Research Article
Acute Post-traumatic Intracranial Hematomas at the Bogodogo Uniersity Hospital, Burkina Faso: Management of 141 Cases
Henri Lankoande*
,
Haro Yacouba,
Joseph Biogo,
Ouedraogo Narcisse Wendpuire Mike,
Inoussa Zoungrna,
Bonkian Gnounsiniyapoue,
Tall Mohamed,
Denlewende Sylvain Zabsonre
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, December 2026
Pages:
15-21
Received:
4 August 2026
Accepted:
17 August 2026
Published:
11 September 2026
Abstract: Introduction: Acute post-traumatic intracranial hematomas constitute a major neurosurgical emergency due to the high risk of death or neurological sequelae. Their management relies on early diagnosis, primarily via computed tomography (CT) scan, combined with appropriate medical and/or surgical treatment. In Burkina Faso, data concerning this condition remain limited. Objective: To describe the epidemiological, clinical, radiological, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of acute post-traumatic intracranial hematomas treated at the Bogodogo University Hospital Center. Patients and methods: This was a retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the Surgical Emergency, Anesthesia-Resuscitation and Orthopedics-Traumatology departments of the Bogodogo University Hospital between July 14, 2023 and July 13, 2025. All patients with an acute post-traumatic intracranial hematoma confirmed by CT scan were included. Results: Among 915 recorded head injuries, 141 patients presented with an acute post-traumatic intracranial hematoma, representing a frequency of 15.4%. The mean age was 31.5 ± 15.8 years, with a male predominance (68.8%; sex ratio = 2.2). Road traffic accidents accounted for 64.5% of the injury mechanisms. The mean time to admission was 7 hours. All patients underwent a brain CT scan. Acute subdural hematomas were the most frequent anatomical form (31.2%), followed by extradural hematomas (24.8%) and intraparenchymal hematomas (23.4%). 91.5% of patients received exclusively medical management, while 8.5% underwent neurosurgical intervention. The hospital mortality rate was 7.1%. Conclusion: Acute post-traumatic intracranial hematomas are a common condition in young adults involved in traffic accidents. Improved prehospital management, rapid access to brain imaging, and enhanced neurosurgical capabilities could help reduce mortality and long-term consequences.
Abstract: Introduction: Acute post-traumatic intracranial hematomas constitute a major neurosurgical emergency due to the high risk of death or neurological sequelae. Their management relies on early diagnosis, primarily via computed tomography (CT) scan, combined with appropriate medical and/or surgical treatment. In Burkina Faso, data concerning this condi...
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Research Article
Surgical Management of Cauda Equina Syndrome Due to Disc Herniation at Brazzaville University Hospital (2022-2025): About 16 Cases
Leon Boukassa*,
Roland Bertile Banga-Mouss,
Sinclair Brice Kinata Bambino,
Norbert Lamini,
Rel Gerald Boukaka Kala,
Olivier Brice Ngackosso Olivier,
Daphtone Nkouala Kidede,
Hugues Brieux Ekouele Mbaki
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, December 2026
Pages:
22-26
Received:
12 September 2026
Accepted:
4 October 2026
Published:
23 October 2026
Abstract: Introduction: Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a dreaded complication of lumbar disc herniations, requiring rapid surgical management. The few studies conducted in low-income countries note a failure to meet this requirement. We conducted this study to describe the management of patients operated on for this condition in the neurosurgery department of the Brazzaville University Hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted between January 2022 and December 2025, involving 16 patients operated on for CES due to disc herniation, confirmed by imaging (CT or MRI). Pre- and postoperative severity was assessed using the SSCES (Scoring System for Cauda Equina Syndrome). Patients were followed up at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Results: The mean age was 48.2 years (range 39-68), with a sex ratio (M/F) of 3. Patients were seen on average 14.7 days (range 7-21) after the onset of signs. CES was complete in 56.2% and incomplete in 43.7%. Disc herniation was located at L4-L5 in 50%, L3-L4 and L5-S1 in 18.7% each, and L2-L3 in 12.5%. Discectomy was performed after laminectomy in 56.2% of patients. Patient outcomes were satisfactory, with the number of patients having an excellent or good SSCES score increasing from 2 preoperatively to 13 patients at the 6th postoperative month. Conclusion: The management of CES due to disc herniation at Brazzaville University Hospital is marked by diagnostic and therapeutic delays which impact neurological recovery. It is therefore important to raise awareness among healthcare providers and enable rapid patient access to imaging and surgery.
Abstract: Introduction: Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a dreaded complication of lumbar disc herniations, requiring rapid surgical management. The few studies conducted in low-income countries note a failure to meet this requirement. We conducted this study to describe the management of patients operated on for this condition in the neurosurgery department o...
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Research Article
CT Morphometry of the Thoracic Spine in Congolese Melanoderm Subjects: Reference Norms for Spinal Surgery
Leon Boukassa*,
Regis Moyikoua,
Paule Sandrine Moussounda Afejee,
Rel Boukaka Kala,
Sinclair Brice Kinata Bambino,
Olivier Brice Ngackosso,
Hugues Brieux Ekouele Mbaki
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 2, December 2026
Pages:
27-37
Received:
14 September 2026
Accepted:
28 September 2026
Published:
28 October 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijn.20261002.13
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Abstract: Spinal morphometry exhibits significant interpopulation variability, which is well documented for the cervical and lumbar segments but remains poorly understood for the thoracic spine. This lack of specific data limits the clinical relevance of foreign reference standards in sub-Saharan populations. The objective of this study was to show normal computed tomography (CT) parameters for the thoracic vertebrae in healthy Congolese subjects and to analyze their variations according to sex and body mass index (BMI). A prospective cross-sectional study conducted at the Brazzaville University Hospital (April–September 2024) involving 81 dark-skinned volunteers (43 men, 38 women), aged 18 to 30 years, free of any spinal pathology. The sagittal (SD) and transverse (TD) diameters, vertebral body height (VH), right and left pedicular diameters (PD), and disc heights (DH) were measured on computed tomography (CT) slices with multiplanar reconstructions. The SD increased from T1 (1.63 cm) to T9 (2.54 cm) and then decreased through T12; the TD decreased from T1 to T4 and then increased through T12 (3.45 cm); and vertebral height increased steadily from T1 (1.57 cm) to T12 (2.27cm). The volume of the vertebral bodies, estimated using the elliptical cylinder model, increased from 5.35 cm3 (T1) to 15.23 cm3 (T12), representing a ratio of 2.85. The PDs were minimal at T4–T6 (0.51 cm) and maximal at T12 (0.78 cm), with no significant right-left asymmetry. Sexual dimorphism was observed from T3 to T8 (p < 0.02) on the HV and on the right DP at T1 (p = 0.03). DH values were higher in men at T2–T3, T3–T4, T6–T7, T7–T8 and T11–T12 (p < 0.05). BMI did not influence bone dimensions, except for an isolated difference at T5–T6 (p = 0.019). This study provides the first thoracic morphometric norms for Congolese individuals with dark skin. The cranio-caudal growth of vertebral volumes reflects biomechanical adaptation to an upright posture. Sexual dimorphism, limited to vertebral height in the mid-thoracic region, and the absence of pedicle dimorphism provide a precise framework for surgical planning. These data improve surgical safety in settings where neuronavigation is unavailable and support the development of local population-based standards.
Abstract: Spinal morphometry exhibits significant interpopulation variability, which is well documented for the cervical and lumbar segments but remains poorly understood for the thoracic spine. This lack of specific data limits the clinical relevance of foreign reference standards in sub-Saharan populations. The objective of this study was to show normal co...
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