Yu-Kai Kuo , Yen-Kuang Lin , Jie-Wei Chang , Ching-Yu Lee , Young-Hoon Kim , Tsung-Jen Huang , Meng-Huang Wu , Kee-Yong Ha
{"title":"The Effect of Spinopelvic Parameters on Anterior Bone Graft Subsidence in Surgical Treatment of Pyogenic Lumbar Spondylodiscitis","authors":"Yu-Kai Kuo , Yen-Kuang Lin , Jie-Wei Chang , Ching-Yu Lee , Young-Hoon Kim , Tsung-Jen Huang , Meng-Huang Wu , Kee-Yong Ha","doi":"10.1016/j.wneu.2025.123802","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wneu.2025.123802","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To evaluate the effect of spinopelvic parameters on anterior bone graft subsidence and functional outcomes after anterior interbody fusion (AIF) and posterior instrumented fusion (PIF) in pyogenic spondylodiscitis (PS).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Sixty-five patients who had received AIF+PIF for PS from July 2003 to December 2015 were enrolled. Based on the degree of bone graft subsidence, the patients were divided into groups A (minimal subsidence), B (moderate subsidence), and C (severe subsidence). Comparative analysis was performed evaluating patient demographics, spinopelvic parameters (kyphosis angle, involved segment's intervertebral height, pelvic incidence [PI], pelvic tilt, sacral slope, lumbar lordosis [LL], thoracolumbar kyphosis, and PI minus LL [PI−LL]), and clinical evaluation including Oswestry Disability Index score and visual analog scale (VAS) scores. The data were collected in a patient registry at perioperative, postoperative 3-month, and 2-year to assess clinical and radiological outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was applied for identification of cutoff points of LL and PI−LL in suggestion of clinical practice.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The 65 included patients had a mean follow-up period of 35.09 ± 38.30 months. Generalized estimating equation analysis showed that LL and PI−LL changes in group A were significantly different from those in group C but not in group B, revealing that preoperative LL and postoperative PI−LL are bone graft subsidence type indicators. By contrast, preoperative Oswestry Disability Index, postoperative 3-month VAS-back, preoperative VAS-leg, and postoperative 2-year VAS-leg scores were associated with bone graft subsidence type. Receiver operating characteristic analysis identified preoperative LL < 40.79° and postoperative PI−LL > 15° as significant predictive markers for severe bone graft subsidence, providing valuable thresholds for surgical risk evaluation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Among spinopelvic parameters, preoperative LL and postoperative PI−LL are important parameters associated with bone graft subsidence severity in patients who had received AIF+PIF for PS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23906,"journal":{"name":"World neurosurgery","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 123802"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143459669","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Incidence and Risk Factors of Delayed Facial Paralysis After Vestibular Schwannoma Resection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis","authors":"Xiezhuo Zhang, Hongbo Wen, Guohuan Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.wneu.2025.123938","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wneu.2025.123938","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Delayed facial nerve paralysis (DFNP) is a common complication after vestibular schwannoma surgery. Previous studies have focused on immediate facial nerve paralysis, and the risk factors for developing DFNP remain largely unclear. This study aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors of DFNP in patients after vestibular schwannoma resection.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Up to 8 October 2024, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, and China Science and Technology Journal Database were searched to extract the related data of DFNP. The pooled incidence of DFNP was calculated. Possible risk factors of DFNP were conducted to report the odds ratio/weighted mean difference (WMD), and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Twenty-seven studies were included, and 8656 patients underwent vestibular schwannoma resection. The incidence of DFNP in patients with vestibular schwannoma who underwent microsurgical resection was 12.3% (95% CI: 9.4%, 15.1%). The results of the influencing factor analysis showed that age (WMD: −4.28, 95% CI: −5.66, −2.91) and tumor size (WMD: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.22) were related to the incidence of DFNP in patients after vestibular schwannoma resection.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>DFNP is a complication after vestibular schwannoma surgery that cannot be ignored. The risk factors (age and tumor size) of DFNP in patients after vestibular schwannoma surgery still need to be considered, and clinical management of high-risk groups should be strengthened in clinical practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23906,"journal":{"name":"World neurosurgery","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 123938"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143700981","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ali Tayebi Meybodi, Ahmet Ozak, Andrea L. Castillo, Oscar Alcantar-Garibay, Michael T. Lawton, Mark C. Preul
