Correct answer 1. 75% of patients with radiculopathy improve with non-surgical treatment, this being the treatment of choice in the initial stages. Magnetic resonance imaging is of choice in certain "red flags": fever, weight loss, nocturnal pain, persistence of symptoms despite conservative treatment and loss of strength (incorrect answer 3).

[HIDDEN] 75% of patients with radiculopathy improve with non-surgical treatment, this being the treatment of choice in the initial stages. Magnetic resonance imaging is of choice in certain "red flags": fever, weight loss, nocturnal pain, persistence of symptoms despite conservative treatment and loss of strength ([HIDDEN]).

35-year-old male, letter carrier, with no history of interest, who comes to the emergency department for acute cervical pain of 24 hours of evolution, without previous trauma, which radiates to the left arm up to the hand and is accompanied by paresthesia in the radial border of the forearm. She presents no objectifiable loss of strength, preserves neck mobility although it is painful and contracture of the paravertebral musculature is appreciated. The first attitude will be:

Conservative treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, local heat and relative rest.

Urgent call to the neurosurgeon for surgical evaluation.

Preferential request for MRI and electromyogram.

Preferential referral to traumatology outpatients.

Sudden Onset of Severe Cervical Pain in an Adolescent Girl: Case Report and Review of Literature.

A previously healthy 13-year-old girl presented with a 9-day history of acute onset severe neck pain associated with limited range of movement. Medical evaluation at day 2 was suggestive of muscle contracture, and she was discharged home with diazepam, antiinflammatory agents, and rest; however, she returned because of progressive clinical worsening with left arm distal paresthesia and paralysis since day 3. There was no history of trauma or other systemic complaints, and her familial medical history was unremarkable.Physical examination revealed left cervical and paravertebral tenderness on palpation with severe limitation of cervical and trunk movements; neurologic examination revealed left forearm and hand weakness and paralysis (grade II/V) with thenarhypothenar atrophy. Laboratory studies including coagulation profile were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an epidural hematoma from C4-T1 without underlying cause apparent on magnetic resonance angiography. On day 12, she underwent C3-7 laminotomy with laminoplasty and complete drainage of the hematoma. After 5 months of follow-up, she displays no neurological deficits. The spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma is a rare neurosurgical emergency in children. It usually presents acutely with neurologic deficits, but the initial presentation may be atypical or insidious, delaying diagnosis and intervention. Definitive diagnosis is made by magnetic resonance imaging and implies a high index of suspicion. Surgical drainage of the hematoma is the mainstay of treatment with favorable prognosis even in cases with a delayed diagnosis.

Stinger (medicine)

Diagnosis and treatment Stingers are best diagnosed by a medical professional. This person will assess the athlete's pain, range of head and neck motion, arm numbness, and muscle strength. Often, the affected athlete is allowed to return to play within a short time, but persistent symptoms will result in removal. Athletes are also advised to receive regular evaluations until symptoms have ceased, specifically, the restoration of pain-free mobility. If they have not after two weeks, or increase, additional tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be performed to detect a more serious injury, such as a herniated disc. The order of treatments applied depends on whether the athlete's main complaint is pain or weakness. Both can be treated with an analgesic, anti-inflammatory medication, ice and heat, restriction of movement, and if necessary, cervical collar or traction. Surgery is only necessary in the most severe cases.

Neurology_Adams

A common cause of neck, shoulder, and arm pain is disc herniation in the lower cervical region; the process is comparable to disc herniation in the lumbar region but gives rise, of course, to a different set of symptoms (Table 10-1). The problem appears most often without a clear and immediate cause, but it may develop after trauma, which may be major or minor (from sudden hyperextension of the neck, falls, diving accidents, forceful manipulations as discussed by Kristoff and Odom). The roots most commonly involved are the seventh (in 70 percent of cases) and the sixth (in 20 percent of cases); fifthand eighth-root compression makes up the remaining 10 percent (Yoss et al). The clinical diagnosis is established by a fairly discrete distribution of pain or paresthesias that corresponds to a single cervical root, reflex loss in the segment of the root, and by elicitation of exaggerated root pain with mechanical tests such as the Spurling maneuver, in which the examiner exerts downward

