Passive-marker technology has been demonstrated to be useful for optical position determination in computer-aided surgery.

The results confirm our concept of early decompression of the optic nerve, based on close interdisciplinary cooperation and the ophthalmological findings.

No abstract

Caloric testing of the vestibular labyrinth is usually performed by classical caloric test procedures (CCTP) using water warmed to 30°C and 44°C. Ice water irrigation (4°C) is usually not performed, although it might be useful as a bedside test. To verify the validity of the Minimal Ice Water Caloric Test (MIWCT), comparative video-oculographic investigations were performed in 22 healthy subjects using ice water (0.5 ml, 1.0 ml, 2 ml), CCTP, and cold air (27°C). Frequency, amplitude, slow phase velocity (SPV), the onset, and the duration of nystagmus were documented. After addition of three ice cubes, the temperature of conventional tap water (16°C) fell within 13 min to 4°C. In pessimum position the subjects demonstrated no nystagmus response. Compared to CCTP, MIWCT was associated with a significantly later onset of nystagmus and a significant prolongation of the nystagmus reaction. In contrast to air stimulation (27°C), a significant Spearman's correlation was noted between MIWCT (1 and 2 ml) and established CCTP in respect of essential nystagmus parameters (frequency, amplitude and SPV). Furthermore, MIWCT (0.5 and 1 ml) showed a higher sensitivity and specificity with regard to the detection of canal paresis based on Jongkees' formula compared to stimulation with air 27°C. Thus, MIWCT appears to be a suitable procedure for bedside investigation of vestibular function outside the vestibular laboratory, e.g. in a hospital ward, where bedridden patients with vertigo occasionally require vestibular testing.

In the industrialized countries, the last 15 years have seen an increasing rate of cases of tuberculosis. However, upper cervical spine tuberculosis involving a cold retropharyngeal abscess is extremely rare. We report on a 58 year old female from Sri Lanka presenting with unspecific neck pain and stiffness. She was diagnosed as having extensive tubercular osteodestruction of the second cervical spine body, including epidural and large retropharyngeal abscesses.