World Neurosurg
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Scientometrics is a subfield of bibliometrics that statistically analyzes publications trends. The aim of this initial study was to investigate trends in the 6 major neurosurgical journals from the last 10 years. ⋯ Geographic trends in the diversity of neurosurgical publications sustained its steady increase in most developed counties. Simultaneously, the publication gap between developed and developing countries has remained stagnant.
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Low back pain is the leading cause of work absences and years lived with disability, and it is often associated with degenerative disc disease. In recent years, biological treatment approaches such as the use of growth factors, cell injections, annulus fibrosus (AF) repair, nucleus pulposus replacement, and tissue-engineered discs have been explored as means for preventing or reversing degenerative disc disease. Both animal and clinical studies have shown promising results for cell-based therapy on the grounds of its regenerative potential. ⋯ AF repair methods including devices used in clinical trials have shown success in decreasing reherniation rates and improving overall clinical outcomes. In addition, recent studies that combined AF repair and nucleus pulposus replacement have shown improved biomechanical stability in IVDs after the combined treatment. Tissue-engineered IVDs for total disc replacement are still being developed, and future studies are necessary to overcome the challenges in their delivery, efficacy, and safety.
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Meningioma consistency is one of the most critical factors affecting the difficulty of surgery. Although many studies have attempted to predict meningioma consistency via magnetic resonance imaging findings, no definitive method has been established, because most have been based on qualitative evaluations. Therefore, the present study examined the potential of the T2 relaxation time (T2 value), a tissue-specific quantitative parameter, for assessment of meningioma consistency. ⋯ The T2 values could be a reliable quantitative predictor of meningioma consistency, and the T2 value distribution map, which elucidated the internal structure of the tumor in detail, could provide helpful information for surgical resection.
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There are numerous innovative and promising approaches aimed at slowing, reversing, or healing degenerative disc disease. However, multiple treatment-specific impediments slow progress toward realizing the benefits of these therapies. First, the exact pathophysiology underlying degenerative disc disease remains complicated and challenging to study. ⋯ Biological treatments are subject to the complex biomechanical environment in which native discs degenerate. The regulatory approval environment for these therapeutics will likely involve a high degree of scrutiny. Finally, patient selection and assessment of outcomes are a particular challenge in this clinical setting.
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The scalpel sign is a radiological finding observed on sagittal magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography myelography corresponding to an indentation in the dorsal aspect of the spinal cord resembling a surgical scalpel blade. It is said to be a pathognomonic imaging discovery linked to dorsal arachnoid webs. However, other spine-related conditions may mimic dorsal arachnoid webs on magnetic resonance imaging, such as spinal arachnoid cysts or ventral spinal cord herniation, leading to misdiagnosis. ⋯ Isolated radiological presentation of the scalpel sign is not sufficient to distinguish between dorsal arachnoid webs, arachnoid cysts, and ventral herniation of the spine. However, awareness of its importance is relevant for accurate curative surgical planning.