Extramedullary hematopoiesis is a normal compensatory reaction that can affect the epidural space, leading to spinal cord compression syndrome. MRI is the imaging method of choice for diagnosis and monitoring. Treatment is still controversial.

We read with interest the published manuscript by Konsta et al¹ assessing the prevalence of hip involvement in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and its associated factors. Hip involvement was found in 38% of cases, and it was associated with the presence of syndesmophytes and peripheral arthritis.

Background/Objectives: Chronic low back pain (LBP) remains a leading cause of disability and healthcare utilization globally, with complex, multifactorial pathophysiology. Despite advances in imaging, diagnosis often remains challenging due to poor correlation between structural findings and clinical symptoms. Recent evidence suggests inflammatory mechanisms may underlie persistent pain. This study investigated whether systemic inflammatory cytokines are altered in military personnel with chronic LBP and examined their relationships with clinical manifestations, psychological factors, and radiological findings. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 50 patients with chronic non-specific LBP (duration ≥ 3 months) and 50 age-, sex-, and BMI-matched healthy controls. All patients underwent a comprehensive clinical assessment, which included evaluation of pain intensity (VAS), neuropathic pain screening (DN4), psychological assessment (HADS), fibromyalgia screening (FIRST), and assessment of functional disability (Oswestry Disability Index and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, EIFEL). Serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10 were measured using chemiluminescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. Radiological findings were documented through MRI and CT imaging of the lumbar spine. Results: Serum IL-8 levels were significantly elevated in patients with chronic LBP compared to healthy controls (8.52 ± 6.7 vs. 4.8 ± 0.56 pg/mL, p < 0.001). Weak positive correlations were observed between IL-8 levels and anxiety scores (r = 0.3, p = 0.02) and functional disability, as measured by the EIFEL questionnaire (r = 0.3, p = 0.04); however, these associations did not remain significant after Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. Similarly, IL-6 showed a weak positive correlation with BMI (r = 0.21, p = 0.03) and a weak negative correlation with lumbar mobility, as assessed by Schober’s test (r = −0.38, p = 0.03), which also did not survive correction for multiple comparisons. Conclusions: This study identified serum IL-8 as a potential biomarker for chronic LBP. While we observed associations between specific inflammatory markers and psychological distress and functional disability, these correlations were weak and did not remain significant after correction for multiple testing. These preliminary findings suggest possible connections between inflammation and the psychophysiological aspects of chronic LBP that warrant further investigation in larger cohorts.

Introduction: Parsonage-Turner Syndrome is an uncommon cause of shoulder pain Case Representation: Herein, we present the case of a male in his 40s, who was presented with a 3-month history of acute onset of intense shoulder pain, which decreased rapidly leaving behind a residual upper limb weakness. The diagnosis of Parsonage-Turner Syndrome following COVID-19 vaccination was made based on electroneuromyography and magnetic resonance imaging findings. The patient responded well to analgesics and rehabilitation. Conclusion: A better knowledge of this disease and early recognition are crucial to prevent unnecessary tests and interventions.

Introduction and importance: Textiloma refers to a mass lesion caused by the iatrogenic retention of surgical gauze. Although well described in abdominal and thoracic surgery, its occurrence following musculoskeletal interventions remains rare and underreported. Case presentation: We report the case of a sexagenarian man presenting with swelling of the left thigh, associated with pain. His medical history was notable for a left femoral neck fracture treated 12 years earlier with locked intramedullary nailing. While hematological and biochemical tests showed no abnormalities, plain radiography and MRI suggested either chronic osteomyelitis with fistulization or a tumor, particularly a sarcoma. Given the diagnostic uncertainty, the therapeutic decision was to perform excision of the collection with debridement and lavage, followed by postoperative antibiotic therapy. The bacteriological analysis returned negative, while the pathological examination revealed a foreign body (gauze) that polarized under polarized light. These findings were consistent with a textiloma. The postoperative course was favorable, with good clinical and biological recovery and no subsequent complications. Clinical discussion: Textiloma is an iatrogenic retained surgical material that can trigger either an early exudative reaction or a delayed response mimicking tumors. Reported cases of thigh textilomas show variable latency periods and often present as masses with misleading imaging findings. Although rare, they may cause diagnostic confusion, recurrence, or even raise concerns about malignant transformation, highlighting the need for preventive measures and awareness. Conclusion: Textiloma should systematically be considered in the differential diagnosis of any postoperative mass. Increased awareness of this entity is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and prevent avoidable morbidity.