Outcome prediction in moderate and severe traumatic brain injury: a focus on computed tomography variables.

Background: With this study we aimed to design validated outcome prediction models in moderate and severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) using demographic, clinical, and radiological parameters.

Methods: Seven hundred consecutive moderate or severe TBI patients were included in this observational prospective cohort study. After inclusion, clinical data were collected, initial head computed tomography (CT) scans were rated, and at 6 months outcome was determined using the extended Glasgow Outcome Scale.

Pulsed radiofrequency treatment for trigeminal neuralgia.

Background: Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment is defined as the delivery of short pulses of radiofrequency via a needle tip, which does not result in an actual thermal lesions. There are mixed views regarding the use of PRF for trigeminal neuralgia (TN). In our opinion, one of the main reasons for the contrasting views is the insufficient PRF dose employed in previous studies.

The use of laminectomy for the placement of a percutaneous spinal cord stimulation electrode.

Objective: The placement of a percutaneous electrode for trial stimulation to evaluate the effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation can be impossible because of epidural adhesions from previous spinal surgeries. The authors would like to describe a combination of techniques in order to place a percutaneous lead for a test phase.

Materials And Methods: Technical report of an illustrative case where a partial laminectomy was used to assist a percutaneous lead placement.

Percutaneous thoracic intervertebral disc nucleoplasty: technical notes from 3 patients with painful thoracic disc herniations.

Symptomatic thoracic disc herniation is an uncommon condition and early surgical approaches were associated with significant morbidity and even mortality. We are the first to describe the technique of percutaneous thoracic nucleoplasty in three patients with severe radicular pain due to thoracic disc herniation. Two of the patients experienced more than 75% pain relief and one patient experienced more than 50% pain relief.