bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty performed at a cancer center: refuting proposed contraindications
Authors: Hentschel Stephen J. , Burton Allen W. , Fourney Daryl R. , Rhines Laurence D. , Mendel Ehud 
Published: May 2009

Object. The purpose of this study was to examine a group of patients with cancer who underwent a vertebroplasty or a kyphoplasty for a vertebral body (VB) fracture, even though the procedure may have been considered contraindicated based on previous reports in the literature.
Methods. The electronic database maintained by the Departments of Neurosurgery and Anesthesiology—Pain Management at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center was searched for patients who underwent vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty between January 2001 and July 2003. The criteria defining a contraindicated procedure were based on a review of the literature. Group I consisted of patients who did not undergo a contraindicated vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, whereas Group II consisted of patients who underwent one of these procedures even though it may have been considered contraindicated.
There were 53 patients with fractures at 132 levels who met the criteria for the study. Of these, 17 patients with fractures at 18 levels (14% of total) were considered to have undergone a contraindicated vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty (Group II). There were 12 complications (11%) in the 114 levels in Group I and seven complications (39%) in the 18 levels in Group II (p = 0.03). The most common complication was cement extrusion from the anterior VB that did not involve the venous system. No patient required an open surgical procedure to remove extruded cement.
Conclusions. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty appear to be safe and effective in the setting of severe back pain caused by VB fracture that is unresponsive to other therapies, even in the presence of relative contraindications to the procedures.
New treatment of lumbar disc herniation involving 5-hydroxytryptamine2A receptor inhibitor: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kanayama Masahiro , Hashimoto Tomoyuki , Shigenobu Keiichi , Oha Fumihiro , Yamane Shigeru 
Published: May 2009

Object.Serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a chemical mediator associated with nucleus pulposus—induced radiculopathy. Inhibition of 5-HT receptors may potentially alleviate symptoms in patients with lumbar disc herniation. This prospective randomized controlled study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of the 5-HT2Areceptor inhibitor in the treatment of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation.Methods.Forty patients with sciatica due to L4–5 or L5—S1 disc herniation were randomly allocated to treatment with the 5-HT2Ainhibitor (sarpogrelate 300 mg/day) or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; diclofenac 75 mg/day). Low-back pain, leg pain, and numbness were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS) before and after a 2-week course of treatment. The patients received only allocated medicine during the 2-week regimen and were thereafter allowed to choose any treatment options depending on their residual symptoms. One-year clinical outcomes were assessed based on the rates of additional medical interventions.The mean VAS score improvements in the 5-HT2Aand NSAID groups were 33 and 46% for low-back pain, 32 and 32% for leg pain, and 35 and 22% for leg numbness, respectively. After the 2-week regimen, no additional medical interventions were required in 50% of 5-HT2A—treated patients and 15% of those receiving NSAIDs. Epidural or nerve root block procedures were performed in 35% of the 5-HT2Agroup and 45% of the NSAID group. Surgery was required in 20% of the 5-HT2Agroup and 30% of the NSAID group patients.Conclusions.The current study provided evidence that the efficacy of the 5-HT2Ainhibitor was comparable with that of NSAID therapy for lumbar disc herniation. The 5-HT2Ainhibitor has the potential to alleviate symptoms in patients with lumbar disc herniation.
Spinal extradural schwannoma
Authors: Celli Paolo , Trillò Giuseppe , Ferrante Luigi 
Published: May 2009

