Here we present a case of hemorrhagic lumbar facet cyst presenting with progressive radiculopathy only on the contralateral side. If a patient has previous back pain or neuropathy for several months and then suddenly deteriorates, hemorrhagic facet cyst of the lumbar spine should be part of the differential diagnosis. However, as in the present case, we should be aware that there is a possibility of a contralateral lesion.
Back Pain ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Hematoma ; Humans ; Leg ; Radiculopathy ; Spine ; Zygapophyseal Joint

Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is frequently used to assess the lumbar spine, there are few reports in the medical literature that have evaluated using MRI immediately following spinal surgery. Furthermore, descriptions of the subdural changes after lumbar spine surgery are also infrequent. In this paper, we present two cases with subdural change seen on MRI immediately after lumbar surgery. Both the patients had mild symptoms that resolved spontaneously, and the follow-up MRI scans showed resolution of the subdural changes. Subdural changes should be considered as one of the possible causes of unexpected symptoms in patients following lumbar spinal surgery.
Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Spine ; Subdural Space

STUDY DESIGN: A radiologic study of sacropelvic morphology and vacuum phenomenon of sacroiliac joint in subjects unrelated to low back pain. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to describe the relationship between sacropelvic morphology and vacuum phenomenon of the sacroiliac joint. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Lumbopelvic alignment and sacropelvic morphology are associated with the pathomechanisms of various spinal disorders. The vacuum phenomena of the sacroiliac joint (SJVP) are often observed in clinical practice, but the relationships between these phenomena and sacropelvic morphology have not been investigated. This study examined the prevalence of SJVP in computed tomography (CT) images and the relationship between sacropelvic morphology and SJVP. METHODS: We analyzed multiplanar CT images of 93 subjects (59 men, 34 women). Pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), and lumbar lordosis (LL) were measured using the three-dimensional reconstruction method. The prevalence of SJVP in multiplanar CT images were reviewed. Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ) scores and the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, which focuses on subjective symptoms and restriction of activities of daily living, were also obtained from all the subjects. RESULTS: Thirty-six of the 93 subjects had SJVP (39%), with marked female predominance (91% women, 8.5% men). Men with SJVP had significantly lower PI than men without SJVP (35.1° vs. 46.3°, p<0.05). There was no correlation between SJVP and the modified JOA or RDQ scores. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that differences in sacropelvic morphology can influence the biomechanical environment and contribute to SJVP in men. Presence of SJVP did not affect JOA or RDQ scores.
Activities of Daily Living ; Animals ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Lordosis ; Low Back Pain ; Lumbosacral Region ; Male ; Methods ; Orthopedics ; Pelvis ; Prevalence ; Sacroiliac Joint* ; Vacuum*

　　A 63-year-old woman was admitted with complaints of thirst and polyuria about 1 year after ceasing therapy in November, X and in October, X+1. Her blood glucose levels at the beginning of her admissions were 347 at the first admission and 486 at the second admission. We administered glargine, a long-acting type insulin, 8U/day, and　a short-acting insulin, glulisine, 4U/day, during the first admission. We administered glargine, a long-acting type insulin, 4U/day, and a short-acting insulin, glulisine, 3U/day, during the second admission. We also administered a GLP-1 receptor agonist, liraglutide, 0.3mg/day. Blood glucose levels (mg/dl) during the 5 days of the first admission were as follows: first, -, -, 347, and 180; second, 273, 266, 109, and 188; third, 75, 192, 186, and 182; fourth, 93, 194, 91, and 144; fifth, 78, 95, 124, and 127. In the second admission, blood glucose levels were as follows: first, -, -, 486, and 299; second: 140, 137, 195, and 128; third: 101, 122, 114, and 108; fourth: 101, 123, 123, and 137; and fifth, 89, 136, 111, and 129. CGM data showed an average of 128mg/dl and standard deviation of 34 during the first admission. CGM data showed an average of 125mg/dl and standard deviation of 20 during the second admission. The reduction of insulin and rapid flattening of blood sugar were achieved by GLP-1 receptor agonist with promotion of insulin secretion and suppression of glucagon secretion.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. PURPOSE: During fluoroscopically guided spinal procedure, the hands of spinal surgeons are placed close to the field of radiation and may be exposed to ionizing radiation. This study directly measured the radiation exposure to the hand of a spinal interventionalist during fluoroscopically guided procedures. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Fluoroscopically guided spinal procedures have been reported to be a cause for concern due to the radiation exposure to which their operators are exposed. METHODS: This prospective study evaluated the radiation exposure of the hand of one spinal interventionalist during 52 consecutive fluoroscopic spinal procedures over a 3-month period. The interventionalist wore three real-time dosimeters secured to the right forearm, under the lead apron over the chest, and outside the lead apron over the chest. Additionally, one radiophotoluminescence glass dosimeter was placed under the lead apron over the left chest and one ring radiophotoluminescence glass dosimeter was worn on the right thumb. The duration of exposure and radiation dose were measured for each procedure. RESULTS: The average radiation exposure dose per procedure was 14.9 µSv, 125.6 µSv, and 200.1 µSv, inside the lead apron over the chest, outside the lead apron over the chest, and on the right forearm, respectively. Over the 3-month period, the protected radiophotoluminescence glass dosimeter over the left chest recorded less than the minimum reportable dose, whereas the radiophotoluminescence glass ring dosimeter recorded 368 mSv for the thumb. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that the cumulative radiation dose measured at the dominant hand may exceed the annual dose limit specified by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. Spinal interventionalists should take special care to limit the duration of fluoroscopy and radiation exposure.
Fingers ; Fluoroscopy ; Forearm ; Glass ; Hand* ; Prospective Studies ; Radiation Exposure* ; Radiation, Ionizing ; Surgeons ; Thorax ; Thumb