[Hyperextension trauma in patients with cervical spondylosis].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY To evaluate retrospectively a group of patients with hyperextension injury to the cervical spine who were treated at the Department of Spinal Surgery of the University Hospital in Motol, Prague, between 2003 and 2006. MATERIAL The group comprised 22 patients, 17 men (77 %) and five women (23 %) in the age range of 35 to 81 years, with an average of 59.5 years. All patients had, in association with the injury, neurological deficit of varying degree. METHODS All patients underwent X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging examination and received methylprednisolone according to the National Acute Spinal Cord Injury Study (NASCIS) 2 trial. Eleven patients had urgent surgery within 24 hours of injury; eight patients were operated on within an interval of 3 days to 2 months because of the seriousness of their state and multiple morbidity; and three patients were treated conservatively. Neurological deficit in terms of upper- and lower-limb mobility was evaluated by the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) motor score. The values obtained for the urgently operated patients and for those operated on after a time interval were compared by Wilcoxons two-sample test. The other aspects evaluated included trauma aetiology, level of spinal cord injury, manner of treatment, and intra-operative and post-operative complications. RESULTS The most frequent cause of injury was a low-height fall (13 patients; 59 %); car accidents ranked second (9 patients; 41 %). In five patients (22.7 %) ebriety was found. Eighteen patients had no skeletal injury (81.8 %). Four patients (18.2 %). Four patients (18.2 %) suffered fractures of articular or spinous processes, but the anterior column skeleton was intact in all. The segment most frequently affected by myopathy was C3-C4, then C4-C5 and C5-C6. Decompression was carried out to the extent of myopathy; and in the adjacent segments only if significant stenosis was present. In both subgroups of surgically treated patients (urgent and delayed management), comparisons of the ASIA scores at the time of injury and at one-year follow-up showed no significat improvement in post-operative mobility, as evaluated by Wilcoxons two-sample test at a level of significance a = 5 %. No intra-operative or post-operative complications, except for early death, were recorded. In all patients the wound healed by first intention and no loosening of instrumentation was foud on follow-ups at the out-patient departments. DISCUSSION Although the greatest narrowing of the spinal canal due to spondylosis occurs at the C5-C6 segment, the C4-C5 segment sustained most injuries. Although some relevant papers report no significant difference in improved neurological deficit between patients treated surgically and those undergoing conservative therapy, we prefer surgical management, in most of the cases from the anterior approach, which allows us to remove dorsal osteophytes and perform careful decompression to prevent damage to nerve structures and to preserve those which are still intact. There was no significant difference in the outcome between urgent and delayed trauma management, which is unusual amongst other injuries associated with neurological lesions and this indicates that the timing of surgery must be strictly individual and should be carried out at a time when operative benefit outweighs operative burden. The surgical treatment used should, in the first place, lead to early recuperation and rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS Hyperextension injuries of the cervical spine are usually associated with serious neurological deficit. A correct algorithm of examination will result in good treatment outcomes. However, these injuries require a therapy that is long-lasting and difficult, with a need for cooperation of anaesthesiologists, spinal surgeons, physical therapists and, last but not least, psychologists. Key words: cervical spine, hyperextension injury, spondylosis, myelopathy.

Cervical Radiculopathy -- Introduction

Neck pain is a common condition that can cause significant discomfort and disability in patients of different ages. Workers who have experienced neck pain account for up to 40% of work absenteeism. [1] [2] [3] Cervical radiculopathy, on the other hand, is a condition where the nerve root of a spinal nerve is compressed or impaired, causing the pain and symptoms to spread beyond the neck and radiate to other areas of the body, such as the arms, neck, chest, upper back, and shoulders. Due to the nerve impingement, muscle weakness and impaired deep tendon reflexes are often observed.

Cervical Myofascial Pain -- History and Physical

The history of a patient presenting with the cervical myofascial syndrome can vary greatly. Patients can sometimes present with a history of acute trauma, or the pain may be insidious. Symptoms may be worse with repetitive tasks, certain movements, or even certain postural positions throughout the day. The pain can be nagging or acute, and it can be local or radiate out from the neck to the surrounding area. The range of motion of the cervical spine may be limited and painful, and the patient may also complain of some tightness or a local twitch response, similar to a spasm. Generally, the area is tender to palpation and can be described as deep, and constant. On physical exam, poor posture may be noted, with slumped shoulders or decreased cervical lordosis. No atrophy should be noted in cervical musculature. On palpation, finding trigger points in the area of pain is very likely. A trigger point is an area of hyperirritability that radiates pain when palpated. A taut band may be noted in the skeletal muscle or surrounding fascia. [4] Limitation of the range of motion of the cervical spine may be associated. The neurological exam, including strength, sensation, and reflexes of the upper extremities will be normal.

InternalMed_Harrison

The natural history of neck pain with acute radiculopathy due to disk disease is favorable, and many patients will improve without specific therapy. Although there are no randomized trials of NSAIDs for neck pain, a course of NSAIDs, acetaminophen, or both, with or without muscle relaxants, is reasonable as initial therapy. Other nonsurgical treatments are commonly used, including opioid analgesics, oral glucocorticoids, cervical traction, and immobilization with a hard or soft cervical collar. However, there are no randomized trials that establish the effectiveness of these treatments. Soft cervical collars can be modestly helpful by limiting spontaneous and reflex neck movements that exacerbate pain.

Spinal Cord Injury and Postdural Puncture Headache following Cervical Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injection: A Case Report.

