Direct Surgical Approach Research Articles

Is AI 3D-printed PSI an accurate option for patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip undergoing THA?

BackgroundIn traditional surgical procedures, significant discrepancies are often observed between the pre-planned templated implant sizes and the actual sizes used, particularly in patients with congenital hip dysplasia. These discrepancies arise not only in preoperative planning but also in the precision of implant placement, especially concerning the acetabular component. Our study aims to enhance the accuracy of implant placement during Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) by integrating AI-enhanced preoperative planning with Patient-Specific Instrumentation (PSI). We also seek to assess the accuracy and clinical outcomes of the AI-PSI (AIPSI) group in comparison to a manual control group.MethodsThis study included 60 patients diagnosed with congenital hip dysplasia, randomly assigned to either the AIPSI or manual group, with 30 patients in each. No significant demographic differences between were noted the two groups. A direct anterior surgical approach was employed. Postoperative assessments included X-rays and CT scans to measure parameters such as the acetabular cup anteversion angle, acetabular cup inclination angle, femoral stem anteversion angle, femoral offset, and leg length discrepancy. Functional scores were recorded at 3 days, 1 week, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks post-surgery. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22.0, with the significance level was set at α = 0.05.Results and conclusionThe AIPSI group demonstrated greater prosthesis placement accuracy. With the aid of PSI, AI-planned THA surgery provides surgeons with enhanced precision in prosthesis positioning. This approach potentially offers greater insights and guidelines for managing more complex anatomical variations or cases.

Evaluation of Outcome after Total Hip Arthroplasty for Femoral Neck Fracture: Which Factors Are Relevant for Better Results?

Background: Femoral neck fractures (FNFs) are frequent orthopedic injuries in elderly patients. Despite improvements in clinical monitoring and advances in surgical procedures, 1-year mortality remains between 15% and 30%. The aim of this study is to identify variables that lead to better outcomes in patients treated with total hip arthroplasty (THA) for FNFs. Methods: All patients who underwent cementless THA for FNF from January 2018 to December 2022 were identified. Patients aged more than 80 years old and with other post-traumatic lesions were excluded. Patient data and demographic characteristics were collected. The following data were also registered: time trauma/surgery, surgical approach, operative time, intraoperative complications, surgeon arthroplasty-trained or not, and anesthesia type. In order to search for any predictive factors of better short- and long-term outcomes, we performed different logistic regression analyses. Results: A total of 92 patients were included. From multivariable logistic regression models, we derived that a direct anterior surgical approach and an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification < 3 can predict improved short-term outcomes. Moreover, THAs performed by surgeons with specific training in arthroplasty have a lower probability of revision at 1 year. Mortality at 1 year was ultimately influenced by the ASA classification. Conclusions: A direct anterior approach and specific arthroplasty training of the surgeon appear to be able to improve the short- and long-term follow-up of THA after FNF.

Posterolateral or Direct Lateral Surgical Approach for Hemiarthroplasty After a Hip Fracture

