Current patterns of practice in spinal fusion for chronic low back pain-results from a survey at the German Spine Societies' Annual Congress 2018.

Background: There is debate regarding criteria to select patients for lumbar fusion surgery who have chronic low back pain (CLBP) and corresponding degenerative changes, but without nerve root compression or neurogenic claudication. The aim of this study was to compare patterns in current practice.

Method: A total of 143 printed questionnaires containing 51 questions were distributed at the German Spine Societies' (DWG) annual congress, 6-8 December 2018.

Severity and predictors of head injury due to bicycle accidents in Western Australia.

Background: Head and face injuries are the second most frequently reported injuries among bicyclists. Recently, helmet usage has increased, and in some countries, helmet laws have been introduced. However, subsequent changes in the incidence and severity of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are unknown, and data on neurosurgical interventions are lacking.

Clinical Outcome of Dorsal Cervical C1-C2 Fusion Using C1 Lateral Mass Screws, C2 Lamina Screws, and Interarcual Bone Graft Technique.

Aims:  To evaluate the clinical and radiologic results of patients treated with dorsal cervical C1-C2 fusion using C1 lateral mass screws, C2 lamina screws, and interarcual bone graft.

Methods:  We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and radiologic results of eight patients treated from 2011 to 2016. Neck pain, neurologic deficits, use of analgesics, vertebral artery injury, C2 root injury, radiologic fusion rate, malposition of screws, and implant failure were examined on day 3 and at 3 and 12 months postoperatively.

Quality of life and functional outcomes after surgery for spinal metastases: Results of a cohort study.

Background: Spinal metastases are being diagnosed more frequently because of increasing life expectancies and advances in the diagnosis and therapy of primary tumours.

Objective: This aim of this study was to assess the quality of life (QoL) and functional outcomes after surgical intervention for spinal metastases in a large cohort.

Methods: A single-centre, prospective, observational study was conducted from June 2016 to February 2018.

Decompression and Dynamic Transpedicular Stabilization Using Polyetheretherketone Rods and Pedicle Screws vs. Decompression Alone for Single-Level Spinal Canal Stenosis with Listhesis: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

Background:  Spinal stenosis is frequently caused by spondylolisthesis, and surgical treatment may be indicated. However, whether decompression alone or decompression with dynamic stabilization offers better surgical outcomes remains unclear. We compared the clinical and radiologic results of patients with single-level lumbar spinal stenosis and grade 1 spondylolisthesis undergoing microsurgical decompression alone or decompression with transpedicular dorsal dynamic stabilization.

Comparison of the Incidence and Severity of Traumatic Brain Injury Caused by Electrical Bicycle and Bicycle Accidents-A Retrospective Cohort Study From a Swiss Level I Trauma Center.

Background: Electrical bicycles (E-bikes) allow people of all ages to ride at high speeds but have an inherent risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Their sales have increased tremendously in recent years.

Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study to compare the incidence and severity of TBI in E-bikers and conventional bicyclists.

Tumor-to-tumor metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma into a spinal intradural solitary fibrous tumor: a case report.

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms commonly involving visceral or parietal pleura. We present the first report of tumor-to-tumor metastasis involving a pulmonary adenocarcinoma donor and an intradural SFT recipient. The patient presented with a 1 year history of diffuse back pain.

Self-evaluation of present clinical skills by medical students in the years 3 to 6 - a pilot study in four European countries.

Clinical training concepts of medical students differ in the various European countries. The goal of this paper is to study the differences at the beginning of medical practice in specific clinical skills on an international level. The data were collected by a publically accessible online questionnaire online from February to June 2010.

Treatment Standards for Chronic Subdural Hematoma: Results from a Survey in Austrian, German, and Swiss Neurosurgical Units.

Background: Although an abundance of literature about the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma is available, it provides little evidence to clarify which treatment is most successful.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine and compare current clinical standards between several hospitals.

Methods: Chairmen of all neurosurgical units in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, as listed on the national neurosurgical societies' websites, were invited to participate with a personal token to access a web-based survey.

Perioperative Use of Anticoagulant and Platelet-inhibiting Medications for Elective Spine Surgery: Results of a Nationwide Survey.

