The total results of MVD should be evaluated and analyzed by combining the cure rate of symptoms together with the complication rate. This new scoring system could allow much more objective analysis of the results of following MVD. Adopting this scoring system to objectively judge treatment results for TN and HFS, individual surgeons can compare their own overall surgical results with those of other institutes. Comparative results of MVD can also be provided to patients considering therapy to allow informed decision-making on the basis of good quality evidence.

Fig. 1 Magnetic resonance angiograms, axial view(A) and lateral view (B), revealing the primitive trigeminal artery (PTA) (arrow) originating from the posterolateral aspect of the left internal carotid artery and connecting with the basilar artery, and also an anomalous small artery (arrowhead) directly originating from the PTA. 194Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo) 46, 194¿197, 2006 AbstractA 31-year-old man presented with typical trigeminal neuralgia caused by an anomalous variant type of anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) directly branching from the primitive trigeminal artery (PTA). Three-dimensional computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, and magnetic resonance cisternography disclosed that this anomalous artery originated from the PTA and coursed to the AICA territory of the cerebellum. Microvascular decompression surgery disclosed the trigeminal nerve compressed by this AICA variant together with the superior cerebellar artery. These arteries were successfully transpositioned to decompress the nerve. Careful and thorough inspection around the trigeminal nerve verified that the PTA did not conflict with the nerve. This unusual case was caused by compression of the trigeminal nerve from the AICA directly originating from the PTA, without the more common involvement of the PTA.

Background Lumbar traction is a traditional treatment modality for chronic low back pain (CLBP) in many countries. However, its effectiveness has not been demonstrated in clinical practice because of the following: (1) the lack of in vivo biomechanical confirmation of the mechanism of lumbar traction that occurs at the lumbar spine; (2) the lack of a precise delivery system for traction force and, subsequently, the lack of reproducibility; and (3) few randomized controlled trials proving its effectiveness and utility. Methods This study was planned as a preparatory experiment for a randomized clinical trial, and it aimed (1) to examine the biomechanical change at the lumbar area under lumbar traction and confirm its reproducibility and accuracy as a mechanical intervention, and (2) to reconfirm our clinical impression of the immediate effect of lumbar traction. One hundred thirty-three patients with non-specific CLBP were recruited from 28 orthopaedic clinics to undergo a biomechanical experiment and to assess and determine traction conditions for the next clinical trial. We used two types of traction devices, which are commercially available, and incorporated other measuring tools, such as an infrared range-finder and large extension strain gauge. The finite element method was used to analyze the real data of pelvic girdle movement at the lumbar spine level. Self-report assessments with representative two conditions were analyzed according to the qualitative coding method. Results Thirty-eight participants provided available biomechanical data. We could not measure directly what happened in the body, but we confirmed that the distraction force lineally correlated with the movement of traction unit at the pelvic girdle. After applying vibration force to preloading, the strain gauge showed proportional vibration of the shifting distance without a phase lag qualitatively. FEM simulation provided at least 3.0-mm shifting distance at the lumbar spine under 100 mm of body traction. Ninety-five participants provided a treatment diary and were classified as no pain, improved, unchanged, and worsened. Approximately 83.2% of participants reported a positive response. Conclusion Lumbar traction can provide a distractive force at the lumbar spine, and patients who experience the application of such force show an immediate response after traction. Trial registration University Hospital Medical Information Network - Clinical Trial Registration: UMIN-CTR000024329 (October 13, 2016).

Malignant meningioma is a rare brain tumor with a high risk of recurrence. If this tumor recurs after complete resection and adjuvant radiotherapy, there is no optimal treatment to control it. The authors report the first case of recurrent malignant meningioma treated using boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). This 25-year-old pregnant woman presented with a large frontal tumor. After her baby was born, she underwent gross-total resection of the tumor. A second resection and three Gamma Knife surgeries could not control progression of the enhancing mass; therefore, the authors applied BNCT based on their experience with it in the treatment of malignant gliomas. The minimum tumor dose and maximum brain tissue dose were estimated as 39.7 Gy-Eq and less than 9.0 Gy-Eq, respectively. Before BNCT the patient was mobile by wheelchair only, whereas 1 week after therapy she was able to walk. Twenty-two weeks later she underwent a second BNCT for tumor regrowth on the contralateral side, and the lesion was subsequently reduced. The tumor volume was markedly decreased from 65.6 cm3 at the time of the first BNCT to 31.8 cm3 at 26 weeks thereafter. The treatment of recurrent malignant meningioma is difficult and has been discouraging thus far. Data in the present case indicate that BNCT may be a promising treatment option for this challenging tumor.