Early Decompression of Acute Subdural Hematoma for Postoperative Neurological Improvement: A Single Center Retrospective Review of 10 Years / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate survival related factors, as well as to evaluate the effects of early decompression on acute subdural hematoma (ASDH). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed cases of decompressive craniectomy (DC) for decade. In total, 198 cases of DC involved ASDH were available for review, and 65 cases were excluded due to missing data on onset time and a delayed operation after closed observation with medical care. Finally, 133 cases of DC with ASDH were included in this study, and various factors including the time interval between trauma onset and operation were evaluated. RESULTS: In the present study, survival rate after DC in patients with ASDH was shown to be related to patient age (50 years old, p=0.012), brain compression ratio (p=0.042) and brain stem compression (p=0.020). Sex, preoperative mental status, and time interval between trauma onset and operation were not related with survival rate. Among those that survived (n=78), improvements in Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of more than three points, compared to preoperative measurement, were more frequently observed among the early (less than 3 hours between trauma onset and operation) decompressed cases (p=0.013). However, improvements of more than 4 or 5 points on the GCS were not affected by early decompression. CONCLUSION: Early decompression of ASDH was not correlated with survival rate, but was related with neurological improvement (more than three points on the GCS). Accordingly, early decompression in ASDH, if indicated, may be of particular benefit.

A Faster and Wider Skin Incision Technique for Decompressive Craniectomy: n-Shaped Incision for Decompressive Craniectomy / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a useful surgical method to achieve adequate decompression in hypertensive intracranial patients. This study suggested a new skin incision for DC, and analyzed its efficacy and safety. METHODS: In the retrograde reviews, 15 patients underwent a newly suggested surgical approach using n-shape skin incision technique (Group A) and 23 patients were treated with conventional question mark skin incision technique (Group B). Two groups were compared in the terms of the decompressed area of the craniectomy, protruded brain volume out of the skull layer, the operation time from skin incision to bone flap removal, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) which was evaluated for 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: The decompressed area of craniectomy (389.1 cm² vs. 318.7 cm², p=0.041) and the protruded brain volume (151.8 cm³ vs. 116.2 cm³, p=0.045) were significantly larger in Group A compared to the area and the volume in Group B. The time interval between skin incision and bone flap removal was much shorter in Group A (23.3 minutes vs. 29.5 minutes, p=0.013). But, the clinical results were similar between 2 groups. Group A showed more favorable outcome proportion (mRS 0-3, 6/15 patients vs. 5/23 patients, p=0.225) and lesser mortality cases proportion 1/15 patients vs. 4/23 patients, but these differences were not significantly observed (p=0.225 and 0.339). CONCLUSION: DC using n-shaped skin incision was a feasible and safe surgical technique. It may be an easier and faster method for the purpose of training neurosurgeons.

Delayed Vertebral Artery Dissection after Posterior Cervical Fusion with Traumatic Cervical Instability: A Case Report

Vascular injury presented immediately after the penetration, but delayed onset of vascular symptom caused by an embolism or vessel dissection after cervical fusion or traumatic event is extremely rare. We present a case of a 56-year-old woman who underwent an operation for cervical fusion for type II Odontoid process fracture. She presented symptoms of seizure with hemiparesis in 6 days after the operation. Multifocal acute infarction due to an embolism from the left VA (V3 segment) dissection was observed without a definite screw breach the transverse foramen. We hereby reported the instructive case report of delayed onset of vertebral artery dissection after posterior cervical fusion with type II odontoid process fracture patient. When a cervical operation performed in the cervical trauma patient, even if no apparent VA injury occurs before and during the operation, the surgeon must take caution not to risk cerebral infarction because of the delayed VA dissection.

