Spine and spinal cord injuries in Syria war: treatment and outcome.

STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective, comparative 6-year study. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to retrospectively analyze patients who were treated at Kilis State Hospital for spine and spinal cord injuries during the Syrian civil war and to compare the treatment results with the literature. SETTING: Kilis State Hospital, Kilis, Turkey. METHODS: In our study, 84 patients who were treated for spine and spinal cord injuries between December 2011 and May 2017 were examined. Patient age, sex, injury type, injury region, neurological status, time from injury to treatment, treatment methods, surgical methods applied, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the patients, 72 were male, and 12 were female. The mean age of the patients was 23.2 ± 7.3 years. Fifty-two patients were treated surgically. Surgical treatment was applied to 44 patients with neurological deficits. At least 1-grade neurological improvement was observed in 77.3% (n = 34) of patients with neurological deficits who underwent surgical treatment. Surgical treatment was performed on 18 (34.6%) patients in the first 24 h, 27 (51.9%) patients within 24-72 h, and 7 patients (13.5%) between 72 h and 5 days. Neurological improvement was observed in all patients with neurological deficits who underwent surgical treatment in the first 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: Early surgery (in the first 24 h) had a positive effect on the neurological recovery of the patients in our study. Thus, patients with spine and spinal cord injuries rendered a surgical-treatment decision should be operated on in a timely manner, particularly within the first 24 h.

Comparison of cerebral AVMs in patients undergoing surgical resection with and without prior endovascular embolization.

AIM: Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are congenital anomalies that present as intracranial hemorrhage or epilepsy. AVMs often remain clinically silent for extended periods. Although AVM treatment methods are controversial, three treatment strategies are usually combined or applied alone: surgical removal, embolization and stereotactic radiosurgery. We compared clinical and radiological outcomes in intracranial AVM patients treated via surgical resection with and without prior embolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who did (30 patients) and did not (30 patients) undergo endovascular embolization before surgical resection at the Izmir Katip Çelebi University Atatürk Training and Research Hospital Neurosurgery Clinic from 2011 to 2019 were included in this retrospective, cohort study. Symptoms at diagnosis, comorbidities and clinical (AVM and Spetzler-Martin grade) and morphological characteristics were assessed. RESULTS: A mean one-year follow-up assessed outcomes using the modified Rankin score, and imaging studies assessed AVM obliteration post-procedure. Mean operation times for surgical resection with and without embolization were 166.50 ± 32.02 and 204.47 ± 26.66 min, respectively. Mean patient hospitalization periods for surgical resection with and without embolization were 8.43 ± 3.60 and 12.00 ± 5.51 days, respectively. CONCLUSION: Among patients who underwent surgical resection, significant operation time and hospitalization time differences were observed in favor of patients who underwent embolization, indicating that preoperative embolization is a safe and beneficial method for treating ruptured and non-ruptured AVMs.

Intraparenchymal supratentorial papillary meningioma: a case report.

Although intraparenchymal meningiomas have rarely been reported in the literature, the papillary type has been reported only as infratentorial. Here we report the case of a 21-year-old female patient with intraparenchymal lesion. To our knowledge, this case describes the first report of a patient with a supratentorial intraparenchymal papillary meningioma.

3.0 Tesla MRI scanner evaluation of supratentorial major white matter tracts and central core anatomical structures of postmortem human brain hemispheres fixed by Klingler method.

Background: As an advanced imaging technique for the human brain, the importance of magnetic resonance imaging technique (MRI) is indisputable. The study aims to contribute to the literature by imaging post-mortem human brain hemispheres fixed with the Klinger method through the a 3.0 Tesla MRI Scanner and by defining the supratentorial major white matter tracts and central core anatomical structures.Methods: In our study, 10 post-mortem human brain hemisphere specimens were placed in 10% formalin solution for at least two months according to the Klingler method. The images were obtained using a 3.0 Tesla MRI Scanner. Anatomical structures were described on the T1-T2 axial, coronal, and sagittal MRI sections and compared with control images obtained from healthy humans.Results: Our examination revealed major association fibers, the basal cores and nuclei were denser, and the connections between them were clearly visible. The basal nuclei particularly were visualized more clearly compared with the normal MRI examinations. The claustrum, putamen, lateral and medial part of globus pallidus, and the caudolenticular bridges of the caudate nucleus could be clearly distinguished. The optic radiation line toward the occipital area as well as the forceps major and minor were distinct in the axial sections. Meanwhile, the imaging emphasized the importance of temporal stem, and the fibers it contained were clearly observed in the coronal sections.Conclusion: The use of hemispheres fixed using the Klinger method in post-mortem MRI examinations on brain hemispheres showed a clear separation of white matter fibers and nuclear structures.

