Endoscopic transorbital decompression for traumatic superior orbital fissure syndrome: from cadaveric study to clinical application.

PURPOSE: The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) is a minimally invasive and promising modality for treating traumatic superior orbital fissure (SOF) syndrome (tSOFS). Recently, the endoscopic transorbital approach (ETOA) has been considered an alternative method for reaching the anterolateral skull base. This study accessed the practicality of using the ETOA to treat SOF decompression using both cadaveric dissection and clinical application. METHODS: Bilateral anatomic dissections were performed on four adult cadaveric heads using the ETOA and EEA to address SOF decompression. The ETOA procedure for SOF decompression is described, and the extent of SOF decompression was compared between the ETOA and EEA. The clinical feasibility of the ETOA for treating SOF decompression was performed in two patients diagnosed with tSOFS. RESULTS: ETOA allowed for decompression over the lateral aspect of the SOF, from the meningo-orbital band superolaterally to the maxillary strut inferomedially. By contrast, the EEA allowed for decompression over the medial aspect of the SOF, from the lateral opticocarotid recess superiorly to the maxillary strut inferiorly. In both patients treated using the ETOA and SOF decompression, the severity of ophthalmoplegia got obvious improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the cadaveric findings, ETOA provided a feasible access pathway for SOF decompression with reliable outcomes, and our patients confirmed the clinical efficacy of the ETOA for managing tSOFS.

Transorbital transposition of the temporoparietal fascia flap to reconstruct the skull base defects: A preclinical study with comparison to the transpterygoid transposition.

BACKGROUND: Transpterygoid transposition of the temporoparietal fascia flap (TPFF) is a feasible selection for ventral skull base defect (VSBD) reconstruction, but not anterior skull base defect (ASBD) reconstruction, after expanded endoscopic endonasal approach (EEEA). The goal of this study is to introduce the transorbital transposition of the TPFF for skull base defects reconstruction after EEEA, and make quantitative comparison between the transpterygoid transposition and transorbital transposition. METHODS: Cadaveric dissections were performed in five adult cadaveric heads with creating three transporting corridors bilaterally, encompassing superior transorbital corridor, inferior transorbital corridor, and transpterygoid corridor. For each transporting corridor, the minimum necessary length of the TPFF for skull base defects reconstruction was measured. RESULTS: The areas of ASBD and VSBD were 1019.63 ± 176.32 mm2 and 572.99 ± 126.21 mm2 . The length of the harvested TPFF was 149.38 ± 6.21 mm. In contrast to the transpterygoid transposition with incomplete coverage, transorbital transposition of the TPFF allowed full coverage of ASBD with a minimum necessary length of 109.75 ± 8.31 mm. For VSBD reconstruction, transorbital transposition of the TPFF needs shorter minimum necessary length (123.88 ± 4.49 mm) than transpterygoid transposition (138.00 ± 6.28 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Transorbital corridor is a novel pathway for transporting the TPFF into the sinonasal cavity for skull base defects reconstruction after EEEA. In comparison with transpterygoid transposition, transorbital transposition provides wider coverage of skull base defects with a fixed length of the TPFF.

Endoscopically assisted presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach to the lateral mesencephalic sulcus: a cadaveric study with comparison to the variant supracerebellar infratentorial approaches.

