bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of waterjet dissection in endoscopic neurosurgery
Authors: Oertel Joachim , Gen Michail , Krauss Joachim K. , Zumkeller Matthias , Gaab Michael R.
Published: January 2008

✓Waterjet dissection enables vessel preservation and a reduction in intraoperative blood loss. Because even minimal bleeding should be avoided during neuroendoscopy, the waterjet device may be a particularly valuable tool in such procedures. The authors used this instrument in experimental endoscopic procedures in 20 cadaveric porcine brains and clinically in four patients with obstructive hydrocephalus. A precise and accurate septostomy was achieved in all of the pig brains. In two patients the hydrocephalus was due to intraventricular hemorrhage, in one a posterior fossa tumor, and in one a cystic craniopharyngioma. In all patients the surgical view was kept clear with waterjet irrigation and suction. Using a pressure setting of 10 bars, the waterjet device successfully perforated the cyst wall of the craniopharyngioma in one patient and the floor of the third ventricle in three patients. The use of the waterjet device in selected endoscopic procedures appears safe, and may help reduce intraoperative bleeding. However, further studies are needed to confirm the utility of the waterjet tool in endoscopy.
Anatomical study of the superior orbital fissure as seen during a pterional approach
Authors: Ammirati Mario , Bernardo Antonio
Published: January 2008

Object

The superior orbital fissure (SOF) is an important landmark in the neurosurgical pterional approach, but the anatomical features of the SOF and the procedures necessary to fully expose it and its contents have not been detailed. Although the pterional approach is commonly used during skull base or vascular surgery by neurosurgeons who may already be familiar with its nuances and anatomical relationships to the SOF, this knowledge may also be useful to the wider neurosurgical community. The authors describe the spatial relationships of the contents of the SOF and suggest a specific sequence of steps for exposing the SOF region in a pterional approach.

Methods

Using standard microsurgical equipment and instruments, the authors performed 20 pterional approaches in 10 embalmed cadaver heads in which the vascular systems had been injected with colored material.

Five sequential steps were delineated for approaching and dissecting the SOF and its contents: 1) drilling the sphenoidal ridge, anterior clinoidal process, and part of the greater and lesser wings of the sphenoid; 2) resecting the dural bridge; 3) detaching the hemispheric dura mater, thereby exposing the anterior portion of the cavernous sinus and the neural component entering the SOF; 4) identifying and dissecting the extraanular structures; and 5) opening the anulus of Zinn and identifying its neural constituents.

Conclusions

Knowing the 3D relationships of the contents of the SOF encountered in the pterional approach enables safe neurosurgical access to the area. The proposed sequence of steps allows a controlled exposure of the SOF and surrounding areas. Untethering the frontotemporal lobe by transecting the dural bridge connecting the dura to the perior-bita allows good exposure of the basal frontotemporal lobes, both intra- and extradurally, and reduces brain retraction.
Intraoperative brain shift prediction using a 3D inhomogeneous patient-specific finite element model
Authors: Hu Jingwen , Jin Xin , Lee Jong B. , Zhang Liying , Chaudhary Vipin , Guthikonda Murali , Yang King H. , King Albert I.
Published: January 2008

Object

The aims of this study were to develop a three-dimensional patient-specific finite element (FE) brain model with detailed anatomical structures and appropriate material properties to predict intraoperative brain shift during neurosurgery and to update preoperative magnetic resonance (MR) images using FE modeling for presurgical planning.

Methods

A template-based algorithm was developed to build a 3D patient-specific FE brain model. The template model is a 50th percentile male FE brain model with gray and white matter, ventricles, pia mater, dura mater, falx, tentorium, brainstem, and cerebellum. Gravity-induced brain shift after opening of the dura was simulated based on one clinical case of computer-assisted neurosurgery for model validation. Preoperative MR images were updated using an FE model and displayed as intraoperative MR images easily recognizable by surgeons. To demonstrate the potential of FE modeling in presurgical planning, intraoperative brain shift was predicted for two additional head orientations.

Two patient-specific FE models were constructed. The mesh quality of the resulting models was as high as that of the template model. One of the two FE models was selected to validate model-predicted brain shift against data acquired on intraoperative MR imaging. The brain shift predicted using the model was greater than that observed intraoperatively but was considered surgically acceptable.

Conclusions

A set of algorithms for developing 3D patient-specific FE brain models is presented. Gravity-induced brain shift can be predicted using this model and displayed on high-resolution MR images. This strategy can be used not only for updating intraoperative MR imaging, but also for presurgical planning.
Localization of electrodes in the subthalamic nucleus on magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Pollo Claudio , Vingerhoets François , Pralong Etienne , Ghika Joseph , Maeder Philippe , Meuli Reto , Thiran Jean-Philippe , Villemure Jean-Guy
Published: January 2008

Object

The authors describe a new method of localizing electrodes on magnetic resonance (MR) images and focus on the positions of both the most efficient contact and the electrode related to the MR imaging target.

Methods

Thirty-one patients who had undergone bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) were included in this study. Target coordinates were calculated in the anterior commissure–posterior commissure referential. A study of the correlation between the artifact and the related contact allowed one to deduce the contact position from the identification of the distal artifact on MR imaging. The best stimulation point corresponded with the contact resulting in the best Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score improvement. It was compared (Student t-test) with the dorsal margin of the STN (DM STN), which was determined electrophysiologically. The distance between the target and the electrode was calculated individually in each axis.

