A Geospatial Analysis of the Availability, Distribution, and Accessibility of Neurosurgical Facilities, Workforce, and Infrastructure in Nigeria; and Projection Towards 2050.

OBJECTIVE: There has been a modest but progressive increase in the neurosurgical workforce, training, and service delivery in Nigeria in the last 2 decades. However, these resources are unevenly distributed. This study aimed to quantitatively assess the availability and distribution of neurosurgical resources in Nigeria while projecting the needed workforce capacity up to 2050. METHODS: An online survey of Nigerian neurosurgeons and residents assessed the country's neurosurgical infrastructure, workforce, and resources. The results were analyzed descriptively, and geospatial analysis was used to map their distribution. A projection model was fitted to predict workforce targets for 2022-2050. RESULTS: Out of 86 neurosurgery-capable health facilities, 65.1% were public hospitals, with only 17.4% accredited for residency training. Dedicated hospital beds and operating rooms for neurosurgery make up only 4.0% and 15.4% of the total, respectively. The population disease burden is estimated at 50.2 per 100,000, while the operative coverage was 153.2 cases per neurosurgeon. There are currently 132 neurosurgeons and 114 neurosurgery residents for a population of 218 million (ratio 1:1.65 million). There is an annual growth rate of 8.3%, resulting in a projected deficit of 1113 neurosurgeons by 2030 and 1104 by 2050. Timely access to neurosurgical care ranges from 21.6% to 86.7% of the population within different timeframes. CONCLUSIONS: Collaborative interventions are needed to address gaps in Nigeria's neurosurgical capacity. Investments in training, infrastructure, and funding are necessary for sustainable development and optimized outcomes.

Rare vermian pilocytic astrocytoma with recurrent spontaneous hemorrhage in the elderly: A case report and review of literature.

Background: Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is a benign glial tumor predominately seen in pediatrics and early adolescence with associated overall good outcomes. Very few cases of elderly PA have been reported in the literature, and they are known to display unique anatomic, histologic, and genetic peculiarities distinct from pediatric disease. We report a rare case of vermian PA in an octogenarian with recurrent spontaneous intratumoral hemorrhage as a presenting symptom. Furthermore, a review of the literature on the peculiarities of PA in the elderly will be discussed. Case Description: An 81-year-old woman presented with features suggestive of repeated posterior fossa hemorrhages characterized by headaches, diplopia, and alteration in sensorium occurring about 5 months apart. Brain neuroimaging showed a cerebellar vermian tumor with features suggestive of repeated intratumoral bleeding. She had an initial ventriculoperitoneal shunting for acute hydrocephalus and subsequently had a suboccipital craniotomy and subtotal tumor excision due to morbid adherence to the brainstem. The histologic diagnosis was PA with Ki-67 <1% and negative for isocitrate dehydrogenase-1. There was a slow but progressive clinical improvement, and she has remained symptom-free for 4 years on follow-up. Conclusion: PA in the elderly is a rare disease with distinct histologic and genetic peculiarities. This case review showed one of the oldest cases of cerebellar vermian PA presenting with recurrent spontaneous intratumoral hemorrhage, an extremely rare occurrence in benign glioma. Although complete surgical excision is recommended, partial resection is advocated for morbidly adherent tumors. Overall prognosis is worse in elderly PA.

Pain outcome of non-instrumented lumbar decompressive surgery for degenerative lumbar spine disease using patient-reported pain outcome instruments.