The supracerebellar infratentorial (SCIT) approach is commonly used to gain access to the lateral mesencephalic sulcus (LMS), which has been established as a safe entry point into the posterolateral midbrain. This study describes a lateral variant of the SCIT approach, the supreme-lateral SCIT approach, for accessing the LMS through the presigmoid retrolabyrinthine craniectomy and quantitatively compares this approach with the paramedian and extreme-lateral SCIT approaches. Anatomical dissections were performed in four cadaveric heads. In each head, the supreme-lateral SCIT approach was established on one side, following a detailed description of each step, whereas the paramedian and supreme-lateral SCIT approaches were established on the other side. Quantitative measurements of the exposed posterolateral midbrain, the angles of LMS entry, and the depth of surgical corridors were recorded and compared between the three SCIT approach variants. The supreme-lateral (67.70 ± 23.14 mm2) and extreme-lateral (70.83 ± 24.99 mm2) SCIT approaches resulted in larger areas of exposure anterior to the LMS than the paramedian SCIT approach (38.61 ± 9.84 mm2); the supreme-lateral SCIT approach resulted in a significantly smaller area of exposure posterior to the LMS (65.24 ± 6.81 mm2) than the other two variants (paramedian = 162.75 ± 31.98 mm2; extreme-lateral = 143.10 ± 23.26 mm2; both P < .001). Moreover, the supreme-lateral SCIT approach resulted in a surgical corridor with a shallower depth and a smaller angle relative to the horizontal plane than the other two variants. The supreme-lateral SCIT approach is a more lateral approach than the extreme-lateral SCIT approach, providing a subtemporal approach with direct LMS visualization. The supreme-lateral SCIT offers the benefits of both subtemporal and SCIT approaches and represents a suitable option for the management of selected midbrain pathologies.

Risk factors of postoperative hydrocephalus following decompressive craniectomy for spontaneous intracranial hemorrhages and intraventricular hemorrhage.

INTRODUCTION: Hydrocephalus is a complication of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage; however, its predictive relationship with hydrocephalus in this patient cohort is not understood. Here, we evaluated the incidence and risk factors of hydrocephalus after craniectomy. METHODS: Retrospectively studied data from 39 patients in the same hospital from 2016/01 to 2020/12 and analyzed risk factors for hydrocephalus. The clinical data recorded included patient age, sex, timing of surgery, initial Glasgow Coma Scale score, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) score, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, medical comorbidity, and blood data. Predictors of patient outcomes were determined using Student t test, chi-square test, and logistic regression. RESULTS: We recruited 39 patients with cerebral herniation who underwent craniectomy for spontaneous supratentorial hemorrhage. Persistent hydrocephalus was observed in 17 patients. The development of hydrocephalus was significantly associated with the timing of operation, cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption according to the Student t test and chi-square test. Univariate and multivariate analyses suggested that postoperative hydrocephalus was significantly associated with the timing of surgery (P = .031) and cigarette smoking (P = .041). DISCUSSION: The incidence of hydrocephalus in patients who underwent delayed operation (more than 4 hours) was lower than that in patients who underwent an operation after less than 4 hours. nonsmoking groups also have lower incidence of hydrocephalus. Among patients who suffered from spontaneous supratentorial hemorrhage and need to receive emergent craniectomy, physicians should be reminded that postoperative hydrocephalus followed by ventriculoperitoneal shunting may be necessary in the future.

Endoscopic transcanal transpetrosal approach to the petroclival region: a cadaveric study with comparison to the Kawase approach.

This study introduces expanded application of the endoscopic transcanal approach with anterior petrosectomy (ETAP) in reaching the petroclival region, which was compared through a quantitative analysis to the middle fossa transpetrosal-transtentorial approach (Kawase approach). Anatomical dissections were performed in five cadaveric heads. For each head, the ETAP was performed on one side with a detailed description of each step, while the Kawase approach was performed on the contralateral side. Quantitative measurements of the exposed area over the ventrolateral surface of the brainstem, and of the angles of attack to the posterior margin of the trigeminal nerve root entry zone (CN V-REZ) and porus acusticus internus (PAI) were obtained for statistical comparison. The ETAP provided significantly larger exposure over the ventrolateral surface of the pons (93.03 ± 21.87 mm2) than did the Kawase approach (34.57 ± 11.78 mm2). In contrast to the ETAP, the Kawase approach afforded greater angles of attack to the CN V-REZ and PAI in the vertical and horizontal planes. The ETAP is a feasible and minimally invasive procedure for accessing the petroclival region. In comparison to the Kawase approach, the ETAP allows for fully anterior petrosectomy and larger exposure over the ventrolateral surface of the brainstem without passing through the cranial nerves or requiring traction of the temporal lobe.

