RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Interleukin-lß (IL-lß) is associated with vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration during neointimal formation following arterial injury, of which matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) may have an important role. We investigated whether IL-lß stimulated migration and MMP-2 production in VSMC, and, if so, whether migration correlated with MMP-2 activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Modified Boyden chamber assay quantified cultured rat aorta VSMC migration. Methyl-thiazolyl-tetrazolium assay assessed cell growth. Gelatin zymography and Western blotting determined MMP-2 activity and protein levels, respectively. RESULTS: IL-lß (0.1 - 10 ng/mL) induced migration of VSMC in a concentration-dependent manner without cell proliferation. VSMC released increasing levels of active MMP-2 in a dose-response fashion at IL-1ß 1-10 ng/mL (P < 0.05) while significantly increased levels of latent MMP-2 (pro-MMP-2) were attained more gradually (10 ng/mL, P < 0.05). There was a dose-dependent increase in the ratio of active MMP-2 to pro-MMP-2 in response to IL-1ß (1-10 ng/mL, P < 0.05), suggesting extracellular activation of pro-MMP-2. Protein levels on Western blot paralleled enzyme activity, with the synthesis of more active MMP-2 than pro-MMP-2 in response to IL-1ß. IL-lß-stimulated VSMC migration was significantly attenuated by both the pan-selective MMP inhibitor GM6001 and cis-9-octadecenoyl-N-hydroxylamide, a MMP-2-selective inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS: IL-lß increases MMP-2 activity in VSMC through increased protein synthesis and activation of pro-MMP-2. VSMC migration induced by IL-lß requires active MMP-2. IL-lß may play a role in arterial remodeling following injury.

Asunto(s)

Movimiento Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Interleucina-1beta/farmacología , Metaloproteinasa 2 de la Matriz/metabolismo , Músculo Liso Vascular/citología , Músculo Liso Vascular/metabolismo , Animales , Aorta/citología , Movimiento Celular/fisiología , Células Cultivadas , Dipéptidos/farmacología , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Metaloproteinasa 2 de la Matriz/efectos de los fármacos , Inhibidores de la Metaloproteinasa de la Matriz , Modelos Animales , Músculo Liso Vascular/efectos de los fármacos , Inhibidores de Proteasas/farmacología , Ratas , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Transducción de Señal/fisiología

RESUMEN

Outpatient spine surgery is becoming popular because of its substantial economic advantages. We retrospectively studied 97 spine surgery outpatients and 578 inpatients who had proceeded through a common process of surgical venue selection. No differences (p > 0.05) were found in gender, race, obesity rate (46.9% versus [vs.] 42.9%), hypertension (9.7% vs. 8.8%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (11.8% vs. 13.5%), and history of stroke (1.9% vs. 2.5%). However, age was statistically different between inpatients (55 years) and outpatients (49 years) (p < 0.001). The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (19% vs. 10%), congestive heart disease (19.7% vs. 1.3%), coronary artery procedures (15.9% vs. 3.8%), and use of antidepressants (25.4% vs. 11.6%) was higher in the inpatient group (p < 0.05). There were more comorbidities in the inpatient cohort of each spine surgery type except for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and history of stroke in the outpatient cervical surgery group (p < 0.05). Among outpatients, only one patient (∼ 1%) had postoperative infection while among the inpatients, 16 patients had postoperative infections (2.8%) (p > 0.05). All seven patients readmitted due to infection were obese (body mass index ≥ 30). Obese patients in the inpatient cohort had higher chronic disease rates. Comorbidities are the main determinants of inpatient/outpatient selection. Postoperative infection was not a significant complication for appropriately selected patients for outpatient spine surgery. Despite increased hospital care and observation in the inpatient group, infection rates were not statistically different. Obesity seems to be a predictor of readmission with infection.