Is topical fluorescein that effective in endoscopic CSF leak closure?

PURPOSE: Several diagnostic modalities are used to detect CSF leaks. Intraoperative use of intrathecal fluorescein can help to detect and localize a CSF leak simultaneously. However, it is not FDA approved, the application is invasive and has serious complications. Topical fluorescein is reported to be a safe and sensitive alternative to ITF. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of topical fluorescein in CSF leak closure. METHODS: This retrospective study includes 27 consecutive patients (19 women, 8 men) who underwent endoscopic endonasal CSF leak closure using topical fluorescein, between 2011 and 2017. RESULTS: In two patients, radiologic studies false positively locate the defect. ß2 transferrin and topical fluorescein tests were positive in these patients. Both cases needed a second operation. CONCLUSION: If radiologic studies fail to locate the defect properly, topical fluorescein only confirms the CSF leak, but the defect cannot be located anatomically intraoperatively.

Cavernous Angioma Mimicking Meningioma.

The authors present a rare case of cavernous angioma mimicking a meningioma in a 58-year-old man who presented with a headache and dizziness. There were no neurological deficits or other neurological symptoms or signs. An extra-axial mass lesion thought to be associated with diffusely well-enhanced falx in the postcontrast sections was noted in the posterior interhemispheric fissure near the posterior part of the corpus callosum splenium. Extra-axial cavernous angiomas (cavernomas) are extremely rare lesions. They most commonly occur in the parenchyma but have been occasionally reported to arise from the dura matter. Dural cavernous angiomas arise from dural sinuses, falx cerebri, tentorium cerebelli, cranial base dura, or internal auditory canal dura and convexity. Parenchymal cavernous angiomas classically have a ring of hemosiderin surrounding the lesions observed on magnetic resonance imaging, but dural cavernous angiomas do not display the same magnetic resonance imaging characteristics and occasionally exhibit a dural tail sign due to which they can often be misdiagnosed as meningiomas.

Craniometric Analysis of Skullbase With Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients With Chiari Malformation.

Basilar invagination, Platibasi, increased tentorium angle, and posterior fossa hypoplasia are the anomalies associated with Chiari malformation. When Chiari is symptomatic; tonsillary ectopenia appears to be a definitive criterion for diagnosis and treatment, the detection of additional anomaly may alter the surgical outcome. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between tonsillar ectopia and other anomalies.The authors retrospectively reviewed 31 cases which had Chiari Malformation at our Hospital. There were 8 men (25.8%) and 23 female (74.2%). Average age of the samples is 37.93 ±â€Š12.93 years. Seventeen patients (54.8%) had tonsillar ectopia 0 to 5 mm, 14 patients had tonsillar ectopia over 5 mm. Seven patients had syrinx (22.6%), 2 patients had mild hydrocephalus (6.5%). Six patients had surgery for the treatment. The mean length of the clivus was 39.3 mm, supraoksiput length was 40.4 mm, cerebellar hemisphere length was 61.08 mm, Mc Rae line was 33.14 mm, Twinning Line was 79.4mm, and Tentorium-Twinning line angle was 40.35°. There was no significant difference between Tonsillar ectopia, syrinks, and hydrocephalus. Basilar invagination had relationship between platibasi (6 patients had platibasi according to 2 mm criteria, 2 patients had platibasi according to 5 mm criteria (P < 0.05). Patients with syrinx had relationship between Chamberlain line (P < 0.05).In the authors' study, although there was no statistically significant difference between the tonsillary ectopia and the criteria of these anomalies, the relationship between basilar invagination and platibasi was significant.

