High and low pressure states associated with posterior sacral meningocele

We describe the rare cases of a 44-year-old woman and a 28-year-old woman each presenting with a large posterior sacrococcygeal mass and alternating symptoms of high and low intracranial pressure. The first patient underwent excision of her large sacral meningocele and simple ligation of the neck, resulting in resolution of all her associated symptoms. The second patient suffered traumatic rupture of the meningocele; she underwent excision of the redundant sac and repair of the dural defect using a musculofascial flap, also resulting in resolution of her symptoms.     

Transoral transclival removal of anteriorly placed meningiomas at the foramen magnum

Anteriorly placed meningiomas at the level of the foramen magnum are rare, are difficult to diagnose, and present technical problems for a conventional posterior fossa removal. The authors describe the successful transoral transclival excision of two such tumors. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula can be avoided by dural repair using a thrombin glue and long term CSF diversion. This modification enables the transoral route to be considered for anteriorly placed intradural lesions.     

Anterior sacral meningocele. A case report

A case of anterior sacral meningocele in a 6-year-old girl is reported. The laminotomies of L5, S1, and S2 vertebrae were performed through a median posterior approach. The communication between the subarachnoid space and the meningocele was closed using dural fibrin patch, which has not yet been described in the literature. The relevant literature is reviewed.     

An unusual pterygopalatine meningocele associated with neurofibromatosis type 1. Case report

The authors describe an unusual meningocele of the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus and the anterior skull base in a young patient with typical stigmata of neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). This lesion was discovered during evaluation for recurrent meningitis. It represented an anterior continuation of Meckel's cave into a large cerebrospinal fluid space within the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus, extending extracranially through an enlarged superior orbital fissure into the pterygopalatine fossa adjacent to the nasal cavity. It was successfully obliterated, via an intradural middle fossa approach, with fat packing and fenestration into the subarachnoid space. This meningocele most likely represents a variant of cranial nerve dural ectasia occasionally seen in individuals with NF1. It has as its basis the same mesodermal defect responsible for the more common sphenoid wing dysplasia and spinal dural ectasias identified with this condition. Involvement of the trigeminal nerve with expansion of the lateral wall of cavernous sinus has not been reported previously. The authors surmise, however, that it may be present in some cases of orbital meningocele associated with sphenoid wing dysplasia.     

经口咽前路寰枢椎复位钢板内固定的外科解剖学研究

目的为经口咽前路寰枢椎复位钢板内固定设计和应用提供解剖学依据。方法对10例新鲜的头颈部标本使用经口咽前入路进行逐层的显微外科解剖,观察咽后壁的层次、椎动脉的走行、寰枢椎的解剖毗邻关系和寰枢椎前路钢板内固定的相关解剖参数等。结果(1)咽后壁分两层和两个间隙粘膜层、椎前筋膜层,咽后间隙和椎前间隙;(2)经此入路可显露从枕骨大孔前缘至C3椎体的范围;(3)寰椎和枢椎椎动脉距中线的距离分别为寰椎(252±23)mm和枢椎(184±26)mm;(4)寰椎和枢椎可显露宽度分别为(394±22)mm和(390±21)mm,寰椎进钉点(侧块中点)间距(a)为(314±33)mm,寰椎进钉点连线与枢椎进钉点(枢椎前表面中部上关节面内缘连线与前唇下缘线之间的等距离线位于矢状中线两侧旁开3～4mm的位置)连线的垂直间距(b)为(187±27)mm,a/b比值为15～17。结论经口咽前入路行寰枢椎前路钢板内固定可行,钢板的设计应以上述测量数据为依据。     

Laparoscopically assisted components separation technique for ventral incisional hernia repair

