Spