Pritish Singh

Diagnosis of human sarcocystis infection from biopsies of the skeletal muscle

&NA; Sarcocystis is an uncommon parasitic infection. We report four cases that presented with lumps, pain in the limbs or a discharging sinus of unknown etiology. Microscopic examination of the excised tissue in all cases showed characteristic cysts of the sarcocystis parasite. A discussion of the identification and recognition of this uncommon infection from muscle biopsies is given.

Intramedullary spinal epidermoid cyst of the cervicodorsal region: A rare entity.

Intramedullary spinal epidermoid cysts are rare, with only few cases having been reported in the literature. We are reporting a case of a 10-year-old female child who presented with symptoms of meningitis with progressive paraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine revealed an intramedullary epidermoid cyst from C6 to D5. Near-total excision of the tumor was performed. Histopathological report confirmed the diagnosis of epidermoid cyst. The patient showed progressive recovery.

An Unsuspected Pharmacological Vitamin D Toxicity in a Child and its Brief Review of Literature.

Inordinate administration of Vitamin D beyond required doses and duration occurs as a sporadic event among frequent empirical therapies of pharmacological Vitamin D. Such instances lead to Vitamin D intoxication. Systemic hypertension is an unsuspected after-effect of Vitamin D toxicity in a child unlike other toxicity effects such as hypercalcemia, neurological deterioration, etc., Here, we report a case of a 1-year-old child who developed acute hypertension and severe hypercalcemia due to Vitamin D toxicity which was masked by initial dehydration such as illness and brief review of literature about clinical entity.

Comparative Analysis of Interbody Cages Versus Tricortical Graft with Anterior Plate Fixation for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion in Degenerative Cervical Disc Disease

INTRODUCTION Multiple techniques and modalities of fixation are used in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and interbody Fusion (ACDF), each with some merit and demerit against others. Such pool of techniques reflects lack of a consensus method conducive to uniformly good results. AIM A prospective study was done to analyse safety and efficacy of tricortical autograft and anterior cervical plate (Group A) with cylindrical titanium cage filled with cancellous bone (Group B) in procedure of ACDF for single level degenerative cervical disc disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty patients with degenerative cervical disc disease were included in study for ACDF. After a computer generated randomisation, ten patients (10 segments) were operated with anterior locking plating and tricortical iliac crest graft (Group A, Tricortical graft group), while ten patients(10 segments) were operated with standalone cylindrical titanium cages filled with cancellous bone harvested using minimally invasive methods (Group B, Cage group) from April 2012 to May 2015. Odomss criteria, visual pain analogue score and sequential plain radiographs were obtained to assess for clinic-radiological outcome. RESULTS According to Odoms system of functional assessment, 9 patients from each group (90%) experienced good to excellent functional recovery and 9 of 10 (90%) patients of each groups were satisfied with outcome. In both groups, relief in neck pain or arm pain was similar without any statistical difference as assessed by visual analogue score. Fusion was present in 10 of 10 (100%) patients in tricortical graft group and 10 of 10 (100%) in cage group at the end of 6 months. There was no implant related complications in cage group. Transient postoperative dysphagia was recorded in 3 patients (2 in Group A and 1 in group B), which resolved within 3 days. In tricortical graft group, graft collapse and partial extrusion was detected in one patient, which did not correspond with good results obtained in particular patient. CONCLUSION Use of cylindrical titanium cage packed with cancellous bone graft provide adequate stability and reliable functional outcome after fusion in cervical disc disease. Titanium cages for fusion after cervical discectomy constitute a safe and equally efficient alternative to tricortical autograft with anterior cervical plate by providing adequate stability and cessation of rediculopathy symptoms.

Nonpathological Lesser Trochanter Fracture in Adult: Case Report and Brief Review of Literature.

Lesser trochanter fractures are rare in adult bones. Few cases have been reported in the literature. When fracture of lesser trochanter is met in patients with closed growth plates, it is likely to be precursor of a silent neoplastic process. A case of lesser trochanter fracture in middle aged female with traumatic aetiology is presented here, which came out to be non-pathological despite high degree of suspicion for contrary. Patient responded positively to conservative line of treatment. Correct evaluation and anticipation of further complication take precedence in case rather than rarity.

Approach to Total Knee Replacement: A Randomized Double Blind Study between Medial Parapatellar and Midvastus Approach in the Early Postoperative Period in Asian Population

&NA; The purpose of this randomized study was to compare clinical and surgical outcomes of total knee replacements (TKRs) in the early postoperative period using midvastus approach versus medial parapatellar approach in Asian population in a double blind manner. Forty‐two knees each were operated using midvastus approach and the medial parapatellar approach. Clinical parameters that were evaluated included Knee Society score (KSS); knee pain using visual analogue scale (VAS) on day 1, 1 week, and 1 month; time required to straight leg raise (SLR); patellar tracking; mean extensor lag at 1 week and 1 month; and time of discharge from the hospital. Surgical parameters that were evaluated included tourniquet time, incidence of lateral retinacular release, estimated blood loss, and any complications during the surgery. KSS at 1 week and 1 month postoperatively were significantly higher in the midvastus group as compared with medial parapatellar group; though similar at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. The patients in midvastus group required fewer number of lateral retinacular releases; achieved SLR earlier; had less mean extensor lag at 1 week; had less mean VAS score at day 1, 1 week, and 1 month; and had shorter hospital stay. There was no significant difference in the mean tourniquet time and estimated blood loss. One patient had patellar maltracking in the medial parapatellar group as compared with none in midvastus group. Midvastus approach to TKR results in quicker functional recovery with early discharge and rehabilitation in the Asian population as compared with medial parapatellar approach.

Scarf-related injuries at a major trauma center in northern India

Purpose Scarf is a long loose piece of cloth worn around the neck and shoulder. Despite cultural association of this apparel, it is part of numerous injury episodes of varying enormity. Entanglement of loose scarf in spoke wheels of bike, tricycle, belt driven machines like sugarcane juice machine, thresher, grinding machines, etc is observed both in social and industrial milieu. This study aims to investigate the scarf-related injuries at a major trauma center in northern India. Methods From June 2013 to May 2015, a hospital-based prospective observational study was done in patients who presented to a level 1 trauma center in northern India with the mode of injury involving scarf around the neck. Demographic profile, mode of trauma, contributing factors, injury pattern, and the early management as well as early complications were recorded. Results There were 76 injuries directly related from scarf with the mean age of patients being 32.4 years. The most common primary factor involved was rotating wheel of motorbike/tricycle (46.1%), followed by belt driven machines (28.9%). The spectrum of injuries was diverse, including minor abrasions or lacerations (53.9%), large lacerations (15.8%), fractures and spine trauma (18.4%), mangled extremity and amputations (7.9%) and death (3.9%). More severe injury patterns were noted with belt driven machines. Conclusion Scarf-related injuries constitute a sizable proportion of trauma, with varying degrees of severity. Devastating consequences in significant proportion of cases dictate the call for a prevention plan comprising both educational and legislative measures. Urgent preventive measures targeting scarf-related injuries will help reduce mortality and morbidity.

Bilateral congenital diaphragmatic hernia: An unsuspecting neonatal emergency

Bilateral congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a major birth defect with poor prognosis. It is an unsuspecting neonatal emergency which poses formidable challenges in initial resuscitation and further management. We describe a case of bilateral congenital diaphragmatic hernia with severe respiratory distress with brief highlights of its management and difficulties encountered.