Evaluation of the Olfactory Function With the "Sniffin' Sticks" Test After Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the olfactory function of patients who had undergone endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. In this prospective study, the "Sniffin' Sticks" test was performed between June 2016 and April 2017 at Izmir Katip Celebi University Ataturk Training and Research Hospital. Thirty patients who were scheduled to undergo endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery were evaluated preoperatively and 8 weeks postoperatively using the Sniffin' Sticks test battery for olfactory function, odor threshold, smell discrimination, and odor identification. The patients were evaluated preoperatively by an otolaryngologist. The patients' demographic data and olfactory functions were analyzed with a t test and Wilcoxon-labeled sequential test. The study group comprised 14 women (46.7%) and 16 men (53.3%) patients. The mean age of the patients was 37.50 ±â€Š9.43 years (range: 16-53 years). We found a significant difference in the preoperative and postoperative values of the odor recognition test (P = 0.017); however, there was no significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative odor threshold values (P = 0.172) and odor discrimination values (P = 0.624). The threshold discrimination identification test scores were not significant (P = 0.110). The olfactory function of patients who were normosmic preoperatively was not affected postoperatively. This study shows that the endoscopic transsphenoidal technique for pituitary surgery without nasal flap has no negative effect on the olfactory function.

Outcomes and Complications of Endoscopic Versus Microscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery in Pituitary Adenoma.

This retrospective study aimed to define outcomes and complications of endoscopic versus microscopic transsphenoidal surgery in pituitary adenoma. Data of 94 patients who underwent transsphenoidal endoscopic (n = 45) or microscopic surgery (n = 49) between June 2000 and June 2014 for pituitary adenoma, performed at Katip Çelebi University Hospital, were retrospectively analyzed. The patients' symptomatology, type of adenoma, radiologic findings, surgical outcomes, and preoperative and postoperative complications were investigated. The total subtotal resection rate was 73.4% (69 patients) and partial resection rate was 26.6% (25 patients). Total subtotal resection rate was 77.6% (38 patients) in the microscopic group and 68.9% (31 patients) in the endoscopic group. Total resection was seen more often in the endoscopic group than in the microscopic group, with no significant difference between the groups. Four patients (8.2%) in the microscopic group had postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak compared with 3 patients (6.7%) in the endoscopic group. Two patients (2.1%) had hematoma, with 1 patient each in the endoscopic and microscopic group. Panhypopituitarism development rate was higher in the endoscopic group (no significant difference between the 2 groups). One patient (2%) developed blindness in the microscopic group and 1 (2.2%) had meningitis in the endoscopic group. Based on this study, the total resection rate was higher in the microscopic group than in the endoscopic group. However, outcomes and complication rate did not differ significantly between the 2 surgical techniques. Both techniques have advantages and disadvantages. Prospective randomized controlled trials should be conducted to compare the 2 surgical methods.

Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to report the efficacy, safety, and outcomes of endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal techniques for pituitary adenomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective data analysis of 32 patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma between February 2011 and December 2013 was performed. The patients' demographic data, clinical presentations, radiologic findings, recurrence rates, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 14 men and 18 women with age ranging from 23 to 74 years (mean age, 48.6 y). Functioning and nonfunctioning tumors were present in 22 (68.8%) and 10 patients (31.2%), respectively. Among the functioning adenomas, 8 patients (25%) had growth hormone-secreting adenomas, 6 patients (18.8%) had prolactinomas, 5 patients (15.6%) had adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting adenomas, 2 patients (6.2%) had follicle-stimulating hormone/luteinizing hormone-secreting adenomas, and 1 patient (3.1%) had thyroid-stimulating hormone-secreting adenomas. Of the 32 patients, 20 (62.5%) had pituitary macroadenomas and 12 patients (37.5%) had microadenomas. Total-subtotal tumor resection was achieved in 75% and 45% of the microadenomas and macroadenomas, respectively. Radiologically, 60% of the macroadenomas had suprasellar and carvenous sinus extension. Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks occurred in 3 patients. Two patients developed temporary diabetes insipidus. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery is an effective and safe treatment for most patients with pituitary adenoma and could be considered the first-choice therapy in these patients.

A rare complication of septoplasty: tension pneumocephalus without rhinorrhea.

This paper describes a tension pneumocephalus without cerebrospinal fluid leak, a rare complication of septoplasty. We present a case of tension pneumocephalus without cerebrospinal fluid leak 1 month after a septoplasty operation. Although endoscopic sinus surgery can be utilized for repair of the defect, intracranially displaced ethmoid bone fragment makes an open approach more feasible. His postoperative course was uneventful and postoperative CT scan revealed no signs of pneumocephalus. Absence of cerebrospinal fluid leak made this case unique in presentation and caused a delay in diagnosis. Severe headache after septoplasty should alert the surgeon to investigate possible intracranial complications.