Asunto(s)

Procedimientos Quirúrgicos Ambulatorios/estadística & datos numéricos , Obesidad/epidemiología , Readmisión del Paciente/estadística & datos numéricos , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/epidemiología , Enfermedades de la Columna Vertebral/cirugía , Procedimientos Quirúrgicos Ambulatorios/efectos adversos , Comorbilidad , Descompresión Quirúrgica , Depresión/epidemiología , Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiología , Insuficiencia Cardíaca/epidemiología , Humanos , Hipertensión/epidemiología , Pacientes Internos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Procedimientos Neuroquirúrgicos/efectos adversos , Procedimientos Ortopédicos/efectos adversos , Pacientes Ambulatorios , Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica/epidemiología , Estudios Retrospectivos

RESUMEN

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, clinical study. OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to evaluate the role of laryngeal intraoperative electromyography (IEMG) in predicting the development of postoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy in patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). We also attempted to develop a method to quantify the total IEMG irritation of the RLN. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: RLN injury has been recognized as the most common ACDF-associated neurologic injury. It has been postulated, that the employment of laryngeal IEMG may identify the operative events leading to RLN injury and subsequent postoperative palsy. METHODS: Laryngeal IEMG monitoring was performed in 298 patients undergoing ACDF. Preexistent baseline EMG activity, amplitude, and duration of IEMG activity were recorded. The total amount of RLN irritation was expressed as an Irritation Score (IS) applying a specially designed mathematical equation incorporating the amplitude, the duration, and the presence of any baseline EMG irritation. The relationship of IEMG activity with parameters such as the number of operative levels, the duration of the procedure, the presence of any previous neck surgeries, and the type of the used retractor was examined. RESULTS: IEMG activity was recorded in 14.4% of our patients. Postoperative RLN injury occurred in 2.3% of our patients. The sensitivity of IEMG was 100%, the specificity 87%, the positive predictive value 16%, and its negative predictive value 97%. The calculated IS ranged between 0.28 and 3.47 (mean IS: 2.09). Significantly increased IEMG activity was found in patients with previous surgical intervention, patients undergoing multilevel procedures, long-lasting procedures, and cases in which self-retained retractors were used. Likewise, significantly increased IS were observed in patients with previous surgeries and in cases where self-retained retractors were used. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that laryngeal IEMG is a high-sensitivity modality that can provide real-time information and can potentially minimize the risk of operative RLN injury.

Asunto(s)

Vértebras Cervicales/cirugía , Enfermedades de los Nervios Craneales/fisiopatología , Discectomía , Monitoreo Intraoperatorio/métodos , Nervio Laríngeo Recurrente/fisiopatología , Fusión Vertebral , Enfermedades de los Nervios Craneales/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Nervios Craneales/etiología , Discectomía/efectos adversos , Electromiografía/métodos , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Masculino , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/etiología , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/fisiopatología , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/prevención & control , Estudios Prospectivos , Fusión Vertebral/efectos adversos , Estadística como Asunto/métodos

RESUMEN

Generation of thrombin is associated with vascular remodeling that involves proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and activation of pro-matrix metalloproteinases (pro-MMPs). The present study was to investigate whether thrombin would induce mitogenesis and activation of pro-MMPs in cerebrovascular SMCs (CSMCs), and if so, whether MMP activity would contribute to the CSMC mitogenesis. CSMCs were cultured from pig middle cerebral arteries and stimulated with thrombin. Thrombin (0.1-5U/ml), in a dose-dependent fashion, stimulated mitogenesis in CSMCs as detected by bromo-2'-deoxy-uridine (BrdU) incorporation. Additionally, zymographic analyses showed that thrombin stimulated the appearance of the active form of MMP-2 (MMP-2) in a concentration-dependent manner, but not the release of pro-MMP-2. Thrombin did not affect expression of cell-associated pro-MMP-2 protein as evaluated by Western blot analysis. Treatment with the synthetic MMP inhibitor GM6001 or antibodies to MMP-2 significantly reduced thrombin-induced BrdU incorporation in CSMCs. In conclusion, thrombin activates pro-MMP-2 in the absence of elevated pro-MMP-2 expression and secretion in CSMCs, and thrombin induces CSMC mitogenesis involving its action on MMP-2. These findings suggest that thrombin may have relevance in cerebrovascular remodeling associated with brain atherosclerosis and atherothrombotic ischemic stroke through a mechanism involving MMP-dependent CSMC mitogenesis.

