Titanium versus polyetheretherketone implants for vertebral body replacement in the treatment of 77 thoracolumbar spinal fractures.

BACKGROUND: Titanium and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) implants have been used in spinal surgery with low rejection rates. Compared to titanium, PEEK has many advantages, including a density more similar to that of bone, radiolucency, and a lack of artifacts in computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of PEEK cages as an alternative to titanium for bone fusion after fractures of the thoracolumbar spine. We also propose a classification to the impaction index. METHODS: We evaluated 77 patients with fractures of the thoracic or lumbar spine who were treated by anterior fixation with titanium cages (TeCorp®) in 46 (59.7%) patients or PEEK (Verte-stak®) in 31 (40.3%) patients from 2006 to 2012 (Neurological Hospital of Lyon). RESULTS: The titanium group achieved 100% fusion, and the PEEK group achieved 96.3% fusion. The titanium systems correlated with higher impact stress directed toward the lower and upper plateaus of the fused vertebrae; there were no nonunions for those treated with titanium group. Nevertheless, there was only one in the PEEK group. There was no significant difference in the pain scale outcomes for patients with ±10 degrees of the sagittal angle. Statistically, it is not possible to associate the variation of sagittal alignment or the impaction with symptoms of pain. The complication rate related to the implantation of cages was low. CONCLUSIONS: Titanium and PEEK are thus equally effective options for the reconstruction of the anterior column. PEEK is advantageous because its radiolucency facilitates the visualization of bone bridges.

Sphenopterional Point: Strategic Point for Burr Role Placement in Frontotemporal Craniotomies.

BACKGROUND: Frontotemporal craniotomies are the most commonly performed neurosurgical approaches. We studied the external bony landmarks on the lateral surface of the skull to identify a "strategic" point where both the anterior and middle cranial fossae are exposed simultaneously during frontotemporal craniotomies through a single burr hole placed over the greater wing of the sphenoid bone (sphenopterional point). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to anatomically define the sphenopterional point via craniometric measurements taken on the lateral surface of the human skull. METHODS: This study used 100 adult (age >18 years old) human dry crania (200 sides) with the calvaria removed, which were cataloged by gender and age. By using laser transillumination, the sphenopterional point was accurately identified in the temporal fossa. Measurements were taken using easily identifiable bony landmarks. On the basis of these landmarks, the horizontal and vertical distances were established between the sphenopterional point and the frontozygomatic suture. RESULTS: Regardless of gender or the side of the skull, the mean horizontal distance was 21.72 mm (SD, 3.17 mm; range, 14.25 mm-32.58 mm), and the mean vertical distance was 4.76 mm (SD, 1.74 mm; range, 0.00-9.73 mm). Neither the horizontal (right side, P = 0.621; left side, P = 0.341) nor the vertical measurements (right side, P = 0.460; left side, P = 0.609) differed significantly between genders. Therefore males and females present, on average, the same vertical and horizontal measurements on both sides. CONCLUSIONS: According to our measurements, the sphenopterional point is located, on average, 21.72 mm posterior and 4.76 mm superior from the frontozygomatic suture, over the sphenoidal bone component of the pterion region.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Anterior Pituitary Deficiency after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Prospective Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of hypopituitarism in the acute stage after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) as well at the chronic stage, at least 1 year after bleeding, to assess its implications and correlation with clinical features of the studied population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study that evaluated patients admitted between December 2009 and May 2011 with a diagnosis of SAH secondary to cerebral aneurysm rupture. Clinical and endocrine assessment was performed during the acute stage after hospital admission and before treatment at a mean of 7.5 days (SD ± 3.8) following SAH, and also at the follow-up visit at a mean of 25.5 months (range: 12-55 months) after the bleeding. RESULTS: Out of the 119 patients initially assessed, 92 were enrolled for acute stage, 82 underwent hormonal levels analysis, and 68 (82.9%) were followed up in both acute and chronic phases. The mean age and median age were lower among patients with dysfunction in the acute phase compared to those without dysfunction (P < .05). The prevalence of dysfunction in the acute phase was higher among patients with hydrocephalus on admission computed tomography (57.9%) than among those without it (P < .05). At chronic phase, there was an association between dysfunction and Hunt & Hess scale score greater than 2 (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: We believe that there is not enough literature evidence to incorporate routine endocrinological evaluation for patient victims of SAH, but we should always keep this differential diagnosis in mind when conducting long-term assessments of this population.

