bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are existing outcome instruments suitable for assessment of spinal trauma patients?
Authors: Stadhouder Agnita , Buckens Constantinus F. M. , Holtslag Herman R. , Öner F. Cumhur
Published: November 2010

Object

Valid outcome assessment tools specific for spinal trauma patients are necessary to establish the efficacy of different treatment options. So far, no validated specific outcome measures are available for this patient population. The purpose of this study was to assess the current state of outcome measurement in spinal trauma patients and to address the question of whether this group is adequately served by current disease-specific and generic health-related quality-of-life instruments.

Methods

A number of widely used outcome measures deemed most appropriate were reviewed, and their applicability to spinal trauma outcome discussed. An overview of recent movements in the theoretical foundations of outcome assessment, as it pertains to spinal trauma patients has been attempted, along with a discussion of domains important for spinal trauma.

Commonly used outcome measures that are recommended for use in trauma patients were reviewed from the perspective of spinal trauma. The authors further sought to select a number of spine trauma–relevant domains from the WHO's comprehensive International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a benchmark for assessing the content coverage of the commonly used outcome measurements reviewed.

Results

The study showed that there are no psychometrically validated outcome measurements for the spinal trauma population and there are no commonly used outcome measures that provide adequate content coverage for spinal trauma domains.

Conclusions

Spinal trauma patients are currently followed either as a subset of the polytrauma population in the acute and early postacute setting or as a subset of neurological injury in the long-term revalidation medicine setting.
Preliminary proposal for surgical classification of sacral tumors
Authors: Zhang Zhiyu , Hua Yingqi , Li Guodong , Sun Wei , Hu Shuo , Li Jian , Cai Zhengdong
Published: November 2010

Object

The authors propose a new surgical classification method for sacral tumors that improves the guidance for specific surgical decisions and approaches.

Methods

The authors retrospectively studied the clinical courses of 92 patients with sacral tumors treated at the Changhai Hospital; all patients underwent tumor resection between January 2000 and August 2005. The clinical characteristics, imaging features, and pathological classifications were carefully assessed in each case. The tumors were classified according to the imaging features and intraoperative findings. The surgical approach and the resection area were determined according to the tumor classification.

Results

The proposed surgical classification system divided the sacral tumors into 2 major types according to the lesion's anatomical position in the sagittal plane. The tumors were further divided into 4 subtypes according to the length of the tumor's anterior protrusion into the pelvic cavity. Finally, each tumor subtype was classified into 16 areas according to the anatomical position in the cross-sectional plane. This classification method was used to categorize the sacral tumors, all of which were totally resected under the naked eye. Postoperatively symptoms were improved to varying degrees.

Conclusions

The appropriate classification of sacral tumors and the selection of a corresponding surgical approach can improve the rate of total resection and the surgical safety, as well as decrease the recurrence rate.
Morbidity and mortality in the surgical treatment of 10,242 adults with spondylolisthesis
Authors: Sansur Charles A. , Reames Davis L. , Smith Justin S. , Hamilton D. Kojo , Berven Sigurd H. , Broadstone Paul A. , Choma Theodore J. , Goytan Michael James , Noordeen Hilali H. , Knapp Dennis Raymond , Hart Robert A. , Zeller Reinhard D. , Donaldson William F. , Polly David W. , Perra Joseph H. , Boachie-Adjei Oheneba , Shaffrey Christopher I.
Published: November 2010

Object

This is a retrospective review of 10,242 adults with degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) and isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS) from the morbidity and mortality (M&M) index of the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS). This database was reviewed to assess complication incidence, and to identify factors that were associated with increased complication rates.

Methods

The SRS M&M database was queried to identify cases of DS and IS treated between 2004 and 2007. Complications were identified and analyzed based on age, surgical approach, spondylolisthesis type/grade, and history of previous surgery. Age was stratified into 2 categories: > 65 years and ≤ 65 years. Surgical approach was stratified into the following categories: decompression without fusion, anterior, anterior/posterior, posterior without instrumentation, posterior with instrumentation, and interbody fusion. Spondylolisthesis grades were divided into low-grade (Meyerding I and II) versus high-grade (Meyerding III, IV, and V) groups. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results

In the 10,242 cases of DS and IS reported, there were 945 complications (9.2%) in 813 patients (7.9%). The most common complications were dural tears, wound infections, implant complications, and neurological complications (range 0.7%–2.1%). The mortality rate was 0.1%. Diagnosis of DS had a significantly higher complication rate (8.5%) when compared with IS (6.6%; p = 0.002). High-grade spondylolisthesis correlated strongly with a higher complication rate (22.9% vs 8.3%, p < 0.0001). Age > 65 years was associated with a significantly higher complication rate (p = 0.02). History of previous surgery and surgical approach were not significantly associated with higher complication rates. On multivariate analysis, only the grade of spondylolisthesis (low vs high) was in the final best-fit model of factors associated with the occurrence of complications (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The rate of total complications for treatment of DS and IS in this series was 9.2%. The total percentage of patients with complications was 7.9%. On univariate analysis, the complication rate was significantly higher in patients with high-grade spondylolisthesis, a diagnosis of DS, and in older patients. Surgical approach and history of previous surgery were not significantly correlated with increased complication rates. On multivariate analysis, only the grade of spondylolisthesis was significantly associated with the occurrence of complications.
Feasibility of thoracic nerve root preservation in posterior transpedicular vertebrectomy with anterior column cage insertion: a cadaveric study
Authors: Nourbakhsh Ali , Chittiboina Prashant , Vannemreddy Prasad , Nanda Anil , Guthikonda Bharat
Published: November 2010

Object

Transpedicular thoracic vertebrectomy (TTV) is a safe alternative to the more standard transthoracic approach. A TTV is most commonly used to address vertebral body fractures due to tumor or trauma.

