Deep learning-based prediction of rheumatoid arthritis-associated deformity on MRI.

Introduction: While the prevalence of surgery to correct atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS), subaxial subluxation (SAS) and vertical translocation (VT) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had declined, cervical deformity is still observed regularly.

Research Question: The objective of this study is to develop a deep learning-based algorithm to predict RA-associated upper cervical spine deformity in patients before or close to RA diagnosis, with the purpose of early risk stratification.

Materials And Methods: Patients with RA in which follow-up cervical MRI studies (at least 3 years apart) were available were identified retrospectively in two tertiary care centers.

Infliximab use and cervical spine deformity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: Over the past decades, the incidence of surgery for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated cervical spine deformity decreased. Infliximab has been observed as a protective treatment for joint damage in hands and feet; yet, the protective association between infliximab and the cervical spine has been uncertain.

Methods: Duration of infliximab use during 10 years of follow-up was evaluated in patients with new-onset RA (case control study using data from the BeSt Trial).

Brief report on the efficacy of sotorasib in KRAS-Mutated NSCLC patients with brain metastases.

Introduction: Sotorasib has emerged as a treatment option for patients with KRAS-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, its effect in patients with brain metastases is not well described. We assessed the intracranial response of sotorasib in a retrospective case series of patients with brain metastases (BMs) at a single institution.

Methods: Patients with KRAS-mutated NSCLC with BMs who received sotorasib at Mass General Brigham Hospitals were included.

The Impact of Tort Reforms on the Neurosurgical Malpractice Environment: A Systematic Review of Literature.

Background: Neurosurgeons, especially spine surgeons, have the highest risk of facing a malpractice claim. Average verdicts in spine surgery litigation has been shown to be over USD $1 million/case. This systematic review aimed to clarify the impact of tort reforms on neurosurgical health care environments across the United States, including patient outcomes, practice of defensive medicine, and physician supply aims.