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Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) is the most common form of thoracic outlet syndrome. However, NTOS has remained difficult to diagnose and treat successfully. The purpose of the present study was to generate a predictive clinical calculator for postoperative outcomes after first rib resection (FRR) for NTOS. We performed a retrospective review of patients who had undergone FRR for NTOS at a single tertiary care institution between 2016 and 2020. A multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association of the percentage of improvement after FRR with the patient baseline characteristics, pertinent clinical characteristics, and diagnostic criteria set by the Society for Vascular Surgery. The primary outcome was subjective patient improvement after FRR. A prediction risk calculator was developed using backward stepwise multivariate logistic regression coefficients. Bootstrapping was used for internal validation. A total of 208 patients (22.2% male; mean age, 35.8 ± 12.8 years; median follow-up, 44.9 months) had undergone 243 FRRs. Of the 208 patients, 94.7% had had symptoms localized to the supraclavicular area, and 97.6% had had symptoms in the hand. All the patients had had positive symptoms reproduced by the elevated arm stress test and upper limb tension test. Another reasonably likely diagnosis was absent for all the patients. Of the 196 patients who had received a lidocaine injection, 180 (93.3%) had experienced improvement of NTOS symptoms. Of the 95 patients who had received a Botox injection, 82 (74.6%) had experienced improvement of NTOS symptoms. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to assess the model. The area under the curve for the backward stepwise multivariate logistic regression model was 0.8. The multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the significant predictors of worsened clinical outcomes included hand weakness (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-17.74), increasing age (aOR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88-0.99), workers' compensation or litigation case (aOR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.01-0.82), and symptoms in the dominant hand (aOR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.05-0.88). Using retrospective data from a single-institution database, we have developed a prediction calculator with moderate to high predictive ability, as demonstrated by an area under the curve of 0.8. The tool (available at: https://jhhntosriskcalculator.shinyapps.io/NTOS%5fcalc/) is an important adjunct to clinical decision-making that can offer patients and providers realistic and personalized expectations of the postoperative outcome after FRR for NTOS. The findings from the present study have reinforced the diagnostic criteria set by the Society for Vascular Surgery. The calculator could aid physicians in surgical planning, referrals, and counseling patients on whether to proceed with surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to illustrate the imaging findings on high-resolution 3T magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) in patients with suprascapular nerve (SSN) neuropathy. Materials and Methods: From 3T MRN examinations performed for brachial plexus evaluation in 51 patients over a 3-year period, 15 patients with final diagnosis of suprascapular neuropathy were recruited. The diagnosis was confirmed by electrodiagnostic studies (EDS), clinical, and/or surgical follow-up examinations. Studies performed for the evaluation of tumor, neurofibromatosis, or known diffuse polyneuropathy were excluded. Results: Two cases were excluded due to suboptimal imaging related to motion degradation and poor signal-to-noise ratio. MRN depicted asymmetric enlargement and/or abnormal T2 hyperintensity of C5 nerve root (10/13 cases), C6 nerve root (10/13 cases), both C5 and C6 nerve roots (7/13 cases), upper trunk (11/13 cases) and SSN (11/13 cases), and other brachial plexus segments involvement (4/13 cases). MR findings of denervation changes in the ipsilateral supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles were detected in 12/13 cases. In all seven cases where contrast-enhanced images were available, MRN demonstrated enhancement of the denervated muscles but did not provide any additional information regarding the nerve abnormality. None of the MRN studies revealed a mass lesion along the course of the SSN. Conclusion: 3T MRN is a valuable diagnostic tool in clinically suspected cases of suprascapular neuropathy, because it can directly demonstrate the nerve abnormality, as well as secondary muscle denervation changes. The reader should be aware that brachial plexopathy may coexist in patients with clinical diagnosis of SSN neuropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bone mineral density (BMD) abnormalities are observed frequently among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Risk factors for reduced BMD in the setting of HIV have been previously studied, but detailed antiretroviral treatment history is often not available. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between 2005 and 2007 among unselected HIV-infected adults attending an ambulatory urban HIV clinic. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans of lumbar spine and femoral neck, full laboratory profile, detailed questionnaire, and antiretroviral history were obtained. