Introduction Epidural fibrosis (EF) causes adhesions in the epidural distance, resulting in chronic low back and leg pain symptoms during the postoperative period. Currently, ozone is used for treating lumbar disk herniation and low back pain. However, its effect on epidural fibrosis is largely unknown. Material and methods This rodent study examined the histopathological and biochemical effects of ozone therapy on epidural fibrosis. Forty-seven male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into four groups, as follows: Control Group (CG) (n = 12): Laminectomy was performed, and no substance was applied. Saline Group (SG) (n = 11): Rats underwent intraoperative washing with 50 mL saline after laminectomy. Local Ozone Group (LOG) (n = 12): Rats underwent intraoperative washing with 50 mL ozonated distilled water after laminectomy. Systemic Ozone Group (SOG) (n = 12): Ozone was administered intraperitoneally (0.7 mg/kg) for 7 consecutive days postoperatively. At the end of 4 weeks, all subjects were sacrificed. Histopathological and biochemical data obtained from the tissues were analyzed in terms of EF. Results No statistically significant differences regarding EF, spinal cord retraction, inflammation, and fibroblast density were observed between the groups (p = 0.728; p = 0.813; p = 0.152; and p = 0.226, respectively). Hydroxyproline levels were higher in LOG than in SOG (p = 0.007); however, no statistically significant differences were observed among other groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions In our study, we could not record the positive effect of ozone therapy in terms of histopathology and biochemistry with the current doses and application methods. We think that caution should be exercised in the ozone dose and method of application in the clinical approach. In addition, we are of the opinion that statistically significant results can be obtained by creating a treatment protocol that includes different dose applications.

The ventriculus terminalis is a cavity in the conus medullaris, bounded by ependymal cells, associated with the central canal. It is an anatomical structure that is very rare in adults, with a limited number of surgical cases that have been reported in the literature. In children, it is regarded as a normal congenital variation, known to regress before five years of age, and very few symptomatic cases have been reported in both pediatric and adult populations. It is often asymptomatic in adults and is detected incidentally. Although potentially nonsignificant individually, symptoms can range from nonspecific low back pain to sphincter dysfunction and focal neurologic deficits. Our purpose is to discuss our management strategy in comparison to the existing literature. A retrospective review was conducted of all adult patients (aged 17 years and older) diagnosed with ventriculus terminalis who were referred to the hospital between 2010 and 2020. Clinical classification was made according to the classification defined by Batista. In addition, Ganau's classification was also used. Five patients were included in the study. The majority of these patients (n=4, 80%) were symptomatic at the time of diagnosis, with nonspecific back pain being the most common symptom (n=3, (60%). None of the patients required neurosurgical intervention during the follow-up period of 21.6±8.9 months, as there was no clinical deterioration observed. Ventriculus terminalis is a rare pathology that may develop de novo in adults, often remaining undiagnosed until the cyst enlarges, and can manifest with a wide spectrum of symptoms. When identified, it requires careful management, involving surgery when necessary and a conservative approach when appropriate.

Intramedullary Schwannomas: A Rare Case Report Intramedullary schwannomas are an uncommon pathology. This study aims to examine and compare our case with the existing literature retrospectively. A 52-year-old male patient presented to our outpatient clinic with complaints of difficulty in walking and spasms in the legs. Radiological examinations revealed an intramedullary lesion at the C7-T3 level, leading to the decision for surgical intervention, which achieved complete resection. Remarkably, no neurological deterioration was observed during the follow-up period. No additional adjuvant treatment was administered. Intramedullary schwannoma is a rare type of spinal cord tumor, with less than 200 cases reported in the literature. The exact etiopathogenesis of this rare condition still requires clarification. Surgery remains the gold standard treatment for schwannomas, owing to the low recurrence rate observed after complete excision. Through careful surgical management, these tumors can be effectively treated.

IntroductionTo highlight the importance of hands-on experiences and mentorship in shaping the future workforce of specialized medical professionals via a Neurosurgery Training Camp.MethodsResponses of the questionnaire regarding the Neurosurgery Training Camp organized by Bursa Uludag University's Faculty of Medicine and the Turkish Neurosurgery Academy were reviewed retrospectively. A one-day program was organized to introduce neurosurgery to medical students. During the camp, the students participated in interactive presentations delivered by faculty members, had lunch together, became acquainted with neurosurgical tools and technologies, and performed interventions. With pre and postworkshop questionnaire, student's expectations and thoughts about camp was evaluated.ResultsForty-one students from 10 medical schools, spanning every year of study, attended the camp. Approximately 39% of the attendees (n = 16) were women and 61% (n = 25) were men. The post-workshop survey results demonstrated that 73% of the students (n = 30) were inclined to pursue a career in neurosurgery after the camp, 21.9% (n = 9) remained undecided, and 4.8% (n = 2) chose not to pursue neurosurgery. Feedback from the post-workshop questionnaire highlighted that all students perceived the camp as beneficial in providing insights into their future careers and aiding in making a decision regarding their career paths.DiscussionThe neurosurgical training camp effectively inspired and educated medical students about the discipline of neurosurgery. Furthermore, the camp effectively altered the career aspirations and perceptions of neurosurgery among the participating students.

