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.

Posterior resection of sacral osteosarcoma utilizing cement-infused chest tube interbody reconstruction and lumbopelvic fusion.

Background: Primary osteosarcoma (OS) of the spine is very rare. resection of spinal OS is challenging due to anatomical constraints. Surgical planning must balance the benefits of resection with its potential risks of causing a significant neurological deficit.

Perioperative and swallowing outcomes in patients undergoing 4- and 5-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

Objective: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a common and robust procedure performed on the cervical spine. Literature on ACDF for 4 or more segments is sparse. Increasing the number of operative levels increases surgical complexity, tissue retraction, and risks of complications, particularly dysphagia.

Neurosurgery Resident Wellness and Recovery from Burnout: A 39-Year Single-Institution Experience.

Objective: Physician burnout in neurosurgery is highly prevalent and occurs most severely during residency. Although earlier assessments have identified stressors contributing to neurosurgery resident burnout, recovery interventions have not been studied extensively. We aimed to characterize burnout patterns and factors contributing to recovery through a single-institution assessment of neurosurgery residents across 4 decades.

History and advances in spinal neurosurgery.

Insight into the historic contributions made to modern-day spine surgery provides context for understanding the monumental accomplishments comprising current techniques, technology, and clinical success. Only during the last century did surgical growth occur in the treatment of spinal disorders. With that growth came a renaissance of innovation, particularly with the evolution of spinal instrumentation and fixation techniques.