<iBackground</i: Cervical interlaminar epidural steroid injection (CIESI) is increasingly used as an interventional treatment for pain originating from the cervical spine. However, serious neurological complications may occur during CIESI because of direct nerve damage following inappropriate needle placement. <iCase report</i: A 35-year-old woman presented with posterior neck pain radiating to the left upper arm. Cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed left C6 nerve impingement. CIESI under fluoroscopic guidance was performed at another hospital using the left C5/6 interlaminar approach. Immediately after the procedure, the patient experienced dizziness, decreased blood pressure, motor weakness in the left upper arm, and sensory loss. She visited our emergency department with postdural puncture headache (PDPH) that worsened after the procedure. Post-admission cervical MRI revealed intramedullary T2 high signal intensity and cord swelling from the C4/5 to C6/7 levels; thus, a diagnosis of spinal cord injury was made. The patient's PDPH spontaneously improved after 48 h. However, despite conservative treatment with steroids, the decrease in abduction of the left fifth finger and loss of sensation in the dorsum of the left hand persisted for up to 6 months after the procedure. As noticed in the follow-up MRI performed 6 months post-procedure, the T2 high signal intensity in the left intramedullary region had decreased compared to that observed previously; however, cord swelling persisted. Furthermore, left C7/8 radiculopathy with acute denervation was confirmed by electromyography performed 6 months after the procedure. <iConclusions</i: Fluoroscopy does not guarantee the prevention of spinal cord penetration during CIESI. Moreover, persistent neurological deficits may occur, particularly due to intrathecal perforation or drug administration during CIESI. Therefore, in accordance with the recommendations of the Multisociety Pain Workgroup, we recommend performing CIESI at the C6/7 or C7/T1 levels, where the epidural space is relatively large, rather than at the C5/6 level or higher.

Cervical Radiculopathy -- History and Physical

When performing a physical examination, it is crucial to position the patient in a way that allows for the isolation of individual reflex arcs. This helps accurately assess the patient's overall reflex response. Given the individual variation in deep tendon reflexes, comparing both sides of the neck is more important than overall magnitude. If there is nerve impingement, the affected side is reduced relative to the unaffected side. Reduced muscle strength, innervated by the affected nerve, is a significant physical sign.

Nicolau's syndrome: A rare but preventable iatrogenic disease.

Dear Editor, Nicolau's syndrome, also called embolia cutis medicamentosa or livedoid dermatitis, is a rare injection site reaction characterized by immediate intense pain at the injection site followed by erythema and a hemorrhagic patch with a livedoid reticular pattern after injections of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), antiepileptics, antibiotics, antihistaminics, corticosteroids, etc. (1). To the best of our knowledge, only one case of Nicolau's syndrome has been reported after the use of triamcinolone acetonide. Herein we report two cases of Nicolau's syndrome caused by intramuscular injections of triamcinolone acetonide and diclofenac sodium, respectively. CASE 1 A 24-year-old male patient presented with severe pain and bluish discoloration of the right arm for 2 days, which he had noticed shortly after receiving an intramuscular injection of triamcinolone for recurrent episodes of urticaria by a local practitioner in the right deltoid region. On examination, there was a livedoid pattern of non-blanchable, violaceous discoloration extending from the deltoid area to the distal third of the forearm with associated induration (Figure 1, a, b). The local area was warm and tender to the touch. There was no regional lymphadenopathy, and the rest of the examination was normal. The patient's platelet count, bleeding and clotting times, prothrombin time, and international normalized ratio (INR) were unremarkable. There was no previous history of any bleeding disorder. The patient denied any intake of drugs like aspirin, warfarin, etc. Subsequently, the patient developed an ulcer on the forearm, which was managed by topical and systemic antibiotics to prevent any secondary infection of the wound. CASE 2 A 40-year-old female patient presented with complaints of pain and discoloration of the left gluteal region after receiving an intramuscular injection of diclofenac sodium for her arthralgia. A large ecchymotic patch with reticular borders was found on the gluteal region, extending to the lateral aspect of thigh (Figure 2). It was tender to the touch, non-indurated, and the local temperature was raised. There was no regional lymphadenopathy. No other abnormality was detected on examination. All routine investigations were within normal limits. Platelet count, bleeding, clotting and prothrombin times, and international normalized ratio (INR) were within normal limits. The lesions resolved within few weeks without any complications. Nicolau syndrome was first described in the early 1920s by Freudenthal and Nicolau as an adverse effect of using intramuscular injections of bismuth salts in the treatment of syphilis. Since then, several case reports of this disease occurring after intramuscular, intra-articular, intravenous, and subcutaneous injections have appeared in the literature associated with a variety of drugs like NSAIDs, vitamin K, penicillin, antihistamines, corticosteroids, local anesthetics, vaccines, polidocanol, and pegylated interferon alpha (1). The pathogenesis of Nicolau syndrome is unknown, though intra and periarterial injection of the drug is a possible cause. Stimulation of the sympathetic nerve due to periarterial injection causes spasms and consequent ischemia. Inadvertent intra-arterial injections may cause emboli and occlusion. A lipophilic drug may penetrate the vessel and produce physical occlusion like fat embolism. Cytotoxic drugs may produce perivascular inflammation and ischemic necrosis. NSAIDs are believed to additionally induce ischemic necrosis due to their inhibition of cyclooxygenase and, consequently, prostaglandins (2). The clinical features of the disease have been divided into three phases in a review by Kim et al. (3). The authors describe an initial phase characterized by intense pain with subsequent erythema. This is followed 1-3 days later by an acute phase, when an indurated, tender plaque with livedoid pattern develops. The final phase occurs between 5 days and 2 weeks later. Necrosis ensues in this stage, with possible ulceration. Diagnosis is chiefly clinical, and histopathology shows necrotic changes and vascular thrombosis. However, a biopsy was not performed in our cases because both lesions were painful. Management strategies are variable and range from conservative management with analgesics and antibiotics to active surgical debridement (4). Complications include deformities, contractures or even death. The patient in our first case developed ulceration which healed normally, while the second case resolved without any complications. Nicolau syndrome can be avoided by precautions such as aspirating the needle before injecting to check for blood, use of Z-track injection technique, proper site of injection, avoiding large doses at a single site, and regular change of sites if multiple injections are to be given (5). Nicolau syndrome is a rare disease. There are a few case reports of it occurring after diclofenac injection (1-5). We could only find one case report of this syndrome after intramuscular injection (IM) of triamcinolone in a patient with lichen planus (3), and our case is the second reported case of this syndrome as a result of triamcinolone acetonide injection, which adds to the significance to the present article.

