A Scientometric Analysis of the 100 Most Cited Articles on Pallidotomy

&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Background:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Pallidotomy is the oldest stereotactically performed neurosurgical procedure for movement disorders. Consequently, there is a wealth of literature available on the topic. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Objectives:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The aim of this analysis was to identify the top-cited articles on pallidotomy in order to discern the origins, spread, the current trends, and the future directions of this surgical procedure. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Methods:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; We performed a search of the Web of Science database on 19 October 2020 using the keyword “pallidotomy.” The top-100 cited articles found were arranged in descending order on the basis of citation count (CC) and citation per year (CY). Relevant conclusions were derived. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Results:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The 100 top-cited articles were published between 1961 and 2017, in 24 journals. The average CC and CY were 118.1 (range – 856–46) and 5.326 (range – 29.52–2.09), respectively. The 3 most prolific authors were Lang AE (Neurologist – Toronto), Lozano AM (Neurosurgeon – Toronto), and Vitek JL (Neurologist – Atlanta). The Journal of Neurosurgery published the highest number of top-cited articles [Neurology. 1960;10:61–9]. The maximum articles were from the USA. University of Toronto and Emory University were the most productive institutions. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Pallidotomy has gone through several ebbs and flows. Unilateral pallidotomy is currently recommended for the treatment of motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and dystonia. The need for further research and improved technology to make the technique safer and prove its efficacy is highlighted, especially keeping in mind a large number of populations to which the prohibitively expensive deep brain stimulation is unavailable. </jats:p

Outcome and Complications of MR Guided Focused Ultrasound for Essential Tremor: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a relatively novel technique to treat essential tremor (ET). The objective of this review was to analyze the efficacy and the safety profile of MRgFUS for ET.Methods: A systematic literature review was done. The post procedure changes in the Clinical Rating Scale for Tremor (CRST) score, hand score, disability and quality of life scores were analyzed.Results: We found 29 studies evaluating 617 patients. DTI based targeting was utilized in six cohorts. A significant difference was observed in the pooled standard mean difference between the pre and postoperative total CRST score (p-value &amp;lt; 0.001 and 0.0002), hand score (p-value 0.03 and 0.02); and the disability at 12 months (p-value 0.01). Head pain and dizziness were the most in procedure complications. The immediate pooled proportion of ataxia was 50%, while it was 20% for sensory complications, which, respectively, declined to 31 and 13% on long term follow up. A significant reduction (p = 0.03) in immediate ataxia related complications was seen with DTI targeting.Conclusion: MRgFUS for ET seems to be an effective procedure for relieving unilateral tremor. Use of DTI based targeting revealed a significant reduction in post procedure ataxia related complications as compared to traditional targeting techniques. Analysis of other complications further revealed a decreasing trend on follow up.</jats:p