bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distinguishing primary central nervous system lymphoma from other central nervous system diseases: a neurosurgical perspective on diagnostic dilemmas and approaches
Authors: Hunt Matthew A. , Jahnke Kristoph , Murillo Tulio P. , Neuwelt Edward A. 
Published: January 2008

Object
White matter diseases, including demyelinating or inflammatory disorders, may be indistinguishable clinically and radiologically from some central nervous system (CNS) tumors. In such situations, determination of the final diagnosis is difficult. An example is the differential diagnosis of non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome–related primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) and multiple sclerosis (MS), a demyelinating disease. Unfortunately, delayed diagnosis and treatment of PCNSL can negatively affect prognosis.

Methods
The authors reviewed the cases of eight patients with PCNSL or MS. In each case, the initial diagnosis (PCNSL or MS) was equivocal. In these cases, conventional diagnostic approaches were not definitive, thus further delaying diagnosis. The initial symptoms, the selected diagnostic tests, and the presumptive as well as final diagnosis for each case are discussed.
The final diagnosis was PCNSL in six cases and MS in two. The uncertainty about the clinical or initial pathological presentation required further diagnostic evaluation in all cases. Two important neurosurgical guidelines are the avoidance of corticosteroid agents and performance of biopsy sampling rather than volumetric tumor resection. High-volume lumbar puncture, slit-lamp examination/vitrectomy, new CNS imaging techniques, and repeated biopsy procedures also proved helpful.

Conclusions
In PCNSL, early definitive diagnosis and treatment are the keys to successful outcomes. Knowledge of strategies essential to early diagnosis lessens the need for brain biopsy sampling, but this procedure is still usually necessary. In such selected cases, biopsy sampling is appropriate even when pathological investigation shows MS rather than PCNSL. Complete resection is not indicated in PCNSL and can lead to additional sequelae.
Spinal vascular malformations: an historical perspective
Authors: Black Perry 
Published: January 2008

✓In this historical perspective, the author identifies three epochs in the development of the concepts and treatment of spinal vascular lesions: 1) early observations (1860s–1912), with the lesions during this time period recognized only at autopsy; 2) the “middle ages” (1912–1960), with surgical intervention sporadic and yielding dismal results; and 3) the modern era (beginning in the 1960s), coincident with parallel dramatic advances in radiology, microsurgical instrumentation, and anesthesiology. These advances resulted in a better understanding of the pathophysiological aspects and angioarchitecture of the lesions.
Whereas the nomenclature of the lesions in the past was confusing, a new understanding of these diseases that has emerged during the modern era has permitted refinement of the classification of the lesions as distinct biological entities. Modern diagnostic imaging has enabled identification of patients who may benefit from surgical or embolic occlusion, and treatment has become rationally based.
Future progress in the management of spinal vascular lesions may be anticipated, with improvement in noninvasive imaging for early detection of suspected abnormalities. Furthermore, advances in spinal cord neuroprotection may expand the range of future options for surgical or embolic intervention.
Psychological factors in spinal cord stimulation therapy: brief review and discussion
Authors: Doleys Daniel M. 
Published: January 2008

✓Since its introduction in 1967 by Shealy and colleagues, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy has become an accepted approach to the treatment of certain types of chronic pain. Significant advances have been made in surgical technique, hardware technology, and the variety of disorders for which SCS has proven to be potentially beneficial. Despite these advancements, 25 to 50% of patients in whom a preimplantation trial screening yields successful results report loss of analgesia within 12 to 24 months of implantation, even in the presence of a functioning device. Psychological factors may play an important role in understanding this observation and improving the outcomes.
In this article the author briefly reviews some of the data on psychological factors potentially involved in SCS. Research on patients with low-back and extremity pain was more heavily relied on because this is the population for which the most data exist. The discussion is divided into four sections: 1) role of psychological factors; 2) psychological screening and assessment; 3) patient selection and psychological screening; and 4) psychological variables and outcomes.
To date, the data remain speculative. Although few definitive conclusions can be drawn, the cumulative existing experience does lend itself to some reasonable recommendations. As with all therapies for chronic pain, invasive or noninvasive, the criteria for success and an acceptable level of failure need to be established, but remain elusive. The emphasis herein is to try to take what works and make it work better.
Mechanisms of spinal cord stimulation in ischemia
Authors: Sagher Oren , Huang Dah-Luen 
Published: January 2008

