Spinal Metastases in Non-Seminomatous Germ Cell Testicular Tumors: Prognosis and Integrated Therapeutic Approaches-A Systematic Review with an Institutional Case Illustration.

(1) Background: Testicular cancer, although accounting for only 0.5% to 1% of all solid male cancers, is the most common malignancy in males aged 15 to 35 years. Non-seminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT) represent nearly half of all testicular germ cell tumors and are associated with a more aggressive clinical course.

A case of lumbar sciatica in a patient with spondylolysis and spondylolysthesis and underlying misdiagnosed brucellar discitis.

We report the case of a patient affected by vertebral pain refractory to conventional analgesic therapy with a diagnosis of spondylolysthesis and also the affects of a misdiagnosed brucellar spondylodiscitis. The absence of a positive response to conventional analgesics, a suggestive medical history (epidemiologic data still show a high incidence of Brucella infections for the Province of Catania), radiological findings and microbiological tests led to the correct diagnosis of algic syndrome in a patient affected by brucellar spondylodiscitis with the concomitant presence of retroperitoneal muscular abscess, and a previously diagnosed spondylolysthesis. All symptoms improved after correct antibrucellar antibiotic therapy and surgical drainage of the retroperitoneal abscess.

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture pain (back pain): our experience with balloon kyphoplasty.

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of antalgic and functional results after interdisciplinary approach and treatment of vertebral compression fractures (VCF) with percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty (KP) by the pain medicine specialist.

Methods: Between April and December 2004, after informed consent, 13 patients have been treated for a total amount of 15 KP. For L5 - T11 level spinal anesthesia was performed, above T11 local infiltration was used.