Study DesignAnalysis of morphometric data obtained from direct measurements of 100 cadaveric thoracic spines in Indian population.PurposeTo collect a base line morphometric data and analyze it in reference to the musculoskeletal anatomy and biomechanics of the spine; implants and instrumentations; and to suggest the requisite modification in spinal surgery instrumentations.Overview of LiteratureMost of the previous studies in the world literature have focused primarily on the parameters of the pedicle and to the authors' knowledge; no study has been published from the Indian subcontinent reporting a detailed morphometry of the thoracic spine.MethodsOne thousand and two hundred thoracic vertebrae were studied by direct measurements for linear and angular dimensions of the vertebral body, spinal canal, pedicle, and spinous and transverse processes in 100 human cadavers.ResultsThirty-five point five percent of all the pedicles; 71% of T5 pedicles; 54.6% of all the female pedicles; and 94.4% of the T5 pedicles in females were smaller than 5 mm in mid-pedicle width dimension. Transverse pedicle angle was more at all levels and pedicles were sagittaly angulated in cephalad direction in comparison to other studies. Minimum value of interpedicular distance was at T5 (15.48 ± 1.24). Vertebral body width showed slight decrease from T1 to T4. The transverse process length was relatively constant between T2 to T10. The spinous process angle showed increasing trend from T1 to T6 and then gradually decreased to T12.ConclusionsMost of the trends in changes of the parameters from T1 to T12 can be explained on the basis of local musculoskeletal anatomy and biomechanical stresses. The smallest diameter screw and shortest available screw for adults may not be safe in majority of the Indian population in mid-thoracic region. The results of the present study can help in designing implants and instrumentations; understanding spine pathologies; and management of spinal disorders in this part of the world.

Postoperative retained surgical sponges or other foreign bodies are usually underreported. Radio-opaque materials are usually detected on follow-up radiological investigations, but radiolucent materials such as sponges create diagnostic problems and clinically mimic various abdominal pathologies. Introduction of spiral computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and dedicated ultrasonography has enabled clinicians to find these foreign bodies at the earliest opportunity to avoid disastrous complications. Spontaneous transmural migration and expulsion per rectum of more than one sponge without sequelae is also possible. We report one such interesting case.

Less than 10% of the patients with plasma cell neoplasms present with a solitary plasmacytoma. Though the nasal cavity is a common extramedullary site, the occurrence is extremely rare. Two cases of solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma of the sinonasal region are reported. The first of which is sinonasal plasmacytoma with concomitant HIV, an association that has been reported rarely in literature to date and is matter of much debate. In the second case report, we present an instance of surgical excision of the tumor using KTP 532 laser. The diagnosis was established using immunohistochemical techniques and multiple myeloma workups were negative in all cases.

Orthopedic surgeons should be alert to this morbid condition and this disease should be suspected in cystic lesions affecting any organ of the body in pathological fractures with non-union, especially in endemic areas of the world. Early diagnosis helps in eradication and salvage of the bone; misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis are always fraught with the danger of amputation, recurrence, and sepsis.

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Objective The prognosis of patients with malignant external otitis (MEO) depends on the extent of the inflammatory changes in the temporal bone and skull base. The efficacy of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) imaging in accurately assessing the extent of disease is compared with that of single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) scan. Study Design A clinical chart review was conducted with medical records and radiologic images. Setting Tertiary care medical college hospital. Subjects and Methods This study involved patients with clinically diagnosed MEO who underwent both modalities of imaging of the skull base. Staging of the disease extent was compared between the imaging systems among patients. Symptom control and survival rates were analyzed with respect to the SPECT/CT staging of MEO. Results Out of 28 patients included in this study, 72% had SPECT/CT scans showing higher staging than the HRCT imaging. Four patients had mild uptake (stage 1), and 15 had disease confined to the mastoid/temporal bone, not reaching midline (stage 2). All patients in stages 1 and 2 were surviving with good symptom control. Five patients with petrous involvement reaching midline (stage 3) had persistent symptoms, and all 4 cases with SPECT/CT showing sphenoid involvement and crossing midline (stage 4) died within a year of diagnosis. Conclusions SPECT/CT scan is more sensitive than HRCT imaging in detecting the extent of disease and is a better prognosticator for patients with MEO.

Leiomyoma of nasal cavity is an extremely rare and unusual benign mass that uncommonly arises from the nasal septum. These are vascular or nonvascular masses of myogenic origin. We present a rare case of leiomyoma arising from the nasal septum and discuss its management using KTP 532 laser.

A thorough knowledge of anatomical and radiological characteristics of the spine and their variations is essential for the clinicians. Data collected in the present study provides baseline normative values in Indian population and will help in guiding safe and effective completion of both surgical and anaesthetic procedures in the thoracic spine. Computer software aided morphometric data can help in selecting appropriate size and optimal placement of the implant with minimal procedural difficulties and complications during spine surgery.