bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laminoplasty for the treatment of failed anterior cervical spine surgery
Authors: Wang Michael Y. , Green Barth A. 
Published: January 2008

Object
Cervical stenotic myelopathy can be treated via anterior or posterior approaches. In anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF), because the risks and likelihood of pseudarthrosis increase with the number of treated segments, attempts are typically made to limit the number of treated levels. Thus, postoperative recurrence of myelopathy following ACDF may occur because stenotic levels were not treated or because adjacent segments have degenerated. Revision decompressive surgery via an anterior approach is one solution; however, if the stenosis involves multiple levels a posterior decompressive laminoplasty can be performed as an alternative.

Methods
Twenty-four cases treated over an 8-year period were identified and data were retrospectively reviewed. In 15 cases posterior decompressive surgery was necessary because of progressive spinal degeneration and stenosis (five cases following initial treatment for radiculopathy, seven after initial treatment for spondylotic myelopathy, and three due to spreading of an ossified posterior longitudinal ligament). In nine cases revision surgery was undertaken because the initial decompression was inadequate.
The mean follow-up period after the second surgery was 16 months. Improvements in myelopathy were seen in 83% of patients (mean improvement of 1.25 points on the Nurick Scale). Preoperative severe gait disorders were associated with poor recovery. Complications included two cases of transient C-5 nerve root palsy and two cases of new persistent axial neck pain.

Conclusions
Laminoplasty is a straightforward and effective treatment for failed ACDF due to inadequate decompression or progressive degeneration of the spinal column, avoiding reentry through scar tissue. In terms of myeolpathic pain, the recovery rate is comparable with that related to revision ACDF.
Reliability assessment of computerized tomography scanning measurements in intracerebral hematoma
Authors: Bhattathiri Parameswaran S. , Gregson Barbara , Manjunath Prasad Kuskoor S. , Mitchell Patrick , Soh Calvin , Mitra Dipayan , Gholkar Anil , Mendelow Alexander D. 
Published: January 2008

Object
As one of the aspects of the International Surgical Trial in Intracerebral Haemorrhage (STICH), prerandomization computerized tomography (CT) scans were collected. In the present study the authors determined the inter-and intraobserver variability of various parameters pertinent to CT scans obtained in patients with intracerebral hematomas (ICHs).

Methods
A protocol was devised to analyze CT scans in a uniform and systematic manner. Each observer evaluated the same set of scans twice, with a minimum 2-month interval between assessments. In addition to noting the side and the sites of involvement, the observers measured the scale present on the scan itself and the length, breadth, height, and depth of the spontaneous ICH as well as the midline shift. The intraclass correlation was very high (κ 0.8–1) for the measurements of volume, depth, and midline shift. Good interobserver agreement (κ 0.8–1) was demonstrated with regard to involvement of basal ganglia or thalamus, presence of intraventricular extension, and the side of the hematoma. Agreement was substantial (κ 0.61–0.8) with regard to identifying primary involvement of particular lobes. Agreement was moderate (κ 0.41–0.6) on the presence or absence of hydrocephalus. When comparing the first and the second sets of readings, the intraobserver agreement was good (80–100%).

Conclusions
The study quantifies the degree of inter- and intraobserver agreement regarding evaluation of CT scans in patients with ICH when conducted in accordance with a set protocol.
Vertebral body replacement with an expandable cage for reconstruction after spinal tumor resection
Authors: Thongtrangan Issada , Balabhadra Raju S. V. , Le Hoang , Park Jon , Kim Daniel H. 
Published: January 2008

Object
The authors report their clinical experience with expandable cages used to stabilize the spine after verte-brectomy. The objectives of surgical treatment for spine tumors include a decrease in pain, decompression of the neural elements, mechanical stabilization of the spine, and wide resection to gain local control of certain primary tumors. Most of the lesions occur in the anterior column or vertebral body (VB). Anterior column defects following resection of VBs require surgical restoration of anterior column support. Recently, various expandable cages have been developed and used clinically for VB replacement (VBR).

