Reconstruction of the anterior skull base after craniofacial resection.

Significant controversy continues as to how best to reconstruct anterior skull base defects after craniofacial resection with a view to minimizing the postoperative morbidity. Techniques varying from simple skin grafts to local and pedicled flaps, as well as bone harvested from a variety of sources have all been proposed. Careful review of the literature combined with personal experience with 34 anterior skull base defects following tumor surgery are presented in an attempt to develop a decision-making process to determine the ideal reconstructive technique for various situations.

Spinal cord compression in Scheuermann's kyphosis: case report.

Compression of the spinal cord secondary to disc disorders in Scheuermann's kyphosis is rare. This review reports an unusual case emphasizing mechanisms of compression of the spinal cord from this disc disorder. Contrasts and comparisons with previously published cases are included.

Management of the acoustic neuroma in an only hearing ear.

Heightened physician awareness of the sociologic and psychologic trauma related to deafness coupled with an increased emphasis on early diagnosis has prompted the employment of sophisticated diagnostic studies in an attempt at identification of an acoustic neuroma as a cause of hearing loss. Because profound bilateral hearing impairment is a catastrophic event, the management and care of an individual with an eighth nerve lesion in an only hearing ear remains a significant challenge for both patient and physician. In this article we will summarize our experience with this unique patient population through case presentations that will include diagnostic testing and intraoperative and perioperative findings.