World Neurosurg
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Financial toxicity associated with cancer treatment has a deleterious impact on patient outcomes but has not been well characterized among patients with metastatic cancers. We characterize the extent of financial toxicity among this population and identify factors associated with financial toxicity. ⋯ Most patients with cancer with brain and spine metastases with a poor prognosis treated at a tertiary center are primary income earners and experience financial toxicity. Further studies are warranted to assess the longitudinal impact of financial toxicity in patients with metastatic cancer, particularly those with ≥1 emergency department visit and a cancer-related change in employment status.
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A Proposed Grading System for Posterior Atlanto-Occipital Membrane Complex Injuries on Cervical MRI.
The posterior atlantooccipital membrane complex consists of the posterior atlantooccipital membrane and posterior atlantoaxial membrane. Posttraumatic, posterior atlantooccipital membrane complex injuries may have varied appearances on cervical magnetic resonance imaging. The purpose of this study was to identify the different types of posterior atlantooccipital membrane complex injuries that occur in trauma patients. ⋯ A grading system for posterior atlantooccipital membrane complex injuries is proposed on the basis of these data: grade 1-edema confined to the posterior atlantooccipital and atlantoaxial membrane; grade 2-edema confined to the posterior atlantooccipital and atlantoaxial membrane and ligamentum nuchae; grade 3-stripping injury of the posterior atlantooccipital membrane with C1-C2 dorsal epidural hematoma; and grade 4-frank disruption of the posterior atlantooccipital membrane at C1 with edema in the remaining posterior atlantooccipital membrane complex.
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To analyze the dynamic curve of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-related indices in cases of postoperative meningitis after selective craniotomy and to provide reference data for the clinical treatment with lumbar cistern drainage (LCD). ⋯ The WBC count can decrease significantly by day 4 after drainage, and placement of the LCD for 6-7 days is ideal. An average drainage volume of 250-300 mL/day is safe and effective.
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The current study seeks to examine the association between chronic opioid use and postoperative outcomes for patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and posterior lumbar fusion (PLF). ⋯ Our analysis using a national administrative database showed that opioid dependence may be associated with worse economic outcomes for patients undergoing ACDF and PLF.