Neurosurgery
-
Resection of the glenoid fossa has been described as part of cranial approaches to the clivus and subtemporal approaches. However, radical resection carries a significant risk of postoperative temporomandibular joint dysfunction. We examine a simple variation of our previously described one-piece frontotemporal orbitozygomatic (FTOZ) osteotomy that adds en bloc resection of the root of the zygomatic arch and a portion of the glenoid fossa. ⋯ In this cadaveric study, extension of the one-piece FTOZ approach included the posterior root of the zygoma and the lateral part of the glenoid fossa. En bloc resection of the glenoid fossa and root of the zygomatic arch, together with the FTOZ osteotomy, facilitated reconstruction of the temporomandibular joint and increased the amount of exposure obtained with this FTOZ osteotomy. Comprehensive understanding of functional outcomes awaits further clinical study.
-
To evaluate our initial experience with Novalis (BrainLAB, Heimstetten, Germany) frameless image-guided noninvasive radiosurgery. ⋯ This initial evaluation demonstrates the system accuracy and feasibility of Novalis image-guided noninvasive radiosurgery for intracranial benign and malignant lesions.
-
For patients with internal carotid artery occlusion with advanced narrowing of the ipsilateral external carotid artery (ECA), we performed preventive carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for the ECA stenosis before superficial temporal artery (STA) to middle cerebral artery (MCA) anastomosis for internal carotid artery occlusion. ⋯ The present study suggests that surgical management by external CEA followed by STA-MCA anastomosis is safe and effective for patients with internal carotid artery occlusion and advanced stenosis of the ipsilateral ECA.
-
Clinical Trial
Exploration and decompression of the spinal canal using split laminotomy and its modification, the "archbone" technique.
To develop a novel minimally invasive approach suitable for exploring different pathologies located in the spinal canal, allowing moderate enlargement of the canal with preservation of the majority of posterior structures so muscle attachments remain intact and postoperative complications are reduced. ⋯ This surgical approach fulfills the requirements of other laminotomy techniques and helps prevent damage to the crucial posterior stabilizers of the spine. In contrast to conventional spinal canal approaches, preservation of the majority of posterior structures leaves muscle attachments on the spinous processes and laminae completely intact. Furthermore, the technique for exposure and decompression of the spinal canal is a suitable method for all spinal segments, the cervical, thoracic, and the lumbar spine in all age groups.
-
This article aims to provide more insight into the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of Bertolotti's syndrome, which is a rare spinal disorder that is very difficult to recognize and diagnose correctly. The syndrome was first described by Bertolotti in 1917 and affects approximately 4 to 8% of the population. It is characterized by an enlarged transverse process at the most caudal lumbar vertebra with a pseudoarticulation of the transverse process and the sacral ala. It tends to present with low back pain and may be confused with facet and sacroiliac joint disease. ⋯ As with conventional surgical approaches, a complete knowledge of anatomy is required for minimally invasive spine surgery. This case is an example of the expanding utility of minimally invasive approaches in treating spinal disorders.