Cervical spine injuries from diving accident: a 10-year retrospective descriptive study on 64 patients

INTRODUCTION

Ninety percent of the lesions resulting from diving injuries affect the cervical spine and are potentially associated with spinal cord injuries. The objective is to determine the most frequent lesion mechanisms. Evaluate the therapeutic alternatives and the biomechanical evolution (kyphotic deformation) of diving-induced cervical spine injuries. Define epidemiological characteristics of diving injuries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis over a period of 10 years was undertaken for patients admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery of Montpellier, France, with cervical spinal injuries due to a diving accident. Patients were re-evaluated and clinical and radiological evaluation follow-ups were done.

RESULTS

This study included 64 patients. Cervical spine injuries resulting from diving predominantly affect young male subjects. They represent 9.5% of all the cervical spine injuries. In 22% of cases, patients presented severe neurological troubles (ASIA A, B, C) at the time of admission. A surgical treatment was done in 85% of cases, mostly using an anterior cervical approach.

DISCUSSION

This is a retrospective study (type IV) with some limitations. The incidence of diving injuries in our region is one of the highest as compared to reports in the literature. Despite an increase of our surgical indications, 55% of these cases end up with a residual kyphotic deformation but there is no relationship between the severity of late vertebral deformity and high Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS) scores.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective study.

Biomechanical wall properties of human intracranial aneurysms resected following surgical clipping (IRRAs Project)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Individual rupture risk assessment of intracranial aneurysms is a major issue in the clinical management of asymptomatic aneurysms. Aneurysm rupture occurs when wall tension exceeds the strength limit of the wall tissue. At present, aneurysmal wall mechanics are poorly understood and thus, risk assessment involving mechanical properties is inexistent. Aneurysm computational hemodynamics studies make the assumption of rigid walls, an arguable simplification. We therefore aim to assess mechanical properties of ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms in order to provide the foundation for future patient-specific aneurysmal risk assessment. This work also challenges some of the currently held hypotheses in computational flow hemodynamics research.

METHODS

A specific conservation protocol was applied to aneurysmal tissues following clipping and resection in order to preserve their mechanical properties. Sixteen intracranial aneurysms (11 female, 5 male) underwent mechanical uniaxial stress tests under physiological conditions, temperature, and saline isotonic solution. These represented 11 unruptured and 5 ruptured aneurysms. Stress/strain curves were then obtained for each sample, and a fitting algorithm was applied following a 3-parameter (C(10), C(01), C(11)) Mooney-Rivlin hyperelastic model. Each aneurysm was classified according to its biomechanical properties and (un)rupture status.

RESULTS

Tissue testing demonstrated three main tissue classes: Soft, Rigid, and Intermediate. All unruptured aneurysms presented a more Rigid tissue than ruptured or pre-ruptured aneurysms within each gender subgroup. Wall thickness was not correlated to aneurysmal status (ruptured/unruptured). An Intermediate subgroup of unruptured aneurysms with softer tissue characteristic was identified and correlated with multiple documented risk factors of rupture.

CONCLUSION

There is a significant modification in biomechanical properties between ruptured aneurysm, presenting a soft tissue and unruptured aneurysms, presenting a rigid material. This finding strongly supports the idea that a biomechanical risk factor based assessment should be utilized in the to improve the therapeutic decision making.

[Second surgery for glioblastoma. A 4-year retrospective study conducted in both the Montpellier and Nice Departments of Neurosurgery. A literature review]

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Glioblastoma, the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults, is usually rapidly fatal. The current care standards for newly diagnosed glioblastoma consist, when feasible, in surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, as described in the Stupp protocol. Despite optimal treatment, nearly all malignant gliomas recur. If the tumor is symptomatic for mass effect, repeated surgery may be proposed.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the survival of patients with histologically confirmed primary glioblastoma (WHO grade 4) who were operated in two centers between January 2004 and December 2007. All patients who underwent a second resection for recurrent glioblastoma were included.

RESULTS

During this period, 320 patients were operated in the two centers, with 240 surgical resections and 80 surgical biopsies. In the surgical resection group, 8.3% (20 patients) underwent a second surgical resection for glioblastoma. The mean age was 52 years. At the end of the study, seven patients were alive. The median survival was 24 months and progression-free survival was 7.5 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of resection of recurrent glioblastoma on survival has not been extensively studied. No randomized trials have been conducted. Our data were globally identical to other retrospective studies. Selected patients with recurrent glioblastoma may be candidates for repeated surgery when the situation appears favorable based on assessment of the individual patient's factors. Factors such medical history, neurological status, location of the tumor, and progression-free survival have been proven in retrospective studies to give better results.

