Acta neurochirurgica
-
Acta neurochirurgica · Jan 2011
Comparative StudyComparison of stand-alone polyetheretherketone cages and iliac crest autografts for the treatment of cervical degenerative disc diseases.
Anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) is a widely accepted surgical procedure for the treatment of cervical degenerative disc diseases. This retrospective study was designed to analyze and compare the efficacy and outcomes of anterior cervical fusion using stand-alone polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages and autogenous iliac crest grafts with the anterior cervical plating system. ⋯ The stand-alone PEEK cage is a good substitute for fusion in patients with cervical disc disease; it can effectively restore the cervical physiological curvature and the intervertebral height, facilitate radiological follow-up, cause few complications, and leads to satisfactory outcomes.
-
Acta neurochirurgica · Jan 2011
Clinical TrialHemostatic matrix sealant in neurosurgery: a clinical and imaging study.
The aim of this study was to investigate prospectively the efficacy and safety of Floseal hemostatic matrix. ⋯ In this study, matrix hemostatic sealant helped to control operative bleeding in cranial and spinal surgery, reducing damage to the surrounding healthy nervous tissue while shortening surgical timing. Other than safe, the immediate hemostatic effect is an advantage in the settings of refractory bleeding.
-
Acta neurochirurgica · Jan 2011
Secondary insults following traumatic brain injury enhance complement activation in the human brain and release of the tissue damage marker S100B.
Complement activation has been suggested to play a role in the development of secondary injuries following traumatic brain injury (TBI). The present study was initiated in order to analyze complement activation in relation to the primary brain injury and to secondary insults, frequently occurring following TBI. ⋯ This human study indicates that complement activation in the brain is triggered not only by the impact of trauma per se but also by the amount of secondary insults that frequently occur at the scene of accident as well as during treatment in the neurointensive care unit. Complement activation and in particular the end product C5b9 may in turn contribute to additional secondary brain injuries by its membrane destructive properties.
-
Acta neurochirurgica · Jan 2011
Clinical TrialEvaluation of efficacy and safety of fentanyl transdermal patch (Durogesic D-TRANS) in chronic pain.
Opioids are used in controlling several types of pain. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the fentanyl transdermal patch-type system (Durogesic® D-TRANS). ⋯ This prospective study shows that the fentanyl patch is effective in alleviating moderate to severe chronic noncancer pain including neuropathic pain down to mild pain. Therefore, the fentanyl patch should be considered before other invasive intervention procedures in chronic moderate to severe noncancer pain.
-
Acta neurochirurgica · Jan 2011
Utility of diffusion tensor-imaged (DTI) motor fiber tracking for the resection of intracranial tumors near the corticospinal tract.
Treatment of intracranial tumors near the corticospinal tract remains a surgical challenge. Several technical tools to map and monitor the motor tract have been implemented. The present study aimed to assess the utility of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) fiber tracking in the surgical treatment of motor eloquent tumors at our institution. ⋯ DTI fiber tracking did not influence the surgical planning or the intraoperative course. However, it is still used at our institution due to its ease in acquisition and its potential impact in a larger series. Furthermore, more experience with this technique is required to lead to a technical improvement.