Neurosurgery
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Decompression without fusion is a treatment option in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) associated with stable low-grade degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS). A minimally invasive unilateral laminotomy (MIL) for "over the top" decompression might be a less destabilizing alternative to traditional open laminectomy (OL). ⋯ In patients with LSS and DS, minimally invasive decompression is associated with lower reoperation and fusion rates, less slip progression, and greater patient satisfaction than open surgery.
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Traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCI) have devastating consequences for the physical, financial, and psychosocial well-being of patients and their caregivers. Expediently delivering interventions during the early postinjury period can have a tremendous impact on long-term functional recovery. ⋯ We conclude with our perspectives on the future of treatment and research in this rapidly evolving field.
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Primary tumors originating from the spine are very complex and challenging entities to treat. Due to their rarity, a multicenter collaborative network is essential to shepherd the best research and contribute to the dissemination of the best evidence possible. Over the last few years, several advances have occurred in many different fields. ⋯ This article discusses these recent advances in detail to equip the oncologic spine surgeon and their team to better counsel and treat these patients. Most of these advances allow for a more tailored, efficient, and, most importantly, less morbid management of primary spine tumors. Some of these advances are still under investigation, however, and evidence-based oncological principles should still be strongly encouraged.
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Spine surgery has experienced much technological innovation over the past several decades. The field has seen advancements in operative techniques, implants and biologics, and equipment such as computer-assisted navigation and surgical robotics. With the arrival of real-time image guidance and navigation capabilities along with the computing ability to process and reconstruct these data into an interactive three-dimensional spinal "map", so too have the applications of surgical robotic technology. ⋯ Additionally, the procedures may be long and arduous, predisposing the surgeon to both mental and physical fatigue. In light of these characteristics, spine surgery may actually be an ideal candidate for the integration of navigation and robotic-assisted procedures. With this paper, we aim to critically evaluate the current literature and explore the options available for intraoperative navigation and robotic-assisted spine surgery.