bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Caregiver Involvement in Upper-Limb Treatment in Individuals With Subacute Stroke
Authors: Harris Jocelyn E. , Eng Janice J. , Miller William C. , Dawson Andrew S. 
Published: July 2010

BackgroundInitial severity of upper-limb motor impairment and exercise intensity are important predictors of improved upper-limb function during stroke rehabilitation. Initial severity of motor impairment, however, is not modifiable by rehabilitation, and increased one-on-one treatment is not always feasible. Alternative methods to increase intensity and improve upper-limb function are needed.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine caregiver involvement in upper-limb treatment as a method to improve upper-limb function.DesignThis study was a secondary analysis of a multi-site randomized controlled trial for upper-limb recovery during subacute inpatient stroke rehabilitation.MethodsData from 50 individuals with subacute stroke who were randomly assigned to the experimental group (upper-limb exercise) were used for the analysis. Outcome variables were measured at baseline and at completion of the 4-week intervention. Group comparisons between participants with caregiver support and participants without caregiver support were done using an analysis of variance. Using the Fugl-Meyer Upper-Limb Motor Impairment Scale and time spent in treatment (intensity) as covariates, a multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine the additive value of caregiver support on upper-limb function, as measured by change scores on the Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory and the Motor Activity Log.ResultsGroup comparisons revealed that participants with caregiver support had improved upper-limb function compared with those without caregiver support and were more likely to increase the amount of time spent doing exercise. The multiple regression analysis showed that Fugl-Meyer score, treatment intensity, and caregiver support were significant predictors of upper-limb improvement (R2=.240–.292). In the regression models, caregiver support accounted for 5% to 9% of upper-limb improvement.LimitationsSupport was coded as a dichotomous variable, and thus the degree of support or qualitative nature of support was not captured.ConclusionsInvolvement of caregivers was a determinant of improved upper-limb function over and above initial severity of motor impairment and exercise intensity. Further research is needed to determine the optimal qualitative and quantitative elements of caregiver involvement in stroke rehabilitation in order to maximize results.
Development of a Computerized Adaptive Test for Assessing Balance Function in Patients With Stroke
Authors: Hsueh I-Ping , Chen Jyun-Hong , Wang Chun-Hou , Chen Cheng-Te , Sheu Ching-Fan , Wang Wen-Chung , Hou Wen-Hsuan , Hsieh Ching-Lin 
Published: July 2010

BackgroundAn efficient and precise measure of balance is needed to improve administration efficiency and to reduce the assessment burden for patients.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to develop a computerized adaptive testing (CAT) system for assessing balance function in an efficient, reliable, and valid fashion in patients with stroke.DesignTwo cross-sectional prospective studies were conducted.SettingThis study was conducted in the departments of physical medicine and rehabilitation in 6 hospitals.PatientsThe participants were inpatients and outpatients who were receiving rehabilitation.MeasurementsA balance item pool (41 items) was developed on the basis of predefined balance concepts, expert opinions, and field testing. The items were administered by 5 raters to 764 patients. An item response theory model was fit to the data, and the item parameters were estimated. A simulation study was used to determine the performance (eg, reliability, efficiency) of the Balance CAT. The Balance CAT and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) then were tested on another independent sample of 56 patients to determine the concurrent validity and time needed for administration.ResultsSeven items did not meet the model's expectations and were excluded from further analysis. The remaining 34 items formed the item bank of the Balance CAT. Two stopping rules (ie, reliability coefficient &gt;0.9 or ≤6 items) were set for the CAT. The simulation study showed that the patients' balance scores estimated by the CAT had an average reliability value of .94. The scores obtained from the CAT were closely associated with those of the full item set (Pearson r=.98). The scores of the Balance CAT were highly correlated with those of the BBS (Pearson r=.88). The average time needed to administer the Balance CAT (83 seconds) was only 18% of that of the BBS.LimitationsThe convenience sampling of both samples may limit the generalization of the results. Further psychometric investigation of the Balance CAT is needed.ConclusionThe results provide strong evidence that the Balance CAT is efficient and has reliability and validity for patients with stroke.
Quantifying Self-Report Measures' Overestimation of Mobility Scores Postarthroplasty
Authors: Stratford Paul W. , Kennedy Deborah M. , Maly Monica R. , MacIntyre Norma J. 
Published: July 2010

