Posterior segmental fixation for thoraco-lumbar and lumbar fractures: a comparative outcome study between open and percutaneous techniques.

Purpose: Showing results of open and percutaneous surgical management of traumatic AO type A3, A4 and B2 thoracic and lumbar fractures.

Methods: Retrospective comparative analysis of traditional open fusion versus percutaneous navigated fixation of thoracic and lumbar spinal fractures. Minimum 24 months follow-up to collect ODI and VAS outcome scores for comparative analysis was required.

Pineal parenchymal tumours of intermediate differentiation - An evidence-based review of a new pathological entity.

Pineal region lesions are uncommon, and pineal parenchymal tumours (PPT) account for 20-30% of tumours in this area of which pineocytomas (PCs) and pineoblastomas (PBs) are more prevalent. In 2007, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reclassified PPT from two subgroups (PC and PB) into four, including pineal parenchymal tumours of intermediate differentiation (PPTID). PPTID have been further divided into low- and high-grade lesions (WHO II and III), but due to their rarity have proven difficult lesions to diagnose and a paucity of literature means their optimal treatment options are a challenge to define.