3-D simulation of posterior fossa reduction in Chiari I.

We proposed a 3D model to evaluate the role of platybasia and clivus length in the development of Chiari I (CI). Using a computer aided design software, two DICOM files of a normal CT scan and MR were used to simulate different clivus lengths (CL) and also different basal angles (BA). The final posterior fossa volume (PFV) was obtained for each variation and the percentage of the volumetric change was acquired with the same method. The initial normal values of CL and BA were 35.65 mm and 112.66º respectively, with a total PFV of 209 ml. Ranging the CL from 34.65 to 29.65 - 24.65 - 19.65, there was a PFV decrease of 0.47% - 1.12% - 1.69%, respectively. Ranging the BA from 122.66º to 127.66º - 142.66º, the PFV decreased 0.69% - 3.23%, respectively. Our model highlights the importance of the basal angle and clivus length to the development of CI.

3-D simulation of posterior fossa reduction in Chiari I / Simulação em 3D da redução da fossa posterior no Chiari do tipo I

ABSTRACT We proposed a 3D model to evaluate the role of platybasia and clivus length in the development of Chiari I (CI). Using a computer aided design software, two DICOM files of a normal CT scan and MR were used to simulate different clivus lengths (CL) and also different basal angles (BA). The final posterior fossa volume (PFV) was obtained for each variation and the percentage of the volumetric change was acquired with the same method. The initial normal values of CL and BA were 35.65 mm and 112.66º respectively, with a total PFV of 209 ml. Ranging the CL from 34.65 to 29.65 – 24.65 – 19.65, there was a PFV decrease of 0.47% – 1.12% – 1.69%, respectively. Ranging the BA from 122.66º to 127.66º – 142.66º, the PFV decreased 0.69% – 3.23%, respectively. Our model highlights the importance of the basal angle and clivus length to the development of CI.

RESUMO No presente estudo, propusemos a criação de um modelo computacional em 3D com elaboração de software onde dois arquivos em formato DICOM com uma TC e RNM de crânio foram usados para simular diferentes mensurações na extensão do clivus (EC) e no ângulo basal (AB). O volume final da fossa posterior (VFP) foi obtido em cada variação, bem como a percentagem de volume alterada. O tamanho inicial da EC era de 35,65 mm e o do AB era de 112.66º, com um VFP de 209 ml. Variando a EC de 34,65 para 29,65 – 24.65 e 19.65, houve uma diminuição do VFP de 0.47%, 1.12% e 1.69%, respectivamente. Variando o AB de 122,66º para 127,66º e 142,66º, o VFP diminui para 0.69% e 3.23%, respectivamente. Nosso modelo enfatiza a importância da patogênese do aumento do AB e do encurtamento do clivus no desenvolvimento do Chiari I.

Spondylectomy for Giant Cell Tumor After Denosumab Therapy.

STUDY DESIGN: A case report. OBJECTIVE: To report a case of the lumbar giant cell tumor (GCT) utilizing a new clinical treatment modality (denosumab therapy), which showed a massive tumor reduction combined with the L4 spondylectomy. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There are some controversies about spinal GCT treatments. Denosumab has provided good clinical results in terms of tumor shrinkage, and local control in a short-time follow-up clinical study phase 2, although for spinal lesions, it has not been described. Nonetheless, "en bloc" spondylectomy has been accepted as being the best treatments modalities in terms of oncological control. METHODS: A case study with follow-up examination and series radiological assessments 6 months after therapy started, followed by a complex spine surgery. RESULTS: The denosumab therapy showed on the lumbar computed tomography scans follow-up 6 months later, a marked tumor regression around 90% associated to vertebral body calcification, facilitating a successful L4 spondylectomy with an anterior and posterior reconstruction. The patient recovered without neurological deficits. CONCLUSION: A new therapeutic modality for spinal GCT is available and showing striking clinical results; however, it is necessary for well-designed studies to answer the real role of denosumab therapy avoiding or facilitating complex spine surgeries as spondylectomies for spinal GCT. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5.

Incidence of basilar invagination in patients with tonsillar herniation? A case control craniometrical study.

