World Neurosurg
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Review Meta Analysis
Outcomes Following Penetrating Brain Injuries in Military Settings: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
While neurosurgeons are experienced in treating penetrating brain injuries (PBIs) in civilian settings, much less is known about management and outcomes of PBIs in military settings. ⋯ In this first systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes following combat-related PBIs, a GCS score >8 at presentation was found to be an important predictor of a favorable GOS and decreased mortality.
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This study aimed to analyze a clinical series of odontoid fractures treated with true percutaneous anterior odontoid screws. The technique we used is different from the traditional approach of using blunt dissection to arrive at the anterior surface of the vertebral body. ⋯ True percutaneous anterior odontoid screw fixation is a safe and reliable procedure for treating odontoid fractures. The fibrous union of odontoid fractures provides as much stability as a solid bone fusion.
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Africa bears more than 15% of the global burden of neurosurgical disease; however, it has the lowest neurosurgical workforce density worldwide. The past decade has seen an increase in neurosurgery residency programs on the continent. It is unclear how these residency programs are similar or viable. This study highlights the current status and interdepartmental and regional differences, with the main objective of offering a template for improving the provision of neurosurgical education on the continent. ⋯ There are significant differences in the African postgraduate neurosurgical education curriculum warranting standardization. This study identifies areas of improvement for neurosurgical education in Africa.
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The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of local anesthesia (LA) and epidural anesthesia (EA) for percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) and provide reference data for clinical decision-making. ⋯ EA is as safe as LA and produces better anesthetic effects than LA in patients undergoing PTED. Therefore, EA should be promoted as a reliable anesthetic technique for PTED.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has driven the increased use of telemedicine and the adoption of wearable technology in neurosurgery. We reviewed studies exploring the use of wearables on neurosurgical patients and analyzed wearables' scientific production trends. ⋯ Wearables can provide clinicians with objective measurements to determine patient function and quality of life. The rise in articles related to wearables in neurosurgery demonstrates the increased adoption of wearable devices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Wearable devices appear to be a key component in this era of telemedicine and their positive utility and practicality are increasingly being realized in neurosurgery.