Symptomatic epidural varix presenting with radiculopathy is extremely rare. The most common misdiagnosis is reported as a sequestrated prolapsed nucleus pulposus in the preoperative evaluation. The method of evaluating enhanced MRI studies improved the efficacy of discovery and treatment of this condition. We experienced 6 cases of epidural varices that were diagnosed with T1 fat suppressed post-gadolinium enhanced MRI studies and we present the operative findings.
Diagnostic Errors ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Radiculopathy ; Varicose Veins*

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of treatments by percutaneous Acutrak screw fixation for intra-articular joint depression type fracture of calcaneus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen cases with intra-articular joint depression type fracture of calcaneus, from September 2004 to March 2006, were reviewed. There were 9 males and 4 females with 52.5 years old mean age (range: 31~74 years old). The average follow-up period was 18 months (range: 8~32 months). Steinmann pins and Freers were used for closed reduction. After closed reduction, Acutrak screws and K-wires were inserted. The patients were evaluated with Creighton-Nebraska health foundation assessment sheet for calcaneal fracture, the extent of recovery of Bohler angle, fragment size, and state of subtalar joint. RESULTS: Clinical results according to Creighton-Nebraska health foundation assessment sheet for calcaneal fracture were excellent in 6 cases (46%), good in 4 cases (30%), fair in 2 cases (15%), and poor in 1 case (7%). Average preoperative Bohler angle was 7.6degrees (range: 2degrees~13degrees). Average postoperative Bohler angle was 24.4degrees (range: 4degrees~33degrees). There were no soft tissue complications. There were one mild subtalar arthritis and one moderate subtalar arthritis. CONCLUSION: We think that closed reduction and percutaneous Acutrak screw fixation with or without K-wire is a good option for joint depression type fracture of calcaneus.
Arthritis ; Calcaneus ; Depression ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Joints ; Male