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate factors associated with BMD below the expected range for age. Two hundred ninety patients completed the study: 80% Caucasians, 89% males, with median age of 49yr. Low BMD as assessed by Z-score was present in 19.7% of the patients. By multivariate analysis, only lower body mass index (BMI) was an independent risk factor for low BMD. Cumulative exposure to protease inhibitors, non-nucleosides, and individual nucleoside and nucleotide analogs were not independently associated with low BMD. In conclusion, a 19.7% prevalence of abnormal BMD by DXA scan was identified in an unselected group of HIV-infected adults. Lower BMI was independently associated with low BMD. No correlation was found between abnormal BMD and cumulative exposure to any antiretroviral agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spasticity is a potentially debilitating symptom of various acquired and congenital neurologic pathologies that, without adequate treatment, may lead to long-term disability, compromise functional independence, and negatively impact mental health. Several conservative as well as non-nerve targeted surgical strategies have been developed for the treatment of spasticity, but these may be associated with significant drawbacks, such as adverse side effects to medication, device dependence on intrathecal baclofen pumps, and inadequate relief with tendon-based procedures. In these circumstances, patients may benefit from nerve-targeted surgical interventions such as (i) selective dorsal rhizotomy, (ii) hyperselective neurectomy, and (iii) nerve transfer. When selecting the appropriate surgical approach, preoperative patient characteristics, as well as the risks and benefits of nerve-targeted surgical intervention, must be carefully evaluated. Here, we review the current evidence on the efficacy of these nerve-targeted surgical approaches for treating spasticity across various congenital and acquired neurologic pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimal decompression time for patients presenting with acute traumatic central cord syndrome (ATCCS) has been debated, and a high level of evidence is lacking. To compare early (<24 hours) versus late (≥24 hours) surgical decompression for ATCCS. Systematic review and meta-analysis. Medline, PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched from inception to March 15th, 2023. The primary outcome was American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) motor score. Secondary outcomes were venous thromboembolism (VTE), total complications, overall mortality, hospital length of stay (LOS), and ICU LOS. The GRADE approach determined certainty in evidence. The nine studies included reported on 5,619 patients, of whom 2,099 (37.35%) underwent early decompression and 3520 (62.65%) underwent late decompression. The mean age (53.3 vs 56.2 years, p=.505) and admission ASIA motor score (mean difference [MD]=−0.31 [−3.61, 2.98], p=.85) were similar between the early and late decompression groups. At 6-month follow-up, the two groups were similar in ASIA motor score (MD= −3.30 [−8.24, 1.65], p=.19). However, at 1-year follow-up, the early decompression group had a higher ASIA motor score than the late decompression group in total (MD=4.89 [2.89, 6.88], p<.001, evidence: moderate), upper extremities (MD=2.59 [0.82, 4.36], p=.004) and lower extremities (MD=1.08 [0.34, 1.83], p=.004). Early decompression was also associated with lower VTE (odds ratio [OR]=0.41 [0.26, 0.65], p=.001, evidence: moderate), total complications (OR=0.53 [0.42, 0.67], p<.001, evidence: moderate), and hospital LOS (MD=−2.94 days [−3.83, −2.04], p<.001, evidence: moderate). Finally, ICU LOS (MD=−0.69 days [−1.65, 0.28], p=.16, evidence: very low) and overall mortality (OR=1.35 [0.93, 1.94], p=.11, evidence: moderate) were similar between the two groups. The meta-analysis of these studies demonstrated that early decompression was beneficial in terms of ASIA motor score, VTE, complications, and hospital LOS. Furthermore, early decompression did not increase mortality odds. Although treatment decision-making has been individualized, early decompression should be considered for patients presenting with ATCCS, provided that the surgeon deems it appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nerve transfer surgery is sometimes offered to patients with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). The objectives of this study were to evaluate surgical efficacy, assess which clinical and neurophysiological data are valuable for preoperative planning, and report long-term outcomes. This is a single-center, retrospective case series of patients with AFM who received nerve transfer surgery. All patients had preoperative electromyography and nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCS). Matched control muscles that did not receive nerve transfer surgery were defined in the same cohort. Ten patients meeting inclusion criteria received a total of 23 nerve transfers (19 upper extremity, four lower extremity). The mean age at symptom onset was 3.8 years, surgery was 0.5 to 1.25 years after diagnosis, and mean follow-up was 2.3 years (range 1.3 to 4.5 years). Among muscles with preoperative strength Medical Research Council (MRC) grade 0, muscles receiving nerve transfers performed significantly better than those that did not (MRC grade 2.17 ± 0.42 vs 0 ± 0, respectively, P = 0.0001). Preoperative EMG/NCS predicted worse outcomes in recipient muscles with more abundant acute denervation potentials (P = 0.0098). Donor nerves found to be partially denervated performed