bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum creatine phosphokinase as an indicator of muscle injury after various spinal and nonspinal surgical procedures
Authors: Arts Mark P. , Nieborg Arjan , Brand Ronald , Peul Wilco C. 
Published: January 2008

Object
Muscle injury is inevitable during surgical exposure of the spine and is quantified by the release of creatine phosphokinase (CPK). No studies have been conducted on different spinal approaches and nonspinal surgery with regard to muscle injury. The present prospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate the results of postoperative serum CPK as an indicator of muscle injury in relation to various spinal and nonspinal procedures.

Methods
The authors analyzed data in 322 consecutive patients who had undergone 257 spinal and 65 nonspinal procedures. Primary procedures were performed in 264 patients and revision surgeries in 58. Spinal procedures were subdivided according to the degree of surgical invasiveness as follows: minimally invasive (microendoscopic lumbar discectomy, unilateral transflaval discectomy, and minithoracotomy), average invasiveness (bilateral lumbar discectomy, laminectomy, and anterior cervical discectomy), and extensive surgery (instrumented single or multilevel spondylodesis of the entire spinal column). Spinal localization, number of spinal levels involved, surgical approach, duration of surgery, and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. Creatine phosphokinase was measured before surgery and 1 day after surgery, and the CPK ratio (that is, the difference within one patient) was used as the outcome measure.

Results
There was a significant dose-response relationship between the CPK ratio and the degree of surgical invasiveness; extensively invasive surgery had the highest CPK ratio and minimally invasive surgery had the lowest. Thoracolumbar surgery had a significantly higher CPK ratio compared with those for cervical and nonspinal surgery. There was a slightly negative relationship between the number of spinal segments involved and the CPK ratio. The CPK ratio in revision surgery was significantly higher than in primary surgery. Posterior surgical approaches had a higher CPK ratio, and the ratios for unilateral compared with bilateral approaches were not significantly different. The duration of surgery and preoperative serum level of CPK significantly influenced postoperative CPK. There was also a significant association between CPK ratio and nonspinal surgery. Age, sex, and BMI were not significant factors.

Conclusions
Data in this study have shown a dose-response relationship between CPK and the extent of surgical invasiveness. Thoracolumbar surgery, posterior approaches, duration of surgery, revision surgery, and preoperative value of CPK were significant influencing factors for the CPK ratio. The clinical significance of the results in the present study is not known.
Transdural approach for calcified central disc herniations of the upper lumbar spine
Authors: Choi Jeong-Wook , Lee Jung-Kil , Moon Kyung-Sub , Hur Hyuk , Kim Yeon-Seong , Kim Soo-Han 
Published: January 2008

✓Disc herniations of the upper lumbar spine (L1–2 and L2–3) have a frequency of 1 to 2% of all disc herniations. During posterior discectomy after laminectomy, significant manipulation of the exiting nerve root is unavoidable because of the narrow lamina and the difficulty in mobilizing the nerve root. The authors adopted a transdural approach in patients with calcified central disc herniation at the L1–2 level to reduce the risk of nerve root injury.
Four patients suffering from radiating pain together with back pain were treated using the transdural approach. Pre-operative neuroimaging studies revealed severe central disc herniation with calcification at the L1–2 level. After laminectomy or laminotomy, the incised dura mater was tacked, and the cauda equina rootlets were gently retracted. An intentional durotomy was performed over its maximal bulging of the ventral dura. After meticulous dissection of dense adhesions between the disc herniation and the dural sac, adequate decompression with removal of calcified disc fragments and osteophytes was accomplished.
Clinical symptoms improved in all patients. Postoperative permanent cerebrospinal fluid leakage and pseudomeningocele were not observed, and no patient had a progressive lumbar deformity at an average follow-up of 53 months. Transient mild motor weakness and sensory change were observed in two patients postoperatively; however, these symptoms resolved completely within 1 week.
The posterior transdural approach offers an alternative in central calcified upper lumbar disc herniation when root retraction is dangerous.
Frequency of unexpected and important histopathological findings in routine intervertebral disc surgery
Authors: Hasselblatt Martin , Maintz David , Goll Thomas , Wildförster Uwe , Schul Christoph , Paulus Werner 
Published: January 2008

Object
The value of routine histopathological examination of intervertebral disc tissue has been questioned, but sufficient numbers of studies have yet to be conducted to provide a definitive sense of its importance. The aim of this study was to investigate the nature and frequency of unexpected histopathological findings in intervertebral disc surgery.

