Journal of neurosurgery
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jan 2004
Intravertebral vacuum phenomenon in osteoporotic compression fracture: report of 67 cases with quantitative evaluation of intravertebral instability.
The objectives of this study were to: 1) describe the incidence and clinical features of intravertebral vacuum phenomenon (IVVP) in a relatively large number of cases; 2) quantitatively evaluate intravertebral instability and determine the factors affecting instability; and 3) evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of this phenomenon. ⋯ Intravertebral vacuum phenomenon is more common than has been previously appreciated. The results of this study indicate that biomechanics, not ischemic or avascular theory, may play an important role in pathogenesis of this phenomenon. Percutaneous vertebroplasty was found to be a minimally invasive and effective procedure for the treatment of IVVP.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jan 2004
Surgical treatment of symptomatic Rathke cleft cysts: clinical features and results with special attention to recurrence.
Rathke cleft cysts (RCCs) are rarely symptomatic. The purpose of this study was to clarify the clinical, neuroimaging, surgical, and pathological features of symptomatic RCCs with special attention to their recurrence. ⋯ Rathke cleft cysts are associated with a variety of clinical presentations and sometimes confusing intraoperative and pathological findings. Close postoperative observation with neuroimaging and neuroophthalmological assessment is necessary, especially after a partial removal, as in cases with squamous metaplasia.
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Journal of neurosurgery · Jan 2004
Case ReportsImproved repair of cervical esophageal fistula complicating anterior spinal fusion: free omental flap compared with pectoralis major flap. Report of four cases.
Esophageal injury is a serious complication of anterior cervical fusion. A team approach to the management of these cases is described. The authors performed spinal assessment, control of the fistula, and interposition of a vascularized flap between the spine and the esophagus. They compared the overall efficacy of the pectoralis major flap (pedicled; two cases) and omental flap (free; two cases).