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Biomedical subjects

D D Dietze

Publications and source records attributed to D D Dietze.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1997

Primary reconstruction for spinal infections.

Primary reconstruction using bone grafts and instrumentation for spinal infections remains controversial. Between 1991 and 1993, 27 infections of the spinal column were treated at the Department of Neurosurgery of the University of Florida. Of the 27 cases 20 (six cervical, eight thoracic, and six lumbar spine) required surgical debridement and spinal reconstruction to maximize eradication of the infection and maintenance of spinal alignment. All of the cervical and lumbar cases were caused by bacterial infections, and two of eight thoracic cases were caused by tuberculous infections. Spinal arthrodesis was performed in all cases: interbody grafts were used in 18 procedures and posterolateral onlay grafts in 14. Interbody grafts were autologous in 10 cases (six rib and four iliac crest) and allograft in eight (six fibular and two humerus). All of the posterolateral onlay grafts were autologous (three rib and 11 iliac crest). Spinal instrumentation was used in 15 cases: four with Caspar plates and 11 with posterior segmental fixation (five hook/rod constructs and six screw/rod constructs). Seventeen of 20 patients achieved improved clinical status postoperatively and 18 of 20 showed radiographic evidence of bone fusion. Antibiotic drugs were administered parenterally for an average of 6 weeks followed by a 3-month course of oral antibiotic medications. Tuberculous infections were treated for 1 year with antibiotic therapy. The average follow-up period was 37 months from surgery and 31 months after completion of treatment with antibiotic drugs. The authors conclude that primary arthrodesis and instrumentation can be performed in acute spinal infections; however, successful management depends on aggressive debridement of infectious foci and prolonged treatment with parenteral antibiotic drugs.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Posterolateral approach to intradural extramedullary thoracic tumors.

Six ventrally located intradural thoracic tumors were successfully resected through the posterolateral approach. This approach allows direct visualization of the ventral and dorsal boundaries of the tumor with minimal manipulation of the spinal cord. Compared to the traditional laminectomy, the operative time is increased but visualization of the tumor and spinal cord is markedly improved. Compared to the transthoracic approach, the posterolateral approach has fewer potential complications and eliminates the necessity of vertebrectomy. Neurological improvement occurred in all six patients. It is believed that this approach offers significant advantages for the treatment of ventrally located intradural thoracic tumors, and should be considered an alternative to the transthoracic approach.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Thoracic disc herniations.

Because of the protean nature of thoracic disc disease, surgeons should maintain a high order of suspicion of a thoracic disc herniation in the patient with unexplained localized back or torso pain and sensorimotor deficits. These patients should have MR imaging performed as a screening test, and, if suspicious for a thoracic disc herniation, confirmatory myelogram and postmyelogram CT imaging. Though the natural history is anecdotal, there appears to be a tendency for myelopathic symptoms and signs to be progressive, warranting surgical intervention. For radicular dysfunction or localized back pain, a conservative therapeutic plan is recommended. If intractable pain is demonstrated, and the diagnosis is certain, then surgical intervention is recommended. Once surgical intervention is recommended the surgical approach needs to be individualized according to the surgeon's skills and experience and the specifics of the patient's pathology. Appropriate surgical decision-making depends on an understanding of the variety of surgical options and their advantages and disadvantages, and an understanding of the biomechanical factors of the spine of the individual patient. Surgical concepts important to successful thoracic disc removal are (1) minimal spinal cord manipulation, (2) preservation of the neurovascular supply whenever possible, (3) minimal manipulation of the intercostal nerve, and (4) preservation of maximal bony and ligamentous attachments allowable for adequate exposure. Lastly it is recommended that the posterior longitudinal ligament be removed to ensure complete spinal cord decompression.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Lateral parascapular extrapleural approach to the upper thoracic spine.

The upper thoracic vertebrae are difficult to approach surgically because of the narrowing of the thoracic inlet, the proximity of the brachial plexus, and the parascapular shoulder musculature. A novel lateral parascapular extrapleural approach to the upper thoracic vertebrae is described. The parascapular shoulder musculature (trapezius, levator scapulae, and rhomboid muscles) is reflected off the spinous processes to the scapula as a musculocutaneous flap, preserving the neurovascular supply. The paraspinal musculature is mobilized and retracted, and the upper dorsal ribs are removed with caution to avoid injury to the C-8 and T-1 nerve roots. The rami communicantes are transected, and the sympathetic chain is displaced anterolaterally. The T2-4 vertebrae can be approached unobstructed. The T-1 nerve root obstructs posterolateral access to the T-1 vertebra, necessitating an inferolateral approach underneath the T-1 nerve root axilla. Four patients with compressive myelopathy from upper thoracic vertebral metastases underwent neural decompression, vertebral reconstruction, and posterior spinal fixation with this approach. Their postoperative neurological status was either unchanged or improved. Complications included radiographic pleural effusion and superficial wound dehiscence; one patient required posterior spinal reinstrumentation for progressive kyphosis. One patient developed pneumonia 7 days postoperatively which was unresponsive to appropriate treatment. It is believed that the anatomical limitations to this region have been overcome, and that excellent exposure of the T1-4 vertebrae for neural decompression and vertebral reconstruction can be performed safely. A major advantage is that posterior spinal fixation can be carried out simultaneously.

Female↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Cerebellar mutism after posterior fossa surgery.

A large midline posterior fossa medulluloblastoma and a cerebellar arteriovenous malformation with associated clot were moved with postoperative mutism. Mutism was immediate and resolved into an ataxic dysarthria with residual mild dysarthria at 3 months. The literature is reviewed, and the clinicopathological and neurophysiological data of cerebellar function in speech are discussed. Acute injury to the midportion of the cerebellum with or without dentate nuclear involvement can cause a spectrum of speech disturbances. The more widespread the injury to the midportion of the cerebellum with dentate nuclei involvement the greater the risk of developing postoperative mutism.

Adolescent↗