Comparison of Radiological and Clinical Outcomes between Expandable and Non-expandable Cages Following Cervical Corpectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion is considered the mainstay of surgical treatment in cervical pathology. Expandable and nonexpandable cages are preferred over autogenous bone graft because of donor-related morbidity. However, the choice of the cage type remains a debatable topic as studies report conflicting results. Thus, we evaluated the outcomes of expandable and non-expandable cages following cervical corpectomy. Studies were searched in various electronic databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane) between 2011 and 2021. Forest plot was made to compare the radiological and clinical outcomes between expandable and non-expandable cages following cervical corpectomy. Altogether, 26 studies (1,170 patients) were included in the metaanalysis. The mean change in segmental angle was significantly greater in the expandable cage group than in the non-expandable cage group (6.7° vs. 3.0°, p <0.001). The mean subsidence rate was lower in the expandable cage group (6% vs. 41%, p <0.001). The mean fusion rate was lower (93% vs. 98%, p =0.06) and the mean displacement rate was significantly higher in the expandable cage group (29% vs. 5%, p <0.05). The mean reoperation rate was higher in the expandable cage group (16% vs. 2%, p >0.05). The improvement in segmental angle is better with expandable cages. Higher subsidence is a major problem with non-expandable cages, but it seems to be beneficial as evidenced by the high fusion rate and minimal effect on clinical outcome in patients with this cage.

Cerebellopontine angle epidermoid with ipsilateral external ear atresia: an embryological association or a coincidence?

The cerebellopontine angle (CPA) is the most common site for intracranial epidermoids. They may have varied presentations viz facial pain, hemifacial spasms, headache and uncommonly features of raised intracranial pressure. Their association with external ear atresia has not been reported in literature to date. We present a very rare case of CPA epidermoid with ipsilateral external ear atresia.

Prediction of the functional and radiological outcome on the basis of independent factors with special emphasis on the use of 3D printed models in craniovertebral junction surgery.

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the advantage of performing planned surgery using customized three-dimensional (3D) printed models versus performing surgery without using 3D printed models in patients with craniovertebral junction (CVJ) anomalies and traumatic CVJ fractures and dislocations. Methods: Forty-two patients with CVJ anomalies, who were planned for operative intervention in the Department of Neurosurgery at SMS Hospital from March 2019 to February 2021, were randomly divided into two groups and analyzed. First group was operated after rehearsal on a customized 3D printed model whereas the second group underwent operative intervention without the rehearsal of surgery on the 3D printed model. Results: Forty-two patients were enrolled for the study. Twenty-five of these patients had developmental CVJ anomalies, 16 had post traumatic Atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD), and one had congenital AAD. Twenty-three patients underwent surgical intervention using 3D printed models and 19 without using 3D printed models. The outcome in the two groups was compared using modified Japanese orthopedic association score (mJOA), recovery rate, incidence of complications such as screw malposition, postoperative neurological deterioration, vertebral artery (VA) injury, and radiological improvement based on Atlanto-Dental interval, the distance of the tip of dens from Wackhenheims clivus canal line, and the distance of tip of dens from the Chamberlain's line. The improvement in mJOA score postoperatively was found to be statistically significant in study group (P < 0.001) as compared to control group (P = 0.06). Recovery rate was better in study group than in control group (P = 0.023). In study group, the incidence of screw malposition and VA injury was lower than control group. Three patients deteriorated neurologically postoperatively in the control group and none in the study group. The average improvements in the radiological parameters were found to be better in study group as compared to control group postoperatively. Conclusion: The authors conclude that 3D printed models are extremely helpful in analyzing joints and VA anatomy preoperatively and are helpful in unmasking any abnormal bony and vascular anatomy effectively, making the surgeon confident about the placement of the screws intraoperatively. These 3D models help in intraoperative error minimization with better neurological outcomes in postoperative period. In our opinion, these models should be included as a basic investigation tool in patients of CVJ abnormalities. The models also offer other advantages such as preoperative simulation, teaching modules, and patient education.

Three-Dimensional-Printed Model-Assisted Management of Craniovertebral Junction Abnormalities: An Institutional Experience with Literature Review.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. PURPOSE: To evaluate the utility and limitations of using three-dimensional (3D)-printed models for the management of craniovertebral (CV) junction abnormalities. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: In comparison to other bony and vascular anomalies, CV junction abnormalities are difficult to treat. For cases of irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD), posterior reduction and stabilization have replaced anterior decompression as the standard management protocol. The use of 3D models, such as those described herein, can provide surgeons with in-depth knowledge of the vertebral artery course and bony anomalies associated with CV junction abnormalities. METHODS: Clinical and radiological features of 18 patients with CV junction abnormalities were analyzed between March 2017 and February 2019 at Sawai Man Singh Medical College, Jaipur, India. Dynamic computed tomography (CT) of the CV junction and CT angiographies of the neck with respect to the vertebral artery course at the C1-C2 joints were obtained and studied. Customized 3D models of the CV junction were then made based on the CT data, and rehearsal of the surgical procedure was performed using the 3D model one day prior to performing the actual procedure. RESULTS: Seventeen patients had congenital-type AAD, whereas one patient had posttraumatic AAD. Improvements in neck pain and myelopathy were seen in all patients at the follow-up, as analyzed using the Visual Analog Scale and the Japanese Orthopedic Association Scale score, respectively. There were no cases of malpositioning of screws or any direct vertebral artery injury, although in one patient, the distal flow in the dominant vertebral artery was cut off as it got compressed between the bony arch and the screw head. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to computer-generated images, 3D-printed models are a more practical approach for dealing with complex CV junction abnormalities. They provide surgeons with deep insights into the complex bony anomalies as well as variations in the vertebral artery courses, thereby improving surgical outcomes.

