World Neurosurg
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The effect of malnutrition on outcomes after posterior lumbar fusion (PLF) remains understudied. This study analyzes the effect of malnutrition across a comprehensive range of body mass index (BMI) on complications after PLF. ⋯ Our analysis indicates that malnutrition may independently increase PLF complication risk. Surgeons may consider preoperative optimization for malnutrition patients to reduce complication risk.
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Direct pars repair with cannulated screws in adults: A case series and systematic literature review.
Lumbar spondylolysis occurs in 5%-8% of adults. This study aimed to report clinical and radiographic outcomes of direct pars repair in adults with lumbar spondylolysis. ⋯ Lumbar spondylolysis treatment with open fracture reduction and direct pars repair with cannulated screws in adults is safe and may result in mechanical back/radicular pain relief, even in the absence of radiographic fusion.
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Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) may lead to walking disability. The effect of regaining gait ability on the life expectancy of cancer patients is still unknown. To explore this issue, we evaluated the effect of gait ability recovery in nonambulatory patients after treatment for a metastatic spinal tumor. ⋯ Patients who regained their gait ability after treatment for MESCC tended to live longer than those who did not, indicating that recovery of gait ability by patients with cancer is associated with improved life expectancy.
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Moyamoya disease may present with either hemorrhagic or ischemic strokes. Surgical bypass has previously demonstrated superiority when compared to natural history and medical treatment alone. The best bypass option (direct vs. indirect), however, remains controversial in regard to adult ischemic symptomatic moyamoya disease. Multiple studies have demonstrated clinical as well as angiographic effectiveness of direct bypass in adult hemorrhagic moyamoya disease. In particular, there are limited data regarding strategies in the setting of failed indirect bypass with recurrent hemorrhagic strokes. Here, we describe a salvage procedure. ⋯ This case presents the use of a salvage direct bypass technique for recurrent symptomatic hemorrhagic moyamoya disease after failed EDAS. The strategy, approach, and technical nuances of this unique case have implications for revascularization options.
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Distance learning has become increasingly important to expand access to neurosurgical spine education. However, emerging online spine education initiatives have largely focused on residents, fellows, and surgeons in practice. We aimed to assess the utility of online neurosurgical spine education for medical students regarding career interests, knowledge, and technical skills. ⋯ Virtual distance learning for neurosurgical spine education is beneficial for students by enabling career exploration and learning content and clinical skills. Although the overall benefit was lowest for clinical skills, virtual programming could serve as an adjunct to traditional in-person exposure. Distance learning could also provide an avenue to reduce disparities in medical student neurosurgical spine education locally and globally.