World Neurosurg
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Recent biotechnological advances, including three-dimensional microscopy and endoscopy, virtual reality, surgical simulation, surgical robotics, and advanced neuroimaging, have continued to mold the surgeon-computer relationship. For developing neurosurgeons, such tools can reduce the learning curve, improve conceptual understanding of complex anatomy, and enhance visuospatial skills. We explore the current and future roles and application of virtual reality and simulation in neurosurgical training.
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Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) has been reported to be sensitive and specific in the detection of neurologic injury during spinal surgery. The purpose of this study was to clarify the incidence of C5 palsy using multimodality IONM and to compare the accuracy of multimodality IONM to predict postoperative C5 palsy with isolated transcranial motor evoked potentials (MEPs). ⋯ Incidence of any neurologic deficit, including C5 palsy, during laminoplasty while using multimodality IONM was relatively low. MEP alerts in the deltoids or biceps had 100% sensitivity and 98.4% specificity for predicting a postoperative deficit. Somatosensory evoked potentials did not appear to be helpful in predicting postoperative deficits.
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Endoscopic foraminoplasty facilitates engagement of the working cannula via the intervertebral foramen, allowing cannula access near a herniated disc (HD) for successful application of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of foraminoplasty for HD and propose applicable situations for foraminoplasty in PELD. ⋯ Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar foraminoplasty may be effective for small DH, migration, sequestration, recurrent HD, HD in L5-S1 with a high iliac crest, and central HD with a wide lamina angle.
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Comparative Study
Design-based Comparison of Spine Surgery Simulators: Optimizing Educational Features of Surgical Simulators.
Simulation-based education has made its entry into surgical residency training, particularly as an adjunct to hands-on clinical experience. However, one of the ongoing challenges to wide adoption is the capacity of simulators to incorporate educational features required for effective learning. The aim of this study was to identify strengths and limitations of spine simulators to characterize design elements that are essential in enhancing resident education. ⋯ Stakeholders from trainees to experts acknowledge the growing role of simulation-based education in spine surgery. However, different simulation modalities have varying design elements that augment learning in distinct ways. Characterization of these design characteristics will allow for standardization of simulation curricula in spinal surgery, optimizing educational benefit.
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Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is a recent technique that has shown some promising short-term results in patients with chronic refractory neuropathic pain. Three years after the first case series, we assessed its efficacy on a larger cohort, with longer follow-up. ⋯ Follow-up results confirm that ACC DBS alleviates chronic neuropathic pain refractory to pharmacotherapy and improves quality of life in many patients.