World Neurosurg
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Comparative Study
Identification of knowledge gaps in neurosurgery using a validated self-assessment examination: differences between general and spinal neurosurgeons.
The practice of neurosurgery requires fundamental knowledge base. Residency training programs and continuing medical education courses are designed to teach relevant neurosurgical principles. Nevertheless, knowledge gaps exist for neurosurgeons and may be different between cohorts of neurosurgeons. The Self-Assessment in Neurological Surgery (SANS) General Examination and Spine Examination are online educational tools for lifelong learning and maintenance of certification. This study examines the gaps in knowledge of spinal neurosurgeons and general neurosurgeons taking SANS. ⋯ The SANS Spine Examination demonstrated knowledge gaps in specific categories for spinal surgeons. The knowledge areas of diminished performance differed between spinal and general neurosurgeons. Identification of specific areas of deficiency could prove useful in the design and implementation of educational programs and maintenance of certification.
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Vertebral hydatid cysts are found in <1% of all cases of hydatidosis. The pathology has an infiltrative malignant nature, affecting the vertebral body with possible extension in the epidural space. This pathomechnism is associated with a high rate of morbidity, mortality, and relapse. Decompressive surgery combined with antihelminthic therapy is recommended to eradicate the disease and prevent recurrence. ⋯ The devastating and malignant course of this disease, which affects mostly young patients, demands continuous development of preventive care in endemic regions, the early detection and screening of the diseased patients, and eventually the advancement of the combined medical and surgical treatment.
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Traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis, also known as a hangman's fracture, is a well-described entity but is relatively uncommon. There are only two published reports of these fractures occurring in pediatric patients with osteogenesis imperfecta, a disorder that predisposes patients to long bone fractures. ⋯ Effendi type II fractures can be conservatively managed via rigid or nonrigid cervical orthosis.
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Introduction of a book and cinema club in a Department of Neurosurgery has helped combine an education in humanities with neurosurgical training. The authors believe the addition of teaching in humanities adds to the specialty and helps in fulfilling the six core competencies of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. The goal is to encourage synoptic philosophy and impart creative ways of interacting with the world. ⋯ Of residents, 61.5% believed the topics were pertinent to their everyday life, and 77% believed that the club had helped them somehow in residency. Most (7 of 13) believed the club should not be included as part of the curriculum in an 80-hour work week. Institution of a book and movie club seems to be an effective way of integrating humanities within a neurosurgical residency.