Neurosurgery
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The transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion remains one of the most common surgical techniques used for spinal arthrodesis. Spine surgery over the last three decades has increasingly emphasized approaches that reduce tissue trauma, iatrogenic injury, and perioperative morbidity. ⋯ In this paper, the authors review the techniques and considerations underlying visualization within both methods, as well as provide summary of a hybrid system incorporating the advantages of both. Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion modalities must be selected in accordance with patient factors to achieve optimal outcomes.
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Anatomic features of neuromas have been explored in imaging studies. However, there has been limited research into these features using resected, ex vivo human neuroma specimens. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence that time may have on neuroma growth and size, and the clinical significance of these parameters. ⋯ This study suggests that neuromas seem to continue to grow over time and that smaller nerves may form relatively larger neuromas. In addition, sensory nerves develop relatively larger neuromas compared with mixed nerves. Neuroma size does not appear to correlate with pain severity. These findings may stimulate future research efforts and contribute to a better understanding of symptomatic neuroma development.
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En bloc sacrectomy is associated with sacral root transection causing loss of urinary bladder, rectum, and sexual function. The aim of the study was to determine the position of the pudendal branches (sensorimotor) and pelvic splanchnic nerves (parasympathetic) on the sacral roots relative to the sacrum, and the minimal and maximal defects in the sacral roots that can be reconstructed by grafting after various types of sacrectomy. ⋯ The reconstruction of the S2-S3 roots is anatomically feasible after partial or total sacrectomies in which the resection of the soft tissue does not extend further than approximately 1.5 to 2 cm ventrally from the sacrum.
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Hemangiopericytomas are infrequent vascular tumors originating from Zimmermann pericytes. The conventional treatment involves gross total resection, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. Nevertheless, their tendency to infiltrate dural sinuses, high vascularity, and anatomic complexity pose challenges for radical resection, leading to a significant risk of recurrence. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has emerged as a promising adjuvant therapy to address these challenges. Our study provides the largest single-institutional retrospective, aiming to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of SRS as a treatment modality for residual, recurrent, and metastatic hemangiopericytomas. ⋯ SRS leads to excellent LTC, PFS, and OS at 10 years with negligible risk for adverse events. Therefore, it is an effective and safe management modality for patients with residual, recurrent, and metastatic hemangiopericytomas.
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Robotic-assisted spine surgery has significantly advanced surgical precision and safety. This is particularly pertinent in minimally invasive spine surgeries that rely on imaging and technologies for visualization and the ability to accomplish surgical goals through smaller surgical corridors. The ability to preoperatively plan and then place pedicle screws across a wide range of applications has reduced the difficulty of even complex surgeries that once may have been considered prohibitive for minimally invasive approaches. While challenges and limitations remain, ongoing research and development aim to address these to continually expand the benefits of robotic-assisted spine surgery.