Volume 19 · Issue 01 · 2016

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a huge global medical and public health problem across all ages and in all populations. In this review, we discussed the changing concepts and approaches. Globally, the incidence is increasing and in high income countries epidemiologic patterns are changing with consequences for prevention campaigns. TBI should not be viewed as an event, but as a progressive and chronic disease with lifetime consequences. In the clinical field, precision approaches to treatment are being developed, which require more accurate disease phenotyping. Recent advances in genomics, neuroimaging and biomarker development offer great opportunities to develop improved phenotyping and better disease characterization. In clinical research, randomized controlled clinical trials are being complemented by large data collections in broad TBI populations in comparative effectiveness designs. Global collaborations are being developed among funding agencies, research organizations and researchers. Only by combining efforts and collaboration will we be able to advance the field by providing long-needed evidence to support practice recommendations and to improve treatment.

Total wrist arthroplasty are not used as widely as total knee and hip replacement. The functional hands are requiring surgeons to design a durable and functional satisfying prosthesis. This article will list the main reasons that cause the failure of the prosthesis. Some remarkable and representative prostheses are listed to show the devolvement of total wrist prosthesis and their individual special innovations to fix the problems. And the second part we will discuss the part that biomechanical elements act in the total wrist replacement (TWA). Summarize and find out what the real problem is and how we can find a way to fix it.

Cisternostomy is defined as opening the basal cisterns to atmospheric pressure. This technique helps to reduce the intracranial pressure in severe head trauma as well as other conditions when the so-called sudden "brain swelling" troubles the surgeon. We elaborated the surgical anatomy of this procedure as well as the proposed physiology of how cisternostomy works. This novel technique may change the current trends in neurosurgery.

Purpose: It is becoming increasingly clear that genetic factors play a role in traumatic brain injury (TBI), whether in modifying clinical outcome after TBI or determining susceptibility to it. MicroRNAs are small RNA molecules involved in various pathophysiological processes by repressing target genes at the posttranscriptional level, and TBI alters microRNA expression levels in the hippocampus and cortex. This study was designed to detect differentially expressed microRNAs in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of TBI patients remaining unconscious two weeks after initial injury and to explore related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Methods: We used a microarray platform to detect differential microRNA expression levels in CSF samples from patients with post-traumatic coma compared with samples from controls. A bioinformatic scan was performed covering microRNA gene promoter regions to identify potential functional SNPs. Results: Totally 26 coma patients and 21 controls were included in this study, with similar distribution of age and gender between the two groups. Microarray showed that fourteen microRNAs were differentially expressed, ten at higher and four at lower expression levels in CSF of traumatic coma patients compared with controls (p < 0.05). One SNP (rs11851174 allele: C/T) was identified in the motif area of the microRNA hsa-miR-431-3P gene promoter region. Conclusion: The altered microRNA expression levels in CSF after brain injury together with SNP identified within the microRNA gene promoter area provide a new perspective on the mechanism of impaired consciousness after TBI. Further studies are needed to explore the association between the specific microRNAs and their related SNPs with post-traumatic unconsciousness.

Purpose: To investigate the in vitro effect of short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) against Nogo receptor (NgR) on neurite outgrowth under an inhibitory substrate of central nervous system (CNS) myelin. Methods: Three siRNA sequences against NgR were designed and transfected into cerebellar granule cells (CGCs) to screen for the most efficient sequence of NgR siRNA by using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunofluorescence staining. NgR siRNA sequence 1 was found the most efficient which was then transfected into the CGCs grown on CNS myelin substrate to observe its disinhibition for neurite outgrowth. Results: Compared with the scrambled control sequence of siRNA, the NgR siRNA sequence 1 significantly decreased NgR mRNA level at 24 h and 48 h (p < 0.05), which was recovered by 96 h after transfection. NgR immunoreactivity was also markedly reduced at 24 and 48 h after the transfection of siRNA sequence 1 compared with that before transfection (p < 0.05). The NgR immunoreactivity was recovered after 72 h post-transfection. Moreover, the neurite outgrowth on the myelin substrate was greatly improved within 72 h after the transfection with siRNA sequence 1 compared with the scrambled sequence-transfected group or non-transfected group (p < 0.05). Conclusion:: siRNA-mediated knockdown of NgR expression contributes to neurite outgrowth in vitro.

