World Neurosurg
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Craniopharyngioma is a benign, locally invasive tumor of the sellar-suprasellar region. Surgery can be curative but may require sacrifice of the pituitary stalk, which often leads to hypopituitarism. The risk/benefit of this maneuver is not well understood. ⋯ Our review indicates that stalk sacrifice is often required to achieve a durable cure in patients with craniopharyngiomas. While stalk sacrifice increases the risk of post-operative endocrinopathy, even if the stalk is preserved many patients will still become hypopituitary.
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This meta-analysis was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of vertebral augmentation (VA) plus pedicle screw fixation (PSF) with VA for treating osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures (OTLFs). ⋯ PSF + VA was superior to VA for the VAS score, ODI, Cobb angle, AVH, and complications, especially in the long-term follow-up. However, more operation time, blood loss, and length of stay were the disadvantages for PSF + VA.
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The causal relationship between mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) and intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) remains unclear. The study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between mtDNA-CN and IVDD using Mendelian randomization analyses. ⋯ The study revealed that there is no causal relationship of mtDNA-CN on the risk of IVDD, nor does IVDD have a significant causal effect on mtDNA-CN. Although the study did not find a significant causal relationship, it provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between genetic factors and IVDD. Further research is needed to explore to better understand the underlying mechanisms of this condition.