Biomarkers related to hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum: a systematic review of the literature.

Objective: Spinal stenosis is one of the most common spinal disorders in the elderly. Hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum (HLF) can contribute to spinal stenosis. The current literature suggests that various biomarkers may play important roles in the pathogenesis of HLF.

Alginate hydrogels: A potential tissue engineering intervention for intervertebral disc degeneration.

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a major cause of low back pain and disability, affecting millions of people worldwide. Current treatments for IVD degeneration are limited to invasive surgery or pain management. Recently, there has been increasing interest in the use of biomaterials, such as alginate hydrogels, for the treatment of IVD degeneration.

Predictive Factors of Intraoperative and Early Postoperative Outcome Measures After Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusions Based on American Society of Anesthesiologists Score.

Objective: Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is a surgical treatment that requires a close operative plane to the great vessels, which increases the risk of perioperative complications. To our knowledge, no previous study has investigated the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status Classification System as a predictive factor for unfavorable perioperative outcomes in ALIF procedures. We aimed to analyze the ASA score as a predictive factor of intraoperative and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing ALIFs.

R2 advances in robotic-assisted spine surgery: comparative analysis of options, future directions, and bibliometric analysis of the literature.

Spine surgery has undergone rapid advancements over the past several decades with the emergence of robotic and minimally invasive surgery (MIS). While conventional MIS spine surgery has had relative success, its complication profile has warranted continued efforts to improve clinical outcomes. We discuss the functional, clinical, and financial aspects of four robotic options for spinal pathologies, namely ROSA, Mazor X, Da Vinci, and ExcelsiusGPS, and conduct a bibliometric analysis to better understand current trends and applications of these robots as the field of robotic spine surgery continues to grow.

A Comprehensive Overview of Pediatric Neoplasms at the Craniocervical Junction: Meningiomas, Schwannomas, and Chordomas.

Tumors of the craniocervical junction (CCJ) are complicated pathologies with high patient mortality or low quality of life. In the pediatric population, these tumors are less prevalent, with various symptomatic presentations that include motor and neurological manifestations. Three of the most common neoplasms at the CCJ in children are meningiomas, schwannomas, and chordomas.

Utilizing pre- and postoperative radiological parameters to predict surgical outcomes following untethering for tethered cord syndrome in a pediatric population.

Objective: Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) can lead to significant downstream neurological deficits including gait deterioration, incontinence, and often unexplained chronic low-back pain. Surgical intervention may relieve symptoms, but there are no defined radiological parameters associated with surgical outcomes and functional status. The authors aimed to define pre- and postoperative radiological parameters for assessing surgical outcomes in TCS.

Rescue therapy with novel waveform spinal cord stimulation for patients with failed back surgery syndrome refractory to conventional stimulation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: Conventional spinal cord stimulators (SCSs) have demonstrated efficacy in individuals with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). However, a subgroup of patients may become refractory to the effects of conventional waveforms over time. The objective of this study was to systematically review and evaluate the current literature on the use of novel waveform spinal cord stimulation for the management of FBSS refractory to conventional SCSs.

The Impact of Major Military War Campaigns on Neurosurgery: Informetric Data and Time-Trend Analysis.

Background: Given the neurotrauma that soldiers might face during wars, a byproduct of such devastating neurosurgical conditions can be novel data, which can act as a catalyst for potentially paradigm-shifting research. We aimed to identify the impact of major U.S.

Comparison of surgical interventions for the treatment of early-onset scoliosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: Several growth-preserving surgical techniques are employed in the management of early-onset scoliosis (EOS). The authors' objective was to compare the use of traditional growing rods (TGRs), magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGRs), Shilla growth guidance techniques, and vertically expanding prosthetic titanium ribs (VEPTRs) for the management of EOS.

Methods: A systematic review of electronic databases, including Ovid MEDLINE and Cochrane, was performed.

Mapping the Landscape of Neurofibromatosis: A Bibliometric Evaluation Highlighting Our Current Understanding, Emerging Therapies, and Global Research Trends.

Background: The literature on neurofibromatosis (NF) has never been systematically assessed using bibliometric analytic methodologies. We quantitatively analyzed the major trends and scientific output regarding NF, highlighting potential avenues for research.

Methods: An Elsevier's Scopus database search was performed for all indexed studies related to NF from 1898 to 2021.

Predictors of favorable outcome following hypoglossal-to-facial nerve anastomosis for facial nerve palsy: a systematic review and patient-level analysis of a literature-based cohort.

