Journal of spinal disorders & techniques
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J Spinal Disord Tech · Apr 2011
Clinical TrialIdentifying patients with chronic low back pain likely to benefit from lumbar facet radiofrequency denervation: a prospective study.
Case series. Prospective study. ⋯ Rhizolysis is a valuable tool for the symptomatic treatment of chronic lumbar facet joint pain. A meticulous selection of patients using a combination of clinical history, examination, imaging tests, and lumbar facet joint block with a local anesthetic, achieves long-lasting results by helping reduce the impact on these patients' daily activities.
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J Spinal Disord Tech · Apr 2011
Comparative StudyHalo-gravity traction versus surgical release before implantation of expandable spinal devices: a comparison of results and complications in early-onset spinal deformity.
Between 1997 and 2009, 124 children with severe early-onset spinal deformity were treated with the vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib or growing rods. Before the implantation of the device, 12 underwent halo-gravity traction (HGT) and 13 had a spinal release (SR). This observational study is based on x-rays obtained before and after surgery and at the last follow-up and on medical records. ⋯ The surgical procedures had different short-term impacts on the curve, which did not necessary predict long-term outcomes (loss of correction, loss of height increase). The risk of device loosening was high in the HGT and SR groups, as was the risk of neurologic loss.
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Analysis of sagittal vertical axis (SVA) on lateral spine radiographs in healthy normal volunteers. ⋯ FHC that produced the least negative shift in SVA, is the best arm position for SVA measurement.
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J Spinal Disord Tech · Apr 2011
Minimally invasive sacroiliac fixation in oncologic patients with sacral insufficiency fractures using a fluoroscopy-based navigation system.
Surgical technique article with retrospective case series. ⋯ These preliminary data suggest that navigated percutaneous SI screw fixation is a safe and effective intervention in terms of pain control and performance status improvement in oncologic patients with sacral insufficiency fractures. For optimal fixation, multiple long screws that engage both iliac bones may be inserted through the S1 level in a safe manner. The technique may be combined with sacroplasty or closed posterior instrumentation to augment the screw fixation. Further investigation is needed to compare this technique with other treatment modalities.