Extraforaminal lumbar herniation: "far lateral" microinvasive approach retrospective study.

The first anatomic description of extraforaminal herniation found in the literature was published in 1944. This was followed by several definitions regarding the anatomic site of this pathology. We consider correct the definition of lumbar extraforaminal herniation concerning the anatomic site of the herniated fragment.

Bone autografting of the calvaria and craniofacial skeleton: historical background, surgical results in a series of 15 patients, and review of the literature.

Background: Although the use of autologous bone for reconstruction of the cranial and facial skeleton underwent a partial reappraisal following the introduction of a vast range of alloplastic materials for this purpose, it has demonstrated definite advantages over the last century and, particularly, during the last decade.

Methods: Fifteen patients underwent cranial and/or cranio-facial reconstruction using autologous bone grafting in the Department of Neurologic Sciences-Neurosurgery and the Division of Maxillo-Facial Surgery of the Rome "La Sapienza" University between 1987 and 1995. This group of patients consisted of 8 females and 7 males whose average age was 29.

Surgical treatment of pituitary tumors in the elderly: clinical outcome and long-term follow-up.

Pituitary adenomas in the elderly represent an increasing proportion of pituitary tumors, making the surgical management of these patients of special importance. We therefore decided to review our experience with transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) in this age group, in order to better evaluate its efficacy, safety and outcome. A retrospective study was performed on 39 patients aged more than 70 years at the time of surgery (mean age 74.