Risk factors for kyphosis recurrence after implant removal in percutaneous osteosynthesis for post-traumatic thoracolumbar fracture.

PURPOSE: Short-segment minimally invasive percutaneous spinal osteosynthesis has now become one of the treatments of choice to treat thoracolumbar fractures. The question of implant removal once the fracture has healed is still a matter of debate since this procedure can be associated with loss of sagittal correction. Therefore, we analyzed risk factors for kyphosis recurrence after spinal implants removal in patients treated with short-segment minimally invasive percutaneous spinal instrumentation for a thoracolumbar fracture. METHODS: A total of 32 patients who underwent implant removal in percutaneous osteosynthesis for post-traumatic thoracolumbar fracture were enrolled in our study. Patient's medical record, operative report and imaging examinations carried out at the trauma and during the follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: Every patient experienced fracture union. Vertebral kyphotic angle (VKA) and Cobb angle (CA) improved significantly after stabilization surgery. VKA, CA, upper disk kyphotic angle (UDKA) and lower disk kyphotic angle (LDKA) significantly gradually decreased during follow-up. Traumatic disk injury (p: 0.001), younger age (p: 0.01), canal compromise (p: 0.04) and importance of surgical correction (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with kyphosis recurrence after implant removal. Anterior body augmentation did not affect loss of correction (CA and VKA) during the follow-up period (p: 0.57). CONCLUSION: Despite correction of the fracture after stabilization, we observed a progressive loss of correction over time appearing even before implant removal. Particular attention should be paid to post-traumatic disk damage or canal invasion, to young patients and to surgical overcorrection of the traumatic kyphosis.

Mono-segmental percutaneous screw fixation in the management of AoSpine thoracolumbar type B fracture in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: A new treatment.

PURPOSE: To assess the viability and effectiveness of mono-segmental percutaneous screw fixation in the treatment of unstable type B thoracolumbar fracture due to ankylosing spondylitis. METHODS: We report here all 40 patients treated by mono-segmental screw fixation in this indication, between January 2018 and January 2022, with follow-up at 3 and 9 months. Study variables comprised operating time, length of stay, fusion, stabilization quality, and peri-operative morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: One patient showed early displacement of rods caused by technical error. None of the others showed secondary displacement of rods or screws. Mean age was 73 years (range 18-93), mean hospital stay 4.8 days (range 2-15), mean operative time 52minutes (range 26-95minutes) and mean estimated blood loss 40ml. There were 2 deaths caused by intensive care unit complications. All patients except those in intensive care were verticalized within 24hours after surgery. Parker score was unchanged for each patient before and after surgery and during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Mono-segmental percutaneous screw fixation in the treatment of unstable type B thoracolumbar fracture due to ankylosing spondylitis was safe and effective. This study showed that this surgery reduced length of hospital stay, operative time, blood loss and complications compared to open or extended percutaneous surgery, and allowed fast rehabilitation in this vulnerable population.

Epilepsy surgery for drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy in over-50 year-olds: Seizure outcome, surgical complications and neuropsychological outcome.

OBJECTIVE: Surgery is an effective treatment for drug-resistant temporal-lobe epilepsy (TLE), but is still underutilized for older patients because of a perceived higher rate of perioperative complications, cognitive decline and worse seizure outcome. METHODS: We retrospectively screened all patients operated on in our institution for drug-resistant TLE between 2007 and 2019. Data of patients aged ≥50 years versus <50 years at surgery were compared. The primary endpoint was freedom from disabling seizure (Engel I) at 2 years postoperatively. RESULTS: In patients aged ≥50 years (n=19), mean age at surgery was 54.9 years and mean disease duration was 36.6 years. At 2 years postoperatively, rates of Engel I seizure outcome were not significantly different between the two groups (73.9% in the <50 years group versus 94.4% in the ≥50 years group). Although surgical complications were significantly (47.4%) in the older patients, neurological deficit was permanent in only 5.3% of cases. At 1 year postoperatively, neuropsychological outcome did not significantly differ between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients aged ≥50 years had an excellent seizure outcome at 2 years postoperatively. Early postoperative complications were more frequent in patients aged ≥50 years but were mostly transient. Cognitive outcome was similar to that in younger patients. These findings strongly suggest that age ≥50 years should not be an exclusion criterion for resective epilepsy surgery in patients with drug-resistant TLE.

