Surg Neurol
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Anterior screw fixation provides the best anatomical and functional results for odontoid process fracture (type II and "shallow" type III) with intact transverse ligament. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical results of the 4.5-mm-diameter cannulated Herbert screw in the anterior odontoid fixation. ⋯ The Herbert screw is very useful in anterior fixation for types II and III odontoid process fractures. This series showed successful clinical results comparable with that of the 3.5-mm cannulated cancellous screw and distinct advantages over conventional screws in the aspect of biomechanical properties and less invasiveness.
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Access to tumors of the middle cranial base has traditionally required wide surgical exposures via open craniotomies. These open techniques often require the use of potentially disfiguring skin incisions and are often associated with a significant degree of brain retraction and potential morbidity. We report our experience with the use of a minimally invasive supraorbital endoscopic approach through the eyebrow for excision of middle cranial base tumors in 2 cases. ⋯ These cases demonstrate how the application of endoscopic techniques to surgery of the middle cranial base can eliminate the need for traditional open techniques without compromising surgical success.