Journal of neurosurgery. Spine
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Instrumentation of the osteoporotic spine can be fraught with complications such as hardware failure. A cadaver study was performed to determine the biomechanical performance of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)-augmented pedicle screws. ⋯ Polymethylmethacrylate-augmented pedicle screw fixation results in a significant increase in the axial pullout strength of augmented pedicle screws in both primary and revision procedures. This technique may be a valuable adjunct in cases in which bolstering of the screw-bone interface is necessary.
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Presacral tumors are rarely found in adults. Resections via open abdominal or sacral approaches have been advocated traditionally as the preferred treatment for these tumors. The endoscopic surgical technique provides direct visualization of the presacral or retroperitoneal space. ⋯ The abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a 5.1 x 4.2-cm, homogeneous, low-density, well-defined mass arising from the left sciatic nerve abutting the left piriformis muscle, favoring a diagnosis of benign neurogenic tumor. Endoscopically guided resection was applied, with a favorable outcome. This procedure represents a less invasive approach that may be useful for benign retroperitoneal pelvic tumors.