Asunto(s)

Arterias Cerebrales/enzimología , Metaloproteinasa 2 de la Matriz/metabolismo , Mitosis/efectos de los fármacos , Músculo Liso Vascular/enzimología , Neovascularización Fisiológica/fisiología , Trombina/metabolismo , Animales , Anticuerpos/farmacología , Bromodesoxiuridina , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Células Cultivadas , Arterias Cerebrales/efectos de los fármacos , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Activación Enzimática/efectos de los fármacos , Activación Enzimática/fisiología , Inhibidores Enzimáticos/farmacología , Matriz Extracelular/efectos de los fármacos , Matriz Extracelular/metabolismo , Sustancias de Crecimiento/metabolismo , Sustancias de Crecimiento/farmacología , Metaloproteinasa 2 de la Matriz/efectos de los fármacos , Mitosis/fisiología , Músculo Liso Vascular/efectos de los fármacos , Neovascularización Fisiológica/efectos de los fármacos , Sus scrofa , Trombina/farmacología , Regulación hacia Arriba/efectos de los fármacos , Regulación hacia Arriba/fisiología

Asunto(s)

Traumatismos de las Arterias Carótidas , Lesiones Oculares Penetrantes , Cuerpos Extraños , Traumatismo Múltiple , Órbita/lesiones , Adulto , Femenino , Cuerpos Extraños/diagnóstico por imagen , Cuerpos Extraños/cirugía , Humanos , Traumatismo Múltiple/diagnóstico por imagen , Traumatismo Múltiple/cirugía , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) is used to monitor integrity of the brain, spinal cord, and nerve roots during spinal surgery. It records the electrical potentials from the scalp after electrical stimulation of the peripheral nerves of the upper or lower limbs. The standard monitoring modality in lumbosacral spine surgery includes lower-limb SSEP and electromyography (EMG). Upper-limb SSEP monitoring has also been used to detect and prevent brachial plexopathy and peripheral nerve injury in thoracic and lumbosacral spine surgeries. We routinely monitor lower-limb SSEP and EMG in lumbosacral spine procedures at our institution. However, a few patients experienced postoperative numbness and/or pain in their ulnar distribution with uneventful lower-limb SSEP and EMG. PURPOSE: We hypothesized that the postoperative upper extremity paresis in lumbosacral surgeries may result from compression and/or stretch of the brachial plexus and/or ulnar nerve while the patients were in prone position. Using upper-limb SSEP, we investigated whether we observe any significant change in the SSEP, and if so, whether we can prevent or reduce frequency of postoperative upper extremity deficits. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: In this prospective study, we monitored upper-limb SSEP, in addition to lower-limb SSEP and EMG, in 230 elective, posterior lumbosacral spinal procedures. All operations were performed by a group of four neurosurgeons. PATIENT SAMPLE: One hundred and thirty-one female and 99 male with an age range of 28 to 86 years between January 2004 and December 2005 were studied. OUTCOME MEASURES: Amplitude and latency of upper-limb or ulnar SSEP were continuously compared with those of the baseline. A greater than or equal to 50% decrease in SSEPs amplitude and/or a greater than or equal to 10% increase in latency were considered to be significant. METHODS: After intubation, patients were positioned prone on Jackson or Andrews spinal table. Anesthesia was maintained with inhalant gas (desflurane or sevoflurane) and propofol infusion with and without minimal infusion of narcotics (fentanyl, sufentanyl, or remifentanil). Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring of upper-limb or ulnar SSEP was achieved by continuously recording cortical and subcortical responses after alternate stimulation of the ulnar nerve at the wrist. In our institutional protocol, a greater than or equal to 50% decrease in SSEPs amplitude and/or a greater than or equal to 10% increase in latency were considered to be significant to alert the operating surgeons. When significant changes occurred, the surgeon was immediately notified. Also, reevaluation of vital signs, depth of anesthesia, and patient's position, and technical troubleshootings were subsequently followed. RESULTS: We observed a greater than or equal to 50% decrease in amplitude of ulnar SSEP in 10 patients without significant changes in lower-limb SSEP (peroneal or posterior tibial nerve SSEP) or EMG during surgery. Eight patients had changes in unilateral limbs, and two patients had changes in bilateral limbs. Two patients with significant changes in unilateral limbs showed changes twice. The mean SSEP amplitude for the 14 changes was 29.2+/-3.1% (mean+/-SEM, standard error of mean) of the baseline value at the average surgical time of 60+/-1.5 minutes. With repositioning of the arms, the amplitudes were immediately restored with the average of 70.2+/-7.1% (n=14) of the baseline value. The mean amplitude of upper-limb SSEP was 73.4+/-8.7% (n=12) of the baseline at wound closure. The average surgical time was 154+/-29.2 minutes per case for the 10 patients. There was no documented postoperative upper extremity paresis in all 230 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates that upper-limb SSEP monitoring could detect position-related ulnar neuropathy in 5.2% of the patients undergoing lumbosacral spine surgery.