Transpedicular reconstruction of the anterior column with cage/bone traditionally requires unilateral thoracic nerve root sacrifice. In a cadaveric model, the authors evaluated the feasibility of transpedicular anterior column reconstruction without nerve root sacrifice. If feasible, this may be a reasonable approach that could be extended to the lumbar spine where nerve root sacrifice is not an option.

Methods

A TTV was performed in 8 fixed cadaveric specimens. In each specimen, an alternate vertebra (either odd or even) was removed so that single-level reconstruction could be evaluated. The vertebrectomy included facetectomy, adjacent discectomies, and laminectomy; however, the nerve roots were preserved. The authors then evaluated the feasibility of inserting a titanium mesh cage (Medtronic Sofamor Danek) without neural sacrifice.

Results

Transpedicular anterior cage reconstruction could be safely performed at all levels of the thoracic spine without nerve root sacrifice. The internerve root space varied from 18 mm at T2–3 to 27 mm at T11–12; thus, the size of the cage that was used also varied with level.

Conclusions

Cage reconstruction of the anterior column could be safely performed via the transpedicular approach without nerve root sacrifice in this cadaveric study. Removal of the proximal part of the rib in addition to a standard laminectomy with transpedicular vertebrectomy provided an excellent corridor for anterior cage reconstruction at all levels of the thoracic spine without nerve root sacrifice.
Vertebroplasty-augmented short-segment posterior fixation of osteoporotic vertebral collapse with neurological deficit in the thoracolumbar spine: comparisons with posterior surgery without vertebroplasty and anterior surgery
Authors: Uchida Kenzo , Nakajima Hideaki , Yayama Takafumi , Miyazaki Tsuyoshi , Hirai Takayuki , Kobayashi Shigeru , Chen Kebing , Guerrero Alexander Rodriguez , Baba Hisatoshi
Published: November 2010

Object

The surgical approach and treatment of thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral collapse with neurological deficit have not been documented in detail. Anterior surgery provides good decompression and solid fusion, but the surgery-related risk is relatively higher than that associated with the posterior approach. In posterior surgery, the major problem after posterior correction and instrumentation is failure to support the anterior spinal column, leading to loss of correction of kyphosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of reinforcing short-segment posterior fixation with vertebroplasty and to compare the outcome with those of posterior surgery without vertebroplasty and anterior surgery, retrospectively.

Methods

The authors studied 83 patients who underwent surgical treatment for a single thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral collapse with neurological deficit. Twenty-eight patients treated by posterior surgery combined with vertebroplasty (Group A), 25 patients treated by posterior surgery without vertebroplasty (Group B), and 30 patients treated by anterior surgery (Group C) were followed up for a mean postoperative period of 4.4 years. Neurological outcome, visual analog scale pain score, and radiographic results were compared in the 3 groups.

Results

Postoperative (4–6 weeks) and follow-up neurological outcome and visual analog scale scores were not significantly different among the 3 groups. Postoperative kyphotic angle was significantly reduced in Group B compared with Group C (p = 0.007), whereas the kyphotic angle was not significantly different among the 3 groups at follow-up. The mean ± SD loss of correction at follow-up was 4.6° ± 4.5°, 8.6° ± 6.2°, and 4.5° ± 5.9° in Groups A, B, and C, respectively. The correction loss at follow-up in Group B was significantly higher compared with Groups A and C (p = 0.0171 and p = 0.0180, respectively).

Conclusions

The results suggest that additional reinforcement with vertebroplasty reduces the kyphotic loss and instrumentation failure, compared with patients without the reinforcement of vertebroplasty. Vertebroplasty-augmented short-segment fixation seems to offer immediate spinal stability in patients with thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral collapse; the effect seems equivalent to that of anterior reconstruction.
What happens to Modic changes following lumbar discectomy? Analysis of a cohort of 41 patients with a 3- to 5-year follow-up period
Authors: Rahme Ralph , Moussa Ronald , Bou-Nassif Rabih , Maarrawi Joseph , Rizk Tony , Nohra Georges , Samaha Elie , Okais Nabil
Published: November 2010

Object

The natural history of Modic changes (MCs) in the lumbar spine is often marked by conversion from one type to another, but their course following lumbar discectomy remains unknown. The authors sought to study the impact of surgery on the natural history of these lesions.

