Browsing by Author "Sonmez, Erkin"

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Analysis of geriatric patients with minor spinal trauma admitted to the emergency department of a university hospital
(2019) Giray, Tufan Akin; Kayipmaz, Afsin Emre; Sonmez, Erkin; Haberal, Kemal Murat; Yilmaz, Cem; Kavalci, Cemil; Oguzturk, Hakan
Objective: To retrospectively analyze patients aged 65 years and over, who were admitted to a level II trauma center in Turkey due to minor spinal trauma in a period of 4 years. Methods: The study included 64 patients aged 65 years and over, who were admitted to the Emergency Department of Baskent University Ankara Hospital between January 2011 and January 2015 and diagnosed with vertebral trauma. The information of the patients was obtained from the medical records. The clinical characteristics of patients including localizations and types of fracture, presence of additional system injuries and treatment options were investigated. Results: The most common cause was fall, accounting for 51 (79.7%), with 7 (10.9%) due to intra-vehicle traffic accident, and 6 (9.4%) due to out-of-vehicle pedestrian injury. The most common site of trauma was the lumbar region. Of the fractures, 46.9% (n=30) were in the lumbar region, 37.5% (n=24) in the thoracic region and 15.6% (n=10) were in the cervical vertebra region. Fourteen (21.9%) patients had an additional injury. Given the fracture types, 47 fractures (74.6%) were compression, 14 fractures (22.2%) were spinous process and 2 fractures (3.2%) were burst fractures. Twenty patients (31.2%) had multilevel vertebral fractures. Conclusions: The results of our study demonstrated the importance of vertebral fractures in the geriatric age group. In this age group, falls and motor vehicle accidents are the leading causes of vertebral traumas. Taking the necessary measures to prevent the risk factors which increase with aging is the most important step in preventing the mortality and morbidity that may occur as a result of vertebral fracture.
Aneurysmal Bone Cyst in a Renal Transplant Patient
(2022) Sahinturk, Fikret; Sonmez, Erkin; Altinors, Nur; Terzi, Aysen; Haberal, Mehmet; 0000-0002-3462-7632; 0000-0002-0471-3177; 31324137; AAJ-8097-2021; AAI-7972-2021
Aneurysmal bone cysts constitute 1% to 2% of all primary bone tumors. They are rapidly growing benign bone tumors. Nearly 80% of aneurysmal bone cysts occur in the first 20 years of life, and most are primary tumors. Aneurysmal bone cysts are mostly benign, locally aggressive, and highly vascularized tumors. Generally, the period required for postoperative recovery and new bone formation is long. The relapse rate can be up to 50%. Although computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans are the preferred diagnostic methods, biopsy is the most necessary prerequisite to confirm diagnosis, as aspects of these cysts can show similarity to many other bone lesions. Correct histopathologic diagnosis is important since malignancies may be seen in transplant recipients.