A new expansive two-open-doors laminoplasty for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy: technical report and follow-up results.

UNLABELLED: The laminoplasty technique was devised by Hirabayashi in 1978 for patients diagnosed with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy. OBJECTIVE: To describe an easy modification of Hirabayashi's method and present the clinical and radiological results from a five-year follow-up study. METHOD AND RESULTS: Eighty patients had 5 levels of decompression (C3-C7), 3 patients had 6 levels of decompression (C2-T1) and 3 patients had 4 levels of decompression (C3-C6). Foraminotomies were performed in 23 cases (27%). Following Nurick`s scale, 76 patients (88%) improved, 9 (11%) had the same Nurick grade, and one patient worsened and was advised to undergo another surgical procedure. No deaths were observed. The mean surgery time was 122 min. Radiographic evaluation showed an increase in the mean sagittal diameter from 11.2 mm at pretreatment to 17.3 mm post surgery. There was no significant difference between pretreatment and post-surgery C2-C7 angles. CONCLUSIONS: This two-open-doors laminoplasty technique is safe, easy and effective and can be used as an alternative treatment for cases of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy without instability.

Posterior cervical foraminotomy: anatomic study in cadavers / Foraminotomia cervical posterior: estudo anatômico em cadáveres / Foraminotoma cervical posterior: estudio anatómico en cadáveres

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to use different segments of the cervical spine in cadavers to determine how much lateral mass should be resected for adequate foraminal decompression. METHODS: Six cadavers were used. The region of the cervical spine from C1 to the C7-T1 transition was dissected and exposed. The lateral mass of each vertebra was measured bilaterally before the foraminotomy in the following segments: C2-C3, C3-C4, C4-C5, C5-C6 and C6-C7. The procedure was performed with a high-speed drill and through surgical microscopy. Three foraminotomies were performed (F1, F2, F3) in each level. Lateral masses were measured after foraminotomy procedures and compared to the initial measurement, creating a percentage of lateral mass needed for decompression.. The value of the entire surface was defined as 100%. RESULTS: There was a statistical difference between the amounts of the resected lateral mass through each foraminotomy (F1, F2, F3) at the same level. However, there was no statistical significant difference among the different levels. The average percentage of resection of the lateral masses in F2 were 27.7% at C2-C3, 24.8% at C3-C4, 24.4% at C4-C5 and 23.8% and 31.2% at C5-C6 and C6-C7, respectively. In F3, the level that needed greater resection of the lateral masses was C6-C7 level, where the average resection ranged between 41.2% and 47.9%. CONCLUSION: In all segments studied, the removal of approximately 24 to 32% of the facet joint allowed adequate exposure of the foraminal segment, with visualization of the dural sac and the exit of the cervical root. .

