Search

Hip osteoarthritis (HOA) leads to pain and reduced function. The use of intra-articular injections based on corticosteroids, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), or hyaluronic acid (HA) is becoming a common symptomatic therapy for HOA. For the first time, we compare the effectiveness of plasma with a high concentration of platelets and leukocytes (L-PRP) with PRP+HA in patients with mild to moderate HOA. A total of 26 patients in each group were administered with either L-PRP or PRP+HA. Outcomes were evaluated at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year after the injection. The mean visual analog scale (VAS) and Harris hip score (HHS) within and between groups among different time points were compared using repeated measures ANCOVA (age set as a covariate). Both treatments were effective in reducing VAS, but not in significantly increasing HHS. In the group treated with L-PRP, VAS showed interaction between time and treatment (in favor of L-PRP). Pairwise comparison for treatment and time point evidenced a significant difference at 1-year follow-up between L-PRP and PRP-HA. Outcomes support the idea that both treatments may be effective in reducing pain, with maximal pain reduction achieved after 3 months. L-PRP showed better results in reducing VAS over time. Both treatments are effective at reducing pain in the short to medium term. L-PRP could be the treatment of choice due to a more marked effect over time. Nevertheless, further research is needed to better describe the clinical outcome of these formulations.

A collision tumor is one where two neoplasms of differing type occur at the same anatomical site. We present a patient suffering from non Hodgkin small cell lymphocytic lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukemia (SLL/CLL) and complaining intense lumbar back pain refractory to medical treatment. Lumbosacral MRI showed an intradural extramedullary lesion in the left L2-L3 foramen with extracanalar development and compression of psoas muscle. CT showed intralesional calcification. The patient underwent resection of the lesion through a paraspinal posterolateral approach (Wiltse approach). The histology was of schwannoma with intralesional calcifications and lymphocitic infiltrates compatible with B-lineage SLL/CLL. After the operation the patient suffer from left psoas muscle motor weakness (3/5 MRC). Because of hematological disease progression, she underwent 6 cycles of chemioterapy (Fludarabine, Cyclophosphamide, Rituximab). At a six-month follow-up no recurrence or residual tumor upon lumbosacral MR imaging was detectable and the left thigh flexion returned normal. To our knowledge, this is the first described case in the literature of collision tumor between a solitary spinal Schwannoma and SLL/CLL.

Double traumatic non-contiguous lesions of the subaxial cervical region are a rare event mostly caused by multiple, simultaneous or rapidly consecutive high-energy-impact traumas. The modality of treatment chosen for these lesions must be related to local lower cervical spine biomechanics. We present the case of a 59 year-old patient who suffered a subaxial cervical spine double fracture-dislocation following a complex-dynamic trauma. Radiological imaging displayed a C4-C5 and C7-T1 fracture-dislocation with cord signal intensity abnormalities. This patient showed a complete neurological deficit (ASIA A; mJOA 0) with a C4 sensory-motor level. He was urgently operated upon through an anterior approach, reduction of both dislocations and positioning of intervertebral cages and anterior plates at C4-C5 and C7-T1. At a 16-month follow-up he displays neurological improvement, moving his upper extremities at the C7-C8 motor level and a T5 sensory level (mJOA 3; Odom's Criteria 3). The check-CT scan at 24-month shows the correct positioning of the stabilization system and a complete bone fusion.Double traumatic lesions of the subaxial cervical spine, when interposed by healthy functional segments can be treated as two single independent lesions in order to allow a better outcome.