The best stimulation point was located at anteroposterior −2.34 ± 1.63 mm, lateral 12.04 ± 1.62 mm, and vertical −2.57 ± 1.68 mm. This point was not significantly different from the DM STN (p < 0.05). The postoperative UPDRS motor score was 28.07 ± 12.16, as opposed to the preoperative score of 46.27 ± 13.89. The distance between the expected and actual target in the x- and y-axes was 1.34 ± 1.02 and 1.03 ± 0.76 mm, respectively. In the z-axis, 39.7% of the distal contacts were located proximal to the target.

Conclusions

This approach proposed for the localization of the electrodes on MR imaging shows that DBS is most effective in the dorsal and lateral part of the STN and indicates that the DBS electrode can be located more proximally than originally expected because of the caudal brain shift that may occur during the implantation procedure.
Lack of association between the apolipoprotein E gene and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in an Italian population
Authors: Fontanella Marco , Rainero Innocenzo , Gallone Salvatore , Rubino Elisa , Rivoiro Chiara , Valfrè Walter , Garbossa Diego , Nurisso Chiara , Ducati Alessandro , Pinessi Lorenzo
Published: January 2008

Object

The results of genome-wide scan studies have suggested the presence of a genetic risk factor for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) on chromosome 19 (at 19p13). The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is located in this chromosomal region and encodes a protein that exerts several neuroprotective and neurotrophic functions in the brain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a particular allele or genotype of the APOE gene would modify the occurrence or the clinical features of SAH.

Methods

Genomic DNA was extracted from 146 patients with aneurysmal SAH and 222 age- and sex-matched healthy controls and genotyped for the triallelic polymorphism of the APOE gene (ε2, ε3, and ε4). Allele and genotype frequencies were compared between patients and controls. The clinical characteristics of the disease were compared according to the different APOE genotypes. Allele and genotype frequencies of the APOE gene polymorphism were nearly identical in cases and controls. Patients carrying the APOE ε4 allele had a significantly higher Hunt and Hess grade on admission (p = 0.0014). There was no significant relationship between any of the other clinical characteristics and the APOE genotype.

Conclusions

The authors’ data do not support the hypothesis that genetic variations within the APOE gene are associated with aneurysmal SAH. However, the APOE gene influences the disease phenotype and may be regarded as a disease modifier gene.
Attenuation of oxidative injury after induction of experimental intracerebral hemorrhage in heme oxygenase–2 knockout mice
Authors: Qu Yan , Chen-Roetling Jing , Benvenisti-Zarom Luna , Regan Raymond F.
Published: January 2008

Object

Experimental evidence suggests that hemoglobin degradation products contribute to cellular injury after intracerebal hemorrhage (ICH). Hemoglobin breakdown is catalyzed in part by the heme oxygenase (HO) enzymes. In the present study, the authors tested the hypothesis that HO-2 gene deletion is cytoprotective in an experimental ICH model.

Methods

After anesthesia was induced with isoflurane, 3- to 6-month-old HO-2 knockout and wild-type mice were stereotactically injected with 15 μl autologous blood and a group of control mice were injected with an equal volume of sterile saline. Striatal protein and lipid oxidation were quantified 72 hours later using carbonyl and malondialdehyde assays. Cell viability was determined by performing a 3(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Following blood injection, the investigators found a 3.4-fold increase in protein carbonylation compared with that in the contralateral striatum in wild-type mice; in knockout mice, the investigators found a twofold increase. The mean malondialdehyde concentration in injected striata was increased twofold in wild-type mice at this time, compared with 1.5-fold in knockout mice. Cell viability, as determined by MTT reduction, was reduced in injected striata to 38 ± 4% of that in the contralateral striata in wild-type mice, compared with 66 ± 5% in HO-2 knockout mice. Baseline striatal HO-1 protein expression was similar in wild-type and HO-2 knockout mice, but was induced more rapidly in the former after blood injection.

Conclusions

Deletion of HO-2 attenuates oxidative cell injury after whole-blood injection into the mouse striatum. Therapies that specifically target HO-2 may improve outcome after ICH.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage and diffuse vasculopathy in an adult infected with HIV
Authors: Hamilton D. Kojo , Kassell Neal F. , Jensen Mary E. , Dumont Aaron S.
Published: January 2008

✓This 34-year-old man with a 10-year history of HIV infection presented with an acute onset of severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and left-sided weakness. Computed tomography (CT) scanning demonstrated diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and subsequent CT angiography revealed multiple large and giant intracranial aneurysms with diffuse vasculopathy. The patient's CD4-positive cell count was low, although he had been receiving combination antiret-roviral therapy and his viral load was undetectable.

