World Neurosurg
-
To investigate how the expansion trajectory of a lateral expandable cage affects pressure distribution at the cage-endplate interface under well-controlled biomechanical loading conditions. ⋯ Of the cage designs evaluated in this study, an expandable cage with independently adjustable anterior and posterior heights lowered the maximum pressure measured at the cage-endplate interface and alleviated the potential of cage edge loading, both of which are important considerations that are fundamental for a successful fusion procedure and the mitigation of implant subsidence risk.
-
Spinal cord ependymomas (SCEs) represent the most common intramedullary spinal cord tumors among adults. Research shows that access to neurosurgical care and patient outcomes can be greatly influenced by patient location. This study investigates the association between the outcomes of patients with SCE in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. ⋯ The relationship between patients' residential location and access to neurosurgical care is critical to ensuring equitable distribution of care. This study represents an important step in delineating areas of existing disparities.
-
Exposure to neurosurgery is important for knowledge of neurosurgical conditions that physicians may encounter. The current status of neurosurgery nonsubinternship clerkships in the United States is unknown; this study determined the availability and format of non-subinternship neurosurgery clerkships in DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine)-granting and MD (Doctor of Medicine)-granting U.S. medical schools. ⋯ Most U.S. medical schools provide elective neurosurgery non-subinternships. Fewer, although still a majority, of DO-granting schools offer a neurosurgery non-subinternship compared with MD-granting schools.
-
Observational Study
Impaired dynamic cerebral autoregulation as a predictor for cerebral hyperperfusion after carotid endarterectomy: A prospective observational study.
Cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS) is a severe complication of carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Because cerebral hyperperfusion (CH) reduces the benefits of CEA, it is important to identify patients at high risk of developing CH. We investigated dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) as a potential predictor of CH after CEA. ⋯ The lower ipsilateral phase may serve as a predictor of CH after CEA.
-
External ventricular drain (EVD) is a basic operation in neurosurgery. Due to the limitation of its safe duration, some patients need to receive multiple drainage operations. We describe the long tunneled EVD (LTEVD) with shunt valves that effectively avoid multiple operations as a technical note. ⋯ LTEVD is effective and simple. It allows visual control of drainage flow, prolonging catheter indwelling time and eliminating the need for multiple surgeries.