Biomedical subjects

Raphaël Vialle

Publications and source records attributed to Raphaël Vialle.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Traumatic dislocation of the lumbosacral junction diagnosis, anatomical classification and surgical strategy.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Traumatic lumbosacral dislocation is a rare lesion often characterised by a fracture dislocation of L5-S1 articular facets associated with anterior L5 slipping. Because of its rarity, the surgical strategy of lumbosacral traumatic dislocation remains controversial. We report the most important series of traumatic lumbosacral dislocation. The cases of six men and five women are presented. We discuss the diagnosis and surgical treatment options regarding the different type of lesions. A moderate anterior slipping of L5 over S1 was present in eight cases. The lesion was a bilateral lumbosacral fracture dislocation in eight cases, a pure lateral dislocation in two cases and a unilateral rotatory dislocation in one case. Patients were multiple-trauma patients in eight cases. A radicular deficit was present in two cases. All patients were treated surgically with a posterior osteosynthesis and fusion. A circumferential fusion was made in six cases. In four cases, the anterior fusion was made during the posterior approach. The postoperative course was favorable in all the cases. One patient necessitated secondarily an iterative posterior lumbosacral fixation and anterior fibular bone graft because of a lumbosacral pseudarthrosis. Traumatic dislocation of the lumbosacral junction is a rare and severe spinal fracture which occurs in patients after high energy trauma and could be initially misdiagnosed. We devised a new classification based on anatomical lesions. Treatment is always surgical, requiring reduction, osteosynthesis, and fusion. In case of L5 anterior slipping, it is crucial to assess the L5S1 disc by MRI or surgical exploration for disc disruption. In such case, we recommend to perform circumferential fusion to prevent lumbosacral pseudarthrodesis.

Accidents, Traffic↗

PubMed2006

Lumbar hyperlordosis of neuromuscular origin: pathophysiology and surgical strategy for correction.

Lumbar hyperlordosis of neuromuscular origin is rare and requires surgical treatment in order to preserve a good sitting posture. We report twenty-seven cases of a preponderantly sagittal hyperlordosis deformity of the lumbar spine in patients with neuromuscular disorders and identify the indications and results of treatment. Seventeen males and ten females, aged 13 to 27 years, underwent operations for a lumbar hyperlordosis of neuromuscular origin responsible for major difficulties in sitting. In all patients, the sacrum was horizontal and associated in twenty-six cases with marked pelvic anteversion. Eleven patients were treated surgically by a posterior approach. The sixteen remaining patients had a preliminary discectomy, followed by posterior correction and fusion. Lumbar hyperlordosis was reduced from 8 degrees to 77 degrees between L1 and S1. The horizontal sacrum was partially reduced with an improvement from 8 degrees to 50 degrees . Consequently, patients recovered a comfortable sitting position. One patient died of respiratory complications six weeks after surgery. Surgical correction is a demanding procedure which can be performed by a posterior approach. It is mandatory to analyse the spino-pelvic balance to avoid iliac retroversion and the loss of the role of the ischia in the sitting position.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Surgical treatment of scoliosis with pelvic obliquity in cerebral palsy: the influence of intraoperative traction.

STUDY DESIGN: Continuous retrospective series. OBJECTIVES: To compare two techniques sequentially used for surgical correction of neuromuscular scoliosis with pelvic obliquity in children with cerebral palsy. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: In nonwalking patients with cerebral palsy, scoliosis is frequently associated with pelvic obliquity. We compared intraoperative traction with no traction with instrumentation to the pelvis to correct pelvic obliquity. METHODS: The initial 59 patients had surgery in the knee-chest position with pelvic obliquity correction by posterior vertebral instrumentation distraction, rotation, and compression. The sequential 51 patients were placed prone and had asymmetric traction applied between a halo and the high pelvic side lower extremity with pelvic correction maneuvers done before posterior surgery and instrumentation. RESULTS: Anesthetic duration was longer in Group 1 because of complexity of the intraoperative correction maneuvers, which also produced less correction of scoliosis and pelvic obliquity compared with the asymmetric traction technique. At 8.6 years of follow-up, frontal and sagittal plane correction improved in all surviving patients. CONCLUSION: We think that intraoperative reduction by asymmetric traction is a reliable and safe technique to correct neuromuscular scoliosis and pelvic obliquity in nonwalking spastic quadriplegic patients.

