World Neurosurg
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The purpose of this study was to determine whether combined diffusion-weighted imaging and dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced perfusion-weighted imaging magnetic resonance imaging can be used to differentiate between common malignant brain tumors, including lymphomas and high-grade gliomas. ⋯ The combination of rCBV and ADC can facilitate the differentiation between PCNSLs and GBMs.
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Clinical Trial
Intraarticular Pulsed Radiofrequency to Treat Refractory Lumbar Facet Joint Pain in Patients with Low Back Pain.
Many treatment techniques have been used for refractory lumbar facet joint pain; however, their efficacy has been controversial. In this study, we investigated the clinical efficacy and safety of intra-articular pulsed radiofrequency for the treatment of refractory lumbar facet joint pain in patients with low back pain. ⋯ Treatment using intra-articular pulsed radiofrequency is an alternative to other techniques in patients with refractory lumbar facet joint pain.
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Measures of health care use such as length of hospital stay (LOS) are used as proxies for quality of care after spine surgery. Accordingly, hospitals and health systems are investing considerable resources into the preoperative identification of patients at risk for prolonged LOS. This study aims to investigate the impact of preoperative level on outcomes and LOS after spinal fusion. ⋯ Our study shows that elderly male patients with lower preoperative Hgb levels have increased LOS and postoperative delirium after spinal fusion. Moreover, preoperative Hgb levels negatively correlate with LOS.
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Realistic, safe, and efficient modalities for simulation-based training are highly warranted to enhance the quality of surgical education, and they should be incorporated in resident training. The aim of this study was to develop a patient-specific virtual cerebral aneurysm-clipping simulator with haptic force feedback and real-time deformation of the aneurysm and vessels. ⋯ We have successfully developed a virtual aneurysm-clipping simulator. Next, we will prospectively evaluate this device for surgical procedure planning and education.
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The differentiation of germinoma from other tumors by conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be very difficult. The purpose of our study was to determine whether diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and single-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) could provide additional useful information for a definitive diagnosis of germinomas. ⋯ Lower ADC values and high lipid peaks detected on 1H-MRS are characteristics of germinomas.