bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of hemiballismus with stereotactic pallidotomy
Authors: Slavin Konstantin V. , Baumann Thomas K. , Burchiel Kim J. 
Published: January 2008

Hemiballismus is a relatively rare movement disorder that is characterized by uncontrolled, random, large-amplitude movements of the limbs. It is usually caused by a vascular lesion that involves the contralateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) (also known as the nucleus hypothalamicus or corpus luysi) and its afferent and efferent pathways.
The authors present a case of medically intractable hemiballismus in a 70-year-old woman who was successfully treated with stereotactic posteroventral pallidotomy. In agreement with the data reported earlier by other groups, the microrecording performed during the pallidotomy showed a decreased rate of firing of the pallidal neurons, supporting the theory of impaired excitatory input from the STN to the internal part of the globus pallidus.
Stereotactic pallidotomy may be the procedure of choice in the treatment of medically intractable hemiballismus. Intraoperative microrecording significantly improves the precision of the stereotactic targeting and should be considered a standard part of the pallidotomy protocol.
Clinical outcomes with the Prestige II cervical disc: preliminary results from a prospective randomized clinical trial
Authors: Porchet Francois , Metcalf Newton H. 
Published: January 2008

Object
A prospective, randomized clinical trial was conducted to compare the Prestige II Cervical Disc with anterior decompression and fusion for the treatment of single-level degenerative disease. Standardized clinical outcome measures and radiographic examinations were used at prescribed postoperative intervals to compare the treatment groups.

Methods
Patients with symptomatic single-level cervical disc disease who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria defined in the protocol were randomized to receive the Prestige II disc or iliac crest autograft fusion. All patients underwent a standardized neurological and radiographic examination and completed outcomes questionnaires (Neck Disability Index and Short Form–36) preoperatively and at each postoperative interval (6 weeks and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months). Two independent radiologists reviewed all x-ray films and assessed motion at the treated level and adjacent segments. Standard statistical methods were used to compare all outcome measures.
Preliminary results in 55 patients enrolled in the study are presented. Several patients have reached the final (24-month) follow-up interval. Clinical and radiographic results are encouraging, with significant improvement seen in both treatment groups. Radiographic results show that the Prestige II disc maintains motion at the treated level without adjacent-segment compromise.

Conclusions
Cervical spine arthroplasty is an exciting and rapidly developing surgical treatment option. An objective comparison with fusion is important to advance this option. This is the first prospective randomized trial in which cervical arthroplasty is compared with fusion. The preliminary results from this limited number of patients indicate that the Prestige II disc is potentially a viable alternative to fusion for primary cervical disc disease; however, further clinical studies with larger sample sizes will be required to show statistical equivalence.
Early clinical and biomechanical results following cervical arthroplasty
Authors: Duggal Neil , Pickett Gwynedd E. , Mitsis Demytra K. , Keller Jana L. 
Published: January 2008

Object
Spinal arthroplasty may become the next gold standard for the treatment of degenerative cervical spine disease. This new modality must be studied rigorously to ensure in vivo efficacy and safety. The authors review the preliminary clinical experience and radiographic outcomes following insertion of the Bryan Cervical Disc Prosthesis (Medtronic Sofamor Danek, Memphis, TN).

Methods
This prospective cohort study included 26 patients undergoing single- or two-level implantation of the Bryan artificial cervical disc for treatment of cervical degenerative disc disease resulting in radiculopathy and/or myelopathy. Radiographic and clinical assessments were made preoperatively 1.5, 3 months, and at 6, 12, and up to 24 months postoperatively. The Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Short Form–36 (SF-36) questionnaires were used to assess pain and functional outcomes. Segmental sagittal rotation from C2–3 to C6–7 was measured using quantitative motion analysis software.
A total of 30 Bryan discs were placed in 26 patients. A single-level procedure was performed in 22 patients and a two-level procedure in the other four. Follow-up duration ranged from 1.5 to 27 months, with a mean duration of 12.3 months. A statistically significant improvement in the mean NDI scores was seen between pre- and late postoperative follow-up evaluations. A trend toward improvement in the SF-36 physical component was also found.
Motion was preserved in the treated spinal segments (mean range of motion 7.8°) for up to 24 months postsurgery. The relative contribution of each segment to overall spinal sagittal rotation differed depending on whether the disc was placed at C5–6 or C6–7. Overall cervical motion (C2–7) was moderately increased on late follow-up evaluations.

