Acta neurochirurgica
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jul 2012
Clinical outcome of instrumented fusion for the treatment of failed back surgery syndrome: a case series of 100 patients.
Failed back surgery syndrome is defined as persistent chronic low-back pain and/or leg pain lasting more than 1 year, despite of one or more surgical procedures. Instrumented spinal fusion has been offered by surgeons as a potential treatment to recover from pain and functional disability. Factors contributing to good outcome of instrumented spinal fusion have not been investigated extensively. This study evaluated the global perceived recovery and functional status of patients after instrumented fusion for the treatment of failed back surgery syndrome. ⋯ The present study showed disappointing outcome of instrumented fusion for the treatment of failed back surgery syndrome in terms of perceived recovery, functional disability and pain. Conservative management is probably more beneficial and, therefore, more selective and careful assessment should be done in order to prevent unnecessary surgery.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jul 2012
The denticulate ligament: anatomical properties, functional and clinical significance.
It is widely believed that the main function of denticulate ligaments (DLs) is to stabilize the spinal cord within the vertebral canal. The aim of this study was to assess the anatomical and histological structure of the DLs and to document any regional differences. ⋯ DL histology and anatomy are strongly correlated with the function of this structure at different spinal levels. It is important to have accurate knowledge about DLs as these structures are relevant for clinical procedures that involve the spinal cord or craniovertebral junction.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Jun 2012
Uncovertebral hypertrophy is a significant risk factor for the occurrence of heterotopic ossification after cervical disc replacement: survivorship analysis of Bryan disc for single-level cervical arthroplasty.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the incidence of heterotopic ossification (HO) in the Bryan cervical arthroplasty group and to identify associations between preoperative factors and the development of HO. ⋯ These findings suggest that the condition of the uncovertebral joint must be evaluated in preoperative planning for Bryan cervical arthroplasty.