Methods
The authors conducted a retrospective examination of consecutive surgical specimens obtained in patients with benign indication for discectomy at four neurosurgical centers.
Surgical specimens obtained during 2102 operations (2177 intervertebral discs) in 2017 patients were evaluated. In addition to one case of cavernous malformation, two specimens (obtained in 0.1% of patients) revealed unexpected pathological diagnoses of malignancy (metastasized prostate carcinoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma).

Conclusions
The results of this retrospective study suggest that routine histopathological examination of specimens obtained during intervertebral disc procedures is both justified and cost effective.
Decompression of idiopathic lumbar epidural lipomatosis: diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging evaluation and review of the literature
Authors: Ishikawa Yoshinori , Shimada Yoichi , Miyakoshi Naohisa , Suzuki Tetsuya , Hongo Michio , Kasukawa Yuji , Okada Kyoji , Itoi Eiji 
Published: January 2008

Object
Idiopathic symptomatic spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) is a rare condition, and few reports have discussed diagnostic imaging criteria. To evaluate factors relating to its clinical symptoms, correlations between clinical features and the presence of spinal epidural fat were investigated, and the literature concerning idiopathic SEL was reviewed.

Methods
Morphological gradings of epidural fat were evaluated in seven patients with idiopathic SEL by using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. In addition, body mass index (BMI), the number of involved vertebral levels, grade, and preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score were analyzed. Surgery resulted in symptomatic relief, with a mean JOA score recovery rate of 67.4%. Grading of epidural fat tended to display a slight negative correlation with preoperative JOA score, whereas a strong significant positive correlation was found between the number of involved vertebral levels and BMI.

Conclusions
The number of involved vertebral levels and obesity are strongly correlated, whereas severity of dural compression is not always significantly associated with neurological complications. These results indicate that epidural fat of the lumbar spine contributes to neurological deficits. In addition, weight-reduction therapy appears to decrease the number of vertebral levels involved. Magnetic resonance imaging–based grading is helpful for the diagnosis and evaluation of idiopathic lumbar SEL. Moreover, symptoms and neurological findings are important for determining the surgical approach.
Simultaneous end-to-side coaptations of two severed nerves to a single healthy nerve in rats
Authors: Özbek Serhat , Kurt M. Ayberk 
Published: January 2008

Object
This experimental study was designed to evaluate functional and sensory outcomes and morphological features observed after simultaneous end-to-side coaptations of distal stumps of two nerves to a single neighboring nerve. Studies were performed using both parallel and end-to-side coaptation (PEC) and serial end-to-side coaptation (SEC) methods in a rat model.

Methods
In the PEC group, distal stumps of the sural and common fibular nerves were coapted to the intact tibial nerve 1 cm apart from each other in an end-to-side fashion. In the SEC group, identical surgical procedures apart from the coaptation method were conducted. For the coaptation method in this group, the distal stump of the common fibular nerve was first coapted to the side of the intact tibial nerve, and then the distal stump of the sural nerve was coapted to the side of the common fibular nerve 1 cm apart from the first coaptation site.
Nonoperated contralateral sides were used as controls. Nerve regeneration in both groups was evaluated functionally, electrophysiologically, and histomorphometrically.

