The AANS Harvey Cushing Medal: a demographic and academic analysis of its recipients.

Background: The Harvey Cushing Medal, awarded by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, is the premier accolade in neurosurgery. The study's purpose was to examine the qualities and accomplishments of previous winners, emphasizing potential selection biases, with the aim to promote social justice and guide young neurosurgeons in their career paths. Results: Predominantly, recipients graduated from top-ranked United States News and World Report institutions and specialized in cerebrovascular and neuro-oncologic/skull base neurosurgery. A significant proportion held roles as department or division chairs and led neurosurgical organizations. All awardees were male, and there was a notable trend of increasing publication counts among more recent recipients. Conclusions: Commonalities among Harvey Cushing Medal winners include graduating from top institutions, holding significant leadership roles, and having an extensive publication history. However, the absence of female and underrepresented minority awardees underscores an urgent need for greater diversity in the selection process.

The effect of myelopathic symptoms on hospital costs, length of stay, and discharge location in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

OBJECTIVE: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a common clinical degenerative disease treated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), which seriously impacts quality of life and causes severe disability. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of different characteristics of the neurological deficit found in myelopathic patients undergoing ACDFs on hospital cost, length of stay (LOS), and discharge location. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of ACDF cases performed at a single institution by multiple surgeons from 2011 to 2017. Patient symptomatology, complications, comorbidities, demographics, surgical time, LOS, and discharge location were collected. Patients with readmissions or reoperations were excluded. Symptoms evaluated were based on clinical diagnosis, Japanese Orthopaedic Association classification, Ranawat grade, and Cooper scales. Symptoms were further grouped using principal component analysis. Cost was defined as surgical episode hospital stay costs plus outpatient clinic costs plus discharge disposition cost. Multivariate linear regression models were created to evaluate correlations with outcomes. The primary outcome was total 90-day hospital costs. Secondary outcomes were discharge location and LOS. RESULTS: A total of 250 patients were included in the analyses. Discharge location, neuromonitoring use, number of surgical vertebral levels, cage use, LOS, surgical time, having a complication, and sex were all found to be predictive of total 90-day costs. Myelopathic symptomatology was not found to be associated with increased 90-day costs (p ≥ 0.131) when correcting for these other factors. Lower-extremity functionality was found to be associated with increased LOS (p < 0.0001). Upper-extremity myelopathy was found to be associated with increased discharge location needs (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Cervical myelopathy was not found to be predictive of total 90-day costs using symptomatology based on multiple myelopathy grading systems. Lower-extremity functionality was, however, found to predict LOS, while upper-extremity myelopathy was found to predict increased discharge location needs. This implies that preoperative deficits from myelopathy should not be considered in a bundled payment system; however, certain myelopathic symptoms should be considered when determining the cost of care.