Pediatrik spinal tümörler tüm pediatrik santral sinir sistemi tümörlerinin %10’undan azını oluşturmaktadır. Sıklıkla metastatik vasıfta olan bu tümörler spinal korda bası yaparak nörolojik defisite ve dolayısı ile morbiditeye neden olmaktadırlar. Erken tanı ve tedavi hasta sağ kalımını önemli oranda etkilemektedir. Çalışmamızda kliniğimizde Mayıs 2010– Kasım 2021 tarihleri arasında opere edilen pediatrik yaş grubundaki spinal kitleli olgular retrospektif incelendi. 47 pediatrik spinal kitle olgusu (26 E, 21 K) değerlendirildi. 24 (%51) olguda kitle ekstradural, 13 (%27,7) olguda intradural ekstramedüller, 10 (%21,3) olguda ise intramedüller yerleşimliydi. En sık başvuru semptomu 41 (%87,2) olgu ile ağrı idi. 4 (%8,5) olguda biyopsi, 12 (%25,5) olguda subtotal eksizyon, 31 (%66) olguda total eksizyon yapıldı. En sık patolojiler; intradural ekstramedüller yerleşimli (n=8; %17) dermoid-epidermoid tümör, ekstradural yerleşimli (n=7; %14,9) Ewing sarkomu ve intramedüller yerleşimli (n=6; %12,8) astrositoma olarak izlendi. Toplamda 7 (%14,9) olguya adjuvan kemoterapi; 1 (%2,1) olguya ise radyoterapi; 12 (%25,6) olguya ise kombine kemoradyoterapi prosedürü uygulandı. Ortalama 37,3± 32,7 ay olan takip süresi boyunca 7 (%14,9) olgu nüks/rezidü tümör, 3 (%6,4) olgu ise yara yeri enfeksiyonu sebebiyle tekrar opere edildi. Pediatrik spinal tümörler neden olduğu morbiditeler, geç tanı konması ve dolayısıyla da erken ve etkili tedavi gerekliliği açısından nöroşirürji pratiğinde önemli bir yere sahiptir. Tedavi şekli tümörün patolojik tanısına göre yapılır ancak cerrahi rezeksiyon esastır. Etkin tedavi modalitelerinde cerrahinin yanı sıra adjuvan kemoterapi ve radyoterapi birlikte kullanılmalıdır.

AIM:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of posterior transdural discectomy for thoracic disc herniation.MATERIAL AND METHODS:The medical records of seven patients who underwent posterior transdural discectomy for thoracic disc herniation were retrospectively evaluated.RESULTS:Between 2012 and 2020, seven patients (five men and two women) who were aged between 17 and 74 years underwent posterior transdural discectomy. Numbness is the most common presenting symptom, and two patients complained of urinary incontinence. T10-11 was the most affected level. All patients underwent at least 6 months of follow-up. There were no postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks and neurological complications postoperatively. All patients maintained their baseline neurological status or improved after surgery. No patient had secondary neurological deterioration or need for further surgical treatment.CONCLUSION:The posterior transdural approach is a safe procedure that should be considered in lateral and paracentral thoracic disc herniations providing a more direct surgical intervention.

