MR imaging appearances of different types of reconstructive muscle flaps following reconstructive surgery of the lower extremity with associated post-surgical changes due to altered anatomy, radiation, and potential complications, can be challenging. A multidisciplinary therapeutic approach to tumors allows for limb salvage therapy in a majority of the patients. Decision-making for specific types of soft tissue reconstruction is based on the body region affected, as well as the size and complexity of the defect. Hematomas and infections are early complications that can jeopardize flap viability. The local recurrence of a tumor within six months after a complete resection with confirmed tumor-free margins and adjuvant radiation therapy is rare. Identification of a new lesion similar to the initial tumor favors a finding of tumor recurrence.
Adult ; Female ; Hematoma/etiology ; Humans ; Limb Salvage ; Lower Extremity/anatomy & histology/radiography/*surgery ; *Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Sarcoma/radiotherapy/*surgery ; Soft Tissue Infections/radiography/*surgery ; Soft Tissue Injuries/radiography/*surgery ; Soft Tissue Neoplasms/radiotherapy/*surgery ; Surgical Flaps/adverse effects

BACKGROUND: After surgery for degenerative spinal disease by the anterior approach, the degree of soft tissue swelling can be assessed simply using plain radiographs. However, there are little studies according to the surgical methods or extent of surgery, and no study had addressed the clinical meaning of swelling determined by plain radiography. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of prevertebral soft tissue swelling (PSTS) after anterior cervical fusion with plate fixation for the treatment of degenerative cervical spinal disorders. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-five patients that underwent anterior cervical fusion with plate augmentation for degenerative cervical spondylosis were included in this study. PSTS differences were analyzed with respect to numbers of fusion segments and location of fusion. Cases were divided into two groups based on the amount of PSTS, and incidences of dyspnea, dysphagia, dysphonia were evaluated. RESULTS: PSTS increments were significantly greater in patients that had undergone multi-level or high-level fusion. Complications of dyspnea, dysphagia and dysphonia were found more frequently in patients with marked PSTS group. CONCLUSIONS: Increments of PSTS after anterior cervical fusion for degenerative spinal disorders are greater and incidences of complications are higher in patients that undergo multi-level or high-level fusion. Thus, measurement of PSTS using consecutive cervical lateral radiographs after anterior cervical surgery is clinically meaningful procedure.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cervical Vertebrae/surgery ; Deglutition Disorders/etiology ; Diskectomy/*adverse effects ; Dysphonia/etiology ; Dyspnea/etiology ; Edema/etiology/*radiography ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neck Injuries/etiology/*radiography ; Soft Tissue Injuries/etiology/*radiography ; Spinal Fusion/*adverse effects ; Spondylosis/*surgery

BACKGROUND: After surgery for degenerative spinal disease by the anterior approach, the degree of soft tissue swelling can be assessed simply using plain radiographs. However, there are little studies according to the surgical methods or extent of surgery, and no study had addressed the clinical meaning of swelling determined by plain radiography. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of prevertebral soft tissue swelling (PSTS) after anterior cervical fusion with plate fixation for the treatment of degenerative cervical spinal disorders. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-five patients that underwent anterior cervical fusion with plate augmentation for degenerative cervical spondylosis were included in this study. PSTS differences were analyzed with respect to numbers of fusion segments and location of fusion. Cases were divided into two groups based on the amount of PSTS, and incidences of dyspnea, dysphagia, dysphonia were evaluated. RESULTS: PSTS increments were significantly greater in patients that had undergone multi-level or high-level fusion. Complications of dyspnea, dysphagia and dysphonia were found more frequently in patients with marked PSTS group. CONCLUSIONS: Increments of PSTS after anterior cervical fusion for degenerative spinal disorders are greater and incidences of complications are higher in patients that undergo multi-level or high-level fusion. Thus, measurement of PSTS using consecutive cervical lateral radiographs after anterior cervical surgery is clinically meaningful procedure.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cervical Vertebrae/surgery ; Deglutition Disorders/etiology ; Diskectomy/*adverse effects ; Dysphonia/etiology ; Dyspnea/etiology ; Edema/etiology/*radiography ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neck Injuries/etiology/*radiography ; Soft Tissue Injuries/etiology/*radiography ; Spinal Fusion/*adverse effects ; Spondylosis/*surgery