The administration of magnesium led to a significant reduction in the requirements for anaesthetic drugs during total i.v. anaesthesia with propofol, remifentanil and vecuronium.

Object Traumatic posterior fossa epidural hematoma (PFEDH) is rare, but among children it may have a slightly higher incidence. With the widespread use of CT scanning, the diagnosis of PFEDH can be established more accurately, leading to an increased incidence of the lesion and possibly to a better patient prognosis. This study presents 40 pediatric cases with PFEDH. Methods The authors assessed the type of trauma, clinical findings on admission, Glasgow Coma Scale scores, CT findings (thickness of the hematoma, bone fracture, compression of the fourth ventricle, and ventricle enlargement), type of treatment, clinical course, and prognosis. Early postoperative CT scans (within the first 6 hours) were obtained and reviewed in all surgical cases. Results Twenty-nine patients underwent surgery and 11 patients received conservative therapy and close follow-up. All patients fared well, and there was no surgical mortality or morbidity. Conclusions Based on the data in this large series, the authors conclude that PFEDH in children can be treated in experienced centers with excellent outcome, and there is no need to avoid surgery when it is indicated.

The sympathetic trunk is sometimes damaged during the anterior and anterolateral approach to the cervical spine, resulting in Horner's syndrome. No quantitative regional anatomy in fresh human cadavers describing the course and location of the cervical sympathetic trunk (CST) and its relation to the longus colli muscle (LCM) is available in the literature. The aims of this study are to clearly delineate the surgical anatomy and the anatomical variations of CST with respect to the structures around it and to develop a safer surgical method that will diminish the potential risk of CST injury. In this study, 30 cadavers from the Department of Forensic Medicine were dissected to observe the surgical anatomy of the CST. The cadavers used in this study were fresh cadavers chosen at 12-24 h postmortem. The levels of superior and intermediate ganglions of cervical sympathetic chain were determined. The distance of the sympathetic trunk from the medial border of LCM at C6, the diameter of the CST at C6 and the length and width of the superior and intermediate (middle) cervical ganglion were measured. Cervical sympathetic chain is located posteromedial to carotid sheath and just anterior to the longus muscles. It extends longitudinally from the longus capitis to the longus colli over the muscles and under the prevertebral fascia. The average distance between the CST and medial border of the LCM at C6 is 11.6 ± 1.6 mm. The average diameter of the CST at C6 is 3.3 ± 0.6 mm. Superior ganglion of CSC in all dissections was located at the level of C4 vertebra. The length and width of the superior cervical ganglion were 12.5 ± 1.5 and 5.3 ± 0.6 mm, respectively. The location of the intermediate (middle) ganglion of CST showed some variations. The length and width of the middle cervical ganglion were 10.5 ± 1.3 and 6.3 ± 0.6 mm, respectively. The CST's are at high risk when the LC muscle is cut transversely, or when dissection of the prevertebral fascia is performed. Awareness of the CST's regional anatomy may help the surgeon to identify and preserve it during anterior cervical surgeries.

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Object The authors undertook a study to explore the topographic anatomical features seen during the anterolateral approach to cervical spine, anatomical variations, and certain landmarks related to the surgical procedure. Methods The study was conducted in 30 fresh cadavers. Results The common carotid artery bifurcation was mostly found at the level of C-4 (78%). The inferior belly of the omohyoid muscle was seen to cross the sternocleidomastoid muscle at the C5–6 disc level along the entire C-6 vertebral body. To reach the lower cervical region, the sacrifice of this muscle makes the procedure easier. The facial vein drained into the internal jugular vein mostly at the level of C3–4 (54%). The superior ganglion of the cervical sympathetic chain was located at the C-4 vertebra, but the location of the intermediate ganglion exhibited some variation. The vertebral artery entered the transverse foramen of C-6 in 27 cadavers (90%), the transverse foramen of C-7 in two cadavers (7%), and the transverse foramen of C-4 in one cadaver (3%). Because the inferior thyroid artery crossed the C6–7 interspace obliquely, the course of the inferior thyroid artery may complicate the procedure. The C-5 uncinate process was shortest and narrowest and had the greatest distance from the medial edge of the process to the anterior tubercle (p < 0.001). Conclusions Understanding the qualitative anatomy of this region not only improves the safety of anterior and anterolateral cervical spine surgery but also allows adequate decompression of neural elements and resolution of the other pathological processes of this region. In this fresh cadaveric study, our goal was to improve the approach and decrease the incidence of complications.