Balloon Kyphoplasty Is a Safe and Effective Option for the Treatment of Vertebral Compression Fractures in Solid-Organ Transplant Recipients
(2020) Sonmez, Erkin; Comert, Serhat; Akdur, Aydincan; Karakaya, Emre; Gulsen, Salih; Yilmaz, Cem; Altinors, Nur; Haberal, Mehmet; 0000-0002-7535-1804; 0000-0002-8726-3369; 0000-0002-3462-7632; 0000-0002-5693-3542; 0000-0002-4879-7974; 0000-0002-2353-8044; 27063841; AAJ-5746-2021; AAA-3068-2021; AAJ-8097-2021; AAI-8820-2021; AAD-5466-2021; AAK-2948-2021
Objectives: Solid-organ transplant recipients are at great risk for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures because of both underlying pretransplant bone diseases and posttransplant immunosuppressive treatments. Balloon kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to treat painful osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. It involves injection of polymethylmethacrylate into the vertebral body to stabilize the fracture and to alleviate the pain immediately. In this study, we report the results of balloon kyphoplasty for treatment of vertebral compression fractures in solid-organ transplant recipients. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 512 liver transplant and 2248 kidney transplant procedures that were performed in our center between 1985 and 2015. Seven transplant recipients with a total of 10 acute, symptomatic vertebral compression fractures who were unresponsive to conservative treatment for 3 weeks underwent balloon kyphoplasty. Clinical outcome was graded using the visual analog scale. Radiographic evaluation included measurement of the segmental kyphosis by the Cobb method. Results: There were 4 female and 3 male patients in our study group. Ages of patients ranged from 56 to 63 years with an average age of 58.8 years. The affected vertebral levels varied from T12 to L4. Mean follow-up after balloon kyphoplasty was 3.4 years, and mean time interval from transplant to balloon kyphoplasty was 8.6 years. Statistically significant difference is evident 3 years after transplant surgery (P < .05). Sagittal alignment improved (> 5 degrees) in 2 of 7 patients (28%). Conclusions: Transplant recipients are at great risk in terms of vertebral compression fracture development, especially within 1 year after transplant. Although conservative treatment has been the first treatment choice for vertebral compression fracture, long treatment time and high costs may be needed to achieve cure. Experience with our small patient population showed that balloon kyphoplasty was effective and safe for obtaining rapid pain relief and earlier mobilization with fewer complications.
Brown Tumor of the Thoracic Spine : First Manifestation of Primary Hyperparathyroidism
(2015) Sonmez, Erkin; Tezcaner, Tugan; Coven, Ilker; Terzi, Aysen; 26587196
Brown tumors also called as osteoclastomas, are rare nonneoplastic lesions that arise in the setting of primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism. Parathyroid adenomas or hyperplasia constitute the major Brown tumor source in primary hyperparathyroidism while chronic renal failure is the leading cause in secondary hyperparathyroidism. Most of the patients with the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism present with kidney stones or isolated hypercalcemia. However, nearly one third of patients are asymptomatic and hypercalcemia is found incidentally. Skeletal involvement such as generalized osteopenia, bone resorption, bone cysts and Brown tumors are seen on the late phase of hyperparathyroidism. The symptoms include axial pain, radiculopathy, myelopathy and myeloradiculopathy according to their locations. Plasmocytoma, lymphoma, giant cell tumors and metastates should be ruled out in the differential diagnosis of Brown tumors. Treatment of Brown tumors involve both the management of hyperparathyroidism and neural decompression. The authors report a very rare spinal Brown tumor case, arisen as the initial manifestation of primary hyperparathyroidism that leads to acute paraparesis.
Cervical Spinal Ependymoma With Hemorrhage in a Renal Transplant Patient
(2022) Sahinturk, Fikret; Dere, Umit Akin; Kirnap, Mahir; Sonmez, Erkin; Altinors, Nur; Ozen, Ozlem; Haberal, Mehmet; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0471-3177; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6678-6224; 30251937; AAI-7972-2021; N-1435-2014
Ependymomas are the most common intramedullary spinal tumors in adults and constitute around 20% of all spinal tumors in adults. There are 3 subgroups of ependymomas according to World Health Organization classification: subependymoma or myxopapillary (grade 1), ependymoma (grade 2), and anaplastic (grade 3). Therapy for patients is aimed at safe and total surgical removal and, in selected cases, postoperative radiotherapy. Bleeding from a spinal ependymoma, with subsequent urgent surgery, is extremely rare. Here, we present a case of a renal transplant patient who had a cervical ependymoma. Although a considerable volume of peritumoral blood was observed during surgery, the patient had no neurologic deficits and no signs of deterioration.