Methods
Between January 2001 and June 2003, the authors treated 15 patients who presented with primary spinal tumors and metastatic lesions from remote sites. All patients underwent vertebrectomy, VBR with an expandable cage, and anterior instrumentation with or without posterior instrumentation, depending on the stability of the involved segment. The correction of kyphotic angle was achieved at an average of 20°. Pain scores according to the visual analog scale decreased from 8.4 to 5.2 at the last follow-up review. Patients whose Frankel neurological grade was below D attained at least a one-grade improvement after surgery. All patients achieved immediate stability postsurgery and there were no significant complications related to the expandable cage.

Conclusions
The advantage of the expandable cage is that it is easy to use because it permits optimal fit and correction of the deformity by in vivo expansion of the device. These results are promising, but long-term follow up is required.
Is there an upper limit of intracranial pressure in patients with severe head injury if cerebral perfusion pressure is maintained?
Authors: Young Jeffrey S. , Blow Osbert , Turrentine Florence , Claridge Jeffrey A. , Schulman Andrew 
Published: January 2008

Authors of recent studies have championed the importance of maintaining cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) to prevent secondary brain injury following traumatic head injury. Data from these studies have provided little information regarding outcome following severe head injury in patients with an intracranial pressure (ICP) greater than 40 mm Hg, however, in July 1997 the authors instituted a protocol for the management of severe head injury in patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale score lower than 9. The protocol was focused on resuscitation from acidosis, maintenance of a CPP greater than 60 mm Hg through whatever means necessary as well as elevation of the head of the bed, mannitol infusion, and ventriculostomy with cerebrospinal fluid drainage for control of ICP. Since the institution of this protocol, nine patients had a sustained ICP greater than 40 mm Hg for 2 or more hours, and five of these had an ICP greater than 75 mm Hg on insertion of the ICP monitor and later experienced herniation and expired within 24 hours. Because of the severe nature of the injuries demonstrated on computerized tomography scans and their physical examinations, these patients were not aggressively treated under this protocol. The authors vigorously attempted to maintain a CPP greater than 60 mm Hg with intensive fluid resuscitation and the administration of pressor agents in the four remaining patients who had developed an ICP higher than 40 mm Hg after placement of the ICP monitor. Two patients had an episodic ICP greater than 40 mm Hg for more than 36 hours, the third patient had an episodic ICP greater than of 50 mm Hg for more than 36 hours, and the fourth patient had an episodic ICP greater than 50 mm Hg for more than 48 hours. On discharge, all four patients were able to perform normal activities of daily living with minimal assistance and experience ongoing improvement.
Data from this preliminary study indicate that intense, aggressive management of CPP can lead to good neurological outcomes despite extremely high ICP. Aggressive CPP therapy should be performed and maintained even though apparently lethal ICP levels may be present. Further study is needed to support these encouraging results.
What is the optimal cerebral perfusion pressure in children suffering from traumatic coma?
Authors: Chambers Iain R. , Kirkham Fenella J. 
Published: January 2008

Head injury is a major cause of death and disability in children. Despite advances in resuscitation, emergency care, intensive care monitoring, and clinical practices, there are few data demonstrating the predictive value of certain physiological variables regarding outcome in this patient population. Mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), intracranial pressure (ICP), and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP = MABP − ICP) are routinely monitored in patients in many neurological intensive care units throughout the world, but there is little evidence indicating that advances in care have been matched with corresponding improvements in outcome.
Nonetheless, there is evidence that hypotension immediately following head injury is predictive of early death, and many patients with these features die with clinical signs of brain herniation caused by intracranial hypertension. Furthermore, available data indicate that a minimal and a mean CPP measured during intensive care are good predictors of outcome in survivors, but a target threshold to improve outcome has yet to be defined.
Some medical management strategies can have detrimental effects, and there is now a good case for undertaking a controlled trial of immediate or delayed craniectomy. Independent outcome in children following severe head injury is associated with higher levels of CPP. The ability to tolerate different levels of CPP may be related to age, and therefore any such surgical trial would need a carefully defined protocol so that the potential benefit of such a treatment is maximized.
History of spinal cord localization
Authors: Naderi Sait , Türe Uğur , Pait T. Glenn 
Published: January 2008