Objectives: A clinical disorder known as degenerative lumbar spine disease (DLSD) is characterized by persistent low back pain (LBP) coupled with radiculopathy and other signs of neurologic impairment. Using patient-reported pain outcome assessment tools, this study evaluated the pain outcome of non-instrumented lumbar decompressive surgery for DLSD. Materials and Methods: A prospective longitudinal research was conducted. Using the metric visual analog scale (VAS) score and the Oswestry disability index (ODI), consenting patients who underwent non-instrumented lumbar decompressive surgery for symptomatic DLSD were evaluated for radicular pain and LBP. The evaluation was conducted both immediately before surgery and 6 months after surgery. Data generated by comparing the pre-operative and post-operative VAS and ODI scores were then analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Sixty-seven patients in total completed the study. Thirty-six (54%) males and 31 (46%) females, with a mean age and body mass index of 55.28 years and 29.5 k/m2, respectively. At 6 months postoperatively, there was significant pain reduction from the pre-operative baseline VAS for LBP (67.12-32.74) with P < 0.001, VAS for radicular pain (75.39-32.75) with P < 0.001, and ODI (65.30-27.66) with P < 0.001. There was a greater decrease in radicular pain than in LBP following lumbar decompressive only surgery (P = 0.03). Conclusion: Patients with symptomatic DLSD and high pre-operative back pain scores without considerable listhesis should anticipate a significant reduction in radicular and back pain intensity, as well as pain-related functional disability, 6 months after non-instrumented lumbar decompressive surgery.

The status of specialist neurosurgical training in Nigeria: A survey of practitioners, trainers, and trainees.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the well-known neurosurgical workforce deficit in Sub-Saharan Africa, there remains a low number of neurosurgical training programs in Nigeria. This study sought to re-assess the current status of specialist neurosurgical training in the country. METHODS: An electronic survey was distributed to all consultant neurosurgeons and neurosurgery residents in Nigeria. Demographic information and questions relating to the content, process, strengths, and challenges of neurosurgical training were explored as part of a broader survey assessing neurosurgical capacity. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. RESULTS: Respondents identified 15 neurosurgical training centers in Nigeria. All 15 are accredited by the West African College of Surgeons (WACS), and 6 by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN). The average duration of core neurosurgical training was 5 years. Some identified strengths of Nigerian neurosurgical training included learning opportunities provided to residents, recent growth in the neurosurgical training capacity, and satisfaction with training. Challenges included a continued low number of training programs compared to the population density, lack of subspecialty training programs, and inadequate training infrastructure. CONCLUSION: Despite the high number of neurosurgery training centers in Nigeria, compared to other West African countries, the programs are still limited in number and capacity. Although this study shows apparent trainee satisfaction with the training process and contents, multiple challenges exist. Efforts at improving training capacity should focus on continuing the development and expansion of current programs, commencing subspecialty training, driving health insurance to improve funding, and increasing available infrastructure for training.

Unexpected recovery from complete deafness to normal hearing post surgical excision of a cerebellopontine angle meningioma: A case report.

Background: Cerebellopontine angle (CPA) meningioma presents a significant management challenge due to its intricate relationship with the brainstem neurovascular bundles. The emphasis in the past has been on facial nerve preservation, but the current management standard is hearing preservation in patients with serviceable hearing; however, hearing restoration after complete loss is rare. We report an elderly man who had restoration of hearing in the right ear after complete loss following tumor resection through the retrosigmoid route. Case Description: A 73-year-old male patient presented with progressive hearing impairment in the right ear, culminating in hearing loss for about 2 months (the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery [AAO-HNS] class D). He also had mild cerebellar symptoms, but other cranial nerves and long tracts were normal. Brain magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a right CPA meningioma, and he had tumor resection through the retrosigmoid route using meticulous microsurgical technique with vestibulocochlear nerve preservation, facial nerve monitoring, and intraoperative video angiography. He had restoration of hearing on follow-up (the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery class A). Histology confirmed World Health Organization central nervous system grade 1 meningioma. Conclusion: This case illustrates that hearing restoration is possible after complete loss in patients with CPA meningioma. We advocate hearing preservation surgery even in patients with non-serviceable hearing, as the chance of hearing recovery is possible.

Will improved neuroradiology facilities debunk the reported rarity of intracranial aneurysms in Sub-Saharan Africa?

