Comprehensive analysis of risk factors and pathogenetic characteristics associated with surgical site infections following craniotomy procedures.

Craniotomies are intricate neurosurgical procedures susceptible to post-operative complications, among which surgical site infections (SSIs) are particularly concerning. This study sought to elucidate the potential risk factors and pathogenetic characteristics associated with SSIs following craniotomy procedures in a clinical setting. A retrospective study was conducted from May 2020 to May 2023, examining patients subjected to elective or emergency craniotomies. The cohort underwent post-operative surveillance for SSIs, facilitating patient classification into SSI and Non-SSI groups based on infection occurrence. Data collection encapsulated demographic and clinical parameters, including American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classifications, and operative factors. SSIs were diagnosed via an integrated approach combining clinical symptoms, microbiological culture findings and pertinent laboratory tests. A rigorous statistical methodology employing IBM's SPSS version 27.0 was utilised for data analysis. In a univariate analysis, significant risk factors for post-craniotomy SSIs were identified, with patients aged over 60 displaying a pronounced susceptibility. Moreover, surgeries exceeding a duration of 4 h heightened infection risks. Elevated ASA grades denoted an increased prevalence of SSIs, as did emergency procedures and higher National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance scores. Multivariate analysis pinpointed epidural/subdural drainage as a protective measure against SSIs, whereas emergency surgeries, operative times beyond 4 h and subsequent surgeries within the hospital stay amplified infection risks. Notably, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus dominated the identified pathogens at 28.09%, followed by Escherichia coli (17.98%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (10.11%) and Staphylococcus aureus (11.24%), underscoring the need for diverse prophylactic measures. SSIs following craniotomies present a multifaceted challenge influenced by a confluence of patient-related, operative and post-operative determinants. Understanding these risk factors is paramount in refining surgical protocols and post-operative care strategies to mitigate SSI incidence.

Vertico-horizontal atlantoaxial index (VHAI): A new craniovertebral radiographic index.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to develop a new index that can reliably quantify the reduction of basilar invagination with atlantoaxial dislocation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between May 2012 and September 2017, 40 patients with congenital basilar invagination and atlantoaxial dislocation as well as 100 sex-and age-matched control subjects were recruited for this study. All patients underwent direct posterior reduction and fixation. Mid-sagittal computerized tomography scan films were obtained before and after surgery as well as the vertico-horizontal atlantoaxial index (VHAI) was measured in all patients -before and after surgery- and controls. Additionally, the pre-and postoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores, Nurick grading, European Myelopathy Score (EMS) and Prolo Scale score were used to evaluate the cervical myelopathy. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 24.75 months with a range of 6-60 months. The mean value of VHAI in the control group was 87.86 ± 24.98 mm2, while the mean values of VHAI before and after surgery were 209.45 ± 96.80 mm2 and 95.08 ± 66.95 mm2, respectively. Additionally, in the patient group, a negative correlation was observed between JOA, EMS, Prolo Scale scores and VHAI. On the other hand, a positive correlation was found between the Nurick grading and VHAI. CONCLUSION: The VHAI can be an excellent measurement tool to evaluate the reduction of basilar invagination with atlantoaxial dislocation. There was a negative correlation between VHAI and JOA, EMS and Prolo Scale scores, and a positive correlation with Nurick grading; which indicates the effectiveness of this index.

Surgical Intervention for Unstable Craniovertebral Junction Anomalies with Narrow C2 Pedicle.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate and report a novel surgical technique of screws insertion and posterior surgical reduction, as well as explore its clinical results. METHODS: From September 2008 to September 2012, we treated 41 cases of unstable craniovertebral junction anomalies with a narrow C2 pedicle at our department. All patients underwent "posterior reduction and internal fixation of the occipital bone with superior or inferior articular process of C2 and lateral mass of C3 on the narrowed C2 pedicle side-for non-narrowed C2 pedicle side, the screw was only inserted into C2 pedicle without extending the fixation to C3 vertebrae-using a titanium screw-rod (plate) fixation system." The preoperative and postoperative atlantodens interval, Chamberlain line, McRae line, and cervicomedullary angle were all measured. In addition, the preoperative and postoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association score was used to evaluate the cervical myelopathy. RESULTS: A total of 134 screws were inserted into the C2 pedicle (30 screws), superior (35 screws) or inferior (17 screws) articular process of C2, and lateral mass of C3 (52 screws). There was a significant statistical difference between the preoperative and postoperative results in the reduction of the odontoid process, decompression of the upper cervical spinal cord and medulla, as well as the improvement of neurologic functions (P < 0.05). All patients have exhibited a major neurologic improvement and solid bony fusion. CONCLUSION: This novel surgical technique is safe, feasible, and effective for the treatment of unstable craniovertebral junction anomalies with a narrow C2 pedicle.