Conclusions
When there is a need for two end-to-side coaptations of two severed nerves, PEC is the recommended method of choice to obtain better axonal regeneration into both nerves.
Evaluation of DuraGen in preventing peridural fibrosis in rabbits
Authors: Tatsui Claudio E. , Martinez Gonzalo , Li Xiuming , Pattany Pradip , Levi Allan D. 
Published: January 2008

ObjectPeridural fibrosis is the scar tissue formed over the dura mater after a laminectomy. It has been implicated as a cause of persistence of pain after spinal surgery and associated with increased risk of complications during revision surgery. The application of a mechanical barrier to cover the peridural space to block the migration of inflammatory cells from superficial layers to the epidural space can potentially prevent or decrease scar formation. The authors evaluated the use of DuraGen for this purpose.MethodsSeventeen New Zealand White rabbits underwent bilateral L-4 and L-7 laminectomies. Each space was randomly assigned to either receive DuraGen, fat graft, or no (sham) treatment. At a mean 18 ± 4 weeks after surgery, the animals underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with and without Gd enhancement, and the area of the scar tissue overlying the middle of the laminectomy was measured. The rabbits were killed and the spinal cords with an intact dural covering were harvested. The midsection of each treated level was evaluated histologically and the scar area was measured.In rabbits in which a fat graft was placed, MR imaging of the epidural space demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the mean area (0.9713 mm2) of scar tissue compared with those in which DuraGen was used (0.687 mm2) or those receiving sham treatment (0.6661 mm2). The same correlation was observed when the histological sections were measured at the middle of the laminectomy site where the mean areas of both DuraGen (1008 mm2) and control (2249 mm2) groups were significantly lower than that in the fat graft group (6007 mm2) (p < 0.01 and 0.05, respectively). No significant differences between the DuraGen and control groups were observed.ConclusionsThe authors demonstrated that peridural scarring formed in all groups. The mean area of scar deposition was significantly higher in the fat graft group than in the DuraGen or control group both on MR imaging and histological analysis. DuraGen was more effective than a fat graft in preventing epidural fibrosis but not significantly different from that occurring in control animals.
Regional instability following cervicothoracic junction surgery
Authors: Steinmetz Michael P. , Miller Jared , Warbel Ann , Krishnaney Ajit A. , Bingaman William , Benzel Edward C. 
Published: January 2008

Object
The cervicothoracic junction (CTJ) is the transitional region between the cervical and thoracic sections of the spinal axis. Because it is a transitional zone between the mobile lordotic cervical and rigid kyphotic thoracic spines, the CTJ is a region of potential instability. This potential for instability may be exaggerated by surgical intervention.

Methods
A retrospective review of all patients who underwent surgery involving the CTJ in the Department of Neurosurgery at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation during a 5-year period was performed. The CTJ was strictly defined as encompassing the C-7 vertebra and C7–T1 disc interspace. Patients were examined after surgery to determine if treatment had failed. Failure was defined as construct failure, deformity (progression or de novo), or instability. Variables possibly associated with treatment failure were analyzed. Statistical comparisons were performed using the Fisher exact test.
Between January 1998 and November 2003, 593 CTJ operations were performed. Treatment failed in 14 patients. Of all variables studied, failure was statistically associated with laminectomy and multilevel ventral corpectomies with fusion across the CTJ. Other factors statistically associated with treatment failure included histories of cervical surgery, tobacco use, and surgery for the correction of deformity.

Conclusions
The CTJ is a vulnerable region, and this vulnerability is exacerbated by surgery. Results of the present study indicate that laminectomy across the CTJ should be supplemented with instrumentation (and fusion). Multilevel ventral corpectomies across the CTJ should also be supplemented with dorsal instrumentation. Supplemental instrumentation should be considered for patients who have undergone prior cervical surgery, have a history of tobacco use, or are undergoing surgery for deformity correction.
Prevention of percutaneous electrode migration in spinal cord stimulation by a modification of the standard implantation technique
Authors: Renard Violette M. , North Richard B. 
Published: January 2008

Object
Percutaneous spinal cord stimulation (SCS) electrodes are prone to migration even after scar tissue encapsulation. The authors devised a simple technique to eliminate longitudinal migration.