Purpose: CT plays a crucial role in the early assessment of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Marshall and Rotterdam are the mostly used scoring systems, in which CT findings are grouped differently. We sought to determine the values of the scoring system and initial CT findings in predicting the death at hospital discharge (early death) in patients with TBI. Methods: There were consecutive 634 traumatic neurosurgical patients with mild-to-severe TBI admitted to the emergency department of College of Medical Sciences. Their initial CT and status at hospital discharge (dead or alive) were reviewed, and both CT scores were calculated. We examined whether each score is related to early death; compared the two scoring systems' performance in predicting early death, and identified the CT findings that are independent predictors for early death. Results: Both imaging score (Marshall) and clinical score (Rotterdam) can be used to reliably predict mortality in patients with acute traumatic brain injury with high prognostic accuracy. Other specific CT characteristics that can be used to predict early mortality are traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, midline shift and status of the peri-mesencephalic cisterns. Conclusions: Marshall CT classification has strong predictive power, but greater discrimination can be obtained if the individual CT parameters underlying the CT classification are included in a prognostic model as in Rotterdam score. Consequently, for prognostic purposes, we recommend the use of individual characteristics rather than the CT classification. Performance of CT models for predicting outcome in TBI can be significantly improved by including more details of variables and by adding other variables to the models.

Purpose: To investigate the usefulness of three-dimensional (3D) printing in complex spinal surgery. Methods: The study was conducted from October 2014 to March 2015 in Shenzhen Second Peoples' Hospital and 4 cases of complex severe spinal disorders were selected from our department. Among them one patient combined with congenital scoliosis, one with atlas neoplasm, one with atlantoaxial dislocation, and the rest one with atlantoaxial fracture-dislocation. The data of the diseased region was collected from computerized tomography scans for 3D digital reconstruction and rapid prototyping to prepare photosensitive resin models, which were applied in the treatment of these cases. Results: The use of 3D models reduced operating time and intraoperative blood loss as well as the risk of postoperative complications. Furthermore, no pedicle penetrations or screw misplacement occurred according to the postoperative planar radiographic images. Conclusion: The tactile models from 3D printing allow direct observation and measurement, helping the orthopedists to have accurate morphometric information to provide personalized surgical planning and better communication with the patient and coworkers. Moreover, the photosensitive resin models can also guide the actual surgery with the drilling of pedicle screws and safe resection of tumor.

Purpose: Up to date, some approaches retarding the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) could be regarded as direct applications of the fluid mechanics (Poiseuille's law). However, there is a lack of the research on the efficacy of subfascial drainage for management of CSF leak after spine surgery based on the law. This is a prospective and comparative study on subfascial drainage for CSF. Methods: Every four months in the three years from January 2010 to December 2012, the patients were enrolled respectively in Group A, Group B and Group C, in which, the drainage tube was discontinued within postoperative 3-4 days, 5-6 days, 7-10 days. Results and complications of postoperative CSF leak were investigated, and mean wound healing time (MWHT) of the three groups was compared. Results: A total of 108 cases (Group A/B/C:35/32/41) of CSF leak following posterior spine surgery were admitted to Tianjin Union Medicine Center, and 92 cases have been followed up for more than 1 year (follow-up rate of 85.2%). Preoperative demographics were similar among the 3 groups. In Group A, 7 patients developed CSF leak through the wound (CSFLW), of which 5 cases had to undergo reoperation. One case in Group A was confirmed to have pseudomeningocele at the 1st month after surgery. The MWHT was (16.6 ± 3.6) days. In Group B, 3 patients developed CSFLW and cured by reoperation, in which 1 case of superficial infection recovered well after reoperation. MWHT was (11.4 ± 2.2) days. In Group C, CSFLW was not found and MWHT was (10.1 ± 2.9) days. The differences of MWHT among Groups A, B and C were statistically significant. Conclusion: Postoperative subfascial drainage, which is used to decrease the subfascial space pressure (P2), would help wound healing. When it is placed for more than 7 days, the wound resistance (Rw) would be strong enough to withstand the subarachnoid pressure (P1). Meanwhile, the power transduction in a sequence of Rw > P2>P1 will indirectly retard CSF leak at the durotomy site and accordingly facilitate the healing of damaged spinal dura mater.

Purpose: Soft tissue healing is of paramount importance in distal tibial fractures for a successful outcome. There is an increasing trend of using anterolateral plate due to an adequate soft tissue cover on anterolateral distal tibia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results and complications of minimally invasive anterolateral locking plate in distal tibial fractures. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 42 patients with distal tibial fractures treated with minimally invasive anterolateral tibial plating. This study evaluates the bone and soft tissue healing along with emphasis on complications related to bone and soft tissue healing. Results: Full weight bearing was allowed in mean time period of 4.95 months (3-12 months). A major local complication of a wound which required revision surgery was seen in one case. Minor complications were identified in 9 cases which comprised 4 cases of marginal necrosis of the surgical wound, 1 case of superficial infection, 1 case of sensory disturbance over the anterolateral foot, 1 case of muscle hernia and 2 cases of delayed union. Mean distance between the posterolateral and anterolateral incision was 5.7 cm (4.5-8 cm). Conclusion: The minimally invasive distal tibial fixation with anterolateral plating is a safe method of stabilization. Distance between anterolateral and posterolateral incision can be placed less than 7 cm apart depending on fracture pattern with proper surgical timing and technique.