Quantitative comparison of endoscopically assisted endonasal, sublabial and transorbital transmaxillary approaches to the anterolateral skull base.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this anatomical study is to make quantitative comparison among three endoscopic approaches, encompassing contralateral endonasal transseptal transmaxillary transpterygoid approach (contralateral EEA), endoscopic sublabial transmaxillary transalisphenoid (Caldwell-Luc) approach and endoscopic transorbital transmaxillary approach through inferior orbital fissure (ETOA), to the anterolateral skull base for assisting preoperative planning. DESIGN & PARTICIPANTS: Anatomical dissections were performed in four adult cadaveric heads bilaterally using three endoscopic transmaxillary approaches described above. SETTING: Skull Base Laboratory at the National Defense Medical Center. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The area of exposure, angles of attack and depth of surgical corridor of each approach were measured and obtained for statistical comparison. RESULTS: The ETOA had significantly larger exposure over middle cranial fossa (731.40 ± 80.08 mm2 ) than contralateral EEA (266.60 ± 46.74 mm2 ) and Caldwell-Luc approach (468.40 ± 59.67 mm2 ). In comparison with contralateral EEA and Caldwell-Luc approach, the ETOA offered significantly greater angles of attack and shorter depth of surgical corridor (P < .05 for all comparisons). CONCLUSIONS: The ETOA is the superior choice for target lesion occupying multiple compartments with its epicentre located in the middle cranial fossa or superior portion of infratemporal fossa.

Endoscopic transorbital approach to anterolateral skull base through inferior orbital fissure: a cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic transorbital approach (eTOA) has been announced as an alternative minimally invasive surgery to skull base. Owing to the inferior orbital fissure (IOF) connecting the orbit with surrounding pterygopalatine fossa (PPF), infratemporal fossa (ITF), and temporal fossa, the idea of eTOA to anterolateral skull base through IOF is postulated. The aim of this study is to access its practical feasibility. METHODS: Anatomical dissections were performed in five human cadaveric heads (10 sides) using 0-degree and 30-degree endoscopes. A stepwise description of eTOA to anterolateral skull base through IOF was documented. The anterosuperior corner of the maxillary sinus in the horizontal plane of the upper edge of zygomatic arch was defined as reference point (RP). The distances between the RP to the foramen rotundum (FR), foramen ovale (FO), and Gasserian ganglion (GG) were measured. The exposed area of anterolateral skull base in the coronal plane of the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus was quantified. RESULTS: The surgical procedure consisted of six steps: (1) lateral canthotomy with cantholysis and preseptal lower eyelid approach with periorbita dissection; (2) drilling of the ocular surface of greater sphenoid wing and lateral orbital rim osteotomy; (3) entry into the maxillary sinus and exposure of PPF and ITF; (4) mobilization of infraorbital nerve with drilling of the infratemporal surface of the greater sphenoid wing and pterygoid process; (5) exposure of middle cranial fossa, Meckel's cave, and lateral wall of cavernous sinus; and (6) reconstruction of orbital floor and lateral orbital rim. The distances measured were as follows: RP-FR = 45.0 ± 1.9 mm, RP-FO = 55.7 ± 0.5 mm, and RP-GG = 61.0 ± 1.6 mm. In comparison with the horizontal portion of greater sphenoid wing, the superior and inferior axes of the exposed area were 22.3 ± 2.1 mm and 20.5 ± 1.8 mm, respectively. With reference to the FR, the medial and lateral axes of the exposed area were 11.6 ± 1.1 mm and 15.8 ± 1.6 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The eTOA through IOF can be used as a minimally invasive surgery to access whole anterolateral skull base. It provides a possible resolution to target lesion involving multiple compartments of anterolateral skull base.