[A case of delayed cervical epidural hematoma with C5 nerve root palsy after posterior cervical laminoplasty].

Delayed postoperative spinal epidural hematoma (DPSEH) is a rare and potentially devastating complication of laminoplasty, and cervical nerve root palsy occurs more frequently than DPSEH, especially with C5 nerve root palsy. The authors describe a case of DPSEH with C5 nerve root palsy that developed in a patient 3 days after he underwent laminoplasty. In this case, a 78-year-old man with a history that having taken Aspirin without the doctor's instruction for 5-6 years, he underwent cervical laminoplasty for mild myelopathy. On the 3rd postoperative day, he complained of weakness of his left upper extremity and could not raise his left arm. The symptom aggravated in the next few days. On the 9th postoperative day, there was an obvious motor deficit of both upper and lower extremities. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated abnormal signal characteristics consistent with a hematoma at levels C3-C4, compressing spinal cord. The clot was evacuated during emergency revision surgery, and the postoperative course after the operation was uneventful and the muscle strength was improved five days later. Therefore, the symptoms of DPSEH are not so typical that its possibility should be kept in mind. Sometimes a differential diagnosis should be made with C5 nerve root palsy which may only represent weakness of upper extremities. The authors recommend that magnetic resonance imaging is helpful for the diagnosis of DPSEH and a revision surgery should be taken as soon as possible once the hematoma causing the neurologic deterioration was confirmed.

The potential contributing effect of ketorolac and fluoxetine to a spinal epidural hematoma following a cervical interlaminar epidural steroid injection: a case report and narrative review.

Cervical interlaminar epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are commonly performed as one part of a multi-modal analgesic regimen in the management of upper extremity radicular pain. Spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) is a rare complication with a reported incidence ranging from 1.38 in 10,000 to 1 in 190,000 epidurals. Current American Society of Regional Anesthesia (ASRA), American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP), and the International Spine Intervention Society (ISIS) recommendations are that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) do not need to be withheld prior to epidural anesthesia. We report a case wherein intramuscular ketorolac and oral fluoxetine contributed to a SEH and tetraplegia following a cervical interlaminar (ESI). A 66 year-old woman with chronic renal insufficiency and neck pain radiating into her right upper extremity presented for evaluation and was deemed an appropriate CESI candidate. Cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multi-level neuroforaminal stenosis and degenerative intervertebral discs. Utilizing a loss of resistance to saline technique, an 18-gauge Tuohy-type needle entered the epidural space at C6-7. After negative aspiration, 4 mL of saline with 80 mg of methyl-prednisolone was injected. Immediately thereafter, the patient reported significant spasmodic-type localized neck pain with no neurologic status changes. A decision was made to administer 30 mg intramuscular ketorolac as treatment for the spasmodic-type pain. En route home, she developed a sudden onset of acute tetraplegia. She was brought to the emergency department for evaluation including platelet and coagulation studies which were normal. MRI demonstrated an epidural hematoma extending from C5 to T7. She underwent a bilateral C5-T6 laminectomy with epidural hematoma evacuation and was discharged to an acute inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Chronic renal insufficiency, spinal stenosis, female gender, and increasing age have been identified as risk factors for SEH following epidural anesthesia. In the present case, it is postulated that after the spinal vascular system was penetrated, hemostasis was compromised by the combined antiplatelet effects of ketorolac, fluoxetine, fish oil, and vitamin E. Although generally well tolerated, the role of ketorolac, a potent anti-platelet medication used for pain relief in the peri-neuraxial intervention period, should be seriously scrutinized when other analgesic options are readily available. Although the increased risk of bleeding for the alternative medications are minimal, they are nevertheless well documented. Additionally, their additive impairment on hemostasis has not been well characterized. Withholding NSAIDs, fluoxetine, fish oil, and vitamin E in the peri-procedural period is relatively low risk and should be considered for all patients with multiple risk factors for SEH.

[Acute radicular paralysis of arm and hand].

Patients with cervical radicular lesions present themselves with neck pain and stiffness on the one side and with neurological deficits of radicular distribution on the other side. The most frequent cause is a root compression due to a herniated disk or spondylotic changes of the spine. The management of the patients and the differential diagnosis are discussed.

[Pediatric intervertebral disc calcification: A rare cause of acquired torticollis. Case report].