Reconstruction of the abdominal wall to repair ventral hernias continues to pose a challenge to surgeons due to relatively high rates of recurrence and morbidity. In 1990, Ramirez pioneered a technique of components separation of the abdominal wall for ventral hernia repair. Although an effective hernia repair, the mobilization of skin and subcutaneous tissue endangers the blood supply and predisposes midline skin to necrosis. The goal of this study is to determine whether releasing incisions in the transversus abdominis fascia and posterior rectus sheath provide adequate mobilization of the abdominal wall necessary for ventral hernia repair, thus paving the way for a laparoscopic component separation technique. Ten fresh cadavers were used and one side of the abdomen underwent the conventional Ramirez components separation: midline incision, dissection of skin and subcutaneous tissue off the anterior abdominal wall, and incisions in the external oblique aponeurosis and posterior rectus sheath, while the other side received incisions in the transversus abdominis fascia and the posterior rectus sheath with no undermining of the skin. The amount of fascial translation was measured after each incision. Incising only the external oblique aponeurosis produced greater mobilization of the abdominal wall at the level of the umbilicus (P = 0.02) and anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS, P = 0.029) than releasing only transversus abdominis fascia. More importantly, there was no statistically significant difference in the amount of release produced by the complete internal-release components separation versus the conventional technique. In order to test the feasibility of performing the procedure laparoscopically, one additional cadaver underwent a laparoscopic transversus abdominis fascia release. The procedure was successful and resulted in comparable amounts of fascial release as the other 10 cadavers. From this study, it appears technically feasible to perform a laparoscopic components separation to repair a ventral hernia and the procedure produces the same amount of release as the conventional open component separation technique.     

Intrathoracic giant meningocele developing hydrothorax: a case report

A 67-year-old woman with neurofibromatosis type 1 presented with progressive dyspnea. Radiologic evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging revealed progression of a giant meningocele associated with hydrothorax. Laminoplasty with incision of the meningocele and dural plasty was performed, although nerve rootlets were killed. Microsurgical incision of the neck of the meningocele is a favorable operation even in large meningoceles such as the present case.     

Presacral tumor associated with the Currarino triad in an adolescent

A 17-year-old woman presented with pain over the sacral region. Plain radiographs of the sacrum demonstrated a bony deformity of the sacrococcygeal region in the shape of a scimitar. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a cystic mass of the presacral region which appeared to be continuous with the dural sac. An anteroposterior view myelogram revealed caudal elongation of the dural sac, and on the lateral view it was recognized as an anterior meningocele. At surgery, we confirmed a connection between the presacral mass and the rectum. In light of the combination of a sacral bony deformity, presacral mass including meningocele, and mass-rectum connection, we made the diagnosis of the Currarino triad, which is a rare complex of congenital caudal anomalies. The patient underwent excision of the presacral mass. Histologic examination of the resected specimen revealed features of an epidermoid cyst. Received: 4 August 1999     

Resolution of Chiari malformation after repair of a congenital thoracic meningocele: case report and literature review

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Many theories have been proposed regarding potential causative factors for Chiari malformations. An unusual case is described in which regression of a congenital Chiari malformation was observed after repair of a thoracic meningocele without direct surgical intervention to decompress the craniocervical junction. This supports the importance of an in utero craniospinal pressure gradient as a potential cause for congenital, but reversible, cerebellar herniation. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A newborn baby was observed to have a thoracic meningocele. Magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed a concomitant Chiari malformation. No neurological deficits were present at initial examination. INTERVENTION: The patient underwent surgical closure of the thoracic meningocele and untethering of the spinal cord at the site of the dural defect. A postoperative magnetic resonance imaging scan obtained 3 months after the operation revealed complete resolution of the cerebellar herniation. CONCLUSION: The resolution of the Chiari malformation in this child may have resulted from restoration of normal cerebrospinal fluid flow and elimination of the meningocele-related cerebrospinal fluid pressure gradient between the intracranial and intraspinal compartments.     

Resection of a giant anterior sacral meningocele via an anterior approach: case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND: An anterior sacral meningocele is a rare form of spinal dysraphism that is sometimes associated with syndromes such as Currarino and Marfan syndromes. These lesions rarely cause neurological complications, but meningitis, sepsis, obstetric problems, and bowel and bladder difficulties are common secondary conditions. The lesions can even be fatal. Because these lesions usually do not regress spontaneously, surgical treatment is the standard for symptomatic or growing masses. The dural defect can be repaired with a variety of anterior or posterior approaches. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present a case of a 16-year-old female patient with a giant nonsyndromic anterior sacral meningocele that we successfully treated using an open anterior approach. We discuss the treatment options and present a brief review of the literature. CONCLUSIONS: Although the posterior approach remains the treatment of choice for most lesions, we believe that the anterior laparotomy provides excellent exposure and is a safe alternative approach for the treatment of selected lesions. Patients with these lesions should be cared for by a multidisciplinary team.     

