World Neurosurg
-
Comparative Study
Prognostic factors and comparison of conservative treatment, percutaneous verteroplasty and open surgery in the treatment of spinal metastases from lung cancer.
Spinal metastases from lung cancer could result in life-threatening consequences. Few studies report the prognostic factors and compare different treatments in patients with spinal metastases from lung cancer. ⋯ A better overall survival outcome might be achieved by a series of comprehensive and individualized treatments and personalized treatment.
-
Percutaneous endoscopic contralateral interlaminar lumbar foraminotomy (PECILF) for lumbar degenerative spinal stenosis is an established procedure. Better preservation of contralateral facet joint compared with that of the approach side has been shown with uniportal bilateral decompression. The aim of this retrospective case series was to analyze the early clinical and radiologic outcomes of stand-alone contralateral foraminotomy and lateral recess decompression using PECILF. ⋯ Facet-preserving contralateral foraminotomy and lateral recess decompression with PECILF is effective for treatment of lateral recess and foraminal stenosis. Thorough decompression with acceptable early clinical outcomes and minimal perioperative morbidity can be obtained with the contralateral endoscopic approach.
-
Review
Cervical Cord-Canal Mismatch: A New Method for Identifying Predisposition to Spinal Cord Injury.
The risk for spinal cord injuries (SCIs) ranging from devastating traumatic injuries, compression because of degenerative pathology, and neurapraxia is increased in patients with congenital spinal stenosis. Classical diagnostic criteria include an absolute anteroposterior diameter of <12-13 mm or a Torg-Pavlov ratio of <0.80-0.82; however, these factors do not take into account the size of the spinal cord, which varies across patients, independent of canal size. Recent large magnetic resonance imaging studies of population cohorts have allowed newer methods to emerge that account for both cord and canal size by measuring a spinal cord occupation ratio (SCOR). ⋯ Patients with cord-canal mismatch have been reported to be at a substantially higher risk of traumatic SCI, and present with degenerative cervical myelopathy at a younger age than patients without cord-canal mismatch. However, neurologic outcome after SCI has occurred does not appear to be different in patients with or without a cord-canal mismatch. Recognition that canal and cord size are both factors which predispose to SCI supports that cord-canal size mismatch rather than a narrow cervical canal in isolation should be viewed as the underlying mechanism predisposing to SCI.
-
A wide variety of lesions may develop in the cavernous sinus region, including tumors or pseudotumors of inflammatory origin. Sometimes imaging is insufficient to ascertain a pathologic diagnosis. Percutaneous biopsy performed through the foramen ovale route may aid therapeutic decision making, avoiding unnecessary open surgery when lesions are confirmed to be nonsurgical or unresectable. We conducted a systematic review to determine the efficacy of percutaneous biopsy of cavernous sinus lesions. ⋯ Percutaneous biopsy of cavernous sinus lesions is effective for diagnosis. Biopsy can be performed in patients with cavernous sinus masses, especially when neuroimaging fails to provide sufficient histopathologic data.
-
There are few reports on hemiparesis caused by vascular medullary compression, which can occur because of dolichoectasia of the vertebrobasilar arterial system. In this article, we report a case of vertebral artery compression of the medulla oblongata in a 67-year-old woman. ⋯ Our case suggests that detailed history, imaging studies, and electrophysiologic studies help lead to a correct and early diagnosis of hemiparesis caused by vascular compression of the rostral ventrolateral medulla. Microvascular decompression surgery improves patient symptoms, and intraoperative electrophysiologic monitoring helps to avoid injury to important adjacent nerves.