Odontoid Type II fractures in elderly: what are the real management goals and how to best achieve them? A multicenter European study on functional outcome.

Odontoid fractures constitute the most common cervical fractures in elderly. External immobilization is the treatment of choice for Type I and III; there is still no wide consensus about the best management of Type II fractures. Observational multicenter study was conducted on a prospectively built database on elderly patients (> 75 years) with Type II odontoid fracture managed conservatively during the last 10 years. All patients underwent CT scan on admission and at 3 months; if indicated, selected patient had CT scan at 6 and 12 months. All patients were clinically evaluated by Neck Disability Index (NDI), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and American Society of Anaesthesiologists classification (ASA) on admission; NDI was assessed also at 6 weeks, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months; furthermore, a quality of life (QoL) assessment with the SF-12 form was performed at 3 and 12 months. Among the 260 patients enrolled, 177 (68%) were women and 83 (32%) men, with a median age of 83 years. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 24 months: 247 (95%) showed an excellent functional outcome within 6 weeks, among them 117 (45%) showed a good bony healing, whereas 130 (50%) healed in pseudo-arthrosis. The residual 5% were still variably symptomatic at 12 weeks; however, only 5 out of 13 (2% of the total cohort) required delayed surgery. This study showed that a conservative approach to odontoid Type II fracture in elderly is an effective and valid option, resulting in an excellent functional outcome (regardless of bony fusion) in the majority of cases. Failure of conservative treatment can be safely addressed with surgical fixation at a later stage.

CT-Navigated Spinal Instrumentations-Three-Dimensional Evaluation of Screw Placement Accuracy in Relation to a Screw Trajectory Plan.

Background and Objectives: In the literature, spinal navigation and robot-assisted surgery improved screw placement accuracy, but the majority of studies only qualitatively report on screw positioning within the vertebra. We sought to evaluate screw placement accuracy in relation to a preoperative trajectory plan by three-dimensional quantification to elucidate technical benefits of navigation for lumbar pedicle screws. Materials and Methods: In 27 CT-navigated instrumentations for degenerative disease, a dedicated intraoperative 3D-trajectory plan was created for all screws. Final screw positions were defined on postoperative CT. Trajectory plans and final screw positions were co-registered and quantitatively compared computing minimal absolute differences (MAD) of screw head and tip points (mm) and screw axis (degree) in 3D-space, respectively. Differences were evaluated with consideration of the navigation target registration error. Clinical acceptability of screws was evaluated using the Gertzbein−Robbins (GR) classification. Results: Data included 140 screws covering levels L1-S1. While screw placement was clinically acceptable in all cases (GR grade A and B in 112 (80%) and 28 (20%) cases, respectively), implanted screws showed considerable deviation compared to the trajectory plan: Mean axis deviation was 6.3° ± 3.6°, screw head and tip points showed mean MAD of 5.2 ± 2.4 mm and 5.5 ± 2.7 mm, respectively. Deviations significantly exceeded the mean navigation registration error of 0.87 ± 0.22 mm (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Screw placement was clinically acceptable in all screws after navigated placement but nevertheless, considerable deviation in implanted screws was noted compared to the initial trajectory plan. Our data provides a 3D-quantitative benchmark for screw accuracy achievable by CT-navigation in routine spine surgery and suggests a framework for objective comparison of screw outcome after navigated or robot-assisted procedures. Factors contributing to screw deviations should be considered to assure optimal surgical results when applying navigation for spinal instrumentation.

A Laboratory Investigation on a Tailored Skin and Muscle Flap Variant for the Retrosigmoid Approach.

Introduction An anatomical study was conducted to test a modified C-shaped flap designed for patients undergoing a keyhole approach and/or minicraniotomy for retrosigmoid approach (KRSA). Materials and Methods Ten heads specimens were used. The surgical technique investigated was based on a 4-cm C-shaped skin incision with medial convexity (placed 8 cm laterally to the external occipital protuberance, with the lower edge terminating 1.5 to 2 cm above the mastoid tip), which followed by careful subperiosteal dissection and completed by reflecting and securing the skin flap layer anteriorly and the muscle flaps superiorly and inferiorly by stitches. Anatomical findings, including depth of surgical corridor till to the cerebellopontine cistern (CPC) as well as the sparing of neurovascular structures, were evaluated in every specimen. Results Twenty surgical approaches to CPC were conducted, resulting in a short working distance to the target (32 mm) without any need for a self-retaining retractor. In every specimen, the integrity of occipital muscles and cutaneous nerves was maintained, and a solid multilayer closure was always achieved. These data suggest that landmarks-based design of this C-shaped incision could be helpful in avoiding damages to the soft tissues encountered during KRSA. Conclusion This modified approach provides a wide surgical corridor to access the CPC while ensuring the minimal invasiveness of the standard S-shaped incision. Compared with the latter, it preserves better the integrity of the surrounding soft tissues and appears less likely to cause any iatrogenic injury to occipital muscles and cutaneous nerves.

Intracranial Metastases from Prostate Carcinoma: Classification, Management, and Prognostication.