Asunto(s)

Potenciales Evocados Somatosensoriales , Monitoreo Intraoperatorio/métodos , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/prevención & control , Fusión Vertebral , Neuropatías Cubitales/prevención & control , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Brazo/inervación , Discectomía , Femenino , Humanos , Laminectomía , Vértebras Lumbares/cirugía , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Pronóstico , Posición Prona , Estudios Prospectivos , Sacro/cirugía , Nervio Cubital/lesiones , Neuropatías Cubitales/etiología

RESUMEN

OBJECT: The association of vitreous and/or subhyaloid hemorrhage with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has been frequently identified since the original description by Terson in 1900. In this prospective clinical study the authors examined the actual incidence of Terson hemorrhage in patients suffering aneurysmal SAH, they attempted to identify those parameters that could predispose its development, and they evaluated its prognostic significance in the overall patients' outcome. METHODS: A total of 174 patients suffering aneurysmal SAH were included in this study. The admitting Glasgow Coma Scale scores (GCS), World Federation of Neurological Societies (WFNS) scale scores, Hunt and Hess grades, and Fisher grades were recorded. A careful ophthalmological evaluation was performed in all participants. The exact anatomical locations and the largest diameter of the dome of the ruptured aneurysms were also recorded. Surgical clipping or endovascular coiling was used in 165 patients. Clinical outcome was evaluated at discharge from the hospital by using the Glasgow Outcome Scale and the modified Rankin Scale. Periodic ophthalmological evaluations were performed for 2 years. RESULTS: In this series, the observed incidence of Terson hemorrhage was 12.1%. Statistical analysis of our data demonstrated that patients with low GCS scores and high WFNS scores, Hunt and Hess grades, and Fisher grades had an increased incidence of Terson hemorrhage. The mortality rate for patients with Terson hemorrhage was 28.6%, whereas that for patients without Terson hemorrhage was 2.0%. Moreover, patients with Terson hemorrhage who survived had significantly worse outcomes than those in patients without Terson hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: Terson hemorrhage constitutes a common SAH-associated complication. Its incidence is increased in patients with low GCS and high WFNS scores, and high Hunt and Hess and Fisher grades. Its presence is associated with increased mortality and morbidity rates.

Asunto(s)

Aneurisma Intracraneal/complicaciones , Hemorragia Subaracnoidea/complicaciones , Hemorragia Vítrea/diagnóstico , Hemorragia Vítrea/epidemiología , Adulto , Anciano , Causalidad , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Escala de Consecuencias de Glasgow , Humanos , Incidencia , Aneurisma Intracraneal/diagnóstico , Aneurisma Intracraneal/terapia , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Pronóstico , Estudios Prospectivos , Hemorragia Subaracnoidea/diagnóstico , Hemorragia Subaracnoidea/terapia

