Lateral Suboccipital Retrosigmoid Approach with Tentorial Incision for Petroclival Meningiomas: Technical Note

Introduction The resection of petroclival meningiomas presents great neurosurgical challenges. Although multiple surgical approaches have been developed, the retrosigmoid route tends to be used to address tumors that are predominantly located in the posterior fossa. Our modification of the lateral suboccipital retrosigmoid approach with the placement of a tentorial incision yields good visualization of the supratentorial part of the tumor around the midbrain. Methods We treated four patients, one with primary and three with recurrent petroclival meningioma, by our modified approach. After lateral suboccipital craniotomy, the infratentorial part of the tumor was removed after detaching it from the tentorial surface. The cerebellar tentorium was then carefully incised from the supracerebellar angle, taking care not to damage the superior cerebellar artery and trochlear nerve. Results The operative field surrounding the midbrain was widened by this procedure, and safe dissection of the tumor from the brainstem and other neurovascular structures was performed with direct observation of the interface. Conclusions Our approach is a useful modification of the retrosigmoid approach to petroclival meningiomas. It facilitates the safe resection of the supratentorial part of the tumor in the ambient cistern behind the tentorium.     

Strategies to Prevent Positioning-Related Complications Associated with the Lateral Suboccipital Approach

The lateral positioning used for the lateral suboccipital surgical approach is associated with various pathophysiologic complications. Strategies to avoid complications including an excessive load on the cervical vertebra and countermeasures against pressure ulcer development are needed. We retrospectively investigated positioning-related complications in 71 patients with cerebellopontine angle lesions undergoing surgery in our department between January 2003 and December 2010 using the lateral suboccipital approach. One patient postoperatively developed rhabdomyolysis, and another presented with transient peroneal nerve palsy on the unaffected side. Stage I and II pressure ulcers were noted in 22 and 12 patients, respectively, although neither stage III nor more severe pressure ulcers occurred. No patients experienced cervical vertebra and spinal cord impairments, brachial plexus palsy, or ulnar nerve palsy associated with rotation and flexion of the neck. Strategies to prevent positioning-related complications, associated with lateral positioning for the lateral suboccipital surgical approach, include the following: atraumatic fixation of the neck focusing on jugular venous perfusion and airway pressure, trunk rotation, and sufficient relief of weightbearing and protection of nerves including the peripheral nerves of all four extremities.     

The Lateral Transfacetal Retrovascular Approach for an Anteriorly Located Chordoma Originating from the Second Cervical Vertebra

Summary  Background. Anteriorly located lesions at the craniocervical junction (CCJ) require careful surgical planning to avoid neuraxis retraction. Several different routes have been described in the search for the most appropriate yet least invasive approach. However, most of these far-lateral posterior approaches are specifically tailored for non-osseous intradural tumours or chordomas with cephalad extension. We introduce an approach that allows for better access to laterally extending osseous tumours originating from the second cervical vertebra. Using this approach, the lesion is manipulated from a strictly lateral direction parallel to a plane through the articular pillar of the CCJ and the odontoid process, and the C1- and C2-laminae are spared for posterior fixation.  Method. The application of this approach is demonstrated in detail by an illustrative case of a chordoma originating from C2 that presented with intradural mass effect, considerable bone destruction, far-lateral extension to the right, and vertebral artery involvement.  Findings. The described approach gave ample access for total tumour resection. It allowed for safe control and displacement of the vertebral artery, spinal cord decompression, C2-corpectomy across the midline, and anterolateral bone reconstruction. No C1- or C2-hemilaminectomy was needed, and these bone elements could be used for posterior fixation (the patient presented in this study was referred to our institution after posterior fixation from the occiput to C3 had already been performed elsewhere). No intra-operative or postoperative complications occurred. At the 6-month follow-up, the patient was fully ambulatory with no neurological deficit.  Interpretation. The described lateral transfacetal route is the method of choice for operating on laterally extending osseous tumours originating from the second cervical vertebra.     

Direct Anterior Approach for Total Hip Arthroplasty in the Lateral Decubitus Position: Our Experiences and Early Results

Background

The direct anterior approach (DAA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) is typically performed in the supine position using a specially designed operating room table, which makes this approach more accessible to orthopedic surgeons. We attempted to perform this procedure in the lateral decubitus position on an ordinary operation table to avoid dependence on a special operating room table. There is an obvious absence of literature regarding this subject.