The preponderance of the literature on HIV-infected patients with intracranial vascular involvement has concerned children in whom there is a high viral load. In such children, appropriate antiretroviral therapy may result in the complete resolution of these vascular abnormalities. In the present study, the authors report on the unique case of an HIV-infected adult patient who presented with SAH, diffuse intracranial vasculopathy, and multiple giant and fusiform aneurysms, despite having received adequate antiretroviral treatment and demonstrating an undetectable viral load. Intracranial vascular involvement in these patients may become increasingly common as the management of HIV infection continues to improve and afflicted patients survive for longer periods.
Is intracranial pressure monitoring in the epidural space reliable? Fact and fiction
Authors: Poca Maria Antonia , Sahuquillo Juan , Topczewski Thomaz , Peñarrubia Maria Jesús , Muns Asunción
Published: January 2008

Object

Epidural pressures have been reported as being systematically higher than ventricular fluid pressures. These discrepancies have been attributed both to the characteristics of the sensor and to the particular anatomy of the epidural space. To determine which of these two possible causes better explains higher epidural readings, the authors compared pressure values obtained during simultaneous epidural and lumbar pressure monitoring in 53 patients and during simultaneous subdural and lumbar pressure monitoring in 22 patients. The same nonfluid coupled sensor device was used in all compartments.

Methods

All 75 patients had normal craniospinal communication. Simultaneous intracranial and lumbar readings were performed every 30 seconds. The epidural–lumbar and subdural–lumbar pressure values were compared using correlation analysis and the Bland–Altman method.

The median differences in initial epidural–lumbar and subdural–lumbar pressure values were 11 mm Hg (interquartile range 2–24 mm Hg) and 0 mm Hg (interquartile range −2 to 1 mm Hg), respectively. The correlation coefficients of the mean epidural–lumbar and subdural–lumbar intracranial pressure (ICP) values were ρ = 0.48 (p < 0.001) and ρ = 0.88 (p < 0.001), respectively. Using the Bland–Altman analysis, epidural–lumbar methods showed a mean difference of −20.93 mm Hg; epidural pressure values were systematically higher than lumbar values, and these discrepancies were greater with higher ICP values. Subdural–lumbar methods showed a mean difference of 0.35 mm Hg and both were equally valid with all mean ICP values.

Conclusions

Epidural ICP monitoring produces artifactually high values. These values are not related to the type of sensor used but to the specific characteristics of the epidural intracranial space.
Prognostic significance of surgery and radiation therapy in cases of anaplastic astrocytoma: retrospective analysis of 170 cases
Authors: Nomiya Takuma , Nemoto Kenji , Kumabe Toshihiro , Takai Yoshihiro , Yamada Shogo
Published: January 2008

Object

The purpose of this retrospective study was to estimate the prognostic impact of treatment parameters for 170 patients with anaplastic astrocytoma (AA).

Methods

Survival outcome and prognostic factors were analyzed for 170 patients with AA. In the multivariate analysis, site of lesion (frontal or parietal lobe, p = 0.002), extent of surgery (total or subtotal resection, p = 0.001), Karnofsky Performance Scale status (0–2, p = 0.021), age (≤ 50 years, p = 0.024), and total dose of radiation therapy (> 60 Gy, p = 0.029) were significant favorable prognostic factors.

In the analysis of groups according to extent of surgery, patients who underwent total or subtotal resection had a significantly more favorable prognosis than did patients who underwent partial resection or biopsy (5-year survival rate 54.0% for total or subtotal resection compared with 17.5% for partial resection or biopsy; median survival time [MST] 62.6 months compared with 22.9 months [p < 0.0001, log-rank test]; hazard ratio [HR] 0.67; and 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52–0.85 [p = 0.001]).

In the analysis of groups according to total radiation dose, the group of patients who received doses greater than 60 Gy had a significantly more favorable prognosis than did the group who received 60 Gy or less (5-year survival rate 45.0% for patients who received doses greater than 60 Gy compared with 21.1% for those receiving 60 Gy or less; MST 48.9 months compared with 21.6 months [p = 0.0006, log-rank test]; HR 0.96; 95% CI 0.93–0.99 [p = 0.029]).

Conclusions

The most important parameter in the treatment of AA was extent of surgery, and total radiation dose was the second most important factor. Resection of as much of the tumor as possible and delivery of a total radiation dose of greater than 60 Gy seem to be required for local control of AA.
Epidemiology of venous thromboembolism in 9489 patients with malignant glioma
Authors: Semrad Thomas J. , O'Donnell Robert , Wun Ted , Chew Helen , Harvey Danielle , Zhou Hong , White Richard H.
Published: January 2008

Object

The authors sought to define the incidence of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients harboring malignant gliomas.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of data obtained in all cases of malignant glioma diagnosed in California during a 6-year period; the occurrence of a VTE was identified using linked hospital discharge data. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze the association of specific risk factors with the development of a VTE or death within 2 years of the cancer diagnosis.

Among 9489 cases, the 2-year cumulative incidence of VTE was 7.5% (715 cases), with a rate of 16.1 events per 100 person-years during the first 6 months. Three hundred ninety-one (55%) of these 715 cases were diagnosed within 61 days of major neurosurgery. Risk factors for VTE included older age (hazard ratio [HR] 2.6, confidence interval [CI] 2.0–3.4 for age range 65–74 years compared with ≤ 45 years), glioblastoma multiforme histology (HR 1.7, CI 1.4–2.1), three or more chronic comorbidities (HR 3.5, CI 2.8–4.3 [compared with no comorbidity]), and neurosurgery within 61 days (HR 1.7, CI 1.3–2.3). Patients in whom a VTE was present were at higher risk of dying within 2 years (HR 1.3, CI 1.2–1.4). In a nested case–control analysis of all VTE cases, there was no association between insertion of a vena cava filter and the risk of a recurrent VTE.

