Retrospective cohort study of fluctuations in emergency department visits for nonspecific back and neck pain during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: We examined fluctuations in emergency department (ED) visits for nonspecific back and neck pain during the COVID-19 pandemic and explored potential contributing factors.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients who presented to the ED with nonspecific back and neck pain between January 2019 and December 2021. Demographic data, visit frequencies, and clinical outcomes were analyzed to assess the impact of the pandemic on visit patterns.

Reducing Dysphagia Following Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery: Insights From a Meta-Analysis.

A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases to identify relevant studies. The analysis focused on the influence of surgical duration, the number of cervical levels treated, and implant types. A total of 21 studies were included, and heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using the I² statistic.

Dual-Fluoroscopy vs. Single-Fluoroscopy in Balloon Kyphoplasty: A Study of Efficiency and Safety.

Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are the most prevalent type of osteoporotic fractures, often causing significant pain, morbidity, and mortality. Vertebral augmentation procedures like balloon kyphoplasty (BK) are effective in treating VCFs. These procedures are typically performed using a single fluoroscopy machine (SF) for anteroposterior (AP) and lateral views.

Cognitive control enhancement in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and neurotypical individuals.

Cognitive control, which has been localized to the right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG) based on functional imaging and brain lesion studies, is impaired in patients with ADHD. The present study aims to investigate whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the rIFG might improve cognitive control in ADHD subjects. We hypothesized poorer performance in a cognitive control task, but not in a control language task, in the ADHD subjects.

The Role of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron-Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Postoperative Hardware-Related Spinal Infections.

Background: Implant-related spinal infections are a surgical complication associated with high morbidity. Due to infection, hardware removal may be necessary, which could lead to pseudarthrosis and the loss of stability and alignment.

Objectives: To evaluate the accuracy and diagnostic value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) in the workup of patients with suspected implant-related infections of the spine and to assess the clinical impact of PET/CT results on the management of these infections.