Can clinical presentation predict radiologically confirmed cauda equina syndrome: retrospective case review of 530 cases at a tertiary emergency department.

Purpose: Cauda equina syndrome (CES) may have significant individual consequences if diagnostic delays occur. Our aim was to evaluate the presenting subjective and objective features of patients with suspected CES in comparison to those with radiologically confirmed cauda equina compression (CEC)..

Do intraoperative radiographs predict final lumbar sagittal alignment following single-level transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion?

OBJECTIVE The study aimed to determine if the intraoperative segmental lordosis (as calculated on a cross-table lateral radiograph following a single-level transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion [TLIF] for degenerative spondylolisthesis/low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis) is maintained at discharge and at 6 months postsurgery. METHODS The authors reviewed images and medical records of patients ≥ 16 years of age with a diagnosis of an isolated single-level, low-grade spondylolisthesis (degenerative or isthmic) with symptomatic spinal stenosis treated between January 2008 and April 2014. Age, sex, surgical level, surgical approach, and facetectomy (unilateral vs bilateral) were recorded.

Anterior column reconstruction with PMMA: an effective long-term alternative in spinal oncologic surgery.

A number of anterior reconstruction options are available in patients managed for symptomatic metastatic spinal column disease. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) has been traditionally used as a reconstruction option in patients with limited life expectancy as an anterior fusion is not expected. In this article, we present the outcome of a 13-year follow-up of a long anterior reconstruction using PMMA of the upper thoracic spine in a myelopathic female secondary to a compressive breast metastasis affecting the upper 4 thoracic vertebrae.

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy: the prediction of outcome following surgical intervention in 93 patients using T1- and T2-weighted MRI scans.

Introduction: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) can lead to significant disability through a spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from dexterity loss to more profound weakness, incontinence and paralysis.

Aim: To determine the outcome of surgical decompression for CSM and investigate pre-operative predictors of outcome.

Methods: Prospectively collected data on all patients who underwent decompressive surgery for CSM and completed 12-month follow-up were reviewed.

Does transcranial stimulation for motor evoked potentials (TcMEP) worsen seizures in epileptic patients following spinal deformity surgery?

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Transcranial Motor Evoked Potentials (TcMEP) in increasing the severity or frequency of post-operative seizures in patients undergoing deformity corrective spine surgery with a known history of seizures pre-operatively.

Methods: The information on all patients with history of epilepsy/seizures who underwent spinal TcMEP cord monitoring for deformity correction surgery was retrospectively collected through a review of the hospital notes. The benefits of TcMEP in the early detection of potential cord ischemia were deemed by the operating surgeon to outweigh the increased risks of seizures, tongue biting, etc.

The surgical management of metastatic spinal tumors based on an Epidural Spinal Cord Compression (ESCC) scale.

Background Context: There have been no previous studies looking at the outcome of surgical decompression (+/-stabilization) for various grades of epidural spinal cord compression (ESCC) due to spinal metastases.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of surgical treatment in patients with ESCC using the Bilsky six-point scale.

Study Design/setting: This was a retrospective cohort review of prospectively collected data.

The surgical management of atlanto-axial subluxation in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic condition affecting patients <16 years of age and can be associated with substantial morbidity. Atlanto-axial subluxation (AAS) is a known complication of JIA and can result in pain, reduced neck motion and neurological compromise. In this paper, we present the case of a 10-year old suffering with JIA and significant AAS; we discuss the management options and present the approach and outcome of treatment for this case.