Methods

Forty-one patients treated with lumbar microdiscectomy between 2004 and 2005 were enrolled in this study and underwent clinical evaluation and repeat MR imaging after a median follow-up of 41 months (range 32–59 months). Preoperative and follow-up MR images were reviewed and the type, location, and extent of MCs at the operated level were recorded and compared.

Results

The study population consisted of 27 men and 14 women with a mean age of 54 years (range 24–78 years). During the follow-up period, the prevalence of MCs increased from 46.3% to 78%, and 26 patients (63.4%) had Type 2 lesions at the operated level. Of the 22 patients without MCs, 4 (18.2%) converted to Type 1 and 9 (40.9%) to Type 2. Of the 5 Type 1 lesions, 3 (60%) converted to Type 2, and 2 (40%) remained Type 1 but increased in size. In contrast, none of the 14 Type 2 changes converted to another type, although 10 (71.4%) increased in extent. There were no reverse conversions to Type 0.

Conclusions

Following lumbar discectomy, most patients develop Type 2 changes at the operated level, possibly as a result of accelerated degeneration in the operated disc. Neither the preoperative presence of MCs nor their postoperative course appears to affect the clinical outcome.
Biomechanical comparison of posterior cervicothoracic instrumentation techniques after one-level laminectomy and facetectomy
Authors: Eleraky Mohammed , Setzer Matthias , Baaj Ali A. , Papanastassiou Ioannis , Conrad Bryan P. , Vrionis Frank D.
Published: November 2010

Object

Posterior instrumentation is the preferred method of fixation in the unstable cervicothoracic junction (CTJ). Several posterior rod constructs of different diameters and configurations are available for instrumentation across the CTJ. The objective of this study was to compare the biomechanical stability of various posterior instrumentation techniques that cross the CTJ after a 2-column injury through the complete removal of the posterior elements at C-7.

Methods

Eight fresh-frozen human cadaveric spines (C3–T4) were used. After the intact spine analysis, each specimen was destabilized (C-7 laminectomy and bilateral facetectomies) and reconstructed as follows: Group 1, C5–T2 posterior instrumentation with a 3.5-mm rod; Group 2, C5–T2 posterior instrumentation with a transitional rod (3.5–5.5 mm); and Group 3, C5–T2 posterior instrumentation with a side-to-side rod connector (3.5–5.5 mm). All reconstructed groups were tested with posterior instrumentation using the Cervifix system (Synthes, Inc.). The authors hypothesized that Group 2 would be the most stable.

Results

Following laminectomy, facetectomy, and the application of instrumentation, there was a decrease in the range of motion in all treatment groups compared with the intact spine. This trend was observed in all 3 planes of motion, but was only significant on right/left lateral bending and flexion (for the transitional rod only). Although the instrumented spines were stiffer than the intact spine in right/left axial rotation, flexion, and extension, these differences did not reach statistical significance. Based on observations during testing, it was evident that in the implanted spines, most of the motion that did occur was localized at the segments adjacent to the instrumented levels.

Conclusions

Based on the results of this investigation, the biomechanical stability of the transitional rod, side-to-side connector (“wedding band”), and 3.5-mm rods appears to be similar.
Venous thromboembolism after spine surgery: changes of the fibrin monomer complex and D-dimer level during the perioperative period
Authors: Yoshioka Katsuhito , Kitajima Isao , Kabata Tamon , Tani Mineko , Kawahara Norio , Murakami Hideki , Demura Satoru , Tsubokawa Tsunehisa , Tomita Katsuro
Published: November 2010

Object

The goal of this study was to determine the incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) after spine surgery. Another purpose was to clarify the rapid changes of the fibrin monomer complex (FMC) and D-dimer levels during the perioperative period of spine surgery for early diagnosis of venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Methods

The participants were 72 patients who underwent spine surgery between September 2007 and March 2008. The FMC and D-dimer levels were measured 6 times: 1) at induction of general anesthesia; 2) just after implantation or during surgery; 3) immediately following surgery; 4) 1 day after surgery; 5) 3 days postsurgery; and 6) 7 days after surgery. All patients received mechanical prophylaxis, including compression stockings and intermittent pneumatic compression devices, and all were examined with duplex ultrasonography assessments of both lower extremities and with lung perfusion scintigraphy 7–10 days after surgery. If DVT or PE was suspected, the patient underwent multidetector CT venography.

Results

There were no patients with clinical signs of DVT and PE, but 6 (8.3%) showed VTE, among whom 5 had DVT and 3 had PE. Patients with VTE had significantly higher FMC levels 1 day after surgery, compared with those without VTE (55.9 ± 17.2 μg/ml vs 11.1 ± 2.89 μg/ml; p < 0.01). Patients with VTE had significantly higher D-dimer levels 7 days postsurgery, compared with those without VTE (12.5 ± 2.95 μg/ml vs 4.3 ± 0.39 μg/ml; p < 0.01). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the FMC result was more useful than the D-dimer assay for diagnosis of VTE. When the cutoff value was set to 20.8 μg/ml for FMC, sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 86.3%.

