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Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is known to be an effective long-term treatment option for chronic neuropathic pain. Subcutaneous stimulation (SubQ) is increasingly used to treat chronic back and neck pain, but long-term outcomes are unclear.Patients with neurostimulation devices implanted during the past 16 years were evaluated. Their continuation or termination of the treatment was taken as a measure of long-term treatment success. Age, sex, underlying pain condition, stimulation modality (SCS, SubQ, or hybrid), occurrence, and reasons for treatment termination were documented. Patients were classified as long-term responders and long-term nonresponders and analyzed with their clinical data and stimulation modality. The sample consisted of 98 patients. Of these, 66 were treated with SCS, 21 with SubQ, and 11 with a hybrid system.Approximately 61.3% of patients receiving SubQ terminated the treatment within two years because of ineffectiveness, whereas only 28.8% of patients receiving SCS terminated their stimulation. Back and neck pain were associated with treatment termination (p = 0.011). SubQ was also significantly associated with treatment termination.SubQ seems not to provide substantial long-term pain relief for back and neck pain because most patients abandoned their stimulation therapy.

Shunt obstruction is a common cause of shunt failure in the treatment of hydrocephalus. Valve occlusion is traditionally believed to originate from elevated CSF protein or cellular components, although detailed evidence is scarce and contradictory. Therefore, this study aimed to examine CSF protein and cell count as risk factors for valve obstruction. We retrospectively examined 274 patients who underwent shunt placement for hydrocephalus between 2009 and 2018 and had at least 1 year follow-up. Age, aetiology of hydrocephalus, valve type, occurrence of revision, reason for revision and CSF protein and cell count at the time of shunt insertion and revision surgery were analysed. Thirty-two of 274 patients (11.7%) required revision surgery due to valve occlusion. Mean time to revision was 143 days. CSF white blood cell (WBC) count but not protein was associated with valve occlusion overall. Of all obstructed valve patients, 25% showed CSF protein level within the normal range, whereas 13.6% of the patients overall showed greatly elevated CSF protein level without evidence of valve obstruction. Persistently elevated CSF protein level at the time of shunt revision was significantly associated with valve obstruction within 90 days of initial insertion (early occlusion). Children with congenital malformations and post-haemorrhagic patients were significantly overrepresented in the occlusion group, particularly in the early occlusion group. Pathological CSF values such as WBC count and persistently elevated protein level serves as a risk factor for early valve obstruction. Late obstruction occurs independent of normal CSF values. Infants are particularly prone to early and late valve obstructions. CSF protein level at shunt insertion is not predictive of valve occlusion.

