bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcomes after minimal-access surgery for recurrent lumbar disc herniation
Authors: Le Hoang , Sandhu Faheem A. , Fessler Richard G. 
Published: January 2008

Object
Experience with minimal-access surgical approaches for revision lumbar surgery has not been previously reported.

Methods
During a 7-month period, 10 consecutive patients with recurrent disc herniations underwent revision operations in which microendoscopic discectomy (MED) was performed. Perioperative data and clinical outcomes (according to Macnab criteria) were compared with those obtained in 25 consecutive patients who underwent routine single-level MED as well as with previously published data. Overall, outcome of the MED-treated revision group was excellent or good in 90% during a mean follow-up period of 18.5 months (minimum 12 months). Operative blood loss, duration, complications, and length of hospital stay were not significantly different between the revision and primary MED-treated groups.

Conclusions
Analysis of these early data suggests equivalent or superior results are obtained when performing MED compared with historical controls in which conventional surgery was conducted for recurrent disc surgery. The procedure appears to be a safe and effective alternative in cases in which recurrent lumbar disc herniation causes radiculopathy.
Surgical management of metastatic spinal neoplasms
Authors: Vrionis Frank D. , Small John 
Published: January 2008

Object
In this study the authors retrospectively review outcomes in patients treated for metastases to the spine. Surgery for metastatic tumors to the spine remains an important part of the treatment armamentarium. Maximum tumor resection with a minimum number of complications is one of the goals of surgery. Current surgical procedures include tumor resection and spinal stabilization for optimal results.

Methods
The records of 96 patients who underwent surgery for a metastatic spine tumor at the authors' institution were reviewed. Spinal instrumentation was used in the majority of patients. Ambulatory status was maintained in 91% and pain improved in 94% of patients. Complications included infection (5.2%), cerebrospinal fluid leak (2%), and delayed hardware failure (3.1%). The mortality rate was 4.1%; the main cause was due to tumor progression.

Conclusions
Surgery is indicated in a select group of patients with metastatic tumors to the spine. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended for patient selection and complication avoidance. Surgical options, including approach, type of reconstruction and extent of resection (including en bloc spondylectomy) need to be addressed for optimal outcomes.
Surgical treatment of primary sacral tumors: complications associated with sacrectomy
Authors: Zileli Mehmet , Hoscoskun Cüneyt , Brastianos Priscilla , Sabah Dündar 
Published: January 2008

Object
Sacral tumors are relatively rare, and experience related to resection of these tumors is therefore usually limited to a small number of patients. The purpose of this retrospective study was to review the authors' experience with sacral neoplasms over the last 12 years.

Methods
Based on a review of records in 11 patients who underwent sacrectomy, and the various patient characteristics, presenting symptoms, histological findings for their tumors, as well as the type of surgical treatment used (including a whole spectrum of sacral amputations), and their outcome are reported.

Conclusions
Despite the potential for complications, sacrectomy can be performed successfully, and is an important procedure in the treatment of primary sacral tumors.
Epidural hematomas of the posterior cranial fossa
Authors: Bor-Seng-Shu Edson , Aguiar Paulo Henrique , de Almeida Leme Ricardo Jose , Mandel Mauricio , de Andrade Almir Ferreira , Marino Raul 
Published: January 2008

Object
The authors present their experience in the management of posterior fossa epidural hematoma (PFEDH), which involved an aggressive diagnostic approach with the extensive use of head computerized tomography (CT) scanning.

Methods
The authors treated 43 cases of PFEDH in one of the largest health centers in Brazil. Diagnosis was established in all patients with the aid of CT scanning because the clinical manifestations were frequently nonspecific. Cases were stratified by clinical course, Glasgow Coma Scale score, and their radiological status. Based on clinical and radiological parameters the patients underwent surgical or conservative management.

Conclusions
Compared with outcomes reported in the available literature, good outcome was found in this series. This is primarily due to the broad use of CT scanning for diagnostic and observational purposes, which, in the authors' opinion, led to early diagnosis and prompt treatment.
Primary closure of open myelomeningocele
Authors: Gaskill Sarah J. 
Published: January 2008

Object
The purpose of this paper is to describe the technique of closing an open myelomeningocele in the newborn infant.

Methods
The anatomical rationale behind the closure techniques will be specifically reviewed. Avoidance of complications will be discussed. The management of unusual developmental anatomical abnormalities, such as the management of unusually large skin defects and kyphotic deformities will be discussed. Complications and the postoperative care will be reviewed and specifics regarding postoperative care will be summarized.

Conclusions
A multidisciplinary team approach is critical to the long-term management of these patients.
Instrumented transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with bioabsorbable polymer implants and iliac crest autograft
Authors: Coe Jeffrey D. 
Published: January 2008

Object
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results in 31 patients from one center who underwent instrumented transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for primarily degenerative indications.

Methods
Bioabsorbable polymer spacers manufactured with a copolymer of 70:30 poly(L-lactide-co-D,L-lactide) and filled with iliac crest autograft bone were used for the TLIF procedure. In this paper the details of this procedure, intermediate (1- to 2-year) clinical and radiographic outcomes, and the basic science and rationale for the use of bioabsorbable polymers are discussed. At a mean of 18.4 months of follow up, 30 patients (96.8%) were judged to have attained solid fusions and 25 patients (81%) had good to excellent results. Three patients (9.7%) experienced complications, none of which were directly or indirectly attributable to the use of the bioabsorbable polymer implant. Only one implant in one patient (3.2%) demonstrated mechanical failure on insertion, and that patient experienced no clinical sequelae.

Conclusions
This is the first clinical series to be published in which the mean follow-up duration equals or exceeds the biological life expectancy of this material (12–18 months). Both the clinical and radiographic results of this study support the use of interbody devices manufactured from biodegradable polymers for structural interbody support in the TLIF procedure.
Craniofacial reconstruction with a fast resorbing polymer: a 6- to 12-month clinical follow-up review
Authors: Cohen Steven R. , Holmes Ralph E. , Meltzer Hal S. , Levy Michael L. , Beckett Miles Z. 
Published: January 2008

Object
Resorbable polymer implants have become a compelling option in the treatment of acquired and congenital craniofacial deformities. In particular, the resorbable polylactide and polyglycolide polymers have demonstrated excellent safety profiles in multiple in vitro, animal, and clinical studies and are currently being used in a wide variety of craniofacial applications. In pediatric craniofacial reconstruction a desirable attribute of fixation is early resorption, which may limit the duration of any effect on cranial growth. In this paper the authors discuss the biomaterial properties of a fast resorbing polymer (FRP) and the clinical results in a series of patients who participated in a 6- to 12-month study.

Methods
The authors performed craniofacial reconstruction by using FRP implants in 29 patients beginning in August 2002. All patients experienced maintenance of stable bone fixation followed by bone healing. Cosmetic results were rated satisfactory or excellent, except for one unsatisfactory cosmetic result caused by disease progression.

Conclusions
Results of this study support the effectiveness of an FRP implant in a variety of craniofacial surgical procedures including craniosynostoses, fibrous dysplasia, cranial defects, and encephaloceles.
The use of bioabsorbable implants in spine surgery
Authors: Robbins Matthew M. , Vaccaro Alexander R. , Madigan Luke 
Published: January 2008

The use of bioabsorbable implants in spine surgery is expanding at a rapid pace. These implants are mimicking the roles of traditional metallic devices and are demonstrating similar efficacy in terms of maintaining stability and acting as carriers for grafting substances. Biomechanical studies have demonstrated their ability to stabilize effectively a degenerative cervical and lumbar motion segment. In numerous animal models, researchers have illustrated the ability of bioabsorbable implants to function satisfactorily as an interbody spacer and to achieve satisfactory bone fusion. Investigators have explored various opportunities for these implants to replace their metallic counterparts in clinical studies conducted in humans. The gradual resorption of these implants appears effectively to transfer gradual loads to the grafting substances promoting the biological mechanisms of fusion.
Novel uses of bioabsorbable technology are constantly evolving. Their future as a carrier of biological agents such as bone morphogenetic proteins and bone graft extenders, their radiolucency, and their eventual resorption make them an ideal implant for use in spinal degenerative disease.
Surgical repair of brachial plexus injury: a multinational survey of experienced peripheral nerve surgeons
Authors: Belzberg Allan J. , Dorsi Michael J. , Storm Phillip B. , Moriarity John L. 
Published: January 2008

