World Neurosurg
-
Numerous studies have demonstrated an association between ethnic identity and the prevalence rate of cervical ossified posterior longitudinal ligament (C-OPLL). To date, its prevalence rate in the Jewish population has not been determined. The aim of this historical prospective study is to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of C-OPLL in the Jewish population. ⋯ The prevalence of C-OPLL in the Jewish population in central Israel was 7.5%. This rate is significantly higher than that in other previously studied populations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify the Jewish population as experiencing an increased prevalence of C-OPLL.
-
We sought to determine the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on U.S. neurosurgery resident attrition. We report the changes in resident attrition due to transfers, withdrawal, or dismissal from program training during the COVID-19 pandemic. ⋯ A statistically significant decline occurred in the rate of neurosurgery resident attrition during the COVID-19 pandemic that was most notable during the first full academic year (2020-2021). These findings were largely driven by a decrease in residents withdrawing from training programs. This contrasts with the overall trend toward resignation among healthcare workers during the pandemic. It is unclear what enduring ramifications this will have on neurosurgery residencies moving forward and whether we will see higher attrition rates as we transition toward a new normal. Future studies should examine trends in the attrition rates after the COVID-19 pandemic and determine the long-term effects of decreased attrition rates of residents during the pandemic.
-
Case Reports
Two neighboring spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas with multiple bridging veins drainage.
Two neighboring spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs) with multiple bridging veins drainage are extremely rare. Here, we report a 55-year-old man with 2 neighboring SDAVFs at the levels of T4-T5 supplied by the right T5 intercostal artery (common stem of T4 and T5 arteries) with multiple draining veins. ⋯ This case demonstrated the complex microscopic angioarchitecture features of 2 neighboring SDAVFs with multiple draining veins. Although these complex SDAVFs are extremely rare, the clinicians should be aware of the possibility of 2 neighboring SDAVFs.
-
We sought to describe the resolution time of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) after middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) and potential variables that may affect hematoma resolution. ⋯ MMAE is an effective and minimally invasive treatment for CSDH with a lower recurrence rate. The median resolution time of CSDH following MMAE was 19 weeks (interquartile range: 8-24). Burr-hole irrigation contributed to early hematoma resolution but had no significant effect at 6 months. In addition, residual hematoma thickness, postoperative midline shift, and specific type of hematoma were associated with delayed hematoma resolution at 4 months.
-
Studies on the functionality and usability of the exoscope in neurosurgical procedures against surgical microscopes (SMs) are limited. This study aimed to examine the functionality and usability of the exoscope during microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery. ⋯ Neurosurgeons may experience reduced stress levels during MVD when using the exoscope. As the outcome of MVD using the exoscope did not demonstrate a statistical difference compared with MVD using the SM, the exoscope may prove to be a useful tool for performing MVD.