OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review and metaanalysis is to compare the efficacy and safety of decompression alone versus decompression plus fusion in single-level lumbar spinal stenosis with spondylolisthesis.
METHODS: A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Ovid Medline databases was conducted to find randomized control trials (RCTs) or cohort studies that compared decompression alone and decompression plus fusion in single-level lumbar spinal stenosis with spondylolisthesis. Operation time; reoperation; postoperative complications; postoperative Oswestry disability index(ODI) scores and scores related to back and leg pain were collected from eligible studies for meta-analysis.
RESULTS: We included 3 randomized controlled trials and 9 cohort studies with 6182 patients. The decompression alone group showed less operative time(P < 0.001) and intraoperative blood loss(p = 0.000), and no significant difference in postoperative complications was observed in randomized controlled trials(p = 0.428) or cohort studies(p = 0.731). There was no significant difference between the other two groups in reoperation(P = 0.071), postoperative ODI scores and scores related to back and leg pain.
CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found that the decompression alone group performed better in terms of operation time and intraoperative blood loss, and there was no significant difference between the two surgical methods in rate of reoperation and postoperative complications, ODI, low back pain and leg pain. Therefore, we come to the conclusion that decompression alone is not inferior to decompression and fusion in patients with single-level lumbar spinal stenosis with spondylolisthesis.

BACKGROUND: Cervical epidural hematoma (CEH) is a rare but potentially devastating condition, characterized by the accumulation of blood within the epidural space of the cervical spine, leading to spinal cord compression (Perron AD, Huff JS. Spinal cord disorders. In: Marx JA, et al. editors. Rosen\'s emergency medicine: concepts and clinical practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia: Saunders; 2013. pp. 1419-27.); (Raasck K, Habis AA, Aoude A, Simoes L, Barros F, Reindl R. Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma management: a case series and literature review. Spinal Cord Ser Cases. 2017;3:16043. https://doi.org/10.1038/scsandc.2016.43 .); (Ryo Yamamoto M, Ito H, Shimuzu K, Wakabayashi H, Oyama. Two cases of cervical epidural hematoma presenting with left-sided hemiplegia and requiring surgical drainage. Cureus. 2022;14(4):e23915. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.23915 .). While trauma and iatrogenic causes are well-documented, cases attributed to neck strain and acupuncture are uncommon. (Raasck K, Habis AA, Aoude A, Simoes L, Barros F, Reindl R. Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma management: a case series and literature review. Spinal Cord Ser Cases. 2017;3:16043. https://doi.org/10.1038/scsandc.2016.43 .); (Shiraishi S, Goto I, Kuroiwa Y, Nishio S, Kinoshita K. Spinal cord injury as a complication of an acupuncture. Neurology. 1979;29(8):1188-90. https://doi.org/10.1212/wnl.29.8.1188 .) Here, we present two cases of CEH secondary to these unusual aetiologies. Both cases highlight the importance of considering uncommon causes of CEH to ensure early recognition and prompt treatment.
METHODS: Case 1 is an 81-year-old lady who presented with left hemiparesis and paraesthesia following a fall with neck strain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of cervical spine revealed left C3-C7 epidural haematoma with severe cord compression. In Case 2, a 35-year-old gentleman experienced sudden onset numbness and weakness in all limbs just 10 minutes after receiving acupuncture. MRI showed an epidural hematoma at the C2-C4 levels. Both patients underwent immediate surgical decompression and had significant recovery.
CONCLUSIONS: Although CEH is a rare occurrence, it can potentially be a neurosurgical emergency. Physicians must remain cognizant of the diverse aetiologies associated with CEH and the necessity for early recognition and immediate treatment.

