Acta neurochirurgica
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Acta neurochirurgica · May 2013
Expandable titanium cages for anterior column cervical reconstruction and their effect on sagittal profile: a review of 48 cases.
Expandable cervical cages have been utilised successfully to reconstruct the cervical spine for various conditions. However, to date there are only limited data on their influence on cervical sagittal profile. In this retrospective study, we present our experience with performing anterior cervical corpectomy in one or two levels using expandable titanium cages in order to achieve stable reconstruction and restoration of cervical lordosis. ⋯ Regarding the restoration of the physiological sagittal cervical profile, expandable cervical cages seem to be efficient and easy to use for cervical spine reconstruction after anterior corpectomy. Donor-site-related complications are avoided, fast and strong reconstruction of the anterior column is provided, resulting in satisfactory fusion rates after 2 years.
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Acta neurochirurgica · May 2013
L6 spinal nerve ligation produces prolonged development of mechanical allodynia and gradual increase of GFAP on ipsilateral dorsal horn.
L5/6 spinal nerve ligation (SNL), one of the most widely used approaches rat models for neuropathic pain, results in the rapid development of mechanical allodynia within 24-72 h. However, the result of a single L6 SNL remains unclear. ⋯ Single L6 SNL might be used as an effective model for researching the development period of neuropathic pain and is thus worth further investigation.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Apr 2013
Intraoperative low-field MR-guided frameless stereotactic biopsy for intracerebral lesions.
To present our intraoperative low-field magnetic resonance imaging (ioMRI) technique for stereotactic brain biopsy in various intracerebral lesions. ⋯ Low-field ioMR-guided frameless stereotactic biopsy accurately diagnosed different intracerebral lesions without major complications for the patients, and within an acceptable surgery time and hospital stay. In repeated non-conclusive biopsies in particular, low-field ioMRI offers a technique for arriving at a diagnosis.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Apr 2013
Review Comparative StudyComparative studies of the diagnosis and treatment of cerebral cavernous malformations in adults: systematic review.
Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) management decisions are usually made after CCM diagnosis is suspected or definitively diagnosed on axial imaging by indirectly comparing a surgeon's estimate of operative morbidity and mortality against published estimates of CCM untreated clinical course. ⋯ To address the absence of level 1 or 2 evidence to support CCM treatment decisions, there is a need for large studies of CCM treatment with a concurrent control group, ideally with randomized treatment allocation.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Apr 2013
Subarachnoid haemorrhage WFNS grade V: is maximal treatment worthwhile?
Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) WFNS grade V is commonly known to be associated with high mortality and a very poor prognosis for survivors. Therefore, maximal invasive therapy is frequently delayed until any spontaneous improvement with or without an external ventricular drainage occurs. The aim of the study was to verify possible predictive factors and the probability of a favourable outcome in maximally treated patients. ⋯ Despite treatment, initial mortality and severe disability remain high. Nevertheless, a favourable outcome was achieved in 26 % of aggressively treated patients, rendering the withdrawal of maximal therapy for WFNS grade V SAH patients unacceptable today. In cases of old patients with IVH, the indication for aggressive therapy should be put in place more carefully due to a very poor prognosis.