Hip fractures in older adults are serious injuries that result in disability, higher rates of illness and death, and a substantial strain on health care resources. High-quality evidence to improve hip fracture care regarding the surgical approach of hemiarthroplasty is lacking. To compare 6-month outcomes of the posterolateral approach (PLA) and direct lateral approach (DLA) for hemiarthroplasty in patients with acute femoral neck fracture. This multicenter, randomized clinical trial (RCT) comparing DLA and PLA was performed alongside a natural experiment (NE) at 14 centers in the Netherlands. Patients aged 18 years or older with an acute femoral neck fracture were included, with or without dementia. Secondary surgery of the hip, pathological fractures, or patients with multitrauma were excluded. Recruitment took place between February 2018 and January 2022. Treatment allocation was random or pseudorandom based on geographical location and surgeon preference. Statistical analysis was performed from July 2022 to September 2022. Hemiarthroplasty using PLA or DLA. The primary outcome was health-related quality of life 6 months after surgery, quantified with the EuroQol Group 5-Dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L). Secondary outcomes included dislocations, fear of falling and falls, activities of daily living, pain, and reoperations. To improve generalizability, a novel technique was used for data fusion of the RCT and NE. A total of 843 patients (542 [64.3%] female; mean [SD] age, 82.2 [7.5] years) participated, with 555 patients in the RCT (283 patients in the DLA group; 272 patients in the PLA group) and 288 patients in the NE (172 patients in the DLA group; 116 patients in the PLA group). In the RCT, mean EQ-5D-5L utility scores at 6 months were 0.50 (95% CI, 0.45-0.55) after DLA and 0.49 (95% CI, 0.44-0.54) after PLA, with 77% completeness. The between-group difference (-0.04 [95% CI, -0.11 to 0.04]) was not statistically significant nor clinically meaningful. Most secondary outcomes were comparable between groups, but PLA was associated with more dislocations than DLA (RCT: 15 of 272 patients [5.5%] in PLA vs 1 of 283 patients [0.4%] in DLA; NE: 6 of 113 patients [5.3%]) in PLA vs 2 of 175 patients [1.1%] in DLA). Data fusion resulted in an effect size of 0.00 (95% CI, -0.04 to 0.05) for the EQ-5D-5L and an odds ratio of 12.31 (95% CI, 2.77 to 54.70) for experiencing a dislocation after PLA. This combined RCT and NE found that among patients treated with a cemented hemiarthroplasty after an acute femoral neck fracture, PLA was not associated with a better quality of life than DLA. Rates of dislocation and reoperation were higher after PLA. Randomized and pseudorandomized data yielded similar outcomes, which suggests a strengthening of these findings. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04438226.

Direct or Indirect Surgical Approach of Zygomatic Complex Fracture: A Comparative Study.

Zygoma is considered the main support of the midface. Zygoma is frequently fractured owing to its prominent site on the face. Treatment of zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures can be performed through either conservative or surgical measures (closed or open reduction). The study was a cross-sectional retrospective observational investigation done at 4 hospitals in Ramadi and Baghdad cities, Iraq. This investigation covered a duration of 6 years (2016-2021). We reviewed the medical records of patients with ZCFs. The participants were divided into 2 groups according to the approach used for their management (direct versus indirect approach). Data regarding the demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded for each subject. Of 265 patients with ZCFs, 209 (78.9%) were males. The highest age group affected was 18 to 40 years (51.7%). The majority of the ZCFs were caused by road traffic accidents (31.7%). Most of the cases belong to single fractures (72.1%). Cheek flattening (73.6%) was the commonest sign of the ZCFs. The majority of the fractures were treated by direct approach, 65.4% of the isolated fractures and 62.2% for multiple fractures. Excellent patient satisfaction was seen in the majority of the cases. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 approaches regarding the abovementioned variables ( P -value > 0.05). The majority of the cases were with excellent patient satisfaction (n = 149) while only 7 patients with poor satisfaction. The age groups below 18 years and 18 to 40 years were associated with excellent patient satisfaction than good and poor satisfaction. All (n = 7) of the cases with poor satisfaction belong to the age group above 40 years. The majority of male (n = 113) and female (n = 36) patients were with excellent satisfaction, while all patients with poor results were males (n = 7). There were statistically significant differences between the results of the patient satisfaction and age group and complications ( P -value < 0.05). The ophthalmic complications were the most complications seen after ZCF surgical treatment (2.56%). Direct and indirect approaches can be used safely in the treatment of ZCFs owing to excellent patient satisfaction in the majority of the cases and a low complication rate. This study aims to evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics and to compare different surgical procedures to treat patients with zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures in a country overwhelmed by violence.

Are we getting better at cementing femoral stems in total hip arthroplasty? A 5-year institutional trend.

