World Neurosurg
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An alternative caudally directed C2 inferior facetal screw is described. Such screw insertion can form the axial stabilization point in cases undergoing atlantoaxial lateral mass plate/rod and screw fixation and those undergoing C1-2 and C1-2-3 spinal fixation. The C2 screw courses from the medial point of the pedicle-laminar junction and travels caudally and laterally toward the C2-3 articulation. ⋯ The technical issues, anatomic subtleties, and indication for use of the C2 inferior facetal screws are discussed. With an average follow-up of 9 months, all screws have successfully provided stability that resulted in arthrodesis of the treated spinal segments. A caudally directed C2 inferior facetal screw can enhance the armamentarium of the surgeon, provide an alternative to conventional techniques or a bailout option, and add to the safety of the procedure of atlantoaxial lateral mass fixation in anatomically challenged situations.
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Bromocriptine (BRC) is effective in patients with prolactinoma. However, the cytotoxic mechanism of BRC remains unknown. ⋯ BRC-treated pituitary adenoma cells mainly underwent autophagic cell death rather than apoptosis.