World Neurosurg
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Box trainers are ideal simulators, given they are inexpensive, accessible, and use appropriate fidelity. ⋯ The NET, a face and construct valid open-source partial task neuroendoscopic trainer, was designed. Presimulation novice neurosurgeons and neurosurgical residents were described as having insufficient skills and preparation to practice neuro-endoscopy. Plate tilt and endoscope angle were shown to be important factors in participant performance. The NET was found to be a useful partial-task trainer for skill building in neuro-endoscopy.
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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.
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Case Reports Biography Historical Article
Junior Seau - An Illustrative Case of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and Update on Chronic Sports-Related Head Injury.
Few neurologic diseases have captured the nation's attention more completely than chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which has been discovered in the autopsies of professional athletes, most notably professional football players. The tragic case of Junior Seau, a Hall of Fame, National Football League linebacker, has been the most high-profile confirmed case of CTE. Here we describe Seau's case, which concludes an autopsy conducted at the National Institutes of Health that confirmed the diagnosis. ⋯ This high-profile case reflects an increasing awareness of CTE as a long-term consequence of multiple traumatic brain injuries. The previously unforeseen neurologic risks of American football have begun to cast doubt on the safety of the sport.
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Case Reports
Delayed deterioration in isolated traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage Report of two cases.
Isolated traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in association with mild traumatic brain injury is considered to be a less severe finding that is not likely to require surgical intervention. No previous reports have described cases warranting craniotomy for isolated traumatic SAH by itself. ⋯ Isolated traumatic SAH seen in the basal cistern and Sylvian fissure carries a risk of late deterioration. A possible cause of hematoma expansion is abruption of a perforating branch arising from the MCA at the time of head injury. When hematoma expansion is identified, surgical evacuation of the hematoma is indicated. Surgical evacuation should be safely performed with the knowledge of the point of bleeding in such patients.