Background And Study Aims:  Perioperative use of anticoagulant and platelet-inhibiting agents by patients undergoing spine surgery poses the dilemma of increased risk of hemorrhage. We examined the standards of use for these medications and expert opinions through a nationwide survey.

Materials And Methods:  An online-based survey was conducted by invitation.

Computer tomography-based morphometric analysis of the cervical spine pedicles C3-C7.

Background: Our aim was to examine the specific dimensions of cervical pedicles in a large Caucasian cohort on high dissolving CT scans.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 100 cervical spine CT scans with a maximum slice thickness of 1 mm in axial, sagittal, and coronal reconstructions was performed. The pedicle axial length (PAL), inner and outer pedicle diameter (IPD/OPD), pedicle sagittal and transverse angle (PSA/PTA), pedicle height (PH), pedicle width (PW), and the cortical thickness (COT) at different margins were measured by two independent observers.

The Influence of Parkinson Disease on Lumbar Decompression Surgery: A Retrospective Case Control Study.

Background: Parkinson disease (PD) is a major risk factor during spine surgery, and its frequency is increasing as the population ages. The study aim was to examine the influence of PD specifically on lumbar decompression surgery.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all patients with PD who underwent elective lumbar decompression surgery at 2 university hospital departments between December 2003 and July 2016.

[Cross-sectional study of satisfaction with studies and lifestyle among medical students in Austria, Germany and Switzerland].

Background: The aim was to examine potential differences in various aspects of life as well as study satisfaction amongst medical students of three German speaking countries.

Method: Data was collected between February and June 2010 using an online survey with the open source survey tool Limesurvey (Version 1.85 RC3).

Are Medical Students Who Want to Become Surgeons Different? An International Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Surgery is one of the most demanding and competitive medical specialities. This study aims to identify the characteristics that medical students who aspire to surgical specialisation possess.

Materials And Methods: In February 2010, an online survey comprised 36 questions was produced with the aid of the open source survey tool Limesurvey (Version 1.

Cohort Study on the Association Between Helmet Use and Traumatic Brain Injury in Snowboarders From a Swiss Tertiary Trauma Center.

Background: Since the introduction of helmets in winter sports there is on-going debate on whether they decrease traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

Methods: This cohort study included 117 adult (≥ 16 years) snowboarders with TBI admitted to a level I alpine trauma center in Switzerland between 2000/2001 and 2010/2011. The primary objective was to examine the association between helmet use and moderate-to-severe TBI.

Incidence and clinical relevance of heterotopic ossification after internal fixation of acetabular fractures: retrospective cohort and case control study.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate predictors and clinical relevance of heterotopic ossification (HO) in patients treated for acetabular fractures in a tertiary referral centre.

Patients And Methods: The study is a retrospective cohort study with a nested case-control study. All patients treated with internal fixation of acetabular fractures from January 2004 to October 2013.

Association between head injury and helmet use in alpine skiers: cohort study from a Swiss level 1 trauma center.

The association between helmet use during alpine skiing and incidence and severity of head injuries was analyzed. All patients admitted to a level 1 trauma center for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) sustained from skiing accidents during the seasons 2000-2001 and 2010-2011 were eligible. Primary outcome was the association between helmet use and severity of TBI measured by Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), computed tomography (CT) results, and necessity of neurosurgical intervention.

A holistic perspective of patients' lives post-Ilizarov external fixation.

Background: The Ilizarov external fixator (IEF) is used in the treatment of complicated fractures with severe soft tissue damage. Despite advantages of being minimally invasive and allowing early weight-bearing, the IEF has limitations, including size, treatment duration and crucial pin-site care. Many patients showed enormous resilience despite the devastating effects of their injuries.

Optional inferior vena cava filter use in surgical patients: a Western Australian experience.

Background: The optional filter is gaining ground, supplementing anticoagulation in the management of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in high-risk surgical patients, this despite knowledge gaps relating to its efficacy. We studied the literature and audited our experience with inferior vena cava filters to educate ourselves on this mode of VTE prophylaxis, particularly its practical implications, if any, for the surgeon.

Methods: A retrospective clinical study on inferior vena cava filter (IVCF)-related events in a Western Australian tertiary centre in 2008 was performed.