Comparison of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage and cervical disc prostheses used in anterior cervical microscopic discectomy operations

Objective: The aim of this study was to radiologically and clinically compare the polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage and cervical disc prostheses used in anterior cervical microdiscectomy operations during the postoperative period. Methods: The study evaluated 25 cervical disc hernia patients. The cervical disc prosthesis group (Group A) comprised 10 patients while the PEEK cage group (Group B) comprised 15 patients. Before and after the operation, the cervical graphics from radiological monitoring and VAS, NDI and Odom scores from clinical monitoring were used. The patients’ preoperative and postoperative cervical graphics disc height, cervical axis and segmental angles were evaluated to determine statistical relationships with neurological situation and quality of life. Results: In the cervical disc prosthesis group (Group A) in the early postoperative period (3rd week), 3rd month and late period (18-36 months), the intervertebral disc height measurements were significantly higher than the cervical PEEK cage group (Group B) (early p0.05). Clinical evaluation of the patients found no statistical difference in the evaluation of VAS, NDI or Odom scores of the two groups before and after the operation. Conclusion: It was shown that in the cervical disc prosthesis group (Group A) in the early and later postoperative period, intervertebral disk heights were preserved by a statistically significant amount compared to the PEEK cage group (Group B). However, this scenario did not create any significant difference in the clinical evaluation results. [Arch Clin Exp Surg 2017; 6(1.000): 1-8

Recurrent Meningitis By Streptococcus Pneumoniae In A Girl With Cochlear Implant And Head Trauma Despite 13-Valent Conjugated Pneumococcal Vaccine

Recurrent bacterial meningitis is a very rare phenomenon in children. Skull base fractures and cochlear implant are the important predisposing factors and, Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most frequently isolated agent. Implementation of 13-valent conjugated pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13) has reduced the occurence of invasive pneumococcal diseases. Vaccination breakthrough is typically related to underlying predisposing conditions. Herein, we reported recurrent pneumococcal meningitis in a patient with a cochlear implant who experienced a head trauma after being fully vaccinated with PCV13. The patient experienced three meningitis episodes within one year. S. pneumoniae was determined on CSF culture in the first and third episodes and detected by PCR at the second episode. Neurosurgical intervention was performed after the third meningitis episode, and the patient had no recurrence problems for the following two years. To our knowledge, breakthrough S. pneumoniae serotype 1 meningitis after full PCV13 immunization has not been reported elsewhere in the literature.WoSScopu

Wear behaviour of thermal flame sprayed FeCr coatings on plain carbon steel substrate

The principle aim of this study is to investigate the wear behaviour of FeCr coatings on Ni-based bond deposited plain carbon steel substrate for several applications in power generation plants. For this purpose, FeCr and Ni-based powders were sprayed on plain carbon steel substrates using a thermal flame spray technique. Fabricated layers were characterized by using a X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), microhardness and surface roughness testers. FeCr coatings were subjected to sliding wear against AISI 303 stainless steel counter bodies under dry and acidic environments. A pin-on-plate type of apparatus was used with normal loads of 49 and 101 N and sliding speed of 1 Hz. XRD results revealed that FeCr, Fe, Cr, Fe-Cr-Ni, gamma-Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 phases are exist in the coating. In addition, some inhomogenities such as oxides, porosity, cracks, unmelted particles and inclusions were observed by SEM. The surface morphologies of FeCr samples after wear experiments were examined by SEM and EDS. It was found that friction coefficients of the coatings in dry condition are higher than that in acidic environment. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Management of Type II Odontoid Fractures for Osteoporotic Bone Structure: Preliminary Report

CONCLUSION; In conclusion, we suggest that Ozer's technique may help to increase the fusion capacity for osteoporotic type II odontoid fractures

Effect of Using High-Speed Drill in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

CONCLUSION: Either high-speed drill or curette can be chosen for the osteophytectomy and discectomy stages of anterior cervical discectomy operations