BackgroundSelf-reports of function may systematically overestimate the ability of patients to move around postarthroplasty.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to estimate the magnitude of systematic differences in Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index physical function subscale (WOMAC-PF) scores before and after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA) by referencing the values to Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) distances and Timed “Up & Go” Test (TUG) times.DesignThis study was a secondary analysis of data from a prospective cohort study.MethodsThe LEFS, WOMAC, 6MWT, and TUG were administered to 85 patients prearthroplasty and once at 9 to 13 weeks postarthroplasty. Regression analysis was applied using a robust error term for clustered data. With the self-report measures as dependent variables and performance measures, occasion (prearthroplasty or postarthroplasty), and performance measure-by-occasion as independent variables, 3 propositions were examined: (1) the relationship between self-report and performance measures is identical prearthroplasty and postarthroplasty (ie, regression lines are coincident); (2) the relationship differs between occasions, but is consistent (ie, regression lines are parallel); (3) the relationship is not consistent (ie, the regression lines are not parallel).ResultsFor all analyses, the results supported the second proposition (ie, the relationship differed between occasions, but was consistent). The systematic differences varied by location of arthroplasty, but were similar for both performance tests. For the LEFS, the difference was approximately 11 points for patients who received TKA and 13 points for patients who received THA. For the WOMAC-PF, the difference was approximately 12 points for patients who received TKA and 19 points for patients who received THA. These differences exceed the minimal clinically important change for an individual patient.LimitationsThe findings are specific to 9 to 13 weeks postarthroplasty.ConclusionDependence on scores of self-report measures alone, without knowledge of the magnitude of the identified systematic differences, will result in overestimating the ability of patients to move around postarthroplasty.
Human motor evoked potential responses following spinal cord transection: an in vivo study
Authors: Nair M. Nathan , Ramakrishna Rohan , Song Kit , Kinney Gregory , Slimp Jefferson , Ko Andrew L. , Avellino Anthony M. 
Published: July 2010

Motor evoked potential (MEP) monitoring has been used increasingly in conjunction with somatosensory evoked potential monitoring to monitor neurological changes during complex spinal operations. No published report has demonstrated the effects of segmental spinal cord transection on MEP monitoring.
The authors describe the case of an 11-year-old girl with lumbar myelomeningocele and worsening thoracolumbar scoliosis who underwent a T11–L5 fusion and spinal transection to prevent tethering. Intraoperative MEP and somatosensory evoked potential monitoring were performed, and the spinal cord was transected in 4 quadrants. The MEPs were lost unilaterally as each anterior quadrant was sectioned.
This is the first reported case that demonstrates the link between spinal cord transection and MEP signaling characteristics. Furthermore, it demonstrates the relatively minor input of the ipsilateral ventral corticospinal tract in MEP physiology at the thoracolumbar junction. Finally, this study further supports the use of MEPs as a specific intraoperative neuromonitoring tool.
A patient with myelomeningocele: is untethering necessary prior to scoliosis correction?
Authors: Samdani Amer F. , Fine Anthony L. , Sagoo Sukhdeep S. , Shah Shailja C. , Cahill Patrick J. , Clements David H. , Betz Randal R. 
Published: July 2010

Object
Tethering of the spinal cord is thought to increase the chance of neurological injury when scoliosis correction is undertaken. All patients with myelomeningocele (MM) are radiographically tethered, and untethering procedures carry significant morbidity risks including worsening neurological function and wound complications. No guidelines exist as regards untethering in patients with MM prior to scoliosis correction surgery. The authors' aim in this study was to evaluate their experience in patients with MM who were not untethered before scoliosis correction.