Background and objectives: Knee osteoarthritis (KO) is one of the most common joint diseases, determining knee pain and reduction of mobility, with a negative effect on quality of life. Intra-articular injections of different formulations of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are an increasingly common non-surgical treatment for KO. Recently, in order to combine the anti-inflammatory effect of platelet rich plasma and the viscosupplementation effect of hyaluronic acid, a formulation of PRP combined with hyaluronic acid (PRP + HA) has been proposed. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively compare the effectiveness of plasma with high concentration of platelets and leukocytes (L-PRP) with PRP + HA in patients with mild to moderate (Kellgren–Lawrence scale II-III grade) KO. Materials and Methods: Among the 51 patients included, 28 have been treated with L-PRP, while 23 with PRP + HA. A retrospective evaluation at baseline (T0), after 3 months (T1) and 1 year (T2) has been performed. The outcome analyzed are the Knee Society Score (KSS), the Visuo Analogic Scale (VAS) (at T0, T1, and T2) and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) (T0 and T2). We evaluated change in mean scores within and between groups among different time points using repeated measures ANCOVA. Results: Although the two treatments have been both effective in reducing VAS, the group treated with PRP + HA showed a significantly lower KSS. Conclusions: Our results show that the use of both treatments may help to reduce pain in patients with mild to moderate KO. PRP + HA showed better results in improving knee mobility and function. These results should be considered only preliminary: Further research is needed to completely describe the clinical effectiveness of these formulations.

Nervus intermedius neuralgia is an extremely rare craniofacial neuralgia characterized by intermittent episodes of pain located deep in the ear that last for seconds or minutes and are often triggered by sensory or mechanical stimuli at the posterior wall of the auditory canal without any underlying pathology. Pain can be associated with disorders of lacrimation, salivation, and taste. Despite the fact that the majority of cases is idiopathic, reports can be found in the literature, where this neuralgia is secondary to a neurovascular conflict between the seventh cranial nerve and anterior-inferior cerebellar artery, posterior-inferior cerebellar artery, and vertebral artery or their branches. For these cases a microvascular decompression procedure can be considered a valid therapeutic approach. In a video, we describe microsurgical decompression of the nervus intermedius in a 40-year-old lady who described a 19-year history of short-lasting paroxystic pain felt in the deep external acoustic meatus on the left side, refractory to medical treatment, with no disturbances of lacrimation, salivation, or taste.

Solitary juvenile xanthogranuloma (SJX) of the spine is an extremely rare proliferative histiocytic disorder with only few cases reported in literature. We present the first case of intramedullary spinal SJX. A 22-year-old male presented with a nine-month history of progressively worsening sphincteric disturbances and saddle hypoesthesia. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an intra-axial lesion located in the conus medullaris; T1 hypointense, T2 iso-hyperintense and uniformly enhancing after contrast administration. The lesion was removed through a T12-L1 laminectomy and a median myelotomy with neurophysiological monitoring. Histological examination and immunohistochemical testing confirmed the diagnosis of SJX. Due to the intramedullary localization and the absence of a clear cleavage plane, radical removal was not possible. The tumor subsequently recurred and new surgical procedures were necessary followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. Patient made good neurological recovery. Three years after the latest treatment, MRI showed no recurrence. In accordance with the literature, the treatment of choice for SJX its radical removal, or subtotal removal followed by adjuvant radiotherapy.

Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a rare brain tumour, most commonly affecting children and young adults. To date, only few data regarding the long-term follow-up of these patients after surgery are available. The aim of this study is to describe our single-institution experience in the surgical management of this particular glioma over a period of over 18 years.We performed a retrospective review of all cases of PXA (40 patients) operated upon at the Department of Neurosurgery of Verona, Italy, between 1990 and 2008. The impact of clinical, radiological, surgical and histological factors on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) was analysed by means of univariate and multivariate models.We achieved a gross total resection (GTR) in 65% of patients. Histological diagnosis was of grade II in 80%; anaplastic features were present in the remaining 20%. Adjuvant treatment, radiotherapy or chemo-radiotherapy, was administered in 40% of the cases. Median follow-up was 74 months. OS at 5- and 10 years was 76.32% and 68.24%, respectively. PFS at 5- and 10 years was 71% and 58%, respectively. In the multivariate model, histological grade, extent of resection and age at diagnosis (≤ 30 years vs30 years) were the only independent prognostic factors for both OS and PFS.Our retrospective long-term study confirms the relatively favourable prognosis associated with PXA. Young patients with a low-grade tumour (WHO grade II) who underwent GTR carry the longest OS and PFS.