Object. The authors endeavor to define the clinical and surgery-related profile of spinal nerve sheath tumors located in the extradural space outside both the dural sac and, apparently, the nerve roots' sleeve.
Methods. A series of 24 extradural schwannomas was retrospectively selected after reviewing the notes of spinal nerve sheath tumors surgically treated at La Sapienza University of Rome. Clinical data, tumor-related characteristics, and outcome were analyzed.
Women predominantly harbored these tumors. On admission sensory nerve root dysfunction was infrequently reported, whereas pyramidal tract deficits were often present. The tumor, generally large, was most frequently located in the intermediate thoracic segments and high cervical region; only one was reported in the lumbosacral region. Considerable erosion of vertebral bodies was reported in almost one third of the cases. In four patients eloquent nerve roots, that of C-5 in three and that of S-1 in one, were involved with the tumor. Radical tumor resection, with preservation of the nerve roots, was possible in several cases, whereas in two patients manipulation and resection of the C-5 root produced transient and permanent, respectively, root palsy. At follow-up examination patients for whom walking was impossible before surgery were now able to walk.
Conclusions. Extradural schwannomas can be distinguished from other nerve sheath tumors growing inside the spinal canal by their clinicoradiological features and unlikely nerve root origin. After surgery, recovery from pyramidal tract deficits, even severe, is noteworthy; in the authors' experience, however, resection of an involved appendicular root is more likely to result in a permanent and significant radicular deficit.
Usefulness of neurological examination for diagnosis of the affected level in patients with cervical compressive myelopathy: prospective comparative study with radiological evaluation
Authors: Matsumoto Morio , Ishikawa Masayuki , Ishii Ken , Nishizawa Takashi , Maruiwa Hirofumi , Nakamura Masaya , Chiba Kazuhiro , Toyama Yoshiaki 
Published: May 2009

Object. Although neurological examination is the key step to reaching a correct diagnosis of cervical compressive myelopathy (CCM), the accuracy of diagnosis of the affected spinal level for CCM has not yet been tested.
Methods. The authors conducted a prospective study to elucidate how accurately the affected intervertebral level can be determined and decompressed based on neurological examination. Fifty patients who underwent successful decompressive surgery for cervical myelopathy caused by single-level disc herniation or spondylosis were included in this study (38 men and 12 women, mean age 60 years). Three board-certified spine surgeons participated in establishing the neurological diagnoses. One of the three surgeons made a diagnosis of CCM, and the other two conducted the neurological examination including deep tendon reflex, pinprick response, muscle weakness, and numbness in the hand only, knowing that the patient had CCM, and established the neurological-level diagnosis. A single intervertebral level responsible for patient's symptoms was determined concordantly based on magnetic resonance imaging and myelography findings by two spine surgeons, and this served as the standard. Agreement between neurological and neuroimaging/radiological level diagnoses was determined. The rate of agreement between neurological and neuroimaging diagnosis was 66%. Among the neurological tests, patient-perceived location of numbness in the hands was the most useful for establishing the affected level. For the other three tests the agreement rate was lower than 50% and thus each individual test may not be reliable for diagnosing the affected level.
Conclusions. The results of this study suggested that neurological examination in patients with CCM is moderately accurate and reliable for determining the neurological level of disease.
Spinal tumors in neurofibromatosis Type 2. Is emerging knowledge of genotype predictive of natural history?
Authors: Dow Graham , Biggs Nigel , Evans Gareth , Gillespie Jimmie , Ramsden Richard , King Andrew 
Published: May 2009

Object. The authors conducted a study to examine the incidence, classification, and progression of spinal tumors in patients with neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) treated at a single center, and to examine relationships with the known mutational subtypes of NF2.
Methods. They performed a retrospective review of clinical records, neuroimaging studies, and genetic data obtained in 61 patients with NF2.
Forty-one (67%) of 61 patients harbored one or more spinal tumors. Thirty-four patients had undergone serial spinal magnetic resonance imaging during a mean follow-up period of 52 months (range 10–103 months; median 53 months). In 16 patients there were multiple extramedullary tumors smaller than 5 mm, which did not progress. Fourteen patients harbored at least one extramedullary tumor that was greater than 5 mm; of these, radiological progression was demonstrated or spinal tumor excision was performed during the follow-up period in eight cases (57%). Eleven patients harbored intramedullary cord tumors in addition to small and large extramedullary tumors, three (27%) of which exhibited radiological progression. In cases in which genotypes were known, protein-truncating mutations were significantly more likely to be associated with the presence of spinal tumors than in other types (p = 0.03, Fisher exact test). No associations between clinical behavior of spinal tumors and genotype, however, could be demonstrated.
Conclusions. Spinal tumors in cases involving NF2 are heterogeneous in type, distribution, and behavior but larger-size tumors are more likely to progress significantly. Intramedullary tumors usually accompany multiple extramedullary tumors. In the authors' experience subtyping of the NF2 mutation has not yet influenced management. Protein-truncating mutations are associated with an increased prevalence of spinal tumors.
Embolization of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas: importance of occlusion of the draining vein
Authors: Jellema Korné , Sluzewski Menno , van Rooij Willem Jan , Tijssen Cees C. , Beute Guus N. 
Published: May 2009

