World Neurosurg
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This study aims to assess the feasibility and reliability of our endoscopic trans-nasal technique for the repair of cribriform and sellar high-flow cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. ⋯ Our results suggest that the parachute technique is simple, safe, and effective. We recommend it as an alternative treatment to vascular flaps for the treatment of high-flow and recurrent fistulas.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of clinical outcomes after transforaminal interbody fusion using cortical bone trajectory versus percutaneous pedicle screw fixation.
The study aim was to compare clinical outcomes between patients undergoing transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) using percutaneous pedicle screw (PPS) and cortical bone trajectory (CBT) by a single surgeon. ⋯ The CBT technique using three-dimensional patient-specific guides resulted in lower perioperative pain and quicker recovery after surgery, which suggests that CBT is a less invasive procedure than PPS.
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Clinical and/or neuroimaging changes after whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for metastatic brain tumor(s) present the clinical dilemma of differentiating tumor recurrence from radiation necrosis. Several imaging modalities attempt to answer this clinical question, including magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and positron emission tomography (PET) computed tomography (CT). We evaluated our experience regarding the ability of MRS and PET CT to differentiate tumor recurrence from radiation necrosis in patients who have received WBRT or SRS. ⋯ MRS has better accuracy than PET CT and a high negative predictive value, therefore making it more useful in distinguishing recurrent tumor from radiation necrosis. We encourage correlation with symptoms at imaging to aid in clinical decision making.
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To analyze the clinical and biomechanical outcome of professional athletes after lumbar total disk replacement, with a focus on restoration of the functional activity. ⋯ Total lumbar disc replacement using M6-L prosthesis in professional athletes made it possible to achieve statistically significant reduction of pain and facilitated early return to normal sports activities. In our opinion, preservation of movement of the operated lumbar segment can help to reduce the mechanical stress with beneficial impact on the rate of degeneration of the adjacent level.
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Academic productivity plays a growing role in professional advancement in academic medicine. This study aimed to assess academic productivity among spine surgeons by investigating differences in h indices between neurological and orthopedic spine surgeons. ⋯ These results demonstrate the importance of the h index in measuring academic productivity among neurological and orthopedic spine surgeons.