The effect of trauma center verification level on traumatic brain injury outcome after implementation of the Orange Book.

Background: Previous literature demonstrates mortality discrepancies at Level II vs. Level I centers in patients with isolated Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Our hypothesis is that the implementation of the 2014 version of the resources manual ("the Orange Book") is associated with an elimination of this outcome disparity.

The Effect of Trauma Center Verification Level on Outcomes in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients Undergoing Interfacility Transfer.

Background: Previous literature demonstrates increased mortality for traumatic brain injury (TBI) with transfer to a Level II versus Level I trauma center. Our objective was to determine the effect of the most recent American College of Surgeons-Committee on Trauma (ACS-COT) "Resources for the Optimal Care of the Injured Patient" resources manual ("The Orange Book") on outcomes after severe TBI after interfacility transfer to Level I versus Level II center.

Methods: Utilizing the Trauma Quality Program Participant Use File of the American College of Surgeons admission year 2017, we identified patients with isolated TBI undergoing interfacility transfer to either Level I or Level II trauma center.

Improving C1-C2 Complex Fusion Rates: An Alternate Approach.

The surgical repair of atlantoaxial instabilities (AAI) presents complex and unique challenges, originating from abnormalities and/or trauma within the junction regions of the C1-C2 atlas-axis, to surgeons. When this region is destabilized, surgical fusion becomes of key importance in order to prevent spinal cord injury. Several techniques can be utilized to provide for the adequate fusion of the atlantoaxial construct.

Intracranial Myeloid Sarcoma Metastasis Mimicking Acute Subdural Hematoma.

Myeloid sarcoma, a rare consequence of myeloproliferative disorders, is rarely seen in the central nervous system, most commonly in the pediatric population. Although there are a handful of case reports detailing initial presentation of CNS myeloid sarcoma in the adult population, we have been unable to find any reports of CNS myeloid sarcoma presenting as a large mass lesion in a herniating patient. Here, we present the case of a patient transferred to our facility for a very large subdural hematoma.

Management Strategies and Outcomes for VHL-related Craniospinal Hemangioblastomas.

Hemangioblastomas are rare and benign tumors accounting for less than 2% of all central nervous system (CNS) tumors. The vast majority of hemangioblastomas occur sporadically, whereas a small number of cases, especially in younger patients, are associated with Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome. It is thought that loss of tumor suppressor function of the VHL gene results in stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor alpha with downstream activation of cellular proliferative and angiogenic genes that promote tumorigenesis.

Rare Intradural Cervical Nerve Root Metastasis of Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma.

Intradural extramedullary nerve root metastasis is extremely unusual with only a handful of cases reported, and it presents most commonly in the thoracic and lumbosacral regions. We report the first case of metastasis to a ventral cervical nerve root in a patient with low-grade follicular thyroid carcinoma thought to be in remission for several years. Histopathology demonstrated malignant transformation and invasion of the nerve root.

A case for further investigating the use of controlled lumbar cerebrospinal fluid drainage for the control of intracranial pressure.

Objective: Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) that is refractory to medical measures and ventriculostomy placement after severe traumatic brain injury or aneurysmal rupture is associated with high mortality. In some recent reports, authors have described the use of lumbar cerebrospinal fluid drainage in these patients. We report the results of a prospective study involving the use of lumbar drainage in 15 patients with elevated ICP that was refractory to medical management and ventriculostomy placement.

Image-guided thoracoscopic resection of thoracic dumbbell nerve sheath tumors.

Background: Surgical removal of dumbbell nerve sheath tumors (NSTs) remains challenging because these neoplasms occupy ≥ 2 spinal and extraspinal spaces. The presence of intraspinal extension, tumor dimension, and/or its location within the thoracic cavity have previously made the resection of these types of neoplasms difficult.

Objective: To describe the feasibility of performing minimally invasive thoracoscopic surgery, as facilitated by an image guidance system (IGS), to achieve gross total resection of select dumbbell NSTs located in the thoracic spine.

Role of controlled lumbar CSF drainage for ICP control in aneurysmal SAH.

Background: a prospective study of lumbar CSF drainage in the setting of raised intra-cranial pressure refractory to medical management and ventriculostomy placement is presented. There has been increasing data that this may be a effective and safe intervention for reduction of ICP.

Method: an IRB approved prospective study was conducted.

Cervicothoracic junction kyphosis: surgical reconstruction with pedicle subtraction osteotomy and Smith-Petersen osteotomy. Presented at the 2009 Joint Spine Section Meeting. Clinical article.

Object: Sagittal plane deformities can be subdivided into kyphotic and lordotic forms and further characterized according to their global or regional (focal) presentation. Regional deformities of a significant magnitude constitute a gibbous deformity. Pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) and interlaminar Smith-Petersen osteotomies have been used to correct sagittal plane deformities in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine.

The rare case of an intramedullary cervical spinal cord teratoma in an elderly adult: case report and literature review.

STUDY DESIGN.: Case report and literature review. OBJECTIVES.

Gliomatosis cerebri mimicking Rasmussen encephalitis. Case report.

Gliomatosis cerebri (GC) is a distinct malignant neuroepithelial neoplasm that is rarely found in children. The authors present the case of an 11-year-old girl in whom the initial presentation suggested possible early Rasmussen encephalitis (RE), but in whom a diagnosis of GC was made instead after examination of a brain biopsy specimen. Despite advances in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR spectroscopy, this case shows the limitations of clinical and neuroimaging diagnosis and the essential role of biopsy procedures when early RE is suspected.

Radiation therapy in the treatment of pituitary tumors.

The treatment of pituitary tumors has progressed into a multidisciplinary approach that involves neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, and endocrinologists. This has allowed improved outcomes in treatment of pituitary tumors due to a combination of surgical, medical, and radiation therapies. In this study, the authors review the role of radiation therapy in the treatment of pituitary adenomas.

Thoracic cord herniation through a dural defect: description of a case and review of the literature.

Background: Spinal cord herniation through a dural defect is a cause of myelopathy and BSS that may be underdiagnosed. It may occur spontaneously, after trauma, or after surgery.

Case Description: We present the case of a 47-year-old woman who presented with low back pain, progressive myelopathy, right proximal LEW, several episodes of falling, sensory changes below the lower part of the chest wall, and pathologic reflexes.

Controlled lumbar drainage in medically refractory increased intracranial pressure. A safe and effective treatment.

Background: A prospective study of lumbar CSF drainage in the setting of raised intra-cranial pressure refractory to medical management and ventriculostomy placement is presented. There have been no controlled trials of its use reported in the literature, to the best of our knowledge.

Method: An IRB approved prospective study was conducted.