Conclusions

In this study the prevalence of VTE after spine surgery was 8.3%. The FMC measured 1 day after spine surgery is considered to be useful as an indicator of VTE.
Assessment of sexual dysfunction before and after surgery for lumbar disc herniation
Authors: Akbaş Naz B. , Dalbayrak Sedat , Külcü Duygu G. , Yılmaz Mesut , Yılmaz Tevfik , Naderi Sait
Published: November 2010

Object

Sexuality is an important aspect of human life. Sexual activity may be affected in lumbar disc herniation through different mechanisms. The aim of this study is to evaluate patients' sexual problems and sexual behavior patterns before and after surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniation.

Methods

Forty-three patients were included in the study (mean age 41.4 years). A visual analog scale, the Oswestry Disability Index, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and a sexuality assessment questionnaire developed for this study were administered to the patients to evaluate pain and sexual dysfunction.

Results

Fifty-five percent of the men and 84% of the women reported experiencing sexual problems after the onset of low-back pain. The most common sexual problems were decreased sexual desire (18%) and premature ejaculation together with erectile dysfunction (18%) for the male patients, and decreased sexual desire (47%) for the female patients. The frequency of sexual intercourse before the operation was reduced in 78% of cases compared with the pain-free period. Postoperatively, the patients first attempted sexual intercourse a mean of 26.5 days after surgery. The frequency of intercourse was found to have increased (p = 0.01), while description of any type of sexual problem had decreased (p = 0.005) significantly.

Conclusions

Lumbar disc herniation has negative effects on sexual life, and not enough attention is given to the patients' sexual problems by the physicians. Decreased sexual desire and decreased sexual intercourse are the most commonly reported problems. Taking time during examination and giving simple recommendations may improve sexuality and life quality of the patients.
Clinical accuracy of three-dimensional fluoroscopy-based computer-assisted cervical pedicle screw placement: a retrospective comparative study of conventional versus computer-assisted cervical pedicle screw placement
Authors: Ishikawa Yoshimoto , Kanemura Tokumi , Yoshida Go , Ito Zenya , Muramoto Akio , Ohno Shuichiro
Published: November 2010

Object

The authors performed a retrospective clinical study to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of cervical pedicle screw (CPS) placement using 3D fluoroscopy-based navigation (3D FN).

Methods

The study involved 62 consecutive patients undergoing posterior stabilization of the cervical spine between 2003 and 2008. Thirty patients (126 screws) were treated using conventional techniques (CVTs) with a lateral fluoroscopic view, whereas 32 patients (150 screws) were treated using 3D FN. Screw positions were classified into 4 grades based on the pedicle wall perforations observed on postoperative CT.

Results

The prevalence of perforations in the CVT group was 27% (34 screws): 92 (73.0%), 12 (9.5%), 6 (4.8%), and 16 (12.7%) for Grade 0 (no perforation), Grade 1 (perforation < 1 mm), Grade 2 (perforation ≥ 1 and < 2 mm), and Grade 3 (perforation ≥ 2 mm), respectively. In the 3D FN group, the prevalence of perforations was 18.7% (28 screws): 122 (81.3%), 17 (11.3%), 6 (4%), and 5 (3.3%) for Grades 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in the prevalence of Grade 1 or higher perforations between the CVT and 3D FN groups. A higher prevalence of malpositioned CPSs was seen in Grade 2 or higher (17.5% vs 7.3%, p < 0.05) in the 3D FN group and Grade 3 (12.7% vs 7.3%, p < 0.05) perforations in the CVT group. The ORs for CPS malpositioning in the CVT group were 2.72 (95% CI 1.16–6.39) in Grade 2 or higher perforations and 3.89 (95% CI 1.26–12.02) in Grade 3 perforations.

Conclusions

Three-dimensional fluoroscopy-based navigation can improve the accuracy of CPS insertion; however, severe CPS malpositioning that causes injury to the vertebral artery or neurological complications can occur even with 3D FN. Advanced techniques for the insertion of CPSs and the use of modified insertion devices can reduce the risk of a malpositioned CPS and provide increased safety.
Spine stability after implantation of an interspinous device: an in vitro and finite element biomechanical study
Authors: Anasetti Federica , Galbusera Fabio , Aziz Hadi N. , Bellini Chiara M. , Addis Alessandro , Villa Tomaso , Teli Marco , Lovi Alessio , Brayda-Bruno Marco
Published: November 2010

Object

Interspinous devices are widely used for the treatment of lumbar stenosis. The DIAM spinal stabilization system (Medtronic, Ltd.) is an interspinous implant made of silicone and secured in place with 2 laces. The device can be implanted via posterior access with the sacrifice of the supraspinous ligament (SSL) or via lateral access with preservation of the ligament. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the role of the laces, the SSL, and the device size and positioning to determine the device's ability in reducing segmental lordosis and in stabilizing motion.

Methods

Biomechanical tests were performed in flexion and extension on 8 porcine spines implanted with the DIAM either with or without the laces and the SSL. A finite element model of the human L4–5 spine segments was also created and used to test 2 sizes of the device implanted in 2 different positions in the anteroposterior direction.

Results

Implantation of the DIAM induced a shift toward kyphosis in the neutral position. Laces, the SSL, and device size and placement had a significant influence on the neutral position, the stiffness of the implanted spine, and the positions of the instantaneous centers of rotation.