[Acutely ruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with GDC coils. Results from a single center over a period of 5 years]

PURPOSE

We prospectively reviewed the clinical results of acutely ruptured cerebral aneurysms treated with GDC over a 5 year period, in order to characterize death and dependency factors.

METHODS

Between 1997 and 2002, 229 patients (254 aneurysms treated, 140 females, 89 males; mean age: 51 years) with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage were treated with GDC (Boston Scientific Neurovascular, Fremont, CA) once the anatomical conditions of feasibility had been achieved. Over 90% of the aneurysms treated (mean size: 5,8 mm) were located in the anterior circulation. The anterior communicating artery complex (87 cases), the posterior aspect of the internal carotid artery (65 cases), and the middle cerebral artery (49 cases) were most commonly treated.

RESULTS

At the end of the initial hospitalization period, 14 patients (6.1%) died. Major procedural complications were associated with perforation of the aneurysmal sac in 9 patients (3.9%), thromboembolic events in 10 patients (4.3%) which resulted in 2 deaths (0.8%) and permanent neurologic morbidity in 7 patients (3%). The univariate analysis demonstrated no correlation between death and time-to-treatment, the topography of the aneurysm, or the occurrence of treatment related complications. The results of the logistical regression model demonstrated that the clinical score upon entry, and the occurrence of delayed ischemia were the only independent factors correlated with patient death. The prognostic factors affecting the degree of sequellae identified by the logistical regression model were the clinical score upon admission, age, treatment related complications, and pulmonary complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular treatment of ruptured anterior circulation aneurysms with GDC, including MCA aneurysms, is associated with low morbidity and allows good overall outcomes in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. A better understanding of dependency factors associated with endovascular coiling will foster further technical advances in order to improve the treatment of small and medium sized ruptured aneurysms.

[Traumatic dissection of the internal carotid artery: malignant supratentorial infarction and decompressive treatment]

We present a case report of a thirty-six-year-old right-handed female. She suffered with a malignant space-occupying supratentorial ischemic stroke caused by a traumatic cervical internal carotid artery dissection. She had a car accident and, initially, presented with a normal examination. In two days, she became comatose (Glasgow Coma Scale score was 5) with complete left hemiplegia, right mydriasis and required respiratory assistance despite the medical treatment. It was decided to perform a large right frontotemporoparietal bone flap with large dural plasty. Eighteen months later, with intensive rehabilitation, the results of neuropsychological testing were normal, and the Barthel Index score was 90. The indications for decompressive surgery in malignant space-occupying supratentorial ischemic stroke remains controversial. The age, general condition, neurological examination (consciousness, pupils, deficit), extent of parenchymal hypodensity and attenuated corticomedullary contrast on the brain CT, degree of midline shift, presence of uncal hernation, disparition of the visibility of the mesencephalic cisterns and third ventricle, high level of the intracranial pressure, and perhaps the results of the perfusion-and diffusion-weighted MRI, are the elements to decide (or not decide) decompressive surgery.

[Percutaneous sacral thermorhizotomy to treat equinism of spastic cerebral palsy children]

We propose to evaluate the effect of sacral percutaneous thermorhizotomy on cerebral palsy children. A prospective study including 29 children followed by a multidisciplinary team was conducted from 1990 to 2000. A thermal radiofrequency lesion of the first sacral root was obtained by percutaneous puncture of the posterior intervertebral foramen with evaluation by stimulation of the best motor response for the minimal threshold (<0.5 volts). The efficacy of the lesion was evaluated by testing and modification of the stimulation threshold obtained (x 2). The results on spasticity was evaluated using the Held score and the functional effect on walking, and classified as "good" (9 cases), "efficacy" (6 cases) and "nil" (4 cases). Indications of the procedure are discussed during the walking acquisition period and growing period of the cerebral palsy child.

[Neurosurgical treatment of hyperactive bladder in spinal cord injury patients]

OBJECTIVES

We report long-term results of posterior sacral root rhizotomies in combination with Finetech-Brindley anterior sacral root stimulators implanted intradurally in 20 spinal cord injury patients.

