The value of rapid prototype models of the skull in our craniofacial and neurosurgical practice was analyzed. Individual skull models of 52 patients were produced by means of rapid prototyping techniques and used in various procedures. Patients were divided into three groups as follows: group I (26 patients) requiring corrective cranioplasty 1) after resection of osseous tumors (15 patients) and 2) with congenital and posttraumatic craniofacial deformities (11 patients), group II (10 patients) requiring reconstructive cranioplasty, and group III (16 patients) requiring planning of difficult skull base approaches. The utility of the stereolithographic models was assessed using the Gillespie scoring system. The esthetic and clinical outcomes were assessed by means of the esthetic outcome score and the Glasgow Outcome Score, respectively. Simulation of osteotomies for advancement plasty and craniofacial reassembly in the model before surgery in group I reduced operating time and intraoperative errors. In group II, the usefulness of the models depended directly on the size and configuration of the cranial defect. The planning of approaches to uncommon and complex skull base tumors (group III) was significantly influenced by the stereolithographic models. The esthetic outcome was pleasing. The indications for the manufacture of individual three-dimensional models could be cases of craniofacial dysmorphism that require meticulous preoperative planning and skull base surgery with difficult anatomical and reconstructive problems. The stereolithographic models provide 1) better understanding of the anatomy, 2) presurgical simulation, 3) intraoperative accuracy in localization of lesions, 4) accurate fabrication of implants, and 5) improved education of trainees.

The anatomic findings led to important conclusions regarding the microsurgical approach to extraforaminal lumbar disc herniations; at levels L1-L2 to L3-L4, the midline approach with lateral retraction of the paraspinal muscles allows for efficient exposure of the lateral neural foramen and avoidance of trauma to the facet joint. Often at level L4-L5, and nearly always at level L5-S1, a tangential route through a paramedian transmuscular approach offers many advantages.

Possible difficulties and surgical outcome in such patients can be predicted successfully. These facts in connection with new therapeutic modalities (radiosurgery, adjuvant therapies) will demand a careful risk assessment and should influence the treatment strategies and the degree of operative aggressiveness in the future.

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare, but serious, condition with multiple causes. We prospectively studied the aetiology, predisposing factors, and clinical outcomes of SEA in all patients with SEA treated in our hospital's neurosurgical service from 2004 to 2008. For each patient, we recorded the medical history, comorbidities, focus of infection, pathogen(s), and outcome. The 36 patients (19 women and 17 men) ranged in age from 34 to 80 years old (mean 57; median 56). The SEA was primary (i.e., due to haematogenous spread) in 16 patients (44%); it was secondary to elective spinal procedures, either injections or surgery, in 20 patients (56%). The duration of follow-up was 12-60 months (mean 36; median 37.5). The most common pathogen, Staphylococcus aureus, was found in 18 patients (50%). Patients with primary SEA had different underlying diseases and a wider range of pathogens than those with secondary SEA. Only five patients (14%) had no major comorbidity; 16 of the 20 patients with secondary SEA (44% of the overall group) had undergone spinal surgery before developing the SEA; the treatment of the SEA involved multiple surgical operations in all 16 of these patients, and spinal instrumentation in 5 (14%); 22 patients (61% of the overall group) recovered fully.

RESULTS indicate that children and adolescents with CLP may report that they have sleep irregularities as often as those without CLP. In adolescence, the presence of CLP may be associated with increased difficulties. Consequently, skill training to improve context-related social competencies may be appropriate.