Cerebral Palsy↗

PubMed2006

Spinal fracture through the neurocentral synchondrosis in battered children: a report of three cases.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. OBJECTIVE: To report 3 cases of unusual spinal fracture through the neurocentral synchondrosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Traumatic lesions of the spine or spinal cord due to physical abuse are rare. We report 3 cases of vertebral fractures involving the neurocentral synchondrosis in battered children. METHODS: The medical data of the 3 cases were retrospectively reviewed. We discuss the pathomechanism and treatment strategies. RESULTS: In 2 cases, the vertebral body was displaced anteriorly and, in 1 case, posteriorly, all without neurologic compromise. The lateral radiographs showed vertebral displacement, but the diagnosis could be suspected on frontal views because of interpedicular distance widening. Treatment was nonoperative with bracing in 2 cases. In the third case, a posterior epiphysiodesis was done to avoid development of progressive kyphosis of the injured spine. One child treated nonoperatively died from other traumatic lesions associated with the physical abuse. In the 2 other cases, outcome was good with a well-balanced spine in 1 case and a moderate, well-tolerated kyphosis in the other case. CONCLUSIONS: Such spinal lesions are rare but could be conservatively treated in case of anterior vertebral displacement without vertebral endplate impairment. A posterior displacement of vertebral body could be responsible for a neurologic compromise.

Battered Child Syndrome↗

PubMed2006

Intra and inter-observer reliability of determining degree of pelvic incidence in high-grade spondylolisthesis using a computer assisted method.

Pelvic incidence was described as a fundamental parameter to describe spino-pelvic balance. In high-grade spondylolisthesis, severe dystrophic changes of the upper sacral endplate may be responsible for technical difficulties in pelvic incidence measurement. We propose to evaluate the reliability of PI measurement in high-grade spondylolisthesis patients and to compare the manual method with a computer-assisted method. In 30 high-grade spondylolisthesis patients, pelvic incidence was measured by manual and computer-assisted technique by the Spineview software package. We statistically assessed agreement between the manual and the computer-assisted technique, the intra-observer and the inter-observer reliability of the computer-assisted technique. Significant correlation was found (Spearman's rank R = 0.921 with P<0.001) between manual and computer-assisted results. The paired t test (t = 0.979 with P<0.001) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were also significant. Intra- and inter-observer reliability of the computer-assisted technique were excellent with Spearman's rank correlation from 0.964 to 0.985 with P<0.001, a paired t test from 0.978 to 0.983 with P<0.001) and an ICC from 0.986 to 0.992. Intra- and inter-observer repeatability were better with the computer-assisted method than with the manual technique. We proved the reliability and repetability of a computer-assisted angular measurement method in high-grade spondylolisthesis patients. This validated measurement technique could be now used to measure the main parameters of the sagittal balance of the spine in further studies on spondylolisthesis patients.

Humans↗

PubMed2006

Lumbar hyperlodosis in cerebral palsy: anatomic analysis and surgical strategy for correction.

INTRODUCTION: We report our experience of five cases in adolescents with spastic quadriplegia who had primarily sagittal plane deformity with hyperlordosis of the lumbar spine, an uncommon condition in cerebral palsy spinal deformity. METHODS: Three boys and two girls, 13 to 19 years old, were surgically treated for excessive lumbar lordosis which made sitting difficult. Bilateral hip flexion contractures were present in all cases with a very horizontal sacrum and, in four cases, associated with pelvic anteversion. Two patients were surgically treated by posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation, and three patients had anterior discectomy and fusion prior to posterior fusion and instrumentation. CONCLUSION: Hyperlordosis was reduced by 26 to 48 degrees , and the horizontal sacrum was corrected by 15 to 35 degrees , which enabled the patients to sit comfortably.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

[Orthopedic and surgical treatment of idiopathic scoliosis in childhood and adolescence].

Any evolutive scoliosis must be treated actively. The orthopaedic treatment by brace makes it possible to slow down the spinal deformity evolution. In many cases, physiotherapy could be of great help during the conservative treatment phase. Thus, it is possible to contain the scoliosis progression during the rapid growth phase of the spine, in adolescence. In some patients, spinal deformity can remain moderate, making it possible to keep a satisfying function and balance of the spine in adulthood. Sometimes, the orthopaedic treatment alone is not sufficient and surgery is necessary to provide a well-balanced spine with an acceptable residual spinal deformity. The aims of surgical treatment are to correct spinal deformity by means of vertebral osteosynthesis and to stabilize the final correction by means of bone grafting. These surgical procedures made according to strict rules, give excellent functional results and make it possible to carry out a strictly normal adult life.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

[Kyphosis and kyphotic posture in children and adolescents].

