Glioblastoma in the elderly: the effect of aggressive and modern therapies on survival.

Objective: The prognosis of elderly patients with glioblastoma (GBM) is universally poor. Currently, few studies have examined postoperative outcomes and the effects of various modern therapies such as bevacizumab on survival in this patient population. In this study, the authors evaluated the effects of various factors on overall survival in a cohort of elderly patients with newly diagnosed GBM.

Thickness of subcutaneous fat as a risk factor for infection in cervical spine fusion surgery.

Background: Surgical site infections increase the incidence of morbidity and mortality as well as health-care expenses. The cost of care increases threefold to fourfold as a consequence of surgical site infection after spinal surgery. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of subcutaneous fat thickness in the development of surgical site infection following cervical spine fusion surgery.

2012 Young Investigator Award winner: The distribution of body mass as a significant risk factor for lumbar spinal fusion postoperative infections.

Study Design: A retrospective review.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the role in body habitus and weight distribution on developing a surgical site infection (SSI).

Summary Of Background Data: SSI after lumbar spine surgery remains a significant cause of morbidity.