The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery pathway for posterior cervical surgery: a retrospective propensity-matched cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol is a comprehensive, multifaceted approach aimed at improving postoperative outcomes. It incorporates a range of strategies to promote early and more effective recovery, including reducing pain, complications, and length of stay, without increasing readmission rate. To date, ERAS for spine surgery patients has been primarily limited to lumbar surgery and anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF). ERAS has not been previously studied for posterior cervical surgery, which may present a greater opportunity for improvement in patient outcomes with ERAS than ACDF. This single-institution, multi-surgeon study assessed the impact of an ERAS protocol in patients undergoing posterior cervical decompression surgery. METHODS: This study included a retrospective consecutive patient cohort with controls that were propensity matched for age, body mass index, sex, home opioid use, surgical levels, Nurick grade, and smoking status. In addition, consecutive patients who underwent posterior cervical decompression surgery for degenerative disease from December 2014 to December 2021 were included. ERAS was implemented in December 2018. Demographic, perioperative, clinical, and radiographic information was gathered. Regression models were created to evaluate length of stay, physiological function, pain levels, and opioid use. The primary focus was length of stay, with secondary outcomes including timing of ambulation, bowel movement, and voiding; daily pain scores; opioid consumption; discharge status; 30-day readmission rates; and reoperation rates. RESULTS: There were 366 patients included in the study, all of whom were included in multivariate models, and 254 (127 in each cohort) were included on the basis of matching. After propensity matching, patient characteristics, operative procedures, and operative duration were similar between groups. The ERAS cohort had a significantly improved length of stay (3.2 vs 4.7 days, p < 0.0001) and home discharge rate (80% vs 50%, p < 0.001) without an increase in readmission rate. The ERAS cohort had an earlier day of the first ambulation (p = 0.003), bowel movement (p = 0.014), and voiding (p = 0.001). ERAS demonstrated a significantly lower composite complication rate (1.1 vs 1.8, p < 0.0001). ERAS resulted in better maximum pain scores (p = 0.043) and trended toward improved mean pain scores (p = 0.072), although total opioid use was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing a novel ERAS protocol significantly improved length of stay, return of physiological function, home discharge, complications, and maximum pain score after posterior cervical surgery.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) improves return of physiological function in frail patients undergoing one- to two-level TLIFs: an observational retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol is a multimodal approach which has been shown to facilitate recovery of physiological function, and reduce early post-operative pain, complications, and length of stay (LOS) in open one- to two-level TLIF. The benefit of ERAS in specifically frail patients undergoing TLIF has not been demonstrated. Frailty is clinically defined as a syndrome of physiological decline that can predispose patients undergoing surgery to poor outcomes. PURPOSE: This study primarily evaluated the benefit of an ERAS protocol in frail patients undergoing one- or two-level open TLIF compared to frail patients without ERAS. Secondarily, we assessed whether outcomes in frail patients with ERAS approximated those seen in nonfrail patients with ERAS. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective consecutive patient cohort with controls propensity-matched for age, body mass index, sex, and smoking status. PATIENT SAMPLE: Consecutive patients that underwent one- or two-level open TLIF for degenerative disease from August, 2015 to July, 2021 by a single surgeon. ERAS was implemented in December 2018. OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome measure was return of postoperative physiological function defined as the summation of first day to ambulate, first day to bowel movement, and first day to void. Additional outcome measures included LOS, daily average pain scores, opioid use, discharge disposition, 30-day readmission rate, and reoperation. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of frail patients > 65 years of age undergoing one- to two-level open TLIF post-ERAS were compared to propensity matched frail pre-ERAS patients. Frailty was assessed using the Fried phenotype classification (score >1). Patient demographics, LOS, first-day-to-ambulate (A1), first-day-to-bowel movement (B1), first-day-to-void (V1) were collected. Return of physiological function was defined as A1+B1+V1. Primary analysis was a comparison of frail patients pre-ERAS versus post-ERAS to determine effect of ERAS on return of physiologic function with frailty. Secondary analysis was a comparison of post-ERAS frail versus post-ERAS nonfrail patients to determine if return of physiologic function in frail patients with ERAS approximates that of nonfrail patients. RESULTS: In the primary analysis, 32 frail patients were included with mean age ± standard deviation of 72.8±4.4 years, mean BMI 28.8±5.5, 65.6% were male, 15 pre-ERAS and 17 post-ERAS. Patient characteristics were similar between groups. After ERAS implementation, return of physiological function improved by a mean 3.2 days overall (post-ERAS 3.4 vs. pre-ERAS 6.7 days) (p<.0001), indicating a positive effect of ERAS in frail patients. Additionally, length of stay improved by 1 day (4.8±1.6 vs. 3.8±1.9 days, p<.0001). Total daily intravenous morphine milligram equivalent (MME) as well as average daily pain scores were similar between groups. Secondarily, 26 nonfrail patients post ERAS were used as a comparison group with the 17 post-ERAS frail cohort. Mean age of this cohort was 73.4±4.6 years, mean BMI 27.4±4.9, and 61.9% were male. Return of physiologic function was similar between cohorts (post-ERAS nonfrail 3.5 vs. post-ERAS frail 3.4 days) (p=.938), indicating the benefit with ERAS in frail patients approximates that of nonfrail patients. CONCLUSIONS: ERAS significantly improves return of physiologic function and length of stay in patients with frailty after one- to two-level TLIF, and approximates improved outcomes seen in non-frail patients.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) for open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: a retrospective propensity-matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol is a multidisciplinary, multimodal approach which has been shown to facilitate recovery of physiological function, and reduce postoperative pain, complication rates, and length of stay without adversely affecting readmission rates. Design and implementation of ERAS protocols in the recent spine surgery literature has primarily focused on patients undergoing minimally invasive lumbar surgery. However, conventional open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) remains a common procedure and to date there are no studies assessing an ERAS protocol in this patient population. PURPOSE: This study presents a single surgeon experience implementing an ERAS protocol in patients undergoing 1- or 2-level open TLIF. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective consecutive patient cohort with controls propensity-matched for age, body mass index, sex, and smoking status. PATIENT SAMPLE: Consecutive patients that underwent 1- or 2-level open TLIF for degenerative disease from 12/2018 - 02/2021 and controls from 12/2011-12/2017 by a single surgeon. ERAS was implemented in December 2018. OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary: length of stay; Secondary: first day to ambulate, first day to bowel movement, first day to void, daily average and maximum pain scores, opioid use, discharge disposition, 30-day readmission rate, and re-operations. METHODS: Demographic, perioperative, clinical, radiographic data were collected. Multivariate mixed-linear regression models were developed for length of stay, physiological function, pain scales, and opiate use. RESULTS: There were 114 patients included with 57 in each cohort. After propensity matching, patient characteristics were similar between groups. Operative time decreased significantly after institution of ERAS (170±44 vs. 141±37 minutes, p <.0001) as did length of stay (4.6±1.7 vs. 3.6±1.6 days, p<.0001). First day of ambulation, bowel movement, and bladder voiding improved by 0.8 (p<.0001), 0.7 (p=.008), and 0.8 (p<.0001) days, respectively, in the ERAS cohort. Total daily intravenous morphine milligram equivalent (MME) (8±9 vs. 36±38, p<0.0001) and total 72-hour MME consumption (53±33 vs. 68±48, p<.0001) was significantly lower in the ERAS cohort; however, 72-hour MME consumption was not found to be significantly different in a sensitivity analysis controlling for preoperative MME. Average daily pain scores were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with other studies demonstrating benefit of an ERAS protocol for minimally invasive spine procedures, ERAS was associated with decreased operative time, reduced length of stay, decrease in IV opioid consumption, and improved physiological outcomes for open 1- and 2-level TLIF. ERAS can be a potentially effective strategy for improving patient outcome and efficiency of healthcare resources for common conventional spinal surgeries such as open TLIF.