A retrospective case-control study based on craniometrical evaluation was performed to evaluate the incidence of basilar invagination (BI). Patients with symptomatic tonsillar herniation treated surgically had craniometrical parameters evaluated based on CT scan reconstructions before surgery. BI was diagnosed when the tip of the odontoid trespassed the Chamberlain's line in three different thresholds found in the literature: 2, 5 or 6.6 mm. In the surgical group (SU), the mean distance of the tip of the odontoid process above the Chamberlain's line was 12 mm versus 1.2 mm in the control (CO) group (p<0.0001). The number of patients with BI according to the threshold used (2, 5 or 6.6 mm) in the SU group was respectively 19 (95%), 16 (80%) and 15 (75%) and in the CO group it was 15 (37%), 4 (10%) and 2 (5%).

Incidence of basilar invagination in patients with tonsillar herniation ? a case control craniometrical study / Incidência da invaginação basilar com heriação tonsilar ? estudo da craniometria do tipo caso-controle

A retrospective case-control study based on craniometrical evaluation was performed to evaluate the incidence of basilar invagination (BI). Patients with symptomatic tonsillar herniation treated surgically had craniometrical parameters evaluated based on CT scan reconstructions before surgery. BI was diagnosed when the tip of the odontoid trespassed the Chamberlain’s line in three different thresholds found in the literature: 2, 5 or 6.6 mm. In the surgical group (SU), the mean distance of the tip of the odontoid process above the Chamberlain’s line was 12 mm versus 1.2 mm in the control (CO) group (p<0.0001). The number of patients with BI according to the threshold used (2, 5 or 6.6 mm) in the SU group was respectively 19 (95%), 16 (80%) and 15 (75%) and in the CO group it was 15 (37%), 4 (10%) and 2 (5%).

Realizamos estudo retrospectivo tipo caso-controle baseado na avaliação craniométrica para avaliar a incidência da Invaginação Basilar (IB). Pacientes com herniação tonsilar sintomática tratada cirurgicamente foram avaliados quanto a parâmetros craniométricos obtidos em reconstrução de TC antes da cirurgia. IB foi diagnosticada quando a ponta do odontóide passava acima da linha de Chamberlain em 2, 5 ou 6,6 mm. No grupo cirúrgico (CI), a distância média da ponta do odontóide acima da linha de Chamberlain foi de 12 mm versus 1,2 mm no grupo controle (CO) (p<0.0001). O número de pacientes com IB conforme o critério diagnóstico usado (2, 5 ou 6,6 mm) foi de 19 (95%), 16 (80%) e 15 (75%) no grupo CI, respectivamente, contra 15 (37%), 4 (10%) e 2 (5%) no grupo CO. Pacientes com herniação tonsilar tinham maior incidência de IB comparados ao grupo controle.

Hemorragia intracerebral supratentorial espontânea: aspectos determinantes para melhor prognóstico funcional / Spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage: determining aspects for better functional prognosis

Objetivo: Detectar quais aspectos das hemorragias intracerebrais supratentoriais espontâneas lobares e de núcleos da base se correlacionam com melhor prognóstico funcional, além de analisar se os pacientes admitidos com GCS = 9 (Escala de Coma de Glasgow – GCS) que atingiram melhor prognóstico funcional após 30 dias do íctus foram beneficiados pelo tratamento cirúrgico. Método: Sessenta e sete pacientes (18 a 80 anos) com hematomas intraparenquimatosos espontâneos lobares e de núcleos da base foram avaliados quanto a idade, nível de consciência à admissão hospitalar, profundidade da lesão, volume do hematoma, ausência de hemoventrículo, desvio de linha média (DLM), tempo entre íctus e cirurgia, além da opção de tratamento (cirúrgico ou conservador), sendo correlacionados com a evolução funcional em 30 dias após o íctus da hemorragia (Escala de Resultados de Glasgow – GOS), considerando-se melhor prognóstico funcional se GOS = 3. Resultados: Nas hemorragias lobares, pacientes admitidos com GCS = 9 e com volume do hematoma < 50 ml alcançaram bom prognóstico funcional (p < 0,001). Houve tendência a bom resultado se DLM = 5 mm (p = 0,051), quando tratamento é cirúrgico (p = 0,098) e se não há hemoventrículo (p = 0,073). Nas hemorragias de núcleos da base, apenas pacientes admitidos com GCS = 9 atingiram bom resultado funcional (p = 0,009). Pacientes admitidos com GCS = 9 e que atingiram GOS = 3 foram beneficiados quando volume do hematoma é menor que 50 ml (p = 0,048). Pacientes com hemorragias lobares admitidos com GCS = 9 em deterioração neurológica tendem a ser beneficiados pela cirurgia. Conclusão: Todos os pacientes admitidos com GCS = 9 têm melhor prognóstico funcional. Pacientes com hemorragias lobares e lesões menores que 50 ml também são significativamente favorecidos, além de existir tendência à melhor evolução quando operados, sem hemoventrículo e com DLM = 5 mm. Se admitidos não comatosos (GCS = 9), hematomas pequenos colaboram para melhor resultado funcional, e pacientes com hemorragias lobares em deterioração neurológica tendem a se beneficiar com a cirurgia.

