World Neurosurg
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3D printed models have grown in popularity for resident training. Currently there is a paucity of simulators specifically designed for advanced cervical instrumentation. Our institution created a unique simulator for the instruction of freehand placement of C2 laminar screws using a specific 3-dimensional printing technique to replicate the corticocancellous interface. This study was designed to determine the efficacy of the simulator for teaching neurosurgical residents the freehand technique of C2 laminar screw placement. ⋯ By utilizing our novel 3D printing production method, we have created a unique simulator for the freehand placement of C2 laminar screws. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a study investigating the use of a 3-dimensional printed simulator specifically designed to teach the freehand placement of C2 laminar screws to neurosurgical trainees.
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Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak remains a significant complication of posterior fossa tumor surgery. The goal of this study was to evaluate the wound CSF leakage rate in pediatric patients who underwent fourth ventricle tumor resection in a single-site setting and to explore the association of CSF leakage with the length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and with dural sealant application. ⋯ The low CSF leakage rate (2.8%) identified in this study was associated with a certain algorithm of patient management. There was no strong evidence that the CSF leakage rate was associated with the length of stay in the ICU or with dural sealant application.
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Brain parenchyma herniation through a disrupted inner table into an enlarged diploic cavity with an intact outer table is described as intradiploic encephalocele. Intradiploic encephaloceles share common morphologic characteristics with expanding skull fractures and intradiploic arachnoid cysts. Herein, we describe a case of traumatic occipital intradiploic encephalocele. ⋯ Intradiploic encephaloceles have different features compared with the classic encephalocele and can be considered as a variant of expanding skull fracture and intradiploic arachnoid cyst.
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Observational Study
Pallidothalamic tractotomy (Forel's field H1-tomy) for dystonia: A preliminary results.
The pallidothalamic tract connects the globus pallidus internus with the ventroanterior and ventrolateral parts of the thalamus. Lesioning or stimulation of the pallidothalamic tract has ameliorating effects on dyskinesia and dystonia in patients with Parkinson disease. However, the effect of the procedure on dystonia due to other etiologies has not been reported. ⋯ This study suggests that pallidothalamic tractotomy can be an alternative treatment target for dystonia. A larger and longer prospective study is needed to elucidate the safety and efficacy of pallidothalamic tractotomy for dystonia.
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Although postoperative spinal epidural hematoma is a rare complication, it can cause severe neurologic complications. Studies regarding biportal endoscopic spinal surgery, a type of minimally invasive spinal surgery technique, have been recently reported. The purpose of our study is to report the incidence and risk factors of postoperative hematoma after biportal endoscopic spinal surgery. ⋯ Although symptomatic postoperative hematoma was extremely rare at 1.9%, radiologic hematoma confirmed by postoperative MRI was higher at 23.6%. The perioperative risk factors of postoperative hematoma after biportal endoscopic spinal surgery include female sex, older age (>70 years), preoperative anticoagulation medication, usage of intraoperative water infusion pump, and surgery requiring more bone work (laminectomy or interbody fusion).