We report a case with compression myelopathy due to proliferative changes around the C2 pars defects without instability. A 69-year-old man presented with progressive clumsy hands and spastic gait. Plain radiographs showed bilateral spondylolysis (pars defects) at C2 and fusion between C2 and C3 spinous processes. Dynamic views revealed mobility through the pars defects, but there was no apparent instability. Computed tomography showed proliferative changes at the pars defects, which protruded into spinal canal. On magnetic resonance imaging, the spinal cord was compressed and intramedullary high signal change was found. A diagnosis of compression myelopathy due to proliferative changes around the C2 pars defects was made. We performed posterior decompression. Postoperatively, symptoms have been alleviated and images revealed sufficient decompression and no apparent instability. In patients with the cervical spondylolysis, myelopathy caused by instability or slippage have been periodically reported. The present case involving C2 spondylolysis is extremely rare.
Aged ; Decompression ; Diagnosis ; Gait Disorders, Neurologic ; Hand ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Spinal Canal ; Spinal Cord ; Spinal Cord Compression ; Spinal Cord Diseases* ; Spondylolysis

Acute calcific tendinitis of the longuscolli is a self-limiting inflammatory condition caused by calcium hydroxyapatite deposition in the longuscolli tendon. Although several case reports have described its radiological presentation, few reports provide detailed chronological accounts through symptomatic and radiologic resolution. A 59-year-old woman presented with severe neck pain and stiffness of a few days duration as well as moderate discomfort when swallowing. Lateral radiographs revealed a large calcium deposit anterior to the C1.C2 joint and swelling of the prevertebral soft tissue from C1 to C5. CT and magnetic resonance imaging showed fluid in the retropharyngeal gap.A soft collar and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug were prescribed, without antibiotics. At 4 months after presentation, the calcium deposit and all symptoms had resolved completely. Although this disease is comparatively rare, physicians should keep it in mind when a patient presents with acute severe neck pain.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Calcium ; Deglutition ; Durapatite ; Female ; Humans ; Joints ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Middle Aged ; Neck Pain ; Tendinopathy* ; Tendons

The term, propagated sensation along the channels (PSC) means the peculiar sensation expeerienced by some people along thier meridians when given acupunctural stimulation of acupoints.
In the present study, the incidence of PSC in outpatients who were undergoing acupuncture treatment was investigated.
Low frequency electrical stimulation was performed through press needles at twenty-six points: the twelve terminal points of the twelve regular meridians and the Inner-Zhiyin points of both sides. PSC was assessed on a four-grade basis after the manner carried out in China.
The incidence of PSC was significantly high among the outpatients compared with that among healthy youth. Patients with hypertension or posttraumatic neck syndrome showed higher incidence of PSC than the other patients.