Preoperative Neurological Status Research Articles

A four year experience treating incomplete thoracolumbar spine injuries in an East African country

BackgroundTraumatic spine injuries are one of the most common causes of disability and mortality. ObjectiveTo assess post op neurologic status in patients with incomplete thoracic and lumbar spine injuries at two teaching hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. MethodsInstitution based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 hospitalized patients in these hospitals from February 1, 2017–January 31, 2021. ResultsForty five (75.0%) of the study participants were males. The mean age was 30.77 years (range: 12–65 year). Only 8(13.3%) patients were operated within 3 days of trauma. The most common injury site was the thoracolumbar junction (T11-L2) in 80.0%. Significant number of patients (56.7%) had sphincters dysfunction. Pedicle screw fixation with or without laminectomy was performed in 98.3%. After minimum six month follow up, 37(61.7%) patients had access to the physiotherapy. Thirty seven (61.7%) patients were non ambulatory (AIS B and C) at presentation, of which 29 (78.4%) were ambulatory on the follow-up. Overall, 54(90%) patients had neurologic improvement on the follow up and 37(61.7%) returned to work. Preoperative neurologic status and sphincter function were found to be significantly associated with treatment outcome with P value 0 .000 and 0.002 respectively. ConclusionThis study shows despite limited availability of post op physiotherapy, significant number of patientsreturned to work post-surgery. Preoperative neurologic function was an independent predictor of post-operative outcome.

Evaluation of Classification Systems and Their Correlation With Clinical and Quality-of-life Parameters in Patients With Surgically Treated Spondylodiskitis.

Surgical classifications for spondylodiscitis (SD) typically include radiologic features and the status of neurologic impairment. Clinical factors such as preoperative pain, function/disability, overall quality of life (QoL), and risk of recurrence and mortality, which are necessary for a comprehensive assessment of SD and measurement of treatment success, are not considered. There is a lack of external validation of SD classifications. The aim of this study was to validate classifications of SD and to correlate these classifications with the above clinical factors. One hundred fourteen patients from a prospective SD register (2008-2020) with available imaging, preoperative neurologic status, backpain, function/disability data (Oswestry Disability Index and Core Outcome Measures Index), QoL data (Short Form 36, European Quality-of-life Questionnaire), and a 1-year follow-up were retrospectively classified according to Akbar, Homagk, and Pola classifications. Interrater reliability, correlation among classifications, and correlation between classifications and QoL were calculated. Interrater reliability was κ = 0.83 for Akbar, κ = 0.94 for Homagk, and κ = 0.99 for Pola. The correlation of Akbar with Pola and Homagk was moderate (ρ s = 0.47; ρ s = 0.46) and high between Pola and Homagk (ρ s = 0.7). No notable correlation was observed between any of the classifications and preoperative Oswestry Disability Index, Core Outcome Measures Index, QoL, mortality, and recurrence within 1 year. Only a weak correlation was observed between Homagk and preoperative leg pain and back pain. Available SD classifications have a very good interrater reliability and moderate-to-high correlation with each other but lack correlation with preoperative pain, function/disability, and overall QoL. Because these factors are important for a comprehensive assessment of SD in severity, decision making, and prognosis, they should be included in future SD classifications. This could allow for more comprehensive treatment algorithms. Level II. Diagnostic study = prospective cohort study; development of diagnostic criteria. The data sets used and analyzed during this study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Comment on the Need to Fill a Gap in the Assessment of Neurological Status Before Elective Surgery.

Comment on the Need to Fill a Gap in the Assessment of Neurological Status Before Elective Surgery.

Percutaneous Full Endoscopic Management of Spinal Foraminal Schwannomas: Case Series.