Background
Brachial plexus injuries (BPIs) are often devastating events that lead to upper-extremity paralysis, rendering it a painful extraneous appendage. Fortunately, there are several nerve repair techniques that provide restoration of some function. Although there is general agreement in the medical community concerning which patients may benefit from surgical intervention, the actual repair technique for a given lesion is less clear.

Object
The authors sought to identify and better define areas of agreement and disagreement among experienced peripheral nerve surgeons regarding the management of BPIs.

Methods
The authors developed a detailed survey in two parts: one part addressing general issues related to BPI and the other presenting four clinical cases. The survey was mailed to 126 experienced peripheral nerve physicians of whom 49 (39%) participated in the study. The respondents represented 22 countries and multiple surgical subspecialties. They performed a mean of 34 brachial plexus reconstructions annually. Areas of significant disagreement included the timing and indications for surgical intervention in birth-related palsy, management of neuroma-in-continuity, the best transfers to achieve elbow flexion and shoulder abduction, the use of intra- or extraplexal donors for motor neurotization, and the use of distal compared with proximal coaptation during nerve transfer.

Conclusions
Experienced peripheral nerve surgeons disagreed in important respects as to the management of BPI. The decisions made by the various treating physicians underscored the many areas of disagreement regarding the treatment of BPI including the diagnostic approach to defining the injury, timing of and indications for surgical intervention in birth-related palsy, management of neuroma-in-continuity, choice of nerve transfers to achieve elbow flexion and shoulder abduction, use of intra- or extraplexal donors for neurotization, and the use of distal or proximal coaptation during nerve transfer.
Restoration of hand function and so called “breathing arm” after intraspinal repair of C5–T1 brachial plexus avulsion injury
Authors: Carlstedt Thomas , Anand Praveen , Htut Min , Misra Peter , Svensson Mikael 
Published: January 2008

This 9-year-old boy sustained a complete right-sided C5–T1 brachial plexus avulsion injury in a motorcycle accident. He underwent surgery 4 weeks after the accident. The motor-related nerve roots in all parts of the avulsed brachial plexus were reconnected to the spinal cord by reimplantation of peripheral nerve grafts. Recovery in the proximal part of the arm started 8 to 10 months later. Motor function was restored throughout the arm and also in the intrinsic muscles of the hand by 2 years postoperatively. The initial severe excruciating pain, typical after nerve root avulsions, disappeared completely with motor recovery. The authors observed good recruitment of regenerated motor units in all parts of the arm, but there were cocontractions. Transcranial magnetic stimulation produced response in all muscles, with prolonged latency and smaller amplitude compared with the intact side. There was inspiration-evoked muscle activity in proximal arm muscles—that is, the so-called “breathing arm” phenomenon. The issues of nerve regeneration after intraspinal reimplantation in a young individual, as well as plasticity and associated pain, are discussed.
To the best of the authors' knowledge, the present case demonstrates, for the first time, that spinal cord surgery can restore hand function after a complete brachial plexus avulsion injury.
Neuroendoscope-assisted evacuation of large intracerebral hematomas: introduction of a new, minimally invasive technique
Authors: Bakshi Ajay , Bakshi Asha , Banerji Ajit Kumar 
Published: January 2008

Object
The aim of this study was to describe a new, minimally invasive technique for the endoscopic evacuation of intracerebral hematomas (ICHs) and the clinical and radiological outcomes in patients who underwent the procedure. The authors used a multifunctional three-in-one endoscopic instrument that combines a 0°, 4-mm rigid telescope, an irrigation cannula, and a cautery electrode.