Endoscopic transorbital transtentorial approach to middle incisural space: preclinical cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic transorbital approach is a novel development of minimally invasive skull base surgery. Recently, anatomical studies have started to discuss the expanded utilization of endoscopic transorbital route for intracranial intradural lesions. The goal of this cadaveric study is to assess the feasibility of endoscopic transorbital transtentorial approach for exposure of middle incisural space. METHODS: Anatomical dissections were performed in four human cadaveric heads (8 sides) using 0- and 30-degree endoscopes. A stepwise description of endoscopic transorbital transtentorial approach to middle incisural space and related anatomy was provided. RESULTS: Orbital manipulation following superior eyelid crease incision with lateral canthotomy and cantholysis established space for bone drilling. Extradural stage consisted of extensive drilling of orbital roof of frontal bone, lessor, and greater wings of sphenoid bone. Intradural stage was composed of dissection of sphenoidal compartment of Sylvian fissure, lateral mobilization of mesial temporal lobe, and penetration of tentorium. A cross-shaped incision of tentorium provided direct visualization of crural cistern with anterolateral aspect of cerebral peduncle and upper pons. Interpeduncular cistern, prepontine cistern, and anterior portions of ambient and cerebellopontine cisterns were exposed by 30-degree endoscope. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic transorbital transtentorial approach can be used as a minimally invasive surgery for exposure of middle incisural space. Extensive drilling of sphenoid wing and lateral mobilization of mesial temporal lobe are the main determinants of successful dissection. Further studies are needed to confirm the clinical feasibility of this novel approach.

Differences in Nicotine Encoding Dopamine Release between the Striatum and Shell Portion of the Nucleus Accumbens.

The aim of this work was to determine the effect of nicotine desensitization on dopamine (DA) release in the dorsal striatum and shell of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) from brain slices. In vitro fast-scan cyclic voltammetry analysis was used to evaluate dopamine release in the dorsal striatum and the NAc shell of Sprague-Dawley rats after infusion of nicotine, a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonist mecamylamine (Mec), and an α4ß2 cholinergic receptor antagonist (DHße). DA release related to nicotine desensitization in the striatum and NAc shell was compared. In both structures, tonic release was suppressed by inhibition of the nicotine receptor (via Mec) and the α4ß2 receptor (via DHße). Paired-pulse ratio (PPR) was facilitated in both structures after nicotine and Mec infusion, and this facilitation was suppressed by increasing the stimulation interval. After variable frequency stimulation (simulating phasic burst), nicotine infusion induced significant augmentation of DA release in the striatum that was not seen in the absence of nicotine. In contrast, nicotine reduced phasic DA release in NAc, although frequency augmentation was seen both with and without nicotine. Evaluation of DA release evoked by various trains (high-frequency stimulation (HFS) 100 Hz) of high-frequency stimulation revealed significant enhancement after a train of three or more pulses in the striatum and NAc. The concentration differences between tonic and phasic release related to nicotine desensitization were more pronounced in the NAc shell. Nicotine desensitization is associated with suppression of tonic release of DA in both the striatum and NAc shell that may occur via the α4ß2 subtype of nAChR, whereas phasic frequency-dependent augmentation and HFS-related gating release is more pronounced in the striatum than in the NAc shell. Differences between phasic and tonic release associated with nicotine desensitization may underlie processing of reward signals in the NAc shell, and this may have major implications for addictive behavior.

Impact of global spine balance and cervical regional alignment on determination of postoperative cervical alignment after laminoplasty.

The aim of this study is to analyze the combined impact of preoperative T1 slope (T1S) and C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (C2-C7 SVA) on determination of cervical alignment after laminoplasty.Forty patients undergoing laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) with more than 2 years follow-up were enrolled. Three parameters, including cervical lordosis, T1S, and C2-C7 SVA, were measured by preoperative and postoperative radiographs. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the optimal cut-off values of preoperative T1S and C2-C7 SVA for predicting postoperative loss of cervical lordosis. Patients were classified into 4 categories based on cut-off values of preoperative T1S and C2-C7 SVA. The primary outcome was postoperative C2-C7 SVA. Change in radiographic parameters between 4 groups were compared and analyzed.Optimal cut-off values for predicting loss of cervical lordosis were T1S of 20 degrees and C2-C7 SVA of 22 mm. Patients with small C2-C7 SVA, no matter what the value of T1S, got slight loss of cervical lordosis and increase in C2-C7 SVA. Patients with low T1S and large SVA (T1 ≤20° and SVA >22 mm) got postoperative correction of kyphosis and decrease of C2-C7 SVA. However, patients with high T1S and large SVA (T1 >20° and SVA >22 mm) got mean postoperative C2-C7 SVA value of 37.06 mm, close to the threshold value of 40 mm.Determination of cervical alignment after laminoplasty relies on the equilibrium between destruction of cervical structure, kyphotic force, and adaptive compensation of whole spine, lordotic force. Lower T1S means bigger compensatory ability to adjust different severity of cervical sagittal malalignment, and vice versa.

