Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Apr 2003
Microsurgical midline approach for the decompression of extraforaminal stenosis in L5-S1.
When performing surgery, the extraforaminal window is very narrow at the L5-S1 level. The authors describe a microsurgical method for decompression of the L-5 nerve root trapped between a marginal osteophyte of the vertebral body and the transverse process. The procedure was performed in 16 patients with extraforaminal stenosis. ⋯ The authors recommend this technique for the effective decompression of symptomatic extraforaminal L5-S1 stenosis. The need for a dangerous and tedious removal of the vertebral osteophyte together with spinal fusion is avoided.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Apr 2003
Case ReportsBifocal myxopapillary ependymoma of the terminal filum: the end of a spectrum? Case report.
Myxopapillary ependymomas represent the most frequent type of ependymomas found at the conus medullaris-cauda equina-terminal filum level. They are neuroectodermal tumors mainly observed during the fourth decade of life. ⋯ Simultaneous discovery of two tumors located both on the terminal filum has been reported once. The pathogenesis of this focal ependymoma located at the same embryological level, on the terminal filum, is uncertain; it may represent one end of a spectrum, the other end being the giant ependymoma of the terminal filum.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Apr 2003
Case ReportsA new table-fixed retractor for anterior odontoid screw fixation: technical note.
The authors describe a unique retraction device adapted for anterior odontoid screw placement. A rigidly fixed tubular retractor system obviates the need for dissecting the longus colli muscles as well as for excessive retraction of the trachea, esophagus, and recurrent laryngeal nerve. ⋯ The retractor is then rigidly fixed in position. The tubular corridor permits the odontoid screw to be placed in the usual fashion.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Apr 2003
Comparative StudyNeuroprotective effects of GYKI 52466 on experimental spinal cord injury in rats.
The toxic effects of glutamate in the central nervous system are well known. This neurotoxicity occurs through metabotropic and ionotropic receptors, the latter group composed of N-methyl-D-aspartate, alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-proprionic acid (AMPA), and kainate receptors. The authors investigated the neuroprotective effects of GYKI 52466, a 2,3-benzodiazepine that is a selective and potent AMPA receptor antagonist, in a rat spinal cord trauma model. ⋯ The findings in this rat model suggest that GYKI 52466 may provide significant therapeutic protection from secondary damage after acute SCI. This agent may be a viable alternative treatment for SCI.