The anatomical study of transoral atlantoaxial reduction plate internal fixation

Irreducibleanterioratlantoaxialdislocationwithventralspinalcordcompressionpresentsadifficultsurgicalchallenge.Nowasagenerallyacceptedoptionforthiscondition,decompressionthroughtransoralapproachhastobefollowedby anotheroperationwithinstrumentationandfusionofthe uppercervicalspinetoachievesegmentalstability.HarmsandKandziora1havedescribeddirectinternal platefixationsthroughtransoralapproach,buttheplate adoptedbyHarmsdidnothavealockingmechanism andtheplateusedbyKandziorafailedtoachieve immediate…     

Prevention of CSF Leakage by Staged Operation for Clival Metastatic Tumor

The transoral approach is a direct route to the clivus. However, application of this approach is infrequent because of the risk of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula and subsequent meningitis. We report a case of clival metastatic tumor treated by staged operation without CSF leakage. A 39-year-old man was found to have a tumor in clivus extending to the intradural space. Two-staged resection through the lateral suboccipital and transoral approach was performed and the dural defect was replaced by a fascia in the first operation. CSF leakage was prevented by this procedure. The patient received radiotherapy postoperatively.     

Prevention of CSF Leakage by Staged Operation for Clival Metastatic Tumor

The transoral approach is a direct route to the clivus. However, application of this approach is infrequent because of the risk of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula and subsequent meningitis. We report a case of clival metastatic tumor treated by staged operation without CSF leakage. A 39-year-old man was found to have a tumor in clivus extending to the intradural space. Two-staged resection through the lateral suboccipital and transoral approach was performed and the dural defect was replaced by a fascia in the first operation. CSF leakage was prevented by this procedure. The patient received radiotherapy postoperatively.     

硬脑膜补丁修补法与普通硬脑膜缝合在关于后颅窝手术术后并发症的比较

目的探讨硬脑膜补丁修补法与普通硬脑膜缝合在预防后颅窝手术术后皮下积液、脑脊液漏中的优势。方法对2016年10月至2019年4月采用硬脑膜补丁修补法修补缺损硬脑膜40例,同期常规修补方式修补缺损硬脑膜60例患者资料进行分析。结果硬脑膜补丁修补的40例中,术后2例(5%)出现皮下积液,1(2.5%)例出现脑脊液漏,1例(2.5%)出现颅内感染。普通硬脑膜缝合的60例中,15例(25%)出现皮下积液,7例(11.6%)出现脑脊液漏,4例(6.6%)出现颅内感染。结论硬脑膜补丁法修补法在预防后颅窝手术术后皮下积液明显优于常规修补法。     

Basilar aneurysms: a new transclival approach via maxillotomy

A transoral transclival approach to vertebrobasilar aneurysms, using a Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy rather than splitting the soft and hard palates, was employed successfully in three patients. This technique gave much improved access to the clivus, and eased exposure of the aneurysms without the need for traction on the brain stem or cranial nerves. There were no postoperative cerebrospinal fluid fistulae and no neurological complications. In one patient, a human-derived fibrin adhesive was used for dural repair. The postoperative cosmetic results were excellent and no problems relating to malocclusion were reported. This approach may have advantages when dealing with other diseases in or around the clivus.     

Wound-peritoneal shunts: part of the complex management of anterior dural lacerations in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament

Background

The complex management of dural lacerations occurring after the resection of multilevel ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) requires further clarification.

Methods

Both preoperative MR and CT studies documented multilevel ventral cord compression attributed to OPLL with kyphosis in 82 patients requiring multilevel anterior corpectomy/fusion (ACF) (average, 2.6 levels) followed by posterior fusion (PF) (average, 6.6 levels) under the same anesthetic. The 5 patients who developed intraoperative dural lacerations/penetration demonstrated the single-layer sign (2 patients: large central mass) or the double-layer sign (3 patients: hyperdense/hypodense/hyperdense layers) on preoperative 2-dimensional CT studies. All 5 patients were managed with complex dural repair (sheep pericardial grafts, fibrin sealant, microfibrillar collagen) and had shunts placed (wound-peritoneal and lumboperitoneal).

Results

After complex dural repair/shunting, all 5 intraoperative dural lacerations (DLs) resolved. The application of low-pressure wound-peritoneal shunts was unique to this study (Uni-Shunts, Codman, Johnson and Johnson, Dorchester, Mass). The proximal end is placed lateral/parallel to the fibula strut graft/plate complex, whereas the distal catheter is tunneled into the peritoneum in the right upper quadrant (always prepared and draped in anticipation of the need for a shunt).

Conclusions

Of 82 patients undergoing multilevel anterior corpectomy for OPLL/kyphosis, 5 developed intraoperative DLs successfully managed with a complex dural repair, wound-peritoneal, and lumboperitoneal shunting procedures.     