Methods
In 13 patients a small keyhole craniotomy was made through noneloquent cortex to gain access to the hematoma. After opening the dura mater, a small cortical tunnel (~6 mm in diameter) was created using bipolar forceps and suction to enter into the clot. The three-in-one endoscope was then introduced to provide illumination and irrigation inside the cavity. The clot was safely aspirated under endoscopic vision and constant irrigation by performing microsurgical suction with the other hand. Hemostasis could be achieved using electrocautery and Surgicel. This technique eliminates the use of an endoscopic sheath, thus providing more maneuverability to the neurosurgeon. The brilliant illumination provided by the endoscope and the possibility of using electrocautery in the depths of the brain combined with the increased maneuverability make this technique valuable. Near-complete hematoma evacuation was achieved in 11 (85%) of 13 patients. There were four deaths (30%).

Conclusions
Safe and effective evacuation of large ICHs is possible by using the three-in-one endoscopic device. Appropriate indications for surgery in patients with large intracerebral hemorrhage must be developed.
Intradural ventral and ventrolateral tumors of the spinal cord: surgical treatment and results
Authors: Slin'ko Eugene I. , Al-Qashqish Iyad Ischak 
Published: January 2008

Object
To improve results of surgical treatment of ventral and ventrolateral tumors of the spinal cord, the authors analyzed surgical approaches, defined the indications for various approaches, and assessed the clinical results.

Methods
Between 1993 and 2004 the authors treated 360 patients: 43 of them had dorsal, 177 dorsolateral, 33 ventral, and 107 had ventrolateral intradural extramedullary tumors. Among 140 patients with intradural extramedullary ventral and ventrolateral tumors, neuromas were seen in 56 and meningiomas in 84. Of the 140 patients studied, tumors were removed totally in 102 (74%), subtotally in 30 (21%), and partially in eight (5%). After ventrolateral and dorsolateral approaches were introduced in 1996, tumors in ventral or ventrolateral locations have been removed totally or subtotally. In the group of patients with meningiomas, 41 of the lesions were the meningothelial type, 22 were transitional, 12 fibroblastic, four psammomatous, three were angiomatous, one was atypical, and one was malignant. Tumors in the neuroma group were schwannomas in 45 patients and neurofibromas in 11. Postoperatively, recovery was observed in 70 patients (50%), improvement in 53 (38%), no change in 10 (7%), and deterioration in seven (5%). At follow-up evaluation recovery was noted in 76 patients, improvement in 58, no change in four, and in two patients the neurological symptoms were worse than before the operation.

Conclusions
Surgical routes to extramedullary tumors should be chosen based on the location of the tumor, its spread, and the region in which it is localized.
The future of spinal arthroplasty: a biomaterial perspective
Authors: Oskouian Rod J. , Whitehill Richard , Samii Amir , Shaffrey Mark E. , Johnson J. Patrick , Shaffrey Christopher I. 
Published: January 2008

Both total hip and knee arthroplasty have demonstrated outstanding clinical results. The functional spinal unit composed of the intervertebral disc and facet joints is at least as complex. The intricacies of the coupled motions of the functional spinal unit have made development of an artificial disc a challenge. There have been several failed attempts to create a disc replacement that recapitulates normal motion while providing significant longevity and a low incidence of complications.
Better understanding of the biomechanics of the intervertebral disc complex and improvements in implant material have made successful intervertebral disc replacement a likely reality, now that several artificial discs have completed Food and Drug Administration clinical trials. In this manuscript the authors detail the biomaterials used in disc arthroplasty and discuss joint wear and the host response to wear debris.
Instrumentation in patients with spinal infection
Authors: Lee Max C. , Wang Michael Y. , Fessler Richard G. , Liauw Jason , Kim Daniel H. 
Published: January 2008

Object
Placement of instrumentation in the setting of a spinal infection has always been controversial. Although the use of allograft and autograft bone has been accepted as safe, demonstrations of the effectiveness of titanium have been speculative, based on several retrospective reviews. The authors' goal in this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of instrumentation in the setting of a spinal infection by retrospectively reviewing their cases over the last 4 years and searching the literature regarding instrumentation in patients with pyogenic spinal infections.

