ABSTRACT
Background: Intraoperative epidural steroid injections (ESIs) have been suggested to limit pain following lumbar fusions. However, the frequency of resultant surgical site infections has not been fully investigated. Methods: We retrospectively followed two groups of patients; 23 patients were the control group, while the other 23 patients received, in addition to the spinal fusions, intraoperative ESI. Results: Patients in the latter ESI/fusion treatment group had significantly increased rates of superficial and deep infections (i.e., superficial infections 17.4% and 4.3% deep infections) versus control patients (i.e., 8.6% superficial and 0% deep) undergoing fusions alone. Conclusion: We observed an increased risk of postoperative surgical site infections among patients who underwent intraoperative ESI in addition to their lumbar fusions.
ABSTRACT
AIM: This work aims to present the different indication, benefits, possible complications and methods used for fixation of methyl methacrylate in cranioplasty. Also, 50 cases will be presented demonstrating the different aetiologies of the defects, and the different techniques used for fixation of methyl methacrylate in cranioplasty. METHODS: This investigation included a prospective study to be carried out on 50 patients with cranial defects of different aetiologies, sites and sizes to be operated upon in Cairo University Hospitals starting from August 2016 to April 2017. RESULTS: The principal aims of cranioplasty in this study are to restore aesthetic contour and to provide cerebral protection. However, it has been noted that a great improvement occurs in cerebral blood flow and cerebral perfusion after cranioplasty. CONCLUSION: Ball and socket technique appear to be a simple, safe economic and efficient method for fixation of cranioplasty flap. The high incidence of development of postoperative seroma suggests the necessity of-of a subgaleal drain placement for 48 hours.
