World Neurosurg
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Comparative Study
Comparison of the biomechanical performance among PLF, TLIF, XLIF, and OLIF, a finite element analysis.
We compared the biomechanical differences among posterolateral fusion (PLF) and transforaminal, extreme, and oblique lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF, XLIF, and OLIF, respectively) procedures. ⋯ The PLF had less stability than the other 3 fusion procedures owing to the greater ROM and stress peaks in the posterior instrument. The OLIF and XLIF induced fewer stress peaks in the cortical endplate and cancellous bone than did the TLIF procedure, which was beneficial for subsidence resistance and disc height and segmental angle maintenance.
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The most potent vasoconstrictor, endothelin-1 and its receptors, endothelin receptor A (EDNRA) and endothelin receptor B (EDNRB) are involved in hypertension. Hypertension is a major risk factor of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Recent studies have demonstrated increased plasma endothelin-1 level in ICH patients and relationships between EDNRA and EDNRB genetic variants and ischemic stroke. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether EDNRA and EDNRB polymorphisms are associated with ICH by interacting with blood pressure levels. ⋯ These findings support the important role of EDNRA and EDNRB polymorphisms in ICH, and suggest that they do not interact with blood pressure levels on altering ICH risk.
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Although postoperative spinal epidural hematoma is a rare complication, it can cause severe neurologic complications. Studies regarding biportal endoscopic spinal surgery, a type of minimally invasive spinal surgery technique, have been recently reported. The purpose of our study is to report the incidence and risk factors of postoperative hematoma after biportal endoscopic spinal surgery. ⋯ Although symptomatic postoperative hematoma was extremely rare at 1.9%, radiologic hematoma confirmed by postoperative MRI was higher at 23.6%. The perioperative risk factors of postoperative hematoma after biportal endoscopic spinal surgery include female sex, older age (>70 years), preoperative anticoagulation medication, usage of intraoperative water infusion pump, and surgery requiring more bone work (laminectomy or interbody fusion).
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Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Research activity in Latin American countries might be the key to solving, or at least improving, the understanding of stroke-related issues in the region. Our aim was to describe and analyze the research output on stroke in Latin America. ⋯ Despite the continuous increase in research output from Latin American countries, more effort is needed to strengthen the research capacity by developing networks and collaborative research projects, ideally among the Latin American countries themselves.
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Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is one of the very few treatable types of dementia. Shunt therapy has been shown to be effective in improving symptoms. However, the long-term results of cerebrospinal fluid diversion are variable. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate long-term outcomes of patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt by using programmable valves. ⋯ Surgical treatment for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus by ventriculoperitoneal shunt is a safe modality that improves symptoms in most patients, including in the long-term. Strict follow-up is necessary for early diagnosis of shunt malfunction or need for valve adjustment.