Acta neurochirurgica
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jan 2011
Microsurgical anatomy of Liliequist's membrane demonstrating three-dimensional configuration.
Liliequist's membrane (LM) is an important arachnoid structure in the basal cisterns. The relevant anatomic descriptions of this membrane and how many leaves it has are still controversial. The existing anatomical theories do not satisfy the needs of minimally invasive neurosurgery. We aimed to establish the three-dimensional configuration of LM. ⋯ All three types of membranes comprising LM serve as important anatomical landmarks and interfaces for surgical procedures in this area.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jan 2011
Pain and brachial plexus lesions: evaluation of initial outcomes after reconstructive microsurgery and validation of a new pain severity scale.
Peripheral nerve lesions usually are associated with neuropathic pain. In the present paper, we describe a simple scale to quantify pain after brachial plexus injuries and apply this scale to a series of patients to determine initial outcomes after reconstructive surgery. ⋯ We have designed and tested a simple and reliable method by which to quantify neuropathic pain after traumatic brachial plexus injuries. Initial surgical treatment of the paralysis--including nerve, trunk and root reconstruction, and neurolysis--comprises an effective means by which to initially treat neuropathic pain. Ablative or neuromodulative procedures, like dorsal root entry zone, should be reserved for refractory cases.