Femoral stem cementation provides excellent implant longevity with a low periprosthetic fracture rate among patients with compromised bone quality or abnormal anatomy. We radiologically evaluated the quality of the femoral cement mantle in patients undergoing THA to examine whether cementation quality improved with increased institutional experience. A retrospective study of 542 primary elective THAs performed using cemented stems from 2016 to 2021 at a high-volume orthopedic specialty center was conducted. Immediate post-operative anterior-posterior (AP) and lateral radiographs were evaluated to assess cement mantle quality based on the Barrack classification. Cement mantles were deemed satisfactory (Barrack A and B) or unsatisfactory (Barrack C and D). Regression was performed to identify predictors of unsatisfactory cementation quality. The annual cemented primary THA volume increased throughout the study period from 14 cases in 2016 to 201 cases in 2021. Overall, the majority of cement mantles were deemed satisfactory; 91.7% on AP radiographs and 91.0% on lateral radiographs. Satisfactory cementation on AP radiograph achievement rates improved during the study period, which coincided with greater annual volume (p < 0.001). No association was found between posterior and direct anterior surgical approaches and satisfactory cementation quality on both AP and lateral radiographs. Majority of femoral stems had satisfactory cementation quality. Higher institutional annual cemented THA volume was associated with improved cementation quality. Residency and fellowship training programs should place greater emphasis on the importance of femoral stem cementation for appropriately indicated patients. III, retrospective cohort study.

DIRECT TRANS-ATRIAL IMPLANTATION OF SAPIEN 3 VALVE FOR MITRAL ANNULAR CALCIFICATION: MULTI CENTER EXPERIENCE

Mitral valve replacement in the presence of severe annular calcification is associated with high morbidity and mortality. As an alternative strategy for addressing severe MAC in patients with high surgical risk, a transcatheter heart valve (THV) can be implanted surgically into the annulus via a trans-atrial approach. This study reports the short and intermediate clinical outcomes of MVR via a direct surgical approach using the SAPIEN3 THV in patients with severe circumferential MAC at two Canadian centers.

S1072 Safety of Endoscopic Pancreatic Necrosectomy Compared With Radiologic or Surgical Necrosectomy: A Nationwide Inpatient Analysis

Introduction: Pancreatic necrosis is an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality among patients with acute pancreatitis. Patients with pancreatic necrosis often undergo direct endoscopic necrosectomy, surgical and interventional radiology approaches exist. We compared the safety and outcomes of 3 techniques including endoscopic necrosectomy, fluoroscopy-guided necrosectomy by an interventional radiologist (IR-necrosectomy), and open necrosectomy performed by a surgeon (surgical necrosectomy). Methods: Using the Nationwide Readmissions Database, we identified hospitalised patients who underwent pancreatic necrosectomy from 2016 to 2019. They were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Procedure Coding System. Categorical variables were described using proportions and compared with Chi-Squared Test. Continuous variables were presented as means and compared using the adjusted Wald test. Adjusted odds ratios for adverse events associated with each technique were calculated using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Adjusted hazard ratios were calculated to compare mortality rates. Results: Of the 2,281 patients meeting the selection criteria, the method of pancreatic necrosectomy was as follows: endoscopy, 672 (52.1 ± 1.00 years); IR, 1,338 (53.2 ± 0.56 years); and open surgery, 271 (52.0 ± 1.36 years). The rate of mortality was lowest for endoscopy (hazard ratio (HR) 0.27; 95% CI 0.08-0.90; P = 0.033) followed by IR (HR 0.44; 95% CI, 0.20-0.98; P =0.045), compared to surgery. Endoscopy was associated with less post procedure bleeding compared to IR and surgical necrosectomy, respectively (n=74 vs n=195 vs n=102; P< 0.001); as well as lower rates of post procedure end organ damage including renal failure (n=134, vs n=449, vs n= 133; P< 0.001) and respiratory failure (n=0, vs n=18, vs n= 13; P=0.002). Endoscopy was associated with average shorter lengths of stay and total hospital costs when compared with IR and surgery, respectively (20.1 vs 25.8 vs 38.3 days; P < 0.001) and ($57K vs $76K vs $123K; P< 0.001). Conclusion: Endoscopic necrosectomy is associated with significantly lower risk of inpatient mortality, adverse events, length of stay, and cost when compared to IR and surgical approaches.Figure 1.: Kaplan-Meier survival curve comparing endoscopic, radiologic, and surgical pancreatic necrosectomy