Trends in mechanical thrombectomy and decompressive hemicraniectomy for stroke: A multicenter study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Acute ischemic stroke has increasingly become a procedural disease following the demonstrated benefit of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) on clinical outcomes and tissue salvage in randomized trials. Given these data and anecdotal experience of decreased numbers of decompressive hemicraniectomies (DHCs) performed for malignant cerebral edema, we sought to correlate the numbers of strokes, thrombectomies, and DHCs performed over the timeline of the 2013 failed thrombolysis/thrombectomy trials, to the 2015 modern randomized MT trials, to post-DAWN and DEFUSE 3. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a multicenter retrospective compilation of patients who presented with ELVO in 11 US high-volume comprehensive stroke centers. Rates of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), thrombectomy, and DHC were determined by current procedural terminology code, and specificity to acute ischemic stroke confirmed by each institution. Endpoints included the incidence of stroke, thrombectomy, and DHC and rates of change over time. RESULTS: Between 2013 and 2018, there were 55,247 stroke admissions across 11 participating centers. Of these, 6145 received tPA, 4122 underwent thrombectomy, and 662 patients underwent hemicraniectomy. The trajectories of procedure rates over time were modeled and there was a significant change in MT rate (p = 0.002) without a concomitant change in the total number of stroke admissions, tPA administration rate, or rate of DHC. CONCLUSIONS: This real-world study confirms an increase in thrombectomy performed for ELVO while demonstrating stable rates of stroke admission, tPA administration and DHC. Unlike prior studies, increasing thrombectomy rates were not associated with decreased utilization of hemicraniectomy.

