World Neurosurg
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For the first time in Southeast Asia, a Fundamentals of Neurosurgery Boot Camp was held at the University of Medicine 1 in Yangon, Myanmar, February 24-26, 2017. The aim of this course was to teach and train fundamental skills to neurosurgery residents. ⋯ Boot camps provide fundamental didactic and technical exposure to trainees in developed and developing countries and help standardize training in basic neurosurgical competencies, while exposing local faculty to important teaching methods. This model provides a sustainable solution to educational needs and demonstrates to local neurosurgeons how they can take ownership of the educational process.
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To understand the development of sporadic cerebral cavernous malformations (SCCM) comprehensively, we analyzed gene expression profiles in SCCMs by gene microarray. ⋯ The gene expression profiles obtained from SCCMs were significantly distinct from those of control brain vascular specimens. These DEGs are related to multiple molecular signal pathways, such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and inflammatory response. According to the analysis of the core genes selected in the gene coexpression networks, we postulated that CSF1R, XCL1, KCNMB1, RHOG, and TJP1 might exert enormous functions in the pathogenesis of SCCMs. However, further studies are required to aid in the clinical diagnosis and prevention of SCCMs.
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A critical step in the far lateral approach (FLA) is exposure of the V3 segment of the vertebral artery, located deep in the suboccipital triangle (SOT). Safe exposure of the SOT is achieved by means of a plane-by-plane dissection, which carries the risk of devascularization. A suitable alternative is to lift a cutaneous muscle flap including the 3 first muscle planes and leave the deepest plane (SOT) attached to the skull base. To achieve this, it is necessary to have superficial anatomic landmarks to help identify the cleavage site. We describe the use of the nuchal lines as a safe, effective, and reproducible method to dissect the muscles to expose the SOT and vertebral artery. ⋯ The nuchal lines allow dissection of muscles in 2 groups, one superficial and the other deep (SOT), which remains attached to the skull base. The V3 segment of the vertebral artery is easily exposed.
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Spinal transpedicular screw fixation is widely performed. Broken pedicle screw rates range from 3%-7.1%. Several techniques have been described for extraction of broken pedicle screws. However, most of these techniques require special instruments. We describe a simple, modified technique for management of broken pedicle screws without extraction. No special instruments or drilling in an adjacent pedicle are required. ⋯ We describe a simple, modified technique for management of broken pedicle screws without extraction. This technique is recommended in patients who require insertion of a new screw.
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Optimal placement of electrodes is important for spinal cord stimulation. Factors affecting the difficulty of percutaneous electrode placement are not well known. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the factors affecting the difficulty of percutaneous electrode placement. ⋯ This is the first study to evaluate factors affecting the difficulty of percutaneous electrode placement. A history of percutaneous cylindrical electrode placement did not affect the success of current placement, although it lengthened the operation time.