Pedicle Screw Placement Aided by C-Arm Fluoroscopy: A "Nevermore without" Technology to Pursue Optimal Spine Fixation.

The surgical technique and the intraoperative technology that support spinal pedicle screw placement have consistently evolved over the past decades to decrease the misplacement rate of pedicle screws. We retrospectively evaluated our case series by analyzing the period 2016-2020. Patients undergoing pedicle screw fixation for cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine degenerative diseases have been included. Surgery was carried out with the aid of intraoperative 3D C-arm fluoroscopy to assess and optimize screw placement and/or correct possible mispositioning. Each patient underwent a postoperative CT scan. Our aim was to evaluate the safety and accuracy of pedicle screw placement and estimate the variation in mispositioning rates. We carried out 329 surgical procedures, as follows: 70 cervical, 78 thoracic spine, and 181 lumbar spine surgeries. An excellent overall pedicle screw positioning was obtained, with slight differences between the cervical (98.6%), thoracic (100%), and lumbar (98.9%) tracts. Accordingly, only three patients required a revision surgery owing to mispositioning (0.91%). In particular, intraoperative C-arm fluoroscopy significatively improved the accuracy of thoracic screw positioning, as shown by postoperative CT scans. Our experience proves the crucial role of intraoperative C-arm fluoroscopy in pursuing optimal technical results and improving patient outcomes at follow-up.

New Trend in Craniovertebral Junction Surgical Strategy: Technical Note for the Treatment of Hangman's Fractures Through a Minimally Invasive Approach.

INTRODUCTION: The reduction, stabilization, and maintenance of alignment are the main goals in the surgical treatment of unstable hangman's fractures. The choice of the surgical strategy remains poorly standardized; anterior and/or posterior fusion could be performed; and none of the available clinical studies in the literature have shown significant differences in outcomes or complication rates. Vertebral anatomy, age, comorbidities, patient factors, and surgical experience may guide the treatment choice. METHODS: We present a case of a polytraumatized young woman with an unstable hangman's fracture type II, according to Levine-Edwards classification. We treated the fracture by using a plate with four holes to fix C2-C3 without discectomy and body fusion. RESULTS: We performed a small incision, such as those used for the fixation of odontoid screws, where the working angle allowed us to easily and quickly position the plate by using a minimally invasive approach. CONCLUSION: The stabilization alone, without discectomy and body fusion with the cage, in the same way favored the natural healing of the bone fracture. In our opinion, in some select cases, fixation of C2-C3 alone through a minimally invasive approach allows for bone healing with fewer risks and an easier surgery.

Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis: A functional enemy of vertebral stability - Case series and surgical consideration of craniovertebral junction involvement.

Context: Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) or Forestier's syndrome may reduce vertebral mobility, thus affecting the stability of adjacent vertebral segments and promoting spinal stenosis, vertebral dislocation, and unstable fracture secondary to low-energy trauma. Aims: This study aimed to contribute with a case series of three patients affected by DISH undergone surgery with occipitocervical fixation for craniovertebral junction (CVJ) instability since the poor literature about CVJ instability and surgery in patients affected by DISH. Settings and Design: This was a multicentric case series. Subjects and Methods: Literature about CVJ instability and surgery in patients affected by DISH is poor. Thus, we present a case series of three patients affected by DISH, who underwent surgery with occipitocervical fixation with different clinical and radiological patterns. Results: CVJ represents one of the most mobile joints of the spine and is at greater risk for instability. Moreover, instability itself may act as primum movens for several degenerative conditions such as cervical spondylosis, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, and cervical deformities. On the contrary, DISH itself may worsen CVJ instability because of subaxial spine stiffness. In case of DISH, the rigid unit formed by several ossified vertebral bodies acts as a long lever arm, increasing the forces applied to the hypermobile CVJ and reducing the dynamic buffer capability of ossified spine. On the other hand, vertebral instability increases the odds of fractures. In such cases, CVJ posterior instrumentation and fusion is an effective and feasible surgical technique, aimed to restore vertebral stability and to halt the progression of spinal stenosis. Conclusions: Due to the altered dynamics cervical spine along with the possible comorbidities, treatment indication and surgery for patients affected by DISH must be tailored case by case.

Aggregatibacter aphrophilus and Eikenella corrodens: a case of brain abscess.

We report a case of a 26-year-old female who developed a brain abscess that was strongly suspected to be caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis, A. aphrophilus, and E. corrodens species. In general, A. aphrophilus and E. corrodens, members of the HACEK group (Haemophilus spp., Aggregatibacter spp., C. hominis, E. corrodens, and K. kingae), have been associated with the development of endocarditis, meningitis, sinusitis, otitis media, pneumonia, osteomyelitis, peritonitis, and wound infections. Cerebral abscesses are a rare manifestation of these bacteria; only a few cases are described in the literature, generally related to the diffusion of these organisms through the bloodstream after a dental procedure or a heart disease. Our case is unique because the rarity of the infection site appeared apparently in absence of risk factors. The patient underwent surgery to drain the abscess and was subsequently put on intravenous antibiotic treatment with ceftriaxone, vancomycin, and metronidazole. After 6 months, brain imaging revealed that the lesion had disappeared. The patient achieved excellent results with this approach.