BACKGROUND: Prostate carcinomas rarely metastasize to the central nervous system but, when they do, dural localizations are as common as and far more aggressive than intraparenchymal ones. Those metastases can be further classified according to their extension toward the subdural or extradural space and can frequently simulate other pathologic conditions including chronic subdural hematomas, abscess, and primary bone tumors. Beside the challenges of the preoperative differential diagnostic and complexity of surgical planning and operative excision, subdural metastases seem to carry a much poorer prognosis. METHODS: A series of consecutive patients admitted during a 12-year period through our oncall pathway for subdural/extradural collections or intraparenchymal lesions found, on histologic analysis, to represent intracranial prostate cancer metastases was retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 19 patients were included, but only 3 were diagnosed with small cell prostate carcinoma, while the majority had a primary prostate adenocarcinoma. Metastases could be classified as pure subdural space lesions, dural-based lesions, extradural/bony lesions, and pure intraparenchymal lesions. All patients with subdural metastases and 3 out of 5 patients with dural-based lesions required an emergency intervention due to rapidly deteriorating neurologic status. The mean follow-up in our series was 37 months; only subdural localizations had a remarkably unfavorable outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Supported by our experience and the review of the literature, we suggest that a low threshold for contrast-enhanced computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging is advisable in case of suspicious subdural collection, even in an emergency setting, for patients with previous medical history of prostate cancer.

Secondary sacral tethered cord syndrome after treatment of secondary cervical syringomyelia.

A female patient operated at the age of 11 on a pilocytic astrocytoma in the posterior fossa, was re-operated for a recurrence 9 years later. A Torkildsen drain was placed in the 4th ventricle and she remained asymptomatic for 15 years before presenting again with acute hydrocephalus, tonsillar herniation, and a massive cervicothoracic syrinx. The symptoms retreated following craniocervical untethering and decompression. Two weeks later, however, she suffered from debilitating radiculopathy provoked by tethering of the cauda equina. Again, symptoms retreated completely after microsurgical intervention. This combination of a secondary Chiari-like malformation with cervical syringomyelia and tethering of the cauda equina in a single patient as a delayed complication of posterior fossa surgery has not been reported before. Diagnosis and treatment of lower tethered cord syndrome may be obscured and delayed in complex clinical situations. In particular, awareness to symptoms that are not related to syringomyelia is important in patients with a known syrinx and a history of posterior fossa surgery.

Intracranial Solitary Fibrous Tumors: A Heterogeneous Entity with an Uncertain Clinical Behavior.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial solitary fibrous tumors (ISFTs) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms originating in the meninges and characterized by very different biologic and clinical behaviors. Benign histotypes, such as hemangiopericytomas, are now considered a cellular phenotypic variant of this heterogeneous group of rare spindle-cell tumors. Owing to their rarity and resemblance to other, more common brain tumors, ISFTs are often poorly recognized and remain a diagnostic challenge. METHODS: We describe a surgical series of 29 patients treated for ISFTs confirmed histologically and through immunohistochemistry. We attempt to provide a focus on the natural history of these pathologies and the need for tailored management. RESULTS: This was a retrospective consecutive series of 29 patients with either solitary fibrous tumor (n = 14) or hemangiopericytoma (n = 15) over a 10-year period. Mean follow-up time was 37.71 months. Recurrence rate was 42.9% for solitary fibrous tumors versus 26.7% for hemangiopericytomas. STAT6 expression was 66.7% in hemangiopericytomas versus 42.9% in SFTs. CONCLUSIONS: Histopathology and immunohistochemical staining (characterized by positive expression of mainly STAT6 but also CD34, Bcl-2 protein, and vimentin) are key in diagnosis and management of ISFTs. Although ISFTs are still considered benign lesions with very rare aggressive evolution, their clinical behavior is largely unpredictable. This study highlights the importance of relying on immunohistochemistry for a thorough definition of the management strategy.

The Role of Endoscopic Endonasal Approach in the Multimodal Management of Giant Pituitary Adenoma: Case Report and Literature Review.

Giant pituitary adenomas (GPAs) are defined as pituitary lesions larger than 40 mm of diameter. Surgical resection remains the gold standard to decompress the optic apparatus, reduce lesion load, and preserve hormonal function. The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) has been increasingly used for the treatment of pituitary adenomas and skull base tumors due to the wide angle of view and exposure. Through the description of an exemplificative case of EEA resection of a nonsecreting GPA in the setting of a multimodal treatment, the authors discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this management strategy and provide a detailed review of the literature.