OBJETIVO: Utilizar diferentes segmentos da coluna cervical em cadáveres para determinar quanto de massa lateral deve ser ressecada para adequada descompressão foraminal. MÉTODOS: Seis cadáveres foram usados e dissecados de modo a expor a região cervical posterior de C1 até a transição C7-T1. A massa lateral de cada vértebra foi medida bilateralmente antes da foraminotomia nos segmentos: C2-C3, C3-C4, C4-C5, C5-C6 e C6-C7. A foraminotomia foi realizada com "drill" de alta rotação e técnica microscópica. Três foraminotomias foram efetuadas: F1, F2, F3 em cada nível. As massas laterais foram medidas após procedimentos da foraminotomia e comparadas à medida inicial, criando uma porcentagem de massa lateral necessária para descompressão. O valor de cada face articular foi definido como 100%. RESULTADOS: Houve diferença estatística entre a quantidade de massa lateral ressecada entre cada foraminotomia (F1, F2, F3) no mesmo nível. Entretanto, não houve diferença estatística entre as foraminotomias em diferentes níveis. A porcentagem média de ressecção das massas laterais na foraminotomia F2 foi de 27,7% em C2-C3; 24,8% em C3-C4; 24,4% em C4-C5; 23,8% em C5-C6; 31,2% em C6-C7. Na foraminotomia F3, o nível que precisou de maior ressecção das massas laterais foi C6-C7, onde a foraminotomia variou entre 41,2% e 47,9%. CONCLUSÃO: Em todos os segmentos estudados, a remoção de aproximadamente 24 a 32% da articulação facetária permitiu exposição adequada do segmento foraminal com visualização do saco dural e da saída da raiz cervical. .

OBJETIVO: Utilizar diferentes segmentos de la columna cervical en cadáveres para determinar cuánto de masa lateral debe ser resecada para la adecuada descompresión foraminal. MÉTODOS: Seis cadáveres fueron usados y disecados de modo a exponer la región cervical posterior de C1 hasta la transición C7-T1. La masa lateral de cada vértebra fue medida bilateralmente, antes de la foraminotomía, en los segmentos: C2-C3, C3-C4, C4-C5, C5-C6 y C6-C7. La foraminotomía fue realizada con "drill" de alta rotación y técnica microscópica. Se efectuaron tres foraminotomías: F1, F2, F3 en cada nivel. Las masas laterales fueron medidas después de procedimientos de foraminotomía y se compararon con la medida inicial, creando un porcentaje de masa lateral necesaria para descompresión. El valor de cada faz articular fue definido como siendo 100%. RESULTADOS: Hubo diferencia estadística entre la cantidad de masa lateral resecada entre cada foraminotomía (F1, F2, F3) en el mismo nivel. No obstante, no hubo diferencia estadística entre las foraminotomías en niveles diferentes. El porcentaje promedio de resección de las masas laterales, en la foraminotomía F2, fue de 27,7% en C2-C3; 24,8% en C3-C4; 24,4% en C4-C5; 23,8% en C5-C6; 31,2% en C6-C7. En la foraminotomía F3, el nivel que precisó de más resección de las masas laterales fue C6-C7, en el cual la foraminotomía varió entre 41,2% y 47,9%. CONCLUSIÓN: En todos los segmentos estudiados, la remoción de aproximadamente 24 a 32% de la articulación facetaria permitió tener exposición adecuada del segmento foraminal con visualización del saco dural y de la salida de la raíz cervical. .

A new expansive two-open-doors laminoplasty for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy: technical report and follow-up results / Nova tecnica de laminoplastia expansiva para tratamento de mielopatia espondilotica cervical: descricao tecnica e resultados de follow-up

The laminoplasty technique was devised by Hirabayashi in 1978 for patients diagnosed with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Objective: To describe an easy modification of Hirabayashi’s method and present the clinical and radiological results from a five-year follow-up study. Method and Results: Eighty patients had 5 levels of decompression (C3-C7), 3 patients had 6 levels of decompression (C2-T1) and 3 patients had 4 levels of decompression (C3-C6). Foraminotomies were performed in 23 cases (27%). Following Nurick`s scale, 76 patients (88%) improved, 9 (11%) had the same Nurick grade, and one patient worsened and was advised to undergo another surgical procedure. No deaths were observed. The mean surgery time was 122 min. Radiographic evaluation showed an increase in the mean sagittal diameter from 11.2 mm at pretreatment to 17.3 mm post surgery. There was no significant difference between pretreatment and post-surgery C2-C7 angles. Conclusions: This two-open-doors laminoplasty technique is safe, easy and effective and can be used as an alternative treatment for cases of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy without instability. .

