Journal of spinal disorders & techniques
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J Spinal Disord Tech · Apr 2008
Comparative StudyBiomechanical comparison of anterior lumbar interbody fusion and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.
An in vitro biomechanical comparison of 2 fusion techniques, anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), on cadaveric human spines. ⋯ Both ALIF and TLIF procedures combined with posterior instrumentation significantly improved construct stability of intact spinal motion segments. However, there was no statistical difference between these 2 fusion techniques. The 2 ALIF approaches (lateral and anterior) also had similar construct stability even though anterior longitudinal ligament severing significantly reduced stability.
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J Spinal Disord Tech · Apr 2008
Increasing bending strength and pullout strength in conical pedicle screws: biomechanical tests and finite element analyses.
Comparative in vitro biomechanical study and finite element analysis. ⋯ Conical screws effectively increased the bending strength and pullout strength simultaneously. The finite element analyses reliably predicted the results of the mechanical tests.
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J Spinal Disord Tech · Apr 2008
Higher risk of adjacent segment degeneration after floating fusions: long-term outcome after low lumbar spine fusions.
We report the long-term outcome after mono-segmental and bisegmental fusions at the lumbar L4-S1 region of the spine. ⋯ We conclude that floating fusions of single low lumbar segments are more likely to result in ASD and are negatively influenced by sagittal plane abnormalities.
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J Spinal Disord Tech · Apr 2008
Clinical TrialMinimally invasive transpedicular vertebrectomy for metastatic disease to the thoracic spine.
We present a series of 8 patients with thoracic metastatic disease causing acute neurologic decline. We present minimally invasive posterolateral vertebrectomy and decompression as an effective approach in patients with significant comorbidities and as palliative care. ⋯ Minimally invasive transpedicular vertebrectomy is an effective palliative treatment option for thoracic metastatic disease in patients not eligible for more extensive anterior transthoracic surgery and stabilization.
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J Spinal Disord Tech · Apr 2008
Prevalence of lumbar total disc replacement candidates in a community-based spinal surgery practice.
This study was a retrospective record review of consecutive lumbar surgical patients seen by one surgeon in a private, community setting over a 15-month period. ⋯ This study suggests that in a community-based spinal surgery practice setting, only 14% of fusion patients, and only 5% of all lumbar surgery patients, would be TDR candidates. Furthermore, of those potential TDR candidates, as many as 66% might be expected to have their underlying condition related to a claim of a compensable work-related injury.