Stem Cell Strategies in Promoting Neuronal Regeneration after Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition with a significant medical and socioeconomic impact. To date, no effective treatment is available that can enable neuronal regeneration and recovery of function at the damaged level. This is thought to be due to scar formation, axonal degeneration and a strong inflammatory response inducing a loss of neurons followed by a cascade of events that leads to further spinal cord damage. Many experimental studies demonstrate the therapeutic effect of stem cells in SCI due to their ability to differentiate into neuronal cells and release neurotrophic factors. Therefore, it appears to be a valid strategy to use in the field of regenerative medicine. This review aims to provide an up-to-date summary of the current research status, challenges, and future directions for stem cell therapy in SCI models, providing an overview of this constantly evolving and promising field.

Intraoperative Ultrasound: Emerging Technology and Novel Applications in Brain Tumor Surgery.

Intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) is becoming progressively more common during brain tumor surgery. We present data from our case series of brain tumor surgery performed with the aid of IOUS in order to identify IOUS advantages and crucial aspects that may improve the management of neurosurgical procedures for brain tumors. From January 2021 to September 2021, 17 patients with different brain tumors underwent brain tumor surgery aided by the use of IOUS. During surgery, the procedure was supported by the use of multiples ultrasonographic modalities in addition to standard B-mode: Doppler, color Doppler, elastosonography, and contrast-enhanced intraoperative ultrasound (CEUS). In selected cases, the use of IOUS during surgical procedure was combined with neuronavigation and the use of intraoperative fluorescence by the use of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA). In one patient, a preoperative ultrasound evaluation was performed through a former iatrogenic skull defect. This study confirms the role of IOUS in maximizing the EOR, which is strictly associated with postoperative outcome, overall survival (OS), and patient's quality of life (QoL). The combination of ultrasound advanced techniques such as Doppler, color Doppler, elastosonography, and contrast-enhanced intraoperative ultrasound (CEUS) is crucial to improve surgical effectiveness and patient's safety while expanding surgeon's view.

A rare diagnosis of an extraventricular neurocytoma.

BACKGROUND: Extraventricular neurocytoma (EVN) is an extremely rare neoplasm of the central nervous system. As reported, it arises in a variety of locations, but mainly within the cerebral hemispheres. Despite its histological similarity with central neurocytoma (CN), EVN occurs outside the ventricular system and, in 2007, was recognized by the World Health Organization as a separate entity. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 39-year-old man, with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt inserted for communicating hydrocephalus, was admitted at our Unit of Neurosurgery with a 1-month history of gait disturbance, postural instability, speech disorders, and occasional incontinence. Computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging showed a mixed-density neoplasm in the left frontotemporal area, with anterior cerebral falx shift, and perilesional edema. The patient underwent surgical procedure; microsurgical excision of the lesion was performed through left pterional approach. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examination revealed monomorphic round cells of the neuronal lineage, with a percentage of Ki-67 positive nuclei <5% and no evidence of mitosis or necrotic areas. According to radiologic features, this pattern was compatible with the diagnosis of EVN. Patient had a favorable recovery and he is still in follow-up. CONCLUSION: Because of their rarity, clinical, radiologic, and histopathological characteristics of EVNs are not yet well defined, as well as the optimal therapeutic management. Whereas EVNs are rarely described in literature, we aimed to share and discuss our experience along with a review of the published literature.

Brain Mapping-Aided SupraTotal Resection (SpTR) of Brain Tumors: The Role of Brain Connectivity.

Brain gliomas require a deep knowledge of their effects on brain connectivity. Understanding the complex relationship between tumor and functional brain is the preliminary and fundamental step for the subsequent surgery. The extent of resection (EOR) is an independent variable of surgical effectiveness and it correlates with the overall survival. Until now, great efforts have been made to achieve gross total resection (GTR) as the standard of care of brain tumor patients. However, high and low-grade gliomas have an infiltrative behavior and peritumoral white matter is often infiltrated by tumoral cells. According to these evidences, many efforts have been made to push the boundary of the resection beyond the contrast-enhanced lesion core on T1w MRI, in the so called supratotal resection (SpTR). SpTR is aimed to maximize the extent of resection and thus the overall survival. SpTR of primary brain tumors is a feasible technique and its safety is improved by intraoperative neuromonitoring and advanced neuroimaging. Only transient cognitive impairments have been reported in SpTR patients compared to GTR patients. Moreover, SpTR is related to a longer overall and progression-free survival along with preserving neuro-cognitive functions and quality of life.

Navigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Motor Mapping Usefulness in the Surgical Management of Patients Affected by Brain Tumors in Eloquent Areas: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: The surgical strategy for brain glioma has changed, shifting from tumor debulking to a more careful tumor dissection with the aim of a gross-total resection, extended beyond the contrast-enhancement MRI, including the hyperintensity on FLAIR MR images and defined as supratotal resection. It is possible to pursue this goal thanks to the refinement of several technological tools for pre and intraoperative planning including intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM), cortico-subcortical mapping, functional MRI (fMRI), navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS), intraoperative CT or MRI (iCT, iMR), and intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound. This systematic review provides an overview of the state of the art techniques in the application of nTMS and nTMS-based DTI-FT during brain tumor surgery. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature review was performed according to the PRISMA statement. The authors searched the PubMed and Scopus databases until July 2020 for published articles with the following Mesh terms: (Brain surgery OR surgery OR craniotomy) AND (brain mapping OR functional planning) AND (TMS OR transcranial magnetic stimulation OR rTMS OR repetitive transcranial stimulation). We only included studies regarding motor mapping in craniotomy for brain tumors, which reported data about CTS sparing. Results: A total of 335 published studies were identified through the PubMed and Scopus databases. After a detailed examination of these studies, 325 were excluded from our review because of a lack of data object in this search. TMS reported an accuracy range of 0.4-14.8 mm between the APB hotspot (n1/4 8) in nTMS and DES from the DES spot; nTMS influenced the surgical indications in 34.3-68.5%. Conclusion: We found that nTMS can be defined as a safe and non-invasive technique and in association with DES, fMRI, and IONM, improves brain mapping and the extent of resection favoring a better postoperative outcome.

Focused Ultrasound in Neuroscience. State of the Art and Future Perspectives.

Transcranial MR-guided Focused ultrasound (tcMRgFUS) is a surgical procedure that adopts focused ultrasounds beam towards a specific therapeutic target through the intact skull. The convergence of focused ultrasound beams onto the target produces tissue effects through released energy. Regarding neurosurgical applications, tcMRgFUS has been successfully adopted as a non-invasive procedure for ablative purposes such as thalamotomy, pallidotomy, and subthalamotomy for movement disorders. Several studies confirmed the effectiveness of tcMRgFUS in the treatment of several neurological conditions, ranging from motor disorders to psychiatric disorders. Moreover, using low-frequencies tcMRgFUS systems temporarily disrupts the blood-brain barrier, making this procedure suitable in neuro-oncology and neurodegenerative disease for controlled drug delivery. Nowadays, tcMRgFUS represents one of the most promising and fascinating technologies in neuroscience. Since it is an emerging technology, tcMRgFUS is still the subject of countless disparate studies, even if its effectiveness has been already proven in many experimental and therapeutic fields. Therefore, although many studies have been carried out, many others are still needed to increase the degree of knowledge of the innumerable potentials of tcMRgFUS and thus expand the future fields of application of this technology.

Traumatic lumbar disc extrusion mimicking spinal epidural hematoma: Case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Because the neurological presentation of spinal epidural hematomas (SEH) is often not specific, they may be misdiagnosed as acute lumbar disk herniations. Here, we present a case in which a traumatic disc extrusion mimicked an epidural hematoma and reviewed the appropriate literature. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 27-year-old male sustained a high-energy fall. The lumbar MRI scan showed a L4-S1 ventral medium/high signal intensity mass on the T1- and high signal intensity lesion on T2-weighted images; the original diagnosis was spinal epidural hematoma. However, at surgery, consisting of a left L4 and L5 hemilaminectomy with L4-L5 and L5-S1 laminotomy, an extruded lumbar disc was encountered at the L4-L5 level and removed; no additional pathology or SEH was found at either level. CONCLUSION: On MR, SEH may mimic acute lumbar disk herniations. Depending on the clinical symptoms/signs, surgical intervention will both correctly confirm the diagnosis and relieve neural compression.

All that glitters is not gold: A spinal epidural empyema following epidural steroid injection.

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic epidural spinal injections (ESIs) of steroids are one of the most common nonsurgical management modalities employed for alleviating pain due to chronic persistent lumbar spinal disease. However, it is well documented that they have significant risks and complications without any long-term efficacy. ESI may result in epidural empyema which may be difficult to diagnose with delays resulting in significant permanent neurological sequelae. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 45-year-old female presented with a lumbar spinal epidural empyema after receiving ESI for low back and right leg pain due to a lumbar disc herniation. Laboratory studies showed elevations of multiple inflammatory markers, and the MR documented a significant lumbar epidural empyema contributing to significant thecal sac compression. Clinically, the patient had an acute cauda equina syndrome warranting emergency surgery consisting of a laminectomy for debridement/decompression followed by long-term antibiotic treatment. CONCLUSION: Epidural empyema is a major potential complication of lumbar ESI. Multiple markedly elevated inflammatory markers (WBC, ESR, CRP, and procalcitonin) and MRI evidence of an epidural empyema necessitates emergent surgical intervention to limit morbidity, neurological sequelae, and mortality.