PLATE OSTEOSYNTHESIS FOR THE TREATMENT OF A COMPLEX METACARPAL FRACTURE IN A SAND GAZELLE (Gazella leptoceros)

A 5-month-old female gazelle (Gazella leptoceros) from Algeria was presented for consultation at the clinic, following a trauma that occurred when the gazelle was trapped in a wire mesh forelimb. The radiographic examination revealed a complex fracture displaced at the level of the left metacarpus, a surgical treatment by osteosynthesis was carried out, after approach and incision of the fracture site, a reduction and fixation of the bone was practiced using a screwed plate in steel and seven cortical bone screws, a suture by separate stitches was performed to close the skin, and a modified Robert Jones bondage was performed. X-rays performed 7, 15 and 21 days postoperative revealed very limited osteogenic activity and delayed healing despite bone alignment. This may be due to a defect in the periosteal vascularization linked to the direct surgical approach to the fracture.

Intra-fourth ventricular arachnoid cyst: The case for a direct surgical approach

Abstract Arachnoid cysts (ACs) are benign, extra-axial, developmental cysts derived from the arachnoid membrane. These cysts often develop in the cisternal spaces and rarely involve the fourth ventricle. When they do, their differential diagnosis can be challenging. Although their surgical treatment has to be proactive, there appears to be a lack of consensus regarding the best surgical strategy. Here we report a 16-year-old boy with hydrocephalus and ataxia in the setting of a fourth ventricular AC. A direct surgical approach through a midline suboccipital corridor enabled us to sub totally resect the cyst and establish the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathway. The child had an uneventful recovery and continues to be asymptomatic at 1-year follow-up. We conclude that a direct approach to the cyst appears to be a reasonable treatment choice and primary CSF diversion rarely helps in these situations. We present a literature review and a management algorithm.

Translated article] Radius shortening as a limiting factor for closed reduction in pediatric forearm fractures

IntroductionDiaphyseal forearm fractures in skeletally immature patients are common injuries that account for 30% of upper extremity fractures in this age group. There are cases with unstable injuries or unacceptable reductions, in which surgical resolution by reduction and stabilisation with percutaneous elastic endomedullary nailing is indicated. One of the advantages of this system is that it avoids an approach to the fracture site, allowing closed reduction in the vast majority of fractures. However, it is not always possible to achieve an acceptable closed reduction and opening of the fracture site is necessary. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are preoperative factors to predict the difficulty of performing closed reduction in these patients. MethodsA retrospective study of skeletally immature patients with acute diaphyseal forearm fractures treated with elastic endomedullary nailing by the same paediatric surgeon was performed. The primary outcome variable was defined as the need for open reduction; considered as a direct surgical approach to the fracture site. Demographic characteristics of the included patients and radiographic characteristics of the fracture were analysed. ResultsWe found that the median percentage of preoperative radial shortening in the closed reduction and open reduction groups was 1 and 5%, respectively; resulting in a statistically significant difference (p = 0.04). ConclusionRadial shortening on preoperative radiographs predicts an increased risk of requiring an open reduction of the fracture (39% association); thus we understand that this variable should be considered by the general traumatologist as a prognostic factor in defining the referral of these patients.

An Italian Online Survey Regarding the Use of Hyaluronidase in Previously Hyaluronic Acid-Injected Noses Looking for Surgical Rhinoplasty.