Schwannoma, a benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor, is perhaps only secondary to degenerative pathology as the most common lesion at neural foramen. The surgical dilemma here is either risking nerve injury because of inadequate exposure or the need for internal fixation because of facet joint sacrifice. To evaluate the feasibility and safety of management of foraminal schwannomas by percutaneous full-endoscopic technique. A single-center retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent full-endoscopic resection of neural foraminal schwannomas. Tumors were grouped into either medial type or lateral type based on relevant location to the neural foramen, and respective surgical approaches were adopted. Data including preoperative neurological status, tumor size, surgery time, the extension of resection, and clinical outcomes were collected. The learning curve was plotted as surgical time/tumor size against case number. A total of 25 patients were treated between May 2015 and March 2022. Gross total resection was achieved in 24 patients, and near-total resection in 1 case, with 1 patient experienced transient voiding difficulty. No tumor recurrence or spinal instability was detected in the short-term follow-up (median follow-up 22 months, range 3 months-6 years). Surgical efficiency improved with the number of cases operated on and remained stable after the initial 10 cases. Percutaneous full-endoscopic technique is a safe and minimally invasive technique for the resection of foraminal schwannomas.

Surgical Resection of Deep-Seated Arteriovenous Malformations Through Stereotactically Guided Tubular Retractor Systems: A Case Series.

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the subcortical and/or periventricular regions can cause significant intraventricular and intracranial hemorrhage. These AVMs can pose a unique surgical challenge because traditional, open approaches to the periventricular region require significant cortical/white matter retraction to establish sufficient operative corridors, which may result in risk of neurological injury. Minimally invasive tubular retractor systems represent a novel, feasible surgical option for treating deep-seated AVMs. To explore 5 cases of NICO BrainPath-assisted resection of subcortical/periventricular AVMs. Five patients from a single institution were operated on for deep-seated AVMs using tubular retractor systems. Collected data included demographics, AVM specifications, preoperative neurological status, postoperative neurological status, and postoperative/intraoperative angiogram results. Five patients, ranging from age 10 to 45 years, underwent mini-craniotomy for stereotactically guided tubular retractor-assisted AVM resection using neuronavigation for selecting a safe operative corridor. No preoperative embolization was necessary. Mean maximum AVM nidal diameter was 8.2 mm. All deep-seated AVMs were completely resected without complications. All AVMs demonstrated complete obliteration on intraoperative angiogram and on 6-month follow-up angiogram. Minimally invasive tubular retractors are safe and present a promising surgical option for well-selected deep-seated AVMs. Furthermore, study may elucidate whether tubular retractors improve outcomes after microsurgical AVM resection secondary to mitigation of iatrogenic retraction injury risk.

Spinal meningiomas, from biology to management - A literature review.

Meningiomas arise from arachnoidal cap cells of the meninges, constituting the most common type of central nervous system tumors, and are considered benign tumors in most cases. Their incidence increases with age, and they mainly affect females, constituting 25-46% of primary spinal tumors. Spinal meningiomas could be detected incidentally or be unraveled by various neurological symptoms (e.g., back pain, sphincter dysfunction, sensorimotor deficits). The gold standard diagnostic modality for spinal meningiomas is Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which permits their classification into four categories based on their radiological appearance. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification, the majority of spinal meningiomas are grade 1. Nevertheless, they can be of higher grade (grades 2 and 3) with atypical or malignant histology and a more aggressive course. To date, surgery is the best treatment where the big majority of meningiomas can be cured. Advances in surgical techniques (ultrasonic dissection, microsurgery, intraoperative monitoring) increase the complete resection rate. Operated patients have a satisfactory prognosis, even in those with poor preoperative neurological status. Adjuvant therapy has a growing role in treating spinal meningiomas, mainly in the case of subtotal resection and tumor recurrence. The current paper reviews the fundamental epidemiological and clinical aspects of spinal meningiomas, their histological and genetic characteristics, and their management, including the various surgical novelties and techniques.

The impact of 1.5-T intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging in pediatric tumor surgery: Safety, utility, and challenges.

