World Neurosurg
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Cervical spine sagittal malalignment has been demonstrated to correlate with the severity of disease in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). The impact of spinal alignment on neurologic recovery has not been investigated thoroughly. The goal of this study was to evaluate the variable impact of preoperative sagittal alignment on neurologic recovery among surgical myelopathic patients. ⋯ The majority of patients with CSM showed postoperative neurologic improvement. Patients with preoperative lordotic alignment exhibited greater improvement than those with preoperative kyphotic alignment. Furthermore, the choice of surgical approach impacted neurologic recovery among kyphotic patients, with those patients who were approached anteriorly or with a combined approach faring better.
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To investigate the outcomes of jugular foramen schwannomas (JFSs) and to evaluate the risk factors for tumor recurrence and poor final outcomes. ⋯ Quality of life and preservation of neurologic function are the goals of surgical treatment of JFSs. Favorable long-term surgical outcomes for JFSs can be achieved. Morbidity of cranial nerves IX and X is significant, and patients with nontotal resection or pathologic mitosis should be followed closely.
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Case Reports
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection with Mycobacterium abscessus: a rare cause of ventriculitis.
Mycobacterium abscessus is a rapidly growing atypical mycobacterium implicated in chronic lung disease, otitis media, surgical site infections, and disseminated cutaneous diseases. It is typically seen in patients with some degree of immunosuppression. Only 1 previous case has been reported in the setting of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt infection. We report a case of M abscessus as the causative organism in a VP shunt infection in an immunocompetent adult. ⋯ Nontuberculous mycobacteria are rare, atypical organisms in the setting of VP shunt infection. Patients with ventriculitis secondary to atypical mycobacteria may exhibit drug-resistant cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis in the face of standard antibiotic regimens.
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The potential for radiation exposure during neurosurgical training has increased dramatically in the last decade. Incorporation of instrumented and minimally invasive spinal surgery and neuroendovascular procedures into the curriculum has led to increased potential for exposure to ionizing radiation. Contemporary neurosurgery residents' exposure to radiation has not been previously reported. ⋯ To our knowledge, this study is the first to quantify radiation exposure for neurosurgery residents in the current era of training. From this work, efforts may be initiated to increase awareness and safety with regard to radiation exposure. Although the total dose is not high, a better understanding of the impact of radiation exposure on practitioners may help to drive institutional policies to reduce occupational exposure.
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Academic metrics can be used to compare the productivity of researchers. We aimed to use a variety of bibliometric parameters to assess the productivity of neurosurgeons working in the United Kingdom. ⋯ This study details the academic impact of United Kingdom-based neurosurgeons through the analysis of a number of citation metrics. It provides a benchmark bibliometric profile and we advocate future comparative assessments as a means to assess impact of and guide academic policy.