World Neurosurg
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Although lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) is an effective surgical option for lumbar arthrodesis, postoperative plexopathies are a common complication. We characterized post-LLIF plexopathies in a large cohort and analyzed potential risk factors for each. ⋯ Post-LLIF plexopathies are common but usually resolve. Surgical complexity and unresolved neuromonitoring alerts are possible risk factors for persistent plexopathy.
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One of the defining narratives of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the acceptance and distribution of vaccine. To compare the outcomes of COVID-19 positive vaccinated and unvaccinated stroke patients. ⋯ Although vaccination did not show any significant difference in stroke patient outcomes on follow-up, vaccines were associated with lower rates of morbidity and mortality at discharge among stroke patients during the pandemic.
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Intervertebral release (IVR) in the apical region is critical for full release of a rigid spine. Previous studies have mainly reported IVR techniques using an anterior approach or posterior apical convex IVR. We first report the surgical procedure of posterior multisegment apical convex plus concave IVR combined with posterior column osteotomy (PCO) for treating rigid thoracic/thoracolumbar scoliosis. ⋯ Single posterior multilevel apical convex plus concave IVR combined with PCO is a safe and effective surgical method for treating rigid thoracic/thoracolumbar scoliosis that does not need 3-column osteotomy.
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Open spina bifida or myelomeningocele (MMC) is a congenital defect that results from failure of caudal neurulation. We present a case series of patients who were treated with postnatal surgical correction for MMC, evaluating the possible preoperative and intraoperative risk factors associated with neurologic outcomes. ⋯ Despite there being no statistically significant associations with a timely closure, all cases were treated within the first 48 hours and this could influence the low complication rate. Individuals of Hispanic background who received appropriate folate supplementation still had high rates of MMC and we posit that this may be caused in part by a genetic/molecular predisposition.
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As a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, elective surgeries nationwide were suspended. The objective was to compare temporal trends in patient demographics, case volumes, and postoperative complications of patients undergoing elective cervical spine surgery from pre-COVID-19 (2019-2020 Q1) to post-COVID-19 (2020 Q2-Q4). ⋯ Elective surgery declined drastically during the second quarter of 2020. Patients undergoing surgery during the pandemic had an overall greater comorbidity burden, resulting in increased total complication and mortality rates over the study period.