Conclusions
The Bryan artificial cervical disc provided in vivo functional spinal motion at the treated level. Overall cervical spinal motion was not significantly altered. Sagittal rotation did not change significantly at any level after surgery.
Nonsaccular aneurysms of the azygos anterior cerebral artery
Authors: Auguste Kurtis I. , Ware Marcus L. , Lawton Michael T. 
Published: January 2008

Object
The azygos or undivided anterior cerebral artery (ACA) is a rare variant, and aneurysms associated with this variant are particularly rare. Most reported azygos ACA aneurysms are saccular, but the authors encountered four patients with this variant who had nonsaccular aneurysms. A review of the management of these lesions and this morphological distinction is presented.

Methods
A retrospective review of patients with aneurysms treated over a 6-year period identified five Type I (according to the Baptista classification) azygos ACA lesions, of which four were nonsaccular. Aneurysms associated with other ACA variants (Baptista Types II and III) were excluded.
Azygos ACA aneurysms accounted for 0.5% of all treated lesions and 1.7% of all ACA and anterior communicating artery aneurysms. One lesion in this series was located proximally at the azygos ACA origin, and three were located distally. All four aneurysms were large (>10 mm in diameter), and two were thrombotic. All aneurysms were treated with microsurgical clip occlusion.

Conclusions
Azygos ACA aneurysms are rare, and may have unusual nonsaccular anatomy (for example, fusiform shape, broad base, complex branching, and/or thrombus in the lumen). The nonsaccular morphology of these aneurysms may render them unsuitable for endovascular coil placement, and may complicate their microsurgical management.
Evolution of vestibular schwannoma surgery: the long journey to current success
Authors: Koerbel Andrei , Gharabaghi Alireza , Safavi-Abbasi Sam , Tatagiba Marcos , Samii Madjid 
Published: January 2008

The extraordinary improvement of patient outcome after surgical treatment for vestibular schwannomas is relatively recent and has occurred mainly over the last 30 years. The introduction of microsurgical techniques has resulted in increasing degrees of precise anatomical and functional preservation of the facial and cochlear nerves. An expanded microsurgical technique accompanied by continuous electrophysiological monitoring has resulted in marked changes in the primary goals for this surgery. Whereas in the past the primary goal of vestibular schwannoma management was to preserve the patient's life, the objective in vestibular schwannoma treatment today is to preserve neurological function.
Long-term follow-up examinations show negligible recurrence rates, indicating that the aim of preservation of nerve function does not limit the completeness of tumor removal with modern neurosurgical techniques. Despite these advances in preserving the anatomical integrity of, for example, the cochlear nerve, losses of function and even deafness may occur postoperatively in some cases. Current biological and technical research in experimental and clinical settings addresses these problems. In this article, the authors report in detail the developments achieved in vestibular schwannoma surgery and the great clinicians to whom these results can be credited.
Selective ablation of nociceptive neurons for elimination of hyperalgesia and neurogenic inflammation
Authors: Tender Gabriel C. , Walbridge Stuart , Olah Zoltan , Karai Laszlo , Iadarola Michael , Oldfield Edward H. , Lonser Russell R. 
Published: January 2008

Object
Neuropathic pain is mediated by nociceptive neurons that selectively express the vanilloid receptor 1 (VR1). Resiniferatoxin (RTX) is an excitotoxic VR1 agonist that causes destruction of VR1-positive neurons. To determine whether RTX can be used to ablate VR1-positive neurons selectively and to eliminate hyperalgesia and neurogenic inflammation without affecting tactile sensation and motor function, the authors infused it unilaterally into the trigeminal ganglia in Rhesus monkeys.