In this study, we present our experience with 1.5-T high-field intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (ioMRI) for different neuro-oncological procedures in a pediatric population, and we discuss the safety, utility, and challenges of this intraoperative imaging technology. A pediatric consecutive-case series of neuro-oncological surgeries performed between February 2020 and May 2022 was analyzed from a prospective ioMRI registry. Patients were divided into four groups according to the surgical procedure: intracranial tumors (group 1), intraspinal tumors (group 2), stereotactic biopsy for unresectable tumors (group 3), and catheter placement for cystic tumors (group 4). The goal of surgery, the volume of residual tumor, preoperative and discharge neurological status, and postoperative complications related to ioMRI were evaluated. A total of 146 procedures with ioMRI were performed during this period. Of these, 62 were oncology surgeries: 45 in group 1, two in group 2, 10 in group 3, and five in group 4. The mean age of our patients was 8.91 years, with the youngest being 12 months. ioMRI identified residual tumors and prompted further resection in 14% of the cases. The mean time for intraoperative image processing was 54 ± 6 min. There were no intra- or postoperative security incidents related to the use of ioMRI. The reoperation rate in the early postoperative period was 0%. ioMRI in pediatric neuro-oncology surgery is a safe and reliable tool. Its routine use maximized the extent of tumor resection and did not result in increased neurological deficits or complications in our series. The main limitations included the need for strict safety protocols in a highly complex surgical environment as well as the inherent limitations on certain patient positions with available MR-compatible headrests.

Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors (IMSCTs): Outcome after surgical resection in 35 cases and review of literature

BACKGROUND Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors (IMSCTs) are rare and they represent only 5% of all spinal tumors. Ependymoma and astrocytoma are two most common IMSCTs. Due to recent advances in micro instruments, imaging and technology, aggressive surgical excision has become a safer possibility with better outcome. Aim of this study is to analyze functional outcome of patients after surgical resection of IMSCTs and review of literature.
 METHODOLOGY Over a period of 4 years, between May 2017 and January 2021, 35 patients were operated for IMSCTs under general anesthesia. Neurophysiological monitoring (NPM) was recently available and used only in last few cases. CUSA was used whenever required in these microsurgical procedures. This retrospective study was carried out after retrieving data from OT registers, inpatient files, OPD records, and statistical analysis was executed using SPSS software (version 18). Functional outcome was assessed by McCormick grading scale and mean follow up period was 2.5 years.
 RESULTS Out of 35 patients, 17 were male and 18 female. Mean age distribution was 27.57(+/-17.68). On admission, 30 patients had motor deficits, 18 had neck or back pain, 10 had sphincter dysfunction, 7 had kyphoscoliosis and 2 patients had normal neurology. MRI with IV contrast of these 35 patients revealed intramedullary lesions at cervical (11), cervicomedullary (4), thoracic (8), cervicothoracic (2), thoracolumbar (3), conus (6) and lumbar (1) regions. 22 patients had gross total and 13 had subtotal resection. Histological examination confirmed 30 glial tumors (ependymoma & astrocytoma), 2 dermoid/epidermoid, 2 neurenteric cysts and 1 secondary. Postoperative complication was 17% and there was no surgery related 30 days’ mortality. Functional outcome was measured by McCormick grade before and after microsurgical resection. Preoperatively 3(8.5%) patients had low grade or independent and 32 (91.4%) had high grade or dependent. Postoperatively and at the time of discharge 14 (40%) of patients had low grade or independent and 21 (60%) were dependent or high grade. On last followed up (4 years) 15 (48.3%) had low grade and 16 (51.6%) had high grade or dependent. In our series, on followed up of 4 years, recurrence rate was 5(14.2%), They were 2 astrocytoma, 1 secondary, and 2 myxopapillary ependymomas. Two patients with myxopapillary ependymoma were operated twice and no radiotherapy was advocated. 8 (22.6%) patients received local radiation and recurrence rate was 17.2%.
 CONCLUSION Safe resection of intramedullary lesion is possible with the aid of modern neurosurgical tools, however, functional outcome relies on preoperative neurological status of the patients, extent of excision and histology of tumor. Risk factors for recurrence of IMSCTS are extent of resection and histological behavior of tumor.