Objective: Determine which aspects of the lobar and basal ganglia spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage correlates with better functional outcome, and to analyze whether patients admitted with GCS = 9 (Glasgow Coma Scale – GCS) who achieved better functional outcome after 30 days of ictus were benefited by surgical treatment. Method: Sixty-seven patients (18-80 years) with spontaneous lobar and basal ganglia intraparenchymal hematomas were evaluated based as age, level of consciousness at hospital admission, lesion depth, hematoma volume, absence of ventricular hemorrhage, midline shift (MLS), time between hemorrhage and surgery, treatment option (surgery or conservative), being correlated with the functional evolution in 30 days after the bleeding (Glasgow Outcome Scale – GOS), considering good functional prognosis if GOS = 3. Results: In lobar hemorrhages, patients admitted with GCS = 9 and hematoma volume < 50 ml achieved good functional outcome (p < 0.001). There was a trend of good result if MLS = 5 mm (p = 0.051), choice of surgical treatment (p = 0.098) and absence of ventricular hemorrhage (p = 0.073). In basal ganglia hemorrhages only patients admitted with GCS = 9 achieved a good functional outcome (p = 0.009). Patients admitted with GCS = 9 and reached GOS = 3 were benefited when hematoma volume < 50 ml (p = 0.048). Patients with lobar hemorrhage admitted with GCS = 9 and were in neurological deterioration appear to be benefited by surgery. Conclusion: All patients admitted with GCS = 9 has better functional prognosis. Patients with lobar hemorrhages and lesions smaller than 50 ml are also significantly favored, besides there is a trend to better evolution when patients are operated, when there is an absence of ventricular hemorrhage and MLS = 5 mm. If not admitted comatose (GCS = 9), small bleeding (< 50 ml) collaborate to better functional outcome. Surgery shows a trend to benefit patients with lobar hemorrhage in neurological deterioration.

Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenomas: preliminary evaluation of consecutive cases.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery has gained increasing acceptance by otolaryngologists and neurosurgeons. In many centers throughout the world, this technique is now routinely used for the same indications as conventional microsurgical technique for pituitary tumors. OBJECTIVE: To present a surgical experience of consecutive endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal resections of pituitary adenomas. METHODS: In this study, consecutive patients with pituitary adenomas submitted to endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery were evaluated regarding the rate of residual tumor, functional remission, symptoms relief, complications, and tumor size. RESULTS: Forty-seven consecutive patients were evaluated; 17 had functioning adenomas, seven had GH producing tumors, five had Cushing's disease, and five had prolactinomas. Of the functioning adenomas, 12 were macroadenomas and five were microadenomas; 30 cases were non-functioning macroadenomas. Of the patients with functioning adenomas, 87% improved. 85% of the patients with visual deficits related to optic nerve compression progressed over time. Most of the patients with complaints of headaches improved (76%). Surgical complications occurred in 10% of patients, which included with two carotid lesions, two cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and one death of a patient with a previous history of complications. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery is a feasible technique, yielding good surgical and functional outcomes, and low morbidity.

