Surg Neurol
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If the cervical lordotic curvature has been well preserved, spondylostenosis or ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, with or without instability, may be approached posteriorly in selected older patients (over 65 years of age). Posterior surgical alternatives include the laminectomy with or without fusion, or laminoplasty. However, in younger patients or in geriatric patients with predominantly anterior disease with kyphosis, direct anterior surgical procedures yield better results. ⋯ Posterior approaches to cervical disease may be successful in geriatric individuals in whom the cervical lordotic curvature has been well preserved. However, it is inappropriate for either older or younger patients with predominantly anterior disease, for whom direct anterior decompression with or without posterior stabilization is indicated. In those patients with significant ventral ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), direct anterior resection will result in improved neurologic outcomes, whereas posterior decompression will fail to achieve a similar degree of neurologic recovery. Furthermore, dorsal decompression of OPLL may promote a more rapid progression of OPLL growth and concomitant neurologic deterioration.
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Acute subdural hematoma in infants is distinct from that occurring in older children or adults because of differences in mechanism, injury thresholds, and the frequency with which the question of nonaccidental injury is encountered. The purpose of this study is to analyze the clinical characteristics of acute subdural hematoma in infancy, to discover the common patterns of this trauma, and to outline the management principles within this group. ⋯ Infantile acute subdural hematoma if treated conservatively or neglected, is an important cause of infantile chronic subdural hematoma. Early recognition and suitable treatment may improve the outcome of this injury. If treatment is delayed or the condition is undiagnosed, acute subdural hematoma may cause severe morbidity or even fatality.
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Precise determination of the spinal level of a cerebrospinal fluid leak is important in the diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. The authors report two cases of SIH in which a cerebrospinal fluid leak was demonstrated by three-dimensional computed tomographic (3D-CT) myelography. ⋯ Clear CSF images in relation to vertebral bones are obtainable with 3D-CT myelography, rendering this modality very useful for the diagnosis and treatment of spontaneous intracranial hypotension.
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Craniocerebral missile injuries have steadily increased to become the most common form of penetrating neurotrauma in our environment resulting in continued morbidity and neuropsychological sequelae. Civilian infratentorial gunshot injuries are uncommon but generally regarded as fatal injuries, with many patients dying before reaching hospital. ⋯ Early control of incipient or established hydrocephalus and aggressive surgical management where appropriate, with careful postoperative monitoring, is necessary for good outcome in patients with civilian infratentorial missile injuries.
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Case Reports
Pseudoaneurysms of the superficial temporal artery secondary to placement of external ventricular drainage catheters.
Pseudoaneurysms of the superficial temporal artery have been described following trauma and various surgical procedures. There are no reports in the literature of these lesions following the placement of external ventricular drainage catheters. This article describes two patients and their successful treatment, and reviews diagnostic and treatment strategies. ⋯ Pseudoaneurysms of the parietal branch of the STA may occur secondary to incision of the skin for twist drill hole placement or the use of a sharp trocar for subcutaneous tunneling of catheters. Use of a blunt-tipped trocar may reduce the risk of developing pseudoaneurysms secondary to EVD placement. Knowledge of the possibility of developing these lesions from catheter placement may aid the neurosurgeon in proper diagnosis and treatment.