World Neurosurg
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Gunshot wounds are the most common etiology of penetrating spine injuries and have been increasing in incidence in civilian populations. Although these injuries typically result in severe neurologic deficits, operative intervention remains is controversial and is usually reserved for patients with neurologic deterioration, a persistent externalized cerebrospinal fluid fistula, mechanical instability, metallic toxicity, or a bullet location at high risk of migration. ⋯ HO surrounding retained bullet fragments in the spine is a rare cause of progressive neurologic deterioration following gunshot wounds. Surgical excision of the shrapnel and heterotopic bone can lead to symptomatic relief, and therefore surgery should be considered as a treatment option in carefully selected patients.
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Age and comorbidity burden of patients going anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) have increased significantly over the past 2 decades, resulting in increased expenditures. Non-home discharge after ACDF contributes to increased direct and indirect costs of postoperative care. The purpose of this study was to identify independent prognostic factors for discharge disposition in patients undergoing ACDF. ⋯ Numerous sociodemographic and clinical characteristics influence the risk of non-home discharge and discharge to inpatient rehabilitation in patients undergoing ACDF. Policy makers and payers should consider these factors when determining appropriate preoperative adjustment for risk-based reimbursements.
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The health care expenditure in Vietnam is equivalent to 1% of that in the United States. For most patients with brain arteriovenous malformations (AVM), surgery is the only available treatment modality. This study reports on the outcomes on AVM microsurgery in this resource-restricted environment. ⋯ Notwithstanding the limitation in health care resources in Vietnam, surgery for AVMs was successful in eliminating the malformation, with obliteration rates and morbidity comparable with international standards.
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Case Reports
Novel use of dual-lumen catheter for irrigation and drainage after evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma.
Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is an intracranial pathology most commonly affecting elderly patients. Patients may present with worsening headache, seizures, weakness, balance and gait problems, and memory deficits. Even in patients undergoing hematoma evacuation, there is a substantial risk for recurrence. The authors present the first use of an irrigating external ventricular drain in the United States in the perioperative management of a patient with cSDH treated with craniotomy (IRRAS, Stockholm, Sweden). ⋯ The use of an irrigating drain for perioperative management of cSDH is a novel means to prevent recurrence and warrants further exploration.
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Comparative Study
Efficacy and safety of using high viscosity bone cement vertebroplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with intravertebral cleft.
To evaluate and compare clinical outcomes and cement leakage of high-viscosity bone cement versus low-viscosity bone cement vertebroplasty in treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with intravertebral cleft. ⋯ Percutaneous vertebroplasty using HVC to treat osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with intravertebral cleft significantly reduces cement leakage and improves the safety of the operation. In terms of clinical efficacy and prevention of augmented vertebral recollapse, HVC may not have obvious advantages.