World Neurosurg
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Recently, the neuronavigation system (NS) has become an essential intraoperative tool for many neurosurgical procedures, allowing for precise lesion localization. It is particularly important to avoid errors during the navigation process. Here we report a novel technique using palatal positioning of the patient tracker to ensure optimal accuracy during magnetic navigation in various neurosurgical procedures. ⋯ The positioning of the patient tracker under the hard palate proved safe, accurate, and feasible in 97% of our patients. In our case series, it met the main goal of avoiding device displacement without a sense of invasiveness and postoperative patient discomfort.
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To investigate the impact that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has on postoperative complication rates, ambulation, and hospital length of stay for elderly spinal deformity patients after elective spinal fusion (≥3 levels). ⋯ Our study demonstrates that elderly patients with COPD have increased lengths of stay and higher rates of postoperative pneumonia after spinal fusion. This determination identifies a potentially modifiable risk factor for increased utilization of health care resources.
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Metastatic vertebral compression fractures pose a significant clinical problem to cancer patients including pain, spinal deformity, and neurologic deficit. Treatment of metastases to the spine is complex and challenging and may require local and systemic therapies. ⋯ Complications of PVP in malignant compression fractures are more common than in nonmalignant ones. We present 1 case of tumor seeding along the needle tract of a breast cancer patient who had undergone PVP.
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The aim of this study was to investigate the anatomy of the superior cluneal nerves more proximal to the posterior layer of the thoracolumbar fascia. ⋯ The results of this study could help to elucidate the anatomy of the superior cluneal nerves and help avoid complications during surgical approaches to the lumbar spine.
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Optimal drainage after débridement for treating postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) is controversial. We compared single-tube drainage with double-tube drainage. ⋯ There were no significant differences between the 1 drain and 2 drains groups in surgery-related and patient-related risk factors, pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic therapy, laboratory tests results, or drainage efficiency and time. However, patients in the 1 drain group exhibited better clinical outcome and shorter hospital stay.