Posterior fossa microcystic meningioma mimicking an arachnoid cyst.

Microcystic meningioma is an uncommon subtype of World Health Organization grade 1 meningiomas often associated with a shorter progression-free survival. Diagnosis through imaging alone can often be challenging due to atypical characteristics, especially when found in unexpected locations. Here, we present a 55-year-old woman who was diagnosed, based on imaging, with a posterior fossa arachnoid cyst 5 years prior after complaints of headaches and gait imbalance.

A Modified Technique for Interventional MRI-Guided Deep Brain Stimulation Using the ClearPoint System.

Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is increasingly performed using imaging-based techniques, which are rapidly evolving to minimize invasiveness and use limited resources efficiently.

Objective: To describe a modified surgical technique for interventional MRI-guided stereotactic procedures using ClearPoint.

Methods: A total of 160 consecutive DBS cases for Parkinson disease (48%), essential tremor (44%), dual essential tremor/Parkinson disease (3%), and dystonia (5%) were studied.

Investigating the efficacy of allograft cellular bone matrix for spinal fusion: a systematic review of the literature.

Objective: The use of allograft cellular bone matrices (ACBMs) in spinal fusion has expanded rapidly over the last decade. Despite little objective data on its effectiveness, ACBM use has replaced the use of traditional autograft techniques, namely iliac crest bone graft (ICBG), in many centers.

Methods: In accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, a systematic review was conducted of the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science databases of English-language articles over the time period from January 2001 to December 2020 to objectively assess the effectiveness of ACBMs, with an emphasis on the level of industry involvement in the current body of literature.

The Medical Review Panel in Louisiana Neurosurgery and Beyond.

For the past several decades, medical malpractice claims in the state of Louisiana have been screened by a pretrial medical review panel (MRP). Composed of 3 physicians and 1 attorney, these panels are a method of filtering nonmeritorious lawsuits while expediting creditable claims. Currently, 14 jurisdictions in the United States require medical liability/malpractice cases be heard by an MRP or screening panel prior to trial.

Potential of Human Nucleus Pulposus-Like Cells Derived From Umbilical Cord to Treat Degenerative Disc Disease.

Background: Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common spinal disorder that manifests with neck and lower back pain caused by the degeneration of intervertebral discs (IVDs). Currently, there is no treatment to cure this debilitating ailment.

Objective: To investigate the potential of nucleus pulposus (NP)-like cells (NPCs) derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to restore degenerated IVDs using a rabbit DDD model.

Human umbilical cord derivatives regenerate intervertebral disc.

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is characterized by the loss of nucleus pulposus (NP), which is a common cause for lower back pain. Although, currently, there is no cure for the degenerative disc disease, stem cell therapy is increasingly being considered for its treatment. In this study, we investigated the feasibility and efficacy of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and chondroprogenitor cells (CPCs) derived from those cells to regenerate damaged IVD in a rabbit model.