Acta neurochirurgica
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Acta neurochirurgica · Dec 2013
Spinal magnetic resonance imaging with reduced specific absorption rate in patients harbouring a spinal cord stimulation device - A single-centre prospective study analysing safety, tolerability and image quality.
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an accepted treatment in patients with failed back surgery (FBS), complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and persistent radicular pain following surgery. In order to avoid patient hazards or device malfunction manufacturers advise to abstain from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with implanted electrodes or pulse generators. ⋯ Using a protocol with a reduced specific energy absorption rate, spinal MRI examinations in patients with SCS can be considered safe. The current view that neurostimulators are a general contraindication to MR examinations has to be reconsidered in patients with new or progressive spinal symptoms.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Dec 2013
Comparative StudyPercutaneous short-segment pedicle screw placement without fusion in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures: is it effective?: comparative study with open short-segment pedicle screw fixation with posterolateral fusion.
Since introduction of the pedicle screw-rod system, short-segment pedicle screw fixation has been widely adopted for thoracolumbar burst fractures (TLBF). Recently, the percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) systems have been introduced in spinal surgery; and it has become a popularly used method for the treatment of degenerative spinal disease. However, there are few clinical reports concerning the efficacy of PPSF without fusion in treatment of TLBF. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of short-segment PPSF without fusion in comparison to open short-segment pedicle screw fixation with bony fusion in treatment of TLBF. ⋯ Both open and percutaneous short-segment pedicle fixation were safe and effective for treatment of TLBF. Although both groups showed favorable clinical and radiologic outcomes at the final follow-up, PPSF without bone graft provided earlier pain relief and functional improvement, compared with open TPSF with posterolateral bony fusion. Despite several shortcomings in this study, the result suggests that ongoing use of PPSF is recommended for the treatment of TLBF.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Dec 2013
Tremor reduction and quality of life after deep brain stimulation for multiple sclerosis-associated tremor.
Tremor is an important cause of disability and poor quality of life amongst multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. We assessed the outcomes of ventral intermediate (VIM) nucleus deep brain stimulation for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS)-associated tremor at a single centre in a prospective fashion. ⋯ VIM DBS may reduce severe, disabling tremor in patients with MS. This tremor reduction tends to be associated with improved quality of life and function in those who respond. Patient reported outcome measures may not correlate with physician rated clinical outcome such as tremor scoring systems and more subtle assessment of these patients is required.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Dec 2013
Surgical strategy in grade II astrocytoma: a population-based analysis of survival and morbidity with a strategy of early resection as compared to watchful waiting.
We recently demonstrated a survival benefit of early resection in unselected diffuse low-grade gliomas (LGG). However, heterogeneity within the LGG entity warrants investigation in a homogenous subgroup. Astrocytoma represents the largest subgroup of LGG, and is characterized by diffuse growth and inferior prognosis. We aimed to study the effects of early resection compared to biopsy and watchful waiting in this subgroup. ⋯ Early 3D ultrasound guided resections improve survival, apparently without increased morbidity, compared to biopsy and watchful waiting in patients with diffuse World Health Organization (WHO) grade II astrocytomas.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Nov 2013
Intraoperative angiography reloaded: a new hybrid operating theater for combined endovascular and surgical treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformations: a pilot study on 25 patients.
Multimodality treatment suites for patients with cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVM) have recently become available. This study was designed to evaluate feasibility, safety and impact on treatment of a new intraoperative flat-panel (FP) based integrated surgical and imaging suite for combined endovascular and surgical treatment of cerebral AVM. ⋯ The hybrid neurointerventional suite was shown to be a safe and useful setup which allowed for unconstrained combined microsurgical and neuroradiological workflow. It reduces the need for extraoperative angiographic controls and subsequent potential surgical revisions a second time, as small AVM remnants can be detected with high security.