Preoperative Radiographic Prediction Tool for Early Postoperative Segmental and Lumbar Lordosis Alignment After Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

Objective Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a common approach and results in varying degrees of lordosis correction. The purpose of this study is to determine preoperative radiographic spinopelvic parameters that predict change in postoperative segmental and lumbar lordosis after TLIF. Materials & Methods This study is a single surgeon retrospective review of one-level and two-level TLIFs from L3-S1. All patients underwent bilateral facetectomies, 10 mm TLIF cage (non-lordotic) insertions, and bilateral pedicle screw-rod construct placements. Pre- and post-operative X-rays were assessed for preoperative segmental lordosis (SL), lumbar lordosis (LL), and pelvic incidence (PI). Univariate and multi-predictor linear regression analyses were performed to determine the relationships between preoperative radiographic findings and change in early postoperative segmental and lumbar lordosis. Results Ninety-seven patients contributing 128 intervertebral segments were examined. The mean change in SL after TLIF was 7.3 (range: 0.10-28.9°, SD 6.39°). The mean change in LL after TLIF was 5.5˚ (range: -14.8-39.2°, standard deviation (SD) 7.16°). Greater preoperative LL predicted less postoperative LL correction, while greater preoperative PI predicted more postoperative SL and LL correction. Greater anterior disk height was noted to be associated with a decreased change in SL (∆SL). An annular tear on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) predicted a 2.7° decrease in ∆SL. A Schmorl's node on preoperative MRI predicted a 4.0° decrease in change in LL (∆LL). Conclusions A greater preoperative lordosis and a lower spinopelvic mismatch lessen the potential for an increase in the postoperative SL and LL after a TLIF, which is likely due to a 'ceiling' effect of an otherwise optimized spinal alignment. A greater anterior disk height and the presence of an annular tear are associated with decreased ∆SL.

Early chemoprophylaxis for deep venous thrombosis does not increase the risk of hematoma expansion in patients presenting with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The development of venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, is correlated with negative outcomes following ICH. Due to the risk of hematoma expansion associated with the use of VTE chemoprophylaxis, there remains significant debate about the optimal timing for its initiation following ICH. We analyzed the risk of early chemoprophylaxis on hematoma expansion following ICH. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients presenting with spontaneous ICH at single institution between 2011 and 2018. The rate of hematoma expansion was compared between patients that received early chemoprophylaxis (on admission) and those that received conventional chemoprophylaxis (>24 h). RESULTS: Data for 235 patients were available for analysis. Eleven patients (7.5%) in the early prophylaxis cohort and seven patients (8.0%) in the conventional prophylaxis cohort developed VTE (P = 0.9). Hematoma expansion also did not differ significantly (early 19%, conventional 23%, P = 0.5). CONCLUSION: The use of early chemoprophylaxis against venous thromboembolic events following ICH appears safe in our patient population without increasing the risk of hematoma expansion. Given the increased risk of poor outcome in the setting of VTE, early VTE chemoprophylaxis should be considered in patients who present with ICH. Larger, prospective, and randomized studies are necessary to better elucidate the risk of early chemoprophylaxis and potential reduction in venous thromboembolic events.

The utility of routine post-hospitalization CT imaging in patients with non-operative mild to moderate traumatic brain injury.

Primary Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of CT imaging in patients with non-operative mild-moderate TBI with respect to changes in management.Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis for 191 patients over a 5-year interval to examine whether follow-up CT initiated a change in management. We created a logistic regression model to incorporate different variables contributing to change in management.Results: Of 191 patients, 31 (16.2%) underwent a change in management. Change in management was associated with older age (65 yo vs. 55 yo, p = .011), diagnosis of subdural hematoma (p = .041), antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy (p = .009), imaging performed (p = .16), and increased blood products on CT (p = <0.0001). For patients on antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy, only those with worsening findings on CT required a change in management (p = .0002, 0.039). Surgical intervention was indicated in two patients.Conclusions: Limited clinical value exists in repeat CT scans for patients with mild TBI. Most patients with traumatic SAH, contusions, or asymptomatic patients should not have repeat imaging, as our study revealed only 2% of patients with positive CT finding and 0.6% requiring surgical intervention.

Patient satisfaction scores with telemedicine in the neurosurgical population.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of telemedicine in neurosurgery have been widely studied, especially as its implementation into clinical practice boomed at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, few studies have investigated telemedicine from the perspective of the patient experience. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patient satisfaction scores of telemedicine outpatient clinic visits in neurosurgery in comparison with in-person visits. METHODS: After obtaining Institutional Review Board approval, Press Ganey surveys from 3/1/2019 to 9/15/2020 were evaluated retrospectively from single-institution, academic neurosurgical clinics. Due to the non-normality of our data, stratified Wilcoxon tests were performed with correction for care provider differences. Domain score probability values were corrected for multiple comparisons. Average scores (range 20-100) are documented as mean ± standard deviation. RESULTS: The response rates were 20% (97 responders) for telemedicine visits and 19% (589 responders) for in-person visits. Patient overall satisfaction score was slightly higher with telemedicine visits compared to in-person corrected for care provider differences (94.2 ± 12.2 vs 93.1 ± 13.4, p = 0.085). The care provider domain demonstrated no statistically significant difference in telemedicine compared to in-person (94.7 ± 14.4 vs 92.4 ± 16.5, p = 0.096). The access domain (93.7 ± 12.3 vs 93.4 ± 12.4, p = 0.999) and overall domains (94.1 ± 12.1 vs 94.4 ± 13.4, p = 1.000) were not found to be different between visit types. CONCLUSION: Telemedicine appears to be a valuable option for neurosurgical patients and is not significantly different to in-person visits in all domains. This study demonstrates that telemedicine visits result in comparable satisfaction scores by neurosurgical patients, and providers should continue offering this option to their patients as we approach the post-COVID era.

Patient-Reported Outcomes: Quality of Care on a Neurosurgical Ward.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patient experience has become a quality measure in hospitals across the United States. To improve our understanding of our neurosurgical patient population's satisfaction needs, we undertook a detailed survey to identify areas of needed improvement. METHODS: Upon institutional review board approval, a detailed survey adopted from the Swedish quality-of-care patient questionnaire was distributed to all patients being discharged from the neurosurgical ward over a month period. From June 2014 to July 2014, all patients admitted to the neurosurgery service through the emergency department, clinic, or other facilities were enrolled. There were no specific inclusion criteria except for age older than 18 years, intact cognition to complete the survey, and return of a completed survey. Data were collected in 6 major categories, including information availability, patient accessibility, treatment received, caring perception, hospital environment, and overall satisfaction. Patients were evaluated by age, gender, surgery, and admission type. RESULTS: Our analysis demonstrated an improved overall satisfaction in those patients being admitted electively from the clinic as compared with emergency department admissions or hospital transfers. In addition, patients admitted on an emergent basis reported a lower satisfaction pertaining to receiving information, specifically test results. CONCLUSIONS: Emergent admissions represent a subpopulation that may require additional strategies to improve patient satisfaction survey scores.

Partial high frequency nerve block decreases neuropathic signaling following chronic sciatic nerve constriction injury.

Objective.High frequency (HF) block can quickly and reversibly stop nerve conduction. We hypothesized HF block at the sciatic nerve would minimize nociception by preventing neuropathic signals from reaching the central nervous system.Approach.Lewis rats were implanted with a constriction cuff and a distal cuff electrode around their right sciatic nerve. Tactile sensitivity was evaluated using the 50% paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) determined using Chaplan's method for von Frey monofilaments. Over the course of 49 d, the 50% PWT was measured (1) before HF block, (2) during HF block (50 kHz, 3Vpp), and (3) after HF block. Gait was observed and scored before and during block. At end point, HF block efficacy was directly evaluated using additional cuff electrodes to elicit and record compound neural action potentials across the HF blocking cuff.Main results.At days 7 and 14 d post-operation, tactile sensitivity was significantly lower during HF block compared to before and after block (p< 0.005). Additionally, an increase in gait disability was not visually observed during HF block.Significance.HF block can reduce tactile sensitivity in a limb with a neuropthic injury in a rapidly reversible fashion.

Urinary dysfunction in acute brain injury: A narrative review.

The frontal lobe urinary control center is an important regulator of urinary function. Neurologic injury often causes damage or temporary dysfunction of this center and other related urinary control pathways. Little has been reported about this topic in the literature although a majority of neurologic injury patients suffer from some type of urinary dysfunction. In this review, we highlight what is known about urinary dysfunction based on injury type (traumatic brain injury, hemorrhagic stroke, ischemic stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, subdural hematoma, and epilepsy). We discuss both clinical and pre-clinical data and pinpoint areas warranting further investigation. In the final section, we provide proposed practice suggestions for managing these patients clinically with the intended goal for refinement in these approaches following further clinical trials.

Cervical Spine Deformity Correction Techniques.