Object. The aim of this study was to assess whether glue-induced occlusion of the draining vein predicts permanent closure of the fistula following embolization of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs).
Methods. Between 1994 and 2004, 36 consecutive patients with an SDAVF were treated at the authors' institution. Twelve patients underwent surgery and 24 glue-based embolization. In 12 of 24 embolization procedures the draining vein was occluded and no recurrence or persistent fistula was seen during the follow-up period. In the other 12 patients the glue had not reached the draining vein and in eight of these the fistula recurred, necessitating additional treatment.
Conclusions. In embolization of SDAVFs penetration of the glue into the draining vein predicts permanent closure of the fistula. When penetration of the glue into the draining vein can be expected, embolization is the preferred treatment option. In other cases surgery should be the treatment of choice.
An anatomical study comparing standard fluoroscopy and virtual fluoroscopy for the placement of C1–2 transarticular screws
Authors: Tannoury Tony , Crowl Adam C. , Battaglia Todd C. , Chan Donald P. K. , Anderson D. Greg 
Published: May 2009

Object.The authors sought to compare radiation exposure, surgical time, and accuracy of screw placement when using either standard fluoroscopy or virtual fluoroscopy for the placement of C1–2 transarticular screws.Methods.Twenty-two C1–2 transarticular screws were placed in 11 cadavers in a randomized and alternating order by using either standard fluoroscopy or virtual fluoroscopy (fluoronavigation). The radiation time, procedure time, and accuracy of screw placement were recorded and statistically compared. A small but statistically significant reduction in fluoroscopy time was noted with the virtual fluoroscopy technique but the surgical times were similar between the two techniques. The incidence of noncritical and critical breaches (those at risk of causing a neurovascular injury) was not significantly different between the two groups. Careful analysis of the C1–2 anatomy in these specimens underscored the importance of placing the screw path in a maximally dorsal and medial portion of the C-2 isthmus to avoid injury to the vertebral artery and to maximize the bone purchase of the C-1 lateral mass.Conclusions.Although virtual fluoroscopy may represent a useful tool for transarticular screw placement, it does not supplant traditional surgical techniques and does not appear to lower the incidence of bone breaches that can occur when performing this demanding procedure.
Short-term results of microendoscopic posterior decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Ikuta Ko , Arima Junichi , Tanaka Takayuki , Oga Masayoshi , Nakano Soichiro , Sasaki Kosuke , Goshi Kohei , Yo Masaki , Fukagawa Shingo 
Published: May 2009