The Global Spine Care Initiative: A Systematic Review For The Assessment of Spine-Related Complaints in Populations With Limited Resources and in Low- and Middle-Income Communities
(2018) Nordin, Margareta; Randhawa, Kristi; Torres, Paola; Yu, Hainan; Haldeman, Scott; Brady, O'Dane; Cote, Pierre; Torres, Carlos; Modic, Michael; Mullerpatan, Rajani; Cedraschi, Christine; Chou, Roger; Acaroglu, Emre; Hurwitz, Eric L.; Lemeunier, Nadege; Dudler, Jean; Taylor-Vaisey, Anne; Sonmez, Erkin; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5693-3542; 29492717; AAI-8820-2021
Purpose The purpose of this systematic literature review was to develop recommendations for the assessment of spine-related complaints in medically underserved areas with limited resources. Methods We conducted a systematic review and best evidence synthesis of guidelines on the assessment of spine-related complaints. Independent reviewers critically appraised eligible guidelines using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation-II criteria. Low risk of bias clinical practice guidelines was used to develop recommendations. In accordance with the mandate of the Global Spinal Care Initiative (GSCI), recommendations were selected that could be applied to medically underserved areas and low- and middle-income countries by considering the limited access and costs of diagnostic technologies. Results We screened 3069 citations; 20 guidelines were eligible for critical appraisal. We used 13 that had a low risk of bias that targeted neck and back pain. Conclusions When assessing patients with spine-related complaints in medically underserved areas and low- and middle-income countries, we recommend that clinicians should: (1) take a clinical history to determine signs or symptoms suggesting serious pathology (red flags) and psychological factors (yellow flags); (2) perform a physical examination (musculoskeletal and neurological); (3) do not routinely obtain diagnostic imaging; (4) obtain diagnostic imaging and/or laboratory tests when serious pathologies are suspected, and/or presence of progressive neurologic deficits, and/or disabling persistent pain; (5) do not perform electromyography or nerve conduction studies for diagnosis of intervertebral disc disease with radiculopathy; and (6) do not perform discography for the assessment of spinal disorders. This information can be used to inform the GSCI care pathway and model of care.
The Global Spine Care Initiative: World Spine Care Executive Summary on Reducing Spine-Related Disability in Low- And Middle-Income Communities
(2018) Sonmez, Erkin; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5693-3542; 30151809; AAI-8820-2021
Purpose Spinal disorders, including back and neck pain, are major causes of disability, economic hardship, and morbidity, especially in underserved communities and low- and middle-income countries. Currently, there is no model of care to address this issue. This paper provides an overview of the papers from the Global Spine Care Initiative (GSCI), which was convened to develop an evidence-based, practical, and sustainable, spinal healthcare model for communities around the world with various levels of resources. Methods Leading spine clinicians and scientists around the world were invited to participate. The interprofessional, international team consisted of 68 members from 24 countries, representing most disciplines that study or care for patients with spinal symptoms, including family physicians, spine surgeons, rheumatologists, chiropractors, physical therapists, epidemiologists, research methodologists, and other stakeholders. Results Literature reviews on the burden of spinal disorders and six categories of evidence-based interventions for spinal disorders (assessment, public health, psychosocial, noninvasive, invasive, and the management of osteoporosis) were completed. In addition, participants developed a stratification system for surgical intervention, a classification system for spinal disorders, an evidence-based care pathway, and lists of resources and recommendations to implement the GSCI model of care. Conclusion The GSCI proposes an evidence-based model that is consistent with recent calls for action to reduce the global burden of spinal disorders. The model requires testing to determine feasibility. If it proves to be implementable, this model holds great promise to reduce the tremendous global burden of spinal disorders.