Tumors of the lateral and third ventricles of the brain. Possibilities of endoscopic transventricular surgery. Prospects and prognosis

Tumors of the lateral and third ventricles of the brain are uncommon in the general population. Taking into account possible disability, expected duration and quality of life of the patient in the postoperative period, radical removal of these tumors, especially invasive ones, are debatable. Purpose: to determine the possibilities of endoscopic transventricular surgery for tumors of the lateral and third ventricles of the brain. Materials and methods. Between 2015 and 2021, 61 patients with lateral and third ventricle tumors were treated, 9 of which were primary and 52 were invasive.All patients had a preoperative Karnofsky Performance scale score ≥70 points. Preoperative neurological status: non-focal neurological symptoms were observed in all patients, central significant hemiparesis (up to 2 points) - in 5, cognitive-mnestic disorders - in 31, opto-chiasmatic syndrome - in 2. Obstructive hydrocephalus was diagnosed in all patients. All patients underwent full-endoscopic removal by frontal transcortical transventricular approach. Results. Total tumor resection (within healthy tissues) was performed in 34 patients, subtotal (up to 90%) – in 17, partial – in 10 patients. The postoperative condition according to Karnofsky Performance scale in all patients was ≥70 points. Hemiplegia was registered in 8 (13.1%) patients (sustained deficiency, hemiparesis (up to 3 points) - in 2 (1.22%) patients), hemianopsia - in 4 (6.5%) patients, short-term memory impairment - in 9 ( 14.75%), regression was observed 2–4 weeks after surgery. Thirty-seven (60.7%) patients died. The remaining patients (39.3%) are under observation. Median survival was 33 weeks (95% confidence interval (CI) 28–40 weeks). Postoperative survival in patients with glioblastoma was 15 weeks, median survival was 9.5 weeks (95% CI, 4–15 weeks). Of the patients with anaplastic astrocytoma, 13 (92.9%) patients died within 38 weeks after surgery, the median survival was 18 weeks (95% CI, 14.5–29.0 weeks), 1 (7.1%) patient was under observation. Patients with anaplastic oligodendroglioma had a median survival of 34.5 weeks (95% CI - 28-40 weeks), 15 (65.2%) patients died within 40 weeks, 8 (34.8%) patients are under observation. The difference between groups in survival was statistically significant (p<0.0001). Median survival in women was 34.5 weeks (95% CI, 29–40 weeks), in men, 28 weeks (95% CI, 18–39 weeks). There were 12 (42.9%) women and 12 (36.4%) men who survived for more than 60 weeks. No statistically significant difference was found between male and female survival rates (p=0.309). Conclusions. The ability of achieving the optimal resection volume of primary and invasive tumors of the third and lateral ventricles allows recommending the anterior endoscopic transcortical transventricular approach as an effective method of surgical treatment of these tumors. Radical endoscopic resection, as the first stage of combined treatment of patients with malignant tumors of the third and lateral ventricles, increases the patients’ life expectancy with a minimal risk of postoperative neurological complications, comparable to the life expectancy of patients with malignant tumors of supratentorial localization. To eliminate obstructive hydrocephalus and prevent the obstruction of CSF circulation in case of postoperative edema or continued growth in invasive tumors of the lateral and third ventricles, it is advisable to perform triventriculocisternostomy.

Prognostic factors and surgical outcomes of spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma (SSEH) is a rare disease defined as blood accumulation within the vertebral epidural space without a cause identified, which can lead to severe neurological deficits. We aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the prognostic factors affecting surgical outcomes in true SSEH and propose a critical time frame for operative management. A systematic literature search was performed and registered, using OVID Medline and EMBASE, in line with the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant demographic, clinical, surgical, and outcome data were extracted. The ASIA scale was uniformly used throughout our systematic review. Statistical analysis was performed via logistic regression. Of the 1179 articles examined, we included 181 studies involving 295 adult patients surgically treated for SSEH. SSEH were most commonly found in the cervicothoracic spine, with 2-4 spinal segments most commonly involved. Multivariable logistic regression model showed that the following factors were statistically significant in the post-operative outcome: operation type (P = 0.024), pre-operative neurologic status (P < 0.001), use of warfarin (P = 0.039), and operative interval (P = 0.006). Our retrospective analysis confirms the reversibility of severe neurological deficits after surgical intervention, with a prognosis of post-operative outcomes determined by the use of warfarin, pre-operative ASIA grade, and above all surgical evacuation within 12h.