{"title":"Microanatomy of the Temporal Division of the Facial Nerve in the Periorbital Region Applied to Minimally Invasive Keyhole Approaches","authors":"Ali Tayebi Meybodi, Ahmet Ozak, Andrea L. Castillo, Oscar Alcantar-Garibay, Michael T. Lawton, Mark C. Preul","doi":"10.1016/j.wneu.2025.123752","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wneu.2025.123752","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Minimally invasive keyhole approaches to the anterior skull base and circle of Willis require small incisions near distal branches of the temporal division (TD) of the facial nerve. Few studies have focused on planning the incision to avoid the TD branches and maximize exposure in these approaches. This study aimed to define a safe zone away from the TD branches for skin incision during minimally invasive keyhole approaches using reliable and practical skin landmarks.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In 5 cadaveric heads (10 sides), a Cartesian system was established with the orbitomeatal line connecting the lateral canthus and the external acoustic meatus (x-axis). A perpendicular line was drawn to the x-axis at the lateral canthus (y-axis). TD branches were dissected proximally to distally until the nerve-muscle junction of the orbicularis oculi and fronto-occipitalis muscles. Nerve-muscle junction points were registered in the Cartesian system. Probabilistic heat maps were generated to define a periorbital safe zone.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A median of 3 branches each innervated the orbicularis oculi and fronto-occipitalis. A semicircular area centered on the lateral canthus with a radius of 10 mm was found to have low (<10%) chance of containing a TD branch. This safe zone could be extended posteriorly to 15 mm inferior to the orbitomeatal line.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Identifying a safe zone for preserving TD branches is crucial for surgical incisions planned in the superolateral region of the orbit. This study provides a clinically applicable and reproducible landmark for planning incisions commonly used during minimally invasive keyhole approaches.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23906,"journal":{"name":"World neurosurgery","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 123752"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143374755","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hao Deng, Tao Chen, Guolian Chen, Wei Tang, Zhijian Huang, Yi Yan, Yongzhi Xia
{"title":"Kinematic Analysis of the Hindbrain via Dynamic Neck Motion in Adult Patients with Chiari Malformation Type I: A Radiological Study with Clinical Implications","authors":"Hao Deng, Tao Chen, Guolian Chen, Wei Tang, Zhijian Huang, Yi Yan, Yongzhi Xia","doi":"10.1016/j.wneu.2025.123925","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wneu.2025.123925","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The influence of cervical motion on the hindbrain in patients with Chiari malformation type I (CMI) remains under investigation. In this study, the kinematic effects of cervical extension and flexion on cerebellar tonsillar herniation were evaluated.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The clinical data of 27 adult CMI patients were retrospectively studied, and sex- and age-matched patients with cervical spondylopathy were included as controls. Several linear, angular variables related to the hindbrain and mobility of the neck were assessed on midsagittal views of neutral and dynamic cervical magnetic resonance images.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The distance of cerebellar tonsillar herniation (D-Ton) in the CMI group was 10.15 ± 0.74 mm in the cervical neutral position, 11.24 ± 0.81 mm (<em>P</em> <0.001) in flexion, and 9.12 ± 0.65 mm (<em>P</em> <0.001) in extension. D-Ton in the control group remained unchanged in three different cervical positions. No significant differences were found in the tissue strain of the tonsils (Ton-Strain), the distance from the obex (D-Obex), the anterior margin of the pontomedullary (D-Pon), or the cervicomedullary (D-Medu) junction to the McRae line between different cervical positions in either group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The mobility of the ectopic tonsils and the degree of cervical motion were verified in adult CMI patients. The herniated tonsils largely ascended with extension and descended with flexion, without obvious tonsillar tissue strain, whereas the brain stem remained stable. Tonsillar motion may be a potential marker of CMI and may therefore help surgeons confirm CMI as well as tailor surgical procedures for such patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23906,"journal":{"name":"World neurosurgery","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 123925"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143693511","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yu Chang , Chia-En Wong , Hao-Hsiang Hsu , Kuan-Yu Chi , Jung-Shun Lee , Yen-Ta Huang , Chih-Yuan Huang
