World Neurosurg
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To analyze the relationship between trajectory-skull angle and stereoelectroencephalography electrode implantation accuracy in drug-resistant epilepsy patients, aiming to guide clinical electrode placement and enhance surgical precision and safety. ⋯ This study establishes a significant positive linear correlation between trajectory-skull angle and entry radial error, along with a distinctive U-shaped pattern in the relationship between trajectory-skull angle and target vector error. Our findings suggest that trajectory-skull angles of 9° (frame-based) and 16° (robot-guided) may optimize the accuracy of target vector error.
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Case Reports
Trans-Cervical Vertebral Artery Origin Endarterectomy for Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency.
Vertebral artery (VA) stenosis is a cause of vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI) and disabling posterior circulation stroke,1 accounting for up to 30% of all strokes.2 Although the natural history of VBI is not as well delineated as that of carotid stenosis, strokes in the basilar circulation can be more disabling than their anterior circulation counterparts. Stenosis exceeding 30% at the origin of the vertebral artery is associated with increased risk of stroke.3 The authors present a case of a female patient with significant peripheral vascular disease who presented with concerns for VBI. The patient was on antiplatelet and anticoagulative medications and a statin at the time of her presentation. ⋯ The VA can be readily accessed using a small supraclavicular incision to isolate the V1 segment of the vessel. The procedure was performed with the patient heparinized and on antiplatelet medications. Alternatives to this strategy include patch grafting in addition to the endarterectomy or use of a short vein graft to bypass the stenosis of the VA beyond the stenotic segment.
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Durotomies, traditionally used during the midline suboccipital approach, involve sacrificing the occipital sinus (OS) with consequent shrinking of the dura, risk of venous complications, difficulty performing watertight closure, and a higher rate of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. The present technical note describes the OS-sparing linear paramedian dural incision, which leads to a decrease in the risk of complications during the median suboccipital approach in our case series. ⋯ In comparison to the types of durotomies conventionally used for the midline suboccipital approach, the OS-sparing linear paramedian dural incision entails lower risks of bleeding, venous complications, CSF leaks, and infections by avoiding duraplasty. Validation of this technical note on a larger patient cohort is needed.
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The management of postoperative deep infection after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) remains challenging for spine surgeons. Our institution uses handmade antibiotic-loaded cement spacers to treat these complex cases. This study aimed to determine the efficacy and feasibility of this treatment. ⋯ Good clinical outcomes were achieved in this study. Although 2-stage surgery is required, this technique could be an alternative for patients with postoperative deep infection after ACDF.
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Despite its rising popularity, little has been described about locum tenens employment (locums) in neurosurgery. This study provides the first nationwide overview of the locums neurosurgery experience. ⋯ Locums is utilized by neurosurgeons across multiple practice types and may serve to complement workloads or "fill in gaps" between longer-term employment. Overall, locums neurosurgeons are well compensated, and the majority are satisfied with their experience(s). Inevitably, flaws still exist with locums employment, which may be the focus of organized efforts aiming to improve the experience.