Spine
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A systematic review of published observational studies. ⋯ There is no firm evidence for the presence or absence of a causal relationship between radiographic findings and nonspecific low back pain.
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A retrospective study about the occurrence of spinal column deformity or instability after multilevel lumbar or thoracolumbar total laminectomy for removal of benign intraspinal tumors in children and young adults. ⋯ Spinal deformity or instability after multilevel lumbar or thoracolumbar total laminectomy is not uncommon in children and adolescents. Limiting laminae removal and facet destruction may decrease this incidence. Fusion may be required to correct post-laminectomy deformity and to stabilize the spine.
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This investigation was aimed at characterizing anomalies and syndromes associated with Klippel-Feil syndrome in a large group of patients. The authors evaluated the clinical and radiographic features, documented the associated anomalies, and registered the type of treatment. ⋯ This study increases knowledge of a wide range of anomalies and syndromes identified in association with Klippel-Feil syndrome. A special finding of the study was a correlation between the degree of scoliosis and Klippel-Feil syndrome Types I, II, and III.
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Case Reports
Complex regional pain syndrome type 2 (causalgia) after automated laser discectomy. A case report.
This report identifies a case of complex regional pain syndrome Type 2 (causalgia) with sympathetically maintained pain associated with automated laser discectomy. The syndrome's clinical features and its management with sympathectomy are described. ⋯ Complex regional pain syndrome Type 2 with sympathetically maintained pain is a condition that can result in serious disability and can be associated with a number of spinal procedures, including automated laser percutaneous discectomy. Early intervention is recommended to provide long-term resolution of the condition.
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Eighty-one patients who were receiving workers' compensation and who met structured inclusion criteria for low back pain and disability underwent 360 degrees lumbar fusion with decompression and were compared to 16 similar patients who did not receive the surgery because of administrative reasons outside the authors' control. Patients completed standardized questionnaires to assess their level of functioning before surgery and every 6 months after surgery for 24 months or more. ⋯ Circumferential (360 degrees) lumbar fusion can be a highly effective method of reducing pain and disability in patients receiving workers' compensation.