Neurosurg Focus
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Osteoid osteomas and osteoblastomas are rare primary bone tumors that usually do not arise in the spine. In this report the authors analyze 16 cases of osteoid osteoma or osteoblastoma of the spine that were surgically treated over a 27-year period. ⋯ With the help of modern imaging modalities that aid in diagnosis and surgical planning, a complete removal and cure may be achieved for most of these rare tumors.
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Tumors involving the cervicothoracic junction can have a high propensity for causing instability, with kyphosis and spinal cord compression resulting. Treatment with decompression only can lead to further instability and worsening neurological status. In this article, the authors review their surgical experience in the treatment of 19 patients with tumors involving the cervicothoracic junction. The various approaches and instrumentation techniques involved in decompression and stabilization of the cervicothoracic junction are also reviewed. ⋯ Familiarity with complex instrumentation techniques and various surgical approaches to the cervicothoracic junction will be required for effective treatment of tumors causing instability of this region.
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Iatrogenic loss of lordosis is now frequently recognized as a complication following placement of thoracolumbar instrumentation, especially with distraction instrumentation. Flat-back syndrome is characterized by forward inclination of the trunk, inability to stand upright, and back pain. ⋯ Surgical treatment described in the literature includes opening (Smith-Petersen) osteotomy, polysegmental osteotomy, and closing wedge osteotomy. The authors will review the literature, cause, clinical presentation, prevention, and surgical management of flat-back syndrome.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Microendoscopic discectomy for recurrent disc herniations.
The use of microendoscopic discectomy (MED) for the treatment of primary lumbar disc herniations has become fairly well accepted; its role in recurrent disc herniations is less clear. The reluctance of many surgeons to use this technique stems, in part, from the concern of undertaking an endoscopic discectomy in a patient in whom the anatomy is distorted from a previous operation. It appears counterintuitive to operate through a limited working area when the traditional open approach for recurrence favors wider exposure of the surgical field. Given that operating on previously exposed tissue can be associated with even greater morbidity than on virginal tissue, the authors describe their experience with performing MED for recurrent disc herniation. ⋯ Microendoscopic discectomy for recurrent disc herniation can be safely performed without an increase in surgery related morbidity.