BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Previous studies have shown that axial loading can narrow the spinal canal. However, the clinical significance is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the narrowing of the spinal canal with axial loading during MR imaging could influence treatment decision for spinal stenosis. METHODS Two hundred patients with clinical symptoms of spinal stenosis ...

Robots are becoming increasingly relevant to neurosurgeons, extending a neurosurgeon's physical capabilities, improving navigation within the surgical landscape when combined with advanced imaging, and propelling the movement toward minimally invasive surgery. Most surgical robots, however, isolate surgeons from the full range of human senses during a procedure. This forces surgeons to rely on ...

BACKGROUND Defensive medicine is prevalent among US neurosurgeons due to the high risk of malpractice claims. This study provides national estimates of US neurosurgeons' defensive behaviors and perceptions. OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship of defensive medicine-both "assurance" behaviors and "avoidance" behaviors-to the liability environment. METHODS A 51-question online survey was sen...

Background Photodynamic therapy (PDT) promotes significant tumor regression and extends the lifetime of patients. The actual operation PDT often relies on subjective judgment experienced neurosurgeons. Patients can benefit more from precisely targeting PDT’s key operating zones. Methods We used magnetic resonance imaging scans created 3D digital models patient anatomy. Multiple images are align...

A survey of antibiotic prophylaxis recommendations for patients with hydrocephalus shunts was sent to directors of advanced programs in pediatric dentistry and neurosurgery. Recommendations were sought for patients with ventriculoperitoneal (VP) or ventriculoatrial (VA) shunts who were to receive dental care. Most respondents believed that shunt infection (SI) was related infrequently to dental...

BACKGROUND Health workforce shortages in rural and remote areas are a global challenge that almost every health system has to deal with. This study aimed to discover neurosurgeons' job preferences and propose policy interventions that could possibly increase their retention in rural, remote, or underserved areas. METHODS A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted in November 2014 with a...

chronic subdural hematoma (csdh) is a curable entity frequently encountered by neurosurgeons. the present study was conducted to explore expert opinion and common practice in iran. besides, a review of randomized clinical trials in literature was performed. a questionnaire including six questions discussing major aspects of practice on csdh, with multiple choices was designed. a pilot study was...