Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring in idiopathic scoliosis surgery: a retrospective observational study of new neurologic deficits.

Purpose: Patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis undergoing corrective surgery are at risk for iatrogenic spinal cord injury and subsequent new neurologic deficits (NNDs). Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (IONM) has been used to identify spinal cord injury; however, available data showing that IONM leads to improved clinical outcomes are inconclusive. This exploratory study aimed to examine the incidence of NNDs after idiopathic scoliosis surgery in two pediatric institutions in Canada with a focus on IONM use.

Shampoo after craniotomy: a pilot study.

Objectives: The primary goal of this study was to assess the effect of postoperative hair-washing on incision infection and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in craniotomy patients. The objectives of this study were to 1) determine the effect of postoperative hair-washing on incision infection and HRQOL, 2) provide evidence to support postoperative patient hygienic care, and 3) develop neurosurgical nursing research capacity

Research Question: Does hair-washing 72 hours after craniotomy and before suture or clip removal influence postoperative incision infection and postoperative HRQOL?

Methods: A prospective cohort of 100 adult patients was randomized to hair-washing 72-hours postoperatively (n = 48), or no hair washing until suture or clip removal (n = 52). At five to -10 days postoperatively, sutures or clips were removed, incisions were assessed using the ASEPSIS Scale (n = 85) and participants were administered the SF-12 Health Survey (n = 71).