Methods
The authors conducted a retrospective review of their cumulative data on spinal infections. Diagnosis was based on subjective and objective clinical findings, along with radiographic and laboratory evaluation of infection and mechanical stability. Patients with medically managed disease and those who did not receive instrumentation were eliminated from this review.
Of 105 patients with spinal infections who were admitted to the neurosurgical service between January 2000 and June 2004, 30 underwent surgical debridement necessitating spinal instrumentation. There were 17 women and 13 men in this group ranging from 28 to 86 years of age. Follow-up duration ranged from 3 to 54 months. There was one death, which occurred 3 months postsurgery. In three patients a deep wound infection developed, necessitating intervention, and two patients experienced a graft expulsion. Twenty-nine patients went on to demonstrate adequate fusion based on follow-up neuroimaging studies.

Conclusions
The goal of neurosurgical intervention in the setting of spinal infection is to obtain an organism culture and the debridement of infection while maintaining neurological and mechanical stability. The authors demonstrate the effectiveness of radical debridement of infected bone and placement of instrumentation in patients with spinal infections.
Carotid artery angioplasty and stent placement for recurrent stenosis
Authors: Koebbe Christopher J. , Liebman Kenneth , Veznedaroglu Erol , Rosenwasser Robert 
Published: January 2008

Object
The use of endovascular management for recurrent carotid artery (CA) stenosis is rapidly expanding due to the increased surgical risk associated with repeated carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Carotid artery angioplasty and stent placement for recurrent CA stenosis offers a less invasive strategy with fewer procedural complications and may provide a more durable treatment. The authors report on their experience with this procedure in the management of recurrent CA stenosis.

Methods
A retrospective review was performed to evaluate clinical and ultrasound imaging outcomes after CA angioplasty and stent placement. Twenty-three vessels in 22 patients with severe recurrent stenosis (> 80%) post-CEA were treated with balloon angioplasty and stent placement without distal protection. There were no perioperative neurological or cardiac complications in this series. Over a mean follow-up period of 36 months, one patient (5%) suffered recurrent stenosis requiring retreatment with angioplasty alone.

Conclusions
The use of CA angioplasty and stent placement provides a safe and effective treatment for recurrent CA stenosis. The use of drug-eluting and/or bioactive stents in the future will likely further improve the efficacy of this procedure for recurrent CA stenosis.
Treatment of wide-necked cerebral aneurysms with the Neuroform2 Treo stent
Authors: Sani Sepehr , Jobe Kirk W. , Lopes Demetrius K. 
Published: January 2008

Object
Until recently, wide-necked aneurysms were not considered amenable to treatment with coil embolization. The recent introduction of intracranial stents has provided a method of preventing coil migration out of wide-necked aneurysms. The Neuroform2 Treo is a modification of the Neuroform stent; the new version has a higher metal/artery ratio. The authors' initial experience with the use of this stent in combination with coil embolization to treat wide-necked intracranial aneurysms is reported and technical considerations are discussed.

Methods
The authors' first 10 consecutive patients with wide-necked intracranial aneurysms were included in this study. Inclusion criteria restricted the group to adult patients with wide-necked intracranial aneurysms (ruptured and unruptured lesions). A wide neck was defined as a dome/neck ratio of less than 2 or a neck that was 4 mm or wider as measured on angiograms. Immediate postprocedure angiography studies were performed to determine successful coil occlusion of the aneurysm as well as patency of the parent vessel. Six-month follow-up angiograms were obtained in all patients.
Ten aneurysms with poor dome/neck ratios (< 2) were studied in 10 patients. In all cases the stent was delivered to the aneurysm site and positioned without difficulty. No branch artery compromise was observed. A technical difficulty occurred in one case, with prolapse of a coil into the parent vessel, which was successfully corrected with no adverse clinical effects. There were no clinical or neurological complications associated with endovascular treatment of aneurysms in this series. One patient required further coil embolization because of findings on the 6-month follow-up cerebral angiogram.

Conclusions
The Neuroform2 Treo navigates similarly to the Neuroform2, with the advantage of increased aneurysm neck coverage. This feature may lower the retreatment rates for wide-necked cerebral aneurysms.