Kyphosis is a sagittal deviation of the spine that presents as an anterior spinal curvature. It is a frequent reason for consultation during adolescence. It is necessary to know how to differentiate between a simple postural kyphosis that is flexible and reducible, and requires no further investigation, from a true kyphosis that requires at minimum a radiological evaluation with films of the entire spine, in AP and lateral views. If vertebral epiphysitis is most often at the origins of the sagittal vertebral deviations encountered in daily practice, the other causes pose diagnostic and therapeutic problems that are often more complex. They include congenital, paralytic, infectious, cancerous and post-traumatic kyphosis, or kyphosis due to constitutional bone diseases. Surgical treatments, that have only an exceptional place in treatment of the regular kyphosis of the adolescent, are potentially indicated in all of the other situations.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Surgical treatment of high-grade lumbosacral spondylolisthesis in childhood, adolescent and young adult by the "double-plate" technique: a past experience.

Between 1979 and 1996, 40 patients with high-grade lumbosacral spondylolisthesis were treated in our institution using a newly designed osteosynthesis device. The mean age was 13 years and 6 months, and the mean follow-up was 18 years. Combined posterior decompression and anterior reduction, instrumentation and fusion of the slippage were performed in all cases. The technique includes reduction of the slippage by means of an anteriorly placed plate that engages two screws, previously placed during the posterior approach, going through the S1 vertebra. Progressive compression applied on the plate by the screws achieves reduction. Complete fusion was obtained in all 40 patients. Twelve patients presented a postoperative radiculopathy, from which only ten recovered completely. There were six L4-L5 annulus lesions, responsible for instability, produced by the plate. We report five late infections. Thirty-five of the forty patients were asymptomatic at the latest follow-up. The double compressive plate technique proved to be effective in obtaining lumbosacral fusion and optimal slippage reduction. However, the high rates of neurological and infectious complications preclude recommendation of this technique in its present form.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

The Wiltse paraspinal approach to the lumbar spine revisited: an anatomic study.

The paraspinal posterior approach to the lumbar spine initially was described for spinal fusion, particularly for treatment of lumbosacral spondylolisthesis. Despite the technical details described by Wiltse et al, the exact location of the sacrospinalis muscle that must be split remains unclear. We sought to clarify the anatomic description of the paraspinal posterior approach to the lumbar spine, and to provide topographic landmarks for facilitating this surgical approach. Fifty cadavers were dissected using an anatomic transmuscular paraspinal approach. The level of the natural cleavage plane between the multifidus and the longissimus parts of the sacrospinalis muscle was noted, and measurements were taken between this level and the midline at the level of the spinous process of L4. A natural cleavage plane between the multifidus and the longissimus parts of the sacrospinalis muscle was present in all specimens. There was a fibrous separation between the two muscular parts in 88 of 100 cases. The mean distance between the level of the cleavage plane and the midline was 4.04 cm (range, 2.4-7 cm). Small arteries and veins were present at the level of the cleavage plane in all specimens. These vascular landmarks make it easier to locate the muscular cleavage plane and reach the articular and transverse processes during the paraspinal approach.

Cadaver↗

PubMed2006

The feasibility of detecting motor and sensory potentials in a sheep model.

To investigate the characteristics of motor, sensory and sensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) of thoracic and lumbar roots, and demonstrate the feasibility of assessing axonal regrowth after the neurotization procedure in a sheep model. Six adult sheep were anaesthetized and placed in a sternal position. The thoracic and lumbar roots from T11 to L5 were identified at their emergence from the vertebral foramen and stimulated. Motor and sensory responses were monitored. Thoracic and lumbar roots were easily identified in all cases. Motor potentials were detected for each stimulated nerve without difficulty. The amplitudes were quite variable, ranging from 100 to 5300 microV. Sensory and SEPs were satisfactorily recorded in only three of the six animals. Sensory amplitudes also varied greatly, ranging from 25 to 120 microV. In three cases, SEPs could not be identified due to motor artefacts. The motor pathway after axonal regrowth in neurotized lumbar roots might easily be explored by proximal electric stimulation of the root, close to the sutured area. Detection of sensory and spinal cord evoked potentials might be improved by the use of curve summation techniques. Specific axonal tracing holds promise of being a useful technique for examining sensory and motor pathway recovery after neurotization in the sheep model.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Treatment of knee flexion contracture due to central nervous system disorders in adults.

