World Neurosurg
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The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic yield of follow-up investigations in aneurysm-negative subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients. ⋯ The results of this study support the use of repeat DSA in patients with NPM-SAH; however, routine repeat DSA may not be indicated in PM-SAH patients. The routine use of MRI remains controversial.
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Although pedicle screw and rod instrumentation remains the gold standard method of posterior rod fixation, it is associated with complications, including pedicle breach and facet joint violation. There is current interest in facet joint stabilization with the potential to create a less invasive, natural arch of fixation that may avoid the complications associated with pedicle screw and rod instrumentation. This study examined the stabilizing potential of a novel facet joint fixation device for single-level (L4-L5) fixation in a human cadaveric model. ⋯ Bilateral lumbar facet fixation with and without supplemental transfacet screw fixation provided significant stability. Cranial and caudal adjacent-level ROM was not influenced by facet fixation except for a slight increase in cranial segment motion during extension. Facet fixation did not alter the lordotic intervertebral disc angle at the instrumented level.
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Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating type of stroke, and most favorable treatments to improve patients' neurologic outcomes are not clear. Invasive intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is a common treatment of ICH, but whether patients with ICH could benefit from ICP monitoring is controversial. ICP variability (IPV) has been shown to correlate with poor outcomes in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage and traumatic brain injury, but this association has not been clearly elucidated in patients with ICH. We hypothesized that 72-hour IPV from time of ICP probe implantation is associated with outcomes in patients with ICH. ⋯ IPV during the first 72 hours after ICP implantation in patients with ICH was independently associated with poor functional outcome at 3 months. Stabilization of IPV during hyperacute and acute periods may be a potential therapeutic target to improve functional outcomes of these patients.
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In the Brazilian public national healthcare system, botulinum toxin type A has traditionally been the sole treatment option for patients with dystonia. However, as of October 2022, deep brain stimulation (DBS) garnered positive recommendations for the condition. This study aims to assess the cost-effectiveness of DBS in treating adults with generalized and cervical dystonia within the Brazilian healthcare context, considering its recent inclusion. ⋯ From the perspective of the Brazilian public health system, the combination of DBS and BCP appears to be cost-effective for the treatment of both generalized and cervical dystonia when compared to BCP alone.
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Surgical treatment is an effective strategy for cervical pyogenic spondylodiscitis (CPS). However, the optimal surgical approach is uncertain. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical efficacy of debridement, reconstruction, and instrumentation via the anterior-only approach for CPS. ⋯ One-stage debridement, reconstruction, and instrumentation via the anterior approach is an effective surgical strategy for CPS. In addition to surgery, targeted and prolonged antibiotic therapy is of crucial importance.