World Neurosurg
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We proposed a novel prognostic tool for the prediction of in-hospital mortality based on a combination of hemodynamic parameters and biomarkers in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). We hypothesized that a combination of shock index (SI) with high sensitive troponin T (HsTnT), the Bio-Shock Index (Bio-SI), has better prognostic power than its individual components. ⋯ The Bio-SI is potentially a better tool than its individual components to predict in-hospital mortality among patients with TBI; however, HsTnT alone outperforms SI. Prospective studies and multicenter trials studying troponin levels and SI in all patients with TBI with the inclusion of outcome scores will prove or disprove the predictability of the new index.
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Grade II spondylolisthesis remains a complex surgical pathology for which there is no consensus regarding optimal surgical strategies. Surgical strategies vary regarding extent of reduction, use of instrumentation/interbody support, and anterior versus posterior approaches with or without decompression. Here we provide the first report on the efficacy of robotic spinal surgery systems in support of the treatment of grade II spondylolisthesis. ⋯ The reverse Bohlman technique coupled with transdiscal S1-L5 and S2AI screw fixation accomplishes the surgical goals of creating a solid fusion construct, avoiding neurologic injury with aggressive reduction, and halting the progression of anterolisthesis. The use of robot guidance allows for efficient placement of these difficult screw trajectories in a minimally invasive fashion.
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Incidentally discovered diffusely infiltrating low-grade gliomas (iDLGGs) are rare findings on neuroimaging that pose a challenge to neurosurgeons. There is a paucity of data regarding the natural history of these lesions, and thus management is controversial. We characterize the growth rates and patterns of iDLGGs in a cohort of patients who underwent serial magnetic resonance imaging before surgical treatment. ⋯ iDLGGs grow over time, and most exhibit an exponential pattern of growth. Tumor volume at the time of diagnosis is predictive of a faster growth rate, but not the pattern of growth.
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Craniosynostosis is the premature fusion of ≥1 cranial sutures. Surgical management involves early cranial vault reconstruction. Postoperative management of these patients is often complicated by fever of unknown origin and results in additional laboratory studies, extended hospital intensive care unit stays, and increased cost to the patient. ⋯ Fever of unknown origin is a common finding after craniosynostosis repair. Workup for fever of unknown did not result in the identification of an infection and added significantly to the cost and patient's length of stay.
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Case Reports
Technical Note: 3D Planning and Patient Specific Drill Guides for Repair of Spondylolysis / L5 Pars Defect.
Incomplete ossification of the pars interarticularis will result in a pars defect, a common cause of low back pain in youth and strongly associated with participation in high-impact sports. If left untreated, it can result in spondylolisthesis, causing dynamic canal stenosis, low back pain, and radiculopathy. The treatment of pars defect was first described by Bucks in 1970, who used screws in the lamina placed through an upward and outward direction. However, because of the multiple inclusion and exclusion criteria and narrow margin of error, the Bucks pars repair technique is not commonly performed. ⋯ Using 3D planning software, complex surgical procedures can be planned using the patient's anatomy and computed tomography. With the aid of 3D-printed PSDGs, screw placement in narrow corridors, such as was shown in our case, is safe, efficient, and achievable.