Neurosurgery
-
The main objective of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was to make health insurance affordable to all Americans while addressing the lack of coverage for 48 million people. In the face of rapidly increasing enrollment and rising demand for inexpensive plans, insurance providers are limiting in-network physicians. Provider networks offering plans with limited in-network physicians have become known as "narrow networks." ⋯ In Louisiana, narrow networks have limited access to neurosurgical care for those patients with ACA silver plans.
-
Radiological evaluation of traumatic thoracolumbar fractures is used to classify the injury and determine the optimal treatment plan. Currently, there remains a lack of consensus regarding appropriate radiological protocol. Most clinicians use a combination of plain radiographs, 3-dimensional computed tomography with reconstructions, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). ⋯ Due to a paucity of published studies, there is insufficient evidence that radiographic findings can be used as predictors of clinical outcomes in thoracolumbar fractures. Strength of Recommendation: Grade Insufficient The full version of the guideline can be reviewed at: https://www.cns.org/guideline-chapters/congress-neurological-surgeons-systematic-review-evidence-based-guidelines/chapter_3.
-
Thoracic and lumbar burst fractures in neurologically intact patients are considered to be inherently stable, and responsive to nonsurgical management. There is a lack of consensus regarding the optimal conservative treatment modality. The question remains whether external bracing is necessary vs mobilization without a brace after these injuries. ⋯ The decision to use an external brace is at the discretion of the treating physician, as the nonoperative management of neurologically intact patients with thoracic and lumbar burst fractures either with or without an external brace produces equivalent improvement in outcomes. Bracing is not associated with increased adverse events compared to not bracing. Strength of Recommendation: Grade B The full version of the guideline can be reviewed at: https://www.cns.org/guideline-chapters/congress-neurological-surgeons-systematic-review-evidence-based-guidelines/chapter_8.
-
Observational Study
Remodeling of the Feeding Arterial System After Surgery for Resection of Brain Arteriovenous Malformations: An Observational Study.
Avoiding the risk of postoperative hemorrhage after brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) resection involves aggressive blood pressure control. Remodeling of the feeding arterial system is critical in reducing this risk. ⋯ FA/IC preAVM and AVM size are both important in predicting the time taken for return to normal feeding arterial system on DSA after AVM resection.