Journal of spinal disorders & techniques
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J Spinal Disord Tech · Dec 2004
Comparative Study Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialClinical presentation and anatomic position of L3-L4 disc herniation: a prospective and comparative study.
A prospective, controlled cohort study was conducted to assess the anatomic transverse location and clinical presentation of L3-L4 disc herniation compared with lower lumbar levels. ⋯ The incidence of foraminal and far lateral disc herniation is significantly higher at the L3-L4 level compared with lower lumbar levels. When examining an older patient complaining of thigh pain, special attention should be given to the quadriceps strength, patellar reflex, and femoral stretch test. The L3-L4 foraminal and extraforaminal area should be assessed carefully.
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J Spinal Disord Tech · Dec 2004
Comparative Study Clinical TrialOperative treatment for coccygodynia.
Few data exist comparing the surgical and nonsurgical treatment of coccygodynia. We sought to retrospectively review our experience with coccygectomy compared with injections for the relief of coccygodynia to determine rates of success and patient satisfaction and identify complications. ⋯ Despite the potential for wound problems, coccygectomy for relief of coccygodynia can be a safe and effective treatment option with a high patient satisfaction rate. Wound closure and postoperative wound care are of utmost importance.
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The anatomy and biomechanics of the growing spine produce failure patterns different from those in adults. Spinal injury in the pediatric patient is a concern as prevention of further neurologic damage and deformity and the good potential for recovery make timely identification and appropriate treatment of such injury critical. A retrospective clinical case series was conducted to present data from a large series of pediatric patients with spine injuries from a single regional trauma center. ⋯ Our results suggest age-related patterns of injury that differ from previous work. The incidence of cord injury is 20% with higher frequencies in the young child. Potential for neurologic recovery is good. Young children have a higher risk for death than older children. There was no predominance of cervical injuries in the young child. The incidence of SCIWORA was low. Higher complication rates were seen in polytrauma and surgical patients.