Advances in neurosurgical education: literature review of mixed-reality simulation models and novel mixed-reality spine prototype.

Objective: Mixed-reality (MR) applications provide opportunities for technical rehearsal, education, and estimation of surgical performance without the risk of patient harm. In this study, the authors provide a structured literature review on the current state of MR applications and their effects on neurosurgery training. They also introduce an MR prototype for neurosurgical spine training.

Optimization of 3D-titanium interbody cage design. Part 1: in vitro biomechanical study of subsidence.

Background Context: Cage subsidence is a complication of interbody fusion associated with poor clinical outcomes. 3D-printed titanium interbody cages allow for the alteration of features such as stiffness and porosity. However, the influence of these features on subsidence and their biological effects on fusion have not been rigorously evaluated.

Optimization of 3D-titanium interbody cage design. Part 1: in vitro biomechanical study of subsidence: Optimizing 3D-titanium interbody cage design.

Background Context: 3D-printed titanium cage designs can incorporate complex, porous features for bone ingrowth and a greater surface area for minimizing subsidence. In a companion study (Part 1), we determined that increased surface area leads to decreased subsidence; however, it remains unclear how increasing the cage surface area, resulting in a smaller graft aperture, influences fusion.

Purpose: We evaluated the effects of surface area of 3D-printed titanium cages and the use of autologous bone grafts on spinal fusion in sheep.

Is There an Association Between Spine Surgeon Academic Productivity and Patient Satisfaction Ratings?

Background And Objectives: Physician rating websites (PRWs) are increasingly used by patients to find health care providers. This study explores spine neurosurgeon PRW ratings and their relationship with academic productivity.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from November 2022 to May 2023 that included 1990 neurological surgeons listed in the American Association of Neurological Surgeons database with a subspecialty in spine.

Enhancing the Technical Pearls for L5-S1 Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Patients with Body Mass Index More Than 30: Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes at 1-Year Follow-Up.

Background: Performing anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) in patients with a body mass index (BMI) >30 presents surgical challenges. To overcome those challenges, a modified procedure is described.

Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed patients with a BMI >30 who underwent the modified L5-S1 ALIF procedure from August 2017 to September 2023.

Outpatient lateral lumbar interbody fusion: single-institution consecutive case series.

Objective: Outpatient spine surgery could reduce hospital costs and improve patient outcomes. Outpatient lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) can be performed for select patients. This study identified and compared the demographic, clinical, and surgical characteristics of patients who underwent outpatient versus inpatient single-level LLIF.

Prevalence and Prognosis of Coronal Malalignment Following Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Minimally Invasive Treatment of Adult Spinal Deformity.

Study Design: Retrospective analysis of prospective multicenter adult spinal deformity (ASD) database.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and prognosis of postoperative coronal malalignment following LLIF for ASD with Qiu type A coronal alignment.

Summary Of Background Data: Qiu Type A coronal alignment is defined as coronal vertical axis (CVA) <30mm.

Preoperative Multifidus and Psoas Major Muscle Quality and Patient-Reported Outcomes After Anterolateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Predictors for Preoperative Disability and Back Pain Improvement.

Objective: To investigate associations between preoperative lumbar multifidus muscle (LMM) and psoas major muscle qualities and preoperative and postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after anterolateral lumbar interbody fusion (A-LLIF).

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of patients with A-LLIF between L1 and S1 during 2017-2022 at a single institution who had at least approximately 1 year of follow-up and preoperative magnetic resonance imaging available. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging was analyzed using 2 image analysis platforms (AMBRA and ImageJ).

Molluscan systematics: historical perspectives and the way ahead.

Mollusca, the second-most diverse animal phylum, is estimated to have over 100,000 living species with great genetic and phenotypic diversity, a rich fossil record, and a considerable evolutionary significance. Early work on molluscan systematics was grounded in morphological and anatomical studies. With the transition from oligo gene Sanger sequencing to cutting-edge genomic sequencing technologies, molecular data has been increasingly utilised, providing abundant information for reconstructing the molluscan phylogenetic tree.

Cone-beam computed tomography-guided shape-sensing robotic bronchoscopy electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy for pulmonary nodules.

Background: Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) and shape-sensing robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (ssRAB) are minimally invasive technologies for the diagnosis of pulmonary nodules. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has shown to increase diagnostic yield by allowing real-time confirmation of position of lesion and biopsy tool. There is a lack of comparative studies of such platforms using CBCT guidance to overcome computed tomography to body divergence.

