Acta neurochirurgica
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Acta neurochirurgica · Oct 2019
How I do it: total uncinatectomy during anterior diskectomy and fusion for cervical radiculopathy caused by uncovertebral joint hypertrophy.
Cervical radiculopathy from uncovertebral joint hypertrophy and foraminal stenosis is a common indication for anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF). Often, the uncinate hypertrophy extends lateral to the foramen and impinges on the nerve close to the vertebral artery as it travels in between the transverse foramina. ⋯ Total uncinatectomy is a useful adjunct during ACDF for complete foraminal decompression in cases of uncovertebral joint hypertrophy.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Oct 2019
Early decompressive surgery in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury improves neurological outcome.
The role and timing of a decompressive surgical intervention in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) remain controversial. Given the impact of SCI on the individual and society, decompressive surgery to reduce the extent of tissue destruction and improving neurological outcome after initial spinal cord trauma are needed. ⋯ The present study reports a beneficial effect of early decompression surgery, especially for incomplete SCI patients; however, surgical decision-making is complex, and all cases of acute spinal cord injury should be cautiously interpreted and handled on an individual basis.
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Microscope-based augmented reality (AR) is commonly used in cranial surgery; however, until recently, this technique was not implemented for spinal surgery. We prospectively investigated, how AR can be applied for intradural spinal tumor surgery. ⋯ Microscope-based AR can be reliably applied to intradural spinal tumor surgery. Automatic AR registration ensures high precision and provides an intuitive visualization of the extent of the tumor and surrounding structures. Given this setting, all advanced multi-modality options of cranial AR can also be applied to spinal surgery.
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Because of the restricted volume of the cisternal space, proper patient positioning on the operating table is of utmost importance during surgery by retrosigmoid approaches. Three positions are commonly used: supine, with the head rotated to the side contralateral to the lesion; the semi-sitting position; and the park bench position. Each position has advantages and disadvantages, and the surgeon should choose the one best suited to the individual patient and the pathology to be treated. ⋯ The Dormeuse position guarantees decrease in the posterior fossa pressure and allows optimal neural and vascular manipulation and control of any aspect of the cerebellopontine angle.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Sep 2019
Treatment considerations for cervical and cervicothoracic spondylodiscitis associated with esophageal fistula due to cancer history or accidental injury: a 9-patient case series.
The combination of cervical spondylodiscitis and esophageal fistula is rare but life-threatening. Due to both the rarity of these conditions' coincidence and the complexity and heterogeneity of individual cases, there is no optimal treatment or management approach. The aims of this study are to obtain an overview of patients' outcomes and to discuss treatment options. ⋯ Cervical spondylodiscitis in association with an esophageal fistula carries high morbidity and high mortality. Because patients whose infections are not cured have high morbidity, we recommend using interdisciplinary and individual management, including definite surgical treatment of the discitis and fistula, in every case.