RESUMEN

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review study with literature review. OBJECTIVE: The goal of our current study is to raise awareness on complications associated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and their early detection and proper management. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: It is known that ACDF constitutes one of the most commonly performed spinal procedures. Its outcome is quite satisfactory in the majority of cases. However, occasional complications can become troublesome, and in rare circumstances, catastrophic. Although there are several case reports describing such complications, their rate of occurrence is generally underreported, and data regarding their exact incidence in large clinical series are lacking. Meticulous knowledge of potential intraoperative and postoperative ACDF-related complications is of paramount importance so as to avoid them whenever possible, as well as to successfully and safely manage them when they are inevitable. METHODS: In a retrospective study, 1015 patients undergoing first-time ACDF for cervical radiculopathy and/or myelopathy due to degenerative disc disease and/or cervical spondylosis were evaluated. A standard Smith-Robinson approach was used in all our patients, while an autologous or allograft was used, with or without a plate. Operative reports, hospital and outpatient clinic charts, and radiographic studies were reviewed for procedure-related complications. Mean follow-up time was 26.4 months. RESULTS: The mortality rate in our current series was 0.1% (1 of 1015 patients, death occurred secondary to an esophageal perforation). Our overall morbidity rate was 19.3% (196 of 1015 patients). The most common complication was the development of isolated postoperative dysphagia, which observed in 9.5% of our patients. Postoperative hematoma occurred in 5.6%, but required surgical intervention in only 2.4% of our cases. Symptomatic recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy occurred in 3.1% of our cases. Dural penetration occurred in 0.5%, esophageal perforation in 0.3%, worsening of preexisting myelopathy in 0.2%, Horner's syndrome in 0.1%, instrumentation backout in 0.1%, and superficial wound infection in 0.1% of our cases. CONCLUSION: Meticulous knowledge of the ACDF-associated complications allows for their proper management. Postoperative dysphagia, hematoma, and recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy were the most common complications in our series. Management of complications was successful in the vast majority of our cases.

Asunto(s)

Vértebras Cervicales/cirugía , Discectomía/efectos adversos , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/epidemiología , Fusión Vertebral/efectos adversos , Adulto , Anciano , Discectomía/mortalidad , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/diagnóstico , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/mortalidad , Estudios Retrospectivos , Fusión Vertebral/mortalidad

RESUMEN

The fusion rate represents one of the most commonly used criteria for evaluating the efficacy of spinal surgical techniques and the effectiveness of newly developed instrumentation and spinal implants. Reported fusion rates are not frequently supported by adequate information regarding by whom and how fusion was defined. In our prospective study we examined the fusion rate in patients undergoing first time anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for degenerative disease. Separate, well-defined radiographic fusion criteria were used and the 12-month post-operative X-rays were reviewed independently by a neurosurgeon, a neuroradiologist and an orthopedic surgeon, who were not involved in the patients' management. The observed fusion rates were 77.3, 87.8 and 84.7% respectively. Statistical analysis demonstrated concordance rates of 87.8, 91 and 91.4% and Kappa coefficients of 0.585, 0.620 and 0.723 for each pair of evaluators. Another set of ratings of the same radiographs, by the same interviewers, was obtained 6 weeks after the initial one. The reported fusion rates were 78.2% for the neurosurgeon, 87.4% for the orthopedic surgeon, and 86.1% for the neuroradiologist. Statistical analysis demonstrated intra-observer concordance rates of 98.7, 92.2 and 97.9% respectively, while the Kappa coefficients were 0.963, 0.677 and 0.907 for each reviewer. Our findings confirm the necessity of defining and describing criteria for fusion whenever this rate is reported in clinical series. The lack of widely accepted, well-defined criteria makes comparison of these results difficult. The development of a well organized, prospective clinical study in which fusion and outcome will be assessed by both clinical and radiographic parameters could significantly contribute to a more accurate evaluation of overall outcome of cervical spinal procedures.

