Lumbar intervertebral disc herniation is a common cause of low back and radicular leg pain, traditionally managed with a combination of conservative therapies and, when indicated, surgical discectomy. An intriguing phenomenon observed in many patients is the spontaneous resorption of herniated disc material over time, often correlating with significant symptom improvement. This article is presented as a narrative review synthesizing experimental, imaging, and clinical literature relevant to spontaneous disc resorption and its implications for clinical decision-making. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of spontaneous disc herniation resorption, exploring the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and the factors that predict which herniations are likely to regress without surgery. Key mechanisms include inflammatory-mediated degradation of disc fragments, neovascularization with macrophage infiltration and phagocytosis of extruded nucleus pulposus tissue, and biological processes such as enzymatic matrix breakdown and cellular apoptosis that collectively lead to shrinkage of the herniated mass. Patient and disc characteristics that favour spontaneous resorption are identified, such as younger age, extruded or sequestered fragment type, larger initial herniation size, and robust inflammatory response on imaging, whereas certain chronic degenerative changes may reduce this likelihood. We also review current clinical guidelines and expert recommendations on when surgical intervention is warranted versus when conservative management and observation are appropriate. Understanding the probability of natural disc fragment resolution is critical in guiding treatment decisions. In the absence of severe neurological deficits or intractable pain, a period of non-operative management can often be pursued safely, given that the majority of patients experience substantial relief within a few months as discs regress. Conversely, timely surgery is advised for those with neurological compromise or refractory symptoms. By synthesizing the latest evidence on spontaneous disc herniation resorption and its predictors, this review aims to assist neurosurgeons and spine specialists in optimizing patient selection for conservative care and identifying the proper timing for surgical intervention to achieve the best clinical outcomes. Given the narrative design, conclusions are based on synthesis of heterogeneous evidence rather than formal comparative analysis.

Zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures are among the most common midfacial injuries, with significant implications for both function and facial esthetics. Optimal management requires restoring the normal anatomical alignment and symmetry of the zygomatic region to prevent long-term deformity and functional deficits. However, the decision-making surrounding surgical intervention, particularly in isolated ZMC fractures with moderate displacement, remains nuanced. This review discusses contemporary surgical approaches for isolated ZMC fractures and examines how objective morphometric analysis can guide critical decisions such as the timing of surgery, choice of surgical approach, and extent of fixation. Conventional assessment tools like computed tomography (CT), cephalometric measurements, and intraoperative imaging provide foundational data on fracture anatomy. Emerging technologies, including three-dimensional (3D) photogrammetry, stereophotogrammetry, artificial intelligence (AI)-based symmetry analysis, and surgical navigation systems, offer advanced means to quantify facial symmetry and bone alignment. By integrating these objective metrics into clinical practice, surgeons can enhance preoperative planning and postoperative outcome evaluation, with a particular focus on achieving facial symmetry for optimal esthetic and functional results. We also outline clinical decision-making frameworks that incorporate quantitative measurements, and we discuss current limitations, future directions, and the potential for standardizing protocols in the management of ZMC fractures.

Introduction. Adolescent pregnancies significantly impact the welfare of young mothers, their infants, and the general population. These pregnancies represent a public healthcare concern associated with numerous consequences. Aim: To investigate the prevalence of adolescent pregnancies and their outcomes. Material and Methods. This retrospective descriptive study included adolescents who gave birth at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020. Data on anthropometric measurements, number and mode of deliveries, newborn birth weights, and complications were collected from medical records and statistically analyzed. Results. A total of 174 adolescents (aged 13-19) were included in the study. Most were first-time mothers living in common-law unions. Four spontaneous twin pregnancies were documented. No significant differences were found in the anthropometric measures between younger (<15 years old) and older (16-19 years old) adolescents. Pelvic measurements did not affect the mode of delivery. Younger adolescents and those with smaller pelvic measurements experienced longer hospitalizations. Vaginal delivery was the prominent mode of birth. Newborns delivered by caesarian section had significantly lower birth weights and lengths. While no significant complications during labor and delivery were observed, there was notable postpartum blood loss and higher rates of anemia in the puerperium. Conclusion. Although the number of adolescent pregnancies and births is declining, it still remains a significant concern. Welldeveloped perinatal care and the promotion of reproductive health within educational and health systems could not only further reduce pregnancy rates but also ensure optimal conditions for normal pregnancies and deliveries in adolescents.

