Traumatic Vertebral Artery Injury After Subaxial Cervical Spine Injuries: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Long-Term Outcomes: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

Background And Objectives: Vertebral artery injury (VAI) because of traumatic subaxial cervical spine injury is a rare but potentially devastating condition as it could lead to stroke. The aim of this study was to examine the incidence, risk factors, outcomes, and radiographic predictors of VAI in patients surgically treated for subaxial cervical spine injuries at a tertiary care trauma center.

Methods: This is a retrospective population-based cohort study, including all patients surgically treated for traumatic subaxial cervical spine injuries at the study center between 2006 and 2018.

Determining the Predictors of Recurrence or Regrowth Following Spinal Astrocytoma Resection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background/objectives: Spinal astrocytomas (SA) represent 30-40% of all intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCTs) and present significant clinical challenges due to their aggressive behavior and potential for recurrence. We aimed to pool the evidence on SA and investigate predictors of regrowth or recurrence after surgical resection.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on peer-reviewed human studies from several databases covering the field of SA.

Characteristics and survival outcomes in pediatric patients with spinal chordomas: insights from the National Cancer Database and review of the literature.

Purpose: Spinal chordomas are aggressive tumors that rarely occur in the pediatric population. Demographics and post-treatment outcomes in this select group of patients is poorly studied. We hence aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics, demographics, and survival outcomes of pediatric patients with spinal chordomas, in contrast to the adult population.

Automatic Image Registration Provides Superior Accuracy Compared with Surface Matching in Cranial Navigation.

Objective: The precision of neuronavigation systems relies on the correct registration of the patient's position in space and aligning it with radiological 3D imaging data. Registration is usually performed by the acquisition of anatomical landmarks or surface matching based on facial features. Another possibility is automatic image registration using intraoperative imaging.

Socioeconomic influences on stroke outcomes: A comprehensive zip code-based hospital analysis.

Background And Objectives: Stroke remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Socioeconomic disparities significantly affect the treatment and outcomes of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, including acute ischemic stroke. This study examines patients treated at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, with ZIP code-based socioeconomic data predominantly representing areas in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as the majority of patients originate from these regions.

The impact of adjuvant radiotherapy on overall survival in spinal low-grade gliomas: a propensity score-matched analysis.

Introduction: Spinal low-grade gliomas (sLGGs) are a group of tumors that arise from glial cells in the spinal cord. Current evidence supporting the use of adjuvant radiotherapy for the management of sLGG is lacking. We hence aimed to compare overall survival rates in patients receiving surgery alone with those receiving surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy.

Machine learning models for predicting dysphonia following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: a Swedish Registry Study.

Background: Dysphonia is one of the more common complications following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). ACDF is the gold standard for treating degenerative cervical spine disorders, and identifying high-risk patients is therefore crucial.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate different machine learning models to predict persistent dysphonia after ACDF.

Pipeline Embolization device for the treatment of unruptured intracranial saccular aneurysms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of long-term outcomes.

Introduction: The pipeline embolization device (PED) is commonly used for intracranial aneurysm treatment. While its effectiveness for certain types of aneurysms is well-established, its efficacy for saccular aneurysms remains controversial. We aimed to assess the long-term outcomes of PED treatment for unruptured intracranial saccular aneurysms.

Long-term outcome and predictors of neurological recovery in cervical spinal cord injury: a population-based cohort study.

This retrospective study analyzed prognostic factors for neurological improvement and ambulation in 194 adult patients (≥ 15 years) with traumatic cervical spinal cord injuries treated at the neurological SCI unit (SCIU) at the Karolinska University Hospital Stockholm, Sweden, between 2010 and 2020. The primary outcome was American spinal injury association impairment scale (AIS) improvement, with secondary focus on ambulation restoration. Results showed 41% experienced AIS improvement, with 51% regaining ambulation over a median follow-up of 3.

Perioperative Outcomes and Reimbursement Patterns Associated With the Anterior versus Posterior Approach for Treatment of Type 2 Odontoid Fractures, a National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Analysis.

Objective: To evaluate the short-term surgical outcomes and the reimbursement patterns, after treatment of type 2 odontoid fractures using the anterior or posterior approach.