Background: Intracranial aneurysms (IAN) are rare in the Sub-Saharan Africa unlike other parts of the world. The debate is whether the low frequency might be apparent because of the scarcity of advanced neuroimaging services, or real. This study investigated if improved imaging facilities would debunk the rarity of IAN in our subregion. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of prospectively recorded data of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and IAN managed over 19 years (2003-2021), at the study center with a catchment population of over 47 million. The center witnessed progressive improvements in neuroimaging facilities: 2-Slice, 8-slice, and 64-slice computed tomography (CT) and 0.35T, 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during the period. Results: There were 241 cases of SAH, but only 166 aneurysms were confirmed in 158 patients. Between 2003 and 2008, only 27 IAN patients (4.5 IAN/year) were diagnosed. After introduction of CT angiography/magnetic resonance angiography MRA using 8-slice CT/0.35T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), between 2009 and 2014, the frequency of IAN increased to 8/year. Between 2015 and 2018 after installation of a 64-slice CT in 2014, the IAN remained the same (8/year). MRI 1.5T was added in 2018, the frequency doubled to 17 cases/year. The females were more (67.7%), the mean age was 46.3 years, but peak incidence was the sixth decade. Internal carotid artery aneurysms including posterior communicating artery were the most common (43%) followed by ACA with anterior communicating artery (24%) and middle cerebral artery (20%). Multiple aneurysms were seen in ten patients. Conclusion: Improved neuroimaging between 2003 and 2021 did not debunk the rarity of IAN in our region.

MRI-based morphometric analysis of corpus callosum dimensions of adults in Southeast Nigeria.

The Corpus callosum (CC) is the largest commissural fibre tract, ensuring swift information transfer and integration in both cerebral hemispheres. Variations in morphometry exist. There is a paucity of data on CC dimensions in our subregion, and no standardized reference is available. The study aims to determine the CC dimensions among the adult population in southeast Nigeria. The result will provide reference ranges and form a benchmark for comparisons of CC-related pathologies. A retrospective study of CC morphometric dimensions in normal subjects who had cranial MRI over two years in Memfys Hospital, Enugu, Southeast Nigeria, using a 1.5T GE© 16 channel machine. The CC was segmentalized into seven subregions using the modified Witelson method with special computer software. All measurements were taken twice from the T1 mid-sagittal image, and the mean was used for computation. The results were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. A total of 200 subjects were recruited for the study. The mean length and height of the CC were 75.58 ± 4.52 mm and 24.64 ± 3.40 mm, respectively. The width dimensions of the genu, body, rostrum and splenium were 10.88 ± 1.81 mm, 5.66 ± 1.32 mm, 3.65 ± 1.25 mm, and 10.02 ± 1.70 mm, respectively. No gender variations were noted among the different dimensions of CC (P = 0.90). The length and height of CC increase gradually with age and show a positive correlation. The width dimensions of the genu and splenium increase till middle age and subsequently decreases in line with brain atrophy (p = 0.0000& p = 0.004). Using Pearson's correlation test, no correlation was noted in the dimensions of the body and rostrum of the corpus callosum when related to age and sex. (P = 0.92 & p = 0.66). Reference ranges of CC dimensions in our subregion were presented, and variations exist in its different morphometric dimensions which are affected by brain atrophy. Gender does not influence the dimensions in our subpopulations.

Prevention of Surgical Site Infection Following Open Spine Surgery: The Efficacy of Intraoperative Wound Irrigation with Normal Saline Containing Gentamicin Versus Dilute Povidone-Iodine.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative wound irrigation (IOWI) is an important step in preventing surgical site infection (SSI). This study compared the effectiveness of saline with gentamicin versus povidine-iodine (PI) as IOWI solutions in preventing SSI in open spine surgery. METHODS: It is a prospective comparative study. Patients who had noninstrumented open spine surgery were randomized into 2 groups. Group A and B patients had their surgical wounds irrigated with saline containing gentamicin solution and dilute PI solution, respectively. Both groups were assessed for the occurrence of SSI. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients, divided into 2 groups of 40 each completed the study. Overall, the SSI rate was 17.5% for patients in the normal saline containing gentamicin group (A) and 2.5% for those in the dilute PI group (B), this difference was statistically significant (P = 0.025). The cervical and thoracic spine regions have the same SSI rate (7.1% and 0%, respectively) in both groups. However, in the lumbosacral region, the SSI rate was 31.6% in A and 0% in B, this was statistically significant (P = 0.006). The isolated organisms in patients with SSI were staphylococcus species (42.86% of SSI in A and 0% in B) and pseudomonas species (42.86% of SSI in group A and 100% in group B), and this difference was profound in the lumbosacral spine region (P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: IOWI with 3.5% dilute PI solution is more efficacious in preventing SSI and has wider microbial coverage compared to normal saline containing gentamicin solution as IOWI fluid in noninstrumented open spine surgery.