Purpose: Shoulder dislocation is a common joint dislocation managed by the emergency physicians in the emergency departments. Pre- and post-reduction radiographic examinations have long been the standard practice to confirm the presence of dislocation and the successful reduction. However, shoulder ultrasonography has recently been proposed as an alternative to the radiographic examination. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of ultrasonography in evaluating proper reduction of the dislocated joint. Methods: This was a prospective observational study. All patients with confirmed anterior shoulder dislocation were examined by both ultrasonography and radiography after the attempt for reduction of the dislocated joint. The examiners were blinded to the result of the other imaging modality. Results of the two methods were then compared. Results: Overall, 108 patients with confirmed anterior shoulder dislocation were enrolled in the study. Ninety-one (84.3%) of the patients were males. Mean age of the participants was (30.11 ± 11.41) years. The majority of the patients had a recurrent dislocation. Bedside ultrasonography showed a sensitivity of 53.8% (95% CI: 29.1%-76.8%) and a specificity of 100% (95% CI: 96.1%-100%) in detecting inadequate reductions. The results of ultrasonography had a statistically significant agreement with the results of radiography (Kappa = 0.672, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results suggest that the sensitivity of post-reduction ultrasound is not sufficient for it to serve as a substitute for radiography.

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a neurological urgency with a high mortality and unfavorable prognosis. Fast removal of intraventricular blood should be considered as a priority. The current treatments of IVH mainly focus on external ventricular drain and endoscopic aspiration, but neither way can remove the blood in the fourth ventricle easily and relieve the compression of brainstem. Here we report a unique procedure to solve this problem. A 41-year-old male patient who had suffered sudden attack of headache and disturbance of consciousness for 2 h was diagnosed as having high density lesion in the whole ventricular system by computed tomographic (CT) imaging. An emergent bilateral ventriculopuncture and intraventricular hematoma removal under non-line-of-sight was performed immediately; the catheter was extended to the fourth ventricle to maximally remove the hematoma. Postoperative CT scan demonstrated total removal of IVH and no sign of extra brain damage.

Patients in traffic accidents are usually presented with pain and bleeding due to fractures or soft tissue injury. On some occasions, more severe complications may be triggered by the trauma. A review of the published English language literature reveals no survival case once the traumatic mediastinal hematoma is ruptured. In our case, a 54-year-old man suffering motorcycle accident was admitted to emergency department. Computed tomography scan revealed subdural hematoma combined with posterior mediastinal hematoma. The patient was saved and discharged with a satisfactory outcome. Here we hope to share our treatment experience in dealing with the patient with severe multiple trauma.

Pelvic fractures carry a considerable risk for morbidity and mortality. Half or more of the early deaths in these patients have been attributed directly to haemorrhage. The transfusional requirements are four times higher for open pelvic fractures compared with a similar group of closed pelvic fractures. The loss of the tamponade effect by disruption of the pelvic soft tissues and the energy imparted play a central role in this potentially life threatening situation. We reported a case of open pelvic fracture in which persistent haemorrhage was stopped by giving recombinant activated coagulation factor VIIa as our last resort.

A 33 years old female patient presented with posttraumatic pain in the right foot for which radiographs of the right foot was advised. No fracture was detected on radiographs and patient was managed conservatively on medications and posterior splint immobilization. We found coincidentally a short fourth metatarsal and an accessory navicular bone in the right foot radiographs. After 3 weeks of immobilization, she underwent mobilization of the right foot, weight bearing and intensive physiotherapy for 6 weeks. After two months of injury she was still complaining of pain on the plantar aspect of right foot which was diagnosed as metatarsalgia and operated on by excision of the neuroma present in the 3rd web space of the right foot. After surgery she was completely relieved of pain and could do activities well related to the right foot.

Musculoskeletal injuries following seizures have a high morbidity and mortality. These injuries are often missed and the diagnosis is delayed due to a lack of clinical suspicion and appropriate investigations. We report a case of 72 years old male with simultaneous bilateral central acetabular fracture dislocation and bilateral posterior shoulder fracture dislocation secondary to an epileptic seizure. Present study highlights the significance of clinical suspicion and clinico-radiological evaluation for diagnosis of a rare injury following episode of seizures. Simultaneous fracture dislocation of all four limbs treated with a holistic approach can lead to a good functional recovery. Surgical management with open reduction and internal fixation is preferred and replacement arthroplasty should be reserved for cases with implant failure and elderly patients.