World Neurosurg
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Spondylolisthesis changes the pelvic morphology and sagittal spinopelvic alignment with abnormality compared to individuals with similar pelvic morphology. There are many treatment options including a combination of decompression and fusion. In spondylolisthesis patients with high-grade spondylolisthesis, bone to bone contact (closed intradiscal space), and high-grade disc degeneration with disc collapse, fusion is challenging. ⋯ L5-S1 transdiscal screw fixation may provide a satisfactory rigid fixation and fusion at the L5-S1 level in cases of spondylolisthesis. This technique requires a surgeon's experience. Despite the challenge of this technique, it can provide a safe option for acquiring rigid stabilization.
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Spinal cord stimulation is an effective treatment modality for chronic pain. Although percutaneous leads are commonly placed in the outpatient setting, paddle leads are typically implanted in the inpatient setting. Given the substantial cost savings associated with the ambulatory setting, we aimed to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of thoracic paddle lead implantation in a freestanding ambulatory surgery center (ASC). ⋯ Thoracic laminotomy for paddle lead spinal cord stimulator implantation can be performed in a freestanding ASC with complication rates comparable to the hospital setting. Future comparative studies that assess clinical outcomes and cost are necessary to determine the cost-effectiveness of the ambulatory setting.
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Atlantooccipital dislocation (AOD) is a highly unstable and often neurologically devastating injury to the craniocervical junction that typically results from high-energy trauma. Management of these devastating injuries is complex, with prognostication difficult due to high rates of concomitant intracranial and systemic injuries. This report highlights advances in management of AOD and appropriate implementation of operative adjuncts including neuronavigation and the use of intraoperative neuromonitoring. ⋯ AOD is encountered with increasing frequency. The identification and management of this specific injury is complicated by the volume and severity of associated injuries, especially concomitant traumatic brain injury. Timely recognition is critical and the use of surgical adjuncts including intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring and surgical navigation can increase the safety and success of these procedures while also providing prognostic information on potential for motor recovery.
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Increasing evidence supports the effectiveness of venous sinus stenting (VSS) with favorable outcomes, safety, and expenses compared with shunting for idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Yet, no evidence is available regarding optimal postoperative recovery, which has increasing importance with the burdens on health care imposed by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. We examined adverse events and costs after VSS and propose an optimal recovery pathway to maximize patient safety and reduce stress on health care resources. ⋯ Our findings reaffirm the safety of VSS. These patients should recover on a neurosurgery/neurology ward, which would save health care costs and increase ICU bed availability.
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To investigate the risk factor associated with central nervous system infection, a rare and dire complication after spinal surgery. ⋯ The independent risk factors for central nervous system infection after spinal surgery were a dural tear, laminectomy, and operation time > 3 hours. Combined intravenous and intrathecal injections of antibiotics led to a better effect than intravenous injection alone; however, this approach was associated with more complications.