Functional outcome 1 year after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage due to ruptured intracranial aneurysm in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: Population aging raises questions about extending treatment indications in elderly patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We therefore assessed functional status 1 year after treatment. METHODS: This study involved 310 patients, aged over 70 years, with ruptured brain aneurysm, enrolled between 2008 and 2014 in a prospective multicentre trial (FASHE study: NCT00692744) but considered unsuitable for randomisation and therefore analysed in the observational arms of the study: endovascular occlusion (EV), microsurgical exclusion (MS) and conservative treatment. The aims were to assess independence, cognition, autonomy and quality of life (QOL) at 1 year post-treatment, using questionnaires (MMSE, ADLI, IADL, EORTC-QLQ-C30) filled in by independent nurses after discharge. RESULTS: The 310 patients received the following treatments: 208 underwent EV (67.1%), 54 MS (17.4%) and 48 were conservatively managed (15.5%). At 1 year, independence rates for patients admitted with good clinical status (WFNS I-III) were, according to the aneurysm exclusion procedure (EV, MS or conservative), 58.9%, 50% and 12.1% respectively. MMSE score was pathological in 26 of the 112 EV patients (23.2%), 10 of the 25 MS patients (40%) and 4 of the 9 patients treated conservatively (44%), without any statistically significant difference [Pearson's Chi2 test, F ratio=4.29; P=0.11]. Regarding QoL, overall score was similar between the EV and MS cohorts, but significantly lower with conservative treatment. CONCLUSION: Elderly patients in good clinical condition with aSAH should be treated regardless of associated comorbidities. Curative treatment (EV or MS) reduced mortality without increasing dependence, in comparison with conservative treatment.

A randomized controlled study assessing outcome, cognition, autonomy and quality of life in over 70-year-old patients after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Current aging of the population with good physiological status and the increasing incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in elderly patients has enhanced the benefit of treatment in terms of independence and long-term quality of life (QoL). METHODS: From November 1, 2008 to October 30, 2012, 351 patients aged 70 years or older with aneurysmal SAH underwent adapted treatment: endovascular coiling (EV) for 228 (65%) patients, microsurgical clipping (MS) for 75 (29.3%) or conservative treatment for 48 (13.7%). Forty-one of these were randomized to EV (n=20) or to MS (n=21). The objectives were to determine the proportion of patients with modified Rankin Scale score≤2 (independence) at 1 year, and, secondarily, to compare cognitive function on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), autonomy on the Activities of Daily Living Index (ADLI) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale (IADL), and QoL, in the prospective and randomized arms, at 1 year. RESULTS: At 1 year, with 1 loss to follow-up in the EV arm, 11 patients (55%) were independent after EV occlusion and 8 (38.1%) after MS exclusion, without significant difference (P=0.29). Mortality was higher after MS during the first 2 postoperative months, and thereafter the difference between MS and EV ceased to be significant. Cognitive function and autonomy scores were similar in both arms. CONCLUSION: In elderly patients treated for aneurysmal SAH, approximately 50% were independent at 1 year, with conserved cognition and autonomy. EV and MS are valid procedures in this population, with similar results at 1 year in terms of independence, cognition, autonomy, and QoL.

Intraoperative identification of the negative motor network during awake surgery to prevent deficit following brain resection in premotor regions.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical resection in premotor areas can lead to supplementary motor area syndrome as well as a permanent deficit. However, recent findings suggest a putative role of the negative motor network in those dysfunctions. Our objective was to compare the functional results in two groups of adult patients who underwent the resection of a frontal glioma with and without resection of the negative motor networks. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve patients (total of 13 surgeries) were selected for awake surgery for a frontal glioma. Negative motor responses were monitored during surgery at the cortical and subcortical levels. Sites eliciting negative motor responses were first identified then spared (n=8) or removed (n=5) upon oncological requirements. RESULTS: In the group with removal of the negative motor network (n=5), all patients presented a complete supplementary motor area syndrome with akinesia and mutism. At 3months, they all presented bimanual coordination dysfunction and fine movement disorders. In the group with preservation of the negative motor network (n=8), all patients presented transient and slight disorders of speech or upper limb, they all recovered completely at 3months. DISCUSSION: The negative motor network is a part of a modulatory motor network involved in the occurrence of the supplementary motor area syndrome and the permanent deficit after resection in premotor areas. Then, intraoperative functional cortico-subcortical mapping using direct electrostimulation under awake surgery seems mandatory to avoid deficit in bimanual coordination and fine movements during surgery in premotor areas.

[Histiocytic disorders with orbital involvement]. / Tumeurs histiocytaires de l'orbite.

The eosinophilic granuloma of bone is the most common type of histiocytic disorder involving the orbital area. Imaging data typically show bony defects with an intra-orbital soft-tissue extension. Surgical debulking is most often required. Rosai-Dorfman disease is commonly associated with uni- or bilateral orbital locations. The other histiocytic disorders are very rare, but some have a poor prognosis such as Erdheim-Chester disease.

[Orbital metastasis]. / Métastases orbitaires.

Orbital metastases are uncommon, accounting for 4% of all adult orbital tumors. The mean age at time of presentation is 60 years. The primary tumor is most often a carcinoma involving the breast (40%), lung (11%), or prostate (8%). Proptosis is the main clinical sign at diagnosis and is often associated with visual impairment, pain or ptosis. Imaging features are not specific; nevertheless, an enhanced extraconal tumor with osteolysis suggests the diagnosis. From a pathological point of view, there are no differences between the metastasis and the primary tumor. Regarding the average survival, the gold standard treatment remains radiotherapy.

