Lumbar Drain Infection Rates: A Comprehensive Risk Factor Analysis From a Multicenter Retrospective Study of 1000+ Cases.

Background And Objectives: Lumbar drain (LD) insertion is a common cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion method in neurosurgery; however, infection remains a major complication with significant morbidity. We evaluated the incidence, etiology, and associated risk factors of LD infection across 4 neurosurgical units over 15 years.

Methods: This retrospective multicenter cohort study included all adults requiring a LD between January 2009 and February 2024.

Surgical management and outcomes of ankylosing spondylitis fractures in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the vertebral column. Surgical management of traumatic spinal fractures in patients with AS is often the first line treatment, however it has a high risk of perioperative complications. This systematic review explored current operative techniques and their outcomes in patients with AS sustaining traumatic spinal fractures.

Surgical outcomes of unilateral painful foot drop secondary to lumbar disc herniation: a multicenter retrospective study.

Objective: Foot drop is characterized by weakness in ankle dorsiflexion, primarily due to failure of activation of dorsiflexor muscles secondary to neural compromise. The aim of this study was to evaluate surgical outcomes for unilateral painful foot drop secondary to lumbar disc herniation, specifically excluding cases with cauda equina syndrome.

Methods: This retrospective study spanned 7 centers, focusing on adult patients who underwent lumbar discectomies from September 2011 to September 2022 due to painful unilateral foot drop (Medical Research Council [MRC] grade ≤ 3).

The impact of prolapse to canal ratio (PCR) in cauda equina syndrome outcomes and operative management.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the prolapse to canal ratio (PCR) and its long-term impact on outcomes in cauda equina syndrome (CES).

Methods: A 5-year retrospective cohort study was conducted across two neurosurgical centers, including adult patients diagnosed with CES due to herniated lumbar discs, treated with laminectomy and/or discectomy, with available radiological data and follow-up. PCR was calculated as the proportion of the disc prolapse cross-sectional area to the total spinal canal area.

Prognostic factors and surgical outcomes of foot drop secondary to lumbar degenerative disease: A systematic review and Individual patient data meta-analysis.

Objective: To determine the surgical outcomes and prognostic factors in patients with unilateral footdrop secondary to lumbar disc herniation undergoing surgical intervention.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Ovid, Scopus, and Web of Science for relevant literature from inception to 26 March 2023. The quality of the studies was evaluated per the NHLBI Quality Assessment Tools.

Preoperative and intraoperative neuromonitoring and mapping techniques impact oncological and functional outcomes in supratentorial function-eloquent brain tumours: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Supratentorial function-eloquent brain tumour surgeries challenge the balance between maximal tumour resection and preservation of neurological function. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of preoperative and intraoperative mapping techniques on resection outcomes and post-operative deficits.

Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis examined literature up to March 2023, sourced from PubMed, Embase, and Medline.

Ethnicity in neuro-oncology research: How are we doing and how can we do better?

Purpose: This study systematically reviews and meta-analyses the extent of ethnic minority representation in neuro-oncology Phase III and IV clinical trials, explores the effect of ethnicity on outcomes, and identifies predictors for the inclusion of ethnicity data in publications.

Methods: Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases, on Phase III and IV trials in neuro-oncology that reported on adult and/or paediatric subjects. Through meta-analysis, we synthesized information on overall survival, event-free survival, and the incidence of adverse outcomes across ethnicities.

Examining Introduction of E-consent in the Neurosurgical Caseload: Understanding the Barriers to Implementation.

Objective: To evaluate current usage and barriers of electronic consent (e-consent) implementation in neurosurgical practice. E-consent forms provide an alternative method for conducting the informed consent (IC) procedure. IC requires an ability to understand, retain, weigh up, and communicate decisions regarding the proposed procedure.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of predictive factors for spontaneous regression in lumbar disc herniation.

Objective: Relatively little evidence exists on predictive factors for the spontaneous regression of lumbar disc herniation (LDH), although it is a well-documented phenomenon. Therefore, current care is not optimized to identify those who would benefit from early surgery versus those who could avoid surgical risks and pursue nonsurgical therapy. In this study, the authors aimed to analyze and summarize all literature to date on predictive factors for spontaneous LDH regression as well as suggest future research strategies to aid in the decision-making for this cohort.

Meningioma-associated abscess: an unusual case report and review of the literature.

Central nervous system (CNS) infection and neoplasm occur most often independently. Their concomitant presentation has been noted across different CNS tumours but is considered a rare entity. The phenomenon is mostly seen in relation to direct seeding of infection via frontal air sinuses.

Neurosurgical trauma from E-Scooter usage: a review of early case series in London and a review of the literature.

Background: Electric (E-)scooters have become increasingly popular as a means of environmentally friendly and convenient urban transport since 2017. Private use and now ride-sharing schemes are seen in major cities across the world. However, safety data are still lacking especially with concerning reports of significant head injuries.

The Impact of the Largest National Joint Registry on Current Knee Replacement Longevity Estimates: An Analysis and Review of Knee Prosthesis Brand and Fixation Technique.

Background: The UK National Joint Registry is the single largest joint registry in the world enrolling 1.3 million patients and recently reaching 17 years of follow-up data. Current knee prosthesis longevity estimates are based off smaller sized international registries and the impact of fixation type on prosthesis survival remains unclear.

The Role of Arthroscopic Simulation in Teaching Surgical Skills: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background: Following the introduction of worktime regulations across the world along with existing concerns over the nonuniform nature of the traditional apprenticeship model, an alternative method for teaching surgical skills is being sought. Simulation training offers a safe and standardized environment to develop and improve surgical skills. The purpose of the present study was to review the existing and most recent research into the utility of arthroscopic simulators in training and the teaching of surgical skills.