Synovial cyst of the cervical spine.

A case of acute posttraumatic myelopathy resulting from hemorrhage into synovial cysts bilaterally at the C-6, C-7 facet joints is presented. The pathogenesis of synovial cysts remains unclear, although reports in the literature have implicated trauma leading to cyst enlargement. Hemorrhage into the cavity of the synovial cysts resulted in epidural compression of the spinal cord in this patient.

A new technique for making cortical incisions with minimal damage to cerebral tissue.

A new technique is described that minimizes the damage to neural tissues caused by the cortical incisions that must be made when operating on intracerebral or intraventricular lesions. Symmetric cortical incisions were made bilaterally in the same region of the middle suprasylvian gyrus in six dogs. Blunt dissection was performed on the right side.

Intratemporal schwannoma of the facial nerve.

Two patients with schwannomas that originated from the region of the geniculate ganglion of the facial nerve are reported. They presented with progressive facial nerve paralysis and variable disturbance of hearing. Computed tomograms demonstrated a mass lesion eroding the temporal bone (petrous portion) and extending into the middle fossa.

Modification of intracranial aneurysm clip. Technical note.

A modification of the Mayfield aneurysm clip is described which is thought to decrease the chance of slippage of the clip, mainly in the case of large-necked and atherosclerotic aneurysms.

Modified suction tip. Techical note.

A modification of the standard suction tip is described that decreases risk to delicate tissues.