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Use of the Horsley-Clarke stereotactic frame in humans
R L Jensen1, J L Stone, R Hayne
1Department of Neurosurgery, Loyola University of Chicago Medical Center, Maywood, Ill., USA.
Insights
The Horsley-Clarke frame, initially for animals, was adapted for human epilepsy studies in 1947. This enabled precise subcortical electrode placement for research and therapeutic interventions.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Medical History
- Epileptology
Background:
- The Horsley-Clarke frame (HCF) was developed in 1906 by Clarke and Horsley for animal stereotactic surgery.
- Its application in human subjects, particularly for epilepsy research, is less widely recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the historical development of the HCF.
- To highlight its subsequent use in human studies for neurological treatments.
Main Methods:
- Subcortical depth electrodes were placed using external landmarks and intracranial correlations.
- Pneumoencephalography was employed for confirmation of electrode placement.
Main Results:
- The HCF facilitated stereotactic depth recordings in human epileptics.
- It was utilized for lesion production in treating epilepsy and movement disorders.
Conclusions:
- The Horsley-Clarke frame's utility extended beyond animal research into human neurological interventions.
- Its application paved the way for advanced psychosurgery and treatment of movement disorders.
Abstract:
It is well known that the Horsley-Clarke frame (HCF) was developed and engineered by the British physicians Robert Henry Clarke and Victor Horsley in 1906 for use in animals. It is less appreciated that the HCF was also used by the Frederic Gibbs group in 1947 for studies of human epileptics. Subcortical depth electrodes were placed using the relationship between external landmarks and intracranial structures and confirmed by pneumoencephalography. Events leading to the development of the HCF and its subsequent use in humans for depth recordings, and lesion production in the treatment of epilepsy, movement disorders, and psychosurgery are discussed.