Risk Factors for Postoperative Complications After Surgical Treatment of Type B and C Injuries of the Thoracolumbar Spine

Unstable thoracolumbar spinal injuries benefit from surgical fixation. However, perioperative complications significantly affect outcomes in surgicallytreated spine patients. We evaluated associations between risk factors and postoperative complications in patients surgically treated for thoracolumbar spine fractures. We conducted a retrospective multicenter study collating data from 21 spine centers across 9 countries on the treatment of AOSpine types B and C injuries of the thoracolumbar spine treated via a posterior approach. Comparative analysis was performed between patients with postoperative complications and those without. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed. Among 535 patients, at least 1 complication occurred in 43%. The most common surgical complication was surgical-site infection (6.9%), while the most common medical complication was urinary tract infection (13.8%). Among 136 patients with American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scalelevel A disability, 77.9% experienced at least 1 complication. The rate of complications also rose sharply among patients waiting >3 days for surgery (P<0.001), peaking at 68.4% among patients waiting ≥30 days. On multivariable analysis, significant predictors of complications were surgery at a governmental hospital (odds ratio= 3.38, 95% confidence interval= 1.73-6.60), having ≥1 comorbid illness (2.44, 1.61-3.70), surgery delayed due to health instability (2.56, 1.50-4.37), and ASIA Impairment Scalelevel A (3.36, 1.78-6.35), while absence of impairment (0.39, 0.22-0.71), ASIAlevel E (0.39, 0.22-0.67) and, unexpectedly, delay caused by operating room unavailability (0.60, 0.36-0.99) were protective. Types B and C thoracolumbar spine injuries are associated with a high risk of postoperative complications, especially common at governmental hospitals, and among patients with comorbidity, health instability, longer delays to surgery, and worse preoperative neurologic status.

85. The neurology stability epidural compression assessment: a new score to establish the need for surgery in spinal metastases

85. The neurology stability epidural compression assessment: a new score to establish the need for surgery in spinal metastases

59. Long-term survival and clinical outcomes in patients managed with emergent surgery for a spinal epidural abscess with associated sepsis and neurologic decline

<h3>BACKGROUND CONTEXT</h3> Patients with a spinal epidural abscess (SEA) and associated sepsis and neurologic deterioration require immediate evaluation and prompt surgical intervention. The goals of surgery are life preservation, eradication of the infectious nidus, and restoration of neurologic function. The focus of treatment in these critically ill patients is to achieve these immediate goals. There has been limited attention given to the long-term status of patients who have survived this life threatening condition. <h3>PURPOSE</h3> To identify the survivability and long-term outcome of patients who underwent emergent surgical management for a SEA with associated sepsis and neurologic decline. <h3>STUDY DESIGN/SETTING</h3> A retrospective review of all consecutive patients with a SEA, sepsis and neurologic decline treated at a single, tertiary referral medical center from 2000-2010. <h3>PATIENT SAMPLE</h3> Fifty-four patients. <h3>OUTCOME MEASURES</h3> Survival/mortality, neurologic improvement (ASIA Grade), need for further spine surgery. <h3>METHODS</h3> All patients were clinically septic and had documented neurologic deterioration directly related to a spinal epidural abscess. Surgery was performed emergently from the time of notification of the spine service. Surgical approach was determined by the location of the abscess in relation to the thecal sac; 8 occurred in the cervical spine (all anterior), 20 in the thoracic spine (7 anterior, 13 posterior) and 26 in the lumbar spine (9 anterior, 17 posterior). All cervical SEA underwent an anterior decompression and fusion with structural grafting and plating, while anterior SEA within the thoracic or lumbar spines underwent anterior decompression and fusion with structural grafting followed by a staged, posterior instrumented fusion. Posterior SEA in the thoracic or lumbar spine underwent decompression and abscess evacuation only. Preoperative neurologic status was ASIA B in 20 patients, C in 20, and D in 10. The mean time of neurologic deterioration documented in the medical record was 24 hours (range: 6 hours-5 days). Stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for survival and neurologic improvement. Long-term survival was assessed using the institution's electronic medical record and subsequently confirmed by direct patient contact. <h3>RESULTS</h3> All patients survived the surgery, although 6 (11%) died within one month. Significant risk factors for early mortality included age >70 (p=.01), hospitalization >5 days prior to surgery (p=.02), ASIA D (p=.02), diabetes (p=.02), end stage renal disease (p=.02), and MRSA sepsis (p=.02). Of the surviving patients, the mean neurologic improvement was 2.4 ASIA grades. Of surviving patients, 92% (44/48) regained the ability to ambulate. Significant factors for neurologic improvement included age <70 (p=.01), documented neurologic decline <24 hours (p=.01), non-diabetic (p=.02), a cervical abscess (p=.01), a thoracic or lumbar abscess not requiring fusion (p=.02), and preoperative ASIA D (p=.01). At the 10-year follow-up, 88% (42/48) of the patients who survived their perioperative course were still alive. The six non-surviving patients had died of causes unrelated to their spine infections. At the 10-year follow-up, all 42 patients were noted to have maintained their level of neurologic recovery, with none having evidence of recurrent neurologic deficits or loss of ambulatory ability. Ten percent (4/42) of the long-term surviving patients had undergone additional spine surgery, 2 for removal of painful segmental instrumentation and 2 for extension of fusions for symptomatic adjacent level disease. None of the long-term survivors required additional surgery for a recurrent spine infection. Advanced imaging (MRI or CT scan) was available for 30 of the surviving patients. Aside from the 2 patients requiring surgery for adjacent level stenosis, there were no instances of residual infectious spinal column involvement, segmental instability or sagittal plane deformity in any patient. <h3>CONCLUSIONS</h3> Spinal epidural abscesses in patients with sepsis and neurologic deterioration can be effectively managed when diagnosed promptly and treated with emergent surgery. In this series, the majority of patients survived, had neurologic recovery and regained independent ambulation. However, there was a notable early mortality rate (11%), with older, diabetic patients with prolonged neurologic deficits most susceptible. Long-term survival occurred in 88% of patients, with evidence of sustained neurologic improvement, permanent eradication of the spine infection, and relatively uncommon need for additional surgery. <h3>FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS</h3> This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Neurological Improvement after Decompression for Dorsal Spine Tuberculosis (TB)