Asunto(s)

Vértebras Cervicales/cirugía , Discectomía/métodos , Discectomía/estadística & datos numéricos , Fusión Vertebral/métodos , Fusión Vertebral/estadística & datos numéricos , Adulto , Anciano , Vértebras Cervicales/diagnóstico por imagen , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Variaciones Dependientes del Observador , Estudios Prospectivos , Radiografía , Factores de Tiempo , Resultado del Tratamiento

RESUMEN

Pupillometry has been widely employed in the evaluation of a large number of pathological conditions, including intracranial pathology. The recent introduction of a portable, user-friendly, infrared pupillometer (ForSite, NeurOptics Inc., Irvine, CA) has enabled the accurate and reproducible measurement of several pupillary parameters, such as maximum and minimum apertures, constriction and dilation velocities, and latency period. It should be noted that various clinical conditions, especially neurological and ocular diseases, as well as numerous medications, may interfere with the measurements. Furthermore, a number of physiological parameters, such as the intensity of retinal illumination, the level of patient's alertness, the intensity of ambient light, as well as the time of day that the examination is performed may alter the obtained values. The potential implications of pupillometry in the clinical assessment of neurosurgical patients, including its complex relationship to intracranial pressure changes, mandate the undertaking of prospective clinical studies validating the clinical significance of this noninvasive, diagnostic modality.

Asunto(s)

Anisocoria/diagnóstico , Lesiones Encefálicas/cirugía , Rayos Infrarrojos , Hipertensión Intracraneal/cirugía , Procedimientos Neuroquirúrgicos/métodos , Lesiones Encefálicas/complicaciones , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Humanos , Hipertensión Intracraneal/etiología

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive technique, has recently been developed to provide immediate pain relief, biomechanical stabilization, prevention of fracture progression, vertebral height restoration, and prevention or reversal of kyphosis to patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 24 patients treated with kyphoplasty. A total of 37 vertebral levels were augmented. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores were documented in the immediate pre- and postoperative period, as well as 4, 12, and 72 weeks after the procedure. Vertebral body height restoration was assessed on postoperative x-rays. RESULTS: Mean preoperative VAS score was 9.3 and improved to 5.4 in the immediate postoperative period. At 4, 12 and 72 weeks post-operatively, mean VAS scores were 5.1, 5.9, and 6.1 respectively. All patients returned to their daily activities within 24 hours. No significant restoration of vertebral body height was observed. CONCLUSION: In regards to pain relief and postoperative functional outcome, kyphoplasty is a safe and effective treatment modality for osteoporotic VCFs, even when no significant restoration of vertebral body height is achieved.

Asunto(s)

Estatura , Fracturas por Compresión/etiología , Fracturas por Compresión/cirugía , Osteoporosis/complicaciones , Dolor/cirugía , Fracturas de la Columna Vertebral/etiología , Fracturas de la Columna Vertebral/cirugía , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Procedimientos Ortopédicos/métodos , Dolor/etiología , Estudios Retrospectivos , Resultado del Tratamiento

RESUMEN

HIPPOCRATIC WORKS LEND themselves still today to the modern physician for further analysis of his approach to the diagnosis and treatment of various pathological conditions. We present an attempt to systematize his methodology regarding the management of head trauma and present it in the format of a modern-era algorithm.

Asunto(s)

Traumatismos Craneocerebrales/historia , Neurología/historia , Obras Médicas de Referencia , Algoritmos , Traumatismos Craneocerebrales/terapia , Personajes , Antigua Grecia , Historia Antigua , Humanos , Medicina en las Artes

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVES: In the present study, the authors comment on their experience with anterior odontoid screw fixation in the management of odontoid fractures, in an attempt to further assess the safety and the efficacy of this procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 50 consecutive patients with reducible type II or rostral type III odontoid fractures, operated at our hospital with anterior odontoid screw fixation. Radiographic bony fusion, complications, and clinical outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: Solid bony fusion was evident in 38 (90.5%) of the patients. One mechanical instrumentation-related complication occurred, without clinical significance. No other major complications related to the procedure were noted. A satisfactory range of motion in the cervical spine was observed in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior odontoid screw fixation is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of type II and rostral type III odontoid fractures. Compliance to the specific indications and contraindications of this operation is crucial for optimal outcome.

