Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Oct 2000
Case ReportsNew approach to cervical flexion deformity in ankylosing spondylitis. Case report.
The treatment of cervical fixed flexion deformity in ankylosing spondylitis presents a challenging problem that is traditionally managed by a corrective cervicothoracic osteotomy. The authors report a new approach to this problem that involves performing a two-level osteotomy at the level of maximum spinal curvature, thereby achieving complete anatomical correction in a one-stage procedure. This 48-year-old woman with ankylosing spondylitis presented with a 30-year history of progressive neck deformity that left her unable to see ahead and caused her to experience difficulty eating, drinking, and breathing on exertion. ⋯ An excellent anatomical position was achieved, as was complete correction of the deformity. A two-level midcervical osteotomy performed at the level of maximum spinal curvature in ankylosing spondylitis enables complete correction of severe fixed flexion deformity in a single procedure. Preservation of the uncovertebral joints allows smooth and safe correction of the deformity about their axis of rotation.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Oct 2000
Case ReportsMiddle meningeal artery embolization for refractory chronic subdural hematoma. Case report.
The authors present a case of refractory chronic subdural hematoma (CSH) in a 59-year-old man with coagulopathy due to liver cirrhosis. The patient was successfully treated by embolization of the middle meningeal artery after several drainage procedures. This new therapeutic approach to recurrent CSH is discussed.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Oct 2000
Radical excision of intramedullary spinal cord tumors: surgical morbidity and long-term follow-up evaluation in 164 children and young adults.
The majority of intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCT) in children and young adults are low-grade gliomas. Radical resection of similar tumors in the cerebral hemisphere or cerebellum is usually curative; however, the conventional management for IMSCTs remains partial resection followed by radiotherapy because of the concern for surgical morbidity. Nevertheless, radical resection of IMSCTs without routine adjuvant treatment has been the rule at our institution since 1980. In an attempt to resolve this controversy, the long-term morbidity and survival in a large series of children have been retrospectively reviewed. ⋯ The long-term survival and quality of life for patients with low-grade gliomas treated by radical resection alone is comparable or superior to minimal resection and radiotherapy. The optimum therapy for patients with high-grade gliomas is yet to be determined.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Oct 2000
Incidence and outcome of kyphotic deformity following laminectomy for cervical spondylotic myelopathy.
The authors undertook a study to explore the predisposing risk factors, frequency of occurrence, and clinical implications of kyphosis following laminectomy for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). ⋯ Kyphosis may develop in up to 21% of patients who have undergone laminectomy for CSM. Progression of the deformity appears to be more than twice as likely if preoperative radiological studies demonstrate a straight spine. In this study, clinical outcome did not correlate with either pre- or postoperative sagittal alignment.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Oct 2000
Use of titanium mesh for reconstruction of large anterior cranial base defects.
The authors evaluated the role of titanium mesh used in combination with vascularized pericranium to provide rigid support during reconstruction of anterior skull base defects. Thirteen patients with large anterior skull base defects caused by tumor invasion or traumatic injury involving the cribriform plate, orbital roof, and planum sphenoidale were included in the study. The reconstruction technique involved placement of titanium mesh between two layers of continuous vascularized pericranium. ⋯ Postoperative CSF rhinorrhea occurred in two patients with extensive dural defects, which resolved with temporary lumbar drainage. Use of titanium mesh and a two-layer vascularized pericranial graft is a safe, reproducible, and feasible method for reconstructing the anterior skull base. Patients with large dural defects may need temporary CSF diversion to avoid postoperative fistula formation.