Object
The goal of this study was to assess the duration of neuroprotection after SCS. Nearly 40 years after the first description of spinal cord stimulation (SCS), the mechanisms underlying its physiological effects remain unclear. It is known that SCS affects activity in the nervous system on a broad scale. Local neurohumoral changes within the dorsal horn of the spinal cord have been described, as have changes in cortical activation in a number of brain regions. Spinal cord stimulation has even been found to have profound effects on sympathetic vascular tone, a discovery that has led to its use in ameliorating blood flow in the limbs, heart, and brain.

Methods
In an effort to delineate the limits of neuroprotection offered by SCS, the authors have studied its use in an experimental model of permanent middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion in rats. The investigators applied SCS in a delayed fashion 3, 6, or 9 hours after MCA occlusion. The results are reported and mechanisms underlying the physiological effects of SCS are reviewed, with particular attention being paid to the effect of SCS on cerebral blood flow in the setting of cerebral ischemia.

Conclusions
The authors found that SCS applied as late as 6 hours postischemia significantly reduces stroke volumes, whereas SCS applied 9 hours after ischemia fails to reduce stroke injury.
Biomechanics of the posterior lumbar articulating elements
Authors: Serhan Hassan A. , Varnavas Gus , Dooris Andrew P. , Patwardhan Avinash , Tzermiadianos Michael 
Published: January 2008

✓The clinical success of lumbar spinal fusion varies considerably, depending on techniques and indications. Although spinal fusion generally helps to eliminate certain types of pain, it may also decrease function by limiting patient mobility. Furthermore, spinal fusion may increase stresses on adjacent nonfused motion segments, accelerating the natural degeneration process at adjacent discs. Additionally, pseudarthrosis, that is, incomplete or ineffective fusion, may result in an absence of pain relief. Finally, the recuperation time after a fusion procedure can be lengthy.
The era of disc replacement is in its third decade, and this procedure has demonstrated promise in relieving back pain through preservation of motion. Total joint replacement with facet arthroplasty of the lumbar spine is a new concept in the field of spinal surgery. The devices used are intended to replace either the entire functional spinal unit (FSU) or just the facets. These devices provide dynamic stabilization for the functional spinal segment as an adjunct to disc replacement or laminectomy and facetectomy performed for neural decompression. The major role of facet replacement is to augment the instabilities created by the surgical decompression or to address chronic instability. Additionally, facet joint replacement devices can be used to replace the painful facet joints, restore stability, and/or to salvage a failed disc or nucleus prosthesis without losing motion.
In this paper the authors review and discuss the role of the lumbar facet joints as part of the three-joint complex and discuss their role in intersegmental motion load transfer and multidirectional flexibility in a lumbar FSU.
Nitinol spring rod dynamic stabilization system and Nitinol memory loops in surgical treatment for lumbar disc disorders: short-term follow up
Authors: Kim Young-Soo , Zhang Ho-Yeol , Moon Byung-Jin , Park Kyung-Woo , Ji Kyu-Yeul , Lee Won-Chang , Oh Kyu-Sung , Ryu Gwon-Ui , Kim Daniel H. 
Published: January 2008

Object
The purpose of this study was to analyze the usefulness of the BioFlex, a Nitinol spring rod dynamic stabilization system, and the Nitinol shape memory loop (KIMPF-DI Fixing System) as a posterior dynamic stabilization system in surgery for low-back pain.