BACKGROUND: Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) is a common entrapment neuropathy of the posterior tibial nerve. Surgery can be performed less invasively under local anesthesia. We adopted zig-zag skin incision to prevent postoperative wound complications.
METHODS: Between July 2022 and June 2023, we operated on 19 legs of 14 consecutive TTS patients (5 males, 11 females; average age 73.3 years). We made a 2- to 3-cm zig-zag skin incision on the tarsal tunnel. After posterior tibial nerve decompression by posterior tibial artery (PTA) transposition, the subcutaneous layer was tightly sutured with 4-0 PDS and the skin was closed with Dermabond Advanced. We investigated adverse events that developed during the first 30 postoperative days and recorded surgical outcomes at the final visit.
RESULTS: In all patients the nerves were successfully decompressed with PTA transposition. There were no intraoperative complications. During the 30 postoperative days there were no adverse events, including wound complications, and patients\' symptoms improved significantly.
CONCLUSIONS: Zig-zag skin incision was easy and convenient for surgical TTS treatment and may be useful for preventing postoperative wound complications.

BACKGROUND: the pandemic of COVID-19 has led to clinical complications such as avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVNFH) associated with the use of corticosteroids. The aim of the study is to report the functional and radiographic results of 13 patients with post-COVID-19 ANFH after decompression using Forage and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC).
METHODS: single-center, prospective, uncontrolled clinical study. From April 2020 to September 2021, 13 patients (21 hips) with post-COVID-19 ANFH were treated. All received corticosteroids during infection (average daily dose: 480 mg). Clinical, radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging evaluations were performed; the Ficat classification was applied for the classification of AVNFH. The surgical technique used was decompression with Forage and ACMO.
RESULTS: the mean age was 47 years, with a follow-up of 30.4 months. Symptoms appeared with a mean of 4.2 months after COVID-19 infection. Harris score improved from 41.2 ± 5.2 to 86.6 ± 3.4. Radiographic evaluation showed that 14.3% of the sample experienced femoral head collapse and underwent total hip arthroplasty.
CONCLUSIONS: post-COVID-19 ANFH is a clinical entity with rapid progression and different degrees of severity. Decompression with Forage and ACMO seems a promising initial treatment, however, the variable response and the probability of collapse emphasize the importance of long-term follow-up and identification of patients who may require additional interventions.
UNASSIGNED: la pandemia de COVID-19 ha dado lugar a complicaciones clínicas como la necrosis avascular de la cabeza femoral (NAVCF) asociada con el uso de corticoesteroides. El objetivo del estudio es reportar los resultados funcionales y radiográficos de 13 pacientes con NAVCF post-COVID-19, después de la descompresión utilizando Forage y aspirado de células de medula ósea (ACMO).
UNASSIGNED: estudio clínico unicéntrico, prospectivo, no controlado. Desde Abril de 2020 hasta Septiembre de 2021, se trataron 13 pacientes (21 caderas) con NAVCF post-COVID-19. Todos recibieron corticoesteroides durante la infección (dosis promedio diaria: 480 mg). Se realizaron evaluaciones clínicas, radiográficas y por resonancia magnética nuclear; se aplicó la clasificación de Ficat para la clasificación de NAVCF. La técnica quirúrgica empleada fue descompresión con Forage y ACMO.
RESULTS: la edad promedio fue 47 años, con un seguimiento de 30.4 meses. Los síntomas aparecieron con una media de 4.2 meses después de la infección por COVID-19. La escala de Harris mejoró de 41.2 ± 5.2 a 86.6 ± 3.4. La evaluación radiográfica demostró que 14.3% de la muestra experimentó colapso de la cabeza femoral por lo que se les realizó artroplastía total de cadera.
CONCLUSIONS: la NAVCF post-COVID-19 es una entidad clínica con rápida progresión y diferentes grados de severidad. La descompresión con Forage y ACMO parece un tratamiento inicial prometedor; sin embargo, la respuesta variable y la probabilidad de colapso, enfatizan la importancia de seguimiento a largo plazo e identificación de los pacientes que puedan requerir intervenciones adicionales.