The Influence of Percutaneous Vertebral Augmentation Techniques on Recompression in Patients with Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures. Percutaneous Vertebroplasty versus Balloon Kyphoplasty
(2023) Sahinturk, Fikret; Sonmez, Erkin; Ayhan, Selim; Gulsen, Salih; Yilmaz, Cem; 0000-0002-5693-3542; 0000-0002-2353-8044; 0000-0002-0471-3177; 37257650; AAJ-5746-2021; AAI-8820-2021; AAK-2948-2021; AAI-7972-2021
-OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and balloon kyphoplasty (BK) have any mid-term to long-term effects on the structural integrity of augmented vertebrae.-METHODS: According to our hospital records, 351 patients underwent BK and PVP as a result of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures between 2010 and 2020. The demographic, surgical, and radiologic characteristics of the patients were analyzed retrospectively using the electronic hospital records and PACS (picture archiving and communication system). In our study, 55 patients who had a single level of PVP or BK filled with at least 6 mL og polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) for T11-L5 levels and 3 mL of PMMA for T6-T10 levels via a bipedicular approach and who had only 1 vertebral fracture in a 10-year follow-up period were included in our study. The patients were divided into 2 groups: BK (n = 40) and PVP (n = 15). All measurements were performed on standing lateral radiographs from the postoperative first day and the last radiographs that were obtained during the follow-up. The anterior and posterior heights of the fractured vertebral body and local kyphosis angles were measured.-RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 2.53 & PLUSMN; 1.78 years in the BK group and 3.07 & PLUSMN; 2.02 years in the PVP group. The decrease in the vertebral height and increasing kyphosis that develop from the early to late postoperative periods were found to be statistically significant in the BK group (P < 0.05). In the PVP group, vertebral height and kyphosis angle measurements did not differ significantly between the early and late postoperative periods. In addition, in terms of the percentage change, anterior parts of the vertebral bodies are more affected. However, the absolute difference for the measurement of the vertebral heights did not confirm this finding.-CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, our study is unique because it has the longest follow-up in the literature comparing BK and PVP in terms of recollapse of the augmented vertebrae. Our study shows that BK does not prevent height loss of the augmented vertebral bodies in the mid-to long term.
Intracranial Fungal Infection After Solid-Organ Transplant
(2018) Sahinturk, Fikret; Demirkaya, Hamiyet; Dere, Umit Akin; Sonmez, Erkin; Altinors, Nur; Moray, Gokhan; Haberal, Mehmet; 0000-0002-0471-3177; 0000-0002-6678-6224; 0000-0002-5693-3542; 0000-0003-2498-7287; 0000-0002-3462-7632; 29528023; AAI-7972-2021; N-1435-2014; AAI-8820-2021; AAE-1041-2021; AAJ-8097-2021
Neurologic complications after solid-organ transplant reveal a great spectrum of pathologies. Intracranial hemorrhages, cerebral ischemic lesions, infarctions, lymphoproliferative disorders, and infections, including aspergillosis, have been observed after liver transplant. Fungi constitute nearly 5% of all central nervous system infections, mainly occurring in immunocompromised patients. The most common causative agent is Aspergillus species. It presents either as maxillary sinusitis or pulmonary infection. Brain involvement of Aspergillus carries a high rate of mortality. Aspergillosis presents in the forms of meningitis, mycotic aneurysms, infarctions, and mass lesions. Aspergillosis does not have a specific radiologic appearance. Parenchymal aspergillosis has heterogenous signal intensity (hypointense on T1-weighted and hyperintense on T2-weighted images). Here, we present 3 patients who underwent solid-organ transplant and developed central nervous system aspergillosis. Different modalities of neurosurgical intervention were performed in combination with chemotherapy as part of their fungal therapy.