Background Atlantoaxial degenerative articular cysts are rare lesions that can cause extradural compression of the cervicomedullary junction. When symptomatic, they usually require surgical treatment. We report an unusual case of spontaneous regression of an atlantoaxial degenerative articular cyst after conservative treatment with an external cervical brace along with a systemic therapy with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids. We also discuss the potential pathogenetic mechanisms involved. Purpose To describe a case of significant volume reduction of an atlantoaxial articular degenerative cyst in a patient treated with a Philadelphia collar and anti-inflammatory drugs. Study design Case report with analysis of the literature. Methods A 80-year-old patient was admitted to our institution with a history of progressive tetraparesis, ataxic gait, and cervical pain. A cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed an extradural mass lesion behind the dens of C2 causing significant compression of the cervicomedullary junction, suggesting the diagnosis of atlantoaxial degenerative articular cyst. The patient refused surgery in favour of a conservative treatment with a Philadelphia collar and a short-term course of NSAIDs and corticosteroids. Results After 6 weeks, the patient's neurological condition improved, and a 6-month follow-up cervical spine MRI scan revealed an almost complete regression of the atlantoaxial cystic lesion. At a 1-year follow-up, his clinical condition was further improved. Conclusions Atlantoaxial articular degenerative cysts are rare lesions that should be included in the differential diagnosis of those extradural lesions that can cause a ventral or ventrolateral compression of the cervicomedullary junction. They most commonly occur in elderly female patients affected by diffuse arthrosic degeneration of the cervical spine, with or without clear radiological signs of atlantoaxial instability, and have a typical appearance on MRI imaging. Surgery, with direct excision of the cyst and/or a C1–C2 fusion, is the first treatment of choice. Nevertheless, our report points out the possibility of a significant spontaneous regression of these lesions following a simple conservative strategy based on the use of an external cervical brace together with a systemic anti-inflammatory therapy.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is an extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma arising from and confined to the neuraxis. It represents about 3-4% of all primitive brain neoplasms and is mainly located in deep supratentorial regions. A ventricular involvement is quite frequent, but in the vast majority of cases it is secondary to an extension from a subependymal location. Amongst the primary ventricular forms occasionally reported, a choroid plexus origin is extremely rare; to date, only three cases have been described in the English literature. We report the case of a 71-year-old left-handed woman admitted to our department after a progressive 2-week history of confusion, motor speech disturbances and left hemiparesis. A brain MRI scan displayed an intraventricular lesion located in the right atrium, about 2.5cm in its major axis, homogeneously enhancing after gadolinium administration, surrounded by edema in the homolateral deep hemispheric region; the main diagnostic hypothesis was meningioma. She underwent a parieto-occipital craniotomy and a navigation-assisted posterior parietal transcortical approach, achieving complete removal of the intraventricular lesion originating from the choroid plexus. The histological diagnosis was of high-grade diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Both an MRI scan of the entire craniospinal axis and a thoracic and abdominal CT scan showed no other neoplastic lesions; a bone marrow biopsy was normal; a final diagnosis of primary central nervous system lymphoma was made. CSF cytological analysis did not show any signs of lymphoma dissemination. Adjuvant chemotherapy with methotrexate was administered, and at the last follow-up (26 months) our patient is clinically and radiologically disease-free. Primary choroid plexus lymphoma is a very rare tumor that should be included in the differential diagnosis of intraventricular neoplasms. It usually occurs in the lateral ventricles (with a predilection for the atrium) of adult people (>50 years of age), apparently with a male prevalence. Generally, the radiological picture mimics that of a meningioma, despite the fact that meningiomas usually reach a greater volume before clinical onset. Surgery is almost always necessary to obtain an adequate tissue sample and frequently leads to a radical removal of the lesion. Low-grade marginal zone B-cell, T-cell and high-grade diffuse large B-cell (present case) forms have been described. With a proper adjuvant therapy a relatively good outcome is observed.