Ressecção endoscópica transesfenoidal de adenomas de hipófise: avaliação preliminar de pacientes consecutivos / Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenomas: preliminary evaluation of consecutive cases

Introdução: A cirurgia endoscópica endonasal ganhou aceitação crescente por otorrinolaringologistas e neurocirurgiões. Em muitos centros, esta técnica é agora rotineiramente utilizada para as mesmas indicações que a técnica microcirúrgica convencional. Objetivo: Descrever resultados cirúrgicos relativos à remissão hormonal, ressecção do tumor e complicações de série consecutiva de pacientes com adenoma da hipófise submetidos à ressecção endoscópica. Método: Estudo de série de pacientes consecutivos com adenomas da hipófise, submetidos à cirurgia endoscópica endonasal, avaliados quanto à taxa de tumor residual, remissão funcional, sintomas, complicações e o tamanho do tumor. Resultados: De 47 pacientes consecutivos, 17 eram portadores de adenomas funcionantes, sete produtores de GH, cinco com doença de Cushing e cinco prolactinomas. Dos adenomas funcionantes, 12 foram macroadenomas, cinco microadenomas, e 30 macroadenomas não funcionantes. Dos adenomas funcionantes, 87% melhoraram. Em relação ao déficit visual, 85% melhoraram ao longo do tempo. A maioria dos pacientes que apresentou queixas de cefaléia melhorou (76%). Complicações cirúrgicas ocorreram em 10% dos pacientes, com duas lesões da carótida, duas fístulas liquóricas e uma fatalidade em um paciente com um histórico complicado. Conclusão: A cirurgia hipofisária endoscópica endonasal é uma técnica viável, rendendo bons resultados cirúrgicos e funcionais e baixa morbidade. .

Introduction: Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery has gained increasing acceptance by otolaryngologists and neurosurgeons. In many centers throughout the world, this technique is now routinely used for the same indications as conventional microsurgical technique for pituitary tumors. Objective: To present a surgical experience of consecutive endoscopic endonasal trans-sphenoidal resections of pituitary adenomas. Methods: In this study, consecutive patients with pituitary adenomas submitted to endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery were evaluated regarding the rate of residual tumor, functional remission, symptoms relief, complications, and tumor size. Results: Forty-seven consecutive patients were evaluated; 17 had functioning adenomas, seven had GH producing tumors, five had Cushing's disease, and five had prolactinomas. Of the functioning adenomas, 12 were macroadenomas and five were microadenomas; 30 cases were non-functioning macroadenomas. Of the patients with functioning adenomas, 87% improved. 85% of the patients with visual deficits related to optic nerve compression progressed over time. Most of the patients with complaints of headaches improved (76%). Surgical complications occurred in 10% of patients, which included with two carotid lesions, two cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and one death of a patient with a previous history of complications. Conclusion: Endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery is a feasible technique, yielding good surgical and functional outcomes, and low morbidity. .

Facial reanimation by hypoglossal-facial neurorrhaphy

Objective: Facial palsy may still occur after removal of large vestibular schwannomas. The aim of this paper is to describe the outcome of patients submitted to facial reanimation and make a concise revision about modern techniques available to reanimate a paralyzed face. Methods: A retrospective study of was performed about the surgical results of 12 patients submitted to hypoglossal-facial neurorrhaphy. These patients were submitted to radical removal of large vestibular schwannomas (> 3 cm) before and anatomic preservation of the facial nerve was not possible. Results: In 10 cases (83%) patients had a good outcome with House-Brackmann facial grading III. In two other cases the facial grading was IV and VI. All patients were follow-up for at least one year after the reanimation procedure. Conclusion: Hypoglossal-facial neurorrhaphy is a very useful technique to restore facial symmetry and minimize the sequela of a paralyzed face. Long last palsy seemed to be the main reason of poor outcome in two cases...

Paralisia facial pode ocorrer após remoção de schwannomas vestibulares volumosos.Neste artigo é descrito o resultado obtido em pacientes submetidos à reanimação facial, bem comoé realizada uma revisão concisa das técnicas modernas disponíveis para reanimação de uma faceparalisada. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo do resultado cirúrgico de 12 pacientes submetidos àneurorra&a hipoglosso-facial. Todos esses pacientes foram operados anteriormente de schwannomasvestibulares volumosos (> 3 cm) e não foi possível a preservação anatômica ou funcional do nervofacial. Resultados: Em 10 casos (83%), observou-se boa recuperação da paralisia e gradação &nal IIIna escala de House-Brackmann. Em dois outros casos, um paciente evoluiu com grau IV e outro comgrau VI. Todos os pacientes foram seguidos por pelo menos um ano após o procedimento. Conclusão:A neurorra&a hipoglossal-facial é uma técnica útil para restaurar a simetria facial e minimizar as sequelasde uma face paralisada. Paralisia de longa duração foi a causa de insucesso em dois casos nesta série...

