Neurosurgery
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Neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) results in reduced function of the affected arm with profound ramifications on quality of life. Advances in surgical technique have shown improvements in outcomes for appropriately selected patients. Patient selection, however, remains difficult. ⋯ We developed a decision tree prediction algorithm that can be applied shortly after birth to determine surgical candidacy of patients with NBPP, the first of its kind utilizing only maternal and neonatal factors. This conservative decision tree can be used to offer early surgical intervention for appropriate candidates.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Using Banana-Shaped and Straight Cages: Radiological and Clinical Results from a Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial.
In minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF), cage type and position play important roles in fusion achievement and sagittal alignment correction. However, no prospective randomized comparison of the results using different types of cage has been reported to date. ⋯ Our preliminary outcomes suggest that the subsidence rate may be higher using banana-shaped cages in MIS-TLIF, possibly due to their more medial final position.