Transdermal micropolarization of the spinal cord was performed in patients suffering sequelae of spinal cord trauma and tuberculous spondylitis. Changes in clinical and electrophysiological status were monitored. These studies demonstrated that the use of local direct currents passed via skin electrodes promoted improvements in motor and autonomic functions in these patients, leading to positive changes in measures of the functional state of the spinal cord and heart activity. The possible mechanisms of the action of direct currents acting on the spinal cord are discussed, along with the potential for applying micropolarization in the treatment of spinal cord lesions.

Background. Unlike parameters of phrenic nerve conduction in healthy adults characterized by stability, in children variations with age are observed. The objective is to investigate the M-wave latency and amplitude in electroneurographic (ENG) examination of the phrenic nerve in healthy children of different ages for development of a normative database of neurophysiological data.Materials and methods. 48 healthy children (28 girls and 20 boys) were examined. Mean age was 9.19 ± 5.43 years (1–18 years). ENG examination of the phrenic nerve was performed with the modified standard procedure of stimulation at the level of the outer margin of the lower third of the sternocleidomastoid muscle with registration of M-wave from standard diaphragm point and parallel registration of the muscle activity from m.deltoideus and m.serratus anterior.Results. Mean values of the M-response latency were 5.64 ± 1.25 ms, amplitude – 0.66 ± 0.34 mV. For age-differentiated subgroups 1–2 years (n = 7), 3–5 years (n = 9), 6–12 years (n = 15), and 13–18 years (n = 17), the latency was 4.96 ± 1.94; 5.01 ± 1.13; 5.42 ± 0.84, and 6.44 ± 1.43 ms, respectively; the amplitude was 1.01 ± 0.37; 0.87 ± 0.31; 0.61 ± 0.24, and 0.45 ± 0.21 mV, respectively. The M-response amplitude values in children aged 1–2 years significantly differed from the values in children aged 6–12 and 13–18 years.Conclusion. ENG examination of the phrenic nerve is a technically uncomplicated procedure, and the obtained data is easy to interpret. During phrenic nerve ENG in children, it is necessary to take age variability of the M-wave latency and amplitude into account. The M-wave amplitude in healthy toddlers (1–2 years old) was significantly lower than in children aged 6–18 years.

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PParry–Romberg syndrome, also known as progressive hemifacial atrophy, is a rare clinical entity of unknown origin with atrophy of skin and subcutaneous fat changes. A classic case of Parry–Romberg syndrome in a woman age 43 is presented. Initial facial changes appeared at the age of 20 years amid complete well-being and in the next 21 years a subcutaneous fat atrophy of the left half face developed, resulting in characteristic deformity changes. No other complaints and manifestations of the disease (epileptic seizures, headache, involvement of the other half of the face and/or extremities) were present at the timeof survey. The analysis of blink reflex, galvanic skin reflex, needle electromyography of the m. orbicularis oris from two sides, computed tomography of the skull bones revealed no pathological changes. The face infrared thermography confirmed asymmetric reduction of temperature on the ipsilateral side. Magnetic resonance scan showed hypotrophy of the left masticatory muscle, the left submandibular salivary gland, thinning of subcutaneous fat layer, changes in the white matter of the brain. Despite the typical clinical features the Parry - Romberg syndrome is a diagnostic challenge known and it is necessary to inform doctors about the latest achievements in the study of etiology, management and prognosis of the disorder.

Schwartz–Jampel syndrome (chondrodystrophic myotonia) is a monogenic genetic disorder, demonstrating unique coincidence of the features of skeletal dysplasia and neuromuscular disease. We present four clinical cases of Schwartz–Jampel syndrome. Principles of diagnostic and results of surgical treatment of the lower limbs deformities are discussed. Importance of this study comprises unique description of rare cases. Surgical treatment for orthopaedic conditions is important and can lead to functional improvement, prevent progression of deformities and enhance daily activity.