Neurosurgery
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Cervical total disc replacement (cTDR) is still considered a developing technology, with widespread clinical use beginning in the early 2000s. Despite being relatively new to the marketplace, the literature surrounding cTDR is abundant. We conducted a thorough review of literature published in the United States (US) and outside the US to report the current global state of cTDR research and clinical use. ⋯ Complications such as secondary surgery, heterotopic ossification, and adjacent segment degeneration also remain a focus of studies. Other external challenges facing cTDR technology include regulatory restrictions and health economics, both of which are beginning to be addressed. Combined, the evidence for cTDR is robust supporting a variety of clinical indications.
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Delirium is a postoperative neurological morbidity in glioblastoma whose risk factors, incidence, and prognostic implications remain undefined. ⋯ We developed a model to predict development of postoperative delirium using 2 tumor-specific (bihemispheric tumors and tumor size) and 3 patient-specific (age, psychiatric history, and chronic pulmonary disease) factors. High-risk patients and their families should be counseled preoperatively, and this risk could be considered in the choice of biopsy vs resection, and resection patients should be monitored closely postoperatively.
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Clinical Trial
Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson Disease Does not Worsen or Improve Postural Instability: A Prospective Cohort Trial.
Falls and postural instability (PI) are major sources of morbidity in Parkinson disease (PD). Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a major therapy for PD. The effects of DBS on PI and falls remain controversial. ⋯ This evidence is consistent with the hypothesis that DBS does not worsen PI when measured at 3 and 12 mo postoperatively.
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Patient satisfaction ratings are increasingly used for hospital rankings, referral base and physician reimbursement. As such, online physician rating websites (PRWs) are quickly becoming a topic of interest. ⋯ Online ratings for neurosurgeons must be evaluated in context. Median ratings are generally high, but variable between websites. Median scores also vary among regions and practice settings. Higher scores were associated with ranking of medical school, recent graduation, and fellowship training completion.
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The cortical screw (CS) trajectory for pedicle screw placement is believed to require a smaller incision and less tissue dissection resulting in lower blood loss and faster healing; however, this has not yet been confirmed in clinical studies. ⋯ The CS trajectory is associated with less blood loss, fewer transfusions, reduced OR time, and shorter length of stay, with no difference in complications.