Journal of neurosurgery. Spine
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the application and effects of a novel, nonswelling, polyethylene glycol-based hydrogel adhesion barrier and sealant in a canine laminectomy model of CSF leakage and adhesion formation. ⋯ Hydrogel prevented CSF leakage and mitigated epidural scarring without affecting healing of the dura or laminectomy site. The safety profile of the hydrogel appears favorable due to its synthetic composition, polyethylene glycol chemistry, minimal local tissue response, and lack of neurological deficits. Controlled application of such hydrogel materials may reduce the incidence of postoperative leaks, prevent adhesion formation and thus improve recovery from spinal surgery, and improve identification of tissue planes for reoperations.
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In this study, long-term results are presented from clinical studies of the Bryan Cervical Disc Prosthesis at University Hospital Gasthuisberg in Leuven, Belgium. A total of 98 patients (89 with 1-level and 9 with 2-level implantations) agreed to participate in follow-up studies for up to 10 years postoperatively. This article focuses on the 4- and 6-year results. Patients in one of the clinical studies had either radiculopathy or myelopathy associated with spondylosis and/or disc herniations that did not respond to conservative treatment. Patients from the other clinical study received commercially available Bryan devices and the study protocol did not have specific inclusion/exclusion criteria. More than 90% of the patients were considered to have radiculopathy. ⋯ The favorable clinical and angular motion outcomes that were previously noted at 1- and 2-years' follow-up after cervical disc replacement with the Bryan Cervical Disc Prosthesis appear to persist after 4 and 6 years of follow-up.
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Spinal cord hemangioblastomas are a common protean manifestation of von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease and can be associated with significant morbidity. To better define expected outcome and optimal management of these tumors in the context of this neoplasia syndrome, the authors analyzed the findings from patients with VHL disease who underwent resection of spinal cord hemangioblastomas. ⋯ Resection of symptomatic spinal cord hemangioblastomas is a safe and effective means of preserving neurological function in patients with VHL disease. Tumor location (ventral or completely intramedullary) can be used to assess functional risk associated with surgery. Long-term decline in neurological function is usually caused by VHL-associated disease progression.
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Case Reports
Accuracy and pitfalls of multidetector-row computed tomography in detecting spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of multidetector-row CT angiography (MDCTA) in demonstrating spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs). ⋯ The use of MDCTA preceding DSA can be helpful to focus the selective catheter angiography on certain spinal levels. However, one should keep in mind that epidural AVFs with perimedullary drainage may resemble SDAVFs and also that MDCTA cannot exclude the possibility of multiple feeders. Further research should elucidate how broadly selective angiography should explore around the MDCTA-suggested target.
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Degeneration of the intervertebral disc can be the source of severe low-back pain. Intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET) is a minimally invasive treatment option for patients with symptomatic internal disc disruption unresponsive to conservative medical care. This study was undertaken in the neurosurgical setting to evaluate 24-month pain and functional outcomes and predictors of clinical success in patients with discogenic back pain treated with IDET. ⋯ The findings of this study suggest that durable clinical improvements can be realized after IDET in highly select surgical candidates with mild disc degeneration, confirmatory imaging evidence of anular disruption, and highly concordant pain provocation on low-pressure discography.