Conclusions

In patients harboring a glioma there was a very high incidence of symptomatic VTEs, particularly within 2 months of neurosurgery. The development of a VTE was associated with a 30% increase in the risk of death within 2 years. Further studies are needed to determine if risk stratification and the use of medical prophylaxis after neurosurgery improves outcomes.
Unilateral intraputamenal glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor in patients with Parkinson disease: response to 1 year of treatment and 1 year of withdrawal
Authors: Slevin John T. , Gash Don M. , Smith Charles D. , Gerhardt Greg A. , Kryscio Richard , Chebrolu Himachandra , Walton Ashley , Wagner Renee , Young A. Byron
Published: January 2008

Object

Glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) infused unilaterally into the putamen for 6 months has been previously shown to improve significantly motor functions and quality of life measures in 10 patients with Parkinson disease (PD) in a Phase I trial. In the present study the authors report the safety and efficacy of continuous treatment for a minimum of 1 year. After the trial was halted by the drug sponsor, the patients were monitored for an additional 1 year during which the effects of drug withdrawal were evaluated.

Methods

During the extended study period, patients received a 30-μg/day unilateral intraputamenal infusion of GDNF at a basal infusion rate supplemented with pulsed boluses every 6 hours at a convection-enhanced delivery rate to increase tissue penetration of the protein. When the study was stopped, the delivery system was reprogrammed to deliver sterile saline at the basal infusion rate of 2 μl/hour.

The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) total scores after 1 year of therapy were improved by 42 and 38% in the off- and on-medication states; the motor UPDRS scores were also improved 45 and 39%, respectively. Benefits from treatment were lost by 9 to 12 months after the cessation of GDNF infusion. The UPDRS scores returned to their baseline and the patients required higher levels of conventional antiparkinsonian drugs to treat symptoms. After 11 months of treatment, the delivery system had to be removed in one patient because of risk of infection. Seven patients developed antibodies to GDNF but without evident clinical sequelae. There was no evidence for GDNF-induced cerebellar toxicity, as evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging and clinical testing.

Conclusions

The unilateral administration of GDNF results in significant, sustained bilateral benefits in patients with PD. These improvements are lost within 9 months of drug withdrawal. Safety concerns with GDNF therapy can be closely monitored and managed.
Enhanced proapoptotic effects of tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand on temozolomide-resistant glioma cells
Authors: Uzzaman Mahmud , Keller Gordon , Germano Isabelle M.
Published: January 2008

Object

Death receptor targeting is an attractive approach in experimental treatment for tumors such as malignant gliomas, which are resistant to radiation and chemotherapy. Among the family of cytokines referred to as death li gands, tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has attracted clinical interest. The aim of this study was to assess whether TRAIL can be used as an adjuvant to temozolomide (TMZ) for apoptosis induction in malignant glioma cell lines.

Methods

Six human malignant glioma cell lines (A172, U87, U251, T98, U343, and U373) were exposed to human (h)TRAIL, TMZ, or an hTRAIL/TMZ combined treatment. Cell viability was assayed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and phase-contrast microscopy. Cell apoptosis was detected using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling technique and quantified using flow cytometric analysis. The apoptosis signaling cascade was studied with Western blotting.

The additive effects of hTRAIL and TMZ resulted in a significant decrease in cell viability and an increased apoptotic rate. Expression of the death receptors DR5 and DR4 in two cell lines (A172 and U251) upregulated significantly when they were used in combination hTRAIL/TMZ treatment (p < 0.05 compared with baseline control), leading to activation of caspase-8 and caspase-3 (p < 0.05 compared with baseline control) and confirming an extrinsic apoptotic pathway. A cell intrinsic pathway through mitochondrial cytochrome c was not activated.

Conclusions

Based on this work, one may infer that hTRAIL should be considered as an adjuvant treatment for TMZ-resistant human malignant gliomas.
The surgical anatomy of ulnar and median nerve communications in the palmar surface of the hand
Authors: Loukas Marios , Louis Robert G. , Stewart Lynsey , Hallner Barry , DeLuca Terry , Morgan Walter , Shah Ranjil , Mlejnek Jim
Published: January 2008

Object

Sensation in the palmar surface of the digits is supplied by the median and ulnar nerves, with the boundary classically being the midline of the ring finger. Overlap and variations of this division exist, and a communicating branch between the ulnar and median nerve could potentially explain further variations in digital sensory innervations. The aim of this study was to examine the origin and distribution of the communicating branch between the ulnar and median nerves and to apply such findings to the risk involved in surgical procedures in the hand.