Methods
The 103 patients who underwent treatment with the BioFlex system were divided into two groups: Group 1, dynamic stabilization with or without posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF); and Group 2, rigid fixation (PLIF + BioFlex system only). A total of 66 segments were treated with only the BioFlex system; in these the preoperative range of motion (ROM) was 10.0 ± 4.3°, which changed to 4.1 ± 1.9° after surgery. Adjacent-segment ROM changed from 8.4 ± 3.4° to 10.7 ± 3.2° in Group 1 and from 6.5 ± 3.2° to 10.5 ± 4.6° in Group 2 postoperatively. A total of 110 segments received both BioFlex and PLIF, with a fusion rate of 90.0%. The visual analog scale score for back pain improved from 7.3 ± 3.1 to 1.4 ± 1.8 in Group 1 and from 7.4 ± 2.4 to 2.1 ± 2.3 in Group 2. The Oswestry Disability Index improved from 35.2 ± 6.4 to 12.1 ± 4.5 in Group 1 and from 37.8 ± 5.7 to 13.6 ± 4.2 in Group 2. (The ROM and assessment scores expressed are the mean ± standard deviation.)
The 194 patients in whom Nitinol memory loops were implanted were analyzed based on the preoperative and 1-year postoperative ROM of each lumbar segment. The change of ROM in looped segments treated with PLIF was significantly reduced, but the change of ROM in looped segments without PLIF was not significant. The change of ROM at the segment adjacent to the loop was not significant, and the change of kyphosis reflected a slight recovery.

Conclusions
The Nitinol BioFlex dynamic stabilization system can achieve stabilization and simultaneously allow physiological movement, which can in turn decrease the degeneration of adjacent segments. When used with PLIF, the fusion rate can be expected to increase. The flexible Nitinol shape memory loop, a posterior dynamic stabilization device, is an adequate tension band that displays strength similar to the posterior ligamentous structures. In combination with PLIF at the main lesion, the BioFlex system or the Nitinol memory loop can provide posterior dynamic stabilization to the transitional upper or lower segments, enhance the fusion rate, reduce the adjacent-segment degeneration, and provide dynamic stabilization of the spine.
Treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with a total posterior arthroplasty prosthesis: implant description, surgical technique, and a prospective report on 29 patients
Authors: McAfee Paul , Khoo Larry T. , Pimenta Luiz , Capuccino Andy , Coric Domagoj , Hes Robert , Conix Bart , Asgarzadie Farbod , Hamzaoglu Azmi , Mirofsky Yigal , Anekstein Yoram 
Published: January 2008

Object
Total disc replacement is an alternative to lumbar fusion, but patients with spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and facet arthropathy are often excluded from this procedure because increased adjacent-segment motion can exacerbate dorsal spondylotic changes. In such cases of degenerative spondylolisthesis with stenosis, decompression and fusion remain the gold standard of treatment. To avoid attendant loss of motion at the treated segment, the TOPS system is a novel total posterior arthroplasty prosthesis that allows for an alternative dynamic, multiaxial, three-column stabilization and motion preservation. The purpose of this study is to report preliminary surgical data and clinical outcomes in patients treated with the TOPS lumbar total posterior arthroplasty system.

Methods
Twenty-nine patients were enrolled in a nonrandomized, multicenter, prospective pilot study outside the US. All patients had spinal stenosis and/or spondylolisthesis at L4–5 due to facet arthropathy. Radiographs and scores on outcome measures including the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Short Form-36, and Zurich Claudication Questionnaire were prospectively recorded before surgery and at 6-week, 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year intervals after surgery. Prior to instrumentation, a bilateral total facetectomy and laminectomy at L4–5 or L3–4 was performed via a standard midline posterior approach. After decompression, the TOPS screws were inserted into four pedicles to achieve maximal purchase with triangulating bicortical trajectories. An appropriately sized TOPS arthroplasty implant was then applied.
The mean surgical time was 3.1 hours, and patients' clinical status improved significantly following treatment with the TOPS device. The mean ODI score decreased compared with baseline by 41% at 1 year, and the 100-mm VAS score declined by 76 mm over the same time period. Radiographic analysis showed that lumbar motion was maintained, disc height was preserved, and no evidence of screw loosening was found. No device malfunctions or migrations and no device-related adverse events were reported during the study.

