World Neurosurg
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We sought to compare outcomes between patients undergoing decompression only versus decompression and instrumented fusion for primary spinal infections. ⋯ Patients who received just decompression for spinal infection had similar reoperation and continued infection rates as patients who additionally underwent instrumentation, irrespective of infection location within the spine. These findings suggest that instrumentation of the infected spine may be a safe treatment modality and should be considered when the spinal integrity is compromised.
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Although anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a safe and effective procedure, the complications associated with it cannot be underestimated. The aim of this study was to highlight the potential complications associated with ACDF and the strategies to avoid them. ⋯ ACDF is a relatively safe procedure with very low morbidity and almost no mortality. In this study, the common complications encountered were postoperative dysphagia, dural injury, and hoarseness.
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To evaluate objectively the anatomic areas of the cranial base exposed by a three-dimensional (3D) endoscope-assisted far lateral approach. ⋯ Use of a 3D endoscope allows for minimal resection of the condyle and jugular tubercle, better visualization of the surgical compartments toward the midline, and better in-depth surgical exploration of each intradural compartment. However, the 3D probe is still too large and restricts surgical maneuverability.
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Letter Case Reports
Gullain-Barré syndrome after posterior fossa tumor surgery.
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Terrorism involving nuclear or radiologic weapons can devastate populations, city infrastructures, and entire sociopolitical systems. In our age of nuclear medicine and therapeutic radiation delivery, the unauthorized and illegal acquisition of radioactive materials needed for such an attack is always a possibility and risk. ⋯ Although this article presents a perspective relating to American rules and regulations, these precautions are applicable anywhere that similar situations exist. Understanding these materials and the security they require is essential to preventing the disastrous outcomes should these isotopes fall into terrorists' hands.