Methods

The authors grossly and endoscopically examined 200 formalin-fixed adult human hands obtained in 100 cadavers, and a communicating branch was found to be present in 170 hands (85%). Of the specimens with communicating branches, the authors were able to identify four notable types representing different points of connections of the branches. The most common, Type I (143 hands, 84.1%), featured a communicating branch that originated proximally from the ulnar nerve and proceeded distally to join the median nerve. Type II (12 hands, 7.1%) designated a communicating branch that originated proximally from the median nerve and proceeded distally to join the ulnar nerve. Type III (six hands, 3.5%) designated a communicating branch that traversed perpendicularly between the median and ulnar nerves in such a way that it was not possible to determine which nerve served as the point of origin. Type IV (nine hands, 5.3%) designated a mixed type in which multiple communicating branches existed, arising from both ulnar and median nerves.

Conclusions

According to the origin and distribution of these branching patterns, the investigators were able to define a risk area in which the communicating branch(es) may be subject to iatrogenic injury during common hand procedures.
Anterior clinoidal mucocele causing optic neuropathy: resolution with nonsurgical therapy
Authors: Deshmukh Sameer , Demonte Franco
Published: January 2008

✓ The rare occurrence of an inflammatory mucocele in a pneumatized anterior clinoid process is described. The patient, a 20-year-old woman, presented with a severe visual field defect in her right eye associated with abnormality in the right anterior clinoid process identified on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Initially, surgical intervention was recommended for resection of a possible neoplasm. The patient's clinical history, however, was significant for sinusitis accompanied by sore throat and right ear infection that resolved with oral antibiotic therapy. When her condition was evaluated approximately 1 month after the onset of her visual symptoms, the patient had regained full visual acuity in the affected eye. Surgical exploration was not required, and the patient's optic neuropathy reversed with appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Chronic stimulation of the posterior hypothalamic region for cluster headache: technique and 1-year results in four patients
Authors: Starr Philip A. , Barbaro Nicholas M. , Raskin Neil H. , Ostrem Jill L.
Published: January 2008

Object

Cluster headache (CH) is the most severe of the primary headache disorders. Based on the finding that regional cerebral blood flow is increased in the ipsilateral posterior hypothalamic region during a CH attack, a novel neurosurgical procedure for CH was recently introduced: hypothalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS). Two small case series have been described. Here, the authors report their technical approach, intraoperative physiological observations, and 1-year outcomes after hypothalamic DBS in four patients with medically intractable CHs.

Methods

Patients underwent unilateral magnetic resonance (MR) imaging–guided stereotactic implantation of a Medtronic DBS (model 3387) lead and Soletra pulse generator system. Intended tip coordinates were 3 mm posterior, 5 mm inferior, and 2 mm lateral to the midcommissural point. Microelectrode recording and intraoperative test stimulation were performed. Lead locations were measured on postoperative MR images. The intensity, frequency, and severity of headaches throughout a 1-week period were tracked in patient diaries immediately prior to surgery and after 1 year of continuous stimulation.

At the 1-year follow-up examination, DBS had produced a greater than 50% reduction in headache intensity or frequency in two of four cases. Active contacts were located 3 to 6 mm posterior to the mammillothalamic tract. Neurons in the target region showed low-frequency tonic discharge.

Conclusions

In two previously published case series, headache relief was obtained in many but not all patients. The results of these open-label studies justify a larger, prospective trial but do not yet justify widespread clinical application of this technique.
Dysphonia and dysphagia after anterior cervical decompression
Authors: Tervonen Hanna , Niemelä Mika , Lauri Eija-Riitta , Bäck Leif , Juvas Anja , Räsänen Pirjo , Roine Risto P. , Sintonen Harri , Salmi Tapani , Vilkman Erkki , Aaltonen Leena-Maija
Published: January 2008

Object.

In this paper, the authors investigate the effects of anterior cervical decompression (ACD) on swallowing and vocal function.

Methods.

The study comprised 114 patients who underwent ACD. The early group (50 patients) was examined immediately pre- and postoperatively, and the late group (64 patients) was examined at only 3 to 9 months postoperatively. Fifty age- and sex-matched patients from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery who had not been intubated in the previous 5 years were used as a control group. All patients in the early and control groups were examined by a laryngologist; patients in the late group were examined by a laryngologist and a neurosurgeon. Videolaryngostroboscopy was performed in all members of the patient and control groups, and the function of the ninth through 12th cranial nerves were clinically evaluated. Data were collected concerning swallowing, voice quality, surgery results, and health-related quality of life. Patients with persistent dysphonia were referred for phoniatric evaluation and laryngeal electromyography (EMG). Those with persistent dysphagia underwent transoral endoscopic evaluation of swallowing function and videofluorography.

Results.

Sixty percent of patients in the early group reported dysphonia and 69% reported dysphagia at the immediate postoperative visit. Unilateral vocal fold paresis occurred in 12%. The prevalence of both dysphonia and dysphagia decreased in both groups 3 to 9 months postoperatively. All six patients with vocal fold paresis in the early group recovered, and in the late group there were two cases of vocal fold paresis. The results of laryngeal EMG were abnormal in 14 of 16 patients with persistent dysphonia. Neither intraoperative factors nor age or sex had any effect on the occurrence of dysphonia, dysphagia, or vocal fold paresis. Most patients were satisfied with the surgical outcome.

Conclusions.