Conclusions
The TOPS total posterior arthroplasty system represents a novel, dynamic, posterior arthroplasty device that provides multiaxial stability in flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral bending after total facetectomy and neural decompression. The surgical data indicate that it can be safely applied via a traditional approach with low surgical morbidity and excellent 1-year functional and radiographic outcomes in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis accompanied by stenosis and back pain.
Biomechanical and radiographic analysis of a novel, minimally invasive, extension-limiting device for the lumbar spine
Authors: Palmer Sylvain , Mahar Andrew , Oka Richard 
Published: January 2008

Object
Biomechanical testing and fluoroscopic imaging were used to study an extension-limiting device that has been developed to support and cushion the facet complex. It is a titanium screw–based system with a polycarbonate-urethane bumper that lies against the inferior articular process and is anchored into the pedicle by the screw for posterior dynamic stabilization (PDS).

Methods
Six human cadaveric spines were dissected from L-2 to L-5, leaving all ligamentous structures intact. The intact spines were first tested in flexion and extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation at ±7.5 Nm. The PDS devices were inserted at L3–4 and testing was repeated. Fluoroscopic analysis of posterior disc height and foraminal area of the intact and instrumented spines while loaded was performed. All test data were compared using a one-way analysis of variance (statistical significance was set at p < 0.05).
Instrumented spines had 62% less motion during flexion and 49% less motion during extension compared with the intact spines. Neuroimaging analysis showed 84% less compression of the posterior disc of the instrumented spines during extension, and no difference during flexion compared with intact spines. After instrumentation was affixed, the foraminal area was 36% larger than in intact spines during extension and 9% larger during flexion. During axial loading, compression of the posterior disc was decreased by 70%, and analysis showed 10% decompression prior to loading just from implanting the devices.

Conclusions
The PDS system has the benefit of being a completely percutaneous one, which can be used at all levels of the lumbar spine, including S-1. The PDS system limits spinal motion, enlarges the foramina, and achieves discal decompression.
Device for intervertebral assisted motion: technique and initial results
Authors: Taylor Jean , Pupin Patrick , Delajoux Stephane , Palmer Sylvain 
Published: January 2008

Object
The DIAM is a polyester-encased silicone interspinous dynamic stabilization device that can unload the anterior column and reestablish the functional integrity of the posterior column.

Methods
The DIAM was implanted in 104 patients between May 1, 2001 and October 30, 2001. A retrospective evaluation was performed based on chart review and patient questionnaire at a median follow-up interval of 18.1 months.

Results

Conclusions
The DIAM implant appears to be a useful and effective alternative in the surgical management of a wide range of lumbar disorders. Patient complications are few and satisfaction is high.
Dynamic intraspinous spacer technology for posterior stabilization: case-control study on the safety, sagittal angulation, and pain outcome at 1-year follow-up evaluation
Authors: Kim K. Anthony , McDonald Matthew , Pik Justin H. T. , Khoueir Paul , Wang Michael Y. 
Published: January 2008

Object
To assess the safety and efficacy of the DIAM implant, the authors compared the mean 12-month outcomes in patients who underwent lumbar surgery with DIAM placement and in those who underwent lumbar surgery only.

Methods
Of 62 patients who underwent simple lumbar surgery (laminectomy and/or microdiscectomy) in a 24-month period, 31 underwent concomitant surgical placement of a DIAM interspinous process spacer (33 devices total). Radiographic imaging, pain scores, and clinical assessments were obtained postoperatively to a mean of 12 months (range 8–25 months). Patients who did not undergo implantation of an interspinous process spacer (Group C) were compared with and stratified against patients who underwent placement of a DIAM implant (Group D).
In Group D, no statistically significant differences were noted in anterior or posterior disc height when comparing patients pre- and postoperatively. Compared with Group C, a relative kyphosis of less than 2° was noted on postoperative images obtained in Group D. No statistically significant differences in visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores or MacNab outcomes were noted between Groups C and D at a mean of 12 months of follow up. Complications in Group D included three intraoperative spinous process fractures and one infection.