A laminoplastia é técnica clássica descrita por Hirabayashi em 1978 para descompressão do canal cervical sem utilizar prótese. A principal indicação é o tratamento da mielopatia espondilotica cervical sem instabilidade. Objetivo: Descrever modificação simples da técnica de laminoplastia clássica de Hirabayashi com resultados clínicos e radiográficos em 5 anos de acompanhamento. Resultados e Método: Foram acompanhados 86 pacientes. Em 80, foi feita descompressão por laminoplastia em 5 níveis (C3-C7); em 3, descompressão em 6 níveis (C2-T1); em 3, descompressao em 4 níveis (C3-C6). Em 23 casos (27%), foi realizada foraminotomia associada a descompressão medular. O acompanhamento dos pacientes foi feito utilizando a escala de Nurick. Em 76 pacientes (88%) houve melhora do grau de Nurick. Não houve mortalidade associada à técnica. O tempo médio do procedimento cirúrgico foi de 122 minutos. Em relação à avaliação radiográfica, houve aumento do diâmetro sagital médio do canal cervical de 11,2mm para 17,3mm. Não houve diferença estatística do ângulo C2-C7 nas avaliações antes e após o procedimento cirúrgico. Conclusão: A nova técnica de laminoplastia descrita no presente estudo foi segura, de fácil execução, efetiva, não utiliza protese e não há instabilidade do canal cervical. .

Realidade virtual e estereoscopia no ensino da neuroanatomia e neurocirurgia / Virtual reality and stereoscopy for neuroanatomy and neurosurgery teaching

Objetivo: Por motivos diversos, o ensino da neuroanatomia durante a graduação médica e na residência de neurocirurgia é deficitário. Apresentamos a realidade virtual e a estereoscopia como eventuais métodos complementares de ensino à neuroanatomia e neurocirurgia. Método: Diversa gama de conteúdo digital interativo e estereoscópico foi produzida utilizando esterogramas de dissecações anatômicas. Resultados: A realidade virtual tenta melhor elaborar o ensino da neuroanatomia e neurocirurgia. Embora o trabalho verse sobre neuroanatomia e neurocirurgia, esses recursos podem ser empregados em qualquer área médica. Conteúdo anatômico de excelência foi adquirido e armazenado de modo que pôde ser manipulado por programa de realidade virtual e estereoscopia. Conclusão: A realidade virtual e a estereoscopia são ferramentas úteis no ensino e na aprendizagem da neuroanatomia e da neurocirurgia.

Objective: Because of numerous factors, neuroanatomy and microneurosurgical anatomy knowledge are insufficient during medical school and medical residency in neurosurgery. We present virtual reality and stereoscopy as eventual complementary teaching tools of neuroanatomy and neurosurgery. Method: A vast array of digital interactive and stereoscopic material has been created based on stereograms of real anatomical dissections. Results: The purpose of virtual reality is try to offer a better and more elaborate means for teaching neuroanatomy and neurosurgery. Although this paper has focused virtual reality and stereoscopy on neuroanatomy and neurosurgery, these tools can be applied to virtually all s of medicine. An excellent anatomical content has been collected and included in the virtual reality program, using stereoscopy. Conclusion: The virtual reality and stereoscopy are useful learning and teaching tools for neuroanatomy and neurosurgery.

Diffuse pseudotumoral cerebral Schistosomiasis mansoni: a new form of presentation / Forma pseudotumoral difusa da esquistossomose cerebral: uma nova forma de apresentação

We describe two cases of cerebral schistosomiasis mansoni with multiple pseudotumoral lesions diagnosed by stereotactic brain biopsy. Both patients presented with seizures and one with left visual impairment. Imaging techniques revealed multiple brain lesions involving cerebral parenchyma, pons, cerebellum and thalamus. Brain histopathologic specimens of the patients showed multiple schistosomal granulomas in distinct evolutive phases. All patients presented good clinical response to treatment and reversion of the brain lesions. This new form of neuroschistosomiasis must be considered by those who work in the endemic area for Schistosoma mansoni.

