Journal of spinal disorders & techniques
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J Spinal Disord Tech · May 2011
Serum monocyte chemotactic protein-1 concentrations distinguish patients with ankylosing spondylitis from patients with mechanical low back pain.
This study aimed to identify potential blood-derived biomarkers distinguishing patients with ankylosing spondylitis from those with mechanical low back pain. ⋯ The MCP-1 serum was identified as a biomarker candidate, distinguishing ankylosing spondylitis from mechanical low back pain with a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 83.3%.
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J Spinal Disord Tech · May 2011
Case ReportsFoot drop caused by a lesion in the thoracolumbar spine.
Fifteen patients with foot drop caused by a thoracolumbar spine lesion were retrospectively investigated. ⋯ Prognosis of foot drop was much better when the causative lesion was at the thoracolumbar spine than when it was at the lumbar spine. Severe paralysis was not a poor prognostic factor.
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J Spinal Disord Tech · May 2011
The results of vascularized-free fibular grafts in complex spinal reconstruction.
Retrospective review. ⋯ Vascularized-free fibular grafts are effective in the treatment of complex spinal reconstruction after surgery for spinal tumors or osteomyelitis. The vascularized-free fibular graft adds structural support as well as living bone to the fusion site and is a reasonable alternative to nonvascularized grafts in locally compromised surgical beds.
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J Spinal Disord Tech · May 2011
Case ReportsTranspedicular drainage of presacral abscess and posterior decompression of acute cauda equina syndrome in caries spine: a case series of 3 patients.
We describe 3 patients with lumbosacral tuberculosis with epidural and presacral abscess who presented to us with acute cauda equina syndrome. A novel technique of draining the abscess and its results are described. ⋯ The transpedicular approach to the presacral region is a safer option compared with other approaches to reach this region. It simultaneously allows decompression of cauda equina nerve roots by laminotomy without changing the position of the patient in the theater. The key to success with this approach is early diagnosis and early treatment.
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J Spinal Disord Tech · May 2011
Clinical outcomes of posterior lumbar interbody fusion for lumbar foraminal stenosis: preoperative diagnosis and surgical strategy.
A retrospective case study of the use of posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) to treat lumbar foraminal stenosis (LFS). ⋯ Lumbar foraminal stenosis could be reliably diagnosed by distinctive clinical symptoms, and various radiographic examinations such as plain x-ray, Magnetic resonance imaging, and 3D-reconstraction computed tomography. The PLIF procedure, in combination with segmental pedicle screws, interbody cages, and autogenous local bone graft provides excellent clinical outcomes, and is a rational and useful surgical option for lumbar foraminal stenosis.