Burr Hole Evacuation of Extradural Hematoma in Mass Trauma. A Life Saving and Time Saving Procedure: Our Experience in the Earthquake of 2005.

Aim: To observe the outcome of burr hole evacuation of extradural hematoma (EDH) in mass head injury.

Material And Methods: This study included patients of any age who sustained head injury in the earthquake of October 8, 2005, were diagnosed as EDH on computed tomography (CT) scan and were admitted in the neurosurgery ward over a period of 3 days. All patients were followed by serial CT scans and neurological assessments.

FREQUENCY OF EXTRADURAL HAEMATOMA IN PATIENTS WITH LINEAR SKULL FRACTURE.

Background: Apparently normal looking patients after traumatic brain injury can have serious neurological deterioration, and one of the common causes of such deterioration is extradural haematomas. This study was conducted to determine the frequency of extradural hematoma and common types of trauma leading to it among patients presenting with skull fracture due to head injury.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of Neurosurgery Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad from June 2011 to June 2012.

EARLY RESPONSE OF LOCAL STEROID INJECTION VERSUS MINI INCISION TECHNIQUE IN TREATMENT OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME.

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the commonest peripheral neuropathies which effects mainly middle aged women. Different techniques are being tried to decrease the postoperative pain in patients operated for CTS. The objective of this study was to compare effectiveness of local injection of steroid and mini incision technique in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.

RADIOLOGICAL OUTCOME OF TRANSPEDICULAR SCREWS FIXATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THORACOLUMBAR SPINE INJURY.

Background: Traumatic fracture of the spine 'is a serious neurosurgical condition that has serious impact on the patient's quality of life. Thoracolumbar junction is the most common site of spinal injuries. The aims of management of thoracolumbar spinal fractures are to restore vertebral column stability, and to obtain spinal canal decompression.

Comparison of the efficacy of single volar subcutaneous digital block and the dorsal two injections block.

Background: Digital nerve blocks are commonly used as effective techniques of anaesthesia to allow a variety of surgical procedures performed on digits. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of volar subcutaneous single injection block and the traditional dorsal two injections digital block.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar from December.

Lumbar disc herniation in patients with chronic backache.

Background: Low back pain with or without lower extremity pain is the most common problem among chronic pain disorders with significant economic, social, and health impact. This study was conducted to determine the frequency of lumbar disc herniation and its different levels, among patients with chronic backache.

Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in the department of Neurosurgery, Ayub Medical College Abbottabad from January 2011 to January 2013.

Spectrum of trigeminal neuralgia.

Background: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a very painful condition characterized by paroxysmal shock like pain in the distribution of one or more branches of trigeminal nerve caused by neurovascular conflict at the root entry zone of trigeminal nerve. This study was conducted to analyse the demography and pattern of TN in our setup.

Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in the Oral Surgery unit, Department of Dentistry, Ayub Medical College.

Demographics of basal cell carcinoma and its surgical management.

Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common, slow growing epidermal skin tumour and an increase in its incidence has been noticed in the past decades. Different treatment options include surgical and non-surgical measures. Surgical options include surgical excision, cryosurgery, curettage, electrodessication and Mohs micrographic surgery.

Cervical spinal injuries in moderate to severe head injuries.

Background: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death in all age group. The incidence of CSI increases with the severity of TBI so prompt care of cervical spine is necessary in all patients with moderate to severe head injury. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of cervical injury in patients with moderate to severe head injury and different types of trauma.

Efficacy of endoscopic third ventriculostomy in non-communicating hydrocephalus.

Background: Hydrocephalus is common problem requiring either extra-cranial (shunts) or intracranial (ventriculostomy) diversion of cerebrospinal fluid. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy obviates all the complications of shunts and has been accepted as the procedure of choice for the treatment of obstructed hydrocephalus in adults and children because of the minimally invasive nature. This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of endoscopic third ventriculostomy in the treatment of non-communicating hydrocephalus.

Outcome of transcranial repair of traumatic CSF rhinorrhea.

Background: Traumatic brain injury represents a significant cause of mortality and permanent disability in the adult population. Posttraumatic CSF rhinorrhea is one of the conditions most strongly associated with severe brain injury. Knowledge on the natural history of the illness and the outcomes of patients with transcranial subfrontal approach for posttraumatic CSF rhinorrhea approach may help the neurosurgeon in the decision-making process.

Frequency of conservatively managed traumatic acute subdural haematoma changing into chronic subdural haematoma.

Background: Traumatic brain injury represents a significant cause of mortality and permanent disability in the adult population. Acute subdural haematoma is one of the conditions most strongly associated with severe brain injury. Knowledge on the natural history of the illness and the outcome of patients conservatively managed may help the neurosurgeon in the decision-making process.

Predisposing factors, clinical presentation and outcome of repeated aspiration in cerebral abscess through a drainage tube in situ.

Background: Cerebral abscess is a serious and life threatening complication of several diseases. Aspiration of the abscess cavity versus excision of capsule are still in debate for the capsulated, large, superficially located abscesses especially in patients with poor surgical fitness. The objective of this study was to look for the clinical presentation and outcome of patients with repeated aspiration in cerebral abscess through a drainage tube in situ.

Pre-hospital management of spinal injuries in a natural disaster.

Background: Spinal injuries are one of the most devastating and crippling conditions known to mankind. Natural calamities follow no rules, and all have the potential of devastating medical and public health resources, earthquakes being the deadliest. The incidence of spinal injuries increases by leaps and bounds in such calamities.

Transnasal endosocpic repair of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea.

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks can arise as a complication of trauma, hydrocephalus, endoscopic sinus surgery or it may occur spontaneously without any identifiable cause. Surgical repair is recommended in patients who do not respond to the conservative management. In recent years transnasal endoscopic approach has become the preferred method for repairing the CSF leaks and better outcomes have been reported as compared to the intracranial approaches that were previously used.

Clinical and radiological findings in Arnold Chiari malformation.

Background: The Chiari Malformation I (CMI) is a disorder of uncertain origin that has been traditionally defined as downward herniation of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum. The anomaly is a leading cause of syringomyelia and occurs inassociation with osseus abnormalities at the craniovertebral junction. In contrast to other Chiari malformations, CMI tends to present in the second or third decade of life and is sometimes referred to as the 'adult-type' Chiari malformation.

Management of thoracic trauma: experience at Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad.

Background: The incidence of thoracic trauma has rapidly increased in this century of high speed vehicles, violence and various other disasters. It has been observed that chest intubation was required in more than 75% of patients.

Methods: This prospective study was performed in cardiothoracic surgery unit of Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad from Jun 2007 to Dec 2007.