Timing of surgical intervention in cauda equina syndrome: a systematic critical review.

Objective: Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare but important neurosurgical emergency. Despite being a recognized clinical entity since 1934, there remains significant uncertainty in the literature regarding the urgency for surgical intervention. The past decade has seen the emergence of the much-referred-to 48-hour limit as a possible window of safety.

Current status of bone graft options for anterior interbody fusion of the cervical and lumbar spine.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) are common surgical procedures for degenerative disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spine. Over the years, many bone graft options have been developed and investigated aimed at complimenting or substituting autograft bone, the traditional fusion substrate. Here, we summarise the historical context, biological basis and current best evidence for these bone graft options in ACDF and ALIF.

Blunt vs. sharp uterine expansion at lower segment cesarean section delivery: a systematic review with metaanalysis.

Objective: Blunt vs sharp expansion of the uterine incision at cesarean delivery has been investigated as a technique primarily to reduce intraoperative blood loss. The objective of this systematic review was to compare the effects of either intervention on maternal outcomes.

Study Design: A systematic review with metaanalyses that used the DerSimonian and Laird random effects model was performed.

Reconstruction versus no reconstruction of iliac crest defects following harvest for spinal fusion: a systematic review: A review.

Object: Autologous bone from the iliac crest is commonly used for spinal fusion. However, its use is associated with significant donor site morbidity, especially pain. Reconstructive procedures of the iatrogenic defect have been investigated as a technique to alleviate these symptoms.