OBJECTIVE: Glomus jugulare tumors are generally considered slow-growing, benign lesions. However, their pronounced local aggressiveness frequently results in severe neurological deficits. Surgical removal is rarely radical and is usually associated with morbidity. There is increasing evidence that stereotactic radiosurgery, particularly gamma knife radiosurgery (GKR), may play a relevant role as a therapeutic option in these tumors. METHODS: Between 1996 and 2005, we used GKR to treat 20 patients bearing growing glomus jugulare tumors, mostly classified as Glasscock-Jackson Grade IV or Fisch Stage D1. Follow-up (mean, 50.85 mo) data was available for 20 patients (four men, 16 women; mean age, 56 yr): eight out of 20 tumors were surgical recurrences, three out of 20 patients had GKR as the primary treatment, and 11 out of 20 patients previously underwent endovascular embolization. Regarding the radiosurgical dose planning, the average tumor volume was 7.03 cm3 (range, 1.5–13.4 cm3) and the mean marginal dose was 17.3 Gy (range, 13–24 Gy). RESULTS: Neurological signs and symptoms were unchanged in 13 out of 20 patients. An improvement of cranial nerve function was observed in five patients and hearing deterioration was observed in two patients. Tumor volume was unchanged in 11 out of 20 patients and was slightly (≤ 20%) decreased in eight out of 20 patients. In one unusual case of a bulky cavernous sinus recurrence, neoplastic regression was particularly pronounced. CONCLUSION: Despite the constraints of the limited case material, considering the estimated doubling time of these rare tumors (4.2 yr), our preliminary results with GKR at a mid-term follow-up examination suggest an effective tumor growth control with negligible incidence of untoward sequelae.

Spinal cavernous angiomas are rare vascular malformations occurring mainly in the vertebral body with or without an extradural extension. Only 3-5% of these lesions are entirely located in the spinal canal where they can occupy an extradural, intradural-extramedullary or intramedullary position. We present a 75-year-old woman with signs and symptoms of multiple lumbar radiculopathy. The lumbosacral MRI showed an intradural cauda equina lesion with heterogeneous contrast enhancement that was subsequently radically removed through an L3-L4 laminectomy. The microscopic appearance was suggestive of cavernous angioma with intraneural growth. Clinical, radiological, and surgical features of this unusual lesion (to date, only 12 cases are reported) are discussed.

Meningiomas are meningothelial cell neoplasms that account for approximately 25% of all primary intracranial tumors. Most meningiomas are slow-growing benign lesions, and they are usually attached to the inner surface of the dura mater. Nevertheless, since the first description by of Cushing and Eisenhardt, many meningiomas without dural attachment have been reported. A subgroup located in the sylvian fissure (also called deep sylvian meningiomas) has been described, and these represent a radiological and neurosurgical challenge. We describe an atypical sylvian fissure meningioma in a 23-year-old male with a brief history of headache and mild hemiparesis. We also review the pertinent literature defining the major epidemiological, clinical, radiological and surgical characteristics of these rare tumors.

OBJECTIVE: Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKR) is an increasingly used, minimally invasive treatment option for patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) refractory to medical therapy. This retrospective study evaluates the long-term results and side effects of GKR in the treatment of TN focusing on potentially predictive factors. METHODS: One hundred sixty patients with TN were included in this study (minimum follow-up, >6 mo; mean, 37.4 mo; range, 6-144 mo). In 92 patients, GKR represented the first nonmedical option ("primary GKR"). In 68 patients, invasive treatments had been previously attempted. All patients were treated using a single 4-mm collimator shot targeting the pontine trigeminal root entry zone with a maximal dose of 75 to 95 Gy. Brainstem dose exposure never exceeded 15 Gy. Treatment outcome results were classified as Grade I (pain-free with no pharmacological treatment), Grade II (pain-free with pharmacological treatment), and Grade III (no result). Data were analyzed using the log-rank test for univariate analysis and the ordered logit model for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: In the overall series, 98 (61%) out of 160 patients reached a Grade I out-come, 45 (29%) reached a Grade II outcome, and 17 (10%) patients had no results from GKR. These results were encouraging for patients with typical facial pain features and for patients treated by a "primary" gamma knife. Considering the global outcome, the most effective and safest dose was found to be in the 80 to 90 Gy range. CONCLUSION: According to our experience, GKR represents a reliable second-line therapeutic approach forTN after pharmacological failure. Favorable prognostic factors include "primary GKR" and maximal GKR dose ranging between 80 and 90 Gy.