Object. The authors applied the technique of microendoscopic discectomy to posterior decompression procedures for lumbar spinal stenosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of using an endoscopic technique to treat lumbar spinal stenosis and to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of microendoscopic posterior decompression (MEPD).
Methods. Microendoscopic posterior decompression, which involves a unilateral endoscopic approach for bilateral decompression, was performed in 47 patients. Clinical and radiographic/neuroimaging results were evaluated during the follow-up period (minimum duration 1 year). The clinical results were compared with those of the conventional laminotomy. Radiographic instability and the degree of surgical invasion of the facet joints were evaluated. In a control a group of 29 patients open laminotomy was performed.
The clinical outcome was evaluated in 44 patients. The mean follow-up duration was 22 months. The mean rate of improvement was 72% based on the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, and good results were obtained in 38 patients. Although the rate of morbidity decreased in the MEPD group, the incidence of complication was slightly higher. Effective decompression was demonstrated in the majority of the patients by using magnetic resonance imaging. Radiographic instability appeared in one patient postoperatively, and based on computerized tomography scanning, a tendency toward invasion of the facet joint on the approach side was noted.
Conclusions. Microendoscopic posterior decompression is a minimally invasive procedure and is as useful as other conventional procedures in treating lumbar spinal stenosis; however, a few technical problems remain to be solved.
Use of a polymethylmethacrylate cervical cage in the treatment of single-level cervical disc disease
Authors: Chen Jyi-Feng , Wu Chieh-Tsai , Lee Sai-Cheung , Lee Shih-Tseng 
Published: May 2009

Object.Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement has been used as a spacer in the treatment of patients with cervical disc disease with good long-term outcomes, but solid bone fusion has not been demonstrated in all cases. To achieve cervical interbody fusion, the authors designed a modified PMMA cervical cage that they filled with spongy bone for the treatment of single-level cervical disc herniation.Methods.Sixty-three patients underwent anterior cervical microdiscectomy and implantation of a PMMA cervical cage filled with autograft cancellous bone and were followed for a minimum of 2 years. The fusion rates were 90.5 and 100% at the 6- and 12-month follow-up examinations, respectively. The mean intervertebral disc height gain was 3.4 ± 1.9 mm when preoperative and 24-month postoperative values were compared. Neck pain, measured using the Huskissan visual analog scale (0 mm, no pain; 100 mm, worst possible pain), decreased from 71 ± 13 mm at preoperative baseline to 28 ± 17 at 6, 23 ± 19 at 12, and 31 ± 19 mm at 24 months. Based on the same scale, radicular pain decreased from 83 ± 15 mm at preoperative baseline to 24 ± 11 at 6, 27 ± 13 at 12, and 22 ± 11 mm at 24 months. The self-rated clinical outcome was excellent in 45 (71.4%) and good in 18 (28.6%) of the 63 patients.Conclusions.The autograft cancellous bone—filled PMMA cage is safe and effective for cervical interbody fusion in the treatment of single-level cervical disc herniation and monoradiculopathy.
Effects of age on the perioperative characteristics and short-term outcome of posterior lumbar fusion surgery
Authors: Kilinçer Cumhur , Steinmetz Michael P. , Sohn Moon Jun , Benzel Edward C. , Bingaman William 
Published: May 2009

Object.Although advances in patient care have enabled surgeons to perform posterior lumbar decompression and fusion (PLDF), increased age remains a major concern when designing a treatment strategy. The authors conducted a study to evaluate if increased age has any effect on lumbar fusion surgery in terms of perioperative events.Methods.This retrospective study comprised 129 patients (age range 25–91 years) with spondylolisthesis, lumbar stenosis and/or disc degeneration/herniation with instability, or unsuccessful results after a failed previous PLDF. The patients were stratified by age: those younger than 65 years of age (85 patients) and those at least 65 years of age (44 patients). The parameters reviewed included comorbid conditions, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, instrumentation technique (pedicle screws, a combination of pedicle screw fixation [PSF] and posterior lumbar interbody fusion [PLIF], or non-instrumented fusions), number of fused levels, operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), complications, and hospital length of stay (LOS).Fusion strategies in the elderly tended to be more conservative. Repeated operations and PSF/PLIF procedures were less frequent in the older age group. Older age did not result in increased complications, EBL, and operative time. Longer hospital LOS was observed in the older age group (7 ± 3.5 days) compared with the younger age group (5.5 ± 1.9 days) (p = 0.022).Conclusions.Complications and perioperative events following PLDF in the elderly are comparable with those observed in younger patients. Withholding lumbar spine fusion solely based on advanced age is not warranted.
Clinical analysis of percutaneous facet screw fixation after anterior lumbar interbody fusion
Authors: Jang Jee-Soo , Lee Sang-Ho 
Published: May 2009

