Crowdfunding for stroke: a national analysis.

Background: Stroke imposes an enormous economic burden on patients and caregivers. Online crowdfunding is widely used to address healthcare costs, reflecting social safety net gaps, yet it has not been studied for stroke. We performed the first national analysis of stroke-related crowdfunding, evaluating fund totals, success rates, geography, and stroke etiology.

Composite RAI, Malnutrition, and Anemia Model Superiorly Predicts 30-Day Morbidity and Mortality After Surgery for Adult Spinal Deformity.

This study examines the composite influence of frailty, malnutrition, and anemia on postoperative outcomes for patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD). In this retrospective cohort study using the 2011-2022 NSQIP database, we utilized CPT and ICD codes to identify ASD patients who underwent PSF. Subjects were stratified based on frailty status.

Assessing frailty screening tools for predicting morbidity for suboccipital decompression in adults with Chiari malformation type I.

Objective: The revised Risk Analysis Index (RAI-rev) and modified 5-item frailty index (mFI-5) are comprehensive assessment tools of frailty that have been used to predict neurosurgical outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of these tools to predict extended hospital length of stay (LOS), nonroutine discharge (NRD), and 30-day adverse events (AEs) among patients with Chiari malformation type I (CM-I) undergoing suboccipital decompression.

Methods: The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study using the 2011-2022 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database to identify adults with CM-I who underwent suboccipital decompression.

Comparing morbidity and mortality in adult patients with acute traumatic cervical spinal cord injury in 2013-2017 and 2018-2022: a retrospective 10-year national trend analysis.

Objectives: While considerable attention has been dedicated to quality improvement in spine surgery, few studies have evaluated progress in spinal cord injury (SCI) outcomes. This study aimed to assess whether morbidity and mortality trends have improved for acute cervical SCI patients in the last decade.

Methods: The American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Programs database was retrospectively queried and outcomes for adult patients with acute cervical SCI were compared between two 5-year groups: 2013-2017 and 2018-2022.

Impact of preoperative nutritional status on morbidity and mortality in geriatric patients undergoing spine surgery: Role of geriatric nutritional risk index.

Background: Malnutrition is a risk factor for poor surgical outcomes amongst the elderly. However, the association between malnutrition and outcomes in geriatric patients undergoing spine surgery has been understudied. The aim of this study was to assess associations between malnutrition and 30-day morbidity and mortality in geriatric patients undergoing spine surgery.

Trends in short-term and delayed unplanned readmission in patients with adult spinal deformity undergoing posterior spinal fusion.

Objective: Adult spinal deformity (ASD) affects many people in the US, often causing significant back pain and disability and disrupting activities of daily living. As a result, surgical intervention for deformity correction can help improve quality of life. Unplanned readmissions after surgery can significantly impact patients and the value of care.

Reduced sociodemographic disparities in surgical outcomes after spine surgery for spinal epidural abscess.

Background: Investigation into the effect of demographic identifiers, such as race and socioeconomic status, on health outcomes has risen to the forefront of research across medical disciplines attempting to understand the complex interplay of factors that lead to health disparities. This study aims to identify racial disparities in outcomes following spine surgery for spinal epidural abscess (SEA).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the 2011-2022 American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database to identify adult patients who underwent spinal surgery for spinal epidural abscess.

Assessing combined effects of risk analysis index-revised (RAI-rev), malnutrition, and anemia on morbidity and mortality after spine surgery for metastatic spinal tumors.

Purpose: This study evaluates the combined effects of frailty, anemia, and malnutrition on outcomes in spinal metastases patients.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the 2011-2022 NSQIP database. Adult patients undergoing spinal surgery for spinal metastases were identified using CPT and ICD codes and stratified based on Risk Analysis Index-revised (RAI-rev) frailty status; frail patients were subdivided based on anemia and malnutrition status.

Surgical Outcomes in Patients with Primary or Metastatic Spinal Leiomyosarcoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: To describe clinical features, treatments, and surgical outcomes of spinal leiomyosarcoma (sLMS).

Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of 56 studies (January 1, 2000 to January 18, 2024) reporting on 109 patients: 39 (36%) with primary spinal lesions, 67 (61%) with metastases, and 3 (3%) with lesions of unknown origin. We compared clinical features, treatments, and outcomes between primary and metastatic sLMS.

Impact of preoperative nutritional status on morbidity and mortality in elderly patients undergoing spine surgery for metastatic spinal tumors: a role for the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index.

Objective: The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is commonly used to assess malnutrition risk in elderly patients, but its impact on spine surgery for metastatic spinal tumors is not well understood. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between preoperative nutritional status, as measured by the GNRI, and postoperative morbidity and mortality in elderly patients undergoing spine surgery for metastatic spinal tumors.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed using the 2011-2022 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database of the American College of Surgeons.

Racial/ethnic disparities on resource utilization and outcomes for patients undergoing spine surgery: A NSQIP analysis of 402,765 patients.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of race/ethnicity on postoperative adverse events (AEs), prolonged length of stay (LOS), non-routine discharge (NRD), and unplanned readmission in spine surgery patients.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed using the 2016-2023 ACS NSQIP database. Adults receiving spine surgery for trauma, degenerative disease, tumor, and infectious causes were identified using CPT codes and stratified based on race/ethnicity.

