European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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We estimated the annual changes in radiographic indices of the spine in cerebral palsy (CP) patients and analyzed the factors that influence its progression rate. ⋯ The scoliosis Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis angle, and apical vertebral translation in the GMFCS level IV-V CP patients progressed with age. These findings can predict radiographic progression of scoliosis in CP patients.
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The practice of giving certain authors equal credit in scientific publications has become increasingly common in some medical specialties. However, whether this trend also exists in major spine journals remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of the practice of giving authors equal credit in major spine journals. ⋯ The practice of ECA in original research articles is increasingly common in major spine journals. A guideline for authors regarding when and how to designate equal credit is warranted in the future.
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Though rare, intracranial complications have been reported as a result from spinal surgery. Most if not all of these are a result of intracranial hypotension from durotomy and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. We aimed to characterize these complications across a large postoperative population at our institution. ⋯ Intracranial complications from spinal surgery are a rare event. We demonstrate an incidence of 0.4% of total intracranial pathology after spinal surgery. A strong clinical suspicion must be maintained after durotomy or CSF leak due to these infrequent but potentially life-threatening complications.
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The risks of drains in spine surgery (e.g., increasing venous plexus bleeding, maintaining CSF leakage, and infections) must be balanced with their benefits (e.g., reduced rate of postoperative hematoma and seroma formation). Little is known about factors that influence surgeons' decision to employ a drain. ⋯ In terms of indication, duration, and safety measures, use of drains in spinal surgery is heterogeneous. The majority of surgeons prefer drains to suction in most cases, except for microdiskectomies, for which only 31% will use a drain. Nearly all colleagues discontinue drains by day 4.
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Significant progress has been seen in the field of spine in recent years as a consequence of worldwide contributions. However, the national productivity to the field of spine is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the national contributions in the field of spine. ⋯ The majority of the spine articles are published by authors from high-income countries while few publications from low-income countries. The United States is the most productive country in the field of spine. However, some European countries may be more productive when normalized to population size.