Objectives: To assess the neurological improvement after decompression for dorsal spine tuberculosis in terms of Frankel grading.&#x0D; Materials and Method: Prospective study was done in the Neurosurgery department, Prime Teaching Hospital Peshawar from 2018 to 2021. Patients of both genders aged between 18 to 60 years were selected while those unfit for surgery or requiring conservative management were excluded from the study. After clinical examination and radiological findings, the patients were diagnosed with dorsal spine tuberculosis requiring surgery. All patients were followed for 3 months post-operatively. Neurological improvement was measured by comparing pre and post-op Frankel grading. Complications were also documented.&#x0D; Results: Out of 38 patients included in the study, 16 (42%) were male and 22 (58%) were female. The mean age of presentation was 34 ± 5. The distribution for age groups was 18 – 30 (08), 31 – 40 (13), 41 – 50 (11), and 51 – 60 (06). Level of disease D4 – D8 were 17 (44.8%) and D9 – D12 was 21 (55.2%). Pre-operative neurological status of the patients was (5.2%) Frankel A, (10.5%) Frankel B, (47.3) Frankel C, (22%) Frankel D, and (7.8%) Frankel E while Post-operative grading was (2.6%) Frankel A, (5.2%) Frankel B, (23.6%) Frankel C, (47.3%) Frankel D and (18.4) Frankel E. 3 patients experienced worsening of neurology, 2 patients bleeding and CSF leak and 1 patient died as a complication of the surgery.&#x0D; Conclusion: Surgical option involving decompression of spine TB followed by stabilization is utilized in a majority of patients with neurological deficits. It is very effective and the results are good. The main advantage is thorough debridement and achievement of spinal stabilization.&#x0D; Keywords: Dorsal Spine Tuberculosis, Frankel Grading, Spinal Stabilization.

