Symptomatic Epidural Fluid Collection Following Cranioplasty after Decompressive Craniectomy for Traumatic Brain Injury / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: Symptomatic epidural fluid collection (EFC) arising as a complication of cranioplasty is underestimated and poorly described. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors for development of symptomatic EFC after cranioplasty following traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS: From January 2010 to December 2014, 82 cranioplasties following decompressive hemicraniectomy for TBI were performed by a single surgeon. Of these 82 patients, 17 were excluded from this study due to complications including postoperative hematoma, hydrocephalus, or infection. Sixty-five patients were divided into 2 groups based on whether they had developed symptomatic EFC: 13 patients required an evacuation operation due to symptomatic EFC after cranioplasty (Group I), and 52 obtained good outcome without development of symptomatic EFC (Group II). We compared the 2 groups to identify the risk factors for symptomatic EFC according to sex, age, initial diagnosis, timing of cranioplasty, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage during cranioplasty, size of bone flap, and bone material. RESULTS: A large bone flap and CSF leakage during cranioplasty were identified as the statistically significant risk factors (p<0.05) for development of symptomatic EFC. In Group I, 11 patients were treated successfully with 5 L catheter drainage, but 2 patients showed recurrent EFC, eventually necessitating bone flap removal. CONCLUSION: A larger skull defect and intraoperative CSF leakage are proposed to be the significant risk factors for development of symptomatic EFC. Careful attention to avoid CSF leakage during cranioplasty is needed to minimize the occurrence of EFC, especially in cases featuring a large cranial defect.

Mini-open PLIF for Moderate to High Grade Spondylolisthesis: Technique to Achieve Spontaneous Reduction

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surgical technique and outcome of mini-open posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) under circumferential releasing technique. METHODS: Fourty patients who underwent mini-open PLIF using the percutaneous screw fixation system for Meyerding Grade II spondylolisthesis or more were retrospectively studied. After complete circumferential release, the slipped vertebrae would tend to obtain spontaneous reduction, and with compressive force by percutaneous screw fixation, additional reduction could be achieved. The radiological measurements including slippage reduction, disc height, restoration of lumbar lordotic angle and focal segmental angle were analyzed. The clinical outcome was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and low back outcome score (LBOS), and procedure related complications were also analyzed. RESULTS: Slippage percentage was improved from 38.0+/-12.6% to 9.3+/-7.8% and lumbar lordotic angle was changed from 43.0+/-13.8degrees to 48.2+/-10.3degrees. Focal segmental angle improved from 10.1+/-8.5degrees to 15.9+/-6.0degrees. The mean LBOS and mean pain score were also improved significantly. Complications included one case of medial penetration of pedicle border and two cases of transient radiculopathy. However, there were no signs of neurological aggravation or fusion failure during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Mini-open PLIF using the percutaneous screw fixation following complete circumferential release can be safe and effective treatment for even moderate to severe grade spondylolisthesis.