Conclusions
After simple lumbar surgery, the placement of a DIAM interspinous process spacer did not alter disc height or sagittal alignment at the mean 12-month follow-up interval. No adverse local or systemic reaction to the DIAM was noted. No difference in VAS or MacNab outcome scores was noted between the groups treated with or without the DIAM implants, particularly when the DIAM was used to alleviate low-back pain.
Pathogenesis and treatment of intracranial arachnoid cysts in pediatric patients younger than 2 years of age
Authors: Zada Gabriel , Krieger Mark D. , McNatt Sean A. , Bowen Ira , McComb J. Gordon 
Published: January 2008

Object
Arachnoid cysts can cause a variety of clinical signs and symptoms in infants. The authors sought to determine whether the clinical presentation of pediatric patients younger than 2 years old and harboring arachnoid cysts influenced the type of intervention that would be required.

Methods
A retrospective chart review was conducted for all patients younger than 2 years of age who had undergone craniotomy for fenestration of an arachnoid cyst at the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles between 1995 and 2006.
Forty-two patients were included in the study. The mean age was 10.4 months. The median follow-up time was 33 months. Clinical presentations were as follows: macrocephaly without ventriculomegaly (21 patients, 50%), hydrocephalus (six patients, 14%), and other symptoms (15 patients, 36%). After fenestration of the arachnoid cyst, 12 of 21 patients (57%) presenting with nonspecific macrocephaly required placement of a cystoperitoneal or ventriculoperitoneal shunt, compared with 1 of 15 patients (7%) presenting with other symptoms (p value = 0.0039). Five of six patients with hydrocephalus (83%) were shunt dependent following fenestration. Overall, 18 of 42 patients (43%) were shunt dependent after fenestration. Ten of these patients (55%) required revisions during the follow-up period.

Conclusions
Patients younger than 2 years of age and harboring an arachnoid cyst commonly present with macrocephaly. These patients are more likely to require shunts than are those presenting with other findings, such as seizu
A population-based study of intracranial arachnoid cysts: clinical and neuroimaging outcomes following surgical cyst decompression in children
Authors: Helland Christian A. , Wester Knut 
Published: January 2008

Object
If, when, and how children with arachnoid cysts should undergo surgery has been a matter of debate. In the present study the authors describe long-term clinical and neuroimaging results in children with intracranial arachnoid cysts, treated in accordance with the authors' policy of performing surgery in most of these cases.

Methods
The study included 48 pediatric patients (age < 16 years of age) who underwent surgery for treatment of an arachnoid cyst at Haukeland University Hospital between January 1987 and September 2004. Forty-one patients underwent cyst fenestration to the basal cisterns and posterior fossa. Long-term results were assessed retrospectively on the basis of medical and neuroimaging records. Additional information was obtained by means of a check-box questionnaire completed by the patients and their parents.
At their follow-up examinations, 82% of the patients had no or insignificant complaints, 14% reported no improvement, and 4% noted a worsening of symptoms. In 56% of the patients with appropriate imaging for analysis, the cyst was no longer visible on neuroimaging studies. In 23%, the postoperative fluid volume was reduced to less than 50% of the original cyst volume, and in another 19%, the volume was reduced but was larger than 50% of the original. The cyst was unchanged in only 2%. There was a significant association between a volume reduction greater than 50% and clinical improvement. Three patients (6%), all with temporal cysts, had minor complications that led to additional surgery in one patient. No complications caused permanent disability. Eight patients (17%) underwent additional surgery due to suspected or demonstrated treatment failure.

Conclusions
Most children who underwent cyst fenestration via a craniotomy experienced a good long-term outcome with no severe complications.