MATERIAL

and methods: The 14 female and 6 male patients included 14 paraplegics and 6 tetraplegics. All of them initially presented hyperactive bladder, detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia, recurrent urinary tract infection and performed (self) intermittent catheterization. Prior to implantation, an intrathecal test using bupivacaine was performed to confirm the compliances of the bladder. The main indication for implantation was persistent urinary incontinence refractory to medical therapy.

RESULTS

After implantation the mean follow-up was 4,5 years. In all, 18 patients used the stimulator alone for bladder emptying and 18 patients were completely continent. The mean bladder capacity increased from 190 ml preoperatively to 460 ml after the operation. The mean residual urinary volume was reduced from 90 ml to 25 ml. No changes were noted by renal isotopic scanning in upper urinary tracts of patients. In 1 patient, a second extradural implant was performed.

DISCUSSION

This article also include an overview of a) the different available sites where application of electrical stimulation results in a detrusor contraction, b) the benefits and disadvantages of the sacral posterior rhizotomy, c) selective stimulation techniques that allow selective detrusor activation by sacral root stimulation.

CONCLUSION

Sacral anterior root stimulation combined with sacral posterior rhizotomy is a valuable method to restore bladder functions in spinal cord injured patients suffering from hyperactive bladder refractory to medical therapy.

[Aneurysm of the postero-inferior cerebellar artery associated with arteriovenous malformation]

A saccular aneurysm of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery lying in the fourth ventricle and an arteriovenous malformation in the cerebellum fed by the same artery are reported. Clipping of the neck of the aneurysm and total removal of the arteriovenous malformation were performed successfully during one stage. Review of the pertinent literature indicates that the aneurysm of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery originates from the peripheral portion of the artery when associated with arteriovenous malformation. The treatment is often surgical with good results in more than 80% of cases. A one-stage operation is the method of choice. Embolization is not without risk and can be attempted when the PICA's course allows easy catheterization.

Multiple psoas abscesses after posterior spinal fusion

STUDY DESIGN

A case of multiple psoas abscesses after Dove lumbar spine fixation is reported.

OBJECTIVES

To review the diagnosis and treatment of deep infection after internal spinal fixation.

METHODS

The possibility of septic complications after spinal surgery that may present with a degenerative pattern is examined. The clinical and computed tomographic findings of a psoas abscess are recalled.

RESULTS

Surgical drainage of the purulent collection was performed along with prolonged parenteral antibiotic treatment.

CONCLUSION

Infection should be considered as a cause of recurrence of pain after internal fixation of the lumbar spine.

Clinical recovery of consciousness after traumatic coma

OBJECTIVE

To describe early clinical stages in the recovery of consciousness, using selected items from the Glasgow Coma Scale and the Liège Coma Scale.

DESIGN

Validation cohort study, conducted in a tertiary care center.

SETTING

Neurosurgical intensive therapy unit in a university teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

Patients (n = 137) with traumatic coma who were selected according to the following criteria: a) coma due to blunt head trauma with an initial Glasgow Coma Score of < or = 7; b) admission to the neurosurgical intensive therapy unit within the first 24 hrs after trauma; c) patients > 14 yrs of age; requiring endotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, and the administration of drugs; and d) survival period allowing analysis of the recovery of consciousness.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Arousal, as expressed by stimulated opening of the eyes and recorded as a delay in days, was correlated with the appearance of the localized pain response, capacity to obey commands, blink reflex, and the cessation of drugs in three groups of patients. These groups were defined according to the time in which there was an appearance of the stimulated opening of the eyes: < 8 days (group 1); between 8 and 15 days (group 2); and after 15 days (group 3). When the three groups of patients were compared, significant differences existed between the mean delays of appearance of stimulated eye opening and the appearance of the blink reflex. Extubation coincided with the appearance of spontaneous eye opening, with a mean delay of 13.5 days.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the classical clinical sequence of arousal and recovery of consciousness, with the appearance of stimulated eye opening and the blink reflex first, followed by spontaneous eye opening, and the capacity to obey commands in intubated, traumatized, coma patients. A direct correlation existed between the delay of arousal and the complete recovery of consciousness. When groups of patients with various mean delays for the appearance of stimulated eye opening are considered, reappearance of the blink reflex did not always coincide with stimulated eye opening, suggesting differing structural and functional brain recovery processes.

