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A novel percutaneous system for bone graft delivery and containment for elevation and stabilization of vertebral compression fractures

Technical note

Sandi Lam and Larry T. Khoo

Object

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures used to treat persistently symptomatic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). Both interventions usually involve injection of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The purpose of this technical note was to review the theory and surgical technique for a novel percutaneous system for fracture reduction and stabilization of VCFs by using bone graft.

Methods

This technical note highlights the Optimesh system as an alternative method of minimally invasive VCF reduction and stabilization with the delivery of a bone graft containment device. Instead of using PMMA as in vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, this system allows the delivery of allograft and/or autograft bone, with its osteoinductive, osteoconductive, and osteogenic properties.

Conclusions

This system allows for restoration of sagittal alignment of the spine with direct control of bone graft delivery by using a mesh graft containment device that allows for ingrowth of new bone and vascular tissue.

In Neurosurgical Focus Volume 18: Issue 3 (Mar 2005): Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty

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Venous thromboembolism in the setting of pediatric traumatic brain injury

Clinical article

Dominic A. Harris and Sandi Lam

Object

The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) has not been well characterized given its rarity in the pediatric population. Investigation of risk factors for VTE in this group requires the use of a large sample size. Using nationally representative hospital discharge data for 2009, the authors of this study characterize the incidence and risk factors for VTE in children hospitalized for TBI.

Methods

The authors conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database to examine VTE in TBI-associated hospitalizations for patients 20 years of age or younger during the year 2009.

Results

There were 58,529 children with TBI-related admissions, including 267 with VTE diagnoses. Venous thromboembolisms occurred in 4.6 per 1000 TBI-associated hospitalizations compared with 1.2 per 1000 pediatric hospitalizations overall. By adjusted logistic regression, patients significantly more likely to be diagnosed with VTE had the following: older age of 15–20 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.7, 95% CI 1.8–8.0), venous catheterization (aOR 3.0, 95% CI 2.0–4.6), mechanical ventilation (aOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2–2.9), tracheostomy (aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3–4.0), nonaccidental trauma (aOR 2.8, 95% CI 1.1–6.9), increased length of stay (aOR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.03), orthopedic surgery (aOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.8–3.4), and cranial surgery (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–2.8).

Conclusions

Using the Kids' Inpatient Database, the authors found that risk factors for VTE in the setting of TBI in the pediatric population include older age, venous catheterization, nonaccidental trauma, increased length of hospital stay, orthopedic surgery, and cranial surgery.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics Volume 13 (2014): Issue 4 (Apr 2014)

Open access

Blistering skin reaction with Mastisol in a patient with spina bifida: illustrative case

Robin M. Bowman, Vineeth Thirunavu, and Sandi Lam

BACKGROUND

Patients with spina bifida have repeated interactions with the healthcare system and often require multiple surgeries throughout their lifetime. Latex precautions are often indicated owing to the high risk of anaphylactic reactions. The choice of dressing for these patients represents an opportunity for learning and standardization if appropriate. The authors discuss the various cases of skin reactions to Mastisol in the literature in comparison with their case and explore the possible mechanisms underlying this skin reaction given the high prevalence of latex allergy in patients with spina bifida.

OBSERVATIONS

The authors present the case of a 17-year-old girl with a history of spina bifida and shunted hydrocephalus who underwent a shunt externalization operation and subsequently developed an allergic contact dermatitis reaction to Mastisol liquid adhesive. Topical steroid cream was then administered, and signs and symptoms resolved over the next 3 days.

LESSONS

The choice of dressing should be considered carefully in patients with spina bifida given their repeated exposures and possible sensitivities. The authors aim to increase the awareness of the possibility of Mastisol-induced skin reactions in patients with spina bifida and set a foundation for future studies to investigate the relationship between latex allergy and sensitization to Mastisol.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons Volume 1: Issue 13 (Mar 2021)