Methods
In 99 patients who received implanted percutaneous electrodes, less than 0.1 cm3 of silicone elastomer adhesive was injected between the anchoring sleeve and the electrode. As a result, no patient required revision surgery due to longitudinal electrode migration over a mean follow-up period of 20.2 ± 12.3 months (range 1.8–39.7 months). Postimplant SCS-related surgical procedures were required in 15 patients (15%) for the following indications: infection in three patients, expanded area of pain in four patients, lateral migration after the sutures eroded through the supraspinous ligament in one patient, postural changes in stimulation in one patient, receiver-site pain in two patients, technical failure in three patients, and inadequate pain relief in one patient.

Conclusions
With modification of the standard technique for implantation of percutaneous SCS electrodes, no longitudinal migration of electrodes was noted in this series of 99 patients.
Treatment of neurogenic claudication by interspinous decompression: application of the X STOP device in patients with lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis
Authors: Anderson Paul A. , Tribus Cliff B. , Kitchel Scott H. 
Published: January 2008

ObjectInterspinous process decompression (IPD) theoretically relieves narrowing of the spinal canal and neural foramen in extension and thus reduces the symptoms of neurogenic intermittent claudication (NIC). The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of IPD with nonoperative treatment in patients with NIC secondary to degenerative spondylolisthesis.MethodsThe authors conducted a randomized controlled study in patients with NIC; they compared the results obtained in patients treated with the X STOP IPD device with those acquired in patients treated nonoperatively. The X STOP implant is a titanium alloy device that is placed between the spinous processes to reduce the canal and foraminal narrowing that occurs in extension. In a cohort of 75 patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis, 42 underwent surgical treatment in which the X STOP IPD device was placed and 33 control individuals were treated nonoperatively. Patients underwent serial follow-up evaluations. The Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ), 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and radiographic assessment were used to determine outcomes. Two-year follow-up data were obtained in 70 of 75 patients.Statistically significant improvement in ZCQ and SF-36 scores was seen in X STOP device–treated patients but not in the nonoperative control patients at all postoperative intervals. Overall clinical success occurred in 63.4% of X STOP device–treated patients and only 12.9% of controls. Spondylolisthesis and kyphosis were unaltered.ConclusionsThe X STOP device was more effective than nonoperative treatment in the management of NIC secondary to degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis.
Preoperative imaging of cervical spine hemangioblastomas using three-dimensional fusion digital subtraction angiography
Authors: Sciubba Daniel M. , Mavinkurve Gaurav G. , Gailloud Philippe , Garonzik Ira M. , Recinos Pablo F. , McGirt Matthew J. , Woodworth Graeme F. , Witham Timothy , Khavkin Yevgeniv , Gokaslan Ziya L. , Wolinsky Jean-Paul 
Published: January 2008

✓ Angiography is often performed to identify the vascular supply of hemangioblastomas prior to resection. Conventional two-dimensional (2D) digital subtraction (DS) angiography and three-dimensional (3D) DS angiography provides high-resolution images of the vascular structures associated with these lesions. However, such 3D DS angiography often does not provide reliable anatomical information about nearby osseous structures, or when it does, resolution of vascular anatomy in the immediate vicinity of bone is sacrificed. A novel angiographic reconstruction algorithm was recently developed at The Johns Hopkins University to overcome these inadequacies. By combining two separate sequences of images of bone and blood vessels in a single 3D representation, 3D fusion DS (FDS) angiography provides precise topographic information about vascular lesions in relation to the osseous environment, without a loss of resolution.
In this paper, the authors present the cases of two patients with cervical spine hemangioblastomas who underwent preoperative evaluation with FDS angiography and then successful gross-total resection of their tumors. In both cases, FDS angiography provided high-resolution 3D images of the hemangioblastoma anatomy, including each tumor’s topographic relationship with adjacent osseous structures and the location and size of feeding arteries and draining veins. These cases provide evidence that FDS angiography represents a useful adjunct to magnetic resonance imaging and 2D DS angiography in the preoperative evaluation and surgical planning of patients with vascular lesions in an osseous environment, such as hemangioblastomas in the spinal cord.
Microsurgical posterior foraminotomy with laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic radiculomyelopathy including cervical spondylotic amyotrophy
Authors: Sasai Kunihiko , Umeda Masayuki , Saito Takanori , Ohnari Hiroyuki , Wakabayashi Ei , Iida Hirokazu 
Published: January 2008