Role of Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Brain Tumor Surgery.

OBJECT: The objective is to evaluate the role of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in intra-axial brain tumor cases (gliomas and metastasis). To preoperatively assess the integrity and location of white matter (WM) tracts and plan the surgical corridor to cause least damage to the WM tracts with minimum postoperative new neurological deficits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 34 patients were included in this study. Pre-operative contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and DTI scans of the patients were taken into consideration. Pre- and post-operative neurological examinations were performed and the outcome was assessed. RESULTS: Preoperative planning of surgical corridor and extent of resection were planned so that maximum possible resection could be achieved without disturbing the WM tracts. DTI indicated the involvement of fiber tracts. A total of 21 (61.7%) patients had a displacement of tracts only and they were not invaded by tumor. A total of 11 (32.3%) patients had an invasion of tracts by the tumor, whereas in 4 (11.7%) patients the tracts were disrupted. Postoperative neurologic examination revealed deterioration of motor power in 4 (11.7%) patients, deterioration of language function in 3 (8.82%) patients, and memory in one patient. Total resection was achieved in 11/18 (61.1%) patients who had displacement of fibers, whereas it was achieved in 5/16 (31.2%) patients when there was infiltration/disruption of tracts. CONCLUSION: DTI provides crucial information regarding the infiltration of the tract and their displaced course due to the tumor. This study indicates that it is a very important tool for the preoperative planning of surgery. The involvement of WM tracts is a strong predictor of the surgical outcome.

Intramedullary Melanocytoma of the Cervicothoracic Cord: Case Report and Review of Literature.

Melanocytoma is rare pigmented tumor of the leptomeninges which arise from the neural crest. Intramedullary location of the tumor is extremely rare, and only a few case reports are available in the literature. We report a case of 35-year-old female with the entity who had a near total removal of the intramedullary tumor with good postoperative outcome. The available literature is reviewed.

Use of 3D printer model to study vertebral artery anatomy and variations in developmental craniovertebral junction anomalies and as a preoperative tool-an institutional experience.

BACKGROUND: Spinal instrumentation using rods and screws have become procedure of choice for posterior fixation. Vertebral artery anatomy is highly variable in this region posing challenges during surgery. Our study used 3D printer model to understand the anatomy and variations in vertebral artery in live patients thereby providing an accurate idea about vertebral artery injury risk in these patients preoperatively and to rehearse the whole procedure. METHODS: Ten patients of developmental craniovertebral junction (CVJ) anomalies who were planned for operative intervention in the Department of Neurosurgery at SMS Hospital from February 2016 to December 2016 were analysed using a 3D printer model. RESULTS: Out of twenty vertebral arteries studied in ten patients, two were hypoplastic and out of these one could not be appreciated on 3D printer model. Out of remaining nineteen, thirteen arteries were found to lie outside the joint, three were in lateral third, one traversed the middle third of joint and one lied in medial third. In one patient, the vertebral artery was stretched and it traversed horizontally over the joint. Out of ten patients studied, nine were having occipitalised atlas and so entry of these vertebral arteries into cranium were classified as given by Wang et al. into four types. CONCLUSIONS: By our study, 3D printer model was extremely helpful in analyzing joints and vertebral artery preoperatively and making the surgeon acquainted about the placement and trajectory of the screws accordingly. In our opinion, these models should be included as a basic investigation tool in these patients.

Urinary bladder perforation, intra-corporeal knotting, and per-urethral extrusion of ventriculoperitoneal shunt in a single patient: case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) surgery is the most common procedure performed for the treatment of hydrocephalus. Erosive bladder perforation by a peritoneal catheter is an extremely rare complication of VPS. Only ten cases involving the normal (non-augmented) urinary bladder have been reported so far. CASE: We report a case of erosive bladder perforation, intra-corporeal knot formation, and perurethral extrusion of the distal end of VPS. This is the second only case report so far in the world literature showing triad of uncommon VPS complications in a single patient. CONCLUSION: Prompt management could avoid further complications. Patient's parents should be aware about this rare complication, so that they can seek timely medical help.

Giant lumbosacral schwannoma in a child.

Small spinal intradural extramedullary schwannoma are a common occurrence in the middle aged. However, giant schwannoma in pediatric age group is rare. We report one such case of giant extradural lumbosacral schwannoma in an 8-year-old child. Clinical features, histopathology and management of giant schwannoma is discussed and the present literature reviewed.

Telemedicine in neurosurgical emergency: Indian perspective.