Background In an aging society, traumatic head injuries, such as acute subdural hematomas (aSDHs), are increasingly common because the elderly are prone to falls and are often undergoing anticoagulation treatment. Especially in advanced age, cranial surgery such as craniotomies may put patients in further jeopardy. But if treatment is conservative, a chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) may develop, requiring surgical evacuation. Existing studies have reported a correlation between several risk factors contributing to the frequency of chronification. To improve the prediction of the course of disease and to aid counseling patients and relatives, this study aimed to determine the frequency and the main risk factors influencing the process of chronification of an aSDH following conservative treatment. Methods We identified patients presenting between January 2012 and September 2017 at our neurosurgical department with an aSDH. All patients treated conservatively were selected retrospectively, and the following parameters were documented: age, sex, chronification status, Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission and discharge, hematoma thickness and density, the degree of midline shift (MLS), prior anticoagulants and administration of procoagulants, thrombosis management, other coagulopathies, initial length of hospital stay, interval between discharge and readmission, and interval between initial injury and date of surgery and last follow-up. The cohort was divided into patients with complete resolution of their aSDH, and patients who needed surgery due to chronification. Results A total of 75 conservatively treated patients with aSDH were included. A chronification was observed in 24 cases (32%). The process of chronification takes an average of 18 days (range: 10–98 days). The following factors were significantly associated with the process of chronification: age (p = 0.001), anticoagulant medication (acetylsalicylic acid [ASA], Coumadin, and novel anticoagulants [NOACs]) before injury (p = 0.026), administration of procoagulants (p = 0.001), presence of other coagulopathies such as thrombocytopenia (p = 0.002), low hematoma density at discharge (p = 0.001), hematoma thickness on admission and discharge (p = 0.001), and the degree of MLS (p = 0.044). Conclusion Chronification occurred in a third of all patients with conservatively treated aSDH, on average within 3 weeks. The probability of developing a cSDH is 0.96 times higher with every yearly increase in age, resulting in 56% chronification in patients ≥ 70 years. Hematoma thickness and impairment of the coagulation system such as anticoagulant medication (ASA, Coumadin, and NOACs) or thrombocytopenia are further risk factors for chronification.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting is a highly effective treatment for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). However, secondary deterioration can occur at a later time. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the incidence rate and causes of secondary deterioration. A retrospective analysis was conducted on all patients with iNPH who were treated with implantation of a CSF shunt since 1993. A meticulous shunt workup was recommended to all patients who presented to our department with secondary deterioration during their follow-up visits. Data about the proportion of patients with such deterioration and its causes, subsequent treatment, and clinical outcome were obtained. A total of 169 patients were included, and the mean follow-up time was 69.2 months. In total, 119 (70.4%) patients presented with a total of 153 secondary deteriorations. In 9 cases (5.9%), the deterioration was caused by delayed subdural hematoma and in 27 (22.1%) cases, by shunt dysfunction. Invasive shunt testing was commonly required to validate shunt failure. Moreover, 19 of 27 patients experienced a satisfactory improvement after revision surgery. In total, 86 deteriorations were attributed to nonsurgical causes, and the valve pressure was decreased in 79 patients, with only 16.5% presenting with a satisfactory improvement after lowering of valve pressure. Most patients with shunted iNPH presented with deterioration in the later course of the disease. Shunt dysfunction was considered a cause of secondary deterioration. Moreover, shunt revision surgery was a highly effective treatment, and patients with deterioration should undergo screening procedures for shunt dysfunction, including invasive shunt testing.

Background Cortical bone trajectory (CBT) is a relatively new technique for pedicle screw insertion in the field of spine surgery. Previous studies have demonstrated the significantly better pullout and toggle characteristics the new method offers, and it appears to have certain advantages over the widely used traditional trajectory. The mechanism of the pullout and toggle characteristics still remains unknown. Purpose To report the medium- to long-term follow-up findings of patients who underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion or posterior lumbar fusion (PLIF/PLF) at our institution and to discuss the ideal screw trajectory when using this technique. Study Design Retrospective radiologic study. Methods Fifty-five patients who underwent PLIF/PLF for lumbar spondylosis using the new technique between January 2011 and January 2016 were included. Clinical outcome was assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores for low back pain and visual analog scale scores. Screw loosening was evaluated via the presence of a translucent zone surrounding the pedicle screw using plain X-radiography (Xp). The screw trajectory was evaluated by measuring the rostral range (RR) and the lateral range score (LRS). The RR is the angle between the line drawn along the distal end plate of the vertebra and the line drawn along the screw on the lateral view. The LRS is the score given depending on the position of the tip of the screw seen on the Xp taken in the anteroposterior (AP) view. The pedicle ring is equally divided into the medial third (zone A), central third (zone B), and the lateral third (zone C) by four vertical lines. A score of 0 to 3 points is given depending on the position of the tip of the screw: 0, outside the pedicle ring; 1, zone A; 2, zone B; and 3, zone C. Results Bone fusion was recorded in 49 patients (49/55 patients). The total number of screws with a visible translucent zone on Xp was 26 (26/242 screws). When the screws are inserted at a more acute angle in the lateral view (low RR) or when the screws are directed more medially (low LRS), the risk of developing a translucent zone around the pedicle screw increased. Conclusion With CBT, the pedicle screws are inserted from the pars interarticularis that is rich in cortical bone, strong enough to withstand the substantial forces usually encountered in the region. Our clinical data suggest that the optimal screw trajectory is one where the screw is inserted at an angle > 22.55 degrees (high RR) on the lateral view Xp and where the tip of the screw is directed toward the lateral third of the pedicle on the AP Xp. We believe the naturally occurring buttress effect that exists in the vertebra may give CBT a mechanical and anatomical advantage over the traditional screw trajectory.