Object
The authors retrospectively investigated the surgical outcomes and radiographically documented changes after microsurgical posterior foraminotomy with en bloc laminoplasty in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculo-myelopathy (CSRM), including cervical spondylotic amyotrophy (CSA), during a period greater than 2 years.

Methods
Thirty-four consecutive patients (24 men and 10 women) were included in this study. Twenty patients had preoperative radicular pain, and CSA was diagnosed in 14 patients. The mean age at the time of surgery was 61 years (range 43–77 years). The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 6.5 years (mean 3.4 years). Foraminotomy was performed at 49 sites. Neurological improvement was evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring system; radicular pain and deltoid muscle strength were also evaluated clinically. Cervical lordosis, flexion–extension angles, range of motion (ROM), and the angulation and the extent of vertebral slippage at the affected nerve root levels were measured preoperatively and at last follow-up examination.
The mean rate of JOA score improvement was 67.2% (range 22.2–100%). In all 20 patients, preoperative radicular pain completely resolved after surgery. In all 14 patients with CSA, deltoid muscle strength improved; in approximately 80% of these patients, there was either no muscle weakness or only slight weakness. The flexion angles and ROM significantly decreased at the time of the last follow-up examination (p = 0.0402 and 0.0196, respectively). No other items changed significantly.

Conclusions
The aforementioned surgical procedure was safely completed and the surgical outcomes were satisfactory for CSRM including CSA. The instability (the angulation and the vertebral slippage) did not significantly change after surgery. This procedure yielded outstanding results and should be considered an option for cervical laminoplasty in the future.
Cost–utility analysis of routine neurosurgical spinal surgery
Authors: Räsänen Pirjo , Öhman Juha , Sintonen Harri , Ryynänen Olli-Pekka , Koivisto Anna-Maija , Blom Marja , Roine Risto P. 
Published: January 2008

Object
Cost–utility analysis is currently the preferred method with which to compare the cost-effectiveness of various interventions. The authors conducted a study to establish the cost–utility results of routine neurosurgery-based spinal interventions by examining patient-derived values.

Methods
Two hundred seventy patients undergoing surgery for cervical or lumbar radicular pain filled in the 15-dimensional health-related quality of life (HRQOL) questionnaire before and 3 months after surgery. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were calculated using the utility data and the expected remaining life years of the patients. The mean HRQOL score (scale, 0–1) increased after cervical surgery (169 patients, mean age 52 years, 40% women) from 0.81 ± 0.11 preoperatively, to 0.85 ± 0.11 at 3 months, and after lumbar surgery (101 patients, mean age 54 years, 59% women) from 0.79 ± 0.10 preoperatively, to 0.85 ± 0.12 at 3 months (p < 0.001). Of the 15 dimensions of health, improvement in the following was documented in both groups: sleeping, usual activities, discomfort and symptoms, depression, distress, vitality, and sexual activity (p < 0.05). The cost per QALY gained was €2774 and 1738 for cervical and lumbar operations, respectively. In cases in which surgery was delayed the cost per QALY was doubled.

Conclusions
Spinal surgery led to a statistically significant and clinically important improvement in HRQOL. The cost per QALY gained was reasonable, less than half of that observed, for example, for hip replacement surgery or angioplasty treatment of coronary artery disease; however, a prolonged delay in surgical intervention led to an approximate doubling of the cost per QALY gained by the treatment.