Santral sinir sistemi (SSS) enfeksiyonları gelişen tanı ve tedavi yöntemlerine rağmen hala önemli bir morbidite ve mortalite nedenidir. Gözlenen şikayetlerin nonspesifik olması özellikle intrakranial tüberküloma ve beyin absesi başta olmak üzere çeşitli SSS enfeksiyon hastalığının klinikoradyolojik olarak malignitelerle karışabilmesine neden olmaktadır. Bu durum göz önünde bulundurularak çalışmamızda klinikoradyolojik olarak maligniteleri taklit eden SSS enfeksiyöz hastalıklarının klinikoradyolojik ve histomorfolojik özelliklerini olgularımız üzerinden paylaşarak bilimsel literatüre katkıda bulunmak amaçlanmıştır. Bu retrospektif çalışmada patoloji arşivi taranarak, 2010-2023 yılları arasında klinikoradyolojik bulgular doğrultusunda malignite ön tanısı ile opere edilen ancak histopatolojik değerlendirme sonucu santral sinir sisteminin enfeksiyon hastalıkları ile uyumlu tanı alan 19 olgu dahil edildi. Çalışmaya dahil edilen 19 olgunun 8’i kadın, 11’i erkekti. Olguların ortalama yaş değeri 51+15,68 iken yaş dağılımı 21 ile 72 arasında değişmekteydi. Klinikoradyolojik bulgular doğrultusunda 6 olguya glial tümör, 3 olguya tümöral lezyon, 3 olguya neoplaziye bağlı patolojik kırık, 2 olguya meningioma, 2 olguya metastaz, 2 olguya sinir kılıfı tümörü ve 1 olguya hipofiz adenomu ön tanısı ile eksizyon planlandı. Histomorfolojik değerlendirmede olguların %52,6’sında nekrotizan granülomatöz iltihap, %15,8’inde süpüratif inflamasyon ve %10,5’inde kist hidatik ile uyumlu bulgular saptandı. SSS enfeksiyonları farklı predispozan durumlarda farklı etkenlerin neden olduğu, doğru ve etkin tedavi edilmediği takdirde morbidite ve mortalite oranları yüksek hastalıklardır. Bu hastalıkların santral sinir sisteminin primer ve metastatik maligniteleri ile örtüşen şikayet, semptom ve radyolojik bulguya sahip olması doğru tanı koymayı zorlaştıran durumlardır. Olguyu değerlendirirken ihtimaller akılda bulundurulmalı ve olgu klinik öyküsü ile birlikte bir bütün halinde değerlendirilmelidir.

AIM:To investigate the preoperative and postoperative differences in the upper-body and spinal shapes of patients with scoliosis.MATERIAL AND METHODS:Digitized two-dimensional X-ray images were used to obtain the shapes of the upper-body and spine. The preoperative and postoperative mean shapes were compared by using a Generalized Procrustes analysis. The thin plate spline (TPS) method was used to evaluate the spinal shape deformation between the preoperative and postoperative periods.RESULTS:The pre- and postoperative upper-body and spinal shape differences were significant. The TPS graphics showed highlevel deformations between the pre- and postoperative periods. The left superior border of the L4 spinous process showed the highest deformation.CONCLUSION:The preoperative and postoperative upper-body and spinal shape differences and structural deformations that correlated with scoliosis were shown to be significant.

Son dönemde ependimomalarda tanımlanan moleküler özellikler prognostik bir faktör olarak önerilmektedir. Ancak dünya genelinde eşit dağılıma sahip olmayan ekonomik koşullar moleküler çalışmaların rutin olarak tüm merkezlerde değerlendirilmesine olanak sağlamamaktadır. Bu durum göz önünde bulundurularak çalışmamızda ependimoma ve anaplastik ependimoma olgularımızdaki klinikopatolojik ve immünohistokimyasal özelliklerin sağkalım üzerindeki etkisinin araştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmamıza merkezimizde 2010-2020 yılları arasında eksizyon materyallerinden yaş ve cinsiyet ayrımı yapılmaksızın ependimoma, anaplastik ependimoma tanısı alan 64 olgu dahil edildi. Olguların demografik bilgileri, tümör çapı, klinik ve radyolojik bilgileri, sağkalım durumu, nüks varlığı ve son kontrol tarihleri hastane veri tabanından ve patoloji raporlarından elde edildi. Çalışmaya dahil edilen olgulara ait hematoksilen eozin (H&E) boyalı ve immünohistokimyasal çalışma yapılan lamlar yeniden değerlendirildi. Yapılan istatistiksel analizde nükssüz sağkalımla lokalizasyon ve rezeksiyon durumu arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir farklılık bulundu (p=0,050

