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H Stephensen

Publications and source records attributed to H Stephensen.

23 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

The anterior approach to high thoracic (T1-T2) disc herniation.

A patient with a T1-T2 disc herniation, operated on via the anterior approach, is presented. In a search of the literature we found 18 reported cases, all operated on by posterior or posterolateral approaches. The feasibility of the anterior discectomy in our case was established by preoperative magnetic resonance imaging of the upper thorax. We think that an anterior discectomy at the level of the upper thoracic spine can be easily performed in selected cases. The clinical picture of T1 root compression is described.

Adult↗

Does the shunt opening pressure influence the effect of shunt surgery in normal pressure hydrocephalus?

Thirteen patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus were operated upon with an externally maneuverable shunt system (Sophy SU8) in order to investigate its influence on clinical outcome, intracranial pressure and cranial CT parameters. The opening pressure was set at high at surgery and lowered stepwise at intervals of three months to medium and low. The clinical condition, intracranial pressure and cranial CT parameters were examined at the end of the 3 months interval on each pressure level. The patients improved within the first 3 months inspite of an unchanged mean intracranial pressure and remained in a stable clinical condition during the rest of the study period. The intracranial pressure was significantly reduced at 9 months. The ventricular index, Evans index, temporal horn and third ventricle width were reduced 3 months post-operatively and did not change significantly during the rest of the study. The pre-operative third ventricle width was correlated to high psychometric test results after shunt surgery. Reduction in ventricular index, Evans index and third ventricle width after surgery correlated to improvement in psychometric scoring. The clinical improvement after shunt surgery for normal pressure hydrocephalus is seen within 3 months and is independent of the adjusted valve pressure.

Aged↗

Clinical parameters in 74 consecutive patients shunt operated for normal pressure hydrocephalus.

Seventy four consecutive patients diagnosed as normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) and operated with a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt were followed prospectively for an average of 2.1 years. The mean age was 64 years. The effect of the operation was estimated by calculating 6 indices expression social functioning, neurological signs, gait ability, continence, psychometric performance and psychiatric condition. Ninety-six % had mental symptoms, 95% gait disturbances and 75% incontinence. Improvement was observed in 78% after shunt surgery, while 22% deteriorated. Psychiatric improvement was seen in 80% and 76% improved in gait ability. Improvement was highest in the group caused by subarachnoid hemorrhage (98%) while 73% with idiopathic NPH improved. Old age was not correlated to poorer response, while long-standing pre-operative symptoms yielded worse results. No single symptom or sign could predict a positive outcome of the operation. Eleven % of the patients could leave long-term care institutions and there was a 36% reduction of aid in daily living. Complications to shunt surgery were observed in 50% of the patients and shunt related mortality was 1%. Shunt malfunction was the most frequent complication (31%) followed by infection (19%). Epilepsy developed in 9% after surgery. All shunt complication except one appeared within the first year after surgery.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Repositioning of craniofacial tumorous bone after autoclaving.

Thirteen bone tumours that were invading the craniofacial skeleton were operated on by intracranial procedures. The resected tumorous bone was autoclaved and put back. Follow up of no less than one year included 122mTc scanning, computed tomography, radiography, bone biopsy and clinical examination. In every case, when rigidly fixed, most of the autoclaved bone was gradually revitalised by invading new and normal bone. We conclude that autoclaved bone will be replaced by normal bone, and that the present technique is justified for reconstruction of complicated structures or large areas of bone after operations for tumours invading the craniofacial skeleton.

Adolescent↗