Background Patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) often present to emergency departments with acute abdomen. It is challenging to distinguish between the abdominal problems caused by a VPS and acute surgical abdomen having another cause because VPS infections occasionally cause peritonitis. The frequencies and clinical features of acute abdomen caused by VPS infection are unknown. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of all patients with a VPS who presented with acute abdomen to emergency department for a 10-year period. Clinical data, diagnostic workflow, and subsequent treatment were assessed using patient medical records. Results In total, 1679 patients presented with acute abdomen; of these, 24 (1.4%) had a VPS at the time of presentation. Of the 24 patients, 12 had an acute surgical abdomen related to gastrointestinal sources with subsequent therapy. In the remaining 12 patients (50%), peritonitis was caused by a VPS infection; seven of these had erroneous abdominal surgeries because of misdiagnosis. Patients with shunt infections as a source of peritonitis underwent shunt surgeries within the past 10 wk (mean, 58 d). Patients with an acute surgical abdomen with gastrointestinal sources had their most recent shunt surgery at a mean of 4.7 y before presentation to the emergency department. Conclusions Acute abdomen and peritonitis are challenging in the presence of a VPS. Shunt infections frequently mimic acute surgical abdomen and may lead to misdiagnosis, unnecessary diagnostic procedures, unnecessary surgery, and delay in receiving the appropriate treatment. Shunt surgery in recent patient history is suggestive of VPS infection, and a shunt tap should be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt revision surgery represents a huge social and economic burden. Few studies, however, have evaluated shunt revision surgeries in the context of their avoidability, and existing data are from paediatric populations. Using ratings from an expert panel, we classified avoidable and unavoidable shunt revisions in a mixed cohort of CSF-shunt patients. In a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained, single-centre database, we identified all shunt systems implanted for the first time over a 10-year period (2007–2016) and all subsequent revision surgeries with a follow-up of at least 1 year. A panel of five expert shunt surgeons classified each revision surgery as avoidable or unavoidable. Rates of each were calculated and correlated with clinical data. Of 210 revision surgeries (314 patients, mean age, 49.9 years; mean follow-up, 4.2 years), the panel judged 114 as unavoidable (54.3%) and 96 (45.7%) as avoidable. Level of surgeon education correlated with these rates, but even in the most experienced hands, 12.5% of revisions were classified as avoidable. Avoidable revisions occurred significantly earlier than unavoidable interventions (mean; 112 and 448 days, respectively) after the index surgery. Rates of avoidable shunt revision surgery are alarmingly high, even in experienced hands. Avoidable revisions occur significantly earlier, predominantly within the first 3 months after the index surgery.

Background Studies investigating multimodal cerebral monitoring including partial brain tissue oxygen monitoring (ptiO2) in neuro-intensive care patients during physiotherapy are completely lacking in the literature. Materials and Methods We performed a post hoc analysis of prospectively collected data of patients on multimodal cerebral monitoring by intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) measurement as well as ptiO2. Patients with severe brain diseases were treated with passive range of motion (PROM). We recorded ICP, CPP, and ptiO2 continuously every minute at baseline (15 minutes), during treatment (26 minutes), and 15 minutes after treatment with PROM. Results Overall, 25 treatment units with PROM in 10 patients with combined ICP/CPP and ptiO2 monitoring were evaluated. Median ICP, CPP, and ptiO2 at baseline were 12 ± 6.1 mm Hg, 86 ± 17.1 mm Hg, and 27 ± 14.3 mm Hg, respectively. Values for ICP, CPP, and ptiO2 did not change significantly when comparing mean values before, during, and after therapy. Conclusions Based on ptiO2 measurements, our data provide new information about the feasibility and safety of physiotherapy in patients with severe brain diseases.

Background The indication for and the timing of a permanent shunt operation in patients following acute hydrocephalus (HC) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remains controversial because risk factors for chronic HC fail to predict permanent shunt dependency. The amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drained via an external ventricular drain (EVD) may predict shunt dependency. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of our HC database from January 2006 to December 2011. All patients receiving an EVD due to acute HC after SAH were analyzed. The daily amount of drained CSF was documented until the EVD was removed or converted to a permanent shunt either immediately or during a follow-up period of 6 months. Results A total of 139 patients (48 male, 91 female; mean age: 57 ± 14 years) were eligible for the study. Mean duration of EVD was 16 ± 10 days (range: 4–60 days). A permanent shunt was necessary in 32% of cases ( n = 45). The mean daily CSF volume was 139 ± 17 mL (range: 15–460 mL). Using repeated-measures analysis of variance, there was a significant difference of daily drained CSF volumes between both the groups in the first 15 days after the EVD. Conclusion Our results suggest that the daily amount of external CSF drainage volume in the acute state of SAH might influence the development of HC.