Evolution of Prophylaxis Protocols for Venous Thromboembolism in Neurosurgery: Results from a Prospective Comparative Study on Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin, Elastic Stockings, and Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VT) in neurosurgical practice is astonishingly high, representing a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Prophylaxis strategies include elastic stockings, low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), and intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices. OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of 2 different VT prophylaxis protocols implemented in a European neurosurgical center. METHODS: All patients admitted for neurosurgical intervention between 2012 and 2016 were stratified as low, moderate, and high risk of VT and received a combination of elastic stockings and LMWH. The protocol was modified in 2014 with the inclusion of perioperative IPC devices for all patients and only in the high-risk group also postoperatively. RESULTS: At time of post-hoc analysis, data obtained from patients included in this study before 2014 (Protocol A, 3169 patients) were compared with those obtained after the introduction of IPC (Protocol B, 3818 patients). Among patients assigned to protocol A, 73 (2.3%) developed deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) and 28 (0.9%) developed pulmonary embolism (PE), 9 of which were fatal (0.3%). Among patients assigned to protocol B, 32 developed DVT (0.8%) and 7 (0.18%) developed PE, with 2 eventually resulting in the death of the patient. A post-hoc analysis confirmed that the use of preoperative LMWH was not associated with a statistically significant greater risk of postoperative bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: This study, despite its limitations of the nonrandomized design, seems to suggest that perioperative IPC devices are a non-negligible support in the prophylaxis of clinically symptomatic DVT and PE.

Retrosigmoid Approach: Investigating the Role of a C-Shaped Skin Incision and Muscle Flaps in Improving Functional Outcome and Reducing Postoperative Pain.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact on functional outcome and postoperative pain of a modified C-shaped skin incision and muscle flaps in patients undergoing mini-craniotomy via a retrosigmoid approach (mCRSA). METHODS: Enrolled patients were studied prospectively and divided/assigned to group A, with a standard straight/lazy S-shaped incision, or to group B, with a modified C-shaped incision. The latter consisted of a 4-cm C-shaped skin incision with medial convexity (placed 8 cm lateral to the external occipital protuberance, with the lower edge terminating 1.5-2 cm above the mastoid tip), followed, after subperiosteal dissection, by superior and inferior reflection of the muscle flaps by stitches. RESULTS: Eighty patients, 40 in each group, were enrolled in the study. The overall complication rate was significantly lower (P < 0.0001) in group B. The incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak was 4% in group B versus 12% in group A; furthermore, no wound infection was recorded in group B, whereas 2 cases (4%) occurred in group A. Overall, group B patients had a higher satisfaction rate (P = 0.0002), and the prevalence of postoperative retroauricular pain/neck discomfort was significantly higher (P = 0.0002) in group A (30% vs. 0%). CONCLUSIONS: The modified C-shaped skin incision and muscle flaps technique provides superior surgical exposure with advantages over the standard straight/lazy S-shaped incision including no need for a self-retaining retractor and a shorter working distance. This study supports the research hypothesis that the landmarks-based design of the C-shaped incision may decrease the risk of occipital muscle/cutaneous nerve injuries and CSF leak, resulting in better functional outcomes.

Meta-Analysis on Safety and Efficacy of Microsurgical and Radiosurgical Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia.

BACKGROUND: Classic trigeminal neuralgia is often treated pharmacologically first. However, microvascular decompression (MVD) or radiosurgical treatment (RS) can render medication unnecessary. Objective appraisals of the 2 treatment modalities are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To compare the evidence regarding safety and efficiency of MVD and RS. METHODS: We searched PubMed for studies describing pain control, complications, and recurrences after MVD or RS between 2005 and 2015. Because randomized studies are lacking, we focused the statistical analysis on cohort clinical trials. Differences in outcome after treatment with either MVD or RS were analyzed using t tests and weighted averages. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed. RESULTS: Fifty-three studies (13,805 patients, in 11 prospective and 42 retrospective studies) were analyzed. Initial success rates were 71.1% for RS and 86.9% for MVD (P < 0.0001). At last follow-up (>5 years after intervention), success rates decreased to 63.8% for RS versus 84% for MVD (P = 0.036). Thirty-six months after the intervention, median percentage of recurrence was 11% for MVD and 25% for RS (P = 0.0015). The length of recurrence-free intervals was similar for MVD and RS (30.45 vs. 30.55 months; P = 0.987). There was no significant difference between the incidence of hearing loss after MVD and RS (1.51% vs. 0.74%; P = 0.21). Facial dysesthesia was reported more frequently after radiosurgery (2.3% vs. 28.8%; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: MVD is a valid first-line treatment option for young patients free of comorbidities. First-line RS can be advised in patients with a higher surgical risk.

Encasement of the Cauda Equina After Early Childhood Meningitis: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Arachnopathy following meningitis has been described in the setting of chronic spinal arachnoiditis and more recently as shunt-related progressive myelopathy due to meningeal thickening. CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe an atypical case of a patient who presented with chronic arachnopathy 5 decades after an episode of meningitis. We also review the literature concerning arachnopathies occurring in the context of early childhood meningitis. Although our case bore clinical and radiologic similarities to chronic spinal arachnoiditis and shunt-related progressive myelopathy, time to symptom onset, intraoperative findings, pathophysiology, and surgical outcome set it apart from both conditions. CONCLUSIONS: It is challenging but worthwhile to recognize this separate entity because, in contrast to both shunt-related progressive myelopathy due to meningeal thickening and adhesive arachnoiditis, surgery involving microsurgical dissection of the thick arachnoid encasement of the cauda equina may be curative in medically refractory cases.