A rare case of spinal myeloid sarcoma.

Background: Myeloid sarcoma (MS), a rare extramedullary tumor composed of myeloid blast cells, is classified by the World Health Organization as a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Isolated, primary, or nonleukemic MS has an incidence of 2/1,000,000 adults and constitutes only 0.7% of all AML cases.

Prolonged opioid use after single-level lumbar spinal fusion surgery in a Belgian population: a multicentric observational study.

Purpose: Lumbar spinal fusion surgeries are increasingly being performed in spinal degenerative disease, often accompanied by perioperative opioid prescriptions. The aim of this study is to analyze prolonged postoperative opioid use following a standardized opioid prescription after single-level lumbar spinal fusion surgery in a Belgian population.

Methods: This prospective, multicentric observational study included patients undergoing single-level lumbar fusion surgery for degenerative disease.

Transforaminal epidural steroid injection for radiculopathy and the evolution to surgical treatment: a pragmatic prospective observational multicenter study.

The aim of this study is to analyze the real-world outcomes of transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs) in all patients with radiculopathy and their long-term outcomes. Patients with radiculopathy and failure of conservative treatment were included in a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study. In total, 117 patients were treated with one or two TFESIs.

Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion as a Feasible Treatment for Thoracolumbar Spondylodiscitis: A Multicenter Belgian Case-Series.

Background: Spondylodiscitis is, after tissue sampling, initially managed with intravenous antibiotics. In patients with treatment failure, surgical debridement and stabilization is considered. An anterior or posterior approach has already been reported as a successful surgical access, but is associated with a large exposure and a significant morbidity.

Real world data collection and cluster analysis in patients with sciatica due to lumbar disc herniation.

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify and describe clusters of patients with similar characteristics presenting with sciatica caused by a lumbar disc herniation in secondary care.

Methods: Forty-six percent (n = 163) of the eligible patients (n = 352) completed all questionnaires and were included in a hierarchical cluster analysis. The analysis was based on baseline characteristics for pain, pain awareness and catastrophizing, disability and quality of life (QOL).

What to know about schwannomatosis: a literature review.

Background: Schwannomatosis is a relatively rare disorder and is related to neurofibromatosis type 2. Although there is clinical overlap between schwannomatosis and neurofibromatosis type 2, these diseases have to be regarded as separate entities due to the genetic origin and course of the disease.

Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted for relevant studies using Pubmed and Cochrane databases to discuss the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, pathological and imaging features, treatment and genetics of schwannomatosis.

Retro-odontoid pseudotumor (pannus) with Forestier's disease presenting with severe tetraparesis: A case report and literature review.

Background: A retro-odontoid pannus is often associated with inflammatory diseases. It can also have a noninflammatory cause due to chronic atlantoaxial instability.

Case Description: Here, we report a patient with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis and a severe noninflammatory retro-odontoid pannus who rapidly improved after posterior craniocervical decompression and arthrodesis.

Retrograde Placement of High Cervical Electrodes: A Technical Refinement and Case Series.

Introduction: Cervical cord stimulation is used in the treatment of chronic (neuropathic) pain syndromes refractory to conservative treatments. Several authors describe different techniques for the placement of cervical electrodes. Electrodes can be placed retrogade [Correction added on 03 April 2018 after first online publication: the word "plased" has been changed to "placed".