Paralytic Ileus and Prophylactic Gastrointestinal Motility Medication after Spinal Operation

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of paralytic ileus after spinal operation in the supine or prone operative position and to determine the efficacy of prophylactic gastrointestinal motility medications in preventing symptomatic paralytic ileus after a spinal operation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients received spinal surgery in the supine or prone operative position. The study period was divided into two phases: first, to analyze the prevalence of radiographic and symptomatic paralytic ileus after a spinal operation, and second, to determine the therapeutic effects of prophylactic gastrointestinal motility medications (postoperative intravenous injection of scopolamine butylbromide and metoclopramide hydrochloride) on symptomatic paralytic ileus after a spinal operation. RESULTS: Basic demographic data were not different. In the first phase of this study, 27 patients (32.9%) with radiographic paralytic ileus and 11 patients (13.4%) with symptomatic paralytic ileus were observed. Radiographic paralytic ileus was more often noted in patients who underwent an operation in the prone position (p=0.044); whereas the occurrence of symptomatic paralytic ileus was not different between the supine and prone positioned patients (p=0.385). In the second phase, prophylactic medications were shown to be ineffective in preventing symptomatic paralytic ileus after spinal surgery [symptomatic paralytic ileus was observed in 11.1% (4/36) with prophylactic medication and 16.7% (5/30) with a placebo, p=0.513]. CONCLUSION: Spinal surgery in the prone position was shown to increase the likelihood of radiographic paralytic ileus occurrence, but not symptomatic paralytic ileus. Unfortunately, the prophylactic medications to prevent symptomatic paralytic ileus after spine surgery were shown to be ineffective.

Cervical Arthroplasty for Moderate to Severe Disc Degeneration: Clinical and Radiological Assessments after a Minimum Follow-Up of 18 Months: Pfirrmann Grade and Cervical Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: Clinical outcomes and radiologic results after cervical arthroplasty have been reported in many articles, yet relatively few studies after cervical arthroplasty have been conducted in severe degenerative cervical disc disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients who underwent cervical arthroplasty (Mobi-C(R)) between April 2006 and November 2011 with a minimum follow-up of 18 months were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to Pfirrmann classification on preoperative cervical MR images: group A (Pfirrmann disc grade III, n=38) and group B (Pfirrmann disc grades IV or V, n=22). Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of neck and arm pain, modified Oswestry Disability Index (mODI) score, and radiological results including cervical range of motion (ROM) were assessed before and after surgery. RESULTS: VAS and mean mODI scores decreased after surgery from 5.1 and 57.6 to 2.7 and 31.5 in group A and from 6.1 and 59.9 to 3.7 and 38.4 in group B, respectively. In both groups, VAS and mODI scores significantly improved postoperatively (p<0.001), although no significant intergroup differences were found. Also, cervical dynamic ROM was preserved or gradually improved up to 18 months after cervical arthroplasty in both groups. Global, segmental and adjacent ROM was similar for both groups during follow-up. No cases of device subsidence or extrusion were recorded. CONCLUSION: Clinical and radiological results following cervical arthroplasty in patients with severe degenerative cervical disc disease were no different from those in patients with mild degenerative cervical disc disease after 18 months of follow-up.

Surface Landmarks do not Correspond to Exact Levels of the Cervical Spine: References According to the Sex, Age and Height

OBJECTIVE: A general orientation along the cervical spine could be estimated by external landmarks, and it was useful, quick and less exposable to radiation, but, sometimes it gave reference confusion of target cervical level. The authors reviewed the corresponding between the neck external landmarks and cervical levels. METHODS: Totally 1,031 cervical lateral radiographs of different patients were reviewed in single university hospital. Its compositions were 534 of males and 497 females; 86 of second decades (10-19 years-old), 169 of third decades, 159 of fourth decades, 209 of fifth decades, 275 of sixth decades, and 133 of more than seventh decades (>60 years-old). Reference external landmarks (mandible, hyoid bone, thyroid cartilage, and cricothyroid membrane) with compounding factors were reviewed. RESULTS: The reference levels of cervical landmarks were C2.13 with mandible angle, C3.54 with hyoid bone, C5.12 with thyroid cartilage, and C6.01 with cricothyroid membrane. The reference levels of cervical landmarks were differently observed by sex, age, and somatometric measurement (height) accordingly mandible angle from C1 to C3, hyoid bone from disc level of C2 and C3 to C5, thyroid cartilage from disc level of C3 and C4 to C7, and cricothyroid membrane from C4 to disc level of C7 and T1. CONCLUSION: Surface landmarks only provide general reference points, but not correspond to exact levels of the cervical spine. Intraoperative fluoroscopy ensures a more precise placement to the targeted cervical level.