Aims/Background Artificial intelligence technology has attained rapid development in recent years. The integration of artificial intelligence applications into pressure reduction mattresses, giving rise to artificial intelligence-powered pressure reduction mattresses, is expected to provide personalised intelligent pressure reduction solutions, through automatic user\'s data-based adjustment of the patient\'s local pressure condition to prevent pressure injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of artificial intelligence-powered smart decompression in the prevention of postoperative medium- and high-risk pressure injury in middle-aged and elderly patients. Methods A total of 400 middle-aged and elderly patients admitted to our hospital from June 2021 to December 2023 were selected as study subjects. Patients were categorised into observation and control groups according to the medical record system. General demographic data of the patients were collected. The propensity score matching method was used to balance the baseline data of the two groups of patients. The incidence, severity, complications and sleep quality in the matched study subjects were also compared. Results After matching, there were 96 patients in the two groups, and the differences in baseline data between the two groups were not statistically significant. Pressure injury and the total incidence of complications in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Before treatment, there was no difference in the scores of all aspects of the Richards Campbell Sleep Questionnaire between the two groups (p > 0.05). After treatment, the scores of all aspects of Richards Campbell Sleep Questionnaire in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion The artificial intelligence-powered smart decompression mattress can significantly prevent moderate- and high-risk pressure injury, effectively reducing the incidence of pressure injury and complications in postoperative long-term bedridden patients, alleviating the severity of pressure injury, relieving the pressure on various parts, and improving the sleep quality of patients.

UNASSIGNED: To evaluate the effectiveness of decompression and various parameters that may affect volume change in cystic lesions. Patients and.
UNASSIGNED: This retrospective study included patients who visited the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Ewha Womans University Medical Center between 2012 and 2022 for decompression of cystic lesions of the jaw. To measure volume changes, pre- and post-decompression cone-beam computed tomography was performed and reconstructed in three dimensions using Mimics 25.0 software (Materialise NV). A comparative analysis was performed based on sex, age, initial cyst volume, location, degree of cortical layer expansion, and pathologic diagnosis using the Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests.
UNASSIGNED: In all 20 cases, the duration of decompression was 7.84±3.35 months, and all patients successfully completed the decompression period without any complications. Significant differences were observed in the reduction rate and shrinkage speed based on the degree of cortical layer expansion. However, only the shrinkage speed (not the reduction rate) showed a significant difference with respect to the initial cyst volume. Significant differences were not observed based on sex, age, location, or pathologic diagnosis.
UNASSIGNED: Although the present study involved a small number of cases, the effectiveness of decompression was confirmed. In particular, 3D analysis overcame the shortcomings of previous studies of decompression and allowed earlier resection. Further studies with more patients are required to provide a rationale for these results and identify factors that influence decompression.

OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare two ultrasound-guided, minimally invasive procedures to release the A1-pulley (needle release and thread release) regarding efficacy and safety in an anatomical specimen model.
METHODS: Twenty-one ultrasound-guided needle releases and 20 ultrasound-guided thread releases were performed on digits of Thiel-embalmed anatomical specimens. A scoring system was developed to assess ultrasound visibility, intervention outcome (incomplete, almost complete, or full transection of the A1 pulley), and injury to adjacent structures (neurovascular structures, tendons, A2 pulley). Statistical analysis was performed to compare the score of the two groups (group 1: needle release,group 2: thread release). A P-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.
RESULTS: Needle release was completely successful in 15 cases (71.5%), almost complete release was achieved in four cases (19%), and incomplete transection occurred in two cases (9.5%). Thread release was completely successful in 17 cases (85%), and almost complete transection was observed in the remaining three cases (15%). In both procedures no neurovascular structures were harmed. Slight injury of flexor tendons occurred in two cases (9.5%) in needle release and in five cases (25%) in thread release. There were no significant statistical differences between the groups regarding ultrasound visibility, intervention safety and outcome, (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided needle release and ultrasound-guided thread release have similar success of release, both being effective and safe techniques for the release of the A1 pulley.

