Turk Neurosurg
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Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a serious neurological condition and the most common cause is a central disc herniation. Migration of a bullet down the spinal canal is uncommon. In this report, the authors present an unusual case of cauda equina syndrome caused by a migrated bullet in dural sac. ⋯ The patient's symptoms and neurological deficits resolved considerably after surgery. In our opinion, it is important to pay attention to diversity of injury when confronted with a gunshot wound. It is essential to perform early and sufficient surgical decompression of the cauda equina to provide a better postoperative neurological recovery.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of the effects of an adhesion barrier and chitin on experimental epidural fibrosis.
Epidural fibrosis is an important factor for postoperative failed back syndrome development and causes clinical complaints in 6-25% of cases. An effective treatment modality has not been found yet. The aim of this study is to investigate the anti-adhesive effects of a novel agent chitin and compare these effects with a popular adhesion barrier collagen matrix. ⋯ The novel agent chitin was found effective for preventing epidural fibrosis and this effect was not significantly different from the collagen matrix. In light of our findings we suggest that chitin is an effective alternative for adhesion barriers.