Asunto(s)

Tornillos Óseos , Fijación Interna de Fracturas/métodos , Apófisis Odontoides/lesiones , Apófisis Odontoides/cirugía , Fracturas de la Columna Vertebral/cirugía , Enfermedad Aguda , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Femenino , Curación de Fractura , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Rango del Movimiento Articular , Estudios Retrospectivos , Fracturas de la Columna Vertebral/clasificación , Resultado del Tratamiento

RESUMEN

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of the fusion rate of a group of 38 patients having undergone anterior screw fixation for type II and "shallow" type III odontoid fractures. OBJECTIVE.: To determine primarily the long-term fusion rate after anterior screw fixation and to study the clinical characteristics of patients that have a statistically significant or nonsignificant influence on successful outcome. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Long-term outcome of anterior screw fixation for odontoid fractures has been evaluated in very few studies. This information should be critical for further establishing this technique as a major therapeutic strategy for these cases. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients, 25 males and 13 females (with mean age 48.4 +/- 0.4 years), with type II and rostral type III odontoid fractures, underwent anterior cannulated screw fixation during a 62-month period. Radiologic examination of the cervical spine with plain radiographs was performed at 6 weeks, and 2, 6, 12, and 24 months, while computerized tomography of the upper cervical spine (C1-C3) was obtained at 6 months after surgery. Follow-up was available for 31 patients, and the follow-up time ranged from 39 to 87 months (mean 58.4). RESULTS: Radiographic evaluation of the follow-up group showed satisfactory bony fusion and no evidence of abnormal movement at the fracture site in 27 (87.1%) patients. Pseudarthrosis developed in 4 (12.9%) patients; however, 3 (9.6%) of them without instability and 1 (3.2%) with instability. One (3.2%) patient had an instrumentation failure without instability. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, anterior odontoid screw fixation comprised a safe therapeutic modality with high stability and low mechanical failure rates during short-term and long-term follow-up.

Asunto(s)

Tornillos Óseos , Fijación Interna de Fracturas/instrumentación , Apófisis Odontoides/lesiones , Apófisis Odontoides/cirugía , Fracturas de la Columna Vertebral/cirugía , Fusión Vertebral/instrumentación , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Fijación Interna de Fracturas/métodos , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Apófisis Odontoides/diagnóstico por imagen , Estudios Retrospectivos , Fracturas de la Columna Vertebral/clasificación , Fracturas de la Columna Vertebral/diagnóstico por imagen , Fusión Vertebral/métodos , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X

RESUMEN

STUDY DESIGN: The authors conducted a prospective clinical study. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationship, if any, of the amount of removed disc in a standard first-time lumbar microdiscectomy and long-term outcome as well as recurrence and postoperative instability rates. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There is lack of data on the amount of disc that needs to be removed during a lumbar microdiscectomy. Anecdotal data and dogmatic recommendations make the subject even more controversial. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 106 patients underwent a standard first-time lumbar microdiscectomy for medically refractory sciatica resulting from a herniated disc. The removed disc material was weighted. All patients were clinically followed for at least 2 years and outcome was evaluated by using pain intensity, presence of physical signs, functional capacity, return to work, and patients' opinion regarding their outcome. RESULTS: The mean amount of disc removed was calculated at 2.1 +/- 0.9 g. Ninety-one patients had an excellent outcome and returned to their preoperative work. Fifteen patients had persistent symptomatology and underwent extensive radiographic workup, which revealed a disc recurrence at the same level in 8 patients and first-degree instability in 3 patients. In the remaining 4 patients, no clinical or radiographic abnormality was proven and the patients were treated conservatively, whereas all of them had applied for disability. No relationship was proven between the amount of the removed disc and the intraoperative blood loss or the intraoperative complication rate. Our statistical analysis showed no correlation between the amount of the removed disc and the long- term outcome, recurrence rate, or postoperative instability. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of disc removal did not influence the outcome or complication rate in our clinical series.