INTRODUCTION:This study aimed to determine the diagnostic value of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-17, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and D-lactate levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of nosocomial meningitis patients. METHODS:The CSF levels of cytokines and D-lactate were compared across 29 episodes of nosocomial meningitis, 38 episodes of pleocytosis (without meningitis) and 54 control subjects. RESULTS:The CSF levels of IL-6, IL-8, and D-lactate were higher in the group with nosocomial meningitis compared to the control group and the group with pleocytosis without meningitis ( P < 0.05). For IL-6 levels (threshold: >440 pg/mL), the sensitivity and specificity were 55.17% and 94.74%, respectively. For IL-8 levels (threshold: >1,249 pg/mL), the sensitivity and specificity were 44.83% and 84.21%, respectively. In patients with nosocomial meningitis, when the threshold of D-lactate levels was >1.05 μmol/mL, the sensitivity and specificity were 75.86% and 63.16%, respectively. In pleocytosis (without meningitis) CSF samples and in nosocomial meningitis CSF samples, the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated for triple combination model of IL-6, IL-8 and D-lactate levels (AUC 0.801, P < 0.001) and double combination model of IL-6 and IL-8 (AUC 0.790, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION:Our study findings suggest that IL-6, IL-8 and D-lactate levels could be diagnostic markers for nosocomial meningitis.

In this article, we present a case of leptomeningeal pneumocephalus and pneumorrhachis secondary to pneumothorax that occurred six years after syringopleural shunting.

Pediatrik spinal yaralanmalar nadir görülen bir durumdur ancak bu hastaların tedavileri ile ilgili kesinleşmiş kriterler ortaya konulamamıştır. Bu çalışmada kliniğimizde Ocak 2010- Aralık 2019 tarihleri arasında takip ve tedavi edilen pediatrik hastaların dosyaları retrospektif olarak incelenmiştir. Çalışmamıza 23 hasta dahil edilmiştir. Hastaların 15 (%65.2) tanesi erkek, 8’i (%34.7) kadındı. Olguların büyük çoğunluğunun etiyolojisinde düşme ve trafik kazası (%73.9) vardı. 8 hastada fraktür, 11 hastada subluksasyon saptandı. Hastaların 17 tanesi konservatif olarak tedavi edilirken, 6 hasta cerrahi olarak tedavi edildi. Servikal spinal yaralanmalar çocukluk çağında tanı ve tedavi açısından özellik ve dikkat gerektiren bir durumdur. Bu durumun yönetiminde çocukluklar ile erişkinlerin arasındaki anatomik farkların iyi bilinmesi hayati önem taşır.

Posterior instrumented fusion of the cervical spine is a common surgical procedure in the treatment of cervical subluxation, fractures, and stenosis. Although malpositions are commonly seen, it is rare to observe the malposition of the rod or interconnection because of hardware failure. A 62-year-old woman with spastic tetraparesis as a sequel to pediatric meningitis with C1 -C2 cervical subluxation and myelomalacia had undergone laminectomy of C1 and C1 lateral mass and C2 bilateral pedicular screw fixation. Three years after the stabilization, she presented with complaints of headache, neck pain, and difficulty walking. There was no history of trauma during that period. A previously unrecorded and unusual migration of a rod through the thoracic subarachnoid space was detected. In this study, we report a case of atlantoaxial stabilization using the screw-rod technique that was followed by rod migration to the thoracic subarachnoid space, and outline the subsequent management of the case. Failure of bony fusion can result in micromotion and subsequent migration of fixation device components. Routine radiographic follow-up could be used to identify migration events.

Study Design Level 1 randomized controlled study. Purpose To investigate the effects of systemic and local interferon-beta-1a (IFN-β-1a) on prevention of epidural fibrosis using histopathological parameters. Overview of Literature Epidural fibrosis involves fibroblastic invasion of nerve roots into the epidural space. Formation of dense fibrous tissue causes lumbar and radicular pain. Many surgical techniques and several materials have been proposed in the literature, but no study has assessed the effect of IFN-β-1a on prevention of epidural fibrosis. Methods Forty-eight adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups of eight: sham group, control group, systemic 44 μg IFN-β-1a group and 22 μg IFN-β-1a group (after laminectomy and discectomy, 0.28 mL and 0.14 mL IFN-β-1a applied subcutaneously three times for a week, respectively), local 44 μg IFN-β-1a group (laminectomy and discectomy, followed by 0.28 mL IFN-β-1a on the surgical area), and local 22 μg IFN-β-1a group (laminectomy and discectomy, followed by 0.14 mL IFN-β-1a on the surgical area). All rats were sacrificed after 4 weeks and groups were evaluated histopathologically. Results Compared with sham and control groups, significantly less epidural fibrosis, dural adhesion, and fibroblast cell density were observed in the local and systemic 44 μg IFN-β-1a groups. No other differences were evident between the local and systemic groups. Conclusions IFN-β-1a is effective in preventing epidural fibrosis with systemic and local application.

