World Neurosurg
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Review Meta Analysis
Robot versus fluoroscopyassisted vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the clinical results and complications of robot-assisted (RA) versus fluoroscopy-assisted (FA) percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA) in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). ⋯ This meta-analysis showed that RA-PVA can reduce bone cement leakage rate, fluoroscopy frequency, and doctors' radiation exposure time. With the advancement of RA technology, we anticipate more high-quality randomized controlled trials of RA versus FA-PVA in the future to validate and update the results of this analysis.
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Medical journals have a role in promoting representation of neurosurgeons who speak primary languages other than English. We sought to characterize the language of publication and geographic origin of neurosurgical journals, delineate associations between impact factor (IF) and language and geographic variables, and describe steps to overcome language barriers to publishing. ⋯ Language concordance represents a substantial barrier to research equity in neurosurgery, limiting dissemination of ideas of merit that currently have inadequate outlets for readership. Initiatives aimed at increasing the accessibility of neurosurgical publishing to underrepresented authors are essential.
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Review Meta Analysis
Outcomes Following Penetrating Brain Injuries in Military Settings: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
While neurosurgeons are experienced in treating penetrating brain injuries (PBIs) in civilian settings, much less is known about management and outcomes of PBIs in military settings. ⋯ In this first systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes following combat-related PBIs, a GCS score >8 at presentation was found to be an important predictor of a favorable GOS and decreased mortality.
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Review
Frailty in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Brain Tumors: A Systematic Review of the Literature.
Emerging literature suggests that frailty may be an important driver of postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for brain tumors. We systematically reviewed the literature on frailty in patients with brain tumor with respect to 3 questions: What methods of frailty assessment have been applied to patients with brain tumor? What thresholds have been defined to distinguish between different levels of frailty? What clinical outcomes does frailty predict in patients with brain tumor? ⋯ Frailty is an increasingly popular concept in patients with brain tumor that is associated with important clinical outcomes. However, the extant literature is largely comprised of retrospective studies with heterogeneous definitions of frailty, thresholds for defining levels of frailty, and patient populations. Further work is needed to understand best practices in assessing frailty in patients with brain tumor and applying these concepts to clinical practice.