Endoscopic Endonasal Odontoidectomy: Nuances of Neurosurgical Technique / Odontoidectomia endoscópica endonasal: nuances da técnica cirúrgica

Odontoidectomy is the treatment of choice for some diseases that cause irreducible ventral compression of the brainstem. In this study, we present our series emphasizing the technical nuances of endoscopic endonasal odontoidectomy

Odontoidectomia é o tratamento de escolha para algumas doenças que cursam com compressão irredutível do tronco encefálico. Neste trabalho, apresentamos nossa série enfatizando as nuances da técnica cirúrgica da odontoidectomia por via endonasal endoscópica.

Open vs. Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Insertion for Thoracolumbar Traumatic A3 and A4 AO Fractures - 18-Months Follow-Up

Purpose To compare the efficacy and safety of the percutaneous screw fixation (PSF) and the open pedicle screw fixation (OPSF) on thoracolumbar (TL) fracture. Methods Sixty-four adult patients with TL vertebral fractures who underwent open or percutaneous posterior short-segment transpedicular screw fixation between January of 2013 and September of 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent clinical, radiological and quality of life follow-up for at least 18 months. Results There was no significant difference in age, gender, time between injury and surgery, and preoperative percentage of anterior column height, preoperative sagittal regional Cobb angle, or kyphotic angle of fractured vertebra between these two groups (p > 0.05). There was significantly less intraoperative blood loss in the PSF (87.6 24.6 mL) than in the OPSF group (271.4 142.6 mL) (p < 0.05). The mean surgery time was 62 minutes (range 42­130 minutes) for open and 58 minutes (range 35 to 128 minutes) for percutaneous screw fixation. The surgery time was shorter in the PSF group, but with no statistical significance (p > 0.05). The mean Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores after 18-months were 23.12 8.2 for the PSF and 24.12 9.2 for the OPSF group, without any statistical significance (p > 0.05). Conclusion Both open and percutaneous screw fixations are safe and effective. The percutaneous techniques significantly reduced the intraoperative blood loss compared with the open techniques.

Objetivo Comparar a eficácia e segurança das técnicas de fixação convencional e percutânea para fraturas toracolombares. Métodos Sessenta e quatro pacientes adultos com fraturas da transição toracolombar que foram submetidos a fixação pedicular curta por técnicas aberta convencional e percutânea entre janeiro de 2013 e setembro de 2015 foram retrospectivamente avaliados. Todos foram submetidos a avaliação clínica, radiológica e de qualidade de vida com no mínimo 18 meses do seguimento. Resultados Não houve diferença significativa na idade, sexo, tempo entre o trauma e o tratamento, porcentagem da redução da altura do corpo vertebral pré-operatório, angulo de Cob sagital na região da fratura, ou ângulo de de cifose da vértebra fraturada entre os dois grupos (p > 0,05). Houve uma menor perda sanguínea no grupo percutâneo (87,6 24,6 mL) em comparação com a técnica convencional (271,4 142,6 mL) (p < 0,05). O tempo médio da cirurgia foi 62 minutos (42 - 130 minutos) para a técnica convencional e 58 minutos (35 - 128 minutos) para a percutânea. Apesar de mais curto na técnica percutânea, não houve diferença estatisticamente significante no tempo cirúrgico entre os dois grupos (p > 0,05). Em relação ao índice de incapacidade de Oswestry após 18 meses do tratamento cirúrgico, também não houve diferença significante do ponto de vista estatístico entre os dois grupos, sendo 23,12 8,2 para a técnica percutânea e 24,12 9,2 para o grupo da técnica convencional (p > 0,05). Conclusão Ambas as técnicas mostraram-se eficazes e seguras para o tratamento de fraturas da transição toracolombar. A técnica percutânea apresentou uma taxa de perda sanguínea significativamente menor em comparação à técnica aberta convencional.

Endoscopic and Microsurgical Approaches to the Cavernous Sinus ­ Anatomical Review

Cavernous sinus surgery has always represented a surgical challenge due to the great importance of the surrounding anatomical structures and to the high morbidity associated to it. Although the anatomy of this region has been extensively described, controversy remains related to the best treatment and approaches for different kinds of lesions. In this article, a literature review was performed on the surgical anatomy and approaches to the cavernous sinus.

A cirurgia da região do seio cavernoso sempre representou um desafio devido à grande importância das estruturas anatômicas e às altas taxas de morbidade associadas. Embora a anatomia da região tenha sido extensivamente descrita, permanece controverso o melhor tratamento e o acesso para diferentes tipos de lesão que acometem a região. Neste artigo foi realizada uma revisão de literatura focando a anatomia cirúrgica e os acessos à região do seio cavernoso.

Bilateral Vertebral Artery Dissection after a Chiropractic Therapy Session

Vertebral artery dissection (VAD) is a rare and sometimes unrecognized cause of stroke in patients younger than 45 years. Herein, we describe a very rare case of bilateral vertebral artery dissection after a session of cervical therapy manipulation (chiropractic).