The first reference to spinal cord injury is recorded in the Edwin Smith papyrus. Little was known of the function of the cord before Galen's experiments conducted in the second century AD. Galen described the protective coverings of the spinal cord: the bone, posterior longitudinal ligament, dura mater, and pia mater. He gave a detailed account of the gross anatomy of the spinal cord. During the medieval period (AD 700–1500) almost nothing of note was added to Galen's account of spinal cord structure. The first significant work on the spinal cord was that of Blasius in 1666. He was the first to differentiate the gray and white matter of the cord and demonstrated for the first time the origin of the anterior and posterior spinal nerve roots. The elucidation of the various tracts in the spinal cord actually began with demonstrations of pyramidal decussation by Mistichelli (1709) and Pourfoir du Petit (1710). Huber (1739) recorded the first detailed account of spinal roots and the denticulate ligaments. In 1809, Rolando described the substantia gelati-nosa. The microtome, invented in 1824 by Stilling, proved to be one of the fundamental tools for the study of spinal cord anatomy. Stilling's technique involved slicing frozen or alcohol-hardened spinal cord into very thin sections and examining them unstained by using the naked eye or a microscope. With improvements in histological and experimental techniques, modern studies of spinal cord anatomy and function were initiated by Brown-Séquard. In 1846, he gave the first demonstration of the decussation of the sensory tracts. The location and direction of fiber tracts were uncovered by the experimental studies of Burdach (1826), Türck (1849), Clarke (1851), Lissauer (1855), Goll (1860), Flechsig (1876), and Gowers (1880). Bastian (1890) demonstrated that in complete transverse lesions of the spinal cord, reflexes below the level of the lesion are lost and muscle tone is abolished. Flatau (1894) observed the laminar nature of spinal pathways.
The 20th century ushered in a new era in the evaluation of spinal cord function and localization; however, the total understanding of this remarkable organ remains elusive. Perhaps the next century will provide the answers to today's questions about spinal cord localization.
The use of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging for monitoring interbody fusion and bioabsorbable cages: an ex vivo pilot study
Authors: Krijnen Matthijs R. , Smit Theo H. , Strijkers Gustav J. , Nicolay Klaas , Pouwels Petra J. W. , Wuisman Paul I. J. M. 
Published: January 2008

Object
Interbody fusion is a gradual process of graft resorption and tissue formation, ideally resulting in a bone bridge between two adjacent vertebral bodies. Initially, fibrous tissue and cartilage are formed, which subsequently are replaced by bone through the process of endochondral ossification. When cages and/or their contents are made of resorbable polymers like lactic or glycolic acids, there is a simultaneous process of implant degradation, which is eventually accompanied by reactions in the surrounding tissues. The purpose of this study was to explore the use of high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for monitoring tissue differentiation, spinal fusion, cage degradation, and eventually tissue reactions as a function of time.

Methods
Lumbar vertebral segments obtained in 14 goats with 3, 6, and 12 months of follow up (three, four, and seven animals, respectively) were available from a study of the feasibility of poly(L,D-lactic acid) cages for spinal fusion. Plain x-ray films, MR images, and histological sections were used to evaluate spinal fusion and cage resorption. The first follow-up tests revealed that MR imaging noninvasively provided three-dimensional information on cage placement, cage degradation and bone formation, and that it has potential to differentiate between the various soft tissues.

Conclusions
Although the magnetic field strength and thus the resolution used were higher than normal in clinical practice, MR imaging appears to be a promising modality for the noninvasive clinical follow up of patients who undergo fusion with resorbable cages. Tissue reactions were not encountered in this study, and thus could not be evaluated.
In vivo evaluation of bioresorbable polylactide implants for cervical graft containment in an ovine spinal fusion model
Authors: Cornwall G. Bryan , Ames Christopher P. , Crawford Neil R. , Chamberlain Robert H. , Rubino Anthony M. , Seim Howard B. , Turner A. Simon 
Published: January 2008

Object
An in vivo study was conducted in an ovine model to investigate the biomechanical changes after the animals underwent single-level anterior cervical discectomy followed by fusion in which autologous tricortical graft was used and implantation of cervical plates for which bioresorbable polymer screws and plates were used. The specific aims of the study were to evaluate whether implant failure or screw backout would occur over time and to measure the change in stiffness at the treated level at various postoperative time periods (3, 6, and 12 months).