São descritos dois casos de esquistossomose mansônica cerebral com lesões pseudotumorais múltiplas diagnosticadas por biópsia estereotáxica. Ambos os pacientes apresentaram-se com crises epilépticas e um deles com distúrbio visual. Estudos de neuroimagem revelaram múltiplas lesões cerebrais envolvendo parênquima cerebral, ponte, cerebelo e tálamo. Espécimes histopatológicos cerebrais dos pacientes demonstraram múltiplos granulomas esquistossomóticos em distintas fases evolutivas. Ambos os pacientes apresentaram boa resposta clínica ao tratamento e reversão das lesões cerebrais. Essa nova forma de euroesquistossomose deve ser considerada por aqueles que trabalham em área endêmica para Schistosoma mansoni.

Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG - da criação à federalização / Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais –UFMG – from creation to federalize

Este trabalho relata a história da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, de sua fundação, em 1911, até sua federalização, em 1949, ressaltando a participação dos dirigentes e o crescimento de seu espaço estrutural.

This paper shows the history of the Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, from its founding in 1911 to its federalization in 1949, emphasizing the participation of its principals and the growth of its structural space.

Avaliação da trajetória dos parafusos bicorticais pela técnica de harms e melcher em relação à artéria carótida interna: estudo experimental em cadáveres / Evaluación de la trayectoria de los tornillos bicorticales en la técnica de harms y melcher en relación con la arteria carótida interna: un estudio experimental en cadáveres / Evaluation of the trajectory of the bicortical screws in relation to the internal carotid artery, in fixation by the harms and melcher technique: an experimental study in cadavers

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho é estudar, em peças anatômicas; a relação entre os parafusos bicorticais pela técnica de Harms e Melcher e a artéria carótida interna. MÉTODOS: Nossa amostra consiste em cinco cadáveres. RESULTADOS: Os resultados encontrados foram: a média da menor distância entre o orifício de saída do parafuso e a borda medial da artéria carótida interna direita foi de 11,55 mm (com variação de 10,05 a 14,23 mm), enquanto do lado esquerdo a média foi de 7,50 mm (variando de 2,75 a 12,42 mm). A média da menor distância entre a borda posterior da artéria carótida interna e a cortical anterior da massa lateral de C1 à direita foi de 4,24 mm (variando de 2,08 a 7,48 mm), enquanto do lado esquerdo a média obtida foi de 2,98 mm (com variação de 1,83 a 3,83 mm). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados encontrados estão de acordo com os estudos similares existentes na literatura que enfatizam a necessidade de uma avaliação imaginológica criteriosa da posição anatômica da artéria carótida interna antes da utilização de parafusos bicorticais na massa lateral de C1 por via posterior.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to study the relationship between bicortical screws and the internal carotid artery, in anatomical body parts, in screw fixation by the Harms and Melcher technique. METHODS: Our sample consisted of five cadavers. RESULTS: The results were as follows: the average shortest distance between the outlet of the screw and the medial edge of the right internal carotid artery was 11.55 mm (range 10.05 to 14.23 mm), while on the left side, the average was 7.50 mm (ranging from 2.75 to 12.42 mm). The average shortest distance between the posterior edge of the internal carotid artery and the anterior cortical C1 lateral mass on the right was 4.24 mm (ranging from 2.08 to 7.48 mm), while the left side, the average was 2.98 mm (ranging from 1.83 to 3.83 mm). CONCLUSION: The results are consistent with similar studies in the literature that emphasize the need for a careful assessment of images of anatomical position of the internal carotid artery prior to the use of bicortical screws in the C1 lateral mass by posterior access.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo de este estudio es, en las piezas anatómicas, la relación entre los tornillos bicorticales, mediante la técnica de Harms y Melcher, y la arteria carótida interna. MÉTODOS: La muestra se compone de cinco cadáveres. RESULTADOS: Los resultados fueron: la distancia más corta promedio, entre la salida del tornillo y el borde medial de la arteria carótida interna derecha, fue 11,55 mm (rango de 10,05 a 14,23 mm), mientras que, en la izquierda, el promedio fue 7,50 mm (rango 2,75 a 12,42 mm). La distancia más corta promedio, entre el borde posterior de la arteria carótida interna y la cortical anterior C1 de la derecha, fue 4,24 mm (que van desde 2,08 hasta 7,48 mm), mientras que, en el lado izquierdo, el promedio fue 2,98 mm. (que van desde 1,83 hasta 3,83 mm). Conclusión: Los resultados son consistentes con estudios similares en la literatura que hacen hincapié en la necesidad de una evaluación cuidadosa de las imágenes y posición anatómica de la arteria carótida interna, antes del uso de tornillos bicorticales de masa lateral de C1 por acceso posterior.

Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais – UFMG: da criação à federalização / The Faculdade de Medicina of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais – UFMG: from creation to federalization

Este trabalho relata a história da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, de sua fundação, em 1911, até sua federalização, em 1949, ressaltando a participação dos dirigentes e o crescimento de seu espaço estrutural. (AU)

Dural arteriovenous fistulas with direct cortical venous drainage treated with Onyx: a case series.

UNLABELLED: Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) may have aggressive symptoms, especially if there is direct cortical venous drainage. We report our preliminary experience in transarterial embolization of DAVFs with direct cortical venous drainage (CVR) using Onyx. METHOD: Nine patients with DAVFs with direct cortical venous drainage were treated: eight type IV and one type III (Cognard). Treatment consisted of transarterial embolization using Onyx-18. Immediate post treatment angiographies, clinical outcome and late follow-up angiographies were studied. RESULTS: Complete occlusion of the fistula was achieved in all patients with only one procedure and injection in only one arterial pedicle. On follow-up, eight patients became free from symptoms, one improved and no one deteriorated. Late angiographies showed no evidence of recurrent DAVF. CONCLUSION: We recommend that transarterial Onyx embolization of DAVFs with direct cortical venous drainage be considered as a treatment option, while it showed to be feasible, safe and effective.

Dural arteriovenous fistulas with direct cortical venous drainage treated with Onyx®: a case series / Fístulas arteriovenosas durais com drenagem cortical direta tratadas com Onyx®: casuística

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) may have aggressive symptoms, especially if there is direct cortical venous drainage. We report our preliminary experience in transarterial embolization of DAVFs with direct cortical venous drainage (CVR) using Onyx®. METHOD: Nine patients with DAVFs with direct cortical venous drainage were treated: eight type IV and one type III (Cognard). Treatment consisted of transarterial embolization using Onyx-18®. Immediate post treatment angiographies, clinical outcome and late follow-up angiographies were studied. RESULTS: Complete occlusion of the fistula was achieved in all patients with only one procedure and injection in only one arterial pedicle. On follow-up, eight patients became free from symptoms, one improved and no one deteriorated. Late angiographies showed no evidence of recurrent DAVF. CONCLUSION: We recommend that transarterial Onyx® embolization of DAVFs with direct cortical venous drainage be considered as a treatment option, while it showed to be feasible, safe and effective.

As fistulas arteriovenosas durais (FAVDs) podem se manifestar com sintomas agressivos, especialmente se existe drenagem cortical direta. Relatamos nossa experiência preliminar na embolização transarterial de FAVDs com drenagem cortical direta usando Onyx®. MÉTODO: Nove pacientes com FAVDs com drenagem cortical direta foram tratados: oito do tipo IV e uma do tipo III (Cognard). O tratamento consistiu na embolização transarterial usando Onyx-18®. Angiografias imediatas pós-tratamento, evolução clínica e angiografias de controle tardias foram estudadas. RESULTADOS: A oclusão completa da fístula foi alcançada em todos pacientes através de um só procedimento e injeção em apenas um pedículo arterial. No seguimento, oito pacientes ficaram livres de sintomas, um melhorou e nenhum deteriorou. Angiografias tardias de controle não mostraram evidência de FAVD recorrente. CONCLUSÃO: Nós recomendamos que a embolização transarterial com Onyx® das FAVDs com drenagem cortical direta, seja considerada como uma opção terapêutica, uma vez que mostrou ser factível, segura e efetiva.

