Journal of spinal disorders & techniques
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J Spinal Disord Tech · Jun 2011
Comparative StudyRisk factors for postoperative wound infections of sacral chordoma after surgical excision.
A retrospective study, analyzing the risk factors for postoperative wound infections of the sacral chordoma after surgical excision. ⋯ Patients undergoing sacral tumor surgery may be at greater risk for developing wound complications. In this study, it seems that albumin<3.0, operating time >6 hours, and previous surgery may predict those patients that were more prone to developing postoperative wound infection. Using a single surgical team and no instrumentation seems to provide protection against postoperative wound infection in this patient population.
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J Spinal Disord Tech · Jun 2011
Comparative StudyRadiation exposure to the surgeon during percutaneous pedicle screw placement.
In-vitro radiation exposure study. ⋯ On the basis of this data, percutaneous pedicle screw placement seems to be safe. A surgeon would exceed occupational exposure limit for the eyes and extremities by placing 4854 and 6396 screws percutaneously, respectively. Lead protected against radiation exposure during screw placement. The "hands-off" technique used in this study is recommended to minimize radiation exposure. Lead aprons, thyroid shields, and leaded glasses are recommended for this procedure.
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J Spinal Disord Tech · Jun 2011
Comparative StudyAnalysis of measured D-dimer levels for detection of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism after spinal surgery.
A retrospective clinical study. ⋯ The D-dimer assay was useful in predicting DVT development. A D-dimer level of ≥10 μg/mL is considered to be a risk factor for thromboembolic disease after spinal surgery. False-positive cases of thromboembolic disease preclude the use of this assay as a stand-alone test for DVT diagnosis. CT venography and CT pulmonary angiography are recommended to confirm thromboembolic disease.
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J Spinal Disord Tech · Jun 2011
Comparative StudyDoes preoperative DVT chemoprophylaxis in spinal surgery affect the incidence of thromboembolic complications and spinal epidural hematomas?
Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolus (PE) remain common surgical complications, often affecting patients without any prior warning. Postoperative spinal epidural hematomas (SEH) may have a devastating impact on a patient's recovery from a routine procedure. The effect of preoperative DVT prophylaxis administration on elective spinal patients has not previously been studied. ⋯ Preoperative DVT prophylaxis does not influence the rate of postoperative DVT or PE among elective spinal patients. It probably does not influence SEH rate, and it is noted that SEH may present quite late, in contrast to currently accepted time courses.