Intrahospital transport is associated with a high rate of complications. Investigations of this problem using neuromonitoring remain scarce. This is a monocentric, prospective observational study. Patients with severe brain diseases and intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring were included. Continuous monitoring of ICP, cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate, and mean arterial pressure was measured during seven different periods of intrahospital transport (baseline for 30 min, I = preparation, II = transport I, III = CT scan, IV = transport II, V = postprocessing, and follow-up for another 30 min). All complications were documented. Between July 2013 and December 2013, a total number of 56 intrahospital transports of 43 patients were performed from ICU to CT. Data recording was incomplete in six cases. Fifty transports have been taken into account for statistical analysis. Forty-two percent were emergency transports. Mean duration of the procedure was 17′ (preparation), 6′ (transport I), 9′ (CT scan), 6′ (transport II), and 15′ (postprocessing), respectively. Mean ICP at baseline was 8.53 mmHg. Comparing all periods of intrahospital transport and the follow-up period to the baseline showed a significant increase of ICP only during CT scan (15.83 mmHg, p

Introduction Hydrocephalus (HC) occurs due to multiple origins. Time course and dynamic of HC and its therapies differ between underlying pathologies. Different revision rates due to the type of HC are expected. Though hydrocephalus is known to be a life time condition, the lack of shunt malfunction years or decades after initial shunt insertion raises the hope of a superfluous shunt. Methods We conducted a retrospective survey of our OR-database during a 10 year period. All newly inserted shunt systems and subsequent shunt revisions are recorded according to quantity and time point. All patients were subdivided according their aetiology of HC. Results 260 patients were eligible with a follow-up of 4.5 years. Subgroups were: 90 patients with NPH, 76 patients with posthaemorrhagic and 16 patients had posttraumatic HC. 22 received a shunt as a consequence of a tumour, 41 were children and 15 for other causes. Overall revision rate was 39.5%. During the first 6 months 55.6%, 57.9% and 75% of patients with NPH, posthaemorrhagic and posttraumatic HC had revisions. In contrast only 38.1% of children and 20% of tumour cases required early revision. Conclusion Two different patterns of revision are evident: mainly early revisions in morphologically stable diseases such as posthaemorrhagic, posttraumatic and NPH and predominantly late revisions in changing organisms such as children and tumour patients. The conception HC may be transient because of a lack of late revisions cannot be supported by this data.

A 45-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital due to headache and hypaesthesia of the left arm (GCS = 15). She developed over the course moderate dysarthria and hemiparesis with sensory and visual neglect on the left side. The initial cranial computer tomography (CCT) was inconspicuous. CT-angiography showed a segmental occlusion of the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) (Fig. 1a). Treatment was started with i.v Heparin (pTT = 70 s). When no improvement was observed on this therapy and patient developed hemiplegia without showing any infarction or bleeding in CCT (Fig. 1b), endovascular thrombectomy (Penumbra 041 catheter ) (ET) of the SSS was done with some residual clot in the distal segment (Fig. 1c, d). The next day patient developed anisocoria (GCS = 3). CCT-scan showed a right frontal intracranial hemorrhage with a consecutive midline shift of about 1 cm (Fig. 1e). ICP was elevated with values above 20 mmHg (intraparenchymatous-pressure probe: Neurovent-P; Raumedic ). Decompressive hemicraniectomy (DH) was carried out (Fig. 1f). Systemic heparinization was continued during ET and DH (pTT = 70 s). Due to the elevated ICP a multimodal therapy with deep sedation, analgesics and osmotic drugs was added. Heparinization was continued until oral anticoagulation was started 2 weeks after the initial event. Three weeks later there was a significant improvement in the clinical status of the patient with residual spastic hemiplegia on the left side and she was transferred to a rehabilitation clinic. Six weeks later the cranial bone flap was reimplanted. The patient was able to use a wheelchair with a hemiparesis on the left side. Five months after the initial event patient was ambulatory with a severe residual paresis of the left arm (Fig. 1g). The modified ranking scale was 3. A protein-S deficiency was detected. Protein-C, antithrombin III, lupus anticoagulant and factor V Leiden mutation tests were unremarkable.