Preservation of Hearing in Large Acoustic Neurinomas Following Removal via Suboccipito-Lateral Approach

Summary  A consecutive series of 61 patients with pre-operative hearing underwent surgical removal of a large acoustic neurinoma via the lateral suboccipital approach between 1984 and 1996. Brain-stem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) were present in all cases before surgery and all patients underwent intra-operative monitoring of BAEP. The average tumour size including the portion within the meatus acusticus internus was 30, 5 mm (range 20 mm–49 mm). Complete tumour removal was achieved in all but three cases. In 43.1% of patients with complete tumour removal hearing was preserved initially after surgery. Delayed postoperative hearing loss was observed in 11 patients and hearing recovery in 2 patients leading to 27.5% definite hearing preservation. Hearing preservation was achieved in 37% of cases with tumour size between 20 mm–29 mm and in 23.5% of case with tumour size larger than 30 mm. These results indicate that even in large neurinoms hearing preservation should be attempted in all patients with documented pre-operative hearing and BAEP.     

Retrosigmoid Approach in the Supine Position Using ORBEYE: A Consecutive Series of 14 Cases

One of the merits of recently introduced exoscopes, including ORBEYE, is that they are superior to a conventional microscope in terms of ergonomic features. Taking advantage of it, the retrosigmoid approach can be performed in the supine position using ORBEYE. We report a consecutive series of 14 operations through the retrosigmoid approach in the supine position using ORBEYE. Fourteen consecutive patients who underwent surgery through the retrosigmoid approach for cerebellopontine (CP) angle lesions in the supine position using ORBEYE were targeted, and surgical outcomes and complications were examined. We evaluated the posture of the operator and the surgical field during this approach compared with those using a conventional microscope. In all 14 cases, all operative procedures were accomplished only using the ORBEYE. There were no operative complications due to this approach. Using ORBEYE, even when the angle of the operative visual axis was horizontal, the operators could manipulate in a comfortable posture. They were not forced to be in an uncomfortable posture that extended their arms, as is often the case with a conventional microscope. Therefore, they could use shorter surgical instruments. As the cerebellum shifted downward with gravity even using slight retraction during this approach, the working space of the surgical field was easily secured. Through this approach, the operators can perform stable microsurgery of CP angle lesions in a comfortable posture. This approach can reduce the burden on the operator and the patient, leading to a refined surgical procedure.     

New methods for determination of the keyhole position in the lateral suboccipital approach to avoid transverse-sigmoid sinus injury: Proposition of the groove line as a new surgical landmark

PurposeThe asterion is frequently used as an anatomical landmark to determine the location of a keyhole in the lateral suboccipital approach used in craniotomies. However, the asterion may not be ideal because of large individual differences among patients. We examined a simple and safe method for determining an optimal keyhole position (KP) using the digastric groove as a new landmark in the lateral suboccipital approach.MethodsThirty-three patients with trigeminal neuralgia who underwent surgery in our institute between April 2014 and December 2018 were included. The groove line (GL) was designed accurately, extending the digastric groove on the surface of the occipital bone, as the x-axis. The y-axis was depicted from the posterior edge of the digastric groove (the groove point: GP) vertical to the GL. The x–y coordinates represented the distances from GP on each axis. The x–y coordinates of median edge of the transverse-sigmoid sinus (TSJ point), asterion, and the intersection of the GL and transverse sinus (the transverse point: TP) were investigated, based on intraoperative findings and recorded videos.ResultsThe x–y coordinated of the TSJ point were (23.9 ± 3.9, 7.2 ± 3.6). In all patients, the TSJ point was located superior to the GL. The x–y coordinates of the asterion were (27.3 ± 6.0, 8.9 ± 4.1), and in 28 of the 33 patients, their coordinates exceeded the TSJ points. The x-coordinate of the TP was 29.5 ± 4.5, and was located behind the TSJ point on the GL in all patients. The shortest distance between the TSJ points and TP was approximately 3 mm. According to these measurements, we decided that the optimal KP would be at 20 mm from the GP, subjacent to the GL.ConclusionsOur methods of using the GL as a new surgical landmark for setting the optimal KP is simple, safe, and useful.     

