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Biomedical subjects

D Gambacorta

Publications and source records attributed to D Gambacorta.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1988

Posterior acrylic surgical fixation of odontoid fractures.

Fourteen cases of odontoid fractures had, as primary treatment, a posterior surgical fixation (C1 + C2 + C3 and occiput in some cases) by means of acrylate and stainless steel wires, without waiting for the unpredictable final results of external systems of stabilization. The youngest patient was 20 years old, the oldest 84 years old. No immediate or late neurological complications occurred (follow-up: one year to ten years). All the patients were mobilized early without external fixation. Union of the dens took place in eleven cases, and good stabilization in the remainder. Thirteen patients recovered, one improved. Posterior acrylic fixation is the treatment of choice in cases of odontoid fracture, particularly in elderly patients in whom a solid union rarely is obtained.

Acrylates↗
PubMed1987

Early posterior acrylic fixation of traumatic odontoid fractures.

Nine cases of traumatic odontoid fractures had, as a primary treatment, a posterior surgical fixation (C1 + C2 + C3) by means of acrylate, without waiting for the unpredictable results of external systems of immobilisation. No immediate or late (follow-up: six months to seven yrs) neurological complications occurred. Solid union took place in all the cases but one. Two cases of wound infection were recorded. All the patients were actively mobilised on the second postoperative day without external immobilisation.

Acrylates↗
PubMed1985

Calcified lumbar disc protrusion in an adolescent.

The case of an adolescent operated on for a calcified lumbar disc protrusion is reported. The literature reviewed shows the rarity of this condition. Moreover, the comparison of our case with similar ones shows that it is extremely peculiar.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

Cranio-orbito-facial injuries: technical suggestions.

Eight per cent of 387 acutely head-injured patients had concomitant orbitofacial injuries. Irrespective of the magnitude of brain injury, the main surgical goals in such cases treated were closure of CSF fistulas, maximizing recovery of eye movement, visual and masticatory function, and esthetic reconstruction. The strictly neurosurgical lesions should be dealt with at once because of the risk of intracranial infection. Antibiotic acrylic and antibiotic wax are valuable in such intervention. In most cases it is advantageous to treat lesions of the upper two thirds of the facial complex in the same operative session. For this reason neurosurgeons who do not have ready access to a maxillofacial specialist should be prepared to cope with the problems presented by orbitofacial injuries.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

Contribution to the study of craniostenosis: disturbance of the cerebrospinal fluid flow in oxycephaly.

In 6 cases of oxycephaly, isotope (RIHSA) cisternography showed an altered CSF circulation with ventricular reflux or cisternal block and accumulation of the contrast at lumbosacral level. These changes express increased absorption of the CSF by the spinal arachnoid villi to compensate for reduced or nonexistent absorption by the subarachnoid villi of the vault, obstructed by chronic intracranial hypertension secondary to craniosynostosis. The possible clinical implications are outlined.

Cephalometry↗
PubMed1979

[Dexamethasone-21-phosphate in the treatment of cerebral edema. Evaluation of the effects on diuresis, natremia and natriuria].

An evaluation was made of variations in blood and urinary sodium following the administration of 24 mg/day desamethasone-21-phosphate for at least 9 days, starting from admission, as cerebral antioedemigenic therapy in 30 patients with nerve traumas. The changes observed were within normal limits. This absence of interference with the hydro-electrolyte balance is a strong point in favour of the use of the drug in the treatment of cerebral oedema. The exact mechanism of action of this type of glycocorticoid, however, is still unknown.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

[Hydrocephalus and craniodiaphyseal dysplasia (author's transl)].

One case is reported of dilatation of the lateral ventricles in a patient suffering from craniodiaphyseal dysplasia, with follow up of one year. The pathogenic hypothesis personally proposed are: a) partial and intermittent compression of the aqueduct by a dolico-mega basilar artery; b) "cisternal hypofunction".

Bone Diseases, Developmental↗
PubMed1978

Congenital stenosis of lumbar spinal canal: comparison of results of surgical treatment for this and other causes of lumbar syndrome.

The operative results in 37 consecutive patients suffering from developmental stenosis of the lumbar spinal canal, compared with those in spondylosis and disc herniations, are discussed. The diagnostic certainty of stenosis, suspected on the bases of clinical and radiographic data, is reached only at the operating table. To judge the usefulness of the operation we have considered not only the patients' verdicts, but also the improvements in neurological signs and the appearance of new deficits. Satisfactory results are around 80%, slightly less good with stenosis than with the other causes of lumbar syndrome. Radiographic study with contrast medium is mandatory. Dimer-X has been used with very clear radiographic findings and very few complications. Operating technique is also described: a wide laminectomy with facetectomy is advised. The great importance of early physiotherapy is emphasized.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1976

Tabetic lumbar osteoarthropathy with cauda equina syndrome. Case report.

The case is described of a 52 year old patient admitted for acauda equina compression syndrome (flaccid paraplegia of the lower limbs, bilateral lumbar and sciatic pains, urinary incontinence) of rapid onset and due to narrowing of the lumbar canal from tabetic arthropathy. These vertebral manifestations occur in a low percentage of tabetic arthropathies, which are relatively rare, and are not often accompanied by severe neurological disturbances. Decompressive laminectomy afforded rapid and lasting relief.

Cauda Equina↗