Conclusions

The shift of the neutral position toward kyphosis may be beneficial in reducing symptoms of spinal stenosis such as radicular pain, sensation disturbance, and loss of strength in the legs. The authors recommend preservation of the SSL and the use of the fixation laces, given their relevant mechanical role. Choosing the proper device size and placement should be achieved by using a correct surgical technique.
Low rate of delayed deterioration requiring surgical treatment in patients transferred to a tertiary care center for mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Carlson Andrew P. , Ramirez Pedro , Kennedy George , McLean A. Robb , Murray-Krezan Cristina , Stippler Martina
Published: November 2010

Object

Patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) only rarely need neurosurgical intervention; however, there is a subset of patients whose condition will deteriorate. Given the high resource utilization required for interhospital transfer and the relative infrequency of the need for intervention, this study was undertaken to determine how often patients who were transferred required intervention and if there were factors that could predict that need.

Methods

The authors performed a retrospective review of cases involving patients who were transferred to the University of New Mexico Level 1 trauma center for evaluation of mTBI between January 2005 and December 2009. Information including demographic data, lesion type, need for neurosurgical intervention, and short-term outcome was recorded.

Results

During the 4-year study period, 292 patients (age range newborn to 92 years) were transferred for evaluation of mTBI. Of these 292 patients, 182 (62.3%) had an acute traumatic finding of some kind; 110 (60.4%) of these had a follow-up CT to evaluate progression, whereas 60 (33.0%) did not require a follow-up CT. In 15 cases (5.1% overall), the patients were taken immediately to the operating room (either before or after the first CT). Only 4 patients (1.5% overall) had either clinical or radiographic deterioration requiring delayed surgical intervention after the second CT scan. Epidural hematoma (EDH) and subdural hematoma (SDH) were both found to be significantly associated with the need for surgery (OR 29.5 for EDH, 95% CI 6.6–131.8; OR 9.7 for SDH, 95% CI 2.4–39.1). There were no in-hospital deaths in the series, and 97% of patients were discharged with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15.

Conclusions

Most patients who are transferred with mTBI who need neurosurgical intervention have a surgical lesion initially. Only a very small percentage will have a delayed deterioration requiring surgery, with EDH and SDH being more concerning lesions. In most cases of mTBI, triage can be performed by a neurosurgeon and the patient can be observed without interhospital transfer.
Role of the S100B serum biomarker in the treatment of children suffering from mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Filippidis Aristotelis S. , Papadopoulos Dimitrios C. , Kapsalaki Eftychia Z. , Fountas Kostas N.
Published: November 2010

Object

The aim of this study was to provide a systematic update of the current literature regarding the clinical role of the S100B serum biomarker in the initial evaluation of children who have sustained a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods

Searches in MEDLINE were defined with the keywords “mild TBI children S100,” “mild TBI pediatric S100,” and “children S100 brain injury.” From the pool of obtained studies, those that had the inclusion criteria of mild TBI only or mixed types of TBI but including detailed information about groups of children with mild TBI were used.

Results

Few studies were identified and fewer included more than 100 cases. The prospective studies showed that the S100B biomarker levels could be influenced by patient age and the time frame between head injury and blood sampling. Moreover, extracranial sources of S100B or additional injuries could influence the measured levels of this biomarker. A normal value of S100B in children with mild TBI could rule out injury-associated abnormalities on CT scans in the majority of reported cases.

Conclusions

The vulnerability of S100B serum levels to the influences of patient age, blood sampling time, and extracranial S100B release limits the biomarker's role in the initial evaluation of children with mild TBI. The application of S100B in pediatric mild TBI cases has an elusive role, although it could help in selected cases to avoid unnecessary head CT scans.
Treatment of anterior skull base defects by a transnasal endoscopic approach in children
Authors: Di Rocco Federico , Couloigner Vincent , Dastoli Patricia , Sainte-Rose Christian , Zerah Michel , Roger Gilles
Published: November 2010

Object

The object of this study was to assess the efficacy and complications of endoscopic management of anterior skull base defects.

Method

The authors reviewed the medical records of 28 children (20 boys and 8 girls) undergoing endoscopic repair of anterior skull base defects in their tertiary referral center between 2001 and 2008; 18 cases were congenital and 10 cases posttraumatic. During the endoscopic procedure, rigid telescopes—2.7 or 4 mm in diameter, with 0° or 30° lenses—were used. In 23 patients the anterior skull base defect was sealed with fragments of middle turbinate (bone and mucosa). In the remaining 5 patients it was sealed with cartilage harvested from the nasal septum (3 cases) or from the auricle (2 cases), fibrin glue, and oxidized cellulose. A combined external and endoscopic approach was required in 3 cases because of the size and extensions of the encephalocele. Outcome was primarily assessed by means of clinical examination, nasal fibroscopy, and imaging.

Results

The mean duration of follow-up was 26.7 months (range 9–57 months). One patient treated by a combined approach died of meningitis 2 years after surgery. In the remaining 27 patients, there was no recurrence of CSF leak, meningitis, or encephalocele. An iatrogenic frontal or ethmoidal mucocele was observed in 4 cases.