超早期小翼点切口锁孔经侧裂-岛叶入路显微手术治疗高血压基底节区脑出血的临床研究

目的探讨高血压脑出血新的手术方法及疗效。方法对12例高血压基底节区脑出血病人在超早期内（≤6h）采用小翼点切口锁孔经侧裂-岛叶入路显微手术治疗。结果手术12例中死亡1例，存活11例。术后因二次出血再手术1例，颅内感染1例。术后随访3～6个月，依据GOS评分，优7例，良3例，中1例。结论超早期小翼点切口锁孔经侧裂-岛叶入路显微手术治疗高血压基底节区脑出血，手术疗效好，为治疗高血压脑出血开辟新的途径。     

Total Knee Arthroplasty for Valgus Deformity via a Lateral Approach: Clinical Results,Comparison to Medial Approach,and Review of Recent Literature

BackgroundTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) for valgus deformity is a challenge. The standard medial parapatellar approach may not be universally useful for this. We have adopted the lateral approach to valgus knees. Here we describe our experience with this approach, present early results, and compare them to the medial approach.MethodsOur institutional registry was queried for all patients with valgus deformity who underwent a TKA via a lateral approach between 2013 and 2016. The registry was also queried for patients with valgus deformity who underwent a TKA through a medial approach in previous years and this data was compared to the study group.ResultsSeventy-nine valgus knees in 72 patients were operated through a lateral approach. Deformity was corrected by 10.8°, from 16.2° to 5.4° (P < .001). Patellar tilt improved from −2.3° to 0.3° (P = .037). Seven implants (9%) were constrained. Mean operating time was 87 minutes (range 53-137). Twenty-five knees in 23 patients were operated via the medial approach. Deformity was corrected by 7.3°, from 13.2° to 5.9° (P < .001). Mean operating time was 137 minutes (range 90-230). Constrained implants were used in 16% of cases. The lateral approach allowed better correction of valgus deformity (10.8 vs 7.3, P = .03) and shorter operative times (87 vs 137 minutes, P < .001).ConclusionA lateral approach TKA for valgus deformity improves knee alignment and patellar tilt. Compared to the medial approach, it allows better correction of the deformity, shorter operating times, and perhaps less use of constrained implants.     

Lateral Instability of the Ankle Treated by a Modified Evans Procedure

A technically simple tenodesis of the peroneus brevis tendon has been applied in the treatment of 42 patients with lateral instability of the ankle; 33 patients have been examined 2-10 years after the operation and 91 per cent showed excellent or good results. It is concluded that this procedure gives good stability in the varus as well as the antero-posterior direction and is therefore comparable to the technically more difficult Watson-Jones procedure.     

Lateral Instability of the Ankle Treated by a Modified Evans Procedure

A technically simple tenodesis of the peroneus brevis tendon has been applied in the treatment of 42 patients with lateral instability of the ankle; 33 patients have been examined 2-10 years after the operation and 91 per cent showed excellent or good results. It is concluded that this procedure gives good stability in the varus as well as the antero-posterior direction and is therefore comparable to the technically more difficult Watson-Jones procedure.     

The Extent of Drilling in Lateral Approaches to the Cranio-Cervical Junction Area from a Series of 125 Cases

The trans-condylar approach to the craniocervical junction area (CCJA) requires a more or less extensive drilling of the two first cervical joints (C0-C1 and C1-C2). The extent of drilling necessary to resect a lesion at the CCJA was analyzed from a series of 125 cases including 114 tumours and 11 non-tumoural processes treated using a lateral approach (postero-lateral or antero-lateral) over a 15-year period (1980-1995). The extent of drilling was estimated on CT scanner axial views from the reduction of the joints surface and three groups were determined: A/less than one third B/between one third and one half, and C/more than one half. The extent of drilling was compared with the lesion location in relation to the bone limits of the CCJA: within these limits, outside them and into the bony structures. It was also analyzed with regard to pathology when separated into three groups non-osseous tumours, osseous tumours and chordomas, and non tumoural processes. Only 26 cases had a significant drilling, i.e., more than one third of the joint surfaces and of these, 14 were more than one half. In all these 14 cases, the bone structures were already invaded and 13 of them were, to some extent, beyond the bone limits of the CCJA. Of the 12 cases with drilling between one third and one half, 11 involved the bone structures and 1 was located inside the CCJA bone limits. Drilling of more than one third was required only in the case of bone lesions: 10 out of 23 bone tumours, all the 14 cases of chordomas, one case of rheumatoid arthritis and one case of C1-C2 joint spondylosis. In the other cases including mostly non-osseous tumours, drilling was limited to less than one third, though a high rate of complete removal was achieved (98%). Stabilization by arthrodesis with posterior grafting (N = 10) or by lateral bone grafting (N = 5) was achieved in all cases involving more than one half drilling, and in one case of tuberculosis. By adequately choosing the surgical approach, the extent of drilling can always be minimal. Extensive bone resection is only necessary when the tumour has already destroyed the joints. In that case, lateral or posterior fusion is an efficient technique.     