Evolutionary hypothesis for Chiari type I malformation.

Chiari I malformation (CM-I) is classically defined as a cerebellar tonsillar herniation (≥5 mm) through the foramen magnum. A decreased posterior fossa volume, mainly due to basioccipital hypoplasia and sometimes platybasia, leads to posterior fossa overcrowding and consequently cerebellar herniation. Regardless of radiological findings, embryological genetic hypothesis or any other postulations, the real cause behind this malformation is yet not well-elucidated and remains largely unknown. The aim of this paper is to approach CM-I under a broader and new perspective, conjoining anthropology, genetics and neurosurgery, with special focus on the substantial changes that have occurred in the posterior cranial base through human evolution. Important evolutionary allometric changes occurred during brain expansion and genetics studies of human evolution demonstrated an unexpected high rate of gene flow interchange and possibly interbreeding during this process. Based upon this review we hypothesize that CM-I may be the result of an evolutionary anthropological imprint, caused by evolving species populations that eventually met each other and mingled in the last 1.7 million years.

Multiple spinal extradural cysts causing progressive paraparesia: case report and review of literature / Cistos espinhais extradurais múltiplos causando paraparesia progressiva: relato de caso e revisão da literatura

Multiple meningeal extradural cysts are extremely rare. The clinical presentation varies from asymptomatic patients to important symptoms due to spinal cord compression. This article reports the case of a girl with multiple meningeal extradural cysts with progressive paraparesis and hypoesthesia on inferior limbs. The MRI showed multiple extradural cysts between C7 and L1. A partial resection was made at the cystis, reflecting a improve at the postoperative follow up of the patient. The management of asymptomatic cases is usually followed up clinical and radiologically. At the management of the symptomatic cases, the resection of the cysts is the most indicated treatment, even for patients with a long-standing history of compression. However the partial removal has as good results as the total one. The authors review the literature and show a subtotal resection of the cysts did not change the evolution of the presentation.

Cistos espinhais extradurais meníngeos múltiplos são extremamente raros. A apresentação clínica varia de pacientes assintomáticos a sintomas importantes devidos à compressão da medula espinhal. Este artigo relata o caso de uma garota com cistos extradurais meníngeos múltiplos com paraparesia progressiva e hipoestesia de membros inferiores. A ressonância magnética mostrou cistos extradurais múltiplos entres C7 e L1. Uma ressecção parcial foi realizada nos cistos, levando à melhora no seguimento pós-operatório da paciente. O tratamento de casos assintomáticos, geralmente, se resume a seguimento clínico e radiológico. Em casos sintomáticos, a ressecção dos cistos é o tratamento mais indicado, mesmo para pacientes com longa história de compressão. Entretanto, a remoção parcial costuma ter bons resultados, semelhante à ressecção total. Os autores revisam a literatura e detalham que uma ressecção parcial dos cistos não mudou o prognóstico da paciente.

A pituitary adenoma secreting follicle-stimulating hormone with ovarian hyperstimulation: treatment using a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the management of a patient with a pituitary adenoma secreting follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) associated with ovarian hyperstimulation who was treated with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: University teaching hospital. PATIENT(S): A woman of reproductive age with secondary amenorrhea and ovarian hyperstimulation due to a pituitary adenoma secreting FSH, which persisted after transsphenoidal surgery. INTERVENTION(S): Clinical treatment with a GnRH antagonist. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): A decrease in serum estradiol levels. RESULT(S): During the treatment period, ovarian hyperstimulation decreased as shown by a reduction in estradiol levels and an improvement in the patient's clinical condition and in the ultrasonography parameters. CONCLUSION(S): The GnRH antagonist was found to be effective for the short-term treatment of ovarian hyperstimulation secondary to a pituitary adenoma secreting FSH, thus representing a therapeutic option that should be taken into consideration in such cases.

