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.

Knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer and human papillomavirus vaccination among female university students.

Background: Prevention strategies for reducing cervical cancer incidence rely on informed populations, particularly those most at risk. This study assesses the knowledge and awareness of female university students towards cervical cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV) and its vaccination.

Methods: A validated self-administered questionnaire was used in a descriptive cross-sectional study among female university students.

Pain outcome of non-instrumented lumbar decompressive surgery for degenerative lumbar spine disease using patient-reported pain outcome instruments.

Objectives: A clinical disorder known as degenerative lumbar spine disease (DLSD) is characterized by persistent low back pain (LBP) coupled with radiculopathy and other signs of neurologic impairment. Using patient-reported pain outcome assessment tools, this study evaluated the pain outcome of non-instrumented lumbar decompressive surgery for DLSD.

Materials And Methods: A prospective longitudinal research was conducted.

Volumetric assessment of Posterior cranial fossa in a West African population.

Background And Objectives: Posterior fossa pathologies can have potentially devastating outcomes. The volumetric capacity of this fossa, known to have ethnoregional variations, can thus be critical in determining outcomes and intervention measures and approaches to pathologies involving this region. This study aimed to evaluate the normal posterior fossa volumes within the West-African subpopulation.

Correction: Effect of Avocado Consumption on Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41189.

Effect of Avocado Consumption on Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

High cholesterol levels are a significant risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. Lowering cholesterol plays a crucial role in maintaining good health. One approach to reducing cholesterol is through dietary modifications, and avocados have been recognized as a potential food choice for this purpose.

Molecular Genetic Analysis of the Autosomal Recessive Non-Syndromic Inherited Retinitis Pigmentosa.

Introduction: 90% of visually impaired people live in developing countries. There are various types of vision impairment, but the focus of the current study is retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Up to now, 150 mutations have been reported that are linked with RP.

Will improved neuroradiology facilities debunk the reported rarity of intracranial aneurysms in Sub-Saharan Africa?

Background: Intracranial aneurysms (IAN) are rare in the Sub-Saharan Africa unlike other parts of the world. The debate is whether the low frequency might be apparent because of the scarcity of advanced neuroimaging services, or real. This study investigated if improved imaging facilities would debunk the rarity of IAN in our subregion.

Prevention of Surgical Site Infection Following Open Spine Surgery: The Efficacy of Intraoperative Wound Irrigation with Normal Saline Containing Gentamicin Versus Dilute Povidone-Iodine.

Background: Intraoperative wound irrigation (IOWI) is an important step in preventing surgical site infection (SSI). This study compared the effectiveness of saline with gentamicin versus povidine-iodine (PI) as IOWI solutions in preventing SSI in open spine surgery.

Methods: It is a prospective comparative study.

Balo's concentric sclerosis a rare variant of multiple sclerosis in a Nigerian adult male: A case report.

Background: Balo's concentric sclerosis (BCS) is a rare variant of multiple sclerosis (MS) that usually runs a benign course. Typically, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows concentric lamella of areas of demyelination alternating with normal zones of myelin preservation. Clinically, it may be mistaken for other intracranial space-occupying lesions, especially in our subregion, where neuroimaging facilities are scarce or not affordable.

Serum Immunoglobulin E and Vitamin D Levels in Asthma Patients in Enugu, Nigeria: Association with Asthma Control.

Background: Asthma symptoms are often mediated by changes in immune responses to allergens measured by the levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and non-protein regulators such as 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25 (OH) vitamin D3). The relationship between serum levels of IgE, 25 (OH) Vitamin D3, and asthma control in asthma patients remains unclear.

Objective: To measure the serum IgE and 25 (OH) vitamin D3 levels in asthma patients and determine their relationship with patient's asthma control.

Pattern of presentation and surgical management of spine tumors in Southeast Nigeria over a 10-year period.

Background: Spine tumors could affect the bony elements and/or its neural contents. Clinical manifestations are underlined by their biological behaviors. Aim: This study aims to identify the pattern of presentation and surgical management of spine tumors in southeast Nigeria over a 10-year period.

Changing Trends and Challenges of Spine Surgery in a Developing Country.

Background: Spine conditions are common and the surgery is evolving even in developed economies. This study aims to review the changing trends and challenges of spine surgery, particularly from a low-income country.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients who were surgically treated for spine conditions in Enugu, Nigeria.

Factors influencing the outcome of spontaneous intracerebral haematoma in a Neurosurgical Hospital in South-East Nigeria.

