Neurosurgery
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Multicenter Study
Outcomes of Operative Treatment for Adult Cervical Deformity: A Prospective Multicenter Assessment With 1-Year Follow-up.
Despite the potential for profound impact of adult cervical deformity (ACD) on function and health-related quality of life (HRQOL), there are few high-quality studies that assess outcomes of surgical treatment for these patients. ⋯ Based on a prospective multicenter series of ACD patients, surgical treatment provided significant improvement in multiple measures of pain and function, including Neck Disability Index, neck pain numeric rating scale score, and EQ-5D. Further follow-up will be necessary to assess the long-term durability of these improved outcomes.
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Due to disparaging costs and rates of malpractice claims in neurosurgery, there has been significant interest in identifying high-risk specialties, types of malpractice claims, and characteristics of claim-prone physicians. ⋯ From 2003 to 2012, we found that neurosurgery malpractice claims rank among one of the most costly and prevalent, with the average indemnities paid annually and the overall economic burden increasing. Diagnoses and procedures involving the spine, along with improper performance, were the most prevalent malpractice claims against neurosurgeons. Continued medical malpractice reform is essential to correct the overall health care cost burdens, and ultimately improve patient safety.
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To analyze the role of industry sponsorship of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published exclusively in 3 major North American neurosurgical journals. ⋯ Industry funding was associated with a much greater chance of positive findings in RCTs published in neurosurgical journals. Further efforts are needed to define the relationship between the authors and financial sponsors of neurosurgical research and explore the reasons for this finding.