Carpal tunnel syndrome: treatment with small transverse incision.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the application of a limited transverse incision technique to treat the carpal tunnel syndrome, with concern to its safety and efficacy in the opening of the flexor retinaculum (FR). METHOD: A prospective analysis of thirty FR release procedures performed on twenty-eight patients subjected to the proposed incision technique. Safety and total opening of the FR were evaluated through a questionnaire and an endoscopic inspection respectively. RESULTS: No major complications were observed. Two cases presented small local hematoma. One patient presented with transient neuropraxia of digital branch. In two of the first five cases, incomplete FR opening was identified during endoscopic revision with need of complementary opening. All patients reported relief of paresthesias and nocturnal pain symptoms. CONCLUSION: The technique was safely performed on the prospection group, no major complications were detected and the opening of FR was observed in the majority of the patients.

Carpal tunnel syndrome: treatment with small transverse incision / Utilização de técnica de incisão transversal mínima no tratamento da síndrome do túnel do carpo

Objective: To evaluate the application of a limited transverse incision technique to treat the carpal tunnel syndrome, with concern to its safety and efficacy in the opening of the flexor retinaculum (FR). Method: A prospective analysis of thirty FR release procedures performed on twenty-eight patients subjected to the proposed incision technique. Safety and total opening of the FR were evaluated through a questionnaire and an endoscopic inspection respectively. Results: No major complications were observed. Two cases presented small local hematoma. One patient presented with transient neuropraxia of digital branch. In two of the first five cases, incomplete FR opening was identified during endoscopic revision with need of complementary opening. All patients reported relief of paresthesias and nocturnal pain symptoms. Conclusion: The technique was safely performed on the prospection group, no major complications were detected and the opening of FR was observed in the majority of the patients.

Objetivo: Avaliação de técnica de incisão limitada no tratamento da síndrome do túnel do carpo, quanto à segurança clínica e efetividade na abertura do Retináculo Flexor (RF). Método: Estudo prospectivo de trinta procedimentos realizados em vinte e oito pacientes submetidos a técnica com incisão transversa mínima. A segurança da técnica e a abertura total do RF foram avaliadas através de questionário baseado em observações clinicas e inspeção endoscópica, respectivamente. Resultados: Não foram observadas complicações maiores. Um único paciente apresentou neuropraxia de nervo interdigital. Dois pacientes apresentaram hematoma local pequeno. Em dois dos cinco primeiros casos observou-se uma abertura incompleta do RF, sendo necessária abertura complementar. Todos os pacientes apresentaram melhora do quadro clínico de dor noturna e parestesias. Conclusão: A técnica foi executada com segurança no grupo analisado, sem a ocorrência de complicações graves, e com abertura do RF na quase totalidade dos casos.

Uso da câmara de ar em cirurgia ortopédica: aplicações, vantagens e desvantagens / Uso de la cámara de aire en cirugía ortopédica: aplicaciones, ventajas y desventajas / The use of inner tube in orthopaedic surgery: applications, advantages and disadvantages

OBJETIVO: o trabalho visou à difundir o uso da câmara de ar, de forma sistemática, em cirurgias ortopédicas, como suporte e protetor das saliências ósseas, em especial nas cirurgias de longa duração. MÉTODOS: trata-se de um estudo prospectivo não randomizado, realizado entre 2002 e 2007, totalizando de 264 procedimentos ortopédicos. RESULTADOS: verificou-se que, independente do tempo de cirurgia, não houve áreas de pressão nas proeminências ósseas ou lesões de nervos periféricos no pós-operatório. CONCLUSÃO: os resultados do presente estudo permitiram recomendar a câmara de ar como uma excelente opção de suporte em cirurgias ortopédicas, pois se trata de um dispositivo de baixo custo, fácil obtenção e alta reprodutibilidade.

OBJECTIVE: this paper aimed at promoting the use of the inner tube as a systematic device in orthopedic surgery, such as body holder and protector of bony projections, especially in long-term spine surgeries. METHODS: this was a prospective non-randomized study, carried out from 2002 to 2007, with 264 orthopedic procedures. RESULTS: we found that, regardless the time of surgery, there were no areas of pressure around bony prominences or injury of peripheral nerves in the postoperative follow-up. CONCLUSION: those results could recommend the inner tube as an excellent option like a frame in orthopedic surgery. It is an inexpensive device, easy to obtain, and without known complications.

