The efficacy of a glial inhibitor, minocycline, for preventing persistent pain after lumbar discectomy: a randomized, double-blind, controlled study.

Minocycline strongly inhibits microglial activation, which contributes to central sensitization, a major mechanism underlying chronic pain development. We hypothesized that the perioperative administration of minocycline might decrease persistent pain after lumbar discectomy. We randomly assigned 100 patients undergoing scheduled lumbar discectomy to placebo and minocycline groups.

Risk factors for spinal cord lesions in dystonic cerebral palsy and generalised dystonia.

Background: Cervical myelopathy (CM) in patients with cerebral palsy (CP) is underdiagnosed as symptoms of spinal cord lesions, being similar to those due to dystonia, may be overlooked or identified late. The aim of this study is to identify the risk factors and clinical characteristics of CM in patients with generalised dystonia, including dystonic CP.

Methods: The authors conducted a case-control study to identify early clinical signs of CM in consecutive patients with generalised dystonia.

Two-levels mini-open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: technical note.

Objective: Mini-open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (oTLIF), previously described by Mummaneni et al., is a well-established technique that uses tubular dilators and retractors for treatment of single-level lumbar spinal stenosis.

Technique: We describe eight patients with two-level spinal stenosis who were operated on with minimally invasive spinal arthrodesis via a transforaminal route with the use of tubular retractors.

Endoscopic removal of a suprasellar arachnoid cyst: an anatomical study with special reference to skull base.

Background: Suprasellar arachnoid cysts are rare entities in adults, representing 10% of all cysts. Endoscopic treatment is now preferred for this pathology, allowing a new anatomical approach to skull base structures.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to present the relevant anatomy of the skull base viewed during an endoscopic procedure for a suprasellar arachnoid cyst.