Intraspinal meningiomas: review of 54 cases with discussion of poor prognosis factors and modern therapeutic management.

Introduction: Intraspinal meningiomas account for 25%-46% of primary spinal cord tumors. Technical advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and surgical procedures (ultrasonic cavitation aspirators [CUSA], lasers) have brought about better clinical results. In spite of these new techniques, a small percentage of patients still present with poor postoperative results and/or a recurrence.

[Mature lumbar multi-tissue dysembryoma of the spinal cord with sacral spina bifida occulta].

The authors report the case of a 28-year-old woman who presented with L5 bilateral sciatica associated with perineal sensory disorders. During surgery, a mature pluritissular dysembryoma originating in a tethered spinal cord was discovered at the level of the L2-L3 intervertebral space. Following removal of the lesion, all symptoms disappeared.

Treatment of severe traumatic lesions of the dorsolumbar spine using Roy-Camille's apparatus. A clinical study of 121 cases together with technical considerations.

The authors report 121 cases of surgically treated severe lesions of the dorsolumbar spine. One single technique has been used: posterior osteosynthesis using Roy-Camille's plates.

Odontoid process fracture osteosynthesis with a direct screw fixation technique in nine consecutive cases.

The authors present their experience with surgical treatment of odontoid process fractures using a direct screw fixation technique via an anterolateral retropharyngeal approach. Nine consecutive patients have been operated on with this technique. There were two deaths unrelated to the surgery, and anatomical union with conservation of the craniospinal hinge mobility was achieved in the remaining seven patients.

Treatment of severe lesions of the lower cervical spine (C3-C7). A clinical study and technical considerations in 102 cases.

The authors report 102 cases of severe lesions of the lower cervical spine, in which operation was mandatory. The characteristics of these fractures are discussed, together with the different operative procedures. Posterior osteosynthesis using Roy-Camille's plates was preferred.