Balo's concentric sclerosis a rare variant of multiple sclerosis in a Nigerian adult male: A case report.

Background: Balo's concentric sclerosis (BCS) is a rare variant of multiple sclerosis (MS) that usually runs a benign course. Typically, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows concentric lamella of areas of demyelination alternating with normal zones of myelin preservation. Clinically, it may be mistaken for other intracranial space-occupying lesions, especially in our subregion, where neuroimaging facilities are scarce or not affordable. The authors report a rare case of BCS in a young Nigerian male diagnosed and managed in Enugu, Nigeria. This is possibly the first reported case in sub-Saharan Africa. Case Description: The patient presented with behavioral changes, focal seizures, cranial neuropathy, long tract signs, and cerebellar dysfunction causing severe disability and functional impairment with a Modified Rankin Score (mRS) of 4. Brain MRI showed multiple heterogeneous lesions in the right cerebral hemisphere, brainstem, and cerebellum with features in keeping with BCS. Cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal bands were negative and C-reactive protein was normal. He had high-dose steroids and immunosuppressive therapy. He made a gradual neurological improvement and significant symptom resolution and was able to return to work after a year (mRS-1). Conclusion: BCS is a rare variant of MS in sub-Saharan Africa. The mainstay of diagnosis is MRI which shows the typical concentric demyelinating pattern. Steroids and immunosuppressive therapy are effective in the treatment of BCS.

Surgical strategy for symptomatic pineal cyst: is endoscopit third ventriculostomy necessary in addition to cyst fenestration?

Symptomatic large pineal cyst (PC) remains a rare entity. The stable natural course of asymptomatic PCs is well established. However, large cysts may cause pressure-related symptoms necessitating surgical intervention. The surgical strategy for symptomatic PCs is still controversial. Regardless of the approach, total resection of the cyst is not mandatory. The endoscopic approach allows cyst fenestration in patients with associated obstructive hydrocephalus. On the other hand, the necessity of simultaneous endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is still debatable. Here, we report a case of a woman who underwent endoscopic cyst fenestration, biopsy, and third ventriculostomy for a large symptomatic PC and discuss the surgical strategy. A 30-year-old woman presented with headache and diplopia, MRI showed a large PC and accompanying obstructive hydrocephalus. Simultaneous cyst fenestration, biopsy and ETV with endoscopy was successfully completed. She had an uneventful recovery period with immediate relief of symptoms. Although, the aqueduct was communicated due to cyst shrinkage, the patency of the third ventricular stoma was demonstrated in long-term follow-up scans. Based on clinical course of the present case, we concluded that ETV in addition to cyst fenestration should be considered necessary and beneficial in cases of large symptomatic PC with associated hydrocephalus whenever an endoscopic intraventricular approach is considered.

Rare sphenoid ridge intracranial mature teratoma in an adult female.

Intracranially located teratomas usually involve midline brain structures. However, they rarely occur in adults. A 26-year-old woman presented with a growing intracranial mass lesion in the left sphenoid ridge without neurological deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed homogenous hyperintensities without contrast enhancement. The patient underwent gross total excision of the soft, yellowish sphenoid ridge tumor with no cystic component. The surgery was uneventful, with no intraoperative complications. Histological analysis revealed a mature teratoma. She attended regular outpatient neuroradiology follow-up appointments. The present case is an unusual example of a mature teratoma with regard to location, neuroimaging appearance, macroscopic intraoperative findings, histological tumor subtype, and patient age and sex.