Methods
Either RTX (three animals) or vehicle (one animal) was directly infused (20 μl) into the right trigeminal ganglion in Rhesus monkeys. Animals were tested postoperatively at 1, 4, and 7 weeks thereafter for touch and pain perception in the trigeminal distribution (application of saline and capsaicin to the cornea). The number of eye blinks, eye wipes, and duration of squinting were recorded. Neurogenic inflammation was tested using capsaicin cream. Animals were killed 4 (one monkey) and 12 (three monkeys) weeks postinfusion. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed.
Throughout the duration of the study, response to high-intensity pain stimulation (capsaicin) was selectively and significantly reduced (p < 0.001, RTX-treated compared with vehicle-treated eye [mean ± standard deviation]): blinks, 25.7 ± 4.4 compared with 106.6 ± 20.8; eye wipes, 1.4 ± 0.8 compared with 19.3 ± 2.5; and squinting, 1.4 ± 0.6 seconds compared with 11.4 ± 1.6 seconds. Normal response to sensation was maintained. Animals showed no neurological deficit or sign of toxicity. Neurogenic inflammation was blocked on the RTX-treated side. Immunohistochemical analysis of the RTX-treated ganglia showed selective elimination of VR1-positive neurons.

Conclusions
Nociceptive neurons can be selectively ablated by intraganglionic RTX infusion, resulting in the elimination of high-intensity pain perception and neurogenic inflammation while maintaining normal sensation and motor function. Analysis of these findings indicated that intraganglionic RTX infusion may provide a new treatment for pain syndromes such as trigeminal neuralgia as well as others.
Percutaneous retrogasserian glycerol rhizotomy for trigeminal neuralgia: technique and expectations
Authors: Kondziolka Douglas , Lunsford L. Dade 
Published: January 2008

Object
In the management of trigeminal neuralgia (TN), physicians seek rapid and long-lasting pain relief, together with preservation of trigeminal nerve function. Percutaneous retrogasserian glycerol rhizotomy (PRGR) offers distinct advantages over other available procedures. The aim of this report was to provide details of the PRGR procedure and its expected outcome.

Methods
The authors reviewed their experience with PRGR in 1174 patients to evaluate the procedural technique, results, and complications. Although it is clear that TN is not a static disorder but one characterized by remissions and recurrences, long-lasting pain relief was noted in 77% of patients, with 55% discontinuing all medications and 22% requiring some drug usage.

Conclusions
The authors discuss the role of PRGR in their practice, along with other procedures such as microvascular decompression and gamma knife surgery, for idiopathic or multiple sclerosis–related TN. They conclude that PRGR had distinct advantages over other procedures, which include eliminating the need for intraoperative confirmatory sensory testing, and a lower risk of facial sensory loss.
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy for hydrocephalus associated with tectal gliomas
Authors: Li Khan W. , Roonprapunt Chanland , Lawson Herman C. , Abbott I. Rick , Wisoff Jeffrey , Epstein Fred , Jallo George I. 
Published: January 2008

Object
Tectal gliomas are a distinct form of pediatric brainstem tumor that present in patients with symptoms related to increased intracranial pressure due to obstructive hydrocephalus. The natural history of these lesions is often uniquely indolent. Thus, initial surgical therapies are directed at treatment of hydrocephalus, usually with ventricular shunt placement. Recently, third ventriculostomy has been used in patients with tectal gliomas, both as an initial procedure and after shunt failures. In this report the authors review their experience with the treatment of hydrocephalus in patients with tectal gliomas.

Methods
The authors reviewed 31 consecutive cases of tectal gliomas and compared the success rates of ventricular shunt placement with the success rates of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV). Shunt placement procedures were associated with a significant number of malfunctions, and most patients required shunt revisions. The ETV procedure was attempted both as an initial treatment and after shunt malfunction. Overall, ETV was attempted in 18 patients and was performed successfully in all cases. At the time of follow-up evaluation, 16 patients (89%) were shunt free.

Conclusions
The authors found that ETV could be performed with good long-term success both as an initial treatment and after shunt failure. Overall, ETV was found to be superior to ventricular shunt placement in the management of hydrocephalus associated with tectal gliomas.
Expanded endonasal approach: the rostrocaudal axis. Part I. Crista galli to the sella turcica
Authors: Kassam Amin , Snyderman Carl H. , Mintz Arlan , Gardner Paul , Carrau Ricardo L. 
Published: January 2008

Object
Transsphenoidal approaches have been used for a century for the resection of pituitary and other sellar tumors. More recently, the standard endonasal approach has been expanded to provide access to other, parasellar lesions. With the addition of the endoscope, this expansion carries significant potential for the resection of skull base lesions.

