Neurosurgery
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Research has suggested that workers' compensation (WC) status can result in poor outcomes after anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF). ⋯ WC patients reported similar preoperative and 1-yr postoperative neck and arm pain compared with non-WC patients after ACDF. One-yr MCID achievement rates were similar between cohorts for disability and PF scores.
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Traumatic acute subdural hematomas (aSDHs) are common, life-threatening injuries often requiring emergency surgery. ⋯ The RASH score is a simple and validated grading scale that uses easily accessible preoperative factors to predict estimated mortality rates in patients with traumatic aSDHs who undergo surgical evacuation.
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Isolated traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (tSAH) is a common finding in mild traumatic brain injury that often results in transfer to a tertiary center. Patients prescribed blood-thinning medications (BTs) are believed to be at higher risk of clinical or radiographic worsening. ⋯ Neurologically intact patients on BTs with isolated tSAH are not at increased risk of radiographic progression or neurosurgical intervention. The presence of BTs should not influence management decisions for increased surveillance.
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Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive soft tissue sarcomas. Their resection may lead to serious morbidity. Incidence of postoperative motor and sensory deficits is unknown, and reconstruction aimed at restoring such deficits is infrequently carried out. ⋯ Resection of MPNSTs commonly results in motor and sensory deficits. Patients with NF1, symptomatic, deep-seated tumors, arising from major nerves were associated with a higher risk for developing postoperative morbidity. Functional reconstructions are infrequently performed but can improve functional outcomes.