Preoperative grading of intracranial meningioma by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS).

Although proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) is a common method for the evaluation of intracranial meningiomas, controversy exists regarding which parameter of 1H-MRS best predicts the histopathological grade of an intracranial meningioma. In this study, we evaluated the results of pre-operative 1H-MRS to identify predictive factors for high-grade intracranial meningioma. Thirteen patients with World Health Organization (WHO) grade II-III meningioma (confirmed by pathology) were defined as high-grade; twenty-two patients with WHO grade I meningioma were defined as low-grade. All patients were evaluated by 1H-MRS before surgery. The relationships between the ratios of metabolites (N-acetylaspartate [NAA], creatine [Cr], and choline [Cho]) and the diagnosis of high-grade meningioma were analyzed. According to Mann-Whitney U test analysis, the Cho/NAA ratio in cases of high-grade meningioma was significantly higher than in cases of low-grade meningioma (6.34 ± 7.90 vs. 1.58 ± 0.77, p<0.05); however, there were no differences in age, Cho/Cr, or NAA/Cr. According to conditional inference tree analysis, the optimal cut-off point for the Cho/NAA ration between high-grade and low-grade meningioma was 2.409 (sensitivity = 61.54%; specificity = 86.36%). This analysis of pre-operative 1H-MRS metabolite ratio demonstrated that the Cho/NAA ratio may provide a simple and practical predictive value for high-grade intracranial meningiomas, and may aid neurosurgeons in efforts to design an appropriate surgical plan and treatment strategy before surgery.

The Efficacy of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in Antiphospholipid Antibody-positive Patients With Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage and High D-dimer Levels.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the efficacy of plasma exchange (PE) in antiphospholipid antibody (aPL)-positive patients with a spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and high D-dimer levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2013 to May 2016, we evaluated 32 patients who were below the age of 50 and presented with spontaneous ICH. Five patients were positive for aPL antibody and 3 had a higher level of D-dimer. These 3 patients underwent 5 sessions of PE using fresh frozen plasma as replacement fluid. We analyzed the days postadmission until PE-start, the days of intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization, D-dimer series, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, and modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores. D-dimer levels and GCS scores were recorded at both pre-PE and post-PE stages. The mRS scores were recorded at pre-PE stage and 3 months post-PE. RESULTS: The mean postadmission period until PE-start was 8.33 days. The mean ICU hospitalization was 17.33 days. The D-dimer level pre-PE ranged from 2.34 to 5.44 mg/L fibrinogen equivalent unit (FEU). The D-dimer level post-PE ranged from 1.05 to 3.30 mg/L FEU. The amount of decline of the D-dimer level between pre-PE and post-PE ranged from 0.65 to 2.14 mg/L FEU. The GCS score pre-PE was between 7 and 8. The highest post-PE GCS score was 14. The improved GCS scores post-PE ranged from 3 to 6. The improved mRS scores of 3 months post-PE ranged from 3 to 4. CONCLUSIONS: The concurrent presence of positive aPL and a higher D-dimer level may worsen the neurological outcome of patients with a spontaneous ICH. Aggressive PE is effective for the treatment of such patients, decreasing the extent of the ICU hospitalization.

Quantitative analysis of anatomical relationship between cavernous segment internal carotid artery and pituitary macroadenoma.

Cavernous segment internal carotid artery (CSICA) injury during endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumor is rare but fatal. The aim of this study is to investigate anatomical relationship between pituitary macroadenoma and corresponding CSICA using quantitative means with a sense to improve safety of surgery.In this retrospective study, a total of 98 patients with nonfunctioning pituitary macroadenomas undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal surgeries were enrolled from 2005 to 2014. Intercarotid distances between bilateral CSICAs were measured in the 4 coronal levels, namely optic strut, convexity of carotid prominence, median sella turcica, and dorsum sellae. Parasellar extension was graded and recorded by Knosp-Steiner classification.Our findings indicated a linear relationship between size of pituitary macroadenoma and intercarotid distance over CSICA. The correlation was absent in pituitary macroadenoma with Knosp-Steiner grade 4 parasellar extension.Bigger pituitary macroadenoma makes more lateral deviation of CSICA. While facing larger tumor, sufficient bony graft is indicated for increasing surgical field, working area and operative safety.

