Neurosurgery
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Pseudarthrosis is a common surgical complication after arthrodesis and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. The association between glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist use and pseudarthrosis is yet to be explored. This study aims to examine the association of GLP-1 agonists with rates of pseudarthrosis in patients undergoing single-level lumbar fusion. ⋯ In this cohort study, patients who were prescribed GLP-1 agonists in the perioperative period had reduced rates of pseudarthrosis compared with patients without GLP-1 agonist prescriptions. These findings suggest a potential therapeutic benefit of GLP-1 agonists in enhancing spinal fusion outcomes and warrant further prospective studies to confirm these results and explore the underlying mechanisms.
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Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is a rare movement disorder characterized by brisk, irregular, involuntary, and unilateral contraction of the facial musculature. This systematic review aims to synthesize the existing literature and compare the use of 2 microvascular decompression (MVD) techniques-transposition and interposition-used in the treatment of HFS. ⋯ Both transposition and interposition are safe and effective techniques for MVD in patients with HFS. Available literature to date does not provide conclusive evidence that 1 method is superior to the other in safety or efficacy although there are specific instances that favor the use of interposition. A prospective trial would be required to delineate the true differences between these techniques.