Methods
Seventeen patients with MM were retrospectively identified and 1) had no evidence of a clinically symptomatic tethered cord, 2) had undergone spinal fusion for scoliosis correction, and 3) had not been untethered for at least 1 year prior to surgery. The minimum follow-up after fusion was 2 years. Charts and radiographs were reviewed for neurological or shunt complications in the perioperative period.

Results
The average age of the patients was 12.4 years, and the following neurological levels were affected: T-12 and above, 7 patients; L-1/L-2, 6 patients; L-3, 2 patients; and L-4, 2 patients. All were radiographically tethered as confirmed on MR imaging. Fourteen of the patients (82%) had a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The mean Cobb angle was corrected from 82° to 35°, for a 57% correction. All patients underwent neuromonitoring of their upper extremities, and some underwent lower extremity monitoring as well. Postoperatively, no patient experienced a new cranial nerve palsy, shunt malfunction, change in urological function, or upper extremity weakness/sensory loss. One patient had transient lower extremity weakness, which returned to baseline within 1 month of surgery.

Conclusions
The study results suggested that spinal cord untethering may be unnecessary in patients with MM who are undergoing scoliosis corrective surgery and do not present with clinical symptoms of a tethered cord, even though tethering is radiographically demonstrated.
Minimally invasive tethered cord release in adults: a comparison of open and mini-open approaches
Authors: Potts Matthew B. , Wu Jau-Ching , Gupta Nalin , Mummaneni Praveen V. 
Published: July 2010

Object
Symptomatic tethered cord and associated anomalies such as diastematomyelia rarely present during adulthood but can cause significant pain as well as motor, sensory, and bladder dysfunction. As with children, studies have shown that surgical detethering may provide improvement in pain and neurological deficits. Typical surgical management involves an open laminectomy, sectioning of the filum terminale, and exploration of the split cord malformation. Such open approaches, however, cause significant paraspinous muscle trauma and scarring. Recent advances in minimally invasive techniques allow for access to the spine and thecal sac while minimizing associated muscular trauma. The authors present a comparison of open versus minimally invasive surgery to treat adult tethered cord syndrome.

Methods
Six adult patients underwent surgical release of a tethered spinal cord (2 of them also had diastematomyelia). The mean age of the patients was 47.78 years (range 31–64 years). All medical records and images were retrospectively reviewed. Three of the patients underwent traditional open laminectomies for detethering (open group) while the other 3 patients underwent minimally invasive (mini-open) spinal cord detethering. The length of the incision, length of stay, estimated blood loss, and complications were compared between the 2 groups.

Results
All 6 patients had tethered spinal cords, and 1 patient in each group had diastematomyelia. The mean estimated blood loss during surgery (300 ml in the open group vs 167 ml in the mini-open group, p = 0.313) and the mean length of stay (7 days in the open group vs 6.3 days in the mini-open group, p = 0.718) were similar between the 2 groups. The incision length was half as long in the mini-open group versus the open group. However, 1 patient in the mini-open group developed a postoperative pseudomeningocele requiring surgical revision, whereas the open group had no revision surgeries.

Conclusions
Cases of symptomatic diastematomyelia and tethered cord in adults can be safely and effectively explored through a mini-open approach. In this small case series, the authors did find that the mini-open group had an incision that was 50% smaller than the open group, but they did not find a significant clinical difference between the groups.
The role of endoscopic third ventriculostomy in the treatment of hydrocephalus associated with faciocraniosynostosis
Authors: Di Rocco Federico , Jucá Carlos Eduardo , Arnaud Eric , Renier Dominique , Sainte-Rose Christian 
Published: July 2010

Object
The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in the treatment of hydrocephalus in children with complex craniosynostosis.

Methods
Medical charts from 2194 children treated at the Craniofacial Unit of Necker Enfants Malades between 1995 and 2008 were reviewed. Among them, 293 were affected by a syndromic faciocraniosynostosis. The management of cases with hydrocephalus treated using ETV was examined and analyzed with regard to successes and failures.