Assessing Morbidity and Mortality in Adult Patients With Acute Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Using a Modified Risk Analysis Index.

Background And Objectives: The Risk Analysis Index (RAI) is a comprehensive assessment of frailty for predicting neurosurgical outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess whether frailty, measured by a modified RAI (mRAI), was an independent predictor of adverse events (AEs), nonroutine discharge (NRD), and in-hospital mortality for patients with acute cervical spinal cord injuries (SCIs).

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed using the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Programs database.

Employing large language models safely and effectively as a practicing neurosurgeon.

Background: Large Language Models (LLMs) have demonstrated significant capabilities to date in working with a neurosurgical knowledge-base and have the potential to enhance neurosurgical practice and education. However, their role in the clinical workspace is still being actively explored. As many neurosurgeons seek to incorporate this technology into their local practice environments, we explore pertinent questions about how to deploy these systems in a safe and efficacious manner.

The Association of Gender in the Management and Prognosis of Vertebral and Sacral Chordoma: A SEER Analysis.

Chordomas are rare primary osseous tumors of the spine and skull base that may portend significant morbidity and mortality. Gender disparities in the management and outcomes of spinal and pelvic chordomas have been sparsely studied. This study aimed to examine the effect of gender on the treatment utilization and outcomes in patients with vertebral column and sacrum/pelvis chordomas.

Pre-operative internal maxillary artery embolization for temporomandibular joint replacement: safety and outcomes from a 10-year institutional experience.

Background: Temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJR) can result in large volume blood loss (BL) from the underlying internal maxillary artery (IMA). Pre-operative IMA embolization has been utilized to reduce intra-operative BL, but prior studies are limited to small case series.

Methods: Adult patients undergoing pre-operative IMA embolization for TMJR between June 2014 and September 2024 at a single institution were included.

The Impact of Medical School Experiences in Global Surgery on Perceptions and Career Plans Among U.S. Medical Students.

Introduction: There is a growing interest among medical students to learn about global surgery and how they can incorporate it into their further training in residency. This study addresses US-based medical student perceptions of global surgery, medical school experiences, and career plans.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey study of US-based medical students was performed.

Association of malnutrition with surgical outcomes after spine surgery for spinal epidural abscess.

Background: Malnutrition is a predictor of poor surgical outcomes, but its specific effects in spinal epidural abscess (SEA) are understudied. This study aims to assess the association between nutritional status and post-operative outcomes.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the 2011-2022 American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database to identify adult SEA patients who underwent spinal surgery.

Racial/Ethnic Associations With Morbidity and Mortality in Adults With Acute Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association of race with morbidity and mortality in acute cervical spinal cord injury (cSCI) patients.

Background: Racial disparities in spine surgery are associated with adverse outcomes, however, the impact of race on cSCI is understudied.

Impact of patient age on morbidity and mortality in adults with acute traumatic cervical spinal cord injury: An ACS trauma quality programs database study.

Background: This study aimed to examine associations between age and outcomes in acute cervical SCI (cSCI) patients.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Programs database to compare outcomes for acute cSCI patients stratified by age: 18-44, 45-65, and > 65 years. Patient demographics, comorbidities, injury type, treatment modality, AEs, and length of stay (LOS) were assessed.

Analysis of short- and delayed unplanned readmission rates after anterior discectomy and fusion for CSM.

Introduction: Many patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) undergo anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Many of these patients are readmitted, but there is no clear understanding of drivers of readmission. The aim of this study was to assess the patient- and hospital-level factors that contribute to 7-, 30-, and 90-day readmissions after treatment of CSM.

The Perceived Impact of Global Surgery Engagement on Career Advancement among US Medical Students.

Introduction: There is growing interest among medical institutions to formalize global surgery training. Understanding medical students' perceptions of how global surgery engagement can enhance career advancement is essential for providing appropriate guidance and support for individuals with aspirations in academic global surgery.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey study of US-based medical students from 38 participating schools was performed.

Factors associated with elective surgical case cancellation at a tertiary hospital in Malawi.

Background: Same-day cancellation of surgery affects up to 44% of cases at a public tertiary hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi. To characterize these cancellations, this study examines surgical volume, cancellation causes, and surgery completion rate after initial cancellation, which are not otherwise monitored for analysis in this setting.

Methods: We conducted a serial cross-sectional study at the Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) during a 6 month period.

Impact of preoperative nutritional status on morbidity and mortality in elderly patients undergoing subdural hematoma evacuation: the role of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index.

Objective: Nutritional status has been shown to impact patient outcomes across several neurosurgical procedures. However, few prior studies have assessed associations between preoperative nutritional status and outcomes in elderly patients undergoing subdural hematoma evacuations. The aim of this study was to identify associations between preoperative nutritional status and short-term outcomes in patients aged 65 years and older undergoing subdural hematoma evacuation.