Neurosurgery
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We describe an alternative surgical technique for treatment of Chiari I malformation associated with ventral compression and instability of the region. An expansive suboccipital cranioplasty and a rigid occipitocervical fixation are performed in one stage. ⋯ Simultaneous posterior decompression and occipitocervical fixation with an alternative instrumentation technique is discussed. The procedure can be performed regardless of the size of suboccipital craniectomy. Screw insertion into the diploic layer of the occipital bone has not been described previously.
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The superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass is an elegant procedure that was developed and first performed by M. Gazi Yaşargil. ⋯ Mastering the technique requires not only precise and fine skills but also devoted training in the microsurgery laboratory. The technique presented in this article evolved from the long and vast experience of the senior author (DWN) in performing superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypasses for a variety of cerebrovascular conditions.
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Atlantal lateral mass screws provide an alternative to C1/C2 transarticular screws and, in some cases, can obviate the need for extending a fusion to the occiput. For these reasons, C1 lateral mass screws are becoming increasingly popular. However, the critical local anatomy and unfamiliarity with this new technique can make C1 screw placement more challenging. ⋯ Significant variations in the morphology of C1 exist. However, the large size of the atlantal lateral mass makes screw placement forgiving. Preoperative computed tomographic scans and intraoperative fluoroscopy are useful in guiding proper screw placement. Close attention should be paid to preparation of the screw entry site.
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Case Reports
Extensive spinal cord infarction after posterior fossa surgery in the sitting position: case report.
Spinal cord injury is a rare complication of neurosurgery performed with the patient in the sitting position. Previous reports showed that the level of injury is usually located at or near the C5 segmental spinal level, and the term midcervical quadriplegia has been proposed. Extensive spinal cord and lower brainstem infarction also can occur after posterior fossa surgery performed with the patient in the sitting position. ⋯ We speculate that alteration of spinal cord blood flow by stretching of the cervical spinal cord and spinal epidural venous engorgement might have caused this devastating complication.
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We review our 8-year experience with gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for the treatment of patients with benign cavernous sinus tumors and present a quantitative analysis of factors relevant to treatment outcomes. ⋯ GKRS is a safe and effective treatment for selected patients with benign cavernous sinus tumors and is an important adjunct for treating postoperative tumor residual and/or recurrent tumor. Continued analysis of treated patients over an extended time is needed to evaluate long-term disease control and potential late GKRS complications.