Consistency of Radiological Grading of Cervical Foraminal Stenosis.

Background: The degree of cervical foraminal stenosis on MRI scans may be measured and categorised using the Kim or modified Kim methods. These grading scales have not previously been validated in a cohort of patients awaiting surgery.

Objectives: To establish the normal foraminal and root diameters as well as the consistency of inter and intra-rater grading using the Kim and modified Kim grading systems in pre-operative surgical patients.

Ruptured intra-cranial arachnoid cysts: a case series from a single UK institution.

Introduction: Intracranial arachnoid cysts are a common incidental finding; however presentation with cyst rupture is a recognised complication. Patients are advised to avoid contact sports to reduce the risk of cyst rupture but the risk of rupture is not currently known. The aim of this study is to describe a single institution's experience of managing ruptured intra-cranial arachnoid cysts.

Prenatal diagnosis of arachnoid cysts: a case series and systematic review.

Introduction: Primary cysts are believed to arise from the splitting of the arachnoid membrane during prenatal development and can be diagnosed in utero. Prenatal diagnosis is uncommon; therefore, the evidence base for counselling expectant mothers is limited. The purpose of this article is to present a case series and review the current literature on prenatally diagnosed arachnoid cysts.

Clinical and radiological outcomes following surgical treatment for intra-cranial arachnoid cysts.

Objectives: Intra-cranial arachnoid cysts are benign lesions which are usually incidental, however can produce neurological symptoms due to mass effect as they enlarge. Controversy still exists regarding the optimal option for the surgical management of these cysts. These options are neuroendoscopic fenestrations, microsurgical fenestrations +/- marsupialisation and insertion of a cysto-peritoneal shunt.

Intraparenchymal intracranial pressure monitoring for hydrocephalus and cerebrospinal fluid disorders.

Background: Elective intraparenchymal intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is useful for the diagnosis and treatment of hydrocephalus and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) disorders. This retrospective study analyzes median ICP and pulse amplitude (PA) recordings in neurosurgically naïve patients undergoing elective ICP monitoring for suspected CSF disorders.

Methods: Retrospective review of prospectively collated database of neurosurgically naïve patients undergoing elective ICP monitoring for suspected hydrocephalus and CSF disorders.

Sir FMR Walshe (1885-1973): what a neurologist can teach us about the neurosurgeon.

Sir Francis Martin Rouse Walshe (1885-1973) was a decorated neurologist, but he also commented widely on neurosurgery. Many of his comments and his overall approach to medicine remain highly relevant to the practicing neurosurgeon. His focus on the paramount importance of the core principles of clinical medicine, as well as his passion for basic clinical research are values which remain key to neurosurgery to this day.