Dysphonia, dysphagia, and vocal fold paresis are common but usually transient complications of ACD. Recurrent laryngeal nerve damage detected by EMG is not rare. Pre-and postoperative laryngeal examination of ACD patients should be considered.
Spinal cord injury–induced expression of the antiangiogenic endostatin/collagen XVIII in areas of vascular remodelling
Authors: Mueller Christian A. , Conrad Sabine , Schluesener Hermann J. , Pietsch Torsten , Schwab Jan M.
Published: January 2008

Object.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) induces the disruption of neural and vascular structures. In contrast to the emerging knowledge of mechanisms regulating the onset of the postinjury angiogenic response, little is known about counterregulatory signals.

Methods.

Using immunohistochemical methods, the authors investigated the expression of the endogenous angiogenic inhibitor endostatin/collagen XVIII during the tissue remodeling response to SCI.

Results.

After SCI, endostatin/collagen XVIII+ cells accumulated at the lesion site, in pannecrotic regions (especially in areas of cavity formation), at the lesion margin/areas of ongoing secondary damage, and in perivascular Virchow–Robin spaces. In remote areas (> 0.75 cm from the epicenter) a more modest accumulation of endostatin/collagen XVIII+ cells was observed, especially in areas of pronounced Wallerian degeneration. The numbers of endostatin/collagen XVIII+ cells reached their maximum on Day 7 after SCI. The cell numbers remained elevated in both, the lesion and remote regions, compared with control spinal cords for 4 weeks afterwards. In addition to being predominantly confined to ED1+-activated microglia/macrophages within the pannecrotic lesion core, endostatin/collagen XVIII expression was frequently detected by the endothelium/vessel walls. Numbers of lesional endostatin/collagen XVIII+ endothelium/vessel walls were found to increase early by Day 1 postinjury, reaching their maximum on Day 3 and declining subsequently to enhanced (above control) levels 30 days after SCI.

Conclusions.

The authors detected that in comparison to the early expression of neoangiogenic factors, there was a postponed lesional expression of the antiangiogenic endostatin/collagen XVIII. Furthermore, the expression of endostatin/collagen XVIII was localized to areas of neovascular pruning and retraction (cavity formation). The expression of endostatin/collagen XVIII by macrophages in a “late” activated phagocytic mode suggests that this factor plays a role in counteracting the preceding “early” neoangiogenic response after SCI.
Intramedullary inclusion cysts of the cervicothoracic junction
Authors: Ogden Alfred T. , Khandji Alexander G. , McCormick Paul C. , Kaiser Michael G.
Published: January 2008

✓Intramedullary inclusion cysts are extremely rare within the rostral spinal cord. In this case report the authors outline the clinical features and surgical treatment of one dermoid cyst and one epidermoid cyst of the cervicothoracic junction. The authors also include a relevant literature discussion regarding the treatment and the embryological origin of these lesions.
Thoracolumbar junction injuries after motor vehicle collision: are there differences in restrained and nonrestrained front seat occupants?
Authors: Inamasu Joji , Guiot Bernard H.
Published: January 2008

Object

Motor vehicle collision (MVC) is one of the most common causes of thoracolumbar junction (TLJ) injury. Although there is little doubt that the use of seat belts reduces the incidence and severity of TLJ injury after MVC, the mechanism by which this is protective against TLJ injury for drivers and passengers is relatively unknown.

Methods

Thirty-nine patients with TLJ (T11–L2) injury who were front seat occupants of a four-wheeled vehicle at the time of MVC (frontal crash) were admitted between 2000 and 2004. The 39 patients were divided into two groups: 18 who had been restrained and 21 who had not been restrained at the time of the MVC. Patient demographics, including the mean Injury Severity Scale score, incidence of neurological deficit, level of TLJ injury, and type of TLJ injury according to the Denis classification were compared.

Results

The incidence of neurological deficit in the restrained group was significantly lower compared with the nonrestrained group (5.6% compared with 33.3%, p < 0.05). The incidence of flexion–distraction/fracture–dislocation injuries in the restrained group was also significantly lower (0.0% compared with 33.3% in the nonrestrained group, p < 0.01). The restrained group was significantly older (37.4 ± 3.6 years compared with 28.0 ± 2.5 years in the nonrestrained group, p < 0.05), but otherwise there were no significant differences between the two groups regarding the patients' demographic data.

Conclusions

It is likely that the high incidence of neurological deficit in the nonrestrained front seat motor vehicle occupants who had a TLJ injury was mostly due to the high incidence of flexion–distraction/fracture–dislocation injuries. This retrospective study indirectly shows the efficacy of three-point seat belt systems in reducing the severity of a TLJ injury after an MVC. Compression/burst fractures still occur in restrained front seat occupants, however, and elucidation of the injury mechanism of such axial loading fractures may be important to improve safety further for automobile occupants.
Effect of lower two-level anterior cervical fusion on the superior adjacent level
Authors: Park Dong-Hyuk , Ramakrishnan Prem , Cho Tai-Hyoung , Lorenz Eric , Eck Jason C. , Humphreys S. Craig , Lim Tae-Hong
Published: January 2008

Object

Symptomatic multisegment disease is most common at the C5–6 and C6–7 levels, and two-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is performed most often at these levels. Therefore, it may be clinically important to know whether a C5–7 fusion affects the superior C4–5 segment. A biomechanical study was carried out using cadaveric cervical spine specimens to determine the effect of lower two-level anterior cervical fusion on intradiscal pressure and segmental motion at the superior adjacent vertebral level.