Letter: Sacroplasty Augmentation of Instrumented Pelvic Reconstruction After High Sacrectomy: A Technical Case Report
(2022) Sahinturk, Fikret; Ayhan, Selim; Sonmez, Erkin; Gulsen, Salih; Yilmaz, Cem; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0471-3177; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0153-3012; 34982931; AAI-7972-2021; U-5409-2018; IYT-2145-2023
Patient Selection and Efficacy of Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy with Respect to the Dallas Discogram Score
(2017) Kircelli, Atilla; Coven, Ilker; Cansever, Tufan; Sonmez, Erkin; Yilmaz, Cem; 0000-0002-2353-8044; 0000-0002-5693-3542; 0000-0003-2109-1274; 27593796; AAK-2948-2021; AAI-8820-2021
AIM: Intervertebral disc degeneration can cause severe low back pain. Intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET) is a minimally invasive treatment option for patients with symptomatic internal disc disruption unresponsive to conservative medical care. We aimed to evaluate 12-month pain and functional outcomes and predictors of clinical success in patients with discogenic back pain treated with IDET with respect to the Dallas Discogram Scale (DDS). MATERIAL and METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing IDET for low back pain from 2009 through 2014 at Baskent University, Department of Neurosurgery. A total number of 120 consecutive patients data were collected retrospectively. The degree of disc degeneration was graded using the DDS during discography, and the presence of a high intensity zone (HIZ) on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was noted. The primary outcome measure was assessment of back pain severity based on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); function was assessed by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Follow-up examinations for ODI and VAS scores were assessed at 1, 6, and 12 months post-treatment. Outcomes were discussed with respect to morphological changes in intervertebral discs on discogram. RESULTS: There was an average 57.39% and 47.16% improvement in VAS and ODI scores, respectively, between pretreatment and 12 months follow-up (p<0.0001 for both comparisons). Predictors of 12-month clinical success was depended on DDS (p< 0.0001), a HIZ on MR imaging (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Durable clinical improvements can be realized after IDET in select surgical candidates with mild disc degeneration and HIZ, discography, and low-grade DDS, with more effective treatment results.
Prognostic Impact of Histologic Subtype in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated with Gamma Knife Radiosurgery: Retrospective Analysis of 104 Patients
(2017) Tufan, Kadir; Aydemir, Fatih; Cekinmez, Melih; Kardes, Ozgur; Sarica, Feyzi Birol; Topkan, Erkan; Sonmez, Erkin; Alkan, Ozlem; Ugurluer, Gamze; Altınors, Nur; 0000-0002-5693-3542; 0000-0003-2854-941X; 0000-0001-8120-7123; 0000-0003-1509-4575; 0000-0001-9658-9005; 0000-0001-9985-0184; 27593758; AAI-8820-2021; P-5895-2018; AAG-2213-2021; AAK-1686-2021
AIM: In this study, factors affecting survival, local failure, distant brain failure, whole brain failure and whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) free survival according to histological subtypes were investigated in patients with brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MATERIAL and METHODS: Patients with positive pathology reports for adenocarcinoma (ACA) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were included in the study. Seventy-eight ACA and 26 SCC patients were included in the study. Patients with previous history of cerebral metastasis surgery and WBRT were excluded from the study. RESULTS: The median survival was calculated as 12.6 months for patients with ACA and 5.9 months for patients with SCC. One-year distant brain failure was calculated as 65.1% in ACA patients and 39.6% in SCC patients. One-year whole brain failure was calculated as 58.1% in ACA patients and 39.6% in SCC patients. The one-year freedom from WBRT rate was calculated as 72.8% in ACA patients and 56.3% in SCC patients. SCC histology was considered as a significant factor in deterioration of overall survival in multivariate analysis. SCC histology, the increase in the number of metastases and RPA class were factors that caused an increase in distant brain failure. Also, SCC histology, the increase in the number of metastases and RPA class were factors that caused an increase in whole brain failure. CONCLUSION: SCC histology may be an important prognostic factor for overall survival. Also, due to high distant brain failure rate in SCC histology, WBRT can be added to treatment early.
