Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy: Lighting the Way to a New Treatment Option in Neurosurgery.

LITT, laser interstitial therapyNd:YAG, neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum.

The extreme lateral approach for treatment of thoracic and lumbar vertebral body metastases.

In addition to radiotherapy, the utility of surgical decompression and stabilization in patients with metastatic vertebral body tumors causing cord compression, progressive deformity and/or intractable pain has been well demonstrated. Minimally invasive approaches are an attractive alternative to traditional procedures as they may reduce the degree of disruption of normal anatomy, decrease blood loss, shorten hospital stays and reduce the risk of infection or wound dehiscence. The extreme lateral approach is a procedure that provides access to the anterior spine through a small incision along the flank utilizing a unique retractor system without disruption of posterior vertebral elements, spinal musculature and ligaments.

The use of modest systemic hypothermia after iatrogenic spinal cord injury during surgery.

Iatrogenic spinal cord injury (SCI) is an uncommon (0%-3%), yet devastating, complication of spine surgery. Recent evidence based on small clinical studies indicates that modest hypothermia is a feasible treatment option for severe SCI. We extended this treatment modality to patients with devastating iatrogenic SCI.

An anatomical study of the lumbosacral plexus as related to the minimally invasive transpsoas approach to the lumbar spine.

Object: Minimally invasive anterolateral approaches to the lumbar spine are options for the treatment of a number of adult degenerative spinal disorders. Nerve injuries during these surgeries, although rare, can be devastating complications. With an increasing number of spine surgeons utilizing minimal access retroperitoneal surgery to treat lumbar problems, the frequency of complications associated with this approach will likely increase.

Modification of Wright's technique for placement of bilateral crossing C2 translaminar screws: technical note.

Background Context: Several relatively new screw techniques have been described that rigidly capture the posterior elements of C2. The previously described procedures of axis fixation are technically demanding and place the vertebral artery at some risk. A novel and less technically demanding technique of obtaining C-2 translaminar screws has been recently described.

Vertically unstable type III odontoid fractures: case report.

Objective And Importance: Type III odontoid fractures are generally thought of as unstable fractures that can be successfully treated with an external orthosis. However, there is a rare subtype of Type III odontoid fractures that is similar in the degree of instability to atlanto-occipital dislocation injuries. Not recognizing or not treating this injury urgently and aggressively could lead to devastating iatrogenic neurological injuries such as quadriplegia and fatal lower brainstem palsies.

The role of the sternocleidomastoid muscle flap for esophageal fistula repair in anterior cervical spine surgery.

Study Design: A retrospective study was undertaken which evaluated the medical records and imaging studies of a subset of patients managed by the spine service at Jackson Memorial Hospital who were diagnosed with an esophageal perforation in the setting of spinal surgery.

Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of a sternocleidomastoid muscle flap in the repair of esophageal perforation in the setting of anterior cervical spine surgery.

Summary Of Background Data: The management of an esophageal fistula in the setting of spine surgery is challenging and starts with a prompt and accurate diagnosis.

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma during pregnancy: case report and literature review.

Objective And Importance: Spinal epidural hematoma is a rare cause of spinal cord compression and acute para- or quadriplegia. Traumatic spinal epidural hematomas are usually seen in older men with a history of ankylosing spondylitis and vertebral fracture. Spontaneous spinal epidural hematomas are commonly associated with coagulopathies, tumors, or vascular malformations.