Decompressive craniotomy: prognostic factors and complications in 89 patients.

Decompressive craniotomy (DC) is applied to treat post-traumatic intracranial hypertension (ICH). The purpose of this study is to identify prognostic factors and complications of unilateral DC. Eighty-nine patients submitted to unilateral DC were retrospectively analyzed over a period of 30 months. Chi square independent test and Fisher test were used to identify prognostic factors. The majority of patients were male (87%). Traffic accidents had occurred in 47% of the cases. 64% of the patients had suffered severe head injury, while pupillary abnormalities were already present in 34%. Brain swelling plus acute subdural hematoma were the most common tomographic findings (64%). Complications occurred in 34.8% of the patients: subdural effusions in 10 (11.2%), hydrocephalus in 7 (7.9%) and infection in 14 (15.7%). The admittance Glasgow coma scale was a statistically significant predictor of outcome (p=0.0309).

Decompressive craniotomy: prognostic factors and complications in 89 patients / Craniotomia descompressiva: análise de fatores prognósticos e complicações em 89 pacientes

Decompressive craniotomy (DC) is applied to treat post-traumatic intracranial hypertension (ICH). The purpose of this study is to identify prognostic factors and complications of unilateral DC. Eighty-nine patients submited to unilateral DC were retrospectively analyzed over a period of 30 months. Qui square independent test and Fisher test were used to identify prognostic factors. The majority of patients were male (87 percent). Traffic accidents had occurred in 47 percent of the cases. 64 percent of the patients had suffered severe head injury, while pupillary abnormalities were already present in 34 percent. Brain swelling plus acute subdural hematoma were the most common tomographic findings (64 percent). Complications occurred in 34.8 percent of the patients: subdural effusions in 10 (11.2 percent), hydrocephalus in 7 (7.9 percent) and infection in 14 (15.7 percent). The admittance Glasgow coma scale was a statistically significant predictor of outcome ( p=0.0309).

A craniotomia descompressiva (CD) é técnica utilizada para tratamento da hipertensão intracraniana (HIC) pós-traumática. O objetivo do estudo foi determinar fatores prognósticos e complicações nos pacientes submetidos a esta técnica. Realizou-se estudo retrospectivo de 89 pacientes submetidos à CD unilateral para tratamento da HIC pós-traumática durante 30 meses. Utilizou-se testes do Qui-quadrado de independência e teste exato de Fisher para análise de fatores independentes de prognóstico. A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo masculino (87 por cento). A causa mais comum foi o acidente de trânsito (47 por cento). A maioria apresentava traumatismo cranioencefálico grave (64 por cento), 34 por cento já apresentavam anisocoria. O achado tomográfico mais comum foi a associação entre tumefação cerebral e hematoma subdural agudo (64 por cento). Em 34,8 por cento dos pacientes houve complicações inerentes à técnica: coleção subdural (11,2 por cento), hidrocefalia (7,9 por cento) e infecção (15,7 por cento). A escala de coma de Glasgow à admissão correlacionou-se estatisticamente como fator prognóstico (p=0,0309).

Intraoperative acute tissue expansion for the closure of large myelomeningoceles.