Free access

Informed consent in neurosurgery: a systematic review

Nathan A. Shlobin, Mark Sheldon, and Sandi Lam

OBJECTIVE

Informed consent has served as a main principle of medical ethics and laws in the United States. The 1986 American Association of Neurological Surgeons Code of Ethics implied medicolegal liability for the failure to obtain informed consent without providing practical guidance regarding the application of informed consent to individual patient encounters in a medicolegal environment. Here, the authors aimed to identify baseline patient recall after discussions with neurosurgeons and their capacity to provide informed consent, describe the effects of interventions to improve patient comprehension, and elucidate the role of informed consent in malpractice litigation in neurosurgery. Their findings may guide neurosurgeons in discussions to properly inform patients and reduce the risk of litigation.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted to explore informed consent within neurosurgery and its application to medicolegal liability using the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases. Titles and abstracts from articles identified in the search were read and selected for full-text review. Studies meeting prespecified inclusion criteria were reviewed in full and analyzed for study design, aim, population, interventions, and outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 1428 resultant articles, 21 were included in the review. Baseline patient recall was low, particularly for risks and alternatives of treatments, and even decreased over time. Cognitive impairment was noted as a factor limiting the ability to provide informed consent. Interventions incorporating a combination of modalities in informed consent discussions, a specialized consent form with points for neurosurgeons to check off upon discussion, interactive websites, question prompt lists, and illustrations were found to be effective in improving patient knowledge. Lack of informed consent was a common factor for malpractice litigation. Spine surgery was particularly prone to costly lawsuits. Payments were generally greater for plaintiff verdicts than for settlements.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of informed consent to patient encounters is an important facet of clinical practice. Neurosurgeons have a duty to provide patients with all pertinent information to allow them to make decisions about their care. The authors examined baseline patient comprehension and capacity, interventions to improve informed consent, and malpractice litigation; it appears that determining the proper capacity to provide informed consent and considering informed consent as a process that depends on the setting are important. There is room to improve the informed consent process centered on baseline patient health literacy and understanding as well as clear communication using multiple modalities.

In Neurosurgical Focus Volume 49 (2020): Issue 5 (Nov 2020): Medicolegal issues in neurosurgery

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Meconium staining of the brainstem with open myelomeningocele

Case report

Sandi Lam, Ramesh Grandhi, and Stephanie Greene

Meconium staining of open myelomeningoceles has been reported to occur both prenatally and postnatally, but meconium staining of the brainstem has not been previously documented. The authors present a case of meconium staining of the brainstem in an infant with a meconium-stained myelomeningocele, Chiari malformation Type II, and hydrocephalus and discuss possible implications for prenatal and perinatal care.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics Volume 11 (2013): Issue 2 (Feb 2013)

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Endoscope-assisted posterior quadrant disconnection plus corpus callosotomy: case report

Melissa A. LoPresti, Kathryn Wagner, and Sandi Lam

Intractable epilepsy impacts many children. Surgically resective and palliative treatments have developed to increase seizure freedom or palliate the seizure burden in those with medically refractory epilepsy. However, surgical epilepsy treatment can confer significant morbidity and death. Endoscope-assisted surgical approaches may be helpful in reducing the morbidity related to traditional open surgical approaches while allowing for good visualization of surgical targets. Here, the authors report a case utilizing an endoscope-assisted keyhole approach to perform a posterior quadrantectomy and corpus callosotomy, achieving the surgical goals of disconnection and reducing the need for large craniotomy exposure. They present the case of a 17-year-old male with medically refractory epilepsy treated with endoscope-assisted posterior quadrantectomy and corpus callosotomy through two mini-craniotomies to achieve a functional disconnection. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of an endoscope-assisted approach for a posterior quadrantectomy for surgical epilepsy treatment in an adult or a pediatric patient. The case is reported to highlight the technical nuances and benefits of this approach in select patients as well as the expansion of applications of endoscope-assisted epilepsy surgery.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics Volume 27: Issue 4 (Apr 2021)

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Thecal shunt placement for treatment of obstructive primary syringomyelia

Clinical article

Sandi Lam, Ulrich Batzdorf, and Marvin Bergsneider

Object

The most commonly reported treatment of primary syringomyelia has been laminectomy with duraplasty or direct shunting from the syrinx cavity. Diversion of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the spinal subarachnoid space to peritoneal, atrial, or pleural cavities has been described previously in only a few case reports. Shunting of the CSF from the subarachnoid space rostral to the level of myelographic blockage may reduce the filling force of the syrinx cavity and avoids myelotomy and manipulation of the spinal cord parenchyma. The authors report on 7 patients who underwent thecal shunt placement for primary spinal syringomyelia.

Methods

This study is a retrospective review of a consecutive series. The authors reviewed the medical records and neuroimaging studies of 7 adult patients with posttraumatic, postsurgical, or postinflammatory syringomyelia treated with thecoperitoneal, thecopleural, or thecoatrial shunt placement at the University of California Los Angeles Medical Center. Myelographic evidence of partial or complete CSF flow obstruction was confirmed in the majority of patients. The mean duration of follow-up was 33 months (range 6–104 months).