Preoperatively, Which Parameter Allows Us to Predict the C5 Palsy After Cervical Open-Door Laminoplasty?

AIM: To uncover factors that can predict the development of C5 palsy before surgery by evaluating several different parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 177 patients who underwent surgery between 2015 and 2020 were included in the study. In total, C5 palsy was observed in 22 (12.4%) of our patients. The radiological and clinical data of the patients were retrospectively analyzed and added to the data. RESULTS: A total of 177 patients who satisfied the criteria were included in the study, among whom 117 (66.1%) and 60 (33.9%) were male and female, respectively. Patients with ossified posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) (92; 52.0%) needed surgery the most. C5 palsy developed in 16/92 (17.3%) patients who had surgery for OPLL. This result was statistically significant (p < 0.001). However, a significant difference in the postoperative Pavlov ratio was noted between both groups (p=0.027). The foraminal dimensions for the C5 palsy group were significantly lower than those for the non-C5 palsy group. CONCLUSION: Smaller C5 root foramina diameter measurements were the most important predictive factor for the development of C5 palsy after open-door cervical laminoplasty. Although the pathophysiology remains to be fully understood, ischemia-reperfusion injury supposedly plays a role therein.

A Rare Case of Xanthomatous Meningioma.

Xanthomatous meningioma is an extremely rare subtype of metaplastic meningiomas with few cases reported in the literature. Histopathologically, it is composed of oval-shaped cells that have central nuclei and cytoplasm with lipid-filled vacuoles, resembling macrophages. Here, the authors present a case of xanthomatous meningioma and discuss the hypotheses related to its origin and the differential diagnosis. A 40-year-old woman presented with an increased headache complaint over the past month. A computed tomography scan revealed a heterogeneous mass on the right parietal lobe, following which a right craniotomy was done. Microscopic examination showed neoplastic meningothelial cells with whorl formation and areas of xanthomatous changes. Both meningothelial and xanthomatous cells were positive with vimentin, progesterone, and epithelial membrane antigen. CD68 and lysozyme were expressed only in the xanthomatous component, and there was no expression with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain and PAS-diastase. As the diagnostic criteria of atypical meningioma were not observed, a diagnosis of xanthomatous meningioma, WHO grade I, was made. Owing to the characteristic xanthomatous changes, its differential diagnosis includes grade II clear cell meningioma, Rosai-Dorfman disease, and hemangioblastoma. To avoid misidentifying these cells as macrophages, a high degree of awareness of this unique subtype of meningioma is required.

Is Balloon Kyphoplasty Effective for Bone Remodeling of AO-Type A3-4 Fractures at the Thoracolumbar Junction?

AIM: Vertebral compression fractures (VCF) occur most commonly at the thoracolumbar junction (TLJ). Balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) is an effective method of bone remodeling in these cases. In this study, we evaluate the parameters that affect bone retropulsion and restoration in TLJ VCF without neurological deficits. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-one of Frankel E and AO A3-4 type VCFs fractures at the TLJ, with bone retropulsion into the spinal canal, from 2017 to 2020, were evaluated retrospectively. Data was gathered on patient demographics and medical histories. Measurements of anterior vertebral heights, posterior vertebral heights, local kyphotic angles, spinal cord area, and bone retropulsion into the spinal canal (BRC) were evaluated preoperatively, early postoperatively, and late postoperatively. RESULTS: In those patients who underwent early surgery ( 4 weeks postfracture), a significantly greater increase in anterior vertebral heights was seen between early postoperative and preoperative measurements than in patients who underwent late surgery ( 4 weeks postfracture) (p = 0.016). At the six-month follow-up, a significantly greater decrease in local kyphotic angle measurements was seen in patients over 65 years of age than those under 65 (p = 0.023). Comparison of local kyphotic angles between sexes revealed a significant decrease in measurements at follow-up in female patients (p = 0.029). Both early postoperative and late postoperative local kyphotic angle measurements of patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 were significantly lower than those of patients with a BMI 25 (p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: The restoration of vertebral angles and heights with the maximum level of BKP can effectively reduce BRC.

