World Neurosurg
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We performed this meta-analysis to compare the safety of unilateral with bilateral instrumented fusion in 2-level degenerative disorders of the lumbar spine. ⋯ Our meta-analysis establishes the immediate safety and significant lesser operative period of unilateral pedicle screw fixation in lumbar fusion. However, due to lack of evidence on complications like cage subsidence and adjacent segment disease, unilateral pedicle screw fixation cannot be recommended as an alternative to bilateral pedicle screw fixation for 2-level degenerative spinal disease. Our analysis established the lacunae in literature for high-quality evidence on the subject; hence we recommend further large multicenter studies with longer follow-up to arrive at a conclusion.
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Review Historical Article
The History and Current Status of Neurosurgery in Iraq.
The roots of modern neurosurgery in Iraq can be traced back to the dawn of civilization, the Mesopotamian culture. Archaeological evidence has provided us with new insights regarding Mesopotamian medical practices. ⋯ In present-day Iraq, neurosurgery is facing many challenges; the specialty is limping with an inadequate number of neurosurgeons who strive to perform under conditions of political, social, and economic instability. Nevertheless, nondismissible progress has been made in recent years propelled by the efforts of our local neurosurgeons.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Prospective randomized study on the effects of improved sleep quality after craniotomy on melatonin concentrations and inflammatory response in neurosurgical intensive-care patients2.
Sleep disorders in intensive care units after a craniotomy can decrease melatonin secretion and increase the inflammatory stress response. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of improving sleep quality via eye patches and earplugs on melatonin secretion and inflammatory mediator release. ⋯ Melatonin secretion significantly increased as a result of improving postoperative sleep quality by noise and light isolation in neurosurgical intensive care unit patients after craniotomy.