Minimally Invasive Removal of Shrapnel Using a Tubular Retractor System

Review Data

Q: Is the topic relevant to the journal area of interest? Is it contemporary and interesting for

researchers?

A: Excellent

Abstract & Keywords

Q: Are all required components included in the abstract? Are the keywords appropriately chosen?

A: Very good

Goal

Q: Is the goal explicitly stated in the Introduction? Is its formulation clear and unambiguous?

A: Good

Structure

Q: Is the paper's structure coherent? Is it in coherence with the goal of the paper?

A: Very good

Tools and Methods

Q: Are methods the author uses adequate and well used?

A: Very good

Discussion & Conclusion

Q: Is it related to the results presented before? Do you consider them as coherent?

A: Good

Comments:

The Discussion explains the challenges in treating the patient in the present case clearly. It also offers useful suggestions with respect to the treatment regimen. The study is well supported with figures. The report concludes that minimally invasive spine surgical technology could be useful for removal of shrapnel fragments from the calf, thigh, buttocks, and torso. Delayed removal of shrapnel can be indicated for pain, infection, toxicity, migration, or other delayed reactions.

Literature

Q: Does the author utilize relevant literature?

A: Good

Author's knowledge

Q: What is the level of the author’s knowledge? Does the author utilize all recent contributions relevant to the topic?

A: Very good

Length

Q: Is the length of the paper adequate to the significance of the topic? Do you suggest shortening the paper without losing its value?

A: Good

Figures & Tables

Q: Does the author use them suitably? Are legend and notations clear?

A: Very good

Writing style

Q: Is it clear and understandable?

A: Good

Further comments on the paper

Comments: This case report presents the novel use of minimally invasive spine surgery technology to remove a painful shrapnel fragment deep from the scapula. Localizing retained metallic fragments at deep locations or adjacent to critical neural or vascular structures can be challenging. The study is of significance as the use of minimally access spinal surgery instrumentation to approach shrapnel outside the spine has not previously been reported.

Q: Would you recommend this manuscript for further publication?

A: Yes - Suitable to be published

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Science Repository Team