{"title":"Brain Tissue Oxygen Combined with Intracranial Pressure Monitoring in Patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: An Updated Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis Following the OXY-TC Trial","authors":"Yu Chang , Chia-En Wong , Hao-Hsiang Hsu , Kuan-Yu Chi , Jung-Shun Lee , Yen-Ta Huang , Chih-Yuan Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.wneu.2025.123926","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wneu.2025.123926","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with high mortality and long-term disability. Effective TBI management, aimed at minimizing secondary brain damage, requires constant monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP) with or without brain tissue oxygen pressure (PbtO2). The recent OXY-TC trial suggested that combined ICP + PbtO2 monitoring does not improve the 6-month neurological outcomes, prompting a meta-analysis to reassess the clinical role of PbtO2 monitoring.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching the PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane databases for randomized controlled trials and prospective studies on adult severe TBI patients, comparing clinical outcomes of ICP monitoring alone versus ICP + PbtO2 monitoring. Data extraction and quality assessments were performed independently by two reviewers. Meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effects model, focusing on 6-month mortality and favorable functional outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Six studies met the inclusion criteria. The ICP + PbtO2 group is more likely to have favorable outcomes (odds ratio: 1.39, 95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.92, I<sup>2</sup> = 0%) 6 months following TBI. There were no statistically significant differences in the 6-month mortality (odds ratio: 0.75, 95% confidence interval: 0.52–1.10; I<sup>2</sup> = 0%).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Our research findings partially align with the OXY-TC trial regarding the primary endpoint, demonstrating that brain tissue oxygen-guided therapy does not significantly reduce mortality rates in TBI patients 6 months postinjury. However, in contrast to the OXY-TC trial, we observed that the PbtO2 monitoring group showed a significantly higher proportion of favorable outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23906,"journal":{"name":"World neurosurgery","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 123926"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143693504","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Muhang Tian , Xinbo Wu , Yingchuan Zhao , Yanjie Zhu , Yunshan Fan , Haijian Ni , Fangjing Chen , Shisheng He
{"title":"Original Uniportal Bichannel and Dual-Media Spinal Endoscopy System Assists Elderly Patients with Thoracolumbar Kyphosis Associated with Osteoporosis: Technical Note and Preliminary Clinical Results","authors":"Muhang Tian , Xinbo Wu , Yingchuan Zhao , Yanjie Zhu , Yunshan Fan , Haijian Ni , Fangjing Chen , Shisheng He","doi":"10.1016/j.wneu.2025.123785","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wneu.2025.123785","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The uniportal bichannel and dual-media spinal endoscopy (UBD) system is an original endoscopic system developed by the authors. This technical note describes a single-center case series of elderly patients with thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK) with osteoporosis treated with the assistance of the UBD system.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This article presents a retrospective case series including 4 patients with TLK with osteoporosis treated with assistance of the UBD system. Demographic, clinical, imaging, and procedure-related data are reported.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>All 4 patients achieved satisfactory correction of TLK. The regional kyphosis angle and TLK improved significantly in the patients, correcting from 24.73 ± 6.51° to 5.46 ± 2.16° (<em>P</em> < 0.001) and 29.28 ± 4.02° to 6.33 ± 3.13° (<em>P</em> < 0.001). The patients showed an improvement in visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores postoperatively (<em>P</em> < 0.001). No complications were observed.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study suggests that use of the UBD system to assist in treatment of elderly patients with rigid TLK with osteoporosis is a safe and effective approach.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23906,"journal":{"name":"World neurosurgery","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 123785"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143415274","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Advith Sarikonda , Danyal Quraishi , Steven Glener , D. Mitchell Self , Karim Hafazalla , Emily Isch , Ashmal Sami , Cheritesh Amaravadi , Faisal Shaikh , Kevin D. Judy , James J. Evans , Nicholas Clark , Christopher J. Farrell , Ahilan Sivaganesan
