Osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma of the cervical spine in the pediatric population: analysis of the literature and experience with four operated cases.

Background And Aim: Osteoid osteoma (Oo) and osteoblastoma (Ob) are rare primary bone tumors with a higher prevalence in the second decade of life. Treatment can be conservative, but in cases of spinal location, resective surgery is of great importance but may be challenging.

Material And Methods: We report four pediatric cases of Oo and Ob managed in our unit, with different locations at the level of the cervical spine.

From Microscopic to Exoscopic Microsurgery: Are We Facing a Change of Paradigm?

Background: Neurosurgery is a medical branch characterized by small and deep surgical field with the need of manipulation and dissection of anatomical structures. High light and magnification are required in order to avoid injuries to important anatomical structures and to avoid permanent neurological deficits. Introduction of operative microscope made a change of paradigm in neurosurgery allowing to better see what could not be seen with common light.

Role of sodium fluorescein in pediatric low-grade glioma surgery: an update.

Purpose: Complete surgical resection is still the mainstay in the treatment of central nervous system low-grade tumors, eventually resulting curative. The complete surgical removal of these lesions, however, may be difficult in some cases because of their infiltrative nature. Intraoperative adjuncts may be a game changer.

Boosting teamwork between scrub nurses and neurosurgeons: exploring the value of a role-played hands-on, cadaver-free simulation and systematic review of the literature.

Background: Recently, non-technical skills (NTS) and teamwork in particular have been demonstrated to be essential in many jobs, in business as well as in medical specialties, including plastic, orthopedic, and general surgery. However, NTS and teamwork in neurosurgery have not yet been fully studied. We reviewed the relevant literature and designed a mock surgery to be used as a team-building activity specifically designed for scrub nurses and neurosurgeons.