Methods
The anatomical landmarks and surgical techniques used in expanded (extended) endoscopic approaches to the rostral, anterior skull base are reviewed and presented, accompanied by case illustrations of each segment (or module) of approach. The rostral half of the anterior skull base is divided into modules of approach: sellar/parasellar, transplanum/transtuberculum, and transcribriform. Case illustrations of successful resections of lesions with each module are presented and discussed.

Conclusions
Endoscopic, expanded endonasal approaches to rostral anterior skull base lesions are feasible and hold great potential for decreased morbidity. The effectiveness and appropriate use of these techniques must be evaluated by close examination of outcomes as case series expand.
Extended endoscopic endonasal approach to the pterygopalatine fossa: anatomical study and clinical considerations
Authors: Cavallo Luigi M. , Messina Andrea , Gardner Paul , Esposito Felice , Kassam Amin B. , Cappabianca Paolo , de Divitiis Enrico , Tschabitscher Manfred 
Published: January 2008

Object
The pterygopalatine fossa is an area located deep in the skull base. The microsurgical transmaxillary–transantral route is usually chosen to remove lesions in this region. The increasing use of the endoscope in sinonasal functional surgery has more recently led to the advent of the endoscope for the treatment of tumors located in the pterygopalatine fossa as well.

Methods
An anatomical dissection of three fresh cadaveric heads (six pterygopalatine fossas) and three dried skull base specimens was performed to evaluate the feasibility of the approach and to illustrate the surgical landmarks that are useful for operations in this complex region.
The endoscopic endonasal approach allows a wide exposure of the pterygopalatine fossa. Furthermore, with the same access (that is, through the nostril) it is possible to expose regions contiguous with the pterygopalatine fossa, either to visualize more surgical landmarks or to accomplish a better lesion removal.

Conclusions
In this anatomical study the endoscopic endonasal approach to the pterygopalatine fossa has been found to be a safe approach for the removal of lesions in this region. The approach could be proposed as an alternative to the standard microsurgical transmaxillary–transantral route.
Tumors of the endolymphatic sac in patients with von Hippel–Lindau disease: implications for their natural history, diagnosis, and treatment
Authors: Kim H. Jeffrey , Butman John A. , Carmen Brewer , Zalewski Christopher , Vortmeyer Alexander O. , Glenn Gladys , Oldfield Edward H. , Lonser Russell R. 
Published: January 2008

Object
Endolymphatic sac tumors (ELSTs), which often are associated with von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease, cause irreversible hearing loss and vestibulopathy. Clinical and imaging surveillance protocols provide new insights into the natural history, mechanisms of symptom formation, and indications for the treatment of ELSTs. To clarify the uncertainties associated with the pathophysiology and treatment of ELSTs, the authors describe a series of patients with VHL disease in whom serial examinations recorded the development of ELSTs.

Methods
Patients with VHL disease were included if serial clinical and imaging studies captured the development of ELSTs, and the patients underwent tumor resection. The patients' clinical, audiological, and imaging characteristics as well as their operative results were analyzed.
Five consecutive patients (three men and two women) with a mean age at surgery of 34.8 years and a follow-up period of 6 to 18 months were included in this study. Audiovestibular symptoms were present in three patients before a tumor was evident on neuroimaging. Imaging evidence of an intralabyrinthine hemorrhage coincided with a loss of hearing in three patients. Successful resection of the ELSTs was accomplished by performing a retrolabyrinthine posterior petrosectomy (RLPP). Hearing stabilized and vestibular symptoms resolved after surgery in all patients. No patient has experienced a recurrence.