Introduction: Spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (SICH) is a major cause of stroke worldwide. SICH management is still challenging, especially in developing countries. This study highlights certain factors affecting outcome of SICH managed in a Nigerian Neurosurgical centre, on a background of the modernisation of the patient care facilities.

Normal Atlanto-Occipital Interval in Adults of Southeast Nigeria: An Evaluation of the Effect of Age, Sex, and Race.

Background: Imaging of the craniocervical junction (CCJ) after trauma is crucial for injury detection and description. Of all the anatomic measurements of the CCJ, the normal value of atlanto-occipital interval (AOI) is not yet well established in adults. The aim of our study is to determine the normal values of the AOI in Nigerians aged between 21 and 60 years using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scan and to determine racial, age, and sex differences.

Paediatric brain tumours managed in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria: Review of one centre experience.

Background: Nothing has been published about paediatric brain tumours (PBTs) in Southeast Nigeria. This pioneer study analyses the tumour characteristics and management outcome of PBTs in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria.

Methodology: Retrospective longitudinal study utilising information from medical, radiology and histopathology records of all paediatric tumour cases managed at Memfys Hospital for Neurosurgery, Enugu, a major referral centre, from 2006 to 2017.

Modified Laminoplasty for Degenerative Cervical Spondylosis: The Technique of Floating Laminoplasty.

Background: Laminoplasty is an established alternative to laminectomy for posterior cervical decompression in spondylotic myelopathy. However, standard laminoplasty requires internal fixation, which is often not obtainable in developing countries. We present our experience with a technique of noninstrumented (floating) laminoplasty developed to avoid the need to anchor the laminoplasty to the anterior elements.

Surgically Treated Primary Spinal Cord Neoplasms in Southeastern Nigeria.

Background: Primary spinal cord tumors are not as frequently encountered as their cranial counterparts. They could present in such an indolent manner that requires a reasonable index of suspicion for their diagnosis to be considered.

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the incidence and pattern of primary spinal cord and appendage neoplasms in patients surgically treated in our institution over a decade of practice.

Histologically Confirmed Intracranial Tumors Managed at Enugu, Nigeria.

Background: There is controversy about the global distribution of intracranial tumors (ICTs). The previous reports from Africa suggested low frequency and different pattern of distribution of brain tumors from what obtains in other continents. The limitations at that time, including paucity of diagnostic facilities and personnel, have improved.

The Pattern of significant lesions found in computerized tomography scan of recurrent seizure patients at a center in Enugu, Nigeria.

Introduction: Seizures are common reasons for neurologic consultations and investigations. In the absence of magnetic resonance imaging, computerized tomography scanning of the brain is a reliable and cheaper alternative. Little is known about the pattern of brain lesions in patients with recurrent seizures in Nigeria.

Management of Brain Abscess: Changing Trend and Experience in Enugu, Nigeria.

Background: Intracranial abscess remains a significant health-care problem. Its causes, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome are changing.

Aim: This paper reviewed the demography, examined new trends, and compared outcomes with different treatment options.

Space Available for the Cervical Spinal Cord of Asymptomatic Adult Nigerians.

Objective: The space available for the spinal cord (SAC) is a measure of spinal cord functional reserve and may vary in different societies. The objective of this study is to measure normal SAC at each subaxial cervical disc level of asymptomatic adult Nigerians and to compare obtained values with published studies worldwide.

Methods: This is a prospective, cross-sectional study using magnetic resonance imaging facility at Memfys Hospital Enugu, from 2012 to 2013.

Impact of Active Leisure (Noncompetitive) Contact Sports Activities on the Space Available for the Cord of the Subaxial Cervical Spine of Asymptomatic Adults.

Background: Leisure sports activities are assumed to be safe. It is however possible that participation in contact sports as leisure activity may also affect the space available for the cervical cord (SAC). The objective of this study is to compare the SAC of asymptomatic young adults involved in active leisure contact sports with matched controls that do not participate in contact sports.

Vestibular schwannoma appears to be very rare in a region of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Background: Vestibular schwannoma (VS) is a significant neurosurgical problem hence it enjoys a special attention at conferences and workshops. It accounts for about 8-10% of all intracranial tumors with an annual incidence of about 11-14 per million per year. Most VS are sporadic with 5-10% attributed to neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2).

The Challenges of Management of High-grade Gliomas in Nigeria.

Background: High-grade gliomas (HGG) are among the most challenging brain tumors despite many research efforts worldwide.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the local challenges that may influence outcome of HGG managed in a neurosurgical center in Nigeria.

Methodology: Retrospective analysis of prospectively recorded data of patients managed for intracranial HGG at Memfys Hospital for Neurosurgery, Enugu, Nigeria, between the year 2006 and 2015.