Repeated Complication Following Atlantoaxial Fusion: A Case Report

A patients with atlantoaixial instability and osodontoideum underwent atlantoaixial fusion (Harms and Melcher technique) with demineralized bone matrix. But, unfortunately, the both pedicle screws in C2 were fractured within 9 weeks follow-up periods after several suspected episode of neck hyper-flexion. Fractured screws were not contact to occipital bone in several imaging studies, but it could irritate the occipital bone when neck extension because the relatively close distance between the occipital bone and C1 posterior arch. The patient underwent revision operation with translaminar screw fixation with autologus iliac bone graft. Postsurgical course were uneventful except donor site pain, but the bony fusion was not satisfied after 4 months follow-up. The patient re-underwent revision operation in other hospital. Continuous complication after atlantoaixial fusion is rare, but the clinical course could be unlucky to patients. Postoperative immobilization could be important to prevent the unintended clinical course of patients.

Comparison of Drainage Volume of Chronic Subdural Hematoma According to Drainage Catheter Type

PURPOSE: To assess the therapeutic value of two different drainage catheters in treating chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two types of drainage catheters can be used to treat CSDH according to the position of holes in the catheter: open-type or closed-type catheter. In this retrospective study, 199 total patients with CSDH were reviewed according to catheter type. Among them, 84 patients were and 113 in the closed-type group (holes positioned within the distal-most 1 cm of the catheter). The surgeon selected the catheter type. Total drainage volume, initial drainage volume within 2 days, percentage of initial drainage volume per total drainage volume, duration of catheter insertion, and reoperation rate were compared. RESULTS: Total drainage volume was not different between the two groups (p=0.333). The initial drainage volume within 2 days was larger in the open-type group than closed-type group (p=0.024), but the percentage of initial drainage volume per total drainage volume was not different (p=0.354). The duration of catheter insertion was shorter in the open-type group than closed-type group (p=0.015). The reoperation rate of CSDH was also higher in the open-type group than closed-type group (p=0.004). CONCLUSION: CSDH drainage with an open-type catheter is faster compared with a closed-type catheter, but total drainage volume is similar and reoperation rate is higher. Therefore, the open-type catheter for CSDH drainage has limited clinical value.

Technical Report of Free Hand Pedicle Screw Placement using the Entry Points with Junction of Proximal Edge of Transverse Process and Lamina in Lumbar Spine: Analysis of 2601 Consecutive Screws

OBJECTIVE: A variety of different pedicle screws entry point techniques are used for the lumbar pedicle screws placement. This study reported Kim's entry point of lumbar pedicle screws with free hand technique and the accuracy of this technique. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the 584 cases with free hand placed lumbar pedicle screw placement. The diagnosis included 491 cases with degenerative spine, 59 cases with trauma, 29 cases with metastatic disease, and 5 cases with scoliosis. A total of 2601 lumbar pedicle screws were placed, and the entry points of lumbar pedicle screws were the junction of proximal edge of transverse process and lamina. Incidence and extent of cortical breach by misplaced pedicle screw was determined by review of intra-operative and post-operative radiographs and/or computed tomography. RESULTS: Among the total 2601 lumbar free hand placed pedicle screws, 114 screws (4.4%) in 79 patients (13.5%) were repositioned screws with suspected screw malposition during operation, and 37 screws (1.4%) in 31 patients (5.3%) were identified as moderate to severe breaching the pedicle after post-operative imaging studies. Among the patient with malpositioned screws, 3 patients showed nerve irritation sign of the lesion, and 2 cases were symptom improved after nerve block and conservative management, and 1 case was removed the screw after the failure of the treatment. CONCLUSION: Free hand pedicle screw placement based on external landmark with the junction of proximal edge of transverse process and lamina showed acceptable safety and accuracy and avoidance of radiation exposure.

