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Introduction: The history of surgical spina bifida repair has seen many successes and failures. Many early surgeons attempted treatment of open spina bifida defects before a clear understanding of the disease process or pathology had been discovered. Conclusions: The attempts, while often fruitless, served to better our understanding of the disease and represent stepping-stones to the treatment we successfully use today. The present paper reviews the history of the surgical treatment of myelomeningoceles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Spondylolysis is most commonly observed in the lumbar spine, particularly L5, and is associated with spondylolisthesis, or anterior 'slippage' of a vertebra in relation to an adjacent vertebra. Isthmic spondylolisthesis is the result of a pars interarticularis defect and will be the only type of spondylolisthesis addressed in this review. Conclusions: Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis represent a relatively common cause of low back pain, especially in young athletes, and a less common cause of neurologic compromise. When discovered in a symptomatic patient with corroborating imaging findings, early intervention provides an excellent prognosis. Herein, we review the anatomy and pathology of spondylosis and spondylolisthesis of the L5 vertebra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Scottish surgeon Robert Liston was an accomplished anatomist of the nineteenth century. The study of anatomy during this day was often overshadowed by the so-called resurrectionists. Conclusions: The present historic paper reviews the life and contributions of Robert Liston and discusses his fascination with childhood hydrocephalus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As important as the vertebral ligaments are in maintaining the integrity of the spinal column and protecting the contents of the spinal canal, a single detailed review of their anatomy and function is missing in the literature. Methods: A literature search using online search engines was conducted. Results: Single comprehensive reviews of the spinal ligaments are not found in the extant medical literature. Conclusions: This review will be useful to those who treat patients with pathology of the spine or who interpret imaging or investigate the anatomy of the ligaments of the vertebral column. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As important as the vertebral ligaments are in maintaining the integrity of the spinal column and protecting the contents of the spinal canal, a single detailed review of their histology and embryology is missing in the literature. Methods: A literature search using online search engines was conducted. Results: Single comprehensive reviews of the histology and embryology of the spinal ligaments are not found in the extant medical literature. Conclusions: This review will be useful to those who study or treat patients with pathology of the spine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The pia mater has received less attention in the literature compared to the dura and arachnoid maters. However, its presence as a direct covering of the nervous system and direct relation to the blood vessels gives it a special importance in neurosurgery. Method: A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted to study all that we could find relating to the pia mater, including history, macro- and microanatomy, embryology, and a full description of the related structures. Conclusion: The pia mater has an important anatomic position, rich history, complicated histology and embryology, and a significant contribution to a number of other structures that may stabilize and protect the nervous system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Kleeblattschädel (cloverleaf) skull is a very uncommon form of pansynostosis. Some cases are associated with syndromes, but often, this skull deformity is seen in isolation. To date, a comprehensive review of this topic is not available in the medical literature. Conclusions: Herein, we review the history, associations, diagnosis, treatment, and complications of Kleeblattschädel skull. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The arachnoid mater is a delicate and avascular layer that lies in direct contact with the dura and is separated from the pia mater by the cerebrospinal fluid-filled subarachnoid space. The subarachnoid space is divided into cisterns named according to surrounding brain structures. Methods: The medical literature on this meningeal layer was reviewed in regard to historical aspects, etymology, embryology, histology, and anatomy with special emphasis on the arachnoid cisterns. Cerebrospinal fluid dynamics are discussed along with a section devoted to arachnoid cysts. Conclusion: Knowledge on the arachnoid mater and cerebrospinal fluid dynamics has evolved over time and is of great significance to the neurosurgeon in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 25-year-old woman who was diagnosed with thrombophlebitis in cavernous sinuses. The patient underwent series of surgical procedure including mastoidectomy, petrous apex removal, and necrotic tissue removal conducted by Swiss surgeon Heinrich Bircher. Extraocular movements were reduced to 50 percent and the patient recovered with no signs of continued infection.