Lumbar hemivertebra resection in congenital scoliosis utilizing cone-beam navigation: less radiation, more accuracy-proof of concept.

Purpose: To present the first known pediatric utilization of cone-beam navigation system (CBNS) for hemivertebra resection and spondylodesis CASE PRESENTATION: A 14-year-old female with congenital scoliosis, diagnosed at 8 years of age, presenting with progressive symptoms, a Cobb angle (L3-5) of 38° at time of surgery, treated historically with conservative measures. Presence of spinal intramedullary disease was excluded prior to operation via whole spine MRI.

Results: Patient successfully underwent surgical correction utilizing the CBNS (O-arm™, Medtronic®).

A Previously Unreported Arterial Variant of the Suboccipital Region Based on Cadaveric Dissection.

 Several arterial variants have been reported to occur around the posterior arch of the atlas. Understanding the various anomalies and diagnosing them preoperatively can dramatically reduce the risk of surgical insult during neurosurgical procedures. Herein we report a case of an arterial variant found just below the posterior arch of C1.

Skull Base and Cervical Spine Involvement in Jansen Syndrome: Case Report.

Introduction: Metaphyseal chondrodysplasia, Jansen type (JMD), is a rare form of endochondral ossification resulting in short limbs and dwarfism.

Case Report: A child presented with JMD and was found to have involvement of the cervical spine. Conservative treatment was given to the patient who at the long-term follow-up continues to have no neurological findings or cervical spine instability.

The Dens: A Review of its Diverse Nomenclature and a Recommended Simplified Terminology.

Pathology of the dens, such as fractures, demands precise terminology so that communication between physicians are succinct, diagnoses are accurate, and treatment strategies exact. This review aims to summarize the various terms used to describe the parts of the dens and recommend the ideal terminology. Using standard search engines, English language publications were searched for the many terms used to describe parts of the dens.

Ulf Fernström (1915-1985) and his Contributions to the Development of Artificial Disc Replacements.

Introduction: Artificial disc replacements, which serve the function of separating vertebrae to allow for proper spinal alignment, can help treat debilitating low back pain in patients who have failed other conservative methods of treatment. A Swedish surgeon, Ulf Fernström, was the pioneer of artificial disc replacement, and his contribution in the form of Fernström balls dramatically altered spinal surgery and technique by showing the proper technique and implant that should be used for areas requiring motion in many planes.

History Of The Artificial Disc: Ulf Fernström created his artificial disc inspired by the movement of the hip and knee joints.

Transforaminal Ligaments of the Lumbar Spine: A Comprehensive Review.

Once considered anomalous structures, transforaminal ligaments are not widely known and the criteria for identifying and classifying them are not universal. They are, however, of potential importance during neurological procedures, as their entrapment might lead to radicular pain. Transforaminal ligaments are not present in all patients, but when they are, the incidence of all types of ligaments is significantly higher, with the most common type being the superior corporotransverse ligament.

Training Medical Novices in Spinal Microsurgery: Does the Modality Matter? A Pilot Study Comparing Traditional Microscopic Surgery and a Novel Robotic Optoelectronic Visualization Tool.

The operative microscope has been a staple instrument in the neurosurgical operating room over the last 50 years. With advances in optoelectronics, options such as robotically controlled high magnification have become available. Such robotically controlled optoelectronic systems may offer new opportunities in surgical technique and teaching.