The proinflammatory mediator (PIM) levels were assessed in surgically removed samples of herniated cervical intervertebral discs. The objective of this study was to investigate if there is a correlation between the levels of PIMs in disc material and myelopathy associated with cervical intervertebral disc herniation and spondylosis. The role of proinflammatory mediators in the degeneration of intervertebral disc and the inflammatory effects of disc herniations on radicular pain has been previously published. However, the possible relationship between PIMs and myelopathy related to cervical disc herniation and spondylosis has not been investigated before. Thirtytwo patients undergoing surgery for cervical disc herniation and spondylosis were investigated. Surgically obtained disc materials, stored at 70°C, were classified into two groups: cervical disc herniation alone or with myelopathy. Biochemical preparation and solid phase enzyme amplified sensitivity immunoassay (ELISIA) analysis of the samples were performed to assess the concentration of mediators in the samples. Very similar values of interleukin-6 were found in both groups whereas the concentrations of mediators were significantly higher in myelopathy group. This study has demonstrated that PIMs are involved in cervical intervertebral disc degeneration with higher concentrations in the samples associated with myelopathy.

Schwannomas are of common tumors of the nerve sheath cells. They present as well-circumscribed masses attached to the peripheral nerves, cranial nerves, or spinal nerve roots. Intraosseous localization of these tumors is rare. The presented case is a 55-year-old female patient, the very first case of intraosseous schwannoma of Th12 vertebra without spinal canal involvement. She was admitted with a progressive back pain and seldom pain and numbness in the right leg for 1 year. Preoperative findings on computed tomography and magnetic resonance images of the lesion resembled that of any primary tumor of the bone. The patient was operated on via posterior approach and the tumor was removed totally. Histopathological examinations revealed schwannoma. Our case emphasizes the heterogeneous presentation of the nerve sheath cell tumors in the differential diagnosis of the primary vertebral column tumors.

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The anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome (ATTS) has first been described by Kopell and Thompson in 1963. The anterior tarsal tunnel is formed by the fascia lining the inferior extensor retinaculum and talus as well as the navicular bone. Many ATTS cases with various etiologies have been reported since the first description. We report here an ATSS case resulting from a fibro-osseous structure that occurred after a missed talus fracture. The ATTS diagnosis can be made with a comprehensive clinical neurological examination and electrophysiological study. The treatment is based on the underlying etiology, while surgery is the most common treatment providing successful outcomes in the long term.

Brucellosis is a multisystem disease that may present with a large spectrum of clinical manifestations. Only five cases of intracranial aneurysm formation and/or subarachnoidal hemorrhage associated with brucellosis have been reported. In this paper, we take the opportunity to review these reports and present a new case of basilar artery aneurysm and subarachnoidal hemorrhage due to brucellosis.