A Novel Approach for Free, Affordable, and Sustainable Microsurgery Laboratory Training for Low- and Middle-Income Countries: University of Wisconsin-Madison Microneurosurgery Laboratory Experience.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), approximately 5 million essential neurosurgical operations per year remain unaddressed. When compared with high-income countries, one of the reasons for this disparity is the lack of microsurgery training laboratories and neurosurgeons trained in microsurgical techniques. In 2020, we founded the Madison Microneurosurgery Initiative to provide no-cost, accessible, and sustainable microsurgery training opportunities to health care professionals from LMICs in their respective countries. METHODS: We initially focused on enhancing our expertise in microsurgery laboratory training requirements. Subsequently, we procured a wide range of stereo microscopes, light sources, and surgical instrument sets, aiming to develop affordable, high-quality, and long-lasting microsurgery training kits. We then donated those kits to neurosurgeons across LMICs. After successfully delivering the kits to designated locations in LMICs, we have planned to initiate microsurgery laboratory training in these centers by providing a combination of live-streamed, offline, and in-person training assistance in their institutions. RESULTS: We established basic microsurgery laboratory training centers in 28 institutions across 18 LMICs. This was made possible through donations of 57 microsurgery training kits, including 57 stereo microscopes, 2 surgical microscopes, and several advanced surgical instrument sets. Thereafter, we organized 10 live-streamed microanastomosis training sessions in 4 countries: Lebanon, Paraguay, Türkiye, and Bangladesh. Along with distributing the recordings from our live-streamed training sessions with these centers, we also granted them access to our microsurgery training resource library. We thus equipped these institutions with the necessary resources to enable continued learning and hands-on training. Moreover, we organized 7 in-person no-cost hands-on microanastomosis courses in different institutions across Türkiye, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Paraguay. A total of 113 surgical specialists successfully completed these courses. CONCLUSION: Our novel approach of providing microsurgery training kits in combination with live-streamed, offline, and in-person training assistance enables sustainable microsurgery laboratory training in LMICs.

Traumatic C2-C3 subluxation with atlanto-axial dislocation managed by posterior approach - A rare case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Traumatic subluxation of C2-C3 with Atlanto-Axial dislocation is very rare and uncommon condition. Only a very few case reported. What constitutes appropriate management in cases of traumatic C2-C3 subluxation with Atlato-axial dislocation is still controversial due to the infrequency of this injury. We managed a patient who had traumatic C2-C3 subluxation with Atlanto-axial dislocation following a history of trauma through posterior approach successfully. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 45-year male day laborer presented with neck pain with progressive neurological deficit after two episodes of fall with heavy object within 1 year. Imaging revealed complete dislocation of C2 over C3 with Atlanto-Axial Dislocation. The patient was approached for posterior fixation with attempt to reduction per-operatively with skeletal traction and C1, C2, C3 joint distraction. After distraction of the joint, we achieved to do reduction of the C2-C3 and Atlanto-Axial joint. We did C1 lateral mass, C2 pedical and C3, C4 lateral mass screw and put a spacer in between C1-C2 facet joint. The patient was improved immediately after the operation. One year follow up shows, he was completely well. One year follow up shows in radiography proper alignment with fusion between C1, C2 and C3. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Traumatic subluxation of the C2 vertebra is due to fractures of the lamina, articular facets, pedicles, or pars interarticularis and was first described by Bouvier in1843. To the best of our knowledge there has been 3/4 cases reported till now with traumatic C2-C3 subluxation with AAD. In three similar cases before ours, one was reported to be reduced after 3 weeks of bidirectional cervical traction and another two cases were managed by open reduction and stabilization. We managed this rare case surgically successfully through posterior approach with good outcome. CONCLUSION: Our management through posterior approach between C1 to C4 shows very good outcome with proper fusion. But it needs proper understanding the anatomy and mechanism of reduction by careful reading the image. Its needs more case description and management to establish a standard treatment for this type of disease.