Methods

Five cadaveric cervical spine specimens were used in this study. The specimens were stabilized at T-1 and loaded at C-3 to 15° flexion, 10° extension, and 10° lateral bending before and after simulated two-level ACDF with plate placement at C5–7. Intradiscal pressure was recorded at the C4–5 level, and segmental motion was recorded from C-4 through C-7. Differences in mean intradiscal pressures were calculated and analyzed using a paired Student t-test. When the maximum calibrated intradiscal pressures were exceeded (“overshot”) during measurements, data from the specimens involved were analyzed using the motion data with a Student t-test. Values for pressure and motion obtained before and after simulated ACDF were compared.

Results

During flexion, the mean intradiscal pressure changes (± standard deviations) in the pre- and post-ACDF measurements were 1275 (± 225) mm Hg and 2475 (± 75) mm Hg, respectively (p < 0.05). When the results of pre-ACDF testing were compared with post-ACDF results, no significant difference was found in the mean changes in the intradiscal pressure during extension and lateral bending. The maximum calibrated intradiscal pressures were exceeded during the post-ACDF testing in four specimens in extension, three in flexion, and two in lateral bending. Comparison of pre- and post-ACDF data for all five specimens revealed significant differences in motion and intradiscal pressure (p < 0.05) during flexion, significant differences in motion (p < 0.05) but not in intradiscal pressure during extension, and significant differences in intradiscal pressure changes (p < 0.05) but not in motion during lateral bending.

Conclusions

Simulated C5–7 ACDF caused a significant increase in intradiscal pressure and segmental motion in the superior adjacent C4–5 level during physiological motion. The increased pressure and hypermobility might accelerate normal degenerative changes in the vertebral levels adjacent to the anterior cervical fusion.
Increasing pedicle screw anchoring in the osteoporotic spine by cement injection through the implant
Authors: Fransen Patrick
Published: January 2008

✓Instrumented spinal fusion in patients with osteoporosis is challenging because of the poor bone quality and is complicated by an elevated risk of delayed hardware failure. The author treated two patients presenting with severe osteoporosis, spinal stenosis, and degenerative spondylolisthesis. He performed decompressive laminectomy, posterolateral fusion, and pedicle screw (PS) fixation involving screws with side openings that allow cement to be injected through the implant. The cement injection was conducted under fluoroscopic control without complications.

Although this technique needs validation in a larger population of patients, the author believes that the injection of cement through these PSs can be performed safely in carefully selected patients. This technique creates not only a vertebroplasty-like effect that strengthens the vertebral body but also provides the additional stability afforded by the immediate anchoring of the screw, which may allow a shorter-length construct, save mobile segments, and finally reduce the risk of hardware failure.
Idiopathic spinal cord herniation: diagnostic, surgical, and follow-up data obtained in five cases
Authors: Maira Giulio , Denaro Luca , Doglietto Francesco , Mangiola Annunziato , Colosimo Cesare
Published: January 2008

✓ Idiopathic spinal cord herniation (ISCH) is a rare, although increasingly recognized, cause of myelopathy. It is the result of an anterior dural defect in the thoracic spine through which the spinal cord herniates. Surgical restoration of the herniated cord to its normal position is usually followed by significant improvement in patients' clinical status. Differing surgical techniques have been used to manage the dural defect.

In this report the authors discuss the cases of five patients (four women and one man) with ISCH treated during a 13-year period. Clinical and imaging findings in each patient are reported. Two different surgical techniques were used to treat this condition: dural defect enlargement in two cases and dural patch secured with stitches in three. The intra-and postoperative findings are discussed in relation to the two surgical techniques.

Based on the results and complications in these five cases, the authors now believe that ISCH should be treated, when feasible, by using a dural patch to close the dural defect at the site of the herniation.
Quality of life assessment in patients undergoing nucleoplasty-based percutaneous discectomy
Authors: Gerszten Peter C. , Welch William C. , King Joseph T.
Published: January 2008

Object

Nucleoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for disc decompression developed to treat patients with symptomatic contained herniated discs. Nucleoplasty uses nonheat-driven radiofrequency energy to ablate and coagulate the disc nucleus via a percutaneous “discography” trajectory under fluoroscopic guidance. In this study the authors evaluated pain, functioning, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with radicular leg and back pain who underwent nucleoplasty-based percutaneous disc decompression.

Methods

The study was designed as a prospective nonrandomized longitudinal cohort study in an academic medical center. Sixty-seven patients (mean age 41 years) with primarily radicular pain due to a contained disc herniation underwent nucleoplasty-based decompression in an outpatient setting. Patients completed the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form (SF-36) Health Survey, EuroQol 5D (EQ5D), and a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain pre-operatively, and at 3 and 6 months after surgery. Postoperative QOL differences were assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. A surgical probe, the Perc-DLE SpineWand, was placed percutaneously into the disc after application of a local anesthetic or induction of general anesthesia to remove part of the disc (that is, a percutaneous discectomy).