Introduction. Neurosurgical emergencies during pregnancy are associated with maternal and fetal risk and require rapid, coordinated, and ethically sound decision-making. Conditions such as traumatic brain injury, intracranial hemorrhage, rapidly expanding intracranial tumors, acute hydrocephalus, and spinal cord compression often necessitate urgent intervention despite the physiological adaptations of pregnancy, altered pharmacokinetics, anesthetic constraints, and limitations in diagnostic imaging. Owing to the predominance of case reports and small series in the literature, management strategies are frequently individualized. Material and Methods. This narrative review synthesizes the available literature on urgent neurosurgical care in pregnant patients, with particular emphasis on maternal and fetal outcomes, pregnancy-specific modifications of neurocritical and surgical management, and ethical considerations. A structured search of PubMed and Scopus was conducted to identify relevant studies addressing surgical timing, perioperative strategies, multidisciplinary coordination, and reported ethical dilemmas. Conclusion. The reviewed evidence underscores the importance of early diagnosis, prioritization of maternal stabilization, and close collaboration among neurosurgery, obstetrics, anesthesia, and neonatology teams. When indicated, neurosurgical procedures should generally not be delayed solely due to pregnancy, and individualized anesthetic strategies may help minimize fetal exposure. Ethical issues - including informed consent, maternal autonomy, and consideration of fetal interests - require clear communication and shared decision-making. Despite improvements in care, standardized management guidelines remain limited, highlighting the need for higher-quality evidence and structured interdisciplinary treatment pathways.

Introduction. Medical interventions - ranging from routine venipuncture, immunizations, physical therapy, and dental procedures to invasive procedures such as lumbar puncture and bone marrow biopsy - are an essential part of pediatric health care but often cause significant pain and distress for both children and parents. In the most vulnerable groups of children (preterm and full-term newborns, preverbal infants, children with neurological and developmental disorders affecting understanding and communication, and those who are sedated for medical reasons), the subjective experience of pain cannot be adequately expressed or interpreted. Discussion. Pain assessment in these children represents an extremely complex clinical challenge. Evidence indicates that their well-being depends largely on the ability of healthcare professionals and caregivers to recognize signs of pain, assess its intensity, prevent complications, and initiate timely and effective pain management. Conclusion. Continuous education of health care professionals regarding the importance and appropriate use of pain assessment tools is essential to prevent the long-term consequences of unrecognized and inadequately treated pain, particularly in the most vulnerable pediatric populations.

Introduction. The adverse side effects of therapy, combined with cancer symptoms, can significantly impact the functional ability of patients. By assessing fall risks in patients undergoing chemotherapy and implementing preventive interventions, we can enhance the quality of life of these individuals. The study aimed to identify risk factors and evaluate the risk of falls in oncology patients receiving chemotherapy at a Day Hospital. Material and Methods. The study was conducted at the General Hospital in Vrbas and the Oncology Institute of Vojvodina. Patients were divided into two age groups. The instruments used for assessment included the Morse Fall Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, Berg Balance Scale, and Mini-Mental State Examination. The collected data were statistically analyzed. Results. The first group of patients had an average age below 65, while the second group?s average age was above 65. Both groups had a higher portion of female patients. There were significant differences in cancer localization: the first group primarily had breast cancer, whereas the second group had a higher prevalence of colon cancer. Older patients took longer to complete the Timed Up and Go Test. In the older group, age was significantly associated with Timed Up and Go Test and Berg Balance Scale scores. Additionally, there was a notable correlation between Mini-Mental State Examination scores and Berg Balance Scale scores. Conclusion. Age, reduced physical ability and balance, and cognitive deficits are significant risk factors for falls in older oncology patients receiving chemotherapy in the Day Hospital setting.