Pain and cervical muscle spasm are common reasons why parents bring children to the pediatric emergency department. The first steps are the gathering of medical history of the patient and a physical examination. If musculoskeletal damage is suspected, cervical spine x-rays should be obtained. An intervertebral disc calcification finding, in the absence of other radiological lesions should suggest pediatric intervertebral disc calcification. To present a case of intervertebral disc calcification, a rare condition that must be considered in the differential diagnosis of torticollis and neck pain in childhood. A seven-year-old male patient without morbid history and no history of trauma or rough sport practice. He consulted the emergency room for pain and cervical contracture for the last six days. C reactive protein and red cell sedimentatio rates were slightly elevated. Imaging studies showed calcification of the C5-C6 intrvertebral disc and anterior disc protrusion. The patient was hospitalized for evaluation and pain management, with good clinical response and continue afterwards with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and a soft collar. At the 6-month-follow up, the patient had resolved symptoms and calcifications. Pediatric intervertebral disc calcification is a rare cause of acquired torticollis, with a benign and self-limited outcome. Conservative management, as well as clinical and imaging follow-up is recommended.

Radium

History

Vertebral compression fracture

Diagnosis Compression fractures are usually diagnosed on spinal radiographs, where a wedge-shaped vertebra may be visible or there may be loss of height of the vertebra. In addition, bone density measurement may be performed to evaluate for osteoporosis. When a tumor is suspected as the underlying cause, or the fracture was caused by severe trauma, CT or MRI scans may be performed. Treatment Conservative treatment Back brace for support while the bone heals—either a Jewett brace for relatively stable and mild injuries, or a thoracic lumbar sacral orthosis (TLSO) for more severe ones. Opioids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain. For osteoporotic patients, calcitonin may be helpful. Surgical Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are minimally invasive procedures that inject cement into the bone of the back that is fractured. However, the data examining the effectiveness of these procedures is mixed. References Further reading

Diagnostic Uncertainty in Cervical Radiculopathy.

Cervical radiculopathy is defined as a pathological process affecting the cervical nerve root(s). While not an uncommon entity, this report describes a case of cervical radiculopathy in an active duty Marine with unique features to include the C5 nerve root as the primary point of injury with corresponding severe motor weakness that warranted expedited workup. This expedited workup included early referral to Neurology for nerve conduction and electromyography (EMG) studies that were ultimately diagnostic in the setting of equivocal Magnetic Resonance Imaging findings. This highlight of this case is the demonstration of the utility of EMG in cervical radiculopathy evaluation, which aided in an efficient and effective treatment course. We contend that in cases of cervical radiculopathy with a focal deficit of profound weakness with shoulder abduction and elbow flexion, obtaining nerve conduction studies and EMGs within the first 4 to 6 weeks of presentation should be viewed as essential for the long-term recovery and effective management of the injured service member, particularly when injury to the upper trunk of the brachial plexus can also account for these specific motor deficits. This report will cover a brief review of the pathophysiology, evaluation, and natural history of cervical radiculopathy with special attention paid to the timing and efficacy of EMG.

Contralateral Recurrence of a Lumbar Juxtafacet Cyst Following Spontaneous Resolution.

We present a patient who had spontaneous resolution of a right L3/4 lumbar juxtafacet cyst (LJFC); and in whom, 2.5 years after regression of the previous cyst, a new contralateral L3/4 LJFC developed. Furthermore, with an extensive review, we discuss the selection criteria for patients for conservative treatment. A 44-year woman presented with right leg pain for two months. Neurological examination findings were normal; however, hypoesthesia was observed in right L4. There was no medical history of any trauma or a specific condition. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a right L3/4 LJFC and L4/5 spondylolysis. The patient refused surgical treatment and was referred to a physical therapy department. A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug was administered for four weeks. At two months' follow-up, her leg pain was relieved. After 2.5 years, she was readmitted due to radiating left leg pain. The MRI showed regression of the previous right L3/4 LJFC and a newly formed left L3/4 LJFC. Thus, cyst excision and posterior fusion were performed. The symptoms were resolved immediately following the surgery and the patient continued to be symptom-free at a one-year follow-up. In the setting of significant instability, conservative treatment for LJFCs can still be beneficial; however, its role in preventing recurrence of LJFCs may be inadequate. In such patients, early surgical correction of instability may result in better long-term outcomes. Key Words: Degeneration, Juxtafacet cyst, Recurrence, Spinal instability, Spontaneous resolution.

InternalMed_Harrison

lumbosacral radiculoplexus neuropathy, some patients develop thoracic radiculopathy or, even less commonly, a cervical polyradiculoneuropathy. CSF protein is usually elevated, while the cell count is normal. ESR is often increased. EDx reveals evidence of active denervation in affected proximal and distal muscles in the affected limbs and in paraspinal muscles. Nerve biopsies may demonstrate axonal degeneration along with perivascular inflammation. Patients with severe pain are sometimes treated in the acute period with glucocorticoids, although a randomized controlled trial has yet to be performed, and the natural history of this neuropathy is gradual improvement.

Cervical Spondylosis as a Hidden Contributing Factor to Fibromyalgia: A Case Report.