INTRODUCTION: Biomarker responses to intensive decompression indicate systemic proinflammatory responses and possible neurological stress. To further investigate responses, 12 additional brain and lung biomarkers were assayed.METHODS: A total of 15 healthy men (20 to 50 yr) undertook consecutive same-day ascents to 25,000 ft (7620 m), following denitrogenation, breathing 100% oxygen. Venous blood was sampled at baseline (T0), after the second ascent (T8), and next morning (T24). Soluble protein markers of brain and lung insult were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with plasma microparticles quantified using flow cytometry.RESULTS: Levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and high mobility group box protein 1 were elevated at T8, by 36% and 16%, respectively, before returning to baseline. Levels of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products fell by 8%, recovering by T24. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor rose by 80% over baseline at T24. Monocyte microparticle levels rose by factors of 3.7 at T8 and 2.7 at T24 due to early and late responses in different subjects. Other biomarkers were unaffected or not detected consistently.DISCUSSION: The elevated biomarkers at T8 suggest a neuroinflammatory response, with later elevation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor at T24 indicating an ongoing neurotrophic response and incomplete recovery. A substantial increase at T8 in the ratio of high mobility group box protein 1 to soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products suggests this axis may mediate the systemic inflammatory response to decompression. The mechanism of neuroinflammation is unclear but elevation of monocyte microparticles and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 imply a key role for activated monocytes and/or macrophages.Connolly DM, Madden LA, Edwards VC, Lee VM. Brain and lung biomarker responses to hyperoxic hypobaric decompression. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(9):667-674.

The introduction of endoscopic spine surgery has led to a paradigm shift in the treatment of spinal disorders. In particular, biportal endoscopic surgery has gained traction for its wider visual field and improved the maneuverability of instruments, familiar anatomy, and costeffectiveness. In this study, we describe our en bloc removal of the ligamentum flavum using a \"butterfly\" technique. This approach had several advantages: (1) The flavum serves as a protective barrier for the dura during drilling. (2) There is less epidural bleeding, which provides (3) better visualization. (4) In an inadvertent durotomy, this usually occurs later in the procedure, which is more manageable than the early stages of decompression. Biportal decompression for spinal stenosis can be performed using an en bloc ligamentum flavum removal technique that is safe, reproducible, and efficient. A systematic approach will help early adopters overcome the steep learning curve.

UNASSIGNED: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), resulting from impaired blood supply to the head of the femur, presents a significant challenge to clinicians due to its debilitating nature. Conservative treatment often offers insufficient pain relief and debilitating functional outcomes which necessitate alternative therapies. Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), a potent orthobiologics and rich in mesenchymal stromal cells and growth factors, holds good promise as the minimally invasive procedure for ONFH. With the preceding research suggesting clinical and functional efficacy, we assessed the therapeutic effectiveness of BMAC in ONFH management in joint preservation.
UNASSIGNED: A prospective cohort study was conducted with 20 patients suffering from ONFH who failed to respond to 6 months of conservative treatment. A uniform surgical procedure was performed by a single surgeon, involving bone marrow extraction from the anterior iliac crest and subsequent processing into an 8-10 mL of BMAC concentrate. The BMAC was then injected into the implanted into the decompressed femoral head. The post-operative protocol comprised weight-bearing mobilization, physiotherapy, and a 4-week NSAID-free regimen. Outcome measures included pain scores, hip function, knee symptoms, sports activities, patient satisfaction, and recommendation of the procedure.
UNASSIGNED: Of the 20 patients suffering from ONFH, primarily the left side, most of whom were at stage 2b, significant pain reduction and functional improvement were observed over 24 months. The mean pain score decreased from 9.00 to 3.55, while the hip function score increased from 46.12 to 88.60. However, some patients encountered complications such as symptom recurrence (5%), disease progression (10%), and persistent pain (5%).
UNASSIGNED: Core decompression with BMAC implantation emerges as a promising, effective, and safe treatment for ONFH with better costeffectiveness and minimal side effects, making it a feasible treatment alternative.