Intracranial Mimics of Cauda Equina Syndrome: Heads or Tails?

Background: To report cases of extraspinal mimics of cauda equina syndrome (CES) to enable prompt diagnosis and treatment in the future. CES results from compression of spinal nerve roots. Current practice mandates lumbosacral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning to diagnose CES.

Cauda equina syndrome after use of dural sealant in revision lumbar decompression surgery.

Objective: We report a case of cauda equina syndrome related to the use of fibrin glue dural sealant "TISSEEL".

Background: Incidental durotomy (ID) is not uncommon in revision spinal surgery. Augmentation of the dural repair after primary closure is gaining popularity.

Facet joint cyst haematoma: a rare cause of cauda equina syndrome.

Facet joint cysts are a feature of lumbar spondylosis and are an uncommon cause of radiculopathy. Facet joint cyst haematoma is a very rare entity and has previously been reported as a subacute cause of leg pain, back pain, sensory deficit and lower limb weakness. We present the unique case of facet joint cyst haematoma presenting as cauda equina syndrome.

Kyphoplasty Augmentation in Thoracolumbar Spine - Clinical Outcomes after 2 Years.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY With the ageing of population the vertebral insufficiency fractures are increasing in number and occur ever more frequently. Symptomatic relief is often difficult to achieve by non-operative treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the level of pain relief and functional outcomes in patients who failed initial non-operative treatment and, because of persisting or growing symptoms, underwent kyphoplasty.

Study investigating the role of skeletal muscle mass estimation in metastatic spinal cord compression.

Background: Age-related loss of functional muscle mass is associated with reduced functional ability and life expectancy. In disseminated cancer, age-related muscle loss may be exacerbated by cachexia and poor nutritional intake, increasing functional decline, morbidity and accelerate death. Patients with spinal metastases frequently present for decompressive surgery with decision to operate based upon functional assessment.

Cervical epidural abscess mimicking as stroke - report of two cases.

Background: Stroke is a common provisional diagnosis in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with unilateral neurological deficit. Cervical epidural abscess (CEA) may also present clinically with a unilateral neurological deficit.

Objects: To highlight the inherent problems with diagnosing cervical epidural abscess and possible consequences of delay in diagnosis.

A pilot study investigating the use of at-home, web-based questionnaires compiling patient-reported outcome measures following total hip and knee replacement surgeries.

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are used routinely in NHS. Traditional pen-and-paper questionnaire collection can be time-consuming for both patients and clinic staff. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether a web-based PROMs system has the potential to provide satisfactory patient compliance and whether compiled data are equivalent to pen-and-paper PROMs data.

Role of intraoperative red cell salvage and autologus transfusion in metastatic spine surgery: a pilot study and review of literature.

Study Design: Prospective cohort study.

Purpose: There has been no research examining the use of intraoperative cell salvage during metastatic spinal surgery. The present work is a pilot study investigating the role of cell salvage during metastatic spine surgery.

Health-related quality of life assessment after antiretroviral therapy: a review of the literature.

Antiretroviral (ARV) treatment for HIV infection has resulted in significant improvement in immunologic and virologic parameters, as well as a reduction in AIDS-defining illnesses and death. Over 25 medications are approved for use, usually in combination regimens of three or four ARVs. Several ARVs are now available as combinatorial products, which have been associated with better adherence.

A study investigating the validity of modified Tokuhashi score to decide surgical intervention in patients with metastatic spinal cancer.

Purpose: Predicted survival of a patient is the most important parameter that helps to guide the treatment of a patient with metastatic spinal cancer. We aimed to investigate the reliability of modified Tokuhashi score in the decision-making process in patients with metastatic spinal cancer.

Methods: We performed a review of our prospectively collected Metastatic Cancer Database over a period of 4 years (2007-2010).

Spinal subdural hematoma as a complication of spinal surgery: can it happen without dural tear?

Post spinal surgery subdural hematoma is a rare entity. This is a report of a case of acute post-operative spinal subdural hematoma, without any dural injury. The case was managed expectantly and went on to complete resolution of the hematoma and full clinical recovery.

A technique for temporary control of hemorrhage.

Traumatic injury to blood vessels is a common presentation in the Emergency Department. Control of hemorrhage is generally attempted using tight absorbent compression dressings. This may be a cause of inefficient control of hemorrhage and also contributes to tissue ischemia.