World Neurosurg
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This study aims to introduce the unilateral biplanar screw-rod fixation (UBSF) technique (a hybrid fixation technique: 2 sets of atlantoaxial screws were placed on the same side), which serves as a salvage method for traditional posterior atlantoaxial fixation. To summarize the indications of this technique and to assess its safety, feasibility, and clinical effectiveness in the treatment of odontoid fractures. ⋯ The UBSF technique has been demonstrated to be safe, feasible, and effective in treating odontoid fractures. In cases where the atlantoaxial bone or vascular structure exhibits abnormalities, it can function as a supplementary or alternative approach to the conventional posterior C1-2 fixation.
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Calcified lumbar disc herniations (CLDH) causing calcified ventral stenosis pose a therapeutic challenge to the treating surgeon due to their neural adhesions, location, and hardness. ⋯ Transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy is a complete, safe, and efficacious procedure in patients with CLDH with earlier recovery considering the surgery is performed with the patient being awake.
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The prognosis for patients with cancer with brain metastasis (BM) requiring surgical removal is quite limited. Preoperative prognostic factors can provide meaningful information to surgeons, oncologists, and patients. This study evaluated the preoperative blood counts in patients with BM who were treated with surgical removal. ⋯ Simple, less expensive, routinely ordered preoperative blood count assessments, such as the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-monocyte ratio, systemic immune-inflammation index, systemic inflammation response index, and prognostic nutritional index, can predict the overall survival of patients treated with surgical removal for BM.
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Microvascular decompression (MVD) is a well-established and definitive treatment option for trigeminal neuralgia (TN).1 However, complex vascular geometry and numerous offending vessels make it difficult to perform nerve decompression in certain cases.2 The trigeminocerebellar artery (TCA) is a unique branch of the basilar artery. The vessel is named the TCA because it supplies both the trigeminal nerve root and the cerebellar hemisphere.3 This anatomical variant may increase the risk of neurovascular compression in the trigeminal nerve. We present the case of a 74-year-old man with left TN in whom a TCA was one of the responsible compression vessels. ⋯ Three decompression procedures (transposition to the dura, transposition to the brain, and interposition) were performed to decompress the trigeminal nerve. Postoperatively, TN was completely resolved immediately. MVD for TN could be difficult to perform in cases with TCA, as in the present case, and rigorous procedures were required intraoperatively.
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Percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) is commonly used to treat severe osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) by restoring vertebral height. However, its application in mild cases is not frequently discussed. ⋯ PKP is a safe and effective method for treating mild OVCFs, but attention should be paid to the shape and filling effects of cement during surgery to prevent later complications. The developed SFEC scale provides a specific and quantitative standards for evaluating the recovery status after PKP, which need further validations.