Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jul 2003
Topical mitomycin C-induced inhibition of postlaminectomy peridural fibrosis in rabbits.
The authors conducted a study to determine the effectiveness of mitomycin C in preventing postlaminectomy peridural fibrosis in rabbits. ⋯ Peridural fibrosis can be a devastating condition that develops after laminectomy. Topical application of mitomycin C may be a successful method of preventing postlaminectomy peridural fibrosis.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jul 2003
Comparative StudyBiomechanical comparison of expandable cages for vertebral body replacement in the cervical spine.
Recently, expandable cages for vertebral body replacement in the cervical spine have been developed. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of expandable cages with those of a tricortical iliac crest graft and a nonexpandable cage. ⋯ In comparison to a tricortical iliac crest bone graft and a nonexpandable cage, expandable cages have no biomechanical advantages. Due to the low extension and rotational stiffness, none of the implants can be recommended as a stand-alone device. Additional anterior plating increased biomechanical stability adequately. Therefore, additional posterior stabilization should only be considered in cases of severe rotational instability of the cervical spine.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jul 2003
Synovial cysts of the lumbar spine: surgery-related results and outcome.
The authors conducted a study to determine the surgery-related results and outcomes in patients with synovial cysts of the lumbar spine. They emphasize several specific characteristics useful in clinical management. ⋯ The findings in this series suggest that synovial cysts can occur at multiple lumbar sites within a short period of time and could be predisposed to developing in certain individuals, predominantly in women older than 40 years of age. Postoperative follow up is recommended and MR imaging mandatory in cases of recurrent sciatica.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jul 2003
Review Case ReportsSurgical management of lumbosacral nerve root hemangioblastomas in von Hippel-Lindau syndrome.
Hemangioblastomas in the lumbosacral region are rare, and the authors of prior reports have not defined the surgical management, histopathological features, or outcome in a group of patients after resection of these tumors. To identify features that will help guide the operative and clinical management of these lesions, the authors reviewed data obtained in a series of patients with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome who underwent resection of lumbosacral nerve root hemangioblastomas. ⋯ Lumbosacral nerve root hemangioblastomas can be safely removed in most patients with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. Generally, hemangioblastomas of the lumbosacral nerve roots should be resected when they become symptomatic. Because these neoplasms appear to originate from the nerve root, it is necessary to sacrifice the nerve root from which the hemangioblastoma originates to achieve complete resection.