Reconstruction of the cervical spine with two osteocutaneous fibular flap after radiotherapy and resection of osteoclastoma : a case report

Transfer of a vascularised free fibular bone for reconstruction of the cervical spine has been described previously.(1-4) However, this is the first report of a reconstruction with both an osteocutaneous fibular flap for anterior stabilisation and a double-islanded osteocutaneous fibular flap for posterior stability. We present a case of an osteoclastoma in C2 initially treated with radiotherapy 1.8 Gy × 30. Two months after radiotherapy, the patient developed severe osteoradionecrosis and luxation of C2 causing neurological impairment. The patient was treated with cervical traction for 10 days. Resection of C2 was performed through a posterior approach and a secondary transoral approach. The spine was stabilised from a posterior approach using allografts and a titanium plate and rod construct (Vertex) from the occipital squama to C5 and from an anterior approach with allograft filled cage from C1 to C3. Two months later, rupture of the pharyngeal wall was noted with exposure of the anterior cage. A few days later, the posterior scar ruptured. The anterior cage was removed and the pharyngeal wall was sutured. Revision of the posterior wound was performed, leaving the implants in place. To secure stability of the spine, the patient was treated with a HALO. Once again, the pharyngeal wall ruptured. Reconstruction of the posterior pharyngeal wall and the anterior column of the spine was performed with an osteocutaneous fibular flap from the skull base to C3. Five months later, a computed tomography (CT) scan showed insufficient bony fusion of both anterior and posterior bone grafts, and the posterior wound had not healed. A second osteocutaneous fibular flap was placed bilaterally from the occipital squama to the posterior elements of Th1, closing the wound defect. Apart from the occipital squama, fusion was seen at all sites after 14 months, and the HALO was removed.     

Dural arteriovenous fistulas of the posterior cerebral fossa and thrombosis of the lateral sinus. Discussion of their relations and treatment apropos of 2 cases

Two cases of a posterior fossa dural arteriovenous malformation associated with a lateral sinus thrombosis are reported. In the first case, a right tentorial meningioma develops at the end of the superior sagittal sinus and on the transverse sinus which are occluded. A cranial bruit, heard by the patient four months after the surgical removal of the tumour, brings up a dural fistula supplied by the occipital, middle meningeal and pharyngeal arteries and drained away by cervical and cortical veins. Many attempts of extirpation and radiological embolization stop the bruit. In the second case, an increased intracranial pressure mixes up with an aphasia. A continuous emission doppler examination and a CT scan make likely a dural fistula. The malformation, which is associated to a left sigmoid sinus thrombosis, is fed by the occipital and middle meningeal arteries and drained by cortical veins to the cavernous sinus. The occipital artery ligation and a by-pass between the lateral sinus and the internal jugular vein cure the patient with a very good patency of the venous graft that holds up two years after. A few cases of the literature show the succession of the two vascular lesions and prove the primitive occurrence, either of the sinus occlusion, or of the dural fistula. A venous thrombosis might cause a fistula by the opening of physiological shunts of the dura-mater which consequently deviates the blood into the cortical veins, brings down the increased intracranial pressure and stops the thrombosis to spread.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

关节镜下建立髁间窝通道治疗内侧半月板后角复杂破裂

目的 :探讨在关节镜下建立髁间窝通道并经该通道治疗内侧半月板后角复杂破裂。方法 :对127例经过髁间窝通道施行了半月板部分切除成形术的骨关节炎病例进行分析总结。127例患者均存在内侧半月板后角复杂裂,男24例,女103例;年龄45~78岁,平均67岁;127例中有112例通过3切口(常规前内侧切口、前外侧切口、高位前外侧切口)顺利完成内侧半月板后角部分切除成形术,有15例通过4切口(常规前内侧切口、前外侧切口、高位前外侧切口、后内侧切口)来完成手术。从4个方面进行评价:该方法对半月板后角部位能否全面便利观察、器械能否便利抵达靶部位、对相邻关节软骨的损伤情况和手术时间(处理半月板的时间)。结果:所有病例的半月板后角后根都能被全面清晰观察,器械都能便利地抵达靶部位,无软骨的医源性破坏发生,3切口情况下内侧半月板后角部位部分切除成形术的时间为5~10 min,4切口的时间为10~30 min。结论:在关节镜下建立髁间窝通道并经此通道治疗内侧半月板后角复杂破裂,方便快捷,最大程度减少了对关节软骨的医源性损伤。