Biphasic bioresorbable scaffold (TruFit Plug) for the treatment of osteochondral lesions of talus: 6- to 8-year follow-up.

Background: The ideal treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) is debatable. The TruFit plug has been investigated as a potential treatment method for osteochondral defects. This is a biphasic scaffold designed to stimulate cartilage and subchondral bone formation.

Intracranial and Spinal Dural Arterio-Venous Fistula (DAVF): A Surgical Series of 107 Patients.

Introduction: Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) is a challenging condition in vascular neurosurgery. Development of new endovascular techniques has progressively modified treatment strategies; however, surgery is still considered a valid option of treatment of this pathology.

Materials And Methods: From a retrospective analysis of our database, we selected 107 patients who underwent surgical treatment for DAVFs.

A retrospective two-center study of antiepileptic prophylaxis in patients with surgically treated high-grade gliomas.

Background: The effectiveness of antiepileptic prophylaxis in patients with newly diagnosed high-grade glioma is debated. Craniotomy, surgical manipulation and bleeding are believed to favor the onset of seizures and, therefore, perioperative antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are generally used. Nevertheless, evidence to initiate preoperative AED prophylaxis are weak.

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas: outcome and prognostic factors.

The aim of this study is to review the clinical outcome of patients treated for spinal dural arteriovenous malformations and investigate the presence of pretreatment indicators of outcome after short- and midterm follow-up. The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of 65 consecutive patients treated either surgically or endovascularly in 3 neurosurgery departments between 1989 and 2009. After treatment, 80% of patients reported improvement of at least 1 symptom.

Bubbles in the head: a new method for brain retraction during craniotomy.

Background: A key aspect of neurosurgery is the challenge of ensuring adequate visualization through brain retraction whilst ensuring that underlying brain remains protected. Self-retaining retractors (SRR) are specially designed for this purpose. Their limitation however is the potential for ischaemic damage that accompanies any pressure on the cerebral cortex.