World Neurosurg
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It is unclear how brain growth with age affects electrode position in relation to target for children undergoing deep brain stimulation surgery. We aimed to model projected change in the distance between the entry point of the electrode into the brain and target during growth to adulthood. ⋯ Electrodes inserted during deep brain stimulation surgery are tethered at the point of entry to the skull. Brain growth, which could result in a relative retraction with respect to the original target position, appears to occur before 7 years of age, suggesting careful monitoring is needed for children undergoing implantation before this age. Reengineering of electrode design could avoid reimplantation surgery in young children undergoing deep brain stimulation.
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Comparative Study
Biomechanical comparison of cervical fixation via transarticular facet screws without rods versus lateral mass screws with rods.
Transarticular facet screws restore biomechanical stability to the cervical spine when posterior cervical anatomy has been compromised. This study compares the more recent, less invasive, and briefer transarticular facet screw system without rods with the lateral mass screw system with rods. ⋯ Transarticular facet screws without rods and lateral mass screws with rods had similar biomechanical stability in single-level insertions. For 2-level insertions, transarticular facet screws without rods are a valid option in cervical spine repair.
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Case Reports
Radical removal of recurrent malignant meningeal tumors of the cavernous sinus in combination with high-flow bypass.
Meningiomas or solitary fibrous tumors arising from the cavernous sinus (CS) are usually treated with radiosurgery to control growth. Surgical removal of cavernous tumors is indicated only for tumors extending outside the CS. However, even after adequate treatment, the tumor may exhibit recurrence or malignant transformation. We report a treatment option for recurrent meningeal tumors of the CS. ⋯ Radical removal in combination with high-flow bypass provides favorable results and maintains quality of life in patients with recurrent CS meningeal tumors.
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To assess the clinical outcome, complications, and angiographic outcomes after surgical disconnection of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs). ⋯ Surgical disconnection of CVR for high-grade intracranial DAVFs is highly effective and can be performed with very low complication rates. Where embolization cannot be performed safely, surgical disconnection (rather than stereotactic radiosurgery) is the treatment of choice for high grade DAVFs.
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The ability to understand factors associated with an increased duration of missed work postoperatively could be used to more effectively select patients with the greatest opportunity for a successful outcome. We set out to determine the effect of preoperative depression on postoperative return to work in patients undergoing transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for degenerative spondylolisthesis. ⋯ Independent of postoperative improvement in pain, disability, and quality of life, the extent of preoperative depression was an independent predictor of time to return to work in patients undergoing TLIF for spondylolisthesis, suggesting that regardless of how successful TLIF surgery may be at improving a patient's pain, disability, or quality of life, greater depression will delay or prohibit their ability to return to work postoperatively.