Acta neurochirurgica
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jul 2011
Long-term clinical and radiological outcomes following stand-alone PLIF surgery using expandable cylindrical threaded cages in patients with degenerative lumbar spine disease.
Although posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) using stand-alone cages was a popular arthrodesis method, the effectiveness of using such cages has been questioned. We assessed retrospectively the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of PLIF surgery using stand-alone cages for the treatment of degenerative lumbar spine disease, the incidences of pseudoarthrosis, and its risk factors. ⋯ The use of PLIF with stand-alone threaded cages in degenerative lumbar disease patients resulted in a long-term clinical success rate of 74.4%. Although the radiological fusion rate was 85.2%, continuous reduction of disc height and poor alignment preservation were observed. We conclude, therefore, that PLIF using only stand-alone cages is a poor surgical option for achieving good alignment and disc height restoration in patients with degenerative lumbar disease.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jun 2011
Comparative StudyManagement, risk factors and outcome of cranial dural arteriovenous fistulae: a single-center experience.
The role of endovascular interventions in managing dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) is increasing. Furthermore, in patients with aggressive DAVFs, different surgical interventions are required for complete obliteration or disconnection. Our objective was to evaluate the management of patients with intracranial DAVFs treated in our institution to identify the parameters that may help guide the long-term management of these lesions. ⋯ In general, intracranial DAVFs can be successfully surgically managed by simple venous disconnection in many cases. However, half of the patients do not show complete remission of symptoms. Age and the occurrence of perioperative complication were the most important determinants of outcome.