Mysterious Foreign Body in Transverse Sinus

This case report describes a patient who had a foreign body in transverse sinus. A 35-year-old Korean-Chinese man visited the emergency room with lacerated wound in left eyelid and a foreign body which was stumbled upon in the skull. On examination, there was right side hemianopsia in his left eye. He did not complain any headache or show any abnormal neurological signs, but there was a foreign body at left transverse sinus in computed tomography which was taken at another hospital. There was no intracranial abnormality except the foreign body in computed tomography. Because of the financial problem, additional evaluations were not possible. We herein report a strange case in which the pathway of a foreign body to locate in transverse sinus was ambiguous, and suggest that the foreign body located in transverse sinus might have been the penetrated along the anterior fontanelle and passed through the superior sagittal sinus.

Cerebrovascular Disease and Stroke in Korean Male Adolescent

PURPOSE: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and incidence of cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and stroke in Korean male adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors reviewed all medical certificates, medical records, and radiologic images from the examinations of Korean military conscription from January 2008 to May 2011. RESULTS: Of the 101156 examinees, 40 had CVD and stroke during adolescence. The overall prevalence and incidence of CVD and stroke was 39.54 cases per 100000 adolescents and 2.08 cases per 100000 adolescents per year, respectively and these were similar to the worldwide data. There were 3 cases of aneurysm, 3 cases of dural arteriovenous fistula, 11 cases of arteriovenous malformation, 4 cases of cavernous hemangioma, 4 cases of cerebrovascular infarction, 16 cases of Moyamoya disease, and 1 case of missing data. The incidence of arteriovenous malformation (0.57 cases per 100000 adolescents per year) was lower than the incidence for the worldwide general population. The incidence of Moyamoya disease was higher than that in any other country (15.82 cases per 100000 adolescents, vs. 0.83 cases per 100000 adolescents per year). CONCLUSION: We observed ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, each accounting for approximately half of cases, and high incidence of Moyamoya disease with low incidence of arteriovenous malformation in Korean male adolescents.

Management of Subdural Fluid Collection Following Surgery for Ruptured Aneurysm / 대한뇌혈관외과학회지

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical course of subdural fluid (SDF) collection following surgery for a ruptured aneurysm and to set up a management plan for it. METHODS: Of 288 patients who underwent open aneurysm surgery for a ruptured aneurysm, 97 patients (33.7%) had impaired cerebrospinal fluid circulation in the form of subdural fluid collection or hydrocephalus during the postoperative period. We categorized these patients into 3 groups. Group A comprised patients who experienced spontaneously resolved postoperative SDF collection. Group B comprised patients who experienced a postoperative SDF collection that evolved into internal hydrocephalus. Group C comprised patients who experienced hydrocephalus without subdural fluid collection during the postoperative period. We retrospectively reviewed radiographic images and clinical data to determine the differences between the three groups with respect to age, initial clinical grade, and Fisher grade. RESULTS: Group B and group C had similar proportions of patients over 60 years of age in comparison to group A. Compared to group A, group B had a greater proportion of patients whose initial Hunt and Hess grades (HHG) were III, IV, or V (p = 0.040), and group B had a larger proportion of patients whose initial Fisher grades (FG) were III or IV (p = 0.020). CONCLUSION: Based on our understanding of SDF collection's clinical course and mechanism, we carefully suggest that clinicians consider the presence of cortical atrophy, the initial CT grade, and the clinical grades when establishing a treatment plan for SDF collection.