Stereotaxic Biopsy Experience
(2020) Dere, Umit Akin; Sahinturk, Fikret; Sonmez, Erkin; Gulsen, Salih; Yilmaz, Cem; Altinors, Mehmet Nur
Aim: To review the outcomes and complications of stereotactic biopsy procedures performed at Neurosurgery Department of Baskent University and make an overall evaluation of the stereotactic biopsy system. Materials and Methods: Medical files of 151 patients who underwent stereotaxic biopsy procedure between 1996 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed.The , age and gender of the patients, intracranial localization of the lesion and histopathologic diagnosis were evaluated. Result: The series included 84(55.6%) males and 67 (44.4%) females. The average age was 47.7 and the age spectrum was between 26-84 years of age. In 102 cases (67.55%) lesions had lobar localization and in 42 lesions (27.82%) the pathology was deep seated lesion. In 7(4.6 %) there were multiple lesions. A histopathologic diagnosis was obtained in 125 (82.79 %) cases. In 16 (%10.59 %) it was reported as brain tissue and in 10 cases (6.62 %) the histopathologic diagnosis was gliosis. A second stereotactic bipsy procedure was performed in 8 cases while in one patient a third biopsy became necessary. Thirteen patients underwent craniotomy and tumor excision as further therapy. Conclusion: Stereotactic biopsy sampling of intracranial space occupying lesions is a safe, simple and highly diagnostic method. In some cases it may contribute to further therapy. The problems encountered are inconclusive diagnosis, inadequate representation of the specimen due to its limited nature and some technical difficulties.
Turkish Contribution to Journal of Neurosurgery and Acta Neurochirurgica
(2017) Altinors, Nur; Comert, Serhat; Sonmez, Erkin; Altinel, Faruk; 0000-0002-5693-3542; 0000-0002-8326-3900; 27593822; AAI-8820-2021; AAJ-5382-2021
AIM: To evaluate the contribution of Turkish scientists to four journals published by Journal of Neurosurgery (JNS) Publishing Group and to Acta Neurochirurgica (AN) and to its Supplement (ANS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed every issue of those journals to December 2015 for the total number of articles, articles produced from studies performed entirely in Turkey, and for publications overseas co-authored by the Turkish scientists using the websites of these journals. Citations were searched using "Web of Science" and "Google Scholar" databases. RESULTS: The total number of articles published was 19822 for JNS, 3227 for JNS Spine, 2526 for JNS Pediatrics and 2997 for Neurosurgical Focus. Turkish contribution was 556 articles. 337 (60.61%) articles were the products of studies performed entirely in Turkey, while 219 (39.38%) articles came from overseas, co-authored by Turkish scientists. Overall contribution was 1.94%. A total of 6469 articles were published in AN. 340 papers were the products of studies performed entirely in Turkey. Turkish scientists working overseas co-authored 37 articles. Total contribution was 377 articles (5.82%). 4134 papers had been published in ANS. Contribution was 69 articles (1.66%). CONCLUSION: Turkish contribution to these journals has started late. The gap has been compensated with publications in the last two decades. Manuscripts of higher scientific level with greater number of citations are needed to increase Turkish contribution to such journals.
Vertebral Body Lipoma An Unusual Pathology Treated With Kyphoplasty
(2018) Sahinturk, Fikret; Dere, Umit Akin; Sonmez, Erkin; Altinors, Nur; Terzi, Aysen; 0000-0002-0471-3177; 0000-0002-6678-6224; 0000-0002-5693-3542; 0000-0002-1225-1320; 30226833; AAI-7972-2021; N-1435-2014; AAI-8820-2021; F-7546-2013
Study Design. Case report. Objective. This case report is unique since this is the first vertebral lipom case that was treated by kyphoplasty alone. Summary of Background Data. Vertebral lipoma is extremely rare and our search of the English literature has revealed 20 patients in 16 reports. Methods. A 32-year-old female patient was admitted to our neurosurgery department with the chief complaint of low back pain that had lasted nearly 1 year. A lumbar MR suggested a hemangioma and the patient was operated on. Results. On microscopic examination, the lesion was seen to have a widely infiltrating appearance of mature fat tissue between bone trabeculae diagnosis was intraosseous lipoma. Conclusion. We believe that the management should be surgical total removal of the lesion even in incidentally found cases in order to obtain histologic diagnosis and pain relief.