Methods
A total of 58 x-ray films were evaluated over the 12-month survival period. No screw breakage or displacement was observed in any animal during the temporal radiographic analysis. Radiographically confirmed fusion appeared to be complete at all time periods longer than 6 months. The biomechanical testing demonstrated dramatic reductions in range of motion at the fusion level in the animals allowed to survive for 6 and 12 months, indicating complete fusion after 6 months.

Conclusions
The bioresorbable polymer cervical graft containment system appears to provide a safe and effective alternative for cervical fusion, and warrants further clinical evaluation for its use in single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion without postoperative orthosis.
Early findings in a pilot study of anterior cervical fusion in which bioabsorbable interbody spacers were used
Authors: Vaccaro Alexander R. , Robbins Matthew M. , Madigan Luke , Albert Todd J. , Smith William , Hilibrand Alan S. 
Published: January 2008

Object
In this pilot study the authors assessed the efficacy of bioabsorbable interbody spacers in the treatment of cervical degenerative disease. Metallic cages or interbody spacers have been widely used in the treatment of degenerative and traumatic cervical disease. Bioabsorbable technology has been used to develop a resorbable cage that can eliminate the complications and drawbacks seen with the use of traditional metallic implants. In general clinical practice bioabsorbable implants have shown the ability to degrade safely while demonstrating optimal imaging characteristics as a result of their radiolucency, and these devices eliminate stress shielding by their gradual dissolution.

Methods
This study is a retrospective evaluation of charts and x-ray films obtained in the first eight patients who underwent an anterior cervical decompression and fusion procedure with placement of a bioabsorbable interbody spacer and anterior cervical plate. All patients were treated in one surgeon's practice and had a minimum follow-up period of at least 6 months. At a follow-up interval of approximately 7 months, five patients exhibited an excellent result and three had a good result; no patient was noted to have a satisfactory or poor outcome according to the Odom criteria at their most recent follow-up visit. Seventeen (94%) of 18 grafted levels appeared to be solidly fused. One patient experienced a perisurgical complication consisting of a symptomatic hematoma, which was successfully drained.

Conclusions
Bioabsorbable interbody spacers appear to be a safe and effective interbody implant in terms of clinical outcome and radiographically confirmed healing.
Secondary deformities of the shoulder in infants with an obstetrical brachial plexus lesions considered for neurosurgical treatment
Authors: van der Sluijs J. A. , van Ouwerkerk W. J. R. , Manoliu R. A. , Wuisman P.I. J. M. 
Published: January 2008

Object
The authors performed a prospective study in which magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was conducted in 26 consecutive infants (mean age 5.6 months, range 2.7–14.5 months) in whom recovery from an obstetric lesion of the brachial plexus had been inadequate in the first 3 months of life. The purpose was to identify early secondary deformations of the shoulder in obstetrical brachial plexus lesions (OBPLs).

Methods
Features of the shoulders were analyzed according to a standardized MR imaging protocol in patients with OBPLs. Measurements were made of the appearance of the glenoid, glenoid version, and the position of the humeral head.
The appearance of the glenoid on the affected side was normal in only 11 shoulders. In the remainder it was convex in eight and biconcave in seven cases. The degree of humeral head subluxation was significantly greater (p = 0.001) in affected shoulders than in normal shoulders (152 and 170°, respecively). The presence of abnormal glenoid retroversion and humeral head subluxation increased with age: there was a statistical difference (p = 0.001) between infants younger than 5 months of age and those who were older.

