Management of traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients on pre-TBI antithrombotic medications poses a clinical challenge in everyday practice. However, the safety profiles of antiplatelets (APs) have not been systematically studied and compared to anticoagulants (ACs) in this patient population. In this PRISMA-compliant systematic review the EMBASE and MEDLINE databases were systematically queried to identify comparative studies in patients with TBI and pre-injury AP and AC medications.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To identify predictors for time to first treatment modality (TTT) in patients diagnosed with spinal metastatic disease.
Methods: Our radiology database was retrospectively queried to identify patients with spinal metastases (01/2017-12/2021). Demographics, setting of initial imaging (inpatient/outpatient/ED), histology, treatment modality, and TTT were collected.
Objectives: To evaluate factors associated with clinic follow-up after traumatic spinal injury (TSI) in Tanzania, focusing on demographic, injury-related and hospital variables. We hypothesised that socioeconomic and injury-specific factors would predict follow-up adherence.
Design: Retrospective observational cohort study.
Background: Severe isolated traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a complex and understudied population. Limited evidence exists on predictors of cranial decompression. This study aims to quantify the rate and identify factors associated with cranial decompression in severe isolated TBI using a large national database.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: This study investigates key prognostic factors influencing morbidity and mortality in pediatric diffuse axonal injury (DAI) using nationally collected data from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Trauma Quality Program (TQP) to inform clinical practice and future research.
Methods: The ACS-TQP database (2019-2021) was analyzed for pediatric DAI cases, excluding those with intracranial hemorrhages or pre-admission deaths. Demographics and clinical characteristics were compared across age groups (0-3, 4-12, 13-17), and multivariate regression identified predictors of mortality, complications, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and ventilator duration.
Introduction: Expandable cages are designed to address the limitations of static cages in minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF). These devices enable collapsed insertion with in-situ expansion, aiming to restore disc height and lordosis, indirect foraminal decompression, and sagittal alignment with reduced neural and tissue trauma. Advancements in bi-dimensional cage expansion, endplate interaction, and innovative materials have been designed in attempt to improve fusion rates and clinicoradiographic outcomes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMinimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) has transformed spinal surgery by minimizing tissue disruption, reducing recovery times, and lowering complication rates compared with traditional open procedures. MISS uses smaller incisions, specialized tools, and advanced imaging to treat conditions such as degenerative disk disease, trauma, and tumors. Techniques such as endoscopic spine surgery and tubular retractors have expanded its applications, enabling effective treatment with less postoperative pain and faster mobilization.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Early diagnosis of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is often challenging due to subtle, non-specific symptoms, limited disease awareness and a lack of definitive diagnostic criteria. As primary care physicians are typically the first to encounter patients with early DCM, equipping them with effective screening tools is crucial for reducing diagnostic delays and improving patient outcomes. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of quantitative screening methods for DCM that can be implemented in primary care settings.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF