Is Total Disk Replacement a Cost-effective Treatment for Cervical Degenerative Disk Disease?

Study Design: A retrospective study.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness and clinical outcome of motion-preserving versus fusion procedures in cervical spine surgery.

Summary Of Background Data: During the last decade there has been a huge growth in spine surgery with a concurrent increase in the economic burden.

Management of Pharyngeal Fistulas After Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery: A Treatment Algorithm for Severe Complications.

Study Design: This study is a retrospective database query to identify all anterior spinal approaches.

Objectives: The objectives were to assess all patients with pharyngocutaneous fistulas (PCFs) after anterior cervical spine surgery.

Summary Of Background Data: Patients with the diagnosis of PCFs were treated at the University of Heidelberg Spine Medical Center, Spinal Cord Injury Unit and Department of Otolaryngology (Germany), between 2005 and 2011.

Penetrating Thoracic Trauma Patients with Gross Physiological Derangement: A Responsibility for the General Surgeon in the Absence of Trauma or Cardiothoracic Surgeon?

Background: Penetrating trauma is becoming increasingly common in parts of the world where previously it was rare. At the same time, general surgeons and surgical trainees are becoming more specialized, and less comfortable operating within areas beyond their zone of specialization.

Objective: The purpose of this manuscript is to assess the technical difficulties encountered in operating on patients who have sustained penetrating trauma, and to prove to general surgeons that the technical skills and techniques required are no different to those required for abdominal surgery, and do not require additional dexterity.