Vertebral artery dissection (VAD) is a rare and sometimes unrecognized cause of stroke in patients younger than 45 years. Herein, we describe a very rare case of bilateral vertebral artery dissection after a session of cervical therapy manipulation (chiropractic).

Trauma and envenoming caused by stingrays and other fish in a fishing community in Pontal do Paranapanema, state of São Paulo, Brazil: epidemiology, clinical aspects, and therapeutic and preventive measures.

INTRODUCTION: Accidents caused by fish are common in inland fishing communities in Brazil, being work-related injuries in the majority of cases. These populations have no information on the mechanisms of trauma or envenoming. METHODS: Through a questionnaire administered to fishermen, we obtained clinical and epidemiological data on accidents in Rosana, Pontal do Paranapanema, State of São Paulo, Brazil. These data were analyzed and converted into an easily understood prevention and treatment program for the colony. RESULTS: Thirty-nine fishermen replied to the survey. All of the patients had been hurt by fish. Of those mentioned, the yellow catfish (Pimelodus maculatus) was the main fish species associated with injuries, but others also caused trauma to the fishermen. Six fishermen had been envenomed by stingrays. Pain and ulcers were the main symptoms and were described as intolerable. Approximately half of those injured were treated using traditional folk remedies. CONCLUSIONS: The fishermen suffered multiple accidents with catfish, which are venomous and cause intense pain, as well as trauma due to other fish, such as surubins, traíras, freshwater croakers, and piranhas. Approximately 16% of those interviewed presented with envenomation from stingrays. Our data and previous experience in the area led to the creation of a pamphlet with clear language that can effectively help fishermen in the region, an area in need of health services and disease prevention. This initiative also applies to the whole La Plata River basin, which has similar fauna.

Trauma and envenoming caused by stingrays and other fish in a fishing community in Pontal do Paranapanema, state of São Paulo, Brazil: epidemiology, clinical aspects, and therapeutic and preventive measures / Traumas e envenenamentos por arraias e outros peixes em uma colônia de pescadores no pontal do Paranapanema, estado de São Paulo, Brasil: epidemiologia, aspectos clínicos e propostas terapêuticas e preventivas

INTRODUCTION: Accidents caused by fish are common in inland fishing communities in Brazil, being work-related injuries in the majority of cases. These populations have no information on the mechanisms of trauma or envenoming. METHODS: Through a questionnaire administered to fishermen, we obtained clinical and epidemiological data on accidents in Rosana, Pontal do Paranapanema, State of São Paulo, Brazil. These data were analyzed and converted into an easily understood prevention and treatment program for the colony. RESULTS: Thirty-nine fishermen replied to the survey. All of the patients had been hurt by fish. Of those mentioned, the yellow catfish (Pimelodus maculatus) was the main fish species associated with injuries, but others also caused trauma to the fishermen. Six fishermen had been envenomed by stingrays. Pain and ulcers were the main symptoms and were described as intolerable. Approximately half of those injured were treated using traditional folk remedies. CONCLUSIONS: The fishermen suffered multiple accidents with catfish, which are venomous and cause intense pain, as well as trauma due to other fish, such as surubins, traíras, freshwater croakers, and piranhas. Approximately 16% of those interviewed presented with envenomation from stingrays. Our data and previous experience in the area led to the creation of a pamphlet with clear language that can effectively help fishermen in the region, an area in need of health services and disease prevention. This initiative also applies to the whole La Plata River basin, which has similar fauna.

INTRODUÇÃO: Os acidentes causados por peixes são comuns em comunidades de pescadores fluviais no Brasil, sendo acidentes ocupacionais na maioria das vezes. Estas populações não têm informações dos mecanismos de trauma e envenenamento. MÉTODOS: Através de um questionário aplicado aos pescadores, foram obtidos dados clínicos e epidemiológicos sobre acidentes em Rosana, Pontal do Paranapanema, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Estes dados foram analisados e convertidos em um programa de prevenção e tratamento de acidentes através de um folheto de fácil assimilação RESULTADOS: Trinta e nove pescadores responderam o questionário. Todos os pacientes apresentaram ferimentos causados por algum peixe. Dos peixes mencionados, mandijubas (Pimelodus maculatus) foram os mais associados aos ferimentos, mas outros também causaram traumas. Em relação às arraias, seis pescadores tinham sido envenenados. Dor intensa e úlceras foram os principais sintomas. Aproximadamente metade dos acidentados usou apenas medidas de tratamentos populares. CONCLUSÕES: Os pescadores apresentaram acidentes múltiplos por mandis, que são peçonhentos e causam dor intensa, assim como traumas por outros peixes, como surubins, traíras, corvinas de água doce e piranhas. Cerca de 16% dos entrevistados apresentaram envenenamento por arraias. Nossos dados e experiência prévia permitiram a criação de um folheto de fácil assimilação pelas populações locais que pode ajudar os pescadores de forma efetiva, em uma área extremamente carente de serviços de saúde e prevenção de doenças. Esta iniciativa é aplicável a toda a bacia do Rio da Prata, área extensa e de fauna similar.