Neurosurgery
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of homicide-related death in the United States. Penetrating TBI associated with firearms is a unique injury with an exceptionally high mortality rate that requires specialized neurocritical trauma care. ⋯ Firearm-related violence is an important public health problem and is associated with the majority of TBI homicide deaths in the United States. The findings from this study may be used to inform prevention and guide further research to improve treatment strategies directed at reducing TBI homicides involving firearms.
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Adult traumatic brachial plexus injuries (TBPIs) are life-altering events that can have detrimental effects on a patient's quality of life. ⋯ TBPI patients with SDOH disparities are at increased risk of developing new-onset psychosocial conditions, such as depression, anxiety, drug abuse, and alcohol abuse. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level III.
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Neurosurgery is a rapidly developing specialty in Ethiopia. Previous global neurosurgery studies have highlighted the need for synchronizing workforce increase with improving quality, access, and capacity to provide neurosurgical care. ⋯ The results highlight the need for vital improvements in neurosurgical capacity to sustain progress toward HQHS. Promoting sustained development in all components of HQHS can be achieved by diversifying the workforce and training residency candidates committed to practicing in underserved regions. Additional strategies might include establishing a national registry for neurosurgical data and implementing policy changes conducive to improving perihospital care and other health system components.
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For patients with either an incompletely resected meningioma or recurrence after surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery is frequently used. MRI is typically used for stereotactic radiosurgery targeting, but differentiating tumor growth from postoperative change can be challenging. 68 Ga-DOTATATE, a positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer targeting the somatostatin receptor type 2, has been shown to be a reliable meningioma biomarker. ⋯ In this series, incorporating 68 Ga-DOTATATE PET imaging had clinical utility for most patients in whom it was used. It proved particularly adept in demonstrating intraosseous meningiomas, differentiating recurrence from postoperative changes, and identifying subcentimeter disease foci. It is an imaging modality that our center will continue to use as a means of improving postoperative treatment plans after the surgical resection of meningiomas.