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 […]
Spine
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 […]
Injections for Back Pain
Injections for back pain refer to the injections which are given in the back to control the back pain not responding to conservative treatment. Low back pain is a major problem. Most of the cases of low back pain can be treated by rest, medication and exercises. Injections are part of the non-surgical method of […]
Cauda Equina Syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome refers to a characteristic pattern of neuromuscular and urogenital symptoms resulting from the compression of multiple lumbosacral nerves in cauda equine [see below]. The spinal cord ends at L1- L2 level. It tapers before ending. The most distal bulbous part of the spinal cord is called the conus medullaris, and its tapering […]
Spinal Cord Injury Presentation and Treatment
Spinal cord injury is a term used for the spectrum of insults to the spinal cord which results in either temporary or permanent loss of function of the affected area of the cord. Spinal cord works to relay motor and sensory signals to the peripheral organs. Therefore the function affected are sensation, proprioception, the activity […]