OBJETIVO: el trabajo tiene como objetivo difundir el uso de la cámara de aire de modo usual en cirugías ortopédicas, como el apoyo y la protección ósea de las proyecciones, en especial en la cirugía de larga duración. MÉTODOS: este es un estudio prospectivo, no aleatorizado, realizado durante 2002 a 2007 con un total de 264 procedimientos ortopédicos. RESULTADOS: fue encontrado que, independiente del momento de la cirugía, no hay zonas de presión sobre prominencias óseas o lesiones nerviosas periféricas en el postoperatorio. CONCLUSIÓN: los presentes resultados permiten recomendar el interior del tubo como una excelente opción para el apoyo en cirugía ortopédica, ya que es un dispositivo de bajo costo, fácil de obtener y de alta reproducibilidad.

Long-term facial nerve clinical evaluation following vestibular schwannoma surgery.

BACKGROUND: Facial function is important in accompaniment of patients operated on vestibular schwannoma (VS). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate long term facial nerve function in patients undergoing VS resection and to correlate tumor size and facial function in a long-term follow-up. METHOD: Transversal study of 20 patients with VS operated by the retrosigmoid approach. House-Brackmann Scale was used preoperatively, immediately after surgery and in a long-term follow-up. Student t test was applied for statistic analysis. RESULTS: In the immediate postoperative evaluation, 65% of patients presented FP of different grades. Improvement of facial nerve function (at least of one grade) occurred in 53% in the long-term follow-up. There was statistically significant difference in facial nerve outcome in long-term follow-up when tumor size was considered (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The majority of patients had improvement of FP in a long-term follow-up and tumor size was detected to be a factor associated with the postoperative prognostic.

Long-term facial nerve clinical evaluation following vestibular schwannoma surgery / Avaliação clínica tardia do nervo facial no pós-operatório de schwannoma vestibular

BACKGROUND: Facial function is important in accompaniment of patients operated on vestibular schwannoma (VS). OBJETIVE: To evaluate long term facial nerve function in patients undergoing VS resection and to correlate tumor size and facial function in a long-term follow-up. METHOD: Transversal study of 20 patients with VS operated by the retrosigmoid approach. House-Brackmann Scale was used preoperatively, immediately after surgery and in a long-term follow-up. Student t test was applied for statistic analysis. RESULTS: In the immediate postoperative evaluation, 65 percent of patients presented FP of different grades. Improvement of facial nerve function (at least of one grade) occurred in 53 percent in the long-term follow-up. There was statistically significant difference in facial nerve outcome in long-term follow-up when tumor size was considered (p<0.05). Conclusion: The majority of patients had improvement of FP in a long-term follow-up and tumor size was detected to be a factor associated with the postoperative prognostic.

CONTEXTO: A função facial é importante para acompanhamento dos pacientes operados de schwannoma vestibular (SV). OBJETIVO: Avaliar o grau de paralisia facial (PF) em pacientes operados de SV, correlacionando tamanho do tumor com função facial na avaliação tardia. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal com análise seriada de 20 pacientes com SV operados pela via retrosigmóide-transmeatal. A Escala de House-Brackmann foi utilizada no pré-operatório, pós-operatório imediato e pós-operatório tardio. O teste t de Student foi aplicado para análise estatística. RESULTADOS: No pós-operatório imediato, 65 por cento dos pacientes apresentaram graus variados de PF, sendo que 53 por cento destes obtiveram melhora de pelo menos um grau de House-Brackmann na avaliação tardia. Houve diferença significativa no resultado da função facial no pós-operatório tardio quando o tamanho do tumor foi considerado (p<0.05).Conclusão: A maioria dos pacientes da amostra apresentou melhora da PF no pós-operatório tardio, sendo o tamanho do tumor um fator associado ao prognóstico.

Tumores da base do crânio em pacientes idosos / Skull base tumors in old-aged population

Objetivo: Avaliar o resultado do tratamento cirúrgico de tumores da base do crânio em pacientes idosos através da aplicação da escolha de resultados de Glasgow. Pacientes e Métodos: 40 pacientes com diagnóstico de tumor de base do crânio com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos foram selecionados e acompanhados durantes e após o procedimento operatório. A maioria das lesões foi benigna (75%) e os tumores mais freqüentes foram o schwannoma e meningeoma. Resultados: Complicações cirúrgicas e clínicas ocorrem em cerca de um terço dos casos, geralmente de caráter transitório. 87% dos indivíduos encontravam-se independentes funcionalmente por ocasião do diagnóstico. Após o procedimento, 80% mantiveram-se independentes. Houve um óbito (2,5%) relacionado ao procedimento operatório. Conclusão: A abordagem cirúrgica é a melhor opção terapêutica para a maioria dos pacientes. Ela pode permitir a remoção completa ou subtotal da lesão, descompressão de estruturas neurais e o diagnóstico anatomopatológico, com baixo risco de mortalidade e elevado índice de independência funcional.