Conclusions

The endoscopic approach is a minimally invasive, safe, and efficient technique for removing nasal encephaloceles in children.
Surgical management of giant pediatric craniopharyngiomas
Authors: Elliott Robert E. , Wisoff Jeffrey H.
Published: November 2010

Object

Prior work by the authors' group and reports of other authors suggest worse functional outcomes and decreased survival in children with larger craniopharyngiomas. The purpose of this study was to assess the oncological, endocrinological, and functional outcomes in children who underwent radical resection of giant craniopharyngiomas (defined as 5 cm or greater in largest diameter).

Methods

Between 1986 and 2006, 26 children under the age of 18 (14 boys, 12 girls; mean age 10.5 years) underwent radical resection of giant craniopharyngiomas performed by the senior author. Data were retrospectively collected to assess the outcome of surgical treatment.

Results

Twenty (77%) of 26 patients underwent gross-total resection (GTR) confirmed by intraoperative inspection and postoperative imaging. All primary tumors (17 of 17) and 3 (33%) of 9 recurrent tumors were treated with GTR. There was no operative mortality, and 18 of 26 patients (69%) were alive at a mean follow-up of 8.9 years (median 9.3 years). Disease control was achieved in 21 (84%) of the 25 patients followed up for more than 6 months and was more successful in patients who underwent GTR (95%) than in those who underwent STR (50%, p = 0.03). New-onset diabetes insipidus (DI) occurred in 63.2% of patients (73% of patients had DI postoperatively). New or worsened deficits in visual acuity and visual fields occurred in 16% and 28%, respectively, of the 25 patients for whom postoperative visual data were available. Five patients (19%) experienced significant, permanent neurological deficits, and 5 (19%) had mild to moderate deficits. New or worsened hypothalamic disturbance occurred in 35% and 22% of patients, respectively, but obesity developed in only 15%.

Conclusions

In this retrospective series, radical resection of giant craniopharyngiomas in children was found to lead to excellent rates of disease control with acceptable or good functional outcomes but slightly higher rates of neurological complications compared with rates in patients with smaller tumors. Radical resection is less successful in recurrent tumors that reach very large sizes, especially previously irradiated tumors, with resultant diminished survival.
The necessity of shunt series
Authors: Vassilyadi Michael , Tataryn Zac L. , Alkherayf Fahad , Udjus Kristin , Ventureyra Enrique C. G.
Published: November 2010

Object

This work assessed the value of shunt series in the evaluation of children with CSF shunts, a test that is frequently ordered as part of the assessment of shunt integrity.

Methods

The medical records of all children who underwent shunt series at Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario between 1975 and 2007 were reviewed. Ancillary studies that were performed within 2 days of the shunt series (brain CT, MR imaging, ultrasonography, and radionuclide shuntography) were noted, as well as the subsequent requirement for a shunt revision. Shunt series and ancillary studies were categorized as either positive (revealing an observable sign that a shunt-related problem was present, such as shunt discontinuity on the shunt series or enlargement of the ventricles on the brain CT scan) or negative (no clear sign of a shunt-related problem). Shunt series were further grouped into shunt series performed for diagnostic reasons, shunt series performed on a routine basis during follow-up in clinic, and shunt series performed postoperatively. The length of time between shunt insertion and shunt fracture was noted. Statistical analyses were performed, including the derivation of sensitivities and specificities.

Results

There were 3416 shunt series in 394 patients, of which 3004 were performed with ancillary studies. On average, patients underwent 9 shunt series, with a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 43, during the follow-up period (range 3 weeks to 19 years). A total of 2493 shunt series and ancillary studies (83%) yielded negative results and no surgery was performed. One hundred thirty shunts series were negative with a positive ancillary study (4.3%) and no surgery was required. In 8.7% (261 shunt series negative, ancillary studies positive) shunt revision surgery was necessary. The opposite trend was far less prevalent (17 shunt series positive, ancillary test negative; 0.6%) in which surgery was required. There were 87 patients with 96 shunt fractures (2.8% of shunt series). The average time between shunt insertion and shunt fracture was 7.9 years (range 3 months to 18 years). Shunt series had a sensitivity of 18% and a specificity of 97%. The ancillary studies had a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 85%.

Conclusions

The routine utilization of shunt series in the evaluation of a child with a CSF shunt is not necessary. This study showed that a very small number (0.6%) of shunt series helped in surgical decision making. Shunt series can be performed in selected cases, especially preoperatively in the absence of a baseline study to obtain information necessary for surgical planning.
Gamma Knife surgery for arteriovenous malformations in children
Authors: Yen Chun Po , Monteith Stephen J. , Nguyen James H. , Rainey Jessica , Schlesinger David J. , Sheehan Jason P.
Published: November 2010

Object

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term imaging and clinical outcomes of intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in children treated with Gamma Knife surgery (GKS).

Methods

Between 1989 and 2007, 200 patients with AVMs who were 18 years of age or younger were treated at the University of Virginia Health System. Excluding 14 patients who had not reached 2-year follow-up, 186 patients comprised this study. Hemorrhage was the most common presenting symptom leading to the diagnosis of AVMs (71.5%). The mean nidus volume was 3.2 cm3 at the time of GKS, and a mean prescription dose of 21.9 Gy was used.

