World Neurosurg
-
Observational Study
Validation of the Elderly Traumatic Brain Injury Score: an observational case-control study.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) poses a particular health risk for the elderly. The recently developed elderly TBI (eTBI) score combines the prognostic information of the risk factors characteristic of the geriatric population. We aimed to determine its validity and reliability on an independent sample. ⋯ This is the first study confirming the validity of the eTBI Score and its close association with outcome of geriatric population after TBI. The novel 3-tier risk stratification scheme was applicable to both conservatively and surgically treated patients.
-
Augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) are emerging technologies that are starting to be translated into clinical practice. Limited data are available regarding these tools in use during live surgery of the spine. Our objective was to systematically collect, analyze, and interpret the existing data regarding AR, VR, and MR use in spine surgery on living people. ⋯ The systematically collected, analyzed, and interpreted data of existing peer-reviewed full-text articles showed favorable metrics regarding surgical efficacy, pedicle screw target accuracy, radiation exposure, clinical outcomes, and disability and pain for patients with spinal pathology treated with the help of AR, VR, and/or MR.
-
The decision to perform surgery in cases of spinal plasmacytoma (SP) is controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS) in evaluation of spinal instability in patients with SP. ⋯ Decision making regarding augmentation, decompression, and stabilization in patients with SP is controversial. SINS may play a role during the decision-making process. Augmentation can be performed in patients with painful SPs with osteolytic changes with or without fracture (SINS <13). Decompression and stabilization surgery is the first-choice treatment in patients with SINS >12.
-
Case Reports
Microsurgical Clipping of a Post-Coiling, Residual or Recurrent, Ruptured Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysm.
Endovascular treatment modalities for intracranial aneurysms have seen a significant increase in popularity since the initial advent of the Guglielmi detachable coils in the early nineties.1 The publication of the International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial (ISAT) in addition to significant improvement in catheter and coil technology further cemented the endovascular-first approach, specifically for ruptured aneurysms.2 However, the increase in aneurysm coiling also led to a heightened awareness of its shortcomings, namely a significantly greater rate of recurrence and need for retreatment.3 The Cerebral Aneurysm Rerupture After Treatment (CARAT) study revealed that even though the rate of rerupture is low with both microsurgical and endovascular treatment modalities, the rate of rerupture is greater with incomplete versus complete aneurysm occlusion.4 Previously coiled aneurysms can be challenging to treat. While in some cases further endovascular therapies can be performed, microsurgical clipping remains a compelling alternative, specifically for small recurrent or residual ruptured aneurysms. However, microsurgical clipping of previously coiled aneurysms presents its own set of unique challenges. ⋯ In addition, coil extrusion, which is often misdiagnosed as coil compaction on diagnostic imaging and therefore underreported, can further increase the risk of microsurgical dissection. In this operative video, we present a case of a postcoiling, residual or recurrent, ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm successfully treated through microsurgical clipping. The patient consented to the procedure as shown in this operative video (Video 1) and gave informed written consent for use of her images in publication.
-
Studies investigating seasonality as a risk factor for surgical site infections (SSIs) after spine surgery show mixed results. This study used national data to analyze seasonal effects on spine surgery SSIs. ⋯ PCF, PLF, and lumbar laminectomy performed during the warm season had significantly higher odds of SSI, especially postdischarge SSIs. Reoperation rates for wound management were significantly increased during the warm season for PLFs. Identifying seasonal causes merits further investigation and may influence surgeon scheduling and expectations.