Malignant psammomatous melanotic schwannoma of the spine: A component of Carney complex.

Background: Psammomatous melanotic schwannomas (PMS) of the spine may be a component of the Carney complex in 50% of cases and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Most PMS are benign and frequently associated with lentiginous pigmentation; cardiac, cutaneous, or breast myxomas; endocrine overactivity; and cutaneous blue nevi. These tumors are characterized by melanin containing cells having ultrastructural characteristics of Schwann cells.

Adverse effects associated with high-dose recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 use in anterior cervical spine fusion.

Study Design: A retrospective review of patients who underwent an anterior cervical fusion using recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP)-2 with an absorbable collagen sponge (INFUSE; Medtronic Sofamor Danek, Minneapolis, MN).

Objective: To ascertain the complication rate after the use of high-dose INFUSE in anterior cervical fusions.

Summary Of Background Data: The rhBMP-2 has been primarily investigated in lumbar spine fusions, where it has significantly enhanced the fusion rate and decreased the length of surgery, blood loss, and hospital stay.

Dynamic weight-bearing cervical magnetic resonance imaging: technical review and preliminary results.

Background: Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of complex cervical spine disorders may underestimate the magnitude of structural disease because imaging is performed in a nondynamic non-weight-bearing manner. Myelography provides additional information but requires an invasive procedure.

Methods: This was a prospective review of the first 20 upright weight-bearing cervical MRI procedures with patients in the flexed, neutral, and extended positions conducted in an open-configuration MRI unit.

Outcome following moderate traumatic brain injury.

Background: Little is known about the outcome following moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) (GCS 9-12). Most patients regain consciousness; however, the full magnitude of long-term cognitive and functional deficits is unknown.

Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study evaluating the outcome of patients suffering moderate TBI between October 1995 and March 1998.

Development and implementation of a clinical pathway for severe traumatic brain injury.

Background: Clinical pathways (CPs) have been shown to be beneficial in optimizing patient care and resource use.

Methods: A multidisciplinary CP for the treatment of severe traumatic brain injury (Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3-7) was developed. Data from these patients (group I) were collected prospectively and compared with a retrospective database (group II).