Spinal fractures in patients with versus without ankylosing spinal disorders: a nationwide propensity score-matched study on survival and health-related quality of life.

Objective: The evidence on ankylosing spinal disorders (ASDs), including ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), in the context of spinal fracture stems from studies with relatively small sample sizes. There are no studies addressing the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes associated with spinal fracture in this population. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in complications, mortality, PROMs, and HRQOL in patients with and without ASD who had been treated for spinal fracture.

Short-term 30-day adverse events following awake versus asleep deep brain stimulation for movement disorders: a nationwide registry-based study.

Introduction: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is FDA-approved for the management of medically refractory movement disorders and epilepsy. We aim to assess potential differences in adverse eventsamong patients undergoing asleep versus awake DBS, to facilitate a patient centric decision-making process for the selection of ideal anesthesia modality for individuals undergoing DBS procedures.

Methods: The ACS National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried for all patients undergoing DBS treatment between 2011 and 2020 in patients with a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease, and Essential Tremor.

How I do it: simple ad-hoc pulsatile pump model for realistic microsurgical training under pulsatile flow.

Background: This simple pulsatile pump model (PPM) provides a realistic and low-cost model for microsurgical training. In this manner, the use of live animals for realistic microsurgical training is reduced, as it is possible to combine our model with several artificial microsurgical training models while retaining pulsatile flow.

Method: We detail steps for construction of the PPM for realistic microsurgical training under pulsatile flow - as well as microsurgical training examples - in a tried-and-true, cost-effective fashion, from readily available monitoring and infusion materials.

Minimally clinically important relative change instead of difference following surgery for degenerative cervical radiculopathy: a nationwide study on 5300 patients using prospectively collected data.

Objective: The landscape of healthcare policies has undergone significant reforms, with a notable shift toward a patient-centered basis. This change has prioritized the use of metrics reflecting subjective patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). However, these metrics are often limited, especially in terms of determining clinically relevant changes over time.

High-frequency ultrasonic osteotomy in the treatment of intradural spinal tumors: matched cohort study.

Introduction: Posterior access in the form of (hemi-)laminectomy or laminoplasty is necessary for the treatment of intradural extramedullary tumors. Most frequently, this is carried out using high-speed burrs, rongeurs, and osteotomes. Recently, the principle of piezoelectrically generated high-frequency ultrasonic osteotomy (hfUSO) has become widely available, and promises several advantages including potentially reduced incidental durotomy, compression damage, and heat exchange.

Minimal Clinically Important Difference and Relative Change in Patient-Reported Outcomes After Surgery for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Nationwide Study of 1,700 Patients.

Background And Objectives: Healthcare policies have seen significant reforms, with a marked transition toward a patient-centered approach. This shift emphasizes the use of subjective patient-reported outcome measures as key metrics. However, these measures often face limitations, particularly in identifying clinically meaningful changes over time.

Potential applications of focused ultrasound for spinal cord diseases: a narrative review of preclinical studies.

Focused ultrasound (FUS) technology provides unique advantages as a therapy targeting the central nervous system (CNS). We aimed to investigate and summarize the potential applications of FUS in the context of spinal cord diseases. Search strategies were created using a combination of keywords and standardized index terms.

Augmented Reality in Spinal Neurosurgery: A Bibliometric Analysis of Trends and Clinical Applications.

Objective: Augmented reality (AR) is an emerging technology in spine surgery with the potential to enhance intraoperative visualization and precision by overlaying virtual images on anatomical structures. This bibliometric review analyzes trends in research and publication growth related to AR in spinal neurosurgery between 2013 and 2024.

Methods: A search across PubMed identified 267 articles.

Machine learning-driven national analysis for predicting adverse outcomes in intramedullary spinal cord tumor surgery.

Unlabelled: Spinal tumors represent 15% of all central nervous system malignancies, with intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCTs) being rare. Predominantly ependymomas and astrocytomas, IMSCTs often present late, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Surgical excision is key but challenging due to the tumors' complex, invasive nature.

Weight change patterns following surgery for cervical spondylosis in overweight and obese individuals: a nationwide longitudinal study.

Introduction: Cervical spondylosis may cause pain and disability, which leads to reduced activity levels and subsequent weight gains in affected patients. Surgical treatment of cervical spondylosis has been shown to improve quality of life and restore physical activity levels.

Objective: We hence hypothesized that surgery in obese and overweight patients may lead to significant weight loss by means of pain and disability reduction as well as restoration of physical activity.

Study protocol: the SPInal NAVigation (SPINAV) trial - comparison of augmented reality surgical navigation, conventional image-guided navigation, and free-hand technique for pedicle screw placement in spinal deformity surgery.

Background And Purpose: Although navigation is increasingly used in spinal surgery, the advantage of different navigation technologies is still a matter of debate. Conventional image-guided navigation is currently the gold standard. However, modern, Augmented reality-based navigation methods are increasingly gaining ground.