Edema-mass Ratio Based On Magnetic Resonance Imaging As A Preoperative Diagnostic Factor For Posterior Fossa Metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Peritumoral edema of primary brain tumors is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. The number of studies currently available on the prognostic role of peritumoral brain edema in the posterior fossa is extremely limited. OBJECTIVE: Based on the known importance of magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing supratentorial metastases, this study aimed to investigate the effects of peritumoral edema on survival of patients with posterior fossa metastases and the preoperative diagnostic value of MRI. METHODS: Edema and mass volumes of 49 patients with posterior fossa metastasis, who underwent surgery during 2012-2016, were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. The edema/mass indices were retrospectively calculated and interpreted by evaluating the demographic, clinical, and survival data. RESULTS: The study consisted of 32 (65.3%) male and 17 (34.7%) female participants, with the mean age ± standard deviation of 47.25±29.25 (17-81) years. Among the 49 patients with posterior fossa metastases, 34 (69.4%) had carcinoma, while 15 (30.6%) had non-carcinoma metastases. The edema/mass indices of patients with carcinoma and non-carcinoma metastases were found to be 14.55±9.64 and 1.34±1.08, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). The mean survival of patients with carcinoma and non-carcinoma metastases was found to be 642±11.52 days and 726±9.32 days, respectively; however, this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.787). CONCLUSION: The edema/mass ratio was found to be a significant diagnostic factor for the prediction of posterior fossa metastases. Further detailed studies are warranted to investigate the effect of edema/mass ratio on survival rate.

Are 3D Printing Templates an Advantage in Upper Thoracic Pedicle Screw Fixation?

Background This study aims to compare the clinical results of patients with upper thoracic vertebral fractures treated with pedicle screw and posterior spinal fusion with preoperative surgical planning and 3-dimensional (3D) modeling and patients treated with freehand screws. Methods Fifty patients who underwent pedicle screw placement with a diagnosis of upper thoracic fracture between June 2018 and October 2020 were included in our study. Pedicle screws were used in 25 patients (group 1) after the planning was completed with the help of 3D preoperative printing and modeling. Pedicle screws were applied in 25 patients in the control group (group 2) using the freehand technique. Intraoperative bleeding amount, operation time, and correct screw placement data in both groups were recorded. Results The operation time was 134 ± 22 minutes for group 1 and 152 ± 38 minutes for group 2. The difference in operation times was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Based on axial and sagittal reconstruction images, the accuracy rate of pedicle screw placement (grades 0 and 1) in group I was 96.6% compared to 83.6% in group II. The minor perforation rate (grade 1, <2 mm) was 5.8% in group I compared to 11.8% in group II. The moderate perforation rate (grade 2, 2-4 mm) was 3.4% in group I compared to 14% in group II. The severe perforation rate (grade 3, >4 mm) was 2.3% in group II; however, misplaced screws were not associated with neurological deficits. The difference in overall accuracy rates between the two groups was significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions For 3D models of upper thoracic pedicle screw insertion, guide plates can be produced inexpensively and individually. It provides a new method for the accurate placement of upper thoracic pedicle screws with high accuracy and secure use in screw insertion.

Three-Dimensional Printing Assisted Preoperative Surgical Planning for Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study to investigate the benefits of patient-based 3-dimensional (3D) cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) models for preoperative surgical planning and education. METHODS: Fifteen patients were operated on for AVMs between 2015 and 2019 with patient-based 3D models. Ten patients' preoperative cranial angiogram screenings were evaluated preoperatively or perioperatively via patient-based 3D models. Two patients needed emergent surgical intervention; their models were solely designed based on their AVMs and used during the operation. However, the other patients who underwent elective surgery had the modeling starting from the skull base. These models were used both preoperatively and perioperatively. The benefits of patients arising from treatment with these models were evaluated via patient files and radiological data. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (10 males and five females) between 16 and 66 years underwent surgery. The mean age of the patients was 40.0±14.72. The most frequent symptom patients observed were headaches. Four patients had intracranial bleeding; the symptom of admission was a loss of consciousness. Two patients (13.3%) belonged to Spetzler-Martin (SM) grade I, four (26.7%) belonged to SM grade II, eight (53.3%) belonged to SM grade III, and one (6.7%) belonged to SM grade IV. The mean operation duration was 3.44±0.47 hours. Three patients (20%) developed transient neurologic deficits postoperatively, whereas three other patients died (20%). CONCLUSION: Several technological innovations have emerged in recent years to reduce undesired outcomes and support the surgical team. For example, 3D models have been employed in various surgical procedures in the last decade. The routine usage of patient-based 3D models will not only support better surgical planning and practice, but it will also be useful in educating assistants and explaining the situation to the patient as well.

The importance of preoperative planning to perform safely temporal lobe surgery.

Neurosurgeons should know the anatomy required for safe temporal lobe surgery approaches. The present study aimed to determine the angles and distances necessary to reach the temporal stem and temporal horn in surgical approaches for safe temporal lobe surgery by using a 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging technique in post-mortem human brain hemispheres fixed by the Klingler method. In our study, 10 post-mortem human brain hemisphere specimens were fixed according to the Klingler method. Magnetic resonance images were obtained using a 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging scanner after fixation. Surgical measurements were conducted for the temporal stem and temporal horn by magnetic resonance imaging, and dissection was then performed under a surgical microscope for the temporal stem. Each stage of dissection was achieved in high-quality three-dimensional images. The angles and distances to reach the temporal stem and temporal horn were measured in transcortical T1, trans-sulcal T1-2, transcortical T2, trans-sulcal T2-3, transcortical T3, and subtemporal trans-collateral sulcus approaches. The safe maximum posterior entry point for anterior temporal lobectomy was measured as 47.16 ± 5.00 mm. Major white-matter fibers in this region and their relations with each other are shown. The distances to the temporal stem and temporal horn, which are important in temporal lobe surgical interventions, were measured radiologically, and safe borders were determined. Surgical strategy and preoperative planning should consider the relationship of the lesion and white-matter pathways.

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor in an infant conceived by in vitro fertilization.

BACKGROUND: Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (ATsRT) is a rare tumor and extremely aggressive embryonal neoplasm of the central nervous system. Brain tumors in infant are suggestive of some oncogenic prenatal factors. CASE PRESENTATION: We report on a case of ATRT in a 4-month-old infant conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF). Some previous reports have raised a question about the possible relation between IVF and childhood cancer, particularly embryonal tumors. CONCLUSION: Report of such cases may provide some evidence to identify if there is a real association between congenital tumors and IVF.

Evaluation of the neuroprotective effects of ozone in an experimental spine injury model.

OBJECTIVE: The pathophysiology of spine injury consists of primary and secondary damage mechanisms. The vast majority of treatments aim to prevent or at least stop the progression of secondary neurotoxic events during the acute period. Ozone has been found to have potent antiinflammatory effects, to activate the immune system, and to have a substantial impact on the antioxidant system. In this study the authors aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of ozone and their possible roles in recovery from spine injury, assessed based on biochemical, histological, and neurological parameters using an experimental spine injury model in rats. METHODS: The study included 31 female Wistar albino rats. The rats were divided randomly into 5 groups, with 7 rats in each group except the sham group, which contained 3 rats, as follows: group 1 (sham), laminectomy; group 2 (control), laminectomy and spinal trauma with no medical treatment (0.5 ml isotonic saline applied 1 hour postsurgery); group 3, single medical treatment with 30 mg/kg methylprednisolone applied intraperitoneally 1 hour after laminectomy and trauma; group 4, single medical treatment with 60 µg/ml ozone at 0.7 mg/kg applied intraperitoneally 1 hour after laminectomy and trauma; and group 5, double medical treatment with 30 mg/kg methylprednisolone and 60 µg/ml ozone at 0.7 mg/kg applied intraperitoneally 1 hour after laminectomy and trauma. After neurosurgery, neurobehavioral tests were performed in all groups. After 7 days of follow-up, all the rats were killed. Biopsy specimens obtained from trauma sites were examined using H & E, cresyl violet, immunohistochemical (anticonnexin-43), and TUNEL staining processes. Levels of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) were measured in blood samples. RESULTS: The level of neurobehavioral healing was the highest in the double-treatment group (group 5), and the difference between the groups was significant. The minimum IL-6 level was found in group 5, indicating that the antiinflammatory impact was the most significant in this group (p = 0.01). Additionally, ozone was found to reduce oxidant stress more effectively than methylprednisolone (p = 0.03). Although methylprednisolone was superior to ozone in terms of the antiinflammatory effect, this effect was greater in group 5. Nevertheless, the number of neurons in group 5 was close to that of the control group, and the number of apoptotic cells was the least in group 5 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In acute spinal injury, the combined application of methylprednisolone and ozone was found to have a greater antiinflammatory effect, hasten clinical recovery, and increase histological recovery compared with methylprednisolone therapy alone. This study showed that this combination therapy of methylprednisolone with the addition of ozone might have a more beneficial effect in the treatment of spinal injury than methylprednisolone therapy alone.