Object. The authors performed a retrospective study to evaluate the results of percutaneous facet screw fixation (PFSF) after anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) in comparison with the gold standard, post-ALIF pedicle screw fixation (PSF).
Methods. Of 84 patients treated for degenerative spondylolisthesis or degenerative disc disease at the authors' institution, 44 underwent PFSF (Group 1) and 40 underwent PSF (Group 2 [control population]) after ALIF. Function was assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scoring system, and outcome was measured using the Macnab criteria. At 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery, dynamic lateral (flexion—extension) radiography and computerized tomography scanning were conducted to evaluate the osseous union status. After a minimum follow-up period of 2 years, analysis showed no intergroup statistical difference in terms of ODI score and Macnab outcome criteria (p > 0.05).
Excellent or good outcome was obtained in 40 (90.9%) of the 44 patients in Group 1 and 37 (92.5%) of the 40 patients in the control Group 2 (p > 0.05). No patient required a blood transfusion in either group. At 24 months after surgery fusion rates were 95.8% in Group 1 and 97.5% in Group 2.
Conclusions. The results of PFSF following ALIF appear to be clinically equivalent to those achieved after PSF, and the procedure represents a safe and minimally invasive modality with which to achieve solid fusion in the lumbar spine.
Outcome after less-invasive decompression of lumbar spinal stenosis: a randomized comparison of unilateral laminotomy, bilateral laminotomy, and laminectomy
Authors: Thomé Claudius , Zevgaridis Dimitris , Leheta Olaf , Bäzner Hansjörg , Pöckler-Schöniger Christiane , Wöhrle Johannes , Schmiedek Peter 
Published: May 2009

ObjectRecently, limited decompression procedures have been proposed in the treatment of lumbar stenosis. The authors undertook a prospective study to compare the safety and outcome of unilateral and bilateral laminotomy with laminectomy.MethodsOne hundred twenty consecutive patients with 207 levels of lumbar stenosis without herniated discs or instability were randomized to three treatment groups (bilateral laminotomy [Group 1], unilateral laminotomy [Group 2], and laminectomy [Group 3]). Perioperative parameters and complications were documented. Symptoms and scores, such as visual analog scale (VAS), Roland—Morris Scale, Short Form—36 (SF-36), and patient satisfaction were assessed preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery.Adequate decompression was achieved in all patients. The overall complication rate was lowest in patients who had undergone bilateral laminotomy (Group 1). The minimum follow up of 12 months was obtained in 94% of patients. Residual pain was lowest in Group 1 (VAS score 2.3 ± 2.4 and 4 ± 1 in Group 3; p < 0.05 and 3.6 ± 2.7 in Group 2; p < 0.05). The Roland—Morris Scale score improved from 17 ± 4.3 before surgery to 8.1 ± 7, 8.5 ± 7.3, and 10.9 ± 7.5 (Groups 1–3, respectively; p < 0.001 compared with preoperative) corresponding to a dramatic increase in walking distance. Examination of SF-36 scores demonstrated marked improvement, most pronounced in Group 1. The number of repeated operations did not differ among groups. Patient satisfaction was significantly superior in Group 1, with 3, 27, and 26% of patients unsatisfied (in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively; p < 0.01).ConclusionsBilateral and unilateral laminotomy allowed adequate and safe decompression of lumbar stenosis, resulted in a highly significant reduction of symptoms and disability, and improved health-related quality of life. Outcome after unilateral laminotomy was comparable with that after laminectomy. In most outcome parameters, bilateral laminotomy was associated with a significant benefit and thus constitutes a promising treatment alternative.