Cervical kyphotic deformity can be a debilitating condition with symptoms ranging from mechanical neck pain, radiculopathy, and myelopathy to impaired swallowing and horizontal gaze. Surgical correction of cervical kyphosis has the potential to halt progression of neurological and clinical deterioration and even restore function. There are various operative approaches and deformity correction techniques. Choosing the optimal strategy is predicated on a fundamental understanding of spine biomechanics. Preoperative characterization of cervical malalignment, assessment of deformity rigidity, and defining postoperative clinical and radiographic objectives are paramount to formulating a surgical plan that balances clinical benefit with morbidity. This review of cervical deformity treatment provides an overview of the biomechanics of cervical kyphosis, radiographic classification, algorithm-based management, surgical techniques, and current surgical outcome studies.

Does Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Progress After Fusion?

Starting in the 1960s, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) became more commonly diagnosed in Japan. The disease is characterized by a gradual increase in calcification of the posterior longitudinal ligament with the eventual sequelae of cervical canal stenosis and myelopathy. Surgical interventions to relieve stenosis and neurologic symptoms are performed to decompress the cervical canal. Studies demonstrate continued ossification of the OPLL in both nonsurgical and surgically treated patients. In this review, the authors evaluate the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and literature regarding disease progression in OPLL after cervical fusion.

Reimbursement patterns for neurosurgery: Analysis of the NERVES survey results from 2011-2016.

OBJECTIVE: In response to rising national health expenditures, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed in 2010, with major provisions implemented in 2014. Due to increasing concerns about workload and compensation among neurosurgeons, we evaluated trends in neurosurgical reimbursement, productivity and compensation before and after the implementation of the major provisions of the ACA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Results from Neurosurgery Executives' Resource Value and Education Society (NERVES) annual surveys were collected, representing data from 2011 to 2016. Responses from different practice settings across the six years were categorized into groups, and inverse variance-weighted averaging was performed within the frameworks of a one-way ANOVA model with year. Data from 2011 to 2013 and 2014-2016 were analyzed similarly for differences among practice setting and region. RESULTS: The NERVES survey response rates ranged from 20% to 36%. Median values for compensation decreased by 3.66%, 6.42%, and 10.34% within private, hospital, and academic practices respectively after 2014 although these trends did not reach statistical significance. Median work RVUs had a trend to decrease by 5.67%, 13.08%, and 19.44% within private, hospital, and academic practices respectively after 2014. Academic practices showed statistically significant decreases in annual total RVUs, total gross charges and collections. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate neurosurgical reimbursement and productivity have trended down during a time that increases in productivity and reimbursement were predicted. This phenomenon is most notable in academic practices compared to private or hospital based practices. Prospective analyses of the impact of healthcare policy reform on neurosurgical productivity are urgently needed.

Race and socioeconomic disparity in treatment and outcome of traumatic cervical spinal cord injury with fracture: Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, 1998-2009.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective national administrative database study. OBJECTIVE: Advances in treatment of traumatic cervical spinal cord injury with fracture (TCSCIF) have led to significant improvements in clinical outcomes; however, progress in healthcare is seldom ubiquitous across demographic groups. Therefore, we explored if disparities in treatment and outcome after TCSCIF exist across race and socioeconomic status. SETTING: USA. METHODS: We queried the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 1998 to 2009 for TCSCIF hospitalizations. Multivariate analysis was used to identify the correlation between socioeconomic status and race to injury, treatment type, and outcome. RESULTS: There were 21,985 admissions for TCSCIF, 66.9% of whom had a favorable discharge disposition. In-hospital mortality rate was 12.5%. A total of 43.7% underwent surgery. Overall, surgery was associated with lower in-hospital mortality (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.27-0.34, p < 0.01) and better discharge disposition (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.62-0.74, p < 0.01) versus nonsurgical or no intervention. African-American (AA) race and low socioeconomic status (LSES) were significant predictors of lower odds to undergo surgery and unfavorable discharge disposition, respectively; potentially explained by a higher odds of increased New Injury Severity Score classification at presentation. Surgical and favorable discharge rates for LSES and non-Caucasian races, however, have been steadily improving over the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Despite trending improved outcomes after TCSCIF, LSES, or AA race were more likely to have worse outcomes compared to their counterparts. In addition, LSES, AA, and Hispanic groups were less likely to undergo surgical treatment, suggesting disparities in management and outcome effect.