Is Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy the Best Option for Recurrent Lumbar Disc Herniation? A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Recurrent lumbar disc herniation (rLDH) remains a challenge in spinal surgery. This systematic review analyzes the use of transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (TFED) for the treatment of rLDH.

Methods: A comprehensive search of 4 electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Cochrane, was conducted.

Postoperative Glaucoma Decompensation Following Spine Surgery: The Importance of Proper Patient Positioning.

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a widely utilized surgical procedure for the treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal conditions, including lumbar disc herniations, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis. One such rare and underreported complication is vision loss following spinal surgery. Postoperative vision loss (POVL) is an extremely uncommon complication, occurring in approximately 0.

Wallenberg Syndrome Secondary to Vertebrobasilar Aneurysm Associated With Subclavian Steal Syndrome.

Wallenberg syndrome, also known as lateral medullary syndrome, is a rare condition affecting the vertebrobasilar circulation, causing symptoms such as vertigo, nystagmus, dysarthria, and hemifacial weakness. Typically linked to ischemic strokes, it can also arise from vertebrobasilar aneurysms. In rare cases, subclavian steal syndrome (SSS), involving retrograde flow in the vertebral artery due to subclavian stenosis, complicates the picture, as observed in this case of a 66-year-old woman with both conditions and a vertebrobasilar aneurysm.

Transpedicular Corpectomy in Minimally Invasive Surgery for Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression: A Single-Center Series.

Introduction The role of separation surgery in managing symptomatic spinal metastases has been increasing in recent years, and it represents a crucial part of the definitive management of this condition. Methods We report on a series of seven patients treated at the National Cancer Institute in Mexico using minimally invasive approaches to perform transpedicular corpectomy. The goal was to obtain a margin of tumor-free tissue, enabling the completion of oncological treatment with radiotherapy.

Use of Neuroendoscopy in Combination Treatment of a Three-Year-Old Patient With Primary Disseminated Medulloblastoma: A Case Report.

A three-year-four-month-old boy with primary disseminated medulloblastoma M3 stage and secondary occlusive hydrocephalus underwent an endoscopic triventriculocisternostomy (ETVC) and tumor biopsy, followed by ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement due to ETVC failure. The treatment regimen, which included intensive induction chemotherapy, proton beam therapy (PBT), and maintenance chemotherapy, led to significant clinical improvement and a complete radiological response. Four years post-treatment, the child remains in remission, illustrating the effectiveness of a multimodal approach in managing complex cases of medulloblastoma in pediatric patients.

Clinical Outcome After Epidural Spinal Cord Stimulation in Patients With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.

Introduction:  Epidural spinal cord stimulation is a minimally invasive procedure with a growing list of indications. It has a good safety profile and analgesic effect, reduces the severity of spasticity, and activates various brain regions. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcome of epidural spinal cord stimulation in patients with spastic syndrome and chronic disorders of consciousness resulting from severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI).

Exploring Pathways for Pain Relief in Treatment and Management of Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis: A Review of the Literature.

Background: Lumbar foraminal stenosis (LFS) involves the narrowing of neural foramina, leading to nerve compression, significant lower back pain and radiculopathy, particularly in the aging population. Management includes physical therapy, medications and potentially invasive surgeries such as foraminotomy. Advances in diagnostic and treatment strategies are essential due to LFS's complexity and prevalence, which underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in optimizing patient outcomes.

Challenging assumptions: "unveiling meritocracy's reality in neurosurgery".

Introduction: Meritocracy, a concept revered as the cornerstone of fairness and equal opportunity, is critically examined in the context of neurosurgery. This article challenges the notion that success in this demanding field is solely determined by individual abilities and effort. It reveals that factors such as background, gender, and socioeconomic status significantly influence one's career trajectory.

Integrating Augmented Reality in Spine Surgery: Redefining Precision with New Technologies.

Introduction: The integration of augmented reality (AR) in spine surgery marks a significant advancement, enhancing surgical precision and patient outcomes. AR provides immersive, three-dimensional visualizations of anatomical structures, facilitating meticulous planning and execution of spine surgeries. This technology not only improves spatial understanding and real-time navigation during procedures but also aims to reduce surgical invasiveness and operative times.

Quantifying Lumbar Foraminal Volumetric Dimensions: Normative Data and Implications for Stenosis-Part 2 of a Comprehensive Series.

Introduction: Lumbar foraminal stenosis (LFS) occurs primarily due to degenerative changes in older adults, affecting the spinal foramina and leading to nerve compression. Characterized by pain, numbness, and muscle weakness, LFS arises from structural changes in discs, joints, and ligaments, further complicated by factors like inflammation and spondylolisthesis. Diagnosis combines patient history, physical examination, and imaging, while management ranges from conservative treatment to surgical intervention, underscoring the need for a tailored approach.