Intradural Cement Leakage After Percutaneous Vertebroplasty.

Intradural cement leakage after percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) is a rare clinical picture. We report a 64-year-old woman with osteoporotic compression fracture of the L2 vertebral body developing monoparesis and monoparesthesia after PV. The diagnosis of intradural cement collection with spinal cord damage was evidenced by clinical and neuroradiographic investigation. After decompressive surgery, the patient showed gradual improvement. This report highlights the postulated mechanism of intradural cement collection after PV and advocates some intraoperative skills to avoid this complication. In order to get a satisfactory clinical outcome, we suggest early decompressive surgery for those patients having symptomatic intradural cement leakage after PV.

Role of Post-Decompressive Hydrocephalus in Patients with Malignant Cerebral Infarction.

AIM: The association between post-decompressive hydrocephalus and clinical neurological expression is still unclear. In order to investigate this relationship, the authors analyze series of ventricular morphology and level of consciousness at different clinical stages for patients accepting decompressive craniectomy (DC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 2005 to 2011, 13 patients accepting DC under the diagnosis of malignant cerebral infarction were retrospectively evaluated in terms of ventricular frontal horn dilatation and level of consciousness, Glasgow Coma Scale score, at four different clinical stages: 1): pre-DC stage; 2): post-DC stage while stabilization; 3): post-cranioplasty stage; 4): post-shunt stage [for those with permanent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion]. RESULTS: All 13 patients had ventricular dilatation and two of them had extra-axial CSF collection. Restoration of ventricular dilatation was not observed in all patients after bone flap placement, but extra-axial CSF collection resorbed spontaneously. Four patients accepting permanent CSF diversion had no improvement over neurological expression. Otherwise, two of them complicated with subdural effusion after shunt placement. CONCLUSION: Decompressive craniectomy itself would lead to ventricular dilatation universally. There is no direct association between degree of ventriculomegaly and neurological expression. Permanent CSF diversion surgery as treatment for ventriculomegaly makes no clinical improvement with possible complications of overshunting.

Image analysis of open-door laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy: comparing the influence of cord morphology and spine alignment.

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have identified the factors affecting the surgical outcome of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) following laminoplasty. Nonetheless, the effect of these factors remains controversial. It is unknown about the association between pre-operative cervical spinal cord morphology and post-operative imaging result following laminoplasty. The goal of this study is to analyze the impact of pre-operative cervical spinal cord morphology on post-operative imaging in patients with CSM. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with CSM undergoing open-door laminoplasty were classified according to pre-operative cervical spine bony alignment and cervical spinal cord morphology, and the results were evaluated in terms of post-operative spinal cord posterior drift, and post-operative expansion of the antero-posterior dura diameter. RESULTS: By the result of study, pre-operative spinal cord morphology was an effective classification in predicting surgical outcome - patients with anterior convexity type, description of cervical spinal cord morphology, had more spinal cord posterior migration than those with neutral or posterior convexity type after open-door laminoplasty. Otherwise, the interesting finding was that cervical spine Cobb's angle had an impact on post-operative spinal cord posterior drift in patients with neutral or posterior convexity type spinal cord morphology - the degree of kyphosis was inversely proportional to the distance of post-operative spinal cord posterior drift, but not in the anterior convexity type. CONCLUSIONS: These findings supported that pre-operative cervical spinal cord morphology may be used as screening for patients undergoing laminoplasty. Patients having neutral or posterior convexity type spinal cord morphology accompanied with kyphotic deformity were not suitable candidates for laminoplasty.

Correlation between magnetic resonance imaging grading and pathological grading in meningioma.

