World Neurosurg
-
A better understanding of the risks and reasons for unplanned readmission is an essential component in reducing costs in the health care system and in optimizing patient safety and satisfaction. The reasons for unplanned readmission vary between different disciplines and procedures. The aim of this study was to identify reasons for readmission in view of different diagnoses in cranial neurosurgery. ⋯ Reasons and predictors for an unplanned readmission differ considerably among the index diagnosis groups. In addition to well-known reasons for readmission, we identified social indication, meaning a lack of home care, which is particularly prevalent in oncologic and elderly patients. A transitional care program could benefit these vulnerable patients.
-
This paper discusses the clinical value of standardized early pregnancy ultrasound structure screening in the diagnosis of fetal central nervous system (CNS) malformations. In this paper, 6902 cases (8336 fetuses) of 11~13 + 6 weeks of gestation (5468 cases of singleton pregnancy and 1434 cases of twin pregnancy) underwent standardized early pregnancy ultrasound structure screening. While tracking the pregnancy process and clinical outcome, we found that 13 cases of CNS malformations (10 cases of single pregnancy, 3 cases of twin pregnancy) were detected by prenatal ultrasound in 6902 cases (8336 fetuses) 11~13 + 6 weeks of gestation including 5 cases of exposed brain malformations. ⋯ There were 4 cases with other structural abnormalities and 3 cases with abnormal karyotype. Follow-up results of 13 fetuses indicated that except for 3 cases of twin malformed fetuses who continued to be pregnant after selective reduction, ultrasound results of the remaining fetuses were consistent with autopsy results after the induction of labor. For this reason, it can be concluded that standardized ultrasound structural screening during early pregnancy can detect fetal CNS malformations early and has important clinical value in reducing the birth rate of malformed fetuses and guiding obstetric treatment.
-
We sought to measure the coronal alignment of the lumbar spine of patients in the right lateral decubitus position on a hinged Jackson operating table with the following 3 table positions: neutral and right and left 20-degree flexion. ⋯ The coronal alignment of the lumbar spine of patients in the right lateral decubitus position on a flat operating table (neutral position) was convex. The right 20-degree flexion position of the hinged operating table yielded less coronal plane lumbar spine deformity, with greater deformity in women.
-
The lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) was a revolutionary approach devised by Luiz Pimenta that allowed the surgeon to access the lumbar spine through the major psoas muscle. Although the traditional LLIF had enabled enormous advances, the technique has its drawbacks. A new concept to perform the traditional LLIF has been proposed, with the patient being prone to decubitus with slightly extended legs. Our study aims to analyze the early outcomes of patients who had undergone the prone transpsoas (PTP) for degenerative spine pathologies including the L4/5 level. ⋯ The prone transpsoas is safe and feasible for approaching the L4/5 disk, presenting with a low rate of complication and new-onset neurologic deficits.
-
Case Reports
Beware the wandering needle: inadvertent intramedullary injection during an attempted cervical medial branch block.
A 27-year-old man developed sudden neck pain, severe quadriparesis, and right shoulder allodynia during an outpatient cervical medial branch block procedure. Cervical spine imaging revealed evidence of an interlaminar needle trajectory with abnormal signal in the right hemicord at the level of C4, consistent with intramedullary injection and contusion. Following a 48-hour stay in the intensive care unit, during which hemodynamic vasopressor support was administered to optimize spinal cord perfusion, the patient exhibited almost complete neurologic recovery with resolution of the neuropathic pain. He was eventually discharged home and underwent outpatient physical therapy for a mild residual right hemiparesis.