World Neurosurg
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Review Historical Article
James Franklin Osman Adewale Ishola Mustaffah: Ghana's First Neurosurgeon.
This historical narrative examines the early life of Dr. James Franklin Osman Adewale Ishola Mustaffah and his pivotal role in laying the foundations and advancing the field of neurosurgery in Ghana. ⋯ This article illuminates the extraordinary life and lasting legacy of Dr. Mustaffah, a pioneering neurosurgeon whose contributions have significantly shaped the trajectory of neurosurgical practice in Ghana and throughout Africa.
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Endoscopic endonasal surgical resection is an effective therapeutic approach for olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB). Unilateral excision of ONBs with limited extension has been reported with the purpose of preserving olfactory function. We aimed to review implications of surgical management, olfactory preservation feasibility, and survival outcomes in patients who underwent endoscopic unilateral resection of ONB. ⋯ Olfaction preservation can be achieved in patients who undergo endoscopic unilateral resection and adjuvant radiotherapy. The extent of resection should aim for negative margins, particularly in the midline. Larger studies are required to assess the risk of contralateral microscopic disease, and, hence, close follow-up is advised.
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Anterior column realignment via anterior, oblique, or lateral lumbar interbody fusion is increasingly recognized as a powerful mechanism for indirect decompression and sagittal realignment in flexible deformity. Single-position lateral surgery is a popular variation that places patients in the lateral decubitus position, allowing concomitant placement of lateral interbodies and posterior segmental instrumentation without the need for repositioning the patient. The addition of robotics to this technique can help to overcome ergonomic limitations of the placement of pedicle screws in the lateral decubitus position; however, its description in the literature is relatively lacking. In this review we aim to discuss the indications, advantages, and pitfalls of this approach.
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As advances are made in quantitative magnetic resonance imaging, specifically diffusion tensor imaging, researchers have investigated its potential to serve as a biomarker of disease or prognosticator for postoperative recovery in the management of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Here, we narratively review the current state of the emerging literature, describing areas of consensus and disagreement. ⋯ Preoperative fractional anisotropy most frequently and best correlates with functional outcomes following surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy, according to a review of the current literature. The findings were not universal and at times contradictory, highlighting the need for high-quality future investigations to better define the utility of diffusion tensor imaging in spinal disease.
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Lumbar spine disorders often cause lower back pain, lower limb radiating pain, restricted movement, and neurological dysfunction, which seriously affect the quality of life of middle-aged and older people. It has been found that pathological changes in the spine often cause changes in the morphology and function of the paraspinal muscles (PSMs). Fatty infiltration (FI) in PSMs is closely associated with disc degeneration and Modic changes. ⋯ Some studies suggest an association between FI and adverse surgical outcomes, although conflicting results exist. These suggest that clinicians should consider FI when assessing surgical risks and outcomes. Future studies should focus on understanding the biological mechanisms underlying FI and its predictive value in spinal surgery, providing valuable insights for clinical decision-making.