Primary myxoid temporal bone tumor: A rare neurosurgical manifestation of Carney complex?

BACKGROUND: Carney complex (CNC) is a rare autosomal dominant syndrome, manifesting mainly with cardiac, cutaneous, and mucosal myxomas. Osteochondromyxoma is known as an extremely rare bone lesion of CNC which usually appears early in life; however, there were no reports of primary bone myxoma of the skull in the patients with CNC. We present the first case of primary myxoid skull tumor in the patient with CNC. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report the left temporal bone tumor with significant intracranial mass effect in a 58-year- old woman already diagnosed with CNC. Complete resection of the tumor with skull bone reconstruction was carried out. Pathological diagnosis was labeled the lesion as an atypical myxoid spindle cell neoplasm. The features were different from atrial myxoma and osteochondromyxoma which has been described in CNC. There have been no signs of recurrence in 9 years follow-up. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports of the primary myxoid tumors in the skull in the patients with CNC. This paper highlighted a possible important association between CNC and primary intracranial myxoid tumors.

Cyst fenestration and Ommaya reservoir placement in endoscopic transcortical transventricular approach for recurrent suprasellar cystic craniopharyngioma without ventriculomegaly.

The efficacy of the endoscopic transcortical transventricular approach (ETTA) for craniopharyngioma in the third ventricle with hydrocephalus has been reported focusing on its reduced invasiveness. On the other hand, suprasellar craniopharyngioma without ventriculomegaly is generally surgically managed by craniotomy or the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). Here, we report an elderly patient who received cyst fenestration and Ommaya reservoir placement in ETTA for recurrent suprasellar cystic craniopharyngioma without ventriculomegaly. The ETTA as a less invasive procedure is feasible in patients not only with intraventricular craniopharyngioma but also with suprasellar craniopharyngioma without hydrocephalus provided a navigational system is applied and the surgeon has ample experience with transcranial endoscopic procedures.

Changing Trends and Challenges of Spine Surgery in a Developing Country.

BACKGROUND: Spine conditions are common and the surgery is evolving even in developed economies. This study aims to review the changing trends and challenges of spine surgery, particularly from a low-income country. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients who were surgically treated for spine conditions in Enugu, Nigeria. Patient records from 2006 to 2016 were reviewed. Relevant clinical information was extracted from the operation theater logbooks and patient case files. RESULTS: A total of 463 spine surgical procedures were carried out on the same number of patients. The number of treated patients has been on the increase and shows a male predominance. Pediatric spine cases accounted for 1.5%, adult/middle aged patients accounted for 77.8%. Degenerative conditions, trauma, and neoplasms were the most frequent indications for operation, accounting for 52.3%, 30.5%, and 11.4%, respectively. The most commonly operated region was cervical and lumbar regions among male (49.3%) and female (51.8%) patients, respectively. Spine fixation was required in 137 patients (29.6%). A paradigm shift from trauma to degenerative conditions among patients was noted after 2010. Prior to 2009, spine wiring techniques were the most common spine stabilizing method, but from 2011 to 2013 anterior cervical discectomy and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion predominated, and thereafter pedicle screws predominated. Cost implications, lack of trained personnel, and lack of and basic equipment pose significant challenges to spine care. CONCLUSIONS: The trend in spinal surgery has improved rapidly and consistently in Nigeria over the 10 years of the study and is related to increasing expertise, more available facilities, and implant availability.