Telemedicine is rapidly developing telecommunication technology to provide medical information and services. The importance of telemedicine for neurosurgical emergencies was established with the fact that majority of the neurosurgical specialists are practicing in urban settings and in most of the rural areas, neurosurgical care is far off or non-existing. Countries with inadequate health care must incorporate telemedicine in their health care system. Telemedicine offers real benefits in a country as vast as India, where the majority of the population lives in remote areas with no access to even the most basic healthcare. Issues pertaining security, privacy, maintaining standards, and legal aspects are relevant. A recommended set of standards and guidelines for telemedicine needs to be set in place and constantly refined to promote the integrated growth of telemedicine in the country. The paper discusses various issues, shortcomings, and utility of telemedicine in India.

Cervical rib, a rare cause of recurrent stroke in the young: case report.

BACKGROUND: Cervical rib usually causes neurological symptoms in the upper limb but stroke as an initial presentation is very uncommon. Recurrent supratentorial and infratentorial stroke in a single patient is very rare. Cervical rib can lead to anterograde or retrograde thromboembolic phenomenon leading to ischemic stroke. CASE REPORT: A 14-year-old girl presented with a history of sudden onset of loss of consciousness and left hemiparesis of 2 days duration. She had a similar episode 2 years ago, from which she had recovered to a large extent with minimal residual left hemiparesis. On examination, she was unconscious and localizing to pain on the right side. Radial pulse was absent on the right side. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed a right fronto-temporo-parietal old infarct with a new subacute infarct involving right cerebellar hemisphere and brainstem. X-ray of the chest showed a right-sided cervical rib. Computed tomographic angiography of the neck vessels revealed stenosis of subclavian artery at the site of the cervical rib with poststenosis dilatation. Patient was managed with anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy initially and excision of the cervical rib was performed as a definitive procedure. She responded well to the treatment and at 6 months of follow-up, the strength on the left side had improved substantially. She was capable of doing her daily activities independently with little imbalance. CONCLUSIONS: The reported patient is the first in the literature who suffered recurrent supratentorial and infratentorial stroke as a complication of cervical rib. We stress the need for early diagnosis of this easily treatable cause of stroke in the young.

Craniocerebral maduromycosis.

Craniocerebral maduromycetoma is extremely rare; only 2 cases have been reported so far. The authors report a case of maduromycetoma in a 17-year-old girl from a rural background in the state of Rajasthan, India, with involvement of the right parietal cortex, overlying bone, and subcutaneous tissue. The mass was totally excised, along with the involved dura mater, bone, and scalp. She was given antifungal drugs in the postoperative period. The patient responded very well to the treatment, and there were no signs of recurrence at the 6-month follow-up visit. The clinical features, imaging and histopathological investigations, and management of this rare entity are discussed, and the available literature is reviewed.

Mucocele of the sphenoid sinus: A rare cause of reversible 3(rd) nerve palsy.

Ophthalmoplegia due to 3(rd) nerve palsy is a common occurrence, and is usually a sign of diabetes mellitus or a serious intracranial disease. We report a rare case of pupil sparing 3(rd) nerve palsy caused by mucocele of the sphenoid sinus. The patient regained 3(rd) nerve functions after successful decompression of the mucocele. Early and correct diagnosis of this relatively benign condition is important to prevent permanent neurological deficits, including visual loss by optic nerve atrophy. Etiology, clinical manifestations and treatment of the sphenoid mucoceles is discussed and available literature is reviewed.

Programmable valve shunts: are they really better?

Programmable valve shunts allows selection of opening pressure of shunt valve. In the presented article, a unique complication pertaining to programmable shunts has been discussed. A 5-year-old boy who had tectal plate low grade glioma with obstructive hydrocephalus was managed with Codman programmable ventriculoperitoneal shunt. There was a spontaneous change in the opening pressure of the shunt valve leading to shunt malfunction. Routinely used household appliances produce a magnetic field strong enough to cause change in the setting of shunt valve pressure and may lead to valve malfunction. Other causes of programmable valve malfunction also discussed.

Low velocity penetrating head injury with impacted foreign bodies in situ.

Penetrating head injury is a potentially life-threatening condition. Penetrating head injuries with impacted object (weapon) are rare. The mechanism of low velocity injury is different from high velocity missile injury. Impacted object (weapon) in situ poses some technical difficulties in the investigation and management of the victims, and if the anticipated problems are not managed properly, they may give rise to serious consequences. The management practice of eight patients with impacted object in situ in context of earlier reported similar cases in literature is presented.

Dengue hemorrhagic fever: a rare cause of pituitary tumor hemorrhage and reversible vision loss.

Dengue hemorrhagic fever leading to hemorrhage in pituitary adenoma is not reported till date: We herein report the first case of bilateral visual loss secondary to pituitary adenoma hemorrhage associated with dengue hemorrhagic fever. Urgent transnasal trans sphenoidal decompression of the macroadenoma prevented permanent visual loss in this patient. Pituitary apoplexy should be considered as differential diagnosis of visual deterioration apart from retinal hemorrhage, maculopathy, and optic neuropathy in cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever. Early decompression of optic nerves helped in the restoration of vision.