Prevalence and prognosis from the disability related to spinal tuberculosis: a systematic review

Objective: To review the disabilities caused by Spinal TB in relation to the prevalence and prognosis of the disabilities caused by the disease. Method: We conducted systematic search of the literatures based on PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and PICO criteria. Our inclusion criteria were: 1) Patients with spinal TB; 2) full original articles; 3) articles written in English; 4) the period of publication of articles from 2012 to 2022. Evaluation of each article was done by checklist Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE). Results: From all articles in the publication year of 2012 to 2022, we reviewed five retrospective cohort studies, all studies coming from Asian countries. The five articles observed the prevalence of disabilities caused by spinal TB reflected through some important outcome variables pre-treatment, where they continued to compare with the post-treatment outcome variables. All of the studies reviewed had agreed that immediate or delayed treatment would give significant benefits to the patients of spinal TB, even better with combined treatments of conventional pre-operative anti-TB drugs and surgical intervention. It was found that poor prognosis associated with preoperative neurological status of the patients. Conclusion: Conventional anti-TB drugs and surgical intervention can be of great help and benefit for patients with spinal TB, reducing their disabilities severity and improving their prognosis.

Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of white matter injury and astrogliosis are associated with the severity and surgical outcome of degenerative cervical spondylotic myelopathy

BACKGROUND CONTEXTDegenerative cervical spondylotic myelopathy (DCM) is the commonest form of spinal cord injury in adults. However, a limited number of clinical reports have assessed the role of biomarkers in DCM. PURPOSEWe evaluated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers in patients scheduled for DCM surgery and hypothesized that CSF biomarkers levels (1) would reflect the severity of preoperative neurological status; and (2) correlate with radiological appearance; and (3) correlate with clinical outcome. STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGProspective clinical and laboratory study. PATIENT SAMPLETwenty-three DCM patients, aged 66.4±12.8 years and seven controls aged 45.4±5.3 years were included. OUTCOME MEASURESThe American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire and EuroQol 5-dimensions were assessed preoperatively and at 3 months post-surgery. METHODSWe measured preoperative biomarkers (glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP], neurofilament light [NFL], phosphorylated neurofilament-H [pNF-H] and Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1) in CSF samples collected from patients with progressive clinical DCM who underwent surgical treatment. Biomarker concentrations in DCM patients were compared with those of cervical radiculopathy controls. RESULTSThe median symptom duration was 10 (interquartile range 6) months. The levels of GFAP, NFL, pNF-H, Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 were significantly higher in the DCM group compared to controls (p=.044, p=.002, p=.016, and p=.006, respectively). Higher pNF-H levels were found in patients with low signal on T1 Magnetic Resonance Imaging sequence compared to those without (p=.022, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] 0.780, 95% Confidence Interval: 0.59–0.98). Clinical improvement following surgery correlated mainly with NFL and GFAP levels (p<.05). CONCLUSIONSOur results suggest that CSF biomarkers of white matter injury and astrogliosis may be a useful tool to assess myelopathy severity and predict outcome after surgery, while providing valuable information on the underlying pathophysiology.

Vertebral stabilisation for thoracolumbar vertebral instability associated with cranial and caudal articular process anomalies in pugs: Seven cases (2010-2019).

To describe the diagnostic findings, surgical technique and outcomes in seven pugs with thoracolumbar vertebral instability due to articular process anomalies. Records (2010 to 2019) of pugs with thoracolumbar vertebral instability associated with articular process anomalies that underwent decompressive laminectomy and vertebral stabilisation were reviewed. Data on preoperative and postoperative neurologic status, diagnostic findings, surgical techniques and outcomes were retrieved. Seven dogs were presented with ambulatory or non-ambulatory paraparesis. Caudal articular process anomalies (three dogs) and concomitant cranial and caudal articular process anomalies (four dogs) were noted. Myelography (six dogs) or magnetic resonance imaging (one dog) showed none to severe spinal cord compression. Dynamic myelography in six dogs demonstrated nine distinct sites of spinal cord dimension reduction positioned in extension and/or flexion (mean reduction: 16.0%, range: 8.5 to 24.0%). These dynamic compressions were located at sites with articular process anomalies (seven sites) and sites with no articular process anomalies (two sites). Vertebral instability was confirmed by intraoperative spinal manipulation in all dogs. All dogs remained ambulatory with improved (five dogs) or static (two dogs) neurological deficits at the last follow-up (median: 16 months; range: 1.5 to 66 months). Dynamic myelography and/or intraoperative spinal manipulation demonstrated vertebral instabilities at sites with or without articular process anomalies on imaging. Decompressive laminectomy with vertebral stabilisation resulted in long-term neurological improvement in most dogs.