Factors influencing the outcome of spontaneous intracerebral haematoma in a Neurosurgical Hospital in South-East Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (SICH) is a major cause of stroke worldwide. SICH management is still challenging, especially in developing countries. This study highlights certain factors affecting outcome of SICH managed in a Nigerian Neurosurgical centre, on a background of the modernisation of the patient care facilities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients managed for SICH at Memfys Hospital for Neurosurgery and Neurology in Enugu from years 2009-2016. All patients had computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis. Treatment included medical, surgical and intensive care unit (ICU) care. Patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage and trauma were excluded. Factors analysed include age, admission Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), haematoma location, complications encountered during admission, duration of hospital stay and 6-month Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS). RESULTS: There were 66 cases, age range of 21-85 years (mean 57 years). A total of 30 (45.5%) patients were admitted with GCS ≤ 8/15; 63.3% of these died within 6 months. The proportion of mortalities was 63.6% (>70 years) and 35.6% (41-70 years). Most commonly associated complication was chest infection 27 (40.9%), with 56.6% mortality. Common haematoma locations were basal ganglia (43.9%) and lobar haemorrhage (40.9%) with a similar effect on outcome (P = 0.098). Outcomes were GOS 1: (43.9%), GOS 5: (30.3%) and GOS 4: (13.6%). Among 42 (63.3%) admitted to ICU, 25 (59.5%) died, while 11 (26.2%) achieved GOS of ≥ 4 at 6 months. Those discharged between days 11 and 20 had 26.7% mortality while 53.3% were independent. CONCLUSION: Good admission GCS, absence of chest infections, younger age group are predictors of good outcome following SICH. Anatomical location of haemorrhage alone does not have a significant impact on 6 months' mortality.

Normal Atlanto-Occipital Interval in Adults of Southeast Nigeria: An Evaluation of the Effect of Age, Sex, and Race.

BACKGROUND: Imaging of the craniocervical junction (CCJ) after trauma is crucial for injury detection and description. Of all the anatomic measurements of the CCJ, the normal value of atlanto-occipital interval (AOI) is not yet well established in adults. The aim of our study is to determine the normal values of the AOI in Nigerians aged between 21 and 60 years using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scan and to determine racial, age, and sex differences. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study done at Memfys Hospital for Neurosurgery, Enugu, Nigeria, between May 2016 and April 2017. There were 240 subjects (120 men and 120 women) divided into the following age groups: 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, and 51-60 years. Non-Nigerians and those with preexisting CCJ abnormalities were excluded. Normal values were those within the 95% confidence interval. Results were analyzed for possible sex and age variations and compared with the available literature for racial differences. Ethical approval was obtained for this study. RESULTS: The measured normal computed tomography value of the AOI in adult Nigerians was 1.181 ± 0.018 mm. The values in the age groups of 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, and 51-60 years were 1.279 ± 0.038, 1.164 ± 0.033, 1.151 ± 0.029, and 1.133 ± 0.033 mm, respectively (P < 0.05). The average normal values in men and women were 1.188 ± 0.025 and 1.174 ± 0.026 mm, respectively. The interobserver reliability test using the Cronbach α was 0.938. CONCLUSIONS: AOI values in this study were higher than previous MDCT-based values in non-African populations. The AOI decreased linearly with age and did not show any sex difference.

Superficial Siderosis Associated with Craniopharyngioma.

BACKGROUND: Superficial siderosis (SS) associated with craniopharyngioma is an extremely rare occurrence. To our knowledge, only 3 cases have been reported in literature. Two of the cases occurred following resection of the tumor. Similar to the present case, 1 of the cases was discovered before surgical intervention, "pure tumor-related" SS. The clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, and outcome are discussed in this article. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 50-year-old man presented with an 11-month history of left-sided tinnitus, hearing impairment, and a 2-month history of visual disturbance. Cerebellar ataxia and gait disturbance were found on examination. Brain magnetic resonance imaging findings were consistent with SS. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis before surgery revealed xanthochromia confirming an existing chronic sustainable subarachnoid hemorrhage. He underwent a tumor resection in endoscopic endonasal approach followed by stereotactic radiosurgery. On follow-up, the visual symptoms resulting from craniopharyngioma subsided, whereas hearing impairment, cerebellar ataxia, and gait disturbance associated with SS did not progress but were unchanged despite subsequent evidence of watery-clear CSF. CONCLUSIONS: In the present case, SS could be associated with craniopharyngioma on the basis of CSF findings and clinical symptoms. Detection and early treatment aimed at eliminating the bleeding source offer the best chance of halting the disease process.

Paediatric brain tumours managed in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria: Review of one centre experience.