[Orbital tumors arising from paranasal sinuses]. / Tumeurs orbitaires d'origine sinusienne.

Orbital tumors arising from paranasal sinuses comprise mucoceles and malignant ethmoidal tumors. Most often, anamnestic, clinical, and radiological data as well as endoscopic biopsy performed by an ENT surgeon provide the preoperative diagnosis. If the tumor is benign, surgery can cure the patient. It is associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy if the tumor is malignant.

[Descriptive anatomy of the orbit]. / Anatomie descriptive de l'orbite.

Anatomical description of the orbit is essential for an accurate understanding of its related tumoral pathologies. Numerous cadaveric pictures illustrate this chapter, which contains the description of the bony walls of the orbit and its muscular nerve, and vascular structures.

[Primary bone tumors of the orbit]. / Tumeurs primitives des parois osseuses orbitaires.

Primary orbital bone tumors account for 0.6-2% of all orbital tumors. This is a heterogeneous group of tumors arising from osseous, cartilaginous, fibrous, and vascular tissues. The two most commonly encountered lesions are fibrous dysplasia and osteoma. Treatment of the primitive orbital bone tumors is generally surgical.

[Vascular tumors of the orbit]. / Tumeurs vasculaires de l'orbite.

Vascular tumors of the orbit include capillary hemangioma, cavernous hemangioma, hemolymphangioma, hemangiopericytoma and a few rare tumors. Capillary hemangioma and hemolymphangioma, occurring mainly in children, are covered in the chapter devoted to childhood tumors. In this chapter, cavernous hemangioma and hemangiopericytoma are discussed as well as rare vascular tumors. Although orbital varix is not a tumor, it is also considered because of the diagnostic problems and the close correlation of orbital varix with a true tumor: hemolymphangioma.

[Congenital orbital tumors in adults (dermoid cysts)]. / Tumeurs orbitaires congénitales de l'adulte (kystes dermoïdes).

The most frequent intraorbital congenital tumors are dermoid cysts, which account for 2-9% of all orbital tumors. Teratomas are also congenital tumors but occur only in children. The revealing clinical sign is a subcutaneous mass along the superior orbital rim if the cyst is superficial or proptosis if the cyst is deep. Neuroradiological work-up provides the preoperative diagnosis. The treatment is solely surgical.

[Sphenoorbital meningiomas]. / Méningiomes sphéno-orbitaires.

Sphenoorbital meningiomas account for 20% of all orbital tumors treated by neurosurgeons. Proptosis is the main clinical sign but this can be reduced with accurate surgical management. Complete tumor removal is often difficult considering the frequent extensions of the meningioma to the superior orbital fissure, the cavernous sinus, and the periorbita.

[Neurosurgical approaches to the orbit]. / Les voies d'abord neurochirurgicales de l'orbite.

Surgical approaches to the orbit differ depending on the surgical specialty. Neurosurgical approaches consider the posterior two-thirds of the orbit and can be summed up as the superior, lateral, and superolateral approaches. Orbital rim removal enlarges the exposure when necessary. Each neurosurgical approach is described in this chapter. Schematically, subfrontal approaches are used to reach the inner quadrant orbital tumors and the others to access external quadrant tumors. Nevertheless, the choice of the approach is discussed regarding to the presumed pathologic preoperative diagnosis.

[Optic nerve sheath meningiomas]. / Méningiomes de la gaine du nerf optique.

Optic nerve sheath meningiomas account for one-third of optic nerve tumors, 1-2 % of all meningiomas, and 2-3.5 % of all orbital tumors. Loss of vision is the main clinical sign. Diagnosis is easily made after the neuroradiological evaluation. Fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (RSF) is now the gold standard treatment for controlling tumor volume and preserving visual acuity.

[Classification of orbital tumors]. / Classification des tumeurs orbitaires.

Knowledge of orbital tumor classification is essential because it is the basis of an optimal therapeutic strategy. These tumors comprise the sphenoorbital meningiomas, the optic nerve sheath meningiomas, the optic nerve gliomas, the schwannomas, the histiocytic tumors, the metastases, the lacrimal gland tumors, the mesenchymal tumors of the soft tissues, the primary orbital wall tumors, the tumors arising from the nasal and paranasal sinuses, the hematopoietic tumors, the vascular tumors, and the congenital tumors.

[Mesenchymal orbital tumors]. / Tumeurs orbitaires d'origine mésenchymateuse.

Mesenchymal tumors grow from pluripotent mesenchymal cells that form the soft orbital tissue. Primary tumors of the orbital walls are discussed in another section. Tumors from muscle and adipose tissue are rare or exceptional, except rhabdomyosarcoma, described in the section dedicated to pediatric tumors. Most frequent tumors are fibrous histiocytomas and solitary fibrous tumors, which often have a retrobulbar location. Fibrous histiocytoma is benign in only 65 % of cases. Fibrous solitary tumor is now better known (Ag CD34): this tumor is generally benign but frequently recurs.