Comparing Two Improved Techniques With the Traditional Surgical Techniques for Intra and Extramedullary Spinal Tumor Resection: A Report of 280 Cases.

ObjectivesSpinal tumors remain a challenging problem in modern neurosurgery. The high rate of postoperative morbidity associated with intramedullary tumors makes the need for safer surgical techniques invaluable. This study analyses our experience with the treatment of spinal cord tumors and compares traditional management and a new different surgical approach to intramedullary tumors with an associated hydrosyringomyelia.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective study compared standard surgical techniques and 2 newer modified techniques for intra and extramedullary spinal tumors at the Neurosurgery center for spinal cord tumors of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Preoperative neurological status was recorded with the ASIA/ISNCSCI scale. Postoperative outcome was graded using the Nurrick score.ResultsOf the 280 cases, there were 220 (78.5%) extramedullary and 60 (21.5%) with intramedullary spinal tumors. The control and main group had 159 (56.8%) and 121 (43.2%) patients, respectively. Severe compression myelopathy (ASIA- A, B, C) was 217 (77.5%) patients i.e., ASIA A-39 (13.9%); B-74 (26.4%), and C-104 (37.1%). In 74 extramedullary tumors (33.6%) treated with the new method, good postoperative outcomes in 44 cases (59.5%) with OR = 1.9; 95% CI 1.1–3.3 (p < 0.05). Thirty-seven (61.7%) intramedullary tumors were treated with the newer modified technique. There was no difference with the standard method (p = 0.15). However, when comparing postoperative Nurick grade 1–2 with grade 3–4, the newer strategy was superior with improvement in 24 (65%) patients, OR = 3.46; 95% CI 1.2–10.3 (p < 0.05).ConclusionWhen compared with standard methods, the proposed newer modified strategy of surgical treatment of spinal cord tumors with the insertion of a syringosubarachnoid shunt in the presence of an associated hydrosyringomyelia is associated with better postoperative outcome (Nurick 1 and 2) in 64.8%.

Paediatric Spinal Tumours: Profile and Treatment Outcome in a Nigerian Tertiary Institution

Introduction: Paediatric spinal tumours are rare, accounting for 1–10% of all childhood central nervous system tumours. There is a paucity of information on spinal tumours in Sub-Saharan Africa. This is particularly so in the Nigerian paediatric population where neuro-oncologic data are limited. Indeed, there is no previously published work on paediatric spinal tumours in the Nigerian neurosurgical literature. The authors aim to document the profile of paediatric spinal tumours in a Nigerian tertiary institution and to contribute to the available data on paediatric central nervous system tumours in West Africa. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated data on paediatric patients who underwent surgery for spine tumours over a 20-year period at our institution. Results: A total of 12 patients were managed for paediatric spine tumours during the study period. These had a male:female ratio of 1:1.4, and their ages ranged between 3 and 18 years (mean: 12.83 ± 4.75 years). The highest incidence (6/12) was seen in the 15–18 years age group. The mean duration of symptoms was 10.2 months. More than half (7/12) of the patients presented with symptoms with duration of at least 6 months. Motor deficit was present in all patients at presentation. Two-thirds of the tumours were in the thoracic region, 1 was located in the cervical region, while the remaining 3 tumours were cervicothoracic. The tumour was extradural in location in 8 of our patients and intramedullary in the remaining 4. Astrocytoma, intramedullary in all cases, was the most predominant histological tumour type (3/12) in our series. Postoperative neurological improvement occurred in 7 of the patients while 5 remained the same. There was no permanent postoperative neurological deterioration or perioperative mortality. Conclusion: Paediatric spinal tumours mostly affected older children in our study group and were predominantly astrocytic in nature. The most common tumour location was extradural, involving mostly the thoracic spinal level. The preoperative neurological status correlates with the postoperative functional outcome. Therefore, the need for early diagnosis and treatment of these tumours cannot be overemphasized.

Acute subdural haematoma in the elderly: to operate or not to operate? A systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes following surgery

ObjectivesAcute subdural haematoma (ASDH) is a devastating pathology commonly found on CT brain scans of patients with traumatic brain injury. The role of surgical intervention in the elderly has been...