BackgroundNonsurgical nasal reshaping (nSNR) with hyaluronic acid (HA) filler is a well-established procedure performed to ameliorate nasal appearance and is considered a valid alternative to surgical rhinoplasty in selected patients.ObjectivesThe aim of our study is to evaluate the decision-making process and management of patients undergoing rhinoplasty, with previous HA filler injection, and evaluate if consensus could be achieved to recommend guidelines.MethodsBetween April and May 2021, an online survey was sent to 402 Italian surgeons of different specialties. The survey collected information regarding the types of treatment of patients who have previously undergone nSNR, who should undergo surgical rhinoplasty. For those surgeons using hyaluronidase, an additional information was collected.ResultsIn a range of time of 2 months (April and May 2021), a total of 72 surgeons replied and completed the survey: out of the 402 questionnaires sent, the response rate was approximately 18%. The majority of respondents (61.5%) replied to inject hyaluronidase (HYAL) in patients who had to undergo a rhinoplasty but reported previous nSNR. Of the surgeons who use HYAL, 70% performed rhinoplasty after a waiting time of 3 to 4 weeks.ConclusionsEither direct surgical approach or hyaluronidase injection first seems to be a viable options. The use of HYAL before surgery is the choice with the broadest consensus in our survey. However, a larger case-control study with long follow-ups is necessary to understand if in patient seeking surgical rhinoplasty who already received nSNR, the injection of hyaluronidase before surgery is mandatory, recommended, or not.

Instability in Patients with Lumbar Spine Disease or Fusion Undergoing Posterior Approach vs. Lateral Approach Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background and Hypothesis: &#x0D; Dislocation rates after total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with fixed spinopelvic motion due to lumbar spine disease or fusion have been reported as high as 20%. Few studies exist that compare dislocation rates in patients with spine pathology undergoing THA via different surgical approaches. The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative dislocation rates in patients with lumbar spine disease or fusion between those undergoing a primary THA using a posterior versus direct lateral surgical approach. &#x0D; &#x0D; Experimental Design or Project Methods: &#x0D; With IRB approval, 1,205 primary THAs performed by two surgeons were retrospectively reviewed. One surgeon routinely performs THAs with a posterior approach while the other surgeon routinely uses a direct lateral approach. Chart review from the electronic medical record was conducted to identify patients who have lumbar spine disease or a lumbar spine fusion. Dislocations for patients with and without lumbar spine disease were compared by posterior approach and direct lateral approach. &#x0D; &#x0D; Results: &#x0D; 767 posterior approach and 431 direct lateral approach THAs were available for analysis. 43.6% of all THAs had lumbar spine pathology (337/767 posterior and 185/431 direct lateral). The overall dislocation rate was 1.26% (15/1195). The main predictors of dislocation in binary logistic regression were the presence of lumbar spine pathology (OR 5.24, 95% CI: 1.47–18.69, p=0.018) and posterior surgical approach (OR 7.93, 95% CI: 1.04–60.6, p=0.046). The dislocation rate for direct lateral approach THAs with lumbar spine pathology was significantly lower compared to posterior approach THAs with lumbar spine pathology (0.0% vs 3.6%, p=0.011). &#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion and Potential Impact: &#x0D; Although there were few dislocations, the study results suggest a direct lateral approach for primary THA may be beneficial to reduce postoperative dislocation for patients with limited spinopelvic motion due to lumbar spine pathology.

May-Thurner syndrome successfully managed with an endovascular stent: A case report

May-Thurner Syndrome (MTS) or iliac vein compression syndrome is caused by compression of the left common iliac vein by the right common iliac artery. The incidence rate of MTS is unknown. In an autopsy study in the early twentieth century, the incidence ranges from 22 to 32%. MTS-related deep venous thrombosis accounts for only 2%-3% of all lower limb DVTs. The patient may present with leg swelling, varicosities, deep venous thrombosis, chronic venous stasis ulcers, or more serious complications, such as pulmonary embolism. Iliac vein compression can be assessed with Computed Tomography (CT) and iliac venography. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and the risk of complications. Stent placement is an alternative method to a direct surgical approach. We present 2 cases of MTS that were treated with stent placement.

Stereotactic biopsy for intracranial space occupying lesions: Experience in a referral hospital in Mexico.