Objective: Assessment of surgical removal of skull base tumors in old patients by the Glasgow outcome scale. Patients and Methods: Fourty diagnosed skull base tumors in patients older than 60 years were enrolled and followed up during and after the surgical procedure. The great majority of the lesions were benign (75%) and the most common ones were schwannoma and meningioma. Results: Surgical and clinical complications occurred in about one third of the cases (transitory in most of them). 87% of the patients were functionally independent by the time of the diagnosis. After the surgical procedure 80% kept their independence. There was one death (2.5%) related to the craniotomy. Conclusion: Surgical approach is the best treatment to the majority of patients, affording total or subtotal tumor removal, neural decompression and histological diagnosis. A high rate of independent patients and low mortality risk was achieved in this series.

A influência da traqueostomia precoce no desmame ventilatório de pacientes com traumatismo craniencefálico grave / The influence of early tracheostomy in the weaning of patients with severe traumatic brain injury

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Atualmente, ainda é questionável se a traqueostomia precoce (TP) pode influenciar no desmame ventilatório ou no tempo de internação hospitalar de pacientes com traumatismo cranioencefálico (TCE). O objetivo primário deste estudo foi verificar se a TP influencia o tempo de ventilação mecânica (VM) em pacientes com TCE grave. MÉTODO: Estudo prospectivo, observacional, incluindo 33 pacientes com pontuação admissional na escala de coma de Glasgow (ECG) < 10, analisados segundo o momento de realização traqueostomia, após a intubação traqueal (precoce: t < 6 dias; intermediária: t = 7 a 11 dias; tardia: t > 12 dias) e o desmame ventilatório. RESULTADOS: O tempo total de VM foi menor no grupo TP (n = 10; p < 0,0001). No grupo TP, a menor pontuação na ECG (média de 5,3 ± 2,5) esteve negativamente correlacionada com o tempo de internação hospitalar (p = 0,02). CONCLUSÕES: A traqueostomia precoce pode reduzir os tempos de ventilação mecânica, mas não influencia o tempo de internação hospitalar em pacientes com traumatismo cranioencefálico grave.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Actually, ItÆs doubtful if early tracheostomy (ET) can influence mechanical ventilation (MV) weaning time or the hospital length of stay in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The main objective of this trial was to verify the influence of ET on weaning time of patients with severe TBI. METHODS: Prospective, observational study, including 33 patients with severe TBI (GCS < 10 at hospital admission), evaluated according to tracheostomy performance time (early: t < 6 days; intermediate: t = 7 to 11 days; and late: t > 12 days) and the weaning from MV. RESULTS: Total ventilation mechanical time has been reduced in the early tracheostomy group (n = 10; p < 0.0001). A lower GCS punctuation (mean 5.3 ± 2.5) in ET group has been negatively correlated with hospital length of stay (LOS) (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Early tracheostomy can decrease mechanical ventilation time, but does not influence hospital LOS in patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

[The influence of early tracheostomy in the weaning of patients with severe traumatic brain injury]. / A influência da traqueostomia precoce no desmame ventilatório de pacientes com traumatismo craniencefálico grave.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Actually, It’s doubtful if early tracheostomy (ET) can influence mechanical ventilation (MV) weaning time or the hospital length of stay in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The main objective of this trial was to verify the influence of ET on weaning time of patients with severe TBI. METHODS: Prospective, observational study, including 33 patients with severe TBI (GCS < 10 at hospital admission), evaluated according to tracheostomy performance time (early: t < 6 days; intermediate: t = 7 to 11 days; and late: t > 12 days) and the weaning from MV. RESULTS: Total ventilation mechanical time has been reduced in the early tracheostomy group (n = 10; p < 0.0001). A lower GCS punctuation (mean 5.3 ± 2.5) in ET group has been negatively correlated with hospital length of stay (LOS) (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Early tracheostomy can decrease mechanical ventilation time, but does not influence hospital LOS in patients with severe traumatic brain injury.