World Neurosurg
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The contralateral transmaxillary corridor improves access to anterior petrous apex lesions back to the level of the internal auditory canal without the need to mobilize the paraclival internal carotid artery. In this Video 1, we present the case of 31-year-old female patient who presented with new left abducens palsy during pregnancy. Imaging revealed a heterogeneous enhancing extradural mass within the left petrous apex region extending posterior to the horizontal segment of the petrous internal carotid artery, consistent with chondrosarcoma. ⋯ The patient consented to the procedure. A complete resection of the mass was performed with pathology demonstrating a grade 2 chondrosarcoma. The patient tolerated the procedure without any complications, the left abducens palsy resolved in follow-up by 3 weeks, and a multidisciplinary tumor board recommended postoperative observation without adjuvant therapy.7 An endoscopic endonasal and contralateral transmaxillary approach is a feasible option for petrous apex lesions such as chondrosarcoma.
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Hydrocephalus is a common diagnosis worldwide that is treated with shunts and is associated with potential life-threatening risks of shunt dysfunction and infection. We investigated differences in rates of shunt revisions and infections including various factors in patients with different causes of hydrocephalus. We also studied causes of infections and efficacy of perioperative antibiotic regimens. Our objective was to identify patients at risk of higher revision and infection rates after shunt treatment. ⋯ We found revision and infection rates in accordance with other studies. We showed a significantly increased risk in younger patients. Previous shunts also increased the risk of revisions and infections. We showed a small but significant effect of perioperative prophylaxis with broader-spectrum antibiotics compared with cloxacillin. Our study identified a group of younger patients with congenital hydrocephalus and prior implants with an increased risk of shunt infection in whom additional preventive measures should be employed.
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Osteoporosis and degenerative disc disease (DDD) are prevalent in the elderly population. Damage to the vertebral endplate, which impairs nutrient supply to the disc, serves as both a significant initiator and a hallmark of DDD. This study was aimed to explore the association between osteoporosis and endplate damage. ⋯ Our study showed a significant positive correlation between osteoporosis and endplate damage. Attention is warranted for patients with osteopenia to prevent progression to osteoporosis, potentially leading to exacerbated DDD. The management of patients with both DDD and osteoporosis necessitates comprehensive treatment strategies that address both the BMD and endplate aspects of these conditions.
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Although magnetic resonance imaging is the primary modality of investigation for determining the extent of posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) injuries in lower lumbar fractures (LLF) (L3-L5), the reliability of computed tomography (CT) has not been well defined. The main objective of this study is to analyze the diagnostic accuracy of combined CT findings for detecting PLC injury in patients with LLF. ⋯ Among the various CT parameters, facet joint diastasis (FJDS > 4.2 mm and FJDA > 3.5 mm) is the most reliable factor in determining PLC injury.
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Review Meta Analysis
Symptomatic and Radiographic Improvement Following Surgery for Posterior Fossa Arachnoid Cysts: Meta-Analysis and Literature Review.
Arachnoid cysts are benign, intradural collections of cerebrospinal fluid that are often asymptomatic but, in rare instances, will grow and may cause symptoms. When these are in the posterior fossa, the symptomatology greatly ranges, and the indications for surgery are not well defined. The objective of this study is to examine radiographic and symptomatic outcomes following surgery for posterior fossa arachnoid cysts (PFAC). ⋯ Although there is a high rate of radiographic improvement for PFAC surgery, there is a wide variety of presenting symptoms with differing postoperative improvement rates. This study reinforces the importance of preoperative counseling regarding symptomatic outcomes for PFAC surgery, with supporting statistical analysis but limited by the sample sizes available.