Do class III obese patients achieve similar outcomes and satisfaction to nonobese patients following surgery for cervical myelopathy? A QOD study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the rate of achievement of the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and satisfaction between cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) patients with and without class III obesity who underwent surgery.

Methods: The authors analyzed patients from the 14 highest-enrolling sites in the prospective Quality Outcomes Database CSM cohort. Patients were dichotomized based on whether or not they were obese (class III, BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2).

Emergency laparotomy and endoscopic gastrostomy in patients on extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support.

Introduction: An infrequent yet known complication of ECMO is abdominal compartment syndrome requiring emergency laparotomy. Also, the need for prolonged enteral nutrition while on ECMO may require endoscopic gastrostomy to maintain adequate nutritional status. Here we describe our experience with emergency laparotomy and endoscopic gastrostomy in patients on ECMO support.

Does comorbid depression and anxiety portend poor long-term outcomes following surgery for lumbar spondylolisthesis? Five-year analysis of the Quality Outcomes Database.

Objective: Depression and anxiety are associated with poor outcomes following spine surgery. However, the influence of these conditions on achieving a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) following lumbar spine surgery, as well as the potential compounding effects of comorbid depression and anxiety, is not well understood. This study explores the impact of comorbid depression and anxiety on long-term clinical outcomes following surgical treatment for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis.

Comparative analysis of patient-reported outcomes in myelopathy and myeloradiculopathy: a Quality Outcomes Database study.

Objective: Myelopathy in the cervical spine can present with diverse symptoms, many of which can be debilitating for patients. Patients with radiculopathy symptoms demonstrate added complexity because of the overlapping symptoms and treatment considerations. The authors sought to assess outcomes in patients with myelopathy presenting with or without concurrent radiculopathy.

Intraoperative Intercostal Nerve Block for Pain Management After Retropleural Thoracic Discectomy: Anatomy and Technique.

Background: Thoracic discectomy procedures require early and adequate pain control to alleviate patient discomfort after surgery. The intraoperative placement of a nerve block after intercostal nerve violation can offer early pain management after thoracic discectomy.

Methods: The anatomy and technique of placing an intercostal nerve block after retropleural thoracic discectomy are described.

Predictors of patient satisfaction in the surgical treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Objective: Patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) experience progressive neurological impairment. Surgical intervention is often pursued to halt neurological symptom progression and allow for recovery of function. In this paper, the authors explore predictors of patient satisfaction following surgical intervention for CSM.

Morphological and molecular data on the bat flies, Basilia silvae (Brèthes, 1913) and Trichobius parasiticus Gervais, 1844 parasitizing Chilean bats.

Among mammals, bats harbour the greatest taxonomic diversity of ectoparasitic arthropods. This is mainly due to their high mobility, wide distribution range and gregarious social behaviour. In Chile, 17 species of bats have been reported; however, their ectoparasitic arthropofauna has been little studied.

Hip Osteoarthritis in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Severe Adult Spinal Deformity: Prevalence and Impact on Spine Surgery Outcomes.

Background: Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is common in patients with adult spinal deformity (ASD). Limited data exist on the prevalence of hip OA in patients with ASD, or on its impact on baseline and postoperative alignment and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Therefore, this paper will assess the prevalence and impact of hip OA on alignment and PROMs.

Incidence of radiographic and clinically significant pneumothorax or hemothorax after thoracic discectomy via mini-open lateral retropleural approach without prophylactic chest tube placement.

Objective: The mini-open lateral retropleural (MO-LRP) approach is an effective option for surgically treating thoracic disc herniations, but the approach raises concerns for pneumothorax (PTX). However, chest tube placement causes insertion site tenderness, necessitates consultation services, increases radiation exposure (requires multiple radiographs), delays the progression of care, and increases narcotic requirements. This study examined the incidence of radiographic and clinically significant PTX and hemothorax (HTX) after the MO-LRP approach, without the placement of a prophylactic chest tube, for thoracic disc herniation.

Simplifying Quadrant Dentistry Using a Single-Shade Composite.

Direct composite restorations are among the most common and useful in dentistry, but shade matching can present challenges. Shade matching with direct composites is often labor intensive and technique sensitive. Utilizing a single-shade composite can simplify the process, reducing the time spent and skill required as well as overall stress on the clinician.