Results
Forty-six children with associated progressive hydrocephalus were identified, and 11 (8 boys, 3 girls) had undergone an ETV. All were affected by a faciocraniosynostosis (Crouzon syndrome in 5, Pfeiffer syndrome in 3, and unclassifiable in 3). A descent of the cerebellar tonsils was found in 5 children. In 7 children the hydrocephalus was controlled by an ETV. In the remaining 4 cases a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was also needed. The delay between the 2 surgeries ranged from 1 week to 6 months in these 4 patients. The follow-up period ranged from 11 months to 13 years.

Conclusions
Performing an ETV may facilitate control of hydrocephalus associated with faciocraniosynostosis in select cases. However, because of the relatively high failure rate of this procedure, a close clinical and radiological monitoring of these children is mandatory.
Clinical presentation, histology, and treatment in 430 patients with primary tumors of the spinal cord, spinal meninges, or cauda equina
Authors: Engelhard Herbert H. , Villano J. Lee , Porter Kimberly R. , Stewart Andrew K. , Barua Manali , Barker Fred G. , Newton Herbert B. 
Published: July 2010

ObjectPatients having a primary tumor of the spinal cord, spinal meninges or cauda equina, are relatively rare. Neurosurgeons encounter and treat such patients, and need to be aware of their clinical presentation, tumor types, treatment options, and potential complications. The purpose of this paper is to report results from a series of 430 patients with primary intraspinal tumors, taken from a larger cohort of 9661 patients with primary tumors of the CNS.MethodsExtensive information on individuals diagnosed (in the year 2000) as having a primary CNS neoplasm was prospectively collected in a Patient Care Evaluation Study conducted by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons. Data from US hospital cancer registries were submitted directly to the National Cancer Database. Intraspinal tumor cases were identified based on ICD-O-2 topography codes C70.1, C72.0, and C72.1. Analyses were performed using SPSS.ResultsPatients with primary intraspinal tumors represented 4.5% of the CNS tumor group, and had a mean age of 49.3 years. Pain was the most common presenting symptom, while the most common tumor types were meningioma (24.4%), ependymoma (23.7%), and schwannoma (21.2%). Resection, surgical biopsy, or both were performed in 89.3% of cases. Complications were low, but included neurological worsening (2.2%) and infection (1.6%). Radiation therapy and chemotherapy were administered to 20.3% and 5.6% of patients, respectively.ConclusionsData from this study are suitable for benchmarking, describing prevailing patterns of care, and generating additional hypotheses for future studies.
Cost-effectiveness of current treatment strategies for lumbar spinal stenosis: nonsurgical care, laminectomy, and X-STOP
Authors: Burnett Mark G. , Stein Sherman C. , Bartels Ronald H. M. A. 
Published: July 2010

ObjectStandard treatment options for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis include nonoperative therapies as well as decompressive laminectomy. The introduction of interspinous decompression devices such as the X-STOP has broadened treatment options, but data comparing these treatment strategies are lacking. The object of this study was to provide a cost-effectiveness analysis of laminectomy, interspinous decompression, and nonoperative treatment for patients with lumbar stenosis.MethodsThe authors performed a structured literature review of lumbar stenosis and constructed a cost-effectiveness model. Using conservative treatment, decompressive laminectomy, and placement of X-STOP as the treatment arms, their primary analysis evaluated the optimal treatment strategy for a patient with lumbar stenosis at a 2-year time horizon. Secondary analyses were done to compare cases in which patients required single-level procedures with those in which multilevel procedures were required as well as to examine the outcomes for a 4-year time horizon. Outcomes were calculated using quality-adjusted life years and costs were considered from the perspective of society.ResultsLaminectomy was found to be the most effective treatment strategy, followed by X-STOP and then conservative treatment at a 2-year time horizon. Both surgical procedures were more costly than conservative treatment. Because laminectomy was both more effective and less costly than X-STOP, it is said to dominate overall. When single level procedures were considered alone, laminectomy was more effective but also more costly than X-STOP.ConclusionsLumbar laminectomy appears to be the most cost-effective treatment strategy for patients with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis.
Spondylolysis of C-2 in 2 athletically active individuals
Authors: Gottfried Oren N. , Parker Scott L. , Omeis Ibrahim , Bydon Ali , Gokaslan Ziya L. , Wolinsky Jean-Paul 
Published: July 2010

