World Neurosurg
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In the early days of modern neurologic surgery, the inconveniences and potential dangers of general anesthesia by chloroform and ether using the so-called "open-drop technique" led to the quest for alternative methods of anesthesia. This became all the more necessary, since patient positioning and the surgical arrangements often hindered the use of a drop bottle. One approach to solve this problem was intrarectal ether application. The present article aims to shed light on this original, less well-known anesthesia technique in the neurosurgical field.
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Although extensively studied, few papers have specifically addressed the surgical implications of horizontal and vertical tumor extensions in falcine meningioma (FM). The available classification systems do not address these tumor extensions and thus do not characterize FM in their entirety. ⋯ The proposed classification scheme characterizes FMs comprehensively. Bilaterality and parasagittal extensions in FMs affect their clinical presentation, increase surgical difficulty, and influence the surgical outcome adversely. Preexisting motor weakness portends a poor postoperative motor outcome.
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Review Biography Historical Article
Gerard Blaes (Blasius) (1627-1682): The Dutch Physician and Chemist, his Work and his Description of the Spinal Cord.
In this historical review we summarize the work of the Dutch physician, chemist, and anatomist Gerard Blaes (Blasius). A detailed account of his life and work is presented with emphasis on his contribution to anatomy. In particular, special reference is made to his innovative description of the spinal cord and spinal nerves. ⋯ As a true man of his era, he made significant contributions in research and teaching of anatomy, botany, and chemistry. He published a detailed description of the spinal cord with its gray and white matter and the spinal nerve roots, which significantly increased the knowledge of neuroanatomy in his era. He also is considered one of the founders of comparative anatomy through his work in both humans and animals.
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Multicenter Study
A Novel Tool for Deformity Surgery Planning: Determining the Magnitude of Lordotic Correction Required to Achieve a Desired Sagittal Vertical Axis.
We sought to create a model capable of predicting the magnitude of pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) correction necessary to achieve a desired change in sagittal vertical axis (SVA). ⋯ We describe a novel model that shows how surgical correction of the PI-LL relationship affects postoperative changes in SVA. This model may enable surgeons to determine preoperatively the amount of LL necessary to achieve a desired change in SVA.
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Review Case Reports
Unusual intra-parenchymal pontomedullary epidermoid cyst in a 2 year-old: case report and literature review.
Intrinsic brainstem epidermoid cysts are rare, benign, slow-growing lesions. Their eloquence precludes complete excision; however, subtotal resection often will result in prolonged or sometimes permanent relief of presenting symptoms and signs. We describe an unusual case and review the literature of this pathology in the pediatric population. ⋯ Our case, supported by the literature, shows that brain stem epidermoid cysts may have atypical radiologic characteristics and that near-total resection remains safe and can improve outcome.