World Neurosurg
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To explore the relationship between intervertebral disk degeneration and endplate microvasculature, and to determine the role of apoptosis in the pathophysiology underlying end plate microvasculature. ⋯ The results of this study suggest that apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells results in a decrease in endplate microvasculature density, further affecting the pathologic process of intervertebral disk degeneration.
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Antiplatelet therapy is common and complicates the operative management of subdural hematomas (SDH). The risk of reoperation inferred by antiplatelet medication and the ability of platelet transfusion to reduce hemorrhagic complications in patients presenting with antiplatelet associated SDHs are poorly defined. ⋯ Antiplatelet medication was not a significant predictor of reoperation following evacuation of an acute or mixed-density SDH. In patients on antiplatelet medication, preoperative platelet transfusion did not reduce reoperation rates.
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Neuromodulation is an evolving therapy for chronic pain. Aiming to meet the limitations of traditional spinal cord stimulation, dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation targets pain in a dermatomal distribution at the site of pain transmission. Despite these advantages, lead migration is a significant complication that hinders the long-term efficacy of DRG stimulation. This study aims to identify risk factors for lead migration requiring revision in DRG stimulation. ⋯ Premature activity, hardware manipulation, and female sex appear to be associated with an increased risk for lead migration. Leads on the S1 and L4 locations may be more likely to migrate. Large trials are necessary to gain a more conclusive understanding of these risk factors for lead migration.
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Case Reports
Stand-alone balloon kyphoplasty for the treatment of a traumatic burst fracture in a pediatric patient: case report.
Kyphoplasty is commonly employed in the treatment of compression fractures in the elderly and is increasingly used in the treatment of adult trauma along with concomitant instrumentation. Although kyphoplasty with instrumentation has been reported in pediatric patients, concerns regarding retardation of spinal growth and iatrogenic spinal deformity have been raised. The utilization of kyphoplasty without instrumentation has yet to be reported in the case of pediatric patients. ⋯ Kyphoplasty alone without instrumentation is a less invasive means to treat these patients and also prevents iatrogenic deformity or retardation of growth in the pediatric spine.
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in both focal and diffuse brain pathological features that become severely exacerbated after the initial injury. Owing to this disease complexity, no effective therapeutic measure has yet been devised aimed directly at these pathological processes. We developed a clinically relevant model of TBI and tested the bidirectional neuroprotective role of adenosine 2A receptors (A2ARs) at different times. ⋯ The A2AR agonist showed a beneficial neuroprotective effect at the early stages after TBI, and the A2AR antagonist showed a benefit at the later stages after TBI. These findings suggest that A2AR agonists and antagonists should be used in accordance with the point at which the TBI occurred.