Cervical spondylolysis is an uncommon disorder involving a cleft at the pars interarticularis. It is most often found at the C-6 level, and clinical presentations have included incidental radiographic findings, neck pain, and rarely neurological compromise. Although subaxial cervical spondylolysis has been described in 150 patients, defects at the C-2 pedicles are rare.
The authors present 2 new cases of C-2 spondylolysis in athletically active young persons who did not demonstrate instability or neurological deficits, were able to remain active, and are being managed conservatively with serial examinations and imaging. They also discuss the results of 22 previously reported cases of C-2 spondylolysis. Based on the literature and their own experience, the authors conclude that most patients with C-2 spondylolysis remain neurologically intact, maintain stability despite the bony defect, and can be managed conservatively. Surgery is reserved for patients who demonstrate severe instability or spinal cord compromise due to stenosis.
The treatment and outcome of postmeningitic subdural empyema in infants
Authors: Liu Zhuo-Hao , Chen Nan-Yu , Tu Po-Hsun , Lee Shih-Tseng , Wu Chieh-Tsai 
Published: July 2010

Object
The management of subdural empyema (SDE) has been debated in the literature for decades. Craniotomy and bur hole drainage have been shown to achieve a favorable outcome. However, there is a lack of comparative data for these modes of management of SDE subsequent to meningitis in infants.

Methods
The authors conducted a retrospective review of 33 infants identified with SDE due to meningitis at the Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between 2000 and 2006. Preoperative clinical presentation, duration of symptoms, radiological investigations, CSF data, and postoperative outcome were analyzed and compared between these 2 surgical groups.

Results
At diagnosis, there were no differences between the groups in age, weight, degree of consciousness, CSF analysis, or duration of fever. The outcome data showed no difference in the number of days until afebrile, number of days of postsurgical antibiotic treatment, neurological outcome, recurrence rate, or complication rate. There was only 1 death in the series.

Conclusions
Subdural empyema due to meningitis in infants is unique with respect to the pathophysiology, presentation, and treatment of SDE. Early detection and removal of SDE provide a favorable outcome in both surgical intervention groups. Bur hole drainage is less invasive, and it is possible to expect a clinical outcome as good as with craniotomy in postmeningitic SDE.
Conservative management of an acute spontaneous holocord epidural hemorrhage in a hemophiliac infant
Authors: Kiehna Erin N. , Waldron Peter E. , Jane John A. 
Published: July 2010

Central nervous system hemorrhages are an uncommon but severe complication of hemophilia, occurring in only 2–8% of children with hemophilia. Less than 10% of these CNS hemorrhages are intraspinal. The authors report on their care of an infant with hemophilia A who presented with irritability, meningismus, and decreased spontaneous movement. These symptoms prompted imaging studies, which revealed a spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) extending from C-1 through the cauda equina. The boy was treated with factor replacement and close monitoring. Repeat radiographic imaging 14 days later demonstrated complete resolution, and the patient had returned to his normal baseline status.
A literature review in the modern treatment era revealed 24 cases of SEH in children with hemophilia. Of these 24 cases, 11 underwent laminectomy and 13 received conservative treatment. All conservatively treated patients, 5 of whom had presented with weakness, experienced a full recovery. Of the 11 laminectomy patients, 10 presented with weakness and all but 3 experienced full neurological improvement. These 3 patients were notable for having previously undiagnosed hemophilia. An increased index of suspicion facilitates the essential management features of prompt diagnosis and correction of coagulopathies in children who present with SEHs. The authors apply a multidisciplinary approach involving a pediatric hematologist, neurosurgeon, and pediatric intensive care unit to ensure timely correction of the coagulation disorder, maintenance of adequate factor levels, and close hemodynamic and neurological monitoring. Observation with aggressive correction of coagulopathy is a reasonable treatment choice for hemophilic patients presenting with SEH and a stable neurological examination.