不同入路方式治疗跟骨关节内骨折的效果及对患者应激水平的影响

目的探究不同入路方式治疗跟骨关节内骨折的效果及对患者应激水平的影响。方法选取本院于2016年10月至2019年12月收治的跟骨关节内骨折患者108例,依据入路方式的不同将其分为观察组(56例)和对照组(52例),观察组采取跗骨窦小切口入路,对照组行跟骨外侧L型切口入路。对比分析两组患者的围术期情况,采用美国足踝协会足部功能评分系统(AOFAS)评价患者术后6个月功能恢复情况,术后6个月行影像学检查,对比两组术前、术后应激水平的差异,统计两组术后并发症情况。结果观察组的手术用时高于对照组(P<0.05),其术中出血、术后引流量、切口长度以及住院时间均显著短于对照组(P<0.05)。两组术后6个月的功能恢复有效率分别为91.07%和71.92%,观察组显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。与术前相比,两组术后6个月跟骨宽度、高度、Bohle角均明显升高,Gissane角显著下降(P<0.05)。术后1 d,两组的疼痛应激指标P物质(SP)、神经肽Y(NPY)水平,炎症应激指标白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)水平均较术前提高明显(P<0.05),且观察组上述指标均显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。两组的并发症发生率分别为7.15%和21.15%,观察组明显低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论与跟骨外侧L型入路相比,跗骨窦微创入路可明显减少跟骨骨折患者的手术创伤,促进其跟骨Bohle角、Gissane角的恢复,降低患者应激水平,并发症较少。     

Intraoperative transillumination to determine the extent of frontal sinus in subcranial approach to anterior skull base

We sought to determine the extent of the frontal sinus by intraoperative transillumination through the superomedial orbital wall in a subcranial approach to the anterior skull base. After raising a bicoronal flap, the frontal sinus was transilluminated through the superomedial orbital wall with a fiber-optic light source, delineating the extent of the frontal sinus. The frontal sinus boundary was marked with a marker pen. A frontal sinus anterior wall osteotomy was performed with a sagittal saw, staying within the confines of the frontal sinus marking. A bone flap was removed, and the posterior wall was drilled out. The remaining procedure was performed in a standard fashion. At the end of the procedure, the bone flap was fixed with a titanium plate. A total of 58 patients had undergone craniofacial resection from January 2004 to December 2007. In 13 patients, a subcranial approach was employed using the transillumination technique. Transillumination was successful in delineating the frontal sinus periphery in all 13 patients. Intraoperative transillumination of the frontal sinus through the superomedial orbital wall is a simple and effective method to delineate the frontal sinus periphery in a subcranial approach to the anterior skull base.     

经鼻蝶向鞍底两侧扩大切除侵入海绵窦的垂体腺瘤20例报告

目的探讨采用经鼻蝶向鞍底两侧扩大切除侵入海绵窦的垂体腺瘤的可行性。方法经单鼻孔显露蝶窦腹侧壁,蝶窦腹侧壁充分咬除,进入蝶窦,去除蝶窦黏膜和蝶窦隔,显露鞍底,鞍底开窗,放射状切开鞍底硬膜,切除鞍内肿瘤组织后,将牵开器的中心部分指向所侵入的海绵窦方向,咬骨钳咬除或磨钻磨除海绵窦腹侧骨质,显露海绵窦腹侧硬脑膜,自鞍底硬膜切开部分向外侧切开海绵窦腹侧硬脑膜,显露并切除海绵窦内部分肿瘤。结果肿瘤全部切除18例,次全切除2例。术中出现2例脑脊液漏,应用明胶海绵鞍内及蝶窦内填塞,术后无脑脊液漏。术后出现一过性动眼神经麻痹1例,术后3个月恢复正常。术后出现一过性尿崩12例,一过性电解质紊乱6例,均在1周内恢复正常。术后出院半个月后出现2例脑脊液鼻漏,行腰穿置管引流1周治愈。18例随访3～36个月,平均20个月,肿瘤无复发。结论采用经鼻蝶向鞍底两侧扩大切除侵入海绵窦的垂体腺瘤显露满意,切除彻底,无明显手术并发症。     

Osteosarcoma of the skull. Report of a post-Paget and post-radiation case in an elderly woman

Osteosarcomas rarely affect the skull, preferring the long bones. As at other sites, osteosarcomas of the skull may be classified chiefly as de novo, post-radiation and post-Paget cases.Plain films of the skull and, even more, CT and MRI are the key diagnostic procedures for this disease.The treatment is surgery plus chemotherapy, in some cases radiotherapy.We report an odd case of post-radiation and post-Paget osteosarcoma in an elderly woman whose sister had been similarly affected.