Conservative Treatment in Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head is a pressing orthopedic issue, leading to bone tissue death due to disrupted blood supply and affecting the quality of life of individuals significantly. This review focuses on conservative treatments, evaluating their efficacy as mainstay therapies. Enhanced understanding of AVN's pathophysiology and advancements in diagnostic tools have rekindled interest in non-surgical interventions, emphasizing personalized, multidisciplinary approaches for improved outcomes.

Intraoperative Ultrasound: An Old but Ever New Technology for a More Personalized Approach to Brain Tumor Surgery.

Background: Although the use of transcranial ultrasound dates to the mid-20th century, the main purpose of this research work is to standardize its use in the resection of brain tumors. This is due to its wide availability, low cost, lack of contraindications, and absence of harmful effects for the patient and medical staff, along with the possibility of real-time verification of the complete resection of tumor lesions and minimization of vascular injuries or damage to adjacent structures.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from June to December 2022.

Mexican Multicenter Experience of Metastatic Spinal Disease.

Background Spinal metastatic disease is a silent progressive cancer complication with an increasing prevalence worldwide. The spine is the third most common site where solid tumors metastasize. Complications involved in spinal metastasis include root or spinal cord compression, progressing to a declining quality of life as patient autonomy reduces and pain increases.

Surgical treatment of orbital tumors in a single center: Analysis and results.

Background: Orbital tumors, arising within the bony orbit and its contents, present diverse challenges due to their varied origins and complex anatomical context. These tumors, classified as primary, secondary, or metastatic, are further subdivided into intraconal and extraconal based on their relationship with the muscle cone. This classification significantly influences surgical approach and management.

On the balance beam: facing the challenges of neurosurgical education in the third millennium.

Background: Neurosurgery is one of the most complex and challenging areas of medicine, and it requires an ongoing commitment to education and expertise. Preparing young neurosurgeons with comprehensive education that can allow them to achieve high professional standards is a pivotal aspect of our profession.

Methods: This paper aims to analyze the current scenario in neurosurgical training identifying innovative methods that can guarantee the highest level of proficiency in our specialty.

The importance of social networks in neurosurgery training in low/middle income countries.

Introduction: Neurosurgery is evolving with new techniques and technologies, relies heavily on high-quality education and training. Social networks like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn have become integral to this training. These platforms enable sharing of surgical experiences, fostering global knowledge-sharing and collaboration among neurosurgeons.

Clivus-Cervical Stabilization through Transoral Approach in Patients with Craniocervical Tumor: Three Cases and Surgical Technical Note.

Craniocervical tumors lead to cervical pain, instability, and neurological symptoms, reducing the quality of life. Effective surgical intervention at the craniocervical junction (CCJ) is critical and complex, involving comprehensive approaches and advanced reconstructive techniques. This study, conducted at Mexico City's National Institute of Cancerology, focused on three surgical cases that occurred in 2023 involving tumors at the CCJ: two chordomas and one prostate adenocarcinoma.

The Vertebrobasilar Trunk and Its Anatomical Variants: A Microsurgical Anatomical Study.

Background: The trunk of the basilar artery has not been included in microanatomy studies. Anatomical variants of the perforant branches of the vertebrobasilar trunk and their relationship with neural structures are very important in surgical approaches. Surgical dissection for the treatment of vascular lesions requires a perfect knowledge of the microsurgical anatomy.

Latex vascular injection as method for enhanced neurosurgical training and skills.

Background: Tridimensional medical knowledge of human anatomy is a key step in the undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, especially in surgical fields. Training simulation before real surgical procedures is necessary to develop clinical competences and to minimize surgical complications.

Methods: Latex injection of vascular system in brain and in head-neck segment is made after washing out of the vascular system and fixation of the specimen before and after latex injection.

Analyzing the Clinical Potential of Stromal Vascular Fraction: A Comprehensive Literature Review.

Regenerative medicine is evolving with discoveries like the stromal vascular fraction (SVF), a diverse cell group from adipose tissue with therapeutic promise. Originating from fat cell metabolism studies in the 1960s, SVF's versatility was recognized after demonstrating multipotency. Comprising of cells like pericytes, smooth muscle cells, and, notably, adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), SVF offers tissue regeneration and repair through the differentiation and secretion of growth factors.

Comparative Analysis of Stromal Vascular Fraction and Alternative Mechanisms in Bone Fracture Stimulation to Bridge the Gap between Nature and Technological Advancement: A Systematic Review.

Background: Various stimulation methods, including electrical, ultrasound, mechanical, and biological interventions, are explored, each leveraging intricate cellular and molecular dynamics to expedite healing. The advent of stromal vascular fraction (SVF) marks a significant stride, offering multifarious benefits in bone healing, from enhanced bone formation to optimal vascular integration, drawing a harmonious balance between innate mechanisms and scientific advancements.

Methods: This systematic review was conducted focusing on literature from 2016 to 2023 and encompassing various bone healing stimulation mechanisms like SVF, electrical, ultrasound, and mechanical stimulation.