OBJECT Epidural fibrosis is nonphysiological scar formation, usually at the site of neurosurgical access into the spinal canal, in the intimate vicinity of and around the origin of the radicular sheath. The formation of dense fibrous tissue causes lumbar and radicular pain. In addition to radicular symptoms, the formation of scar tissue may cause problems during reoperation. The authors aimed to investigate the effects of cross-linked high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HA), an HA derivative known as HA gel, on the prevention of epidural fibrosis by using histopathological and biochemical parameters. METHODS Fifty-six adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were evaluated. The rats were divided into 4 groups. Rats in the sham group (n = 14) underwent laminectomy and discectomy and received no treatment; rats in the control group (n = 14) underwent laminectomy and discectomy and received 0.9% NaCl treatment in the surgical area; rats in the HA group (n = 14) received HA treatment at the surgical area after laminectomy and discectomy; and rats in the HA gel group (n = 14) underwent laminectomy and discectomy in addition to receiving treatment with cross-linked high-molecular-weight HA in the surgical area. All rats were decapitated after 4 weeks, and the specimens were evaluated histopathologically and biochemically. The results were statistically compared using the Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS Compared with the sham and control groups, the HA and HA gel groups showed significantly lower fibroblast cell density and tissue hydroxyproline concentrations (p < 0.05). There was statistically significant lower dural adhesion and foreign-body reaction between the control and HA gel groups (p < 0.05). Granulation tissue and epidural fibrosis were significantly lower in the HA and HA gel groups compared with the sham group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in any histopathological parameters or biochemical values between Groups 3 and 4 (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Cross-linked high-molecular-weight HA had positive effects on the prevention of epidural fibrosis and the reduction of fibrotic tissue density. The efficacy of this agent should also be verified in further experimental and clinical studies.

Study Design: Direct measurements of the adult human intercostal spaces and depths of thoracoscopically accessible anatomical structures from common entrance points on the posterior axillary line for thoracoscopic tools.Objectives: To determine morphometry of the adult human chest wall and thoracic cavity that can be utilized during thoracoscopic procedures and in thoracoscopic tool design.Background Data: Although certain entrance points through the intercostal spaces are recommended for thoracoscopy, no anatomical data have been tabulated in the literature quantifying distances from these entrance points or investigating variability among subjects.Materials and Methods: Direct measurements of the intercostal spacings of 10 unembalmed cadavers were obtained. Distances between the 1st-10th rib at the posterior axillary line and the caput of the corresponding ribs and the junction of the lateral edge of the aorta and the intervertebral disc were measured.Results: Intercostal spacings gradually increased from rostral to caudal and were maximum at T10-11 (mean 15.2 mm). Distance from the posterior axillary line to the caputs of the corresponding ribs was greatest at the 7th rib (mean 11.4 cm). Distance from the posterior axillary line to the junction points of the corresponding intervertebral discs and aorta was greatest at the 7th rib level (mean 12.6 cm).Conclusion: These data provide a quantitative anatomical basis that can be used to help limit neural and vascular complications during thoracoscopy, improve thoracoscopic techniques, design new thoracoscopic equipment, and compare to the anatomy of the animals used for thoracoscopic training.

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma is a very rare clinical emergency. A permanent neurological deficit or even death may result if diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Many cases can be diagnosed upon detailed neurological examination and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Usually, surgery is required, but rarely, the condition may improve spontaneously. A 46-year-old male patient was admitted to our emergency department because of rapidly evolving severe paraplegia following development of sudden-onset neck pain. Spinal MR imaging detected an epidural hematoma compressing the spinal cord at the C5–T1 level. Clinical and radiological follow-up showed that the patient recovered spontaneously in 48 hours without any need for surgical treatment.

In this case series study, the surgical outcomes of 29 patients with intracerebral hematomas resulting from the rupture of middle cerebral artery aneurysms that were operated on within the first 12 hours after rupture were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative cerebral angiography could be obtained in 12 (41.3%) of our patients. Outcome was assessed according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale at 6 months after surgery. Overall mortality was 48%. Of 12 patients in good preoperative condition, 6 (50%) had a favorable outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale, 4 to 5), whereas of the 17 patients in poor preoperative condition only 1 (5.8%) had a favorable outcome (P = 0.042). Our results suggest that despite early surgical treatment of patients with ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms associated with massive intracerebral hematoma, mortality continues to be high in patients with poor preoperative grades.

Spinal column trauma is relatively uncommon in the pediatric population, representing 1–2% of all pediatric fractures. However, pediatric spinal injury at more than one level is not uncommon. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanisms and patterns of the injury and factors affecting management and outcomes of pediatric multilevel spine injuries.