World Neurosurg
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To investigate associations between preoperative lumbar multifidus muscle (LMM) and psoas major muscle qualities and preoperative and postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after anterolateral lumbar interbody fusion (A-LLIF). ⋯ Significant associations were found between LMM CSA and preoperative disability and back pain. Compared to A-LLIF patients with larger LMM (CSA >12 cm2), those with LMM CSA <5 cm2 had significantly greater preoperative disability and back pain.
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A quarter of spine surgery patients take antidepressants. Basic science research has suggested serotonergic antidepressants impair platelet function. This has been supported by only a small number of works in the setting of spine surgery. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of antidepressants on intraoperative bleeding risk during lumbar fusion. ⋯ Antidepressant use was not associated with increased intraoperative blood loss or increased postoperative transfusion requirement, regardless of subanalysis by fusion type or antidepressant class. The current findings do not support discontinuing antidepressants prior to lumbar fusion.
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Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) is an endovascular technique that has been rapidly adopted in the management of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH), with numerous positive results across the literature. This study aimed to summarize the body of original research published on MMAE for the treatment of cSDH through bibliometric methods. ⋯ As the popularity of MMAE and power of studies related to the technique continues to rise, we hope that this analysis can continue to guide clinicians and researchers on growing areas of interest and academic hotspots of collaboration.
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Despite the growing number of female medical students, there remains a significant disparity between the number of female and male neurosurgeons. This study aims to determine if this trend is also evident among medical students, examine how various medical schools worldwide are addressing this issue, and propose potential solutions. ⋯ This study highlights gender-based differences in career planning, scientific and practical neurosurgery experiences, and mentoring opportunities during medical education. Initiatives such as congresses and mentoring programs could help address this imbalance by supporting female medical students from the early stages of their careers.
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The standard treatment for craniopharyngiomas (CPs) involves either initial gross total resection or subtotal resection with adjuvant radiotherapy. However, there is no consensus regarding the management of recurrent cases. We reviewed a series of patients with CP to evaluate the characteristics of patients with recurrent/progressing CP. ⋯ The management of recurrent CP is too complicated to fit into a standard treatment algorithm. Therefore, surgical treatment for these patients should be individualized and planned according to patient symptoms and radiologic findings, which is presumably a more versatile, efficient, and safe approach for recurrent CPs.