Pyogenic infection of the spine is rare, constituting only about 2-8% of overall pyogenic infection. The spectrum of pyogenic infections includes spondylitis, discitis, spondylodiscitis, pyogenic facet arthropathy, epidural infections, meningitis, and myelitis. The incidence of spinal infections has increased recently due to globalization, improved life expectancy, comorbidities like diabetes, overuse of antibiotics, immunosuppression and other immunocompromised […]
Spine
Segmental Instability of Lumbar Spine
Segmental instability of lumbar spine is one of the important causes of back pain. When the forces within physiological limits are applied to the spine, the movements occur within the specific physiological range, with small person-to-person variations. During spinal movements, the adjacent vertebrae maintain their relationship with each other due to the configuration, orientation and […]
Spinal Dysraphism Types, Presentation and Treatment
Spinal dysraphism is a group of anomalies where there are malformations in the dorsum of the embryo. There is often an abnormal fusion of the midline embryonic neural, vertebral and mesenchymal structures. The estimated incidence of spinal dysraphism is about 1–3 per 1000 live births. The incidence of the spinal dysraphism is declining in the […]
Split Cord Malformation or Diastematomyelia
Split cord malformation is an uncommon congenital anomaly in which a segment of the spinal cord is divided into two parts by a fibrous or rigid bony spur. It was previously known as diastematomyelia (diastema = a cleft, myelos = cord). Split cord malformation can involve any part of the spinal column and sometimes involve […]
Radiofrequency Neurotomy – Indications and Procedure
A radiofrequency neurotomy is the use of radiofrequency energy mediated heat to ablate the nerve responsible for facet joint pain or sacroiliac joint pain caused by arthritis or other degenerative changes, or from an injury. Ablation if the nerve beaks the pain signals to the brain, thus eliminating pain. The term radiofrequency ablation is also […]
Incomplete Spinal Injury Patterns
An incomplete spinal injury is defined as spinal cord injury with some preserved motor or sensory function below the injury level. The spared function may be including Voluntary anal contraction (sacral sparing) Palpable or visible muscle contraction below the injury level Perianal sensation present It must be noted that the completeness of the lesion is the […]
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction Presentation and Treatment
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction refers to pain in the sacroiliac joint region that is caused by inflammation of the sacroiliac joint. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction causes low back which can radiate to leg also not dissimilar to lumbar radiculopathy. It is also sacroiliac joint disorder, sacroiliac joint disease, sacroiliac joint syndrome or sacroiliac syndrome, or sacroiliac instability. […]
Epidural Steroid Injection Procedure
Epidural steroid injection, as the name implies, is a technique of injecting a steroid into the epidural space for relieving pain in the neck, arm, back, and leg, caused by inflamed spinal nerves due to spinal stenosis or disc herniation. An epidural steroid injection typically includes both a corticosteroid like methyl-prednisolone, dexamethasone or other […]
Sacroiliac Joint Injection Indications and Procedure
A sacroiliac joint injection is also called a sacroiliac joint block. It is primarily used either to diagnose or treat low back pain and/or sciatica symptoms associated with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Relevant Anatomy The sacroiliac joint is an amphiarthrodial joint, formed between the auricular surfaces of the sacrum and the ilium. Interosseous ligament, the anterior […]
Facet Joint Injection- Indications and Complications
Facet joint injection is given to diagnose and treat pain originating from facet joint of spine. Facet joint are small but important joints between superior and inferior articular processes. These joints provide stability and help guide motion. These joints can become painful and cause pain in the back following arthritis of the spine, a back […]