Stereotactic brain biopsy (SBB) is used for establishing the histological diagnosis of intracranial lesions that are not amenable for a direct surgical approach. The objective of the study was to describe our experience having an evaluation of the biopsy sample by a neuropathologist during SBB. Retrospective analysis of 140 consecutive patients who underwent SBB between 2014 and 2018 in whom trans-operatory analysis of the sample was performed. There were 56% men. The mean age was 45 years. Histological diagnosis was performed in 131 of 140 patients (94% overall diagnostic yield). The presurgical radiological diagnosis was correct in 39%. Neoplastic lesions were reported in 108 cases, and 32 were non-neoplastic. We performed craniotomy and resection after biopsy in 14%. We found complications in 6% of patients. SBB continues to be a safe, useful, and inexpensive procedure. The diagnostic performance of SBB increases when intraoperative cytological evaluation by a neuropathologist is included in the study.

Clinical outcomes of procedures combining endovascular embolization with a direct surgical approach in a hybrid operating room for the treatment of refractory dural arteriovenous fistulas.

Background: We reviewed the clinical outcomes of a procedure that combines endovascular embolization and a direct surgical approach in a hybrid operating room (OR) for the treatment of refractory dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs).Methods: All patients with intracranial dAVFs who underwent a procedure combining endovascular embolization and direct surgical approach with biplane angiography or a robotic C-arm system in a hybrid OR between February 2004 and June 2020 were considered. Borden grading, occlusion rate, pre-and post-operative modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores, and complications were retrospectively investigated. The pre-and postoperative mRS scores were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test.Results: We evaluated 14 arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) in consecutive 13 patients. Of these, ten AVFs were previously treated with endovascular embolization, ten were located in the transverse-sigmoid sinus, and four in the cortical vein. The Borden grade was II in two AVFs and III in 12 AVFs. Immediate occlusion of the AVF was achieved in 13 AVFs, and gradual occlusion was observed in one case. The median preoperative mRS was 1 (0–3), whereas the median postoperative mRS was 0 (0–1) which indicated marked improvement (P = 0.006). Complications including postoperative transient visual disturbance and intraprocedural extravasation were observed in only two cases.Conclusion: The combination of endovascular embolization and direct surgical approach in a hybrid OR could achieve sufficient occlusion of refractory AVFs with acceptable complication rates and improved symptoms.

Management of cholelithiasis with choledocholithiasis: Endoscopic and surgical approaches.

Gallstone disease and complications from gallstones are a common clinical problem. The clinical presentation ranges between being asymptomatic and recurrent attacks of biliary pain requiring elective or emergency treatment. Bile duct stones are a frequent condition associated with cholelithiasis. Amidst the total cholecystectomies performed every year for cholelithiasis, the presence of bile duct stones is 5%-15%; another small percentage of these will develop common bile duct stones after intervention. To avoid serious complications that can occur in choledocholithiasis, these stones should be removed. Unfortunately, there is no consensus on the ideal management strategy to perform such. For a long time, a direct open surgical approach to the bile duct was the only unique approach. With the advent of advanced endoscopic, radiologic, and minimally invasive surgical techniques, however, therapeutic choices have increased in number, and the management of this pathological situation has become multidisciplinary. To date, there is agreement on preoperative management and the need to treat cholelithiasis with choledocholithiasis, but a debate still exists on how to cure the two diseases at the same time. In the era of laparoscopy and mini-invasiveness, we can say that therapeutic approaches can be performed in two sessions or in one session. Comparison of these two approaches showed equivalent success rates, postoperative morbidity, stone clearance, mortality, conversion to other procedures, total surgery time, and failure rate, but the one-session treatment is characterized by a shorter hospital stay, and more cost benefits. The aim of this review article is to provide the reader with a general summary of gallbladder stone disease in association with the presence of common bile duct stones by discussing their epidemiology, clinical and diagnostic aspects, and possible treatments and their advantages and limitations.

The Superior Ophthalmic Vein Approach for the Treatment of Carotid-Cavernous Fistulas: Our First Experience

Carotid cavernous fistulas (CCF) constitute between 10-15% of all intracranial vascular malformations. Clinical symptoms of indirect CCFs include chemosis, conjunctival injection, proptosis, diminished visual acuity, ophthalmoplegia, retro-orbital bruit, periorbital swelling, and hyperlacrimation, in the setting of associated cortical venous reflux, intracranial hemorrhage. Treatment of choice for symptomatic carotid cavernous and cavernous dural fistulas is neuroradiologic intervention via the femoral artery. Owing to the location of the fistula and/or to anatomic variations, a direct surgical approach via the superior ophthalmic vein may be necessary for embolization.

