Journal of spinal disorders & techniques
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J Spinal Disord Tech · Oct 2006
Positional MRI changes in supine versus sitting postures in patients with degenerative lumbar spine.
Back pain is associated with a degree of alteration in the alignment and movement of the lumbar spine. The purpose of this study is to investigate how the degree of lumbar segmental degeneration affects sagittal changes in the lumbar spine as it shifts from the supine to the sitting (load-bearing) posture. ⋯ We have found that the changes in the segmental motion were related to the degree of degeneration. With positional MRI, we were able to demonstrate changes in healthy and degenerative discs in the weight-bearing position. More similar studies are needed to understand the complex kinematics of the lumbar spine.
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J Spinal Disord Tech · Oct 2006
Comprehensive analysis of cantilever, translational, and modular corrective techniques in adults with scoliosis treated with surgery to the sacropelvis.
The treatment of adults with scoliosis has been the source of debate over the last several decades. Pain associated with curve progression and decompensation is the most common presenting scenario and surgical management is often indicated. Correction of these deformities may involve long segment fusions to the sacrum and pelvis. Most authors have reported high rates of complications associated with this procedure. There remains little consensus with regard to the treatment of this challenging condition. ⋯ Eighty-nine patients underwent combined anterior and posterior surgery, whereas 8 patients were treated with posterior-only procedures. Two patients had fixation to the sacrum without extension into the ilium. Structural curves averaged 53 degrees preoperatively, 32 degrees postoperatively, and 33 degrees at follow-up. Thoracic kyphosis averaged +36 degrees preoperatively, +39 degrees postoperatively, and +46 degrees at follow-up. Lumbar lordosis averaged -41 degrees preoperatively, -48 degrees postoperatively, and -48 degrees at follow-up. Coronal imbalance averaged 2.9 cm preoperatively, 2.4 cm postoperatively, and 2.3 cm at follow-up. Sagittal imbalance averaged 6.8 cm preoperatively, 2.9 cm postoperatively, and 3.6 cm at follow-up. Major complications included pseudarthrosis (10%), deep infection (13%), painful iliac fixation (20%), neurologic injury (6%), need for some form of revision surgery (39%), chronic severe pain (2%), pulmonary embolism (2%), and deep venous thrombosis (2%). There were no permanent neurologic injuries or deaths related to the surgery.