The present case study describes the long-term symptomatic remission in a patient with fibromyalgia (FM) after multimodal spinal manipulation. A 44-year-old woman presented with a chronic headache, severe neck pain, shoulder pain, and back pain lasting for 2 years after experiencing domestic violence. She had sleep disorders, fatigue, and depressive mood. Her primary care physician diagnosed her with FM and comorbid depression. Despite treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, anti-depressants, anti-epileptics, acupuncture, and aqua-therapy, she experienced no appreciable relief from her symptoms. The patient then sought a chiropractic evaluation and potential treatment for her symptoms. At presentation, widespread tenderness was palpable over the neck, shoulder, back, anterior chest, abdominal wall, and buttock. Radiographs showed loss of cervical lordosis, widespread degenerative spondylosis, and osteitis pubis. Surface electromyography (sEMG) revealed neck and thoracic paraspinal muscular spasms. The patient was diagnosed with FM based on the American College of Rheumatology diagnostic criteria and the associated comorbidities. Multimodal chiropractic approaches, which consisted of spinal manipulation, massage, and intermittent motorized cervical traction, were used twice weekly to relieve soft-tissues and intervertebral joints and stretch core musculatures. The patient's physical and mental complaints were mostly resolved near the end of 9 months of treatment. Her symptom alleviation was associated with corresponding change in normalized sEMG signal and cervical spine realignment at the 16th- and 26th-month follow-ups. Widespread pain in FM can lead to confused thinking and a lack of awareness of cervical spondylosis. In this example, it is assumed that the noxious cervical inputs triggered an ongoing FM process. Chiropractic treatment blocked noxious inputs coming from pain sources, corrected pain thresholds, and lowered excitability, thereby eradicating FM symptoms.

[Cervical radiculopathy].

Cervical radiculopathy is a common cause of pain in the arm. It is caused by nerve root compression in the neck, as a consequence of a herniated disc, or spondyliotic foraminal stenosis. It causes severe pain, especially during the first few weeks, and paraesthesias in the forearm and hand. Patients also suffer from neck pain and loss of strength in the relevant arm. The arm pain can be exacerbated by certain movements of the head; these should be avoided as much as possible. Diagnosis can be made on the basis of history and physical examination. The pain generally disappears without active patient treatment. A semi-rigid cervical collar is recommended to accelerate pain relief. In cases of persistent pain, surgery will be considered. In such cases an MRI should be performed to show the cause and level of nerve root compression.

Acute Calcific Tendonitis of the Longus Colli: An Uncommon Cause of Neck Pain in the Emergency Department.

The longus colli muscle has three major parts that originate and insert in the upper cervical and thoracic spine. It is a weak flexor of the neck, and when contracted also serves to rotate the neck to the ipsilateral side. It is innervated by the anterior rami of the C2-C6 spinal nerves and receives its blood supply from the anterior cervical and inferior thyroid arteries. In a post motor vehicle collision (MVC) patients presenting weeks later, the physician has to ensure there is no subacute fracture. Clinically, these patients present with severe anterior neck pain that will often be described as a deep pain. A 43-year-old female with a past medical history of diabetes and prior surgical history of a tonsillectomy and uvulectomy presented with sudden onset of sore throat that woke her up from sleep at 3:00 am. Associated with the sore throat, she had hoarseness of her voice, difficulty breathing and felt that her throat was closing. She forced herself to vomit and then felt better. She denied any fevers or chills. Later, the patient mentioned that she had chronic neck pain from a prior accident and had been told that she has C5-C6 stenosis. About a week prior, she had been involved in another MVC and had some neck pain after that. Significantly, she was also on lisinopril for her hypertension (HTN). She was tolerating secretions, protecting her airway and no gross inflammation was noted on physical exam. On labs, there was no leukocytosis noted. Soft tissue neck X-ray showed reversal of the cervical lordosis, degenerative and erosive changes at C4-C5 and C5-C6, and thickening of the prevertebral soft tissues. She obtained a CT of the neck and cervical spine that showed osteophyte complexes at C4-C5 and C5-C6, as well as calcific tendonitis of the longus colli with a moderate amount of prevertebral free fluid. Neurosurgery was consulted from the ED who recommended getting an MRI of the neck, and consulting ENT as well. ENT happened to be in the ED and performed a bedside laryngoscopy that showed edema of the left arytenoid with full functionality of the vocal cords, and no signs of airway compromise. The patient was started on steroids, antibiotics, H2 blockers, and the ACE-inhibitor was discontinued due to suspected angioedema per ENT. She was also admitted to the ICU for airway monitoring. The MRI of the neck again showed calcific tendonitis of the longus colli with moderate prevertebral fluid. Meanwhile, the patient had complete resolution of her symptoms in 24 hours and she was cleared from both neurosurgery and ENT to be discharged. Acute calcific tendonitis is due to the deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite, which can cause significant pain and edema. In terms of calcific tendonitis of the longus colli muscle, this condition is frequently misdiagnosed and continues to be a challenge, especially in the emergency department. The differential diagnosis is diverse in etiology and severity, ranging from meningitis and retropharyngeal abscess to vertebral fracture and muscle strain.

Nonoperative Management of Cervical Radiculopathy.