The Dural Dark-Side Approach for falcine and tentorial meningioma: A surgical series of five patients

IntroductionFalcine or tentorial meningioma can be complex to resect. When large meningiomas are located in eloquent areas, a direct ipsilateral surgical approach may cause brain injury and postoperative neurological deficits. In this series, 5 patients were surgically treated using a contralateral transfalcine or transtentorial approach to minimize brain retraction. This strategy was called the Dural Dark-Side Approach (DDSA). The aim was to analyze the quality of tumor resection and postoperative outcome. Material and methodsIn our department, from June 2018 to January 2020, 5 patients underwent microsurgical DDSA for resection of 4 falcine and 1 tentorial meningioma. All tumors were selected on the following two criteria: large>40mm diameter tumor, with surrounding functional cortex. Clinical and radiologic data were retrospectively analyzed. Results and discussionMean follow-up was 20 months. No patients required use of a rigid retractor during surgery. Gross total resection was performed in 3 patients and near-total resection in 2. All patients had favorable neurologic outcome. Postoperative MRI showed no ipsilateral or contralateral brain lesions. ConclusionThis series suggested that meticulous DDSA allows excellent resection in selected large falcine or tentorial meningioma. The approach offered a safe and effective surgical corridor without injuring the surrounding healthy parenchyma.

Salvage transorbital approach for the endovascular treatment of carotid cavernous fistulas.

Carotid cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are abnormal connections between the cavernous sinus (CS) and carotid arteries. In direct CCFs, a transarterial route is often the preferred vascular access; in case of indirect CCFs, the complex anatomy of the feeder vessels and their extra-intracranial anastomosis makes the transarterial embolization challenging and often ineffective. The aim of this study was to review our experience with the transorbital approach to treat patients affected by CCF who have already experienced an endovascular failure procedure, in order to assess this salvage technique feasibility, by analyzing possible risks and complications. We performed a retrospective study of all patients affected by CCFs who underwent transorbital embolization between February 2017 and February 2019 at our institution. All patients (3 cases) tolerated both the retrograde embolization and the direct surgical approach with clinical improvement; the closure of the fistula was complete and verified intraoperatively by angiography. Esthetic result was acceptable in all cases with reduction of the proptosis and the intraocular pressure, and increased visual acuity. There were no complications or clinical recurrence. Transorbital approach for the endovascular treatment of CCFs is a feasible and safe salvage procedure, which can find indication after other endovascular access failures.

El acortamiento del radio como factor limitante para la reducción cerrada en fracturas de antebrazo pediátrico

IntroductionDiaphyseal forearm fractures in skeletally immature patients are common injuries that account for 30% of upper extremity fractures in this age group. There are cases with unstable injuries or unacceptable reductions, in which surgical resolution by reduction and stabilisation with percutaneous elastic endomedullary nailing is indicated. One of the advantages of this system is that it avoids an approach to the fracture site, allowing closed reduction in the vast majority of fractures. However, it is not always possible to achieve an acceptable closed reduction and opening of the fracture site is necessary. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are preoperative factors to predict the difficulty of performing closed reduction in these patients. MethodsA retrospective study of skeletally immature patients with acute diaphyseal forearm fractures treated with elastic endomedullary nailing by the same paediatric surgeon was performed. The primary outcome variable was defined as the need for open reduction; considered as a direct surgical approach to the fracture site. Demographic characteristics of the included patients and radiographic characteristics of the fracture were analysed. ResultsWe found that the median percentage of preoperative radial shortening in the closed reduction and open reduction groups was 1 and 5%, respectively; resulting in a statistically significant difference (p = 0.04). ConclusionRadial shortening on preoperative radiographs predicts an increased risk of requiring an open reduction of the fracture (39% association); thus we understand that this variable should be considered by the general traumatologist as a prognostic factor in defining the referral of these patients.