Disco-computed tomography in extraforaminal and foraminal lumbar disc herniation: influence on surgical approaches

Between January 1990 and February 1992, a total of 301 patients underwent discectomy for lumbar disc herniation; 29 had an extreme lateral herniation, i.e., foraminal or extraforaminal. The intervertebral foramen is a three-dimensional area demarcated primarily by the pedicles; we call it the lateral interpedicular compartment. The extraforaminal zone is the space outside the lateral border of the pedicles. All patients were evaluated by computed tomography (CT), water soluble myelography, postmyelographic CT scanning, or magnetic resonance imaging. Fifteen patients consecutively underwent disco-enhanced CT to adjust a correct diagnosis and to distinguish extraforaminal from foraminal herniation. In 10 cases of extraforaminal herniation, a selective radicular decompression with good-to-excellent clinical results was achieved by an extra-axial lateral decompression of the interpedicular compartment, with preservation of the facet joint. The operative target was the lateral aspect of the pars interarticularis and not the intertransverse space, as previously described. In two cases of both foraminal and extraforaminal herniation, the same technique was used. Fourteen patients with foraminal disc herniation and three patients with both foraminal and extraforaminal herniation underwent a standard intervertebral foraminotomy. An accurate preoperative diagnosis established by disco-CT is crucial in order to select the most suitable surgical approach.

The trochlear nerve: anatomy by microdissection

This work is based on the microscopic study of 30 trochlear nerve trunks (15 heads). In 17 cases, the trunk arose from two nerve bundles, in 8 cases from one bundle, and for the other 5 nerves, three or four bundles. The mean total length of the trochlear nerve was 86 mm. The nerve may be separated into the 3 following parts: infratentorial, intracavernous, intraorbital. In all 30 cases studied, the first part of the nerve was infratentorial, thus leading us to suggest the term "infratentorial part" for this segment of the nerve. In 27 cases, contact was found with the superior cerebellar artery, in the infratentorial part. In the intracavernous part of ten nerves we found two rami tentorii and in eight cases fibers were exchanged with the ophthalmic nerve. In the orbit, 18 trochlear nerves crossed the posterior ethmoidal artery. 23 trochlear nerves ended on the medial face of the superior oblique muscle. The remaining 7 ended at the superior border of the muscle.

[Value of etomidate for the temporary clamping in early surgery, in normotension, of ruptured intracranial aneurysms. Preliminary study of 8 cases]

For 8 cases of aneurysmal ruptures in patients between twenty two and sixty-six years old, with clinical grade I or II, without diabetes neither high blood pressure, all of them underwent before the third day, with EEG monitoring, the surgical technic requires a temporary clipping of the carrying vessel (extreme times: 2 min 30 and 16 min), with a normal mean blood pressure. mean (ASBP) The circulatory cerebral brain protection is obtained with vascular filling before the clipping time and administration of Etomidate, (0.4 mg.kg-1) as soon as the aneurysm is exposed. For etomidate the posology is. The total required dose of Etomidate was about 98 mg. In all cases this protocol well tolerated (no neurological deficit) enables a good brain protection without cardio-vascular inconveniences of high barbiturate posologies. The waking up is very quick and allows a very early neurological check-up and a return to the presurgery tensional pattern too.

Hearing preservation after acoustic neurinoma operation

Between 1981 and 1984, 44 patients underwent acoustic neurinoma removal by a posterior cranial fossa approach with an attempt to preserve hearing. Seven tumors were small (less than 20 mm), 28 were medium (20 to 40 mm), and 9 were large (greater than 40 mm). Preoperatively, 4 patients had normal hearing, 15 had serviceable hearing, 10 had poor hearing, and 15 had no hearing. Postoperative hearing was preserved in 11 cases. Of the 19 patients with normal or serviceable hearing, 8 (42%) had serviceable hearing preserved postoperatively. Hearing preservation was achieved in 43% of the patients with small tumors, 25% of those with medium tumors, and 11% of those with large tumors. This study confirms the value of the suboccipital approach, which can be used in an attempt to preserve hearing whenever the patient has serviceable hearing preoperatively and whenever the tumor size makes it feasible.

Intraventricular tumors in tuberous sclerosis

Eleven of our own cases of tuberous sclerosis with intraventricular tumor and 34 cases from the literature are reviewed. Initial symptoms and identification of tuberous sclerosis and tumor are reviewed. Results of surgical treatment, including direct radical excision and shunting are given. On gross examination, the tumor was most often loosely connected to ependyma near the foramen of Monro, causing hydrocephalus. Giant cell subependymal astrocytoma was frequently found on microscopic examination. The glial origin of the tumor is discussed and direct surgical approach of the tumor is proposed as the best treatment of these lesions.