively in order to study the incidence, severity and types of injuries which they had suffered during the year September 1989-September 1990. This information was then related to the particular event in which they specialized as well as a number of hypothetical risk factors proposed for making them more prone to injury. Of the athletes 96 (65.3%) were male and 51 (34.7%) were female, and their ages ranged from 14 to 32 years, with their levels of competition ranging from 'competitive spectators' to UK internationals. A marked correlation was noted between their age, level of competition, number of supervised training sessions which they attended, and their incidence of injuries. However, certain other factors which were studied, such as their sex, the hours they trained, and the particular event in which they specialized appeared to provide no obvious relationship.

Adolescent↗

A retrospective case-control analysis of 2002 running injuries.

OBJECTIVE: To provide an extensive and up to date database for specific running related injuries, across the sexes, as seen at a primary care sports medicine facility, and to assess the relative risk for individual injuries based on investigation of selected risk factors. METHODS: Patient data were recorded by doctors at the Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Centre over a two year period. They included assessment of anthropometric, training, and biomechanical information. A model was constructed (with odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals) of possible contributing factors using a dependent variable of runners with a specific injury and comparing them with a control group of runners who experienced a different injury. Variables included in the model were: height, weight, body mass index, age, activity history, weekly activity, history of injury, and calibre of runner. RESULTS: Most of the study group were women (54%). Some injuries occurred with a significantly higher frequency in one sex. Being less than 34 years old was reported as a risk factor across the sexes for patellofemoral pain syndrome, and in men for iliotibial band friction syndrome, patellar tendinopathy, and tibial stress syndrome. Being active for less than 8.5 years was positively associated with injury in both sexes for tibial stress syndrome; and women with a body mass index less than 21 kg/m(2) were at a significantly higher risk for tibial stress fractures and spinal injuries. Patellofemoral pain syndrome was the most common injury, followed by iliotibial band friction syndrome, plantar fasciitis, meniscal injuries of the knee, and tibial stress syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Although various risk factors were shown to be positively associated with a risk for, or protection from, specific injuries, future research should include a non-injured control group and a more precise measure of weekly running distance and running experience to validate these results.

Age Distribution↗

Speedboat propeller injuries.

Six patients are reported who were severely injured by high-speed boat propellers. With reasonable precautions such accidents need never occur, and people should be more aware of these and ensure that safety measures are enforced.

Accident Prevention↗

Chronic lumbar extradural haematoma simulating disc syndrome.

Two patients presenting with a clinical picture of nerve root compression suggestive of the herniated disc syndrome are reported. In both the diagnosis proved to be chronic encapsulated extradural haematoma. Recognition of this entity at the time of surgical exposure should render the surgical dissection easier. The postoperative results in both were excellent. One of these patients was on chronic anticoagulant therapy and the unusual location and good prognosis of extradural haematoma in the lumbar spinal canal in such patients is emphasized. In the other, the haematoma developed after a minor back injury, which introduces medico-legal implications.

Aged↗

Antecedent events in motor neuron disease.

Sixty-three patients with motor neuron disease and sixty-one controls matched for age and sex were interviewed concerning life events. An antecedent history of back injuries was found more often and there was an increased incidence of prior electric shock amongst the patients. No increase of head injuries, fractures, malignancy or previous poliomyelitis was detected.

Craniocerebral Trauma↗