Conclusions
Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrates shoulder-related anatomical and nerve root lesion, allowing evaluation of neural, osseous, and cartilaginous structures in younger children.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging and control over the biceps muscle after intercostal–musculocutaneous nerve transfer
Authors: Malessy Martijn J. A. , Bakker Dick , Dekker Ad J. , van Dijk J. Gert , Thomeer Ralph T. W. M. 
Published: January 2008

Object
Recent progress in the understanding of cerebral plastic changes that occur after an intercostal nerve (ICN)–musculocutaneous nerve (MCN) transfer motivated a study with functional magnetic resonance (fMR) imaging to map reorganization in the primary motor cortex.

Methods
Eleven patients with traumatic root avulsions of the brachial plexus were studied. Nine patients underwent ICN–MCN transfer to restore biceps function and two patients were studied prior to surgery. The biceps muscle recovered well in seven patients who had undergone surgery and remained paralytic in the other two patients. Maps of neural activity within the motor cortex were generated for both arms in each patient by using fMR imaging, and the active pixels were counted. The motor task consisted of biceps muscle contraction. Patients with a paralytic biceps were asked to contract this muscle virtually. The location and intensity of motor activation of the seven surgically treated arms that required good biceps muscle function were compared with those of the four arms with a paralytic biceps and with activity obtained in the contralateral hemisphere regulating the control arms.
Activity could be induced in the seven surgically treated patients whose biceps muscles had regained function and was localized within the primary motor area. In contrast, activity could not be induced in the four patients whose biceps muscles were paralytic. Neither the number of active pixels nor the mean value of their activations differed between the seven arms with good biceps function and control arms. The weighted center of gravity of the distribution of activity also did not appear to differ.

Conclusions
Reactivation of the neural input activity for volitional biceps control after ICN–MCN transfer, as reflected on fMR images, is induced by successful biceps muscle reinnervation. In addition, the restored input activity does not differ from the normal activity regulating biceps contraction and, therefore, has MCN acceptor qualities. After ICN–MCN transfer, cerebral activity cannot reach the biceps muscle following the normal nervous system pathway. The presence of a common input response between corticospinal neurons of the ICN donor and the MCN acceptor seems crucial to obtain a functional result after transfer. It may even be the case that a common input response between donor and acceptor needs to be present in all types of nerve transfer to become functionally effective.
Microelectrode-guided implantation of deep brain stimulators into the globus pallidus internus for dystonia: techniques, electrode locations, and outcomes
Authors: Starr Philip A. , Turner Robert S. , Rau Geoff , Lindsey Nadja , Heath Susan , Volz Monica , Ostrem Jill L. , Marks William J. 
Published: January 2008

Object
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) is a promising new procedure for the treatment of dystonia. The authors present their technical approach for placement of electrodes into the GPi in awake patients with dystonia, including the methodology used for electrophysiological mapping of the GPi in the dystonic state, clinical outcomes and complications, and the location of electrodes associated with optimal benefit.

Methods
Twenty-three adult and pediatric patients who had various forms of dystonia were included in this study. Baseline neurological status and improvement in motor function resulting from DBS were measured using the Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS). Implantation of the DBS lead was performed using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging–based stereotaxy, single-cell microelectrode recording, and intraoperative test stimulation to determine thresholds for stimulation-induced adverse effects. Electrode locations were measured on computationally reformatted postoperative MR images according to a prospective protocol.

Conclusions
Physiologically guided implantation of DBS electrodes in patients with dystonia is technically feasible in the awake state in most cases, with low morbidity rates. Spontaneous discharge rates of GPi neurons in dystonia are similar to those of globus pallidus externus neurons, such that the two nuclei must be distinguished by neuronal discharge patterns rather than by rates. Active electrode locations associated with robust improvement (> 50% decrease in BFMDRS score) were located near the intercommissural plane, at a mean distance of 3.7 mm from the pallidocapsular border. Patients with juvenile-onset primary dystonia and those with the tardive form benefited greatly from this procedure, whereas benefits for most secondary dystonias and the adult-onset craniocervical form of this disorder were more modest.