Clinical Analysis of Results of Shunt Operation for Hydrocephalus Following Traumatic Brain Injury.

Objective: Ventricular enlargement following head injury is a frequent finding but cases requiring shunt operation are rare. The incidence and developing factors of post-traumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) have been variously reported, but studies for factors influencing outcomes of shunt operation for PTH are rare. The incidence of PTH requiring shunt operation, causing injuries, and factors influencing outcome of shunt operation need to be identified.

Comparative Study between a Curved and a Wedge PEEK Cage for Single-level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Interbody Fusion.

Objective: This study evaluated the efficiency of a curved polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage in comparison with a wedge PEEK cage according to radiologic and clinical outcomes in patients with cervical degenerative disease.

Methods: A total of 37 patients who suffering from cervical disc disease with radiculopathy or myelopathy were reviewed retrospectively. Seventeen patients were underwent anterior cervical discectomy and interbody fusion with a curved shape PEEK cage (curved cage group), and twenty patients with wedge shape PEEK cage (wedge cage group).

Urgent recanalization with stenting for severe intracranial atherosclerosis after transient ischemic attack or minor stroke.

Objective: Stenting of symptomatic intracranial stenosis has recently become an alternative treatment modality. However, urgent intracranial stenting in patients with intracranial stenosis following a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke is open to dispute. We sought to assess the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of urgent intracranial stenting for severe stenosis (>70%) in TIA or minor stroke patients.

Ultrasonic bone curettage for optic canal unroofing and anterior clinoidectomy. Technical note.

Extradural unroofing of the optic canal and subsequent mobilization of the optic nerve is a useful technique in the surgical treatment of parasellar tumors; however, the drilling procedure itself is associated with the risk of optic nerve damage. A safer technique would certainly be beneficial. The ultrasonic bone curette is a device developed in Japan for safer bone removal.