Asunto(s)

Discectomía , Desplazamiento del Disco Intervertebral/epidemiología , Desplazamiento del Disco Intervertebral/cirugía , Vértebras Lumbares/cirugía , Microcirugia , Adulto , Anciano , Discectomía/métodos , Femenino , Humanos , Estudios Longitudinales , Vértebras Lumbares/patología , Masculino , Microcirugia/métodos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Prospectivos , Resultado del Tratamiento

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to correlate the findings of intraoperative electromyographic (EMG) monitoring with immediate postoperative pain in patients undergoing lumbar microdiscectomy. METHODS: A total of 112 patients undergoing de novo lumbar microdiscectomy were prospectively randomized into a control group (n = 45) and a study group (n = 67) in which intraoperative EMG monitoring was used. Postoperative pain and postoperative narcotic consumption were recorded for each patient. RESULTS: The presence or absence of EMG monitoring did not influence the level of reported pain in any anatomic area. In the monitored group, the degree of recorded nerve root irritation did not correlate with reported pain or postoperative narcotic consumption. The level of back pain was found to be significantly higher than the level of hip and calf pain (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In our study no correlation was found between intraoperative EMG findings and immediate postoperative pain.

Asunto(s)

Discectomía , Electromiografía , Vértebras Lumbares/cirugía , Dolor Postoperatorio/etiología , Dolor Postoperatorio/fisiopatología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Análisis de Varianza , Femenino , Humanos , Cuidados Intraoperatorios , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Valor Predictivo de las Pruebas

RESUMEN

Two cases of epidural abscess as a complication of frontal sinusitis are presented. The diagnoses were suspected on the basis of history and were confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. Both patients were treated successfully by means of surgery and intravenous antibiotics. One patient developed meningitis in the postoperative course and was treated by changing the antibiotic regimen. However, further follow-up in the outpatient clinic by physical examinations and brain computed tomography scans showed no longterm neurologic complications in either case. Intracranial suppuration, including epidural abscesses, can complicate acute and chronic frontal sinusitis. These complications are diagnosed by maintaining a high index of suspicion and using the appropriate neuroimaging studies without delay.

Asunto(s)

Absceso Epidural/etiología , Sinusitis Frontal/complicaciones , Adulto , Profilaxis Antibiótica , Craneotomía , Absceso Epidural/diagnóstico , Absceso Epidural/cirugía , Femenino , Gadolinio , Humanos , Aumento de la Imagen , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética , Masculino , Meningitis/prevención & control , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/prevención & control

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Accurate knowledge of cerebral temperature is assuming increasing importance, because its manipulation is employed more frequently for cerebral protection. PURPOSE: This prospective clinical study was performed to examine how well intraventricular temperature reflects global cerebral temperature. METHODS: The intraventricular temperature was monitored in 61 patients who were admitted to the neurointensive care unit for various intracranial pathological entities. A temperature probe coupled to an intraventricular pressure monitor was inserted in the lateral ventricle. At the conclusion of the monitoring process, a second intraventricular temperature probe was inserted in the ipsilateral ventricle and the previous one was carefully and gradually removed. During that removal, the intraparenchymal temperature was monitored for 90 minutes at 1-cm intervals throughout the brain parenchyma. RESULTS: The mean intraventricular temperature was 37.84+/-1.03 degrees C, whereas the mean systemic (rectal) temperature was 37.65+/-0.68 degrees C. At 1 cm outward distance from the lateral ventricle, the mean intraparenchymal temperature was 38.21+/-0.32 degrees C, 38.39+/-0.33 degrees C at 2 cm, 38.27+/-0.31 degrees C at 3 cm, 38.26+/-0.29 degrees C at 4 cm, and, finally, 37.9+/-0.50 degrees C at 5 cm. Statistical analysis of the recordings showed no statistically significant differences between the intraventricular and intraparenchymal temperatures and intraventricular and rectal temperatures. No statistically significant correlation was established between the intraventricular temperature and parameters, such as the patient's age, sex, and admitting diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Cerebral temperature was relatively stable through the brain parenchyma in this study. Because intraventricular temperature accurate.

Asunto(s)

Temperatura Corporal , Encefalopatías/fisiopatología , Encéfalo/fisiopatología , Ventrículos Cerebrales/fisiopatología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Femenino , Escala de Coma de Glasgow , Humanos , Presión Intracraneal/fisiología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Prospectivos , Recto