OBJECT: Skin closure has always been the main challenge in treating myelomeningoceles (MMCs). Most cutaneous defects can be treated with the simple undermining and primary suture of the wound edges. This is the ideal treatment, but it is not adequate in cases in which the lesions are greater than 5 cm in diameter. Numerous reconstructive procedures have been described and the results have been satisfactory. The need to mobilize large skin areas and the fact of excessive blood loss, however, are major problems in newborns. Moreover, the tissue undermining destroys most of the skin's vascularization and can harm the adaptation of the skin flaps. The authors describe a technique for primary closure of large MMC skin defects in which they use acute skin expansion during the surgical procedure. METHODS: Skin expansion was achieved by traction of the wound edges with U-shaped sutures and without the need of skin flaps. Sixteen patients with MMCs greater than 5 cm in diameter were evaluated. RESULTS: The MMC areas ranged from 30 to 64 cm2 (mean 45 cm2). Two suture systems were developed based on the quality of the skin edge and the size of the skin defect. Wound edge traction was performed in 10-minute periods. The edges were gradually approximated and this allowed the primary closure of the wound without undermining the tissue in all patients. In one patient skin necrosis developed, which was associated with compression of the malformed underlying vertebrae. CONCLUSIONS: Simplicity, low cost, and satisfactory results were the main advantages of the method and an increase in operative time was a disadvantage. The goal of this technique is not to replace the other methods, but the technique constitutes an effective option in the treatment of large MMCs.

Acute subdural hematoma and diffuse axonal injury in fatal road traffic accident victims: a clinico-pathological study of 15 patients.

OBJECTIVE: Although acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) and diffuse axonal injury (DAI) are commonly associated in victims of head injury due to road traffic accidents, there are only two clinico-pathological studies of this association. We report a clinical and pathological study of 15 patients with ASDH associated with DAI. METHOD: The patients were victims of road traffic accidents and were randomly chosen. The state of consciousness on hospital admission was evaluated by the Glasgow coma scale. For the identification of axons the histological sections of the brain were stained with anti-neurofilament proteins. RESULTS: Twelve of the 15 patients were admitted to hospital in a state of coma; in three patients, the level of consciousness was not evaluated, as they died before hospital admission. CONCLUSION: The poorer prognosis in patients with ASDH who lapse into coma immediately after sustaining a head injury, as described by several authors, can be explained by the almost constant association between ASDH and DAI in victims of fatal road traffic accidents.

Acute subdural hematoma and diffuse axonal injury in fatal road traffic accident victims: a clinico-pathological study of 15 patients

OBJECTIVE: Although acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) and diffuse axonal injury (DAI) are commonly associated in victims of head injury due to road traffic accidents, there are only two clinico-pathological studies of this association. We report a clinical and pathological study of 15 patients with ASDH associated with DAI. METHOD: The patients were victims of road traffic accidents and were randomly chosen. The state of consciousness on hospital admission was evaluated by the Glasgow coma scale. For the identification of axons the histological sections of the brain were stained with anti-neurofilament proteins. RESULTS: Twelve of the 15 patients were admitted to hospital in a state of coma; in three patients, the level of consciousness was not evaluated, as they died before hospital admission. CONCLUSION: The poorer prognosis in patients with ASDH who lapse into coma immediately after sustaining a head injury, as described by several authors, can be explained by the almost constant association between ASDH and DAI in victims of fatal road traffic accidents

Elaboração do resumo e pôster para tema livre de congresso médico / Abstract and poster preparation for medical scientific events

Descrevem-se as orientações básicas para redação do resumo e elaboração de pôster de trabalho científico a ser submetido a congresso médico, por meio de análise das diferentes partes ou seções desses tipos de trabalhos.

This work presents a basic orientation for the writing of the summary of scientific paper and to prepare a poster for medical congress throug analysis of theirs component parts.

História da Psiquiatria na Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (1911-1961) / History of Psychiatry at the Faculdade de Medicina of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (1911-1961)

Relata a história da psiquiatria na Faculdade de Medicina de Minas Gerais, desde sua fundaçäo em 1911 até o ano de 1961. Apresenta breve biografia dos psiquiatras do corpo de docentes durante esse período e relaciona seus trabalhos científicos mais importantes.(AU)