Objective: Facial nerve palsy is a debilitating condition that can arise from iatrogenic, traumatic, or congenital causes. One treatment to improve function of the facial muscles after facial nerve injury is hypoglossal-to-facial nerve anastomosis (HFA). HFA's efficacy and predictors of its success vary in the literature.

Utilizing Data from Wearable Technologies in the Era of Telemedicine to Assess Patient Function and Outcomes in Neurosurgery: Systematic Review and Time-Trend Analysis of the Literature.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has driven the increased use of telemedicine and the adoption of wearable technology in neurosurgery. We reviewed studies exploring the use of wearables on neurosurgical patients and analyzed wearables' scientific production trends.

Methods: The review encompassed PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library.

Surgical management of sacral schwannomas: a 21-year mayo clinic experience and comparative literature analysis.

Introduction: Sacral and presacral schwannomas are rare, accounting for a minority of spinal schwannomas. We present our institution's experience surgically treating spinal schwannomas and compare it to the literature.

Methods: Data were collected for 27 patients treated surgically for sacral or presacral schwannoma between 1997 and 2018 at all Mayo Clinic locations and 93 patients in the literature.

Transradial versus Transfemoral Approaches in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Neuroendovascular Interventions: A Meta-Analysis of Current Literature.

Background: The adoption of the transradial approach (TRA) has been increasing in popularity as a primary method to conduct both diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. As this technique gains broader acceptance and use within the neuroendovascular community, comparing its complication profile with a better-established alternative technique, the transfemoral approach (TFA), becomes more important. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of TRA compared with TFA in patients undergoing diagnostic, therapeutic, and combined neuroendovascular procedures.

Factors associated with increased inpatient charges following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage with vasospasm: A nationwide analysis.

Background: Cerebral vasospasm, following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), can have high-cost implications for inflicted individuals and their families. To our knowledge, factors associated with high inpatient charges have not been explored. We aimed to address this gap.

Early Fevers and Elevated Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio are Associated with Repeat Endovascular Interventions for Cerebral Vasospasm in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Background: Patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) may develop refractory arterial cerebral vasospasm requiring multiple endovascular interventions. The aim of our study is to evaluate variables associated with need for repeat endovascular treatments in refractory vasospasm and to identify differences in outcomes following one versus multiple treatments.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients treated for aSAH between 2017 and 2020 at two tertiary care centers.

Should asymptomatic cervical stenosis be treated in the setting of progressive thoracic myelopathy? A systematic review of the literature.

Purpose: Unlike tandem stenosis of the cervical and lumbar spine, tandem cervical and thoracic stenosis (TCTS) of the spine is less common, and the approach and order of intervention are controversial. We aim to review the literature to evaluate the incidence and interventions for patients with cervical and thoracic stenosis. We provide illustrative cases to demonstrate that thoracic myelopathy in the setting of asymptomatic cervical stenosis can be treated safely.

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion: single institutional review of complications and associated variables.

Background Context: As more patients undergo anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) procedures and more devices are created for that purpose, it is important to understand the complications that can arise and the variables that mitigate risk for major and minor complications.

Purpose: To assess complication rates after ALIF with or without posterior instrumentation and variables associated with increased likelihood of postoperative complications. We aim to provide this data as benchmarking to improve patient safety and surgical care.

The Utility of Prolonged Prophylactic Systemic Antibiotics (PPSA) for Subfascial Drains After Degenerative Spine Surgery.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Objective: The aim of the current investigation was to evaluate the impact of prolonged prophylactic systemic antibiotics (PPSA) on the development of surgical site infection rate (SSIR) in degenerative spine surgery.

Summary Of Background Data: Surgical drains are utilized postoperatively in posterior spine surgery to help minimize the risk of seroma formation.

Perioperative Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Incidence and Outcomes in Neurosurgical Patients at Two Tertiary Care Centers in Washington, DC, During a Pandemic: A 6-Month Follow-up.

Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to affect all aspects of health care delivery, and neurosurgical practices are not immune to its impact. We aimed to evaluate neurosurgical practice patterns as well as the perioperative incidence of COVID-19 in neurosurgical patients and their outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective review of neurosurgical and neurointerventional cases at 2 tertiary centers during the first 3 months of the first peak of COVID-19 pandemic (March 8 to June 8) as well as following 3 months (post-peak pandemic; June 9 to September 9) was performed.