Cervical radiculopathy describes pain in one or both of the upper extremities, often in the setting of neck pain, secondary to compression or irritation of nerve roots in the cervical spine. It can be accompanied by motor, sensory, or reflex deficits and is most prevalent in persons 50 to 54 years of age. Cervical radiculopathy most often stems from degenerative disease in the cervical spine. The most common examination findings are painful neck movements and muscle spasm. Diminished deep tendon reflexes, particularly of the triceps, are the most common neurologic finding. The Spurling test, shoulder abduction test, and upper limb tension test can be used to confirm the diagnosis. Imaging is not required unless there is a history of trauma, persistent symptoms, or red flags for malignancy, myelopathy, or abscess. Electrodiagnostic testing is not needed if the diagnosis is clear, but has clinical utility when peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremity is a likely alternate diagnosis. Patients should be reassured that most cases will resolve regardless of the type of treatment. Nonoperative treatment includes physical therapy involving strengthening, stretching, and potentially traction, as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and massage. Epidural steroid injections may be helpful but have higher risks of serious complications. In patients with red flag symptoms or persistent symptoms after four to six weeks of treatment, magnetic resonance imaging can identify pathology amenable to epidural steroid injections or surgery.

Radish

History

Case Report: Posterolateral Epidural Supra-C2-Root Approach (PESCA) for Biopsy of a Retro-Odontoid Lesions in Same Sitting After Occipitocervical Fixation and Decompression in a Case of Crowned Dens Syndrome With Brainstem Compression and Displacement.

'Crowned dens syndrome' (CDS) is a special form of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease which is characterized radiologically by a halo-like or crown-like distribution in the periodontoid region and clinically by cervical pain. Herein, we will describe our experience of posterolateral epidural supra-C2-root approach (PESCA) for biopsy of retro-odontoid lesions in one surgical session after occipitocervical fixation and decompression in a patient with CDS and massive brainstem compression. A 70-year-old woman presented to our department with a 4-week history of progressive walking impairment, neck pain, neck rigidity, fever, dizziness, slight palsy of the left hand, and multiple fall episodes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) and cervical spine revealed a lesion of the odontoid process and the retro-odontoid region with mainly solid components, as well as small cystic components, and brainstem compression and displacement. In first step, fusion surgery of the CVJ C0-C4 was performed with occiptocervical decompression. After fusion and decompression the lower lateral part of the C1 arc and the lateral superior part of the left side of the C2 arc were removed. The entry point was located directly above the superior part of the C2 root. A biopsy of the lateral portions of the lesions was obtained by bioptic forceps under microscope guidance. Pathologic examination of the mass revealed deposition of birefringent crystals compatible with calcium pyrophosphate. In addition to the clinical symptoms (especially neck pain), the diagnosis of CDS was made. Non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and colchicine (and later magnesium) were started. At follow-up examination 6 months after surgery, an MRI scan of the cervical spine revealed regression of the pannus and the cyst with replacement of the brainstem, clinical improvement of walking, and increased strength of the left hand. This study demonstrates that PESCA can be used to obtain tissue for pathological analysis in one surgical sitting after fusion and decompression and that fusion, decompression, and PESCA (in the same session) together with subsequent conservative management could be a good alternative for the treatment of CDS.

Basilar impression presenting as intermittent mechanical neck pain: a rare case report.

Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders in clinical practice. However neck pain may mask more serious pathology. Although uncommon in most musculoskeletal physiotherapy practices, it is possible to encounter rare and extremely life-threatening conditions, such as craniovertebral congenital anomalies. Basilar invagination is an abnormality where the odontoid peg projects above the foramen magnum and is the commonest malformation of the craniocervical junction. Its prevalence in the general population is estimated to be 1%. Furthermore, it is a well-recognised cause of neck pain insomuch as it can be easily overlooked and mistaken for a musculoskeletal disorder. Diagnosis is based on the patient's symptoms in conjunction with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If life-threatening symptoms, or pressure on the spinal cord are present, the recommended treatment is typically surgical correction. This case report describes the history, relevant examination findings, and clinical reasoning used for a 37 year old male who had the chief complaint of neck pain and occipital headache. After the history and the physical examination, there were several key indicators in the patient's presentation that appeared to warrant further investigation with diagnostic imaging: (1) the drop attack after a triggering event (i.e., heading a football), (2) several episodes of facial numbness immediately and shortly after the trauma, (3) the poorly defined muscle upper extremity muscle weakness, and (4) the modification of symptoms during the modified Sharp-Purser test. Therefore, the decision was made to contact the referring neurosurgeon to discuss the patient's history and his physical examination. The physician requested immediate cervical spine MRI, which revealed a "basilar impression". This case report highlights the need for more research into a number of issues surrounding the prevalence, diagnosis, and the central role of primary care clinicians such as physiotherapists. Furthermore it underlines the importance of including Basilar invagination in the differential diagnosis. Physiotherapists working within a direct access environment must take a comprehensive history and be capable of screening for non-musculoskeletal medical conditions (on a systems, not diagnosis level) in order to avoid providing potentially harmful musculoskeletal treatments (e.g., cervical mobilization or manipulation, stretching, exercise) to patients with sinister medical pathologies, not benign musculoskeletal disorders.

History of head trauma in a 6-year-old boy: maybe more than meets the eye (and head).