equally well as unaffected nerves. Limited data suggested functional improvement accompanying strength recovery. Nerve transfer surgery is an effective strategy to restore strength for patients with AFM with persistent, severe motor deficits. Postoperative outcomes in patients with complete paralysis are better than the natural history of disease. This study demonstrates the utility of preoperative clinical and electrophysiological data in guiding patient selection for nerve transfer surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Up to 10% of cervical spine surgeries are complicated by postoperative weakness. Although many patients recover with nonoperative management, some require surgery for restoration of function. To present the indications and outcomes of patients undergoing nerve transfers after developing weakness secondary to cervical spine decompression. A retrospective review of patients from 2 academic medical centers who underwent nerve transfer for C5–6 root injury after cervical spine surgery was performed. Of the 10 treated patients, 9 experienced recovery at last follow-up, demonstrating improvements in strength and motion in the affected muscles. Successful nerve transfers occurred between 3 and 8 months after the index spinal surgery and included spinal accessory nerve to suprascapular nerve, triceps branch to anterior division of the axillary nerve, and/or ulnar or median fascicles to motor branches of the musculocutaneous nerve. The unsuccessful patient underwent nerve transfer surgery approximately 11 months after the index operation and failed to obtain functional recovery. Patients who experience C5–6 weakness after cervical spine surgery should be evaluated and considered for nerve transfer surgery if they have continued severe functional deficits at 6 months postoperatively. Earlier referral for nerve transfer is associated with improved functional outcomes in this cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we sought to characterize contemporary trends in cost and utilization of spinal cord stimulation (SCS). The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project−National Inpatient Sample was queried for inpatient admissions from 2008 to 2014 where SCS was performed. We then determined the rates and costs of SCS performed in this time frame to treat diagnoses that we classified as device-related complications, degenerative spine disease, pain syndromes, and neuropathies/neuritis/nerve lesions. Least-squares regression was performed to determine the yearly trends for each indication adjusted by the total number of yearly hospitalizations for that diagnosis. We identified a total of 6876 admissions in whom an SCS was performed. The overall rate of inpatient SCS procedures performed has decreased by 45% from 2008 to 2014 (14.0 to 7.7 procedures per 100,000 admissions). Adjusted analysis for yearly trends also demonstrated a declining trend for all indications; however, this was not found to be statistically significant, except for device-related complications (P = 0.004). The median inflation-adjusted cost of an admission where SCS was performed increased slightly by 7.4% from $26,200 (IQR: $16,700−$33,800) in 2008 to $28,100 (IQR: $19,600−$36,900) in 2014. Billed hospital charges demonstrated a significant increase with median inflation-adjusted admission charge of $66,068 in 2008 to $110,672 in 2014. Despite a declining contemporary trend in inpatient SCS, an increase was noted in admission costs and hospital charges. A significant declining trend was noted in revision SCS implantations due to device-related complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: C5 palsy affects approximately 5% to 10% of patients undergoing cervical spine surgery. It has a significant negative impact on patient quality-of-life outcomes and healthcare costs. Although >80% of patients improve, some are left with persistent, debilitating deficits. Our objective was to examine if electrodiagnostic testing could be used to successfully identify patients likely to experience complete, partial, and no recovery.Methods: Patients undergoing posterior cervical decompression and fusion at a single institution over a 10-year period were identified. Those experiencing postoperative C5 palsy were included. Outcomes examined included motor recovery of the affected deltoid as a function of time, and changes in electrodiagnostic testing as a function of time since injury. Electrodiagnostic testing included electromyography and was sub-analyzed by time of acquisition postinjury. Deltoid strength was graded on manual motor testing using the 5-point medical research council grading system.Results: Of 77 patients experiencing C5 palsy, 29 had postoperative electrodiagnostic testing. Patients experiencing complete recovery on average achieved functional (4/5) strength by 6-weeks post injury and 4+ per 5 strength by 6-months. Those experiencing partial recovery only achieved antigravity strength (3/5) by 6-weeks and low-function (4-/5) strength by 6-months. Electrodiagnostic testing performed 6-weeks to 6-months postinjury demonstrated that those experiencing complete recovery were more likely to have normal motor unit (MU) recruitment than those experiencing partial (p<.001) or no recovery (p=.008). The presence of ≥2+ fibrillation on tests acquired ≤6-weeks of injury identified patients unlikely to experience any recovery with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 88.9%. The presence of normal MU recruitment on tests acquired 6-weeks to 6-months