World Neurosurg
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One of the pressing constraints in the treatment of arteriovenous malformations (AVM) is the potential development of new neurologic deficits, mainly when the AVM is in an eloquent area. The risk of ischemia when an en passage arterial supply is present is not negligible. In this regard, awake surgery holds promise in increasing the safety of low-grade AVM resection. ⋯ Awake craniotomies are safe procedures and may be helpful in avoiding ischemic complications in low-grade AVMs, either affecting eloquent areas and/or when en passage feeders are present.
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Review Historical Article
Sir William Macewen (1848-1924): Pioneering the Field of Neurosurgery with Early Breakthroughs in Tumour Resection.
Sir William Macewen, a Scottish surgeon, made significant contributions to neurosurgery, beginning with his successful brain tumor resection in 1879. Born in 1848, Macewen's upbringing in a maritime family fostered a practical approach to learning. Macewen's pivotal brain tumor surgery demonstrated his adherence to antiseptic practices and precise localization techniques. ⋯ Beyond neurosurgery, Macewen was innovative in asepsis, hernia repair, and bone surgery. His legacy as a clinical educator and advocate for surgical advancements earned him widespread recognition. This historical review aimed to explore and evaluate the published literature regarding Macewen's early brain tumor surgeries, seeking to establish his precedence over later surgeons including Godlee and Bennett.
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Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), a remarkable technological advancement in neurology and neurosurgery, mark a significant leap since the inception of electroencephalography in 1924. These interfaces effectively convert central nervous system signals into commands for external devices, offering revolutionary benefits to patients with severe communication and motor impairments due to a myriad of neurological conditions like stroke, spinal cord injuries, and neurodegenerative disorders. BCIs enable these individuals to communicate and interact with their environment, using their brain signals to operate interfaces for communication and environmental control. ⋯ However, challenges persist, including the complexity of accurately interpreting brain signals, the need for individual calibration, and ensuring reliable, long-term use. Additionally, ethical considerations arise regarding autonomy, consent, and the potential for dependence on technology. Despite these challenges, BCIs represent a transformative development in neurotechnology, promising enhanced patient outcomes and a deeper understanding of brain-machine interfaces.
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Full-endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (FELIF) is a critical yet challenging procedure. However, extensive analyses of discectomy and cartilage endplate preparation techniques are limited. This can be attributed to the lack of universal protocols owing to diverse surgical practices and equipment preferences. ⋯ The approaches and techniques vary significantly among physicians, but overall, these instruments and techniques aim to achieve a safe and efficient disc-scraping outcome. Thus, this review may offer a comprehensive guidance to surgeons in selecting the most efficient practices for FELIF. Uniform procedural protocols are needed to ensure broader adoption and standardized practice.
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Hip-spine syndrome (HSS) was first described in 1983 to describe the symptomatology resulting from concomitant lumbar degenerative stenosis and hip osteoarthritis. Numerous studies have sought to understand the underlying pathology and appropriate management of this syndrome. The purpose of this article is to review the literature for the specific imaging characteristics and the optimal surgical treatment of HSS. ⋯ The data on the surgical management of HSS remains sparse. While there is some evidence that total hip arthroplasty in patients who previously underwent spinal fusion may have higher complication rates, there remains debate regarding which surgical problem to address first, the hip or the spine.