In the authors' experience, early detection and surgical removal in cases of symptomatic spinal OC is a key element for the best outcome. Posterior approaches are generally sufficient. The chronicity of symptoms may limit functional recovery postoperatively, especially with cervical and thoracic lesions.

Purpose of review Interspinous process devices (IPDs) are used in the surgical treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. The purpose of this review is to compare the first generation with the next-generation devices in terms of complications, device failure, reoperation rates, symptom relief, and outcome. Recent findings Thirty-seven studies were included from 2011 to 2016. Device failure occurred at a mean of 3.7%, with a lower tendency to happen with next-generation IPDs. Reoperations occurred at a lower rate with the nextgeneration devices, with a mean follow up of 24 months (3.7% vs. 11.1%). The clinical outcome is not influenced by the type of IPD. Summary The long-term functionality of these devices is questionable, with radiologic changes and recurrence of symptoms often seen by 2 years following implantation. Next-generation devices do not appear to be subject to the same "bounce back" effect of symptom re-emergence after several years.

One of the most prolific anatomical writers of the 19th century, Hubert von Luschka made significant contributions to our knowledge of neuroanatomy. His publications and textbooks were standards for their day. However, very little is written of his life in either the English or the German literature. His name lives on eponymously in more than 20 anatomical structures, including those most relevant to the neurosurgeon, the foramina of Luschka and uncovertebral joints. In this article, the authors discuss the life and contributions of this prominent German surgeon and anatomist.

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Purpose:To evaluate the resistance or susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the most common pathogen in contact lens keratitis and corneal ulcer, to different antibiotic regimens.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study included all patients with recently diagnosed contact lens corneal ulcer whose culture results were positive for P. aeruginosa, from March 2009 to March 2010. The empirical antibiotic therapy was changed to appropriate antibiotics according to the culture results, provided that satisfactory clinical improvement was not achieved with the initial antibiotic regimen. The overall sensitivity or resistance of P. aeruginosa to the most commonly used antibiotics was assessed based on the results of the antibiograms.Results:Fifty-two patients (43 females and 9 males) were included. Forty-five patients (86%) were wearing cosmetic contact lenses, while 7 patients (14%) were using therapeutic contact lenses. Thirty-nine patients (75%) were hospitalized and13 patients (25%) were followed up through an outpatient clinic. Thirty patients (58%) had central ulcers, whereas 22 patients (42%) had peripheral ulcers. Twelve patients (23%) had hypopyon in their first exam. The mean time to diagnose the ulcer after the last time wearing was 2 days (range: 12 hours to 5 days). AMT was required for 10 patients (19%). Based on the antibiograms, PA was shown to be sensitive in 100% of cases to ceftazidime and ciprofloxacin. Amikacin, imipenem, and gentamicin were the second most effective antibiotics.Conclusion:P. aeruginosa was highly sensitive to ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, and amikacin. All cases were resistant to cefazolin. Resistance to multiple antibiotics might be a significant concern in patients with corneal ulcers. In referral centers dealing with corneal ulcers, the initial antibiotic regimens should be changed from time to time to prevent this phenomenon.

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Report: A 21-year-old man presented with progressive paraesthesia and weakness in the four limbs, with disturbances in the vibration and positional senses. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a cervical intramedullary tumour from the cervicomedullary junction to C3. Radical resection of the tumour was performed and histology revealed a meningioma. His clinical outcome after a 3-year follow-up is relatively good. Conclusion: Intramedullary cervical meningiomas are very rare and have been reported only five times before. Because of its tendency to recur after surgery and because of a possible aggressive behaviour, meticulous histopathological examination is mandatory to predict the evolution and plan the follow-up. Outcome is mainly related to the type of tumour and the complete removal.