Patient-reported outcome measures and satisfaction after laminectomy for degenerative cervical myelopathy in octogenarians: an observational study from the national Swedish spine registry.

Background: Global demographics show a steady increase in the number of octogenarians. Consequently, the number of degenerative spine procedures in the elderly has significantly increased. This study aims to describe patient satisfaction, the patient-reported health-related quality-of-life, and complications, following posterior cervical laminectomy for degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) in octogenarians based on the national Swedish experience.

Difference in clinical presentation and surgical outcomes in pediatric and adult patients with Chiari malformation type 1: a single center retrospective study.

Introduction: Chiari malformation type 1 (CM1) is a common congenital disorder affecting both children and adults. Although pediatric and adult CM1 patients share many characteristics, the differences between the groups are not fully described.

Method: A comparative analysis was made of two previously defined cohorts of adult and pediatric non-syndromic CM1, surgically treated at the study center.

Image quality assessment in spine surgery: a comparison of intraoperative CBCT and postoperative MDCT.

Objective: To evaluate if intraoperative cone-beam CT (CBCT) provides equivalent image quality to postoperative multidetector CT (MDCT) in spine surgery, potentially eliminating unnecessary imaging and cumulative radiation exposure.

Methods: Twenty-seven patients (16 men, 11 women; median age 39 years) treated with spinal fixation surgery were evaluated using intraoperative CBCT and postoperative MDCT. The images were independently evaluated by four neuroradiologists, utilizing a five-step Likert scale and visual grading characteristics (VGC) analysis.

Hypoglossal Nerve Palsy Following Cervical Spine Surgery-Two Case Reports and a Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background/objectives: Hypoglossal nerve palsy (HNP) is a rare complication after cervical spine surgery and is reported after both anterior and posterior approaches. It often presents with dysarthria, dysphagia, and hoarseness. We present a systematic review of the literature and two cases of patients presenting with confirmed HNP after anterior cervical spine surgery.

Surgical vs. non-surgical management of cervical spine fractures associated with ankylosing spinal disorders: a matched retrospective comparison assessing mortality.

Background: Ankylosing spinal disorders (ASD) increase the risk of unstable cervical spine fractures, posing a significant mortality risk. Surgery is recommended for patients with neurological deficits, but the effectiveness of non-surgical treatment in those without deficits remains unclear. This study aimed to compare survival rates between surgical and non-surgical treatments of ASD-related cervical fractures in a matched cohort.

Surgical versus conservative management of spinal cord cavernous malformations: a systematic review and comparative meta-analysis.

Objective: Spinal cord cavernous malformations (SCCMs) are rare vascular malformations with a capricious prognosis. Given the eloquent nature of the spinal cord, considerable surgical morbidity may be encountered. Therefore, conservative management has emerged as a valid alternative, especially for incidental lesions diagnosed on ubiquitous imaging.

Traumatic Vertebral Artery Injury After Subaxial Cervical Spine Injuries: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Long-Term Outcomes: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

Background And Objectives: Vertebral artery injury (VAI) because of traumatic subaxial cervical spine injury is a rare but potentially devastating condition as it could lead to stroke. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence, risk factors, outcomes, and radiographic predictors of VAI in patients surgically treated for subaxial cervical spine injuries at a tertiary care trauma center.

Methods: This is a retrospective population-based cohort study, including all patients surgically treated for traumatic subaxial cervical spine injuries at the study center between 2006 and 2018.

Determining the Predictors of Recurrence or Regrowth Following Spinal Astrocytoma Resection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background/objectives: Spinal astrocytomas (SA) represent 30-40% of all intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCTs) and present significant clinical challenges due to their aggressive behavior and potential for recurrence. We aimed to pool the evidence on SA and investigate predictors of regrowth or recurrence after surgical resection.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on peer-reviewed human studies from several databases covering the field of SA.

Characteristics and survival outcomes in pediatric patients with spinal chordomas: insights from the National Cancer Database and review of the literature.

Purpose: Spinal chordomas are aggressive tumors that rarely occur in the pediatric population. Demographics and post-treatment outcomes in this select group of patients is poorly studied. We hence aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics, demographics, and survival outcomes of pediatric patients with spinal chordomas, in contrast to the adult population.

Automatic Image Registration Provides Superior Accuracy Compared with Surface Matching in Cranial Navigation.

Objective: The precision of neuronavigation systems relies on the correct registration of the patient's position in space and aligning it with radiological 3D imaging data. Registration is usually performed by the acquisition of anatomical landmarks or surface matching based on facial features. Another possibility is automatic image registration using intraoperative imaging.

Socioeconomic influences on stroke outcomes: A comprehensive zip code-based hospital analysis.

Background And Objectives: Stroke remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Socioeconomic disparities significantly affect the treatment and outcomes of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, including acute ischemic stroke. This study examines patients treated at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, with ZIP code-based socioeconomic data predominantly representing areas in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as the majority of patients originate from these regions.