Results

After initial GKS, 49.5% of patients achieved total angiographic obliteration. Forty-one patients whose AVM nidi remained patent underwent additional GKS. The obliteration rate increased to 58.6% after a second or multiple GKS. Subtotal obliteration was achieved in 9 patients (4.8%). Forty-nine patients (26.3%) still had a patent residual nidus. In 19 patients (10.2%), obliteration was confirmed on MR imaging only. Ten patients had 17 hemorrhages during the follow-up period. The hemorrhage rate was 5.4% within 2 years after GKS and 0.8% between 2 and 5 years. Six patients developed neurological deficits along with the radiation-induced changes. Two patients developed asymptomatic meningiomas 10 and 12 years after GKS. After a mean clinical follow-up of 98 months, less than 4% of patients had difficulty attending school or developing a career.

Conclusions

Gamma Knife surgery offers a reasonable chance of obliteration of an AVM in pediatric patients. The incidence of symptomatic radiation-induced changes is relatively low; however, long-term clinical and imaging follow-up is required to identify delayed cyst formation and secondary tumors.
Repair of a large congenital frontal bone defect with autologous exchange cranioplasty
Authors: Ropper Alexander E. , Rogers Gary F. , Ridgway Emily B. , Proctor Mark R.
Published: November 2010

The authors report the case of a large idiopathic frontal bone defect and concomitant sagittal synostosis corrected by autologous exchange cranioplasty by using a corticocancellous bone graft and cranial vault expansion.

An otherwise healthy, developmentally normal 6-year-old girl presented to our clinic with a large frontal bone defect. The osseous defect was midline and inferior to the coronal sutures, and the underlying dura was slightly tense. She had no signs or symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, and her head circumference and cephalic index were normal. Imaging demonstrated fusion of the sagittal synostosis.

The defect was repaired using full-thickness autologous bone harvested from the bilateral parietal regions, which were widened using barrel-stave osteotomies to reduce pressure on the graft site in the setting of sagittal synostosis and mild cranial narrowing. The donor sites were covered with autologous particulate bone graft harvested from the endocortical surface of the grafted segments and the ectocortical surface of the intact parietal bones. The donor and recipient sites healed. Imaging revealed that the particulate bone healed with a thickness similar to the surrounding bone.

This bony defect is analogous to parietal foramina and may have a similar etiopathogenesis. The technique of autologous exchange cranioplasty using corticocancellous particulate bone graft provides a simple and reliable method to repair large structural calvarial defects.
Analysis of therapeutic choices for slit ventricle syndrome after cyst-peritoneal shunting for temporal arachnoid cysts in children
Authors: Fang Tie , Xu Jinshan , Wang Shejun , Ma Zhenyu , Xing Jian
Published: November 2010

Object

The goal in this study was to investigate early diagnostic evidence, optimal therapeutic strategies, and prophylactic methods for slit ventricle syndrome (SVS) in patients with temporal lobe arachnoid cysts who received cyst-peritoneal (CP) shunts.

Methods

Six cases of SVS in patients with temporal lobe arachnoid cysts who received CP shunts were treated by the senior authors in 2 institutions between January 2005 and January 2009. The radiological data, treatment process, and therapeutic results were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

There were 4 boys and 2 girls, whose mean age at presentation was 4 years and 1 month. The main clinical symptoms were severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and decreasing eyesight. Radiological studies showed normal or slightly smaller than normal ventricles, and arachnoid cysts that had shrunk dramatically. The most effective treatment for SVS was to replace the original shunts with devices that had a programmable valve, or if this was unsuccessful, to replace the original shunts with ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts. All symptoms in these patients disappeared, and the mean follow-up duration was 24 months.

Conclusions

The SVS presents more often in patients with hydrocephalus who undergo VP shunting. However, it is also a serious complication in patients with arachnoid cysts who receive a CP shunt. The SVS is not a single condition; rather, different pathophysiological conditions can underlie this complicated syndrome. Because there are no striking morphological changes on radiological studies of the SVS in the patients with CP shunts, it is not easy for this syndrome to be diagnosed in time and treated rationally. Misdiagnosis and delayed treatment usually occur. The use of programmable shunts or VP shunts to replace the original shunt is an optimal therapeutic choice. The use of low-pressure shunts to treat arachnoid cysts should be abandoned unless dictated by specific indications.
Evolution of treatment options for vein of Galen malformations
Authors: Khullar Dhruv , Andeejani Ahmed M. I. , Bulsara Ketan R.
Published: November 2010

Object

Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations (VGAMs) continue to account for high morbidity and mortality rates in the pediatric population. Whereas in the past, mortality rates were nearly 100%, recent developments in endovascular embolization and improvements in neonatal care have improved prognoses. It is now possible that some patients can achieve normal neurological development following embolization of the VGAM. Access to the lesion can be gained via transarterial or transvenous routes. In this paper the authors review the pathophysiological characteristics of VGAM and discuss the evolution of treatment options.

