Lumbar Pedicle Dimensions Using CT Scan in Adults of South-Eastern Nigeria as Related to Transpedicular Fixation.

Background: Transpedicular fixation depends on accuracy of the entry points, angle of insertion and pedicular isthmus width for adequate screw insertion. Preoperative measurements of pedicle dimensions reduce the chances of failure during insertion. These pedicle dimensions (transverse diameter, longitudinal diameter, and maximum length of purchase [MLP]) vary with sex and race.

Smartphone Ocular Fundal Photography in the Diagnosis of Raised Intracranial Pressure: A Novel Adaptation to Neurosurgical Practice.

Background Consistently raised intracranial pressure (ICP) is a common final pathway to morbidity/mortality in many neurosurgical conditions. This underscores the need for early diagnosis and prompt management of raised ICP. This study aims to determine whether smartphone fundal photography features of raised ICP can accurately predict the computed tomography (CT) findings suggestive of elevated ICP in neurosurgery patients.

A Case of Retroperitoneal Malignant Triton Tumor in a Nigerian Boy.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor is a rare tumor occurring in 5%-10% of all malignant soft tissues sarcomas and triton tumor arising from neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) is even rarer with associated high rate of mortality. No case of triton tumor has been reported in Nigeria to the best of our knowledge. We seek to report a case of lately detected retroperitoneal triton tumor presenting in a 12-year-old Nigerian child who was brought with bilateral lower limb weaknesses, weight loss, and a right lumbar mass.

Does Improvised Waterbed Reduce the Incidence of Pressure Ulcers in Patients with Spinal Injury?

Background: Pressure ulcers are lesions caused by unrelieved pressure over bony prominences, resulting in damage to underlying tissues. The etiology is multifactorial including prolonged immobility. They usually complicate spinal cord injuries with long periods of bed confinement.

The challenges of managing acute extradural hematoma in a Nigerian neurosurgical center--still a long way to go.

Background: Acute extradural hematoma (EDH) is the collection of blood in the potential space between the dura mater and endocranium within 3 days of an incident. It is usually, but not always, a neurosurgical emergency, and early treatment reduces morbidity and mortality, although the outcome is still affected by some other determinants. In Nigeria, the National Health Insurance Scheme does not cover neurosurgical cases, and patients have to pay for all of their treatment regardless of the emergency status.

Differential diagnoses of cerebral hemiatrophy in childhood: a review of literature with illustrative report of two cases.

Childhood cerebral hemiatrophy is an uncommon clinical entity. Its aetiologies are diverse but can generally be grouped into congenital and acquired. The congenital type is intrauterine in origin while the acquired type occurs early in life, usually before two year of life.

Peculiarities in cases of spina bifida cystica managed recently in south-east Nigeria: could antimalarial drugs be a major but unrecognized etiologic factor?

Background: Spina bifida is a long-known disease arising from the incomplete fusion of the caudal neuropore in the first month of intrauterine life. It is thought to have a multifactorial etiology, the most important of which is folic acid deficiency. In evaluating its etiology, the role of antifolate agents like antimalarial drugs is rarely given a strong mention.

Diagnostic dilemma; report of a bizarre case of advanced scalp and face angiosarcoma and literature review.

A 36-year-old male painter presented to our service in 2007 with an ulcerated solitary scalp swelling of 8 months' duration. The mass was a dormant, painless, pea-sized growth, which he had had since childhood and which he bruised in a passenger motorcycle road traffic accident 8 months prior to presentation. The accident caused it to flare up and progressively increase in size, with associated pain, contact bleeding, and ulceration.

Combating complications following ventriculoperitoneal shunting in a new centre.

Background: Over the years, different approaches to the treatment of hydrocephalus have evolved across all age groups; however, ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS) remains the most widely used procedure, albeit with many complications.

Aims: The aim of our study is to prospectively look at the incidence of complications following VPS in our centre, and to suggest ways of minimizing these complications.

Patients And Methods: Between April 2006 and March 2008, all patients who had VPS in our centre were recruited for the study using a structured protocol from the time of admission to the time of discharge; data were augmented with case notes along with clinic and theatre records.