Methods: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for surgically treated patients with type 2 odontoid fractures by the anterior or posterior approach between 2016 and 2020. Propensity score matching with the optimal approach was used to balance the cohorts.

Impact of proton versus photon adjuvant radiotherapy on overall survival in the management of skull base and spinal chordomas: a National Cancer Database analysis.

Objective: Chordomas are rare tumors that originate from undifferentiated remnants of the notochord. Currently, there are no established guidelines regarding the choice of adjuvant radiation modality for patients surgically treated for chordomas. Using a nationwide, multicenter database, the authors aimed to compare long-term survival outcomes associated with the use of proton or photon adjuvant therapy for the management of chordomas of skull base and spine.

The impact of socioeconomic determinants on the access to care and survival in patients with spinal chordomas- a national cancer database analysis.

Purpose: Chordomas are rare malignant neoplasms primarily treated surgically. Disparities related to race and socioeconomic status, may affect patient outcomes. This study aims to identify prognostic factors for access to care and survival in patients with spinal chordomas.

Intraoperative MRI without an intraoperative MRI suite: a workflow for glial tumor surgery.

Background: Intraoperative MRI (iMRI) has emerged as a useful tool in glioma surgery to safely improve the extent of resection. However, iMRI requires a dedicated operating room (OR) with an integrated MRI scanner solely for this purpose. Due to physical or economical restraints, this may not be feasible in all centers.

Predictors of early mortality following surgical or nonsurgical treatment of subaxial cervical spine fractures: a retrospective nationwide registry study.

Background: Traumatic subaxial cervical spine fractures are a significant public health concern due to their association with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Despite being mostly caused by low-energy trauma, these fractures significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality. Currently, research regarding early mortality based on the choice of treatment following these fractures is limited.

Navigating the Neurosurgery Match Process: Insights from the National Resident Matching Program - Program Director Surveys.

Objective: Neurosurgery is one of the most competitive specialties, and navigating the match process is often challenging for aspiring applicants. Here, we analyze insights from the National Resident Matching Program Director Surveys, illustrating evolving trends in applicant selection for interviews and for the ranking process, and providing a comparison with other specialties.

Methods: We evaluated 7 surveys administered from 2012 to 2022.

Spontaneous spinal cord infarction: a systematic review.

Background And Objectives: Spontaneous spinal cord infarction (SCInf) is a rare condition resulting in acute neurological impairment. Consensus on diagnostic criteria is lacking, which may present a challenge for the physician. This review aims to analyse the current literature on spontaneous SCInf, focusing on epidemiology, the diagnostic process, treatment strategies and neurological outcomes.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Return to Work after Surgery for Spinal Schwannoma: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

Spinal schwannomas are the second most common primary intradural spinal tumor. This study aimed to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the frequency of return to work after the surgical treatment of spinal schwannomas. HRQoL was compared to a sample of the general population.

Long-term outcomes after surgery for subaxial cervical spine injuries in octogenarians, a matched population-based cohort study.

Purpose: We aimed to investigate surgical outcomes in octogenarians with subaxial cervical spine injuries and determine the predictors of complications and mortality.

Methods: Eligible for inclusion were all patients surgically treated between 2006 and 2018, with either anterior or posterior fixation for subaxial spine injuries. A cohort of octogenarians was identified and matched 1:1 to a corresponding cohort of younger adults.

Optical Methods for Brain Tumor Detection: A Systematic Review.

In brain tumor surgery, maximal tumor resection is typically desired. This is complicated by infiltrative tumor cells which cannot be visually distinguished from healthy brain tissue. Optical methods are an emerging field that can potentially revolutionize brain tumor surgery through intraoperative differentiation between healthy and tumor tissues.

Proton versus photon adjuvant radiotherapy: a multicenter comparative evaluation of recurrence following spinal chordoma resection.

Objective: Chordomas are rare tumors of the skull base and spine believed to arise from the vestiges of the embryonic notochord. These tumors are locally aggressive and frequently recur following resection and adjuvant radiotherapy. Proton therapy has been introduced as a tissue-sparing option because of the higher level of precision that proton-beam techniques offer compared with traditional photon radiotherapy.