Intracranial pressure monitoring, experience in Jordan University Hospital

This retrospective study was done to evaluate the Intracranial Pressure [ICP] monitoring and its effect on the outcome of multi-trauma patients, including severe head injury, in Jordan University Hospital, as many studies were published with controversies. A total of 67 patients were included in the study, and in 42 patients ICP monitoring was used. It was found that the mortality rate increases with the higher readings in the ICP, reaching up to 100% in patients with an ICP of 60mmHg and above. Although the mortality rate was less in the ICP monitored patients [35.7%], compared to the Non- ICP monitored patients [52%]. The final outcome of severely head injured patients is not truly known especially in multitrauma patients

Management of lumbar far lateral disc herniation

To discuss the characteristics and management of far lateral lumbar disc herniation. The clinical data from 12 patients from 1999-2005 were retrospectively analyzed. Magnetic resonance imaging is the investigation of choice for the diagnosis of lumbar disc prolapsed, with L4/5 level the most common location. Radicular pain was present in all patients and back pain in 75% of patients. Motor weakness was observed in 75% of cases. Midline lumbar incisions with unilateral dissection of muscles was the most frequently used technique, starting with fenestration or interlaminar approach in 11 patients, then either the intertransverse approach [9 cases], or unilateral medical facetectomies [2 cases] were used to remove the rest of the far lateral disc, and the paramedian intertransverse approach was used in only one case. Neurological improvement was observed in 84% of cases and deterioration in neurological states in 16%. Far lateral disc herniation should be included in the differential diagnosis of any back or radicular pain and proper management and experience is needed to achieve good outcome

Outcome of severe head injury patients in Jordan university hospital

To evaluate the outcome of severe head injury in 72 patients who were treated in Jordan University Hospital between 1997 and 2004, a retrospective study was performed using age, mechanism of injury, GCS, CT findings, associated injuries and GOS as parameters. In the elderly, very severe head injury patients, the presence of associated systemic injuries were found to adversely affect the outcome. The presence of associated multiple systemic injuries had the highest mortality rate. Good recovery was observed in 19.2% of all patients and the overall mortality rate was 48.5%

Myelomeningocele and hydrocephalus, clinical analysis

To determine the relation between development of hydrocephalus and the size and location of a myelomeningocele, a retrospectivel study was performed at Jordan University Hospital between January 1992 and February 2000. A total number of 43 cases were included with a mean follow up period of 9.2 months [2-18 months]. Patients were categorized according to the size [maximum diameter of skin defect in myelomeningocele] and the location of myelomeningocele so as to evaluate the development of hydrocephalus. We conclude from the study that hydrocephalus was more associated with the larger size myelomeningocele and the upper located ones