Neurosurgery
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In recent years, percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) has become a routine surgical procedure because it can be performed under local anesthesia and is minimally invasive. However, there is a risk of nerve root and endplate injury owing to heat generated by laser irradiation during PLDD. We recently performed salvage surgery on a patient with heat injury to the L5 nerve root that developed after PLDD. ⋯ When salvage surgery is performed after a PLDD procedure, disc and nerve root injuries owing to laser heat energy must be considered.
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Comparative Study
Novel bipolar forceps with protein repellence using gold-polytetrafluoroethylene composite film.
Advancement in new technology has been necessary for the development of surgical hemostasis. The purpose of this study was to assess novel bipolar forceps plated with gold-polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite film. ⋯ The concept of promotion of protein repellence is important for achieving reduced adherence of protein to neurosurgical instruments. This protein repellent plating is indispensable to achieve safer and more accurate microneurosurgery.
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Historical Article
History of spine biomechanics: part II--from the Renaissance to the 20th century.
Spine biomechanics provide the foundation for the disciplines of spine medicine and spine surgery. Although modern spine biomechanics emerged during the second half of the last century, it has many ancient, medieval, and post-Renaissance roots. In Part I of this series, the ancient and medieval roots of spine biomechanics were reviewed. ⋯ Subsequently, war-related studies performed in the 20th century contributed to the formation of modern biomechanics. The first biomechanics-related organizations and scientific publications did not emerge until the second half of the 20th century. These events provided the final bricks in the foundation that facilitated the emergence of modern spine biomechanics research.
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The management and surgical technique for microsurgical tumor removal of vestibular schwannomas (acoustic neuroma) with the suboccipital retrosigmoid approach and semi-sitting patient positioning is described. An emphasis is placed on the preservation of auditory and facial nerve function with a stepwise description of the technical and operative nuances, including presurgical evaluation, positioning, anesthesiological and neurophysiological aspects, approach, microsurgical techniques, and postsurgical care.
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Comparative Study
Role of radiosurgery in the management of cerebral arteriovenous malformations in the pediatric age group: data from a 100-patient series.
To assess the safety and efficacy of radiosurgery for the management of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the pediatric age group. ⋯ Radiosurgery is a safe and effective treatment for AVMs in the pediatric age group. One criterion for success was the use of a prescription dose similar to that used with adult populations.