Nucleoplasty-treated levels were L2–3 (one case), L3–4 (five cases), L4–5 (44 cases), and L5–S1 (40 cases); there were 22 multiple treatment levels and 42 bilateral treatments. There were no infections or nerve root injuries associated with the procedure. Compared with preoperative QOL, there was a statistically significant improvement in QOL at 3 months as measured using the SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) scale (mean score improvement 4.4 [p = 0.014]), the EQ5D (mean score improvement 0.22 [p = 0.001]), and the VAS for pain (mean score improvement 0.13 [p = 0.02]). Six-month results in 36 patients continued to reflect improvement as measured using the SF-36 PCS (mean score improvement 7.6 [p = 0.002]) and the EQ5D (mean score improvement 0.27 [p = 0.001]).

Conclusions

Nucleoplasty-based percutaneous disc decompression in patients with symptomatic contained disc herniations is safe and improves QOL as measured by the SF-36, EQ5D, and VAS for pain, three generic QOL outcome instruments. Nucleoplasty is an effective minimally invasive surgical treatment alternative in patients with symptomatic contained disc herniations. Further follow-up evaluation is underway to determine the durability of QOL improvement after nucleoplasty.
A comparison of adenosine A2A agonism and methylprednisolone in attenuating neuronal damage and improving functional outcome after experimental traumatic spinal cord injury in rabbits
Authors: Okonkwo David O. , Reece T. Brett , Laurent Jeffrey J. , Hawkins A. Stewart , Ellman Peter I. , Linden Joel , Kron Irving L. , Tribble Curtis G. , Stone James R. , Kern John A.
Published: January 2008

Object

Steroid agents remain the lone pharmacological treatment in widespread use for acute spinal cord injury (SCI), although their utility remains in dispute in the neurotrauma literature. Adenosine A2A receptor activation with ATL-146e, a selective A2A agonist, has shown potential benefit in treating SCI; however, it has not been compared with the gold standard, methylprednisolone. The authors of this study evaluated ATL-146e and methylprednisolone for their ability to preserve neuronal viability and motor function in experimental SCI.

Methods

New Zealand White rabbits sustained SCI or sham injury via the Allen weight-drop technique. Ten minutes postinjury, animals received ATL-146e (ATL group, 0.06 μg/kg/min intravenously for 3 hours), methylprednisolone (steroid group, 30 mg/kg intravenously), or saline (trauma control group). Hindlimb motor function was recorded every 12 hours using the Tarlov motor grading scale (0, paralysis–5, normal hop). At 48 hours, fixed spinal cord tissue was evaluated for neuronal viability.

Hindlimb motor function in animals treated with ATL-146e was equivalent to that of sham-injured animals and was significantly better than that of trauma control animals at all time points and that of steroid-treated animals at 12 hours (p = 0.05). Motor function in steroid-treated animals was worse than in those given ATL-146e and better than that of trauma control animals at later time points, but was not statistically significant (both p > 0.05). Neuronal viability (measured in neurons/hpf) was significantly higher in both treatment groups compared with the trauma control group (12.1 ± 1.4 neurons/hpf for the ATL and 13.3 ± 1.4 neurons/hpf for the steroid group compared with 7.5 ± 1.5 neurons/hpf for the trauma control group; both p < 0.04). Neuronal viability did not differ among ATL-146e–treated, steroid-treated, and sham-injured groups.

Conclusions

The use of ATL-146e is at least as effective as methylprednisolone in preserving function and is equivalent to methylprednisolone in preserving the structure of spinal cord tissue after blunt SCI. Adenosine A2A receptor activation may be an effective treatment for acute SCI while avoiding the adverse effects of steroid agents.
Comparison of CD HORIZON SPIRE spinous process plate stabilization and pedicle screw fixation after anterior lumbar interbody fusion
Authors: Wang Jeremy C. , Haid Regis W. , Miller Jay S. , Robinson James C.
Published: January 2008

Object

The authors present the early clinical results obtained in patients who underwent SPIRE spinous process plate fixation following anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF).

Methods

Between May 2003 and January 2005, 32 patients underwent titanium cage and bone morphogenetic protein–augmented ALIF and subsequent SPIRE (21 cases) or bilateral pedicle screw (BPS; 11 cases) fixation. Pedicle screws were implanted using either the open approach (three cases) or using a tubular retractor (eight cases). Patients’ charts were reviewed for operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), hospital length of stay (LOS), and evidence of pseudarthrosis or hardware failure.

In SPIRE plate–treated patients, the median EBL (75 ml) was lower than in BPS-treated patients (open BPS [150 ml]; tubular BPS [125 ml]). The median operative time in SPIRE plate–treated patients was also shorter (164 minutes compared with 239 and 250 minutes in the open and tubular BPS, respectively). The median LOS was 3 days for both the SPIRE and tubular BPS groups, but 4 days in the open BPS group. There were no instances of major surgery-induced complication, pseudarthrosis, or hardware failure during mean follow-up periods of 5.5, 7.2, and 4.9 months in the SPIRE, open PS, and tubular BPS groups, respectively.

Conclusions

The SPIRE plate is easy to implant and is associated with minimal operative risk. Compared with BPS/rod constructs, SPIRE plate fixation leads to less EBL and shorter operative time, without an increase in the rate of pseudarthrosis. Hospital LOS was also shorter in SPIRE plate–treated patients, which is consistent with the goals of minimal access spinal technologies.