Results

Six (86%) of 7 patients showed signs of clinical improvement, whereas 1 remained with stable clinical symptoms. Of the 6 patients with available postoperative imaging, each demonstrated a reduction in syrinx size. Three patients (43%) had ≥ 1 complication, including shunt-induced cerebellar tonsillar descent in 1 patient and infections in 2.

Conclusions

If laminectomy with duraplasty is not possible for the treatment of primary syringomyelia, placement of a thecoperitoneal shunt (or thecal shunt to another extrathecal cavity) should be considered. Although complications occurred in 3 of 7 patients, the complication rate was outweighed by a relatively high symptomatic and imaging improvement rate.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine Volume 9: Issue 6 (Dec 2008)

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Use of a formal assessment instrument for evaluation of resident operative skills in pediatric neurosurgery

Caroline Hadley, Sandi K. Lam, Valentina Briceño, Thomas G. Luerssen, and Andrew Jea

OBJECT

Currently there is no standardized tool for assessment of neurosurgical resident performance in the operating room. In light of enhanced requirements issued by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education’s Milestone Project and the Matrix Curriculum Project from the Society of Neurological Surgeons, the implementation of such a tool seems essential for objective evaluation of resident competence. Beyond compliance with governing body guidelines, objective assessment tools may be useful to direct early intervention for trainees performing below the level of their peers so that they may be given more hands-on teaching, while strong residents can be encouraged by faculty members to progress to conducting operations more independently with passive supervision. The aims of this study were to implement a validated assessment tool for evaluation of operative skills in pediatric neurosurgery and determine its feasibility and reliability.

METHODS

All neurosurgery residents completing their pediatric rotation over a 6-month period from January 1, 2014, to June 30, 2014, at the authors’ institution were enrolled in this study. For each procedure, residents were evaluated by means of a form, with one copy being completed by the resident and a separate copy being completed by the attending surgeon. The evaluation form was based on the validated Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills for Surgery (OSATS) and used a 5-point Likert-type scale with 7 categories: respect for tissue; time and motion; instrument handling; knowledge of instruments; flow of operation; use of assistants; and knowledge of specific procedure. Data were then stratified by faculty versus resident (self-) assessment; postgraduate year level; and difficulty of procedure. Descriptive statistics (means and SDs) were calculated, and the results were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Student t-test. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Six faculty members, 1 fellow, and 8 residents completed evaluations for 299 procedures, including 32 ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt revisions, 23 VP shunt placements, 19 endoscopic third ventriculostomies, and 18 craniotomies for tumor resection. There was no significant difference between faculty and resident self-assessment scores overall or in any of the 7 domains scores for each of the involved residents. On self-assessment, senior residents scored themselves significantly higher (p < 0.02) than junior residents overall and in all domains except for “time and motion.” Faculty members scored senior residents significantly higher than junior residents only for the “knowledge of instruments” domain (p = 0.05). When procedure difficulty was considered, senior residents’ scores from faculty members were significantly higher (p = 0.04) than the scores given to junior residents for expert procedures only. Senior residents’ self-evaluation scores were significantly higher than those of junior residents for both expert (p = 0.03) and novice (p = 0.006) procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

OSATS is a feasible and reliable assessment tool for the comprehensive evaluation of neurosurgery resident performance in the operating room. The authors plan to use this tool to assess resident operative skill development and to improve direct resident feedback.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics Volume 16 (2015): Issue 5 (Nov 2015)

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Letter to the Editor: Off-label rhBMP-2 use in pediatric spine deformity surgery

Paul D. Kiely and Matthew E. Cunningham

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics Volume 15 (2015): Issue 5 (May 2015)

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Congenital neurocristic tumor presenting as an isolated calvarial defect in an infant: case report

Caroline Hadley, Carrie A. Mohila, Thomas G. Luerssen, and Sandi Lam

In infants, the presence of a cranial defect may be due to a variety of traumatic, inflammatory, neoplastic, and congenital abnormalities. Differentiation between these possible etiologies is facilitated by clinical presentation, patient history, and physical examination. Congenital cutaneous neural crest–derived lesions are unlikely to be considered in a patient presenting with an asymptomatic cranial defect without overlying mass or skin pigmentation. The authors present an unusual case of a 2-month-old infant with an asymptomatic calvarial defect with normal overlying skin. Pathology of the excised tissue showed features consistent with a congenital neurocristic tumor: a pigmented, neural crest–derived hamartomatous tumor that typically presents as a melanotic skin lesion.

In Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics Volume 16 (2015): Issue 1 (Jul 2015)