Staged Correction of Severe Thoracic Kyphosis in Patients with Multilevel Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures.

 Technical report.  Multilevel osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures may lead to considerable thoracic deformity and sagittal imbalance, which may necessitate surgical intervention. Correction of advanced thoracic kyphosis in patients with severe osteoporosis remains challenging, with a high rate of failure.

Subarachnoidal pleural fistula after resection of intradural thoracic disc herniation and multimodal treatment with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV).

Subarachnoid pleural fistula (SPF) is a type of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula that can arise as a complication following transthoracic resection of intervertebral disc herniation in the thoracic spine. It is an abnormal communication between the subarachnoid and pleural space. Negative intrapleural pressure promotes CSF leak due to a suction effect into the pleural cavity, with little chance of spontaneous closure.

Bilateral reconstructive costoplasty for razorback deformity correction in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Background: Correcting the chest wall deformity is an important goal of scoliosis surgery. A prominent rib hump deformity may not be adequately addressed by scoliosis correction alone. It has been shown that costoplasty in conjugation with scoliosis correction and instrumented spinal fusion is superior to spinal fusion alone in addressing the chest wall deformity.

Posterior-only correction of Scheuermann kyphosis using pedicle screws: economical optimization through screw density reduction.

Introduction: Posterior-only approach using pedicle screws' fixation has emerged as the preferred surgical technique for Scheuermann kyphosis (SK) correction. Insertion of multiple pedicle screws while increasing stability increases also the risk of complications related to screw malpositioning and surgical cost. The optimal screw density required in surgical correction of SK remains unclear.

Fusion and subsidence rate of stand alone anterior lumbar interbody fusion using PEEK cage with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2.

Introduction: Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is an established treatment for structural instability associated with symptomatic disk degeneration (SDD). Stand-alone ALIF offers many advantages, however, it may increase the risk of non-union. Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) may enhance fusion rate but is associated with postoperative complication.

Anterior thoracic foraminotomy through mini-thoracotomy for the treatment of giant thoracic disc herniations.

Study Design: A retrospective review of a case series.

Objectives: Giant thoracic disc herniations remain a surgical challenge and historically have been associated with significant complications. While neurological outcomes have improved with the abandonment of decompressive laminectomy, the attempt to minimize surgical complications and associated morbidities continues through less-invasive approaches.

Minimal-invasive percutaneous reduction and transsacral screw fixation for U-shaped fractures.

Study Design: Technical note and case series.

Objective: To introduce an innovative minimal-invasive surgical procedure reducing surgery time and blood loss in management of U-shaped sacrum fractures.

Summary Of Background: Despite their seldom appearance, U-shaped fractures can cause severe neurological deficits and surgical management difficulties.

Spine surgery training and competence of European neurosurgical trainees.

Background: Little is known about the nature of spine surgery training received by European neurosurgical trainees during their residency and the level of competence they acquire in dealing with spinal disorders.

Methods: A three-part questionnaire entailing 32 questions was devised and distributed to the neurosurgical trainees attending the EANS (European Association of Neurosurgical Societies) training courses of 2004.

Results: Of 126 questionnaires, 32% were returned.