BACKGROUND: Studies concerning adult patients with spastic flexion contracture of the knee are rare. Such patients frequently have cutaneous and vascular complications as well as recurrence of the contracture after treatment. We present a strategy consisting of simultaneous correction of all deformities of both lower limbs, distal hamstring releases, and application of femorotibial external fixation when extension of the knee is limited by excessive posterior soft-tissue tension. METHODS: A consecutive series of fifty-nine patients (ninety-seven knees) between the ages of twenty-one and seventy-seven years received surgical treatment for a flexion contracture of the knee secondary to neurological impairment. The flexion contracture was bilateral in thirty-eight patients. Preoperatively, the mean flexion contracture angle was 69 degrees and the mean passive range of motion was 61 degrees. The contracture was corrected, through medial and lateral approaches, with distal hamstring lengthening. A posterior capsulotomy was performed in thirty-five knees. Full extension of thirty-four knees was achieved intraoperatively. In seventy-seven knees, partial correction was maintained with a unilateral external fixator, and passive and active mobilization was performed four times daily after temporary removal of the spanning external fixator rod. RESULTS: At the time of final follow-up, ranging from one to five years postoperatively, the mean residual flexion contracture was 6.2 degrees. Forty-five knees had complete extension, and thirty-nine knees had a residual flexion contracture of <10 degrees. No recurrence of the flexion contracture or instability was noted in any knee at the time of follow-up. There were four cutaneous complications but no vascular or neurological complications. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that our surgical strategy for correction of fixed knee flexion contracture in adult patients is safe and effective. The correction improves nursing care and sitting posture, facilitating the upright position of patients who are unable to walk, and improves walking ability for patients who are able to walk.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Anatomical feasibility of using the ninth, 10th, and 11th intercostal nerves for the treatment of neurological deficits after damage to the spinal cord.

OBJECT: The topographic anatomy of the lower intercostal nerves is less well known than that of the upper ones, except for the 12th intercostal nerve. It is possible to use the lower intercostal nerves to perform a neurotization of the lumbar roots. The authors studied the anatomy of the ninth, 10th, and 11th intercostal nerves to obtain descriptive and topographic anatomical data to aid in establishing optimal conditions for harvesting. METHODS: The ninth, 10th, and 11th intercostal nerves of 50 cadavers were dissected. The proximal part of the nerve in the posterior intercostal space (ISC) was exposed through a posterior approach. The lateral ICS was exposed through a lateral approach, under the latissimus dorsi, which made it possible to harvest the intercostal nerves using a stripping technique. A histological study was conducted on 10 pigs to evaluate the risk of nerve lesions during the stripping procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The proximal course of the nerve in the posterior ICS was the same in all cases. The mean total length of the intercostal nerves harvested was 17.96 cm for the ninth, 17.14 cm for the 10th, and 15.94 cm for the 11th intercostal nerve. The harvested nerve length was sufficient in 297 of the 300 cases to perform lumbar root neurotization. The histological study showed no difference between the "open" and the "stripping" techniques regarding the risk of histological lesions in harvested nerves.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Radiological assessment of lumbosacral dystrophic changes in high-grade spondylolisthesis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse radiographic correlates for the clinical status of patients and the deformation reducibility of high-grade lumbosacral spondylolisthesis. We also clarify the clinical and radiographic correlates of a new parameter for S1 dystrophy, the "S1 index". DESIGN AND PATIENTS: One hundred cases of high-grade isthmic lumbosacral spondylolisthesis were reviewed. We noted the dystrophic changes in the cranial sacral endplate, and the caudal endplate of L5. The severity of the spondylolisthesis was evaluated by measuring the lumbosacral kyphosis. The clinical status and the deformation reducibility (dependent on the stiffness of the deformation) were compared with these dystrophic patterns, the sagittal slope of S1 and S2 endplates and a sacral morphological marker, the S1 index. RESULTS: Lumbosacral kyphosis was less severe in cases with dystrophic changes of the posterior cranial edge of S1 and/or of the posterior caudal edge of L5 but its reducibility was worse. These patients were more functionally impaired. We describe and analyse this situation as a partial lumbosacral disc failure responsible for the less severe L5 slipping. The S1 index was strongly correlated with the grade of slipping, the lumbosacral kyphosis and its reducibility. We noted the same configuration among patients with a smaller S1 index, i.e. vertical S1 and S2 vertebral bodies associated with more severe but more reducible lumbosacral kyphosis. CONCLUSION: Analysing specific criteria, we think it is possible to note progressive dystrophic changes according to the natural history of lumbosacral spondylolisthesis. We think that repeated measurements of these morphological parameters in patients diagnosed with a low-grade lumbosacral spondylolisthesis could be helpful in the early detection of evolving lumbosacral kyphosis and L5 slipping.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Charcot's disease of the spine: diagnosis and treatment.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: To report nine cases of Charcot's joint of the spine, to clarify the difficulty in diagnosis and treatment, and to analyze the literature. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND: Charcot's joint of the spine, also known as spinal neuropathic or neurogenic arthropathy, is a destructive condition that affects the intervertebral disc and the adjacent vertebral bodies. It is the result of a loss of joint protection mechanisms, generally secondary to a spinal cord lesion. We report a series of nine patients treated surgically. METHODS: Eight men and one woman suffering from paraplegia or tetraplegia were reviewed. The time interval between the neurologic disorder and the diagnosis of neuropathic spinal arthropathy was 10 to 36 years. The most frequent presenting symptom was an evolutive thoracolumbar kyphosis, sometimes associated with back pain or increased spasticity in the lower limbs. The neuropathic arthropathy involved the thoracic spine in four patients and the lumbar spine in four other patients. The remaining patient presented two arthropathies, one thoracic and one lumbosacral. A percutaneous vertebral biopsy was performed in five patients suspected to have an infection or a tumor. Treatment was always surgical. In eight cases, a circumferential fusion was performed in the area of the dislocated vertebral levels. The postoperative follow-up was from 3 years to 10 years. RESULTS: A solid and stable circumferential fusion of the spine was obtained in all patients. The functional status improved in all patients. Pain and sagittal imbalance were successfully treated. The increased spasticity observed at the initial examination improved in all patients who returned to the neurological deficit initially present before the onset of Charcot's arthropathy. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of Charcot's arthropathy of the spine must be considered in paraplegic and tetraplegic patients with spinal deformity with bone destruction and vertebral dislocation in the absence of an infection or neoplastic disease. The treatment of a Charcot's spine is circumferential fusion and osteosynthesis. Monitoring by clinical and imaging examination must be continued, because multifocal vertebral lesions can occur in cases of extensive proprioceptive deficit.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Osteochondritis dissecans of the subtalar articular facet: an unusual diagnosis.