{"title":"Drivers of Intraoperative Costs for Transsphenoidal Endoscopic Surgery for Sellar Lesions: A Time-Driven Activity-Based Cost Analysis","authors":"Advith Sarikonda , Danyal Quraishi , Steven Glener , D. Mitchell Self , Karim Hafazalla , Emily Isch , Ashmal Sami , Cheritesh Amaravadi , Faisal Shaikh , Kevin D. Judy , James J. Evans , Nicholas Clark , Christopher J. Farrell , Ahilan Sivaganesan","doi":"10.1016/j.wneu.2025.123792","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wneu.2025.123792","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Neurosurgeons lack precise insights into the true costs of transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery for sellar and suprasellar lesions (TESS), including pituitary adenomas, craniopharyngiomas, and apoplexy. To address this critical knowledge gap, we employ time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) for TESS.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We analyzed 221 TESS procedures performed between 2017 and 2022 at a large academic medical center. Costs were calculated using TDABC. Software was developed to extract information regarding all resources utilized intraoperatively. Supply cost was calculated as the aggregate of expenses related to implants, consumables, medications, and surgical tray sterilization. Personnel cost was determined by multiplying the per-minute wages of all intraoperative personnel by the amount of time they spent in the operating room. Patient and disease-specific variables were collected. Multivariable regression models were performed to assess predictors of cost.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The average total cost of a TESS procedure was $7557 ± $2,365, with primary cost drivers being supplies ($2,811, 37%) and personnel ($4,426, 59%). On multivariable regression, factors independently associated with higher total cost were hospital site (β-coefficient: $1,028, <em>P</em> < 0.001), intraoperative blood loss (β-coefficient: $12, <em>P</em> < 0.001), length of stay (β-coefficient: $23, <em>P</em> = 0.015), and the use of a nasoseptal flap (β-coefficient: $731, <em>P</em> = 0.012). Conversely, apoplexy was associated with lower total cost (β-coefficient: $−1,149, <em>P</em> = 0.001), which was explained by faster operating room times and lower personnel cost (β-coefficient: $−702, <em>P</em> = 0.003).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study represents the first application of intraoperative TDABC for transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery. Such efforts can promote value-based healthcare by identifying areas for cost reduction and surgical resource management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23906,"journal":{"name":"World neurosurgery","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 123792"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143432769","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mayur S. Patel , Arianna D. Carfora , Kathleen Botterbush , Dominic Franceschelli , Justin Zhang , Andrew Grossbach , Phillippe Mercier , Tobias A. Mattei
{"title":"Litigation Involving Delay of Spinal Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review of Reported Legal Cases in the United States","authors":"Mayur S. Patel , Arianna D. Carfora , Kathleen Botterbush , Dominic Franceschelli , Justin Zhang , Andrew Grossbach , Phillippe Mercier , Tobias A. Mattei","doi":"10.1016/j.wneu.2025.123910","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wneu.2025.123910","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, access to medical care was delayed worldwide. In multiple instances, the pandemic has led to delay in care, suboptimal patient outcomes and litigation. This study was designed to assess the incidence and characteristics of litigation in the United States related to delays in spine care secondary to the COVID-19 pandemic.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A retrospective review of the legal database LexisNexis following PRISMA guidelines was conducted. LexisNexis was queried for cases, verdicts, and settlements involving a delay of spinal care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collected data included plaintiffs' demographics and spinal pathology, delay length and reason, legal cause of action, state/region of occurrence, and case outcome.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Thirty-two cases met the criteria for full review. The average reported delay in litigated cases was 5.64 ± 3.83 months, with 25% having not received the necessary spinal care at the time the claim was filed, most of which were in 2022. Most cases involved lumbosacral disease with pain as the predominant symptom (96.88%), followed by neurological deficits (25%). Most cases (62.50%) involved inmates and were based on a claim of cruel and unusual punishment in violation of the 8th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study provides granular detail about the characteristics of litigation related to delay of spinal care secondary to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Most plaintiffs were inmates who had difficulty obtaining a specialist appointment, imaging, or treatment. In many cases the reason for litigation were unattended requests for simple and low-cost interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":23906,"journal":{"name":"World neurosurgery","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 123910"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143674609","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}