Conclusions
Audiovestibular symptoms, including hearing loss, in patients with VHL disease can be the result of microscopic ELSTs. Once an ELST has been detected, it can be completely resected via an RLPP with preservation of hearing and amelioration of vestibular symptoms. Early detection and surgical treatment of small ELSTs, when hearing is still present, should reduce the incidence and severity of hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, and cranial nerve dysfunction, which are associated with these tumors.
Skull base approaches to the basilar artery
Authors: Gonzalez L. Fernando , Amin-Hanjani Sepideh , Bambakidis Nicholas C. , Spetzler Robert F. 
Published: January 2008

Posterior circulation lesions constitute approximately 10% of all intracranial aneurysms. Their distribution includes the basilar artery (BA) bifurcation, superior cerebellar artery, posterior inferior cerebellar artery, and anterior inferior cerebellar artery. The specific features of a patient's aneurysm and superb anatomical knowledge help the surgeon to choose the most appropriate approach and to tailor it to the patient's situation. The main principle that must be applied is maximization of bone resection. This allows the surgeon to work within a wider corridor, which facilitates the use of surgical instruments and minimizes retraction of the brain.
The management of aneurysms within the posterior circulation requires expertise in skull base and vascular surgery. Endovascular treatments have become increasingly important, but in this paper the authors focus on the surgical management of these difficult aneurysms. The paper is divided into three parts: the first section is a brief review of the anatomy of the BA; the second part is a review of the techniques associated with the management of posterior fossa aneurysms; and in the third section the authors describe the different approaches, their nuances and indications based on the location of the aneurysm, and its relationship to the surrounding bone (especially the clivus, dorsum sellae, and the free edge of the petrous apex).
Pregnancy-related vertebral hemangioma
Authors: Chi John H. , Manley Geoffrey T. , Chou Dean 
Published: January 2008

Pregnancy is a recognized risk factor for quiescent vertebral hemangiomas becoming symptomatic; this usually occurs during the 3rd month of gestation. The natural history of these lesions is poorly understood, and treatment practices must consider the overall safety of the mother and fetus. The authors report a case of cervical vertebral hemangioma presenting during the 24th week of pregnancy and review the current literature.
A 26-year-old woman in her 24th week of pregnancy presented with upper-back pain and progressive spastic paresis in the legs. Neuroimaging studies revealed a diffuse C-7 vertebral body lesion with extradural extension and compression of the spinal cord consistent with a vertebral hemangioma. Successful decompression was accomplished, and the fetus experienced no adverse effects from the surgery.
In a review of the literature, 23 cases of pregnancy-related vertebral hemangioma dating back to 1927 were identified. Prepartum surgical decompression was performed in eight patients, postpartum surgery was performed in 12, and surgery was not performed in four. Overall, patients experienced excellent neurological recovery, regardless of the severity and duration of spastic paresis.
Observation should be considered for symptomatic patients at greater than 32 weeks gestation. Surgery should be considered for patients with severe neurological deficits at less than 32 weeks of gestation.
Thoracolumbar vertebral reconstruction after surgery for metastatic spinal tumors: long-term outcomes
Authors: Villavicencio Alan T. , Oskouian Rod J. , Roberson Cliff , Stokes John , Park Jongsoo , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Johnson J. Patrick 
Published: January 2008

Object
Metastatic spinal tumors continue to represent a major problem for patients and treating physicians. The purpose of this study was to assess quantitatively the functional outcome, quality of life, and survival rates of patients after major reconstructive spine surgery.

Methods
A prospective database was established and 58 patients were identified who had undergone thoracolum-bar vertebral reconstruction for metastatic spinal tumors between March 1993 and October 1999. Surgical indications included disabling pain (92%) and/or progressive neurological dysfunction (60%).
Forty-nine patients (85%) had clinical improvement in pain as determined based on the Oswestry pain scale (p < 0.05); 60% demonstrated improvement in their neurological status. The mean neurological improvement in Frankel grade was 1.2 (p < 0.05). The 12-month survival rate was 65%, and all patients who were ambulatory after surgery remained so until the time of death. Instrumentation failure requiring repeated operation occurred in two patients (3.5%), and in 12 patients (21%) local tumor recurrence necessitated repeated surgery. There were no cases of neurological deficit or death related to surgery.

Conclusions
Major anterior thoracolumbar vertebral reconstruction is an effective treatment for local tumor control. More importantly, the authors have demonstrated that surgical treatment can significantly improve the quality of life by improvement of pain control and maintenance of ambulation during the patient's remaining life span.