postinjury identified patients likely to experience complete recovery with a PPV of 87.5%.Conclusions: Electrodiagnostic testing may be a valuable means of differentiating between patients with C5 palsy likely to experience complete, partial, or no recovery. Testing between 6-weeks and 6-months post onset may aid in identifying those least likely to have a complete recovery. No MUs at 4 to 6-months, or reduced units with strength that is not improving, portends a poor long-term outcome. In this population, peripheral nerve transfers may be considered sooner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • We assessed the efficacy of implantable markers for labeling peripheral nerves. • Semi-cylindrical silicone adhered to the epineurium yielded the best results. • Silicone produced a reliable T2-signal without impacting DTI tractography. Abstract Background Peripheral nerve injury is often followed by a highly variable recovery process with respect to both rapidity and efficacy. Identifying post-nerve injury phenomena is key to assessing the merit and timing of surgery as well as to tracking nerve recovery postoperatively. Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) has been investigated in the clinical and research settings as a noninvasive technique to both assess and monitor each patient's unique case of peripheral nerve damage. New method We identify a MRI-suitable marker for tracking the exact site of either nerve injury or coaptation following surgical repair to aid with DTI analysis. Results Due to artefact and disruption of tractography, silver wire and microvascular clips were not suitable markers. AxoGuard®, 4-0 vicryl suture, and 10-0 polyamide suture, although detectable, did not produce a signal easily distinguished from post-surgical changes. Silicone was easily identifiable and stable in both the acute and delayed time points, exhibited negligible impact on DTI parameters, and possessed geometry to prevent nerve strangulation. Comparison with existing method Prior studies have not assessed the efficacy of other markers nor have they assessed silicone for potential artefact with DTI parameter analysis. Furthermore, this work demonstrates the reliability and compatibility of silicone in the delayed postoperative time period and includes its unique imaging appearance on high-resolution 11.7 MRI. Conclusion Semi-cylindrical silicone tubing can be used as a safe, reliable, and readily available radiological marker to visualize and monitor a region of interest on a rodent's peripheral nerve for aiding assessments with diffusion tensor imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The current study describes the impact of surgery in preventing follow-up ipsilateral transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)/strokes in an East Coast North American cohort of patients with both moyamoya syndrome (MMS) and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) (MMS-NF1). Methods We retrospectively reviewed records of patients with MMS and NF1 at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions from 1990–2014. Baseline characteristics and follow-up results including subsequent ipsilateral strokes were collected and compared between a revascularization group (group 1) and a conservatively managed group (group 2) on a per-hemisphere basis. Results A total of 9 patients (14 hemispheres) were included in our study. The average age of all patients at NF1 diagnosis was 2.1 ± 7.7 years, with 6 being female (66.7%). The average age of all patients at MMS diagnosis was 10.4 ± 16.6 years with the median age being 7.7 years (range: 4.1–27.0 years). Race distribution was: White ( n = 4, 44.4%), Black ( n = 3, 33.3%), and Asian ( n = 2, 22.2%). Four patients (44.5%) experienced cerebrovascular manifestations of MMS before MMS diagnosis. Group 1 was younger at MMS diagnosis ( P = 0.009), likely with a more acute symptom onset ( P = 0.077). Management strategies were: pial synangiosis ( n = 3, 21.4%) and conservative ( n = 11, 78.6%). During an average follow-up period of 6.28 ± 2.0 years, no ipsilateral TIAs/strokes were observed for group 1; conversely, 2 ipsilateral TIAs (18.2%) and 2 ipsilateral strokes (18.2%) occurred in group 2. Conclusions In our study of non-Asian patients with MMS-NF1, revascularization reduced stroke recurrence and deterioration of symptoms. However, more studies are warranted to further explore the role of revascularization procedures given the rarity of this disease combination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of patient and adenoma characteristics on 99mTc–methoxy isobutyl isonitrile (MIBI) scan performance in individuals diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP). Methods: Records of patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for PHP over 6 years at a single center were reviewed. Results: The overall true-positive (TP) rate for 99mTc-MIBI scans was 56%. Adenomas sized 1.9 to 3.5 cm were more likely to have TP scans than 0.3-cm to 1.8-cm adenomas (74% vs 40%, P < .001). Preoperative ionized calcium levels between 1.49 and 1.72 mmol/L were more likely to have TPs than levels between 1.27 and 1.48 mmol/L (65% vs 47%, P < .05). No single class of medication was shown to significantly effect TP rates. A decrease in TP rate was observed for larger adenomas in patients on ≥1 medication (74% vs 65%, P = .05). Conclusions: In PHP, 99mTc-MIBI scan positivity is most related to adenoma size and preoperative ionized calcium level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]