BACKGROUND: Nothing has been published about paediatric brain tumours (PBTs) in Southeast Nigeria. This pioneer study analyses the tumour characteristics and management outcome of PBTs in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria. METHODOLOGY: Retrospective longitudinal study utilising information from medical, radiology and histopathology records of all paediatric tumour cases managed at Memfys Hospital for Neurosurgery, Enugu, a major referral centre, from 2006 to 2017. RESULTS: The total number of cases was 54. Peak age group at the diagnosis were 0-5 years (37.0%) and >10 years (40.8%). Frequent presenting symptoms of supratentorial tumours were limb weakness (70%), convulsions (50%) and altered consciousness (48%). Infratentorial tumours presented mostly with gait disturbance (82%), vomiting (72%) and altered consciousness (48%). There were 51 (94.4%) primary and three metastatic tumours. Supratentorial tumours were 28 (51.9%) and infratentorial tumours were 26 (48.1%). Histopathologic types were glioma 20 (37.0%), medulloblastoma 13 (24.1%), craniopharyngioma 11 (20.4%), meningioma 2 (3.7%) and others 8 (14.8%). The most common supratentorial tumours were gliomas 11 (39.3%) and craniopharyngioma 11 (39.3%), and the most common infratentorial tumour was medulloblastoma 13 (50.0%). Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 28 (51.9%) and subtotal resection (STR) in 26 (48.1%). Patients with Karnofsky score ≥70% had 16 (65.2%) GTR and patients with ≤60% score had more STR 18 (58.1%). At 1-year post-surgery, 16 (64%) of those with GTR lived normal lives compared with only 4 (20%) of STR. Among GTR group, 7 (28.0%) died compared to the 11 (55.0%) deaths recorded following STR. Overall, 55.6% of patients were at least independent at 1 year. CONCLUSION: Glioma, medulloblastoma and craniopharyngioma are the most common PBTs. The management outcome is good and affected by extent of tumour resection.

Diploic mature teratoma originating from the orbital roof: An extremely rare case report.

BACKGROUND: Orbital mature teratoma is a rare congenital tumor. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 37-year-old woman presented with ophthalmalgia predated by years of progressive incongruous right eye position, diplopia, and restricted extraocular movement. Neuroimages revealed a right orbital mass originating from the orbital roof. After resection, histopathology revealed the mature teratoma. CONCLUSION: To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first documented diploic origin of mature teratoma at the orbital roof.

Modified Laminoplasty for Degenerative Cervical Spondylosis: The Technique of Floating Laminoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Laminoplasty is an established alternative to laminectomy for posterior cervical decompression in spondylotic myelopathy. However, standard laminoplasty requires internal fixation, which is often not obtainable in developing countries. We present our experience with a technique of noninstrumented (floating) laminoplasty developed to avoid the need to anchor the laminoplasty to the anterior elements. METHODS: We have used floating laminoplasty (FL) for posterior cervical decompression in patients with cervical spondylosis since 2004 and report the technique and our experience with it between 2009 and 2014 when C-arm and magnetic resonance imaging became available in our unit. Patients who had classical laminectomy and hemilaminectomies were excluded. The operation involved bilateral approach to the laminae through a midline incision with generous sparing of the supraspinous, interspinal and interlaminar ligaments. During closure the laminoplasty was hitched to the ligamentum nuchae. Nurick grading was used for clinical evaluation. Patients were followed for at least 1 year. RESULTS: There were 36 patients with age range between 32 and 72 years (mean: 56.5 years). Male to female ratio was 3:1. Most patients presented with advanced disease, with 25%, 36%, and 30% at Nurick Grade 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Postoperatively, all (100%) patients with Nurick Grade 2 and 3 improved to Grade 1 or 0, while 9 (69%) of the 13 at Grade 4 improved to Grade 2 or better. Only 1 (9.1%) of 11 operated at Grade 5 did not improve while 3 (27%) improved to Grade 2 or better. No postoperative instability was identified on follow-up. CONCLUSION: FL is a safe and simple procedure that preserves spine stability and minimizes postoperative spinal deformity.