It is spring and you are meeting for the first time, Eddie, a recently turned 6-year-old boy who moved to the area in September of the previous year and is here for his 6-year-old health maintenance visit. Eddie's mother is concerned that although he is "only" in kindergarten, he is not retaining any information at school. His mother reports he knew some of his letters before kindergarten. Currently, when he is trying to write a word, for example, "daddy" he will need to ask his mother: "what letter is the letter D?" Before kindergarten, he knew his numbers 1 to 10. At times now, Eddie will forget these numbers. For example, "if he is counting he will forget what comes after 4 and what comes after 9." Mother reports he will start crying for no apparent reason and if she asks why, he will say "I don't know why." Mother is worried that Eddie is sad, although she denies suicidal ideation. She reports he used to like making noise with other kids, and now he cannot stand when the children are noisy. Eddie will comment he does not want to go to school because the kids make lots of noise and his head hurts. He complains of headaches as often as 2 to 3 times a month. She next states, "This was not an issue before his head trauma." At this point, she reveals to you that in August, before the family relocated, Eddie fell from a 7-foot deck onto concrete while playing. He struck his head on the left side and lost consciousness for several seconds until shaken awake. He was nauseous and disoriented initially but without emesis or incontinence. He was taken to the local emergency department where he was admitted for 1 day and diagnosed with closed head injury, left frontal epidural hematoma, and question of postconcussive syndrome. Eddie has gone back to see the neurosurgeon twice over the last 6 months for scheduled visits and since the accident has had no further treatment.Eddie's mother reports that before the accident, if she read him a story from a book, he could remember the details from the story. Currently, he does not have good memory recall. Before the trauma, he did not attend a preschool program but stayed home with his mother full time. Eddie's first formal schooling has been kindergarten this year. When they moved, the neurosurgeon recommended he start school at the end of September given his head trauma in August. He had a recent computed tomography completed 3 months ago showing the epidural hematoma had completely resolved and the study was otherwise normal. His mother reports he had an evaluation the spring before the accident for a kindergarten screening test and was reported as "excellent." Eddie's birth and medical history are otherwise unremarkable except for some seasonal allergies. He has not had a loss in language skill, although his mother reports he did not speak during his hospitalization. He would just stare and nod his head if someone would ask him a question. No family history of any learning or behavioral difficulties on either side of the family. Eddie has 2 older brothers, 10 and 7 years of age, with no learning issues.What would you do next?

Radico Khaitan

History

Acute posterior neck pain in adult: a case series.

Calcification around the cervical spine is thought to be relatively rare case, among these conditions the calcification at the longus colli muscle is called retropharyngeal tendinitis and only several cases were reported in the literature. In this disease, the three characteristic clinical features are acute severe posterior neck pain without any trigger, severely restricted range of motion, and odynophagia. The radiographic findings include swelling of the retropharyngeal space and amorphous calcification anterior to C1-C2 in lateral view of the cervical spine. Diagnosis is established by sound history taking coupled with computed tomography (CT) scan of the affected area, treatment is the administration of oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), for a few weeks and/or oral steroid. We present a new 3 cases (27, 35, and 24 years old, male) and review of literature.

9. Painful shoulder complaints.

Painful shoulder complaints have a high incidence and prevalence. The etiology is not always clear. Clinical history and the active and passive motion examination of the shoulder are the cornerstones of the diagnostic process. Three shoulder tests are important for the examination of shoulder complaints: shoulder abduction, shoulder external rotation, and horizontal shoulder adduction. These tests can guide the examiner to the correct diagnosis. Based on this diagnosis, in most cases, primarily a conservative treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs possibly in combination with manual and/or exercise therapy can be started. When conservative treatment fails, injection with local anesthetics and corticosteroids can be considered. In the case of frozen shoulder, a continuous cervical epidural infusion of local anesthetic and small doses of opioids or a pulsed radiofrequency treatment of the nervus suprascapularis can be considered.

Sacroiliitis

Treatment Treatment of sacroiliitis can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the amount of pain the patient is currently experiencing. However, it typically falls into one of two categories non-surgical and surgical: Non-surgical In most cases sacroiliitis can be treated without surgery. Often patients will find relief through a combination of rest, heat / ice therapy, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen. Together these simple treatments help reduce inflammation in the affected SI joints. For more severe forms of sacroiliitis, sacroiliac joint injections might be recommended to help combat symptoms. If chosen, a physician will inject a numbing agent, usually lidocaine, and a steroid containing powerful anti-inflammatory medication into the joint using fluoroscopic guidance. These steroid injections can be delivered up to three or four times a year and should be accompanied with physical therapy to help rehabilitate the affected joint.

Median Nerve Palsy -- History and Physical

Diagnosticians must always evaluate the neck in patients with presumed median nerve injury or carpal tunnel syndrome. Double crush syndrome is defined as an injury to a nerve at both a distal site of compression as well as proximally such as in the case of a coexistent cervical disk herniation or foraminal stenosis. This condition is most commonly identified when patients have an unsatisfactory resolution of symptoms after a carpal tunnel release. [10] Osterman et al. found in a prospective study that patients who suffered from double crush syndrome reported more "paresthesias" rather than "numbness" compared to patients who had isolated carpal tunnel syndrome. He also found that grip strength was decreased more with double crush syndrome compared to carpal tunnel syndrome. [11] Of note, radiography of the cervical spine is not currently recommended for evaluation of double crush syndrome by current literature, particularly in the older patient population as there is a very high incidence of asymptomatic degenerative changes of the spine. MRI may be useful but is cost-prohibitive and not necessary in most cases. Therefore, history and physical examination with documentation of such examination techniques as Spurling's cervical spine maneuver to identify cervical nerve root compression, are important tools to identify double crush syndromes. [10] [12] [13]