Osteochondritis dissecans of the talus is classically characterized by an abnormality of the articular cartilage of the talar dome. We report a rare case of a lesion of the subtalar facet in a 10-year-old boy. The lesion was responsible for a painful ankle with secondary instability. The diagnosis was made using plain radiographs and CT, which showed a well-circumscribed osteochondral fragment demarcated from the adjacent bone by a radiolucent line. The clinical outcome was favourable after a 6-week period with a non-weight-bearing short-leg cast.

Cartilage, Articular↗

PubMed2005

[Cytomegalovirus enterocolitis: a rare cause of gastrointestinal ischemia and bleeding].

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections are frequent in patients with severe immunodeficiency. We report a case of isolated digestive localization in a young woman initially non-immunocompromised. Initially, she was admitted in the intensive-care unit for a severe post-operative shock secondary to a respiratory distress syndrome. She then developed severe enterocolitis which was initially unexplained. Outcome was favorable but digestive perforations required multiple surgical digestive resections. The histological diagnosis was confirmed by immunofluorescence staining and the antigenemia and specific antibodies kinetics. We emphasize the various characteristics of this pathology and point out the risk of missing this unusual cause of digestive perforation and severe bleeding.

Colon↗

PubMed2005

Late paraplegia after scoliosis treatment: an uncommon diagnosis.

We report the case of a young girl treated at age 16 for a progressive scoliosis by posterior instrumented arthrodesis. Ten years later, she suddenly developed lumbar pain and paraplegia. The surgical procedure showed a mass infiltrating the vertebral canal and the dural sheath following a supralaminar hook. Histology revealed a diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma. The outcome was poor with a rapid and fatal extension of the tumor. There is nothing to justify a causal link between the scoliosis and the late onset of a malignant tumor. Nevertheless, we discuss the potential role of diagnostic irradiation consecutive to scoliosis monitoring during growth and the potential role of environmental carcinogens like metallic biomaterials. Finally, rapid intrusion of this extraspinal tumor into the dural sheath resulted in a confusing clinical picture and delayed the diagnosis and treatment of the tumor.

Adolescent↗