Evaluation of Healthcare Outcomes of Patients Treated with 3D-Printed-Titanium and PEEK Cages During Fusion Procedures in the Lumbar Spine.

Purpose: The objective of this observational, real-world study was to describe reoperation, revision, index healthcare utilization and hospital costs among patients treated with PEEK (polyetheretherketone) or 3D-printed-titanium cages during lumbar/lumbosacral posterior fusion procedures, either TLIF (transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion) or PLIF (posterior lumbar interbody fusion). Statistical comparisons were not conducted.

Methods: This was a descriptive, retrospective, observational study.

Wearable, noninvasive, pulsed shortwave (radiofrequency) therapy for postoperative analgesia: A randomized, double-masked, sham-controlled pilot study.

Background: Nonthermal, pulsed shortwave (radiofrequency) therapy (PSWT) is a nonpharmacologic, noninvasive modality that limited evidence suggests provides analgesia. Its potential favorable risk-benefit ratio stems from its lack of side effects and significant medical risks, applicability to any anatomic location, long treatment duration, and ease of application by simply affixing it with tape. Even with a relatively small treatment effect, PSWT might contribute to a multimodal analgesic regimen, similar to acetaminophen.

Preliminary Development and Validation of Automated Nociception Recognition Using Computer Vision in Perioperative Patients.

Background: Effective pain recognition and treatment in perioperative environments reduce length of stay and decrease risk of delirium and chronic pain. We sought to develop and validate preliminary computer vision-based approaches for nociception detection in hospitalized patients.

Methods: Prospective observational cohort study using red-green-blue camera detection of perioperative patients.

Pneumonectomy for Osteosarcoma Metastases: Two Compelling Cases With Unique Radiology.

Osteosarcoma, the most common primary bone tumor in young individuals, frequently metastasizes hematogenously to the lungs, necessitating pulmonary metastasectomy as a common surgical procedure. While sublobar and lobar resections are accepted approaches, pneumonectomy is considered a major intervention. In this report, we present 2 intriguing cases of patients who underwent pneumonectomy for pulmonary osteosarcoma metastases, emphasizing the challenges of careful patient selection and surgical planning.

Investigation and Treatment of Infertility in a Female Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis).

A zoo-based, 11-year-old, uniparous southern black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis minor) failed to conceive after weaning a calf. Behavioral observation and fecal progestagen monitoring confirmed irregular estrous cycles. Serial transrectal reproductive ultrasound examination revealed the cause to be recurrent anovulatory hemorrhagic follicles (AHFs).