Methods

A PubMed literature search was performed for vein of Galen malformation treatment options, beginning in the 1970s. A total of 22 papers were reviewed in full, and outcome data for 615 patients from 1983 to 2010 were compiled. Articles were reviewed if they focused primarily on the treatment of VGAM and reported outcomes for at least 5 treated patients.

Results

Of the 265 patient outcomes reported between 1983 and 2000, 200 received endovascular therapy. Of these patients 72% had a favorable outcome, and a 15% mortality rate was found. Microsurgery was found to have an 84.6% mortality rate. Furthermore, 76.7% of untreated patients died. More recently, endovascular embolization has become the mainstay of VGAM treatment. Of the 350 patients assessed between 2001 and 2010, 337 were treated endovascularly, mostly via the transarterial approach. Of these patients, 84.3% were found to have good or fair outcomes, and a 15.7% mortality rate was found. Neonates had the worst clinical outcomes following endovascular treatment, with a 35.6% mortality rate, whereas infants and children had significantly better outcomes, with mortality rates of 6.5% and 3.2%, respectively.

Conclusions

Endovascular embolization has considerably improved outcomes in patients with VGAM. In the past, the prognosis for patients with VGAM was dismal, and successful procedures were considered to be those that partially or completely obliterated the lesion, but did not necessarily improve the patient's symptoms. More recently, with the continued development and improvement of endovascular techniques, many patients are found to be neurologically normal on follow-up, and mortality rates have dropped substantially when compared with microsurgical treatment.
Stereotactic radiosurgery for pediatric recurrent intracranial ependymomas
Authors: Kano Hideyuki , Yang Huai-che , Kondziolka Douglas , Niranjan Ajay , Arai Yoshio , Flickinger John C. , Lunsford L. Dade
Published: November 2010

Object

To evaluate the role of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in patients with recurrent or residual intracranial ependymomas after resection and fractionated radiation therapy (RT), the authors assessed overall survival, distant tumor relapse, progression-free survival (PFS), and complications.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of 21 children with ependymomas who underwent SRS for 32 tumors. There were 17 boys and 4 girls with a median age of 6.9 years (range 2.9–17.2 years) in the patient population. All patients underwent resection of an ependymoma followed by cranial or neuraxis (if spinal metastases was confirmed) RT. Eleven patients had adjuvant chemotherapy. Twelve patients had low-grade ependymomas (17 tumors), and 9 patients had anaplastic ependymomas (15 tumors). The median radiosurgical target volume was 2.2 cm3 (range 0.1–21.4 cm3), and the median dose to the tumor margin was 15 Gy (range 9–22 Gy).

Results

Follow-up imaging demonstrated therapeutic control in 23 (72%) of 32 tumors at a mean follow-up period of 27.6 months (range 6.1–72.8 months). Progression-free survival after the initial SRS was 78.4%, 55.5%, and 41.6% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Factors associated with a longer PFS included patients without spinal metastases (p = 0.033) and tumor volumes < 2.2 cm3 (median tumor volume 2.2 cm3, p = 0.029). An interval ≥18 months between RT and SRS was also associated with longer survival (p = 0.035). The distant tumor relapse rate despite RT and SRS was 33.6%, 41.0%, and 80.3% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Factors associated with a higher rate of distant tumor relapse included patients who had spinal metastases before RT (p = 0.037), a fourth ventricle tumor location (p = 0.002), and an RT to SRS interval < 18 months (p = 0.015). The median survival after SRS was 27.6 months (95% CI 19.33–35.87 months). Overall survival after SRS was 85.2%, 53.2%, and 23.0% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Adverse radiation effects developed in 2 patients (9.5%).

Conclusions

Stereotactic radiosurgery offers an additional option beyond repeat surgery or RT in pediatric patients with residual or recurrent ependymomas after initial management. Patients with smaller-volume tumors and a later recurrence responded best to radiosurgery.
Biochemical and neurochemical sequelae following mild traumatic brain injury: summary of experimental data and clinical implications
Authors: Signoretti Stefano , Vagnozzi Roberto , Tavazzi Barbara , Lazzarino Giuseppe
Published: November 2010

Although numerous studies have been carried out to investigate the pathophysiology of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), there are still no standard criteria for the diagnosis and treatment of this peculiar condition. The dominant theory that diffuse axonal injury is the main neuropathological process behind mTBI is being revealed as weak at best or inconclusive, given the current literature and the fact that neuronal injury inherent to mTBI improves, with few lasting clinical sequelae in the vast majority of patients.

Clinical and experimental evidence suggests that such a course, rather than being due to cell death, is based on temporal neuronal dysfunction, the inevitable consequence of complex biochemical and neurochemical cascade mechanisms directly and immediately triggered by the traumatic insult.

This report is an attempt to summarize data from a long series of experiments conducted in the authors' laboratories and published during the past 12 years, together with an extensive analysis of the available literature, focused on understanding the biochemical damage produced by an mTBI.

The overall clinical implications, as well as the metabolic nature of the post-mTBI brain vulnerability, are discussed. Finally, the application of proton MR spectroscopy as a possible tool to monitor the full recovery of brain metabolic functions is emphasized.