OBJECT: This study investigated the specific preoperative MRI features of patients with intracranial meningiomas that correlate with pathological grade and provide appropriate preoperative planning. METHODS: From 2006 to 2012, 120 patients (36 men and 84 women, age range 20-89 years) with newly diagnosed symptomatic intracranial meningiomas undergoing resection were retrospectively analyzed in terms of radiological features of preoperative MRI. There were 90 WHO Grade I and 30 WHO Grade II or III meningiomas. The relationships between MRI features and WHO histopathological grade were analyzed and scored quantitatively. RESULTS: According to the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis, age ≥ 75 years, indistinct tumorbrain interface, positive capsular enhancement, and heterogeneous tumor enhancement were identified factors in the prediction of advanced histopathological grade. The prediction model was quantified as a scoring scale: 2 × (age) + 5 × (tumor-brain interface) + 3 × (capsular enhancement) + 2 × (tumor enhancement). The calculated score correlated positively with the probability of high-grade meningioma. CONCLUSIONS: This scoring approach may be useful for clinicians in determining therapeutic strategy and in surgical planning for patients with intracranial meningiomas.

Progressive kyphosis after vertebroplasty in osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture.

STUDY DESIGN: A single-center retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: To identify the relevant incidence and risk factors of delayed vertebral collapse and progressive kyphosis with spinal canal encroachment after percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for vertebral compression fracture (VCF). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Delayed vertebral collapse and progressive kyphosis with spinal canal encroachment are complications after PVP for VCF. METHODS: Between December 2002 and February 2011, 843 patients underwent PVP for VCFs for at least 2 years of minimum follow-up term in a tertiary referral center. All imaging measurements were obtained digitally, with comparisons of the Cobb angle and spinal canal stenosis on fractured vertebral level at 3 different time points of pre- and postvertebroplasty, and before revision surgery. RESULTS: Thirteen patients (14 fractures) who underwent PVP had delayed vertebral collapse and progressive kyphosis on the level of the fractured vertebra, 3 were male and 10 female, with a median age of 75 years (range, 66-89 yr). One had 2-level VCFs. All were treated with revision surgery of decompressive laminectomy for spinal canal stenosis with neurological complications. Twelve patients had additional instrument fixation. The involved vertebras were concentrated at the thoracolumbar junction region (T11-L2). The mean Cobb angles were measured at 23.67° before PVP, 15.90° after PVP, and 30.92° before revision surgery. The ratio of spinal canal stenosis was 35.45% and 49.48% before PVP and revision surgery, respectively. The occurrence rate of delayed complications was about 1.5% (13/843). CONCLUSION: Conservative treatment and minimal invasive vertebral augmentation surgery can be selected from patients with stable VCFs. Close follow-up is warrant to monitor the occurrence of late collapse with neurological complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

Simple transpedicular vertebral biopsy for diagnosis of malignancy in vertebral compression fracture.

BACKGROUND: The transpedicular route in percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is a well-established approach for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). However, the value of simple transpedicular biopsy in VCFs is less addressed. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the value of transpedicular biopsy during PVP for uncovering the malignancy in VCFs in a 10-year retrospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the study period of the 1019 patients who underwent PVP for VCFs, 450 patients comprising of 127 male and 323 female underwent transpedicular biopsy during PVP for 705 fractured vertebras. The medical records were analyzed for age, gender, imaging studies, operation notes, pre-operative and post-operative diagnoses, date of vertebroplasty and biopsy, vertebral level and pathological reports. RESULTS: Pathology of the specimens of the 450 patients confirmed non-malignant VCFs in 389 (86.44%) and malignancy in 61 (13.56%). The malignant pathology included: 52 (11.56%) distant metastases to vertebra, in 3 (0.67%) of the spinal metastases was unsuspected and in 49 (10.89%) of them the malignancy was suspected pre-operatively. There were 9 (2%) primary spinal malignancies, 2 (0.44%) unsuspected multiple myeloma and 7 (1.56%) pre-operatively suspected primary malignancies. The frequency of unsuspected malignancy was 1.11% (5/450) in this study. There was no complication associated with transpedicular biopsy during PVP. CONCLUSIONS: VCFs harbored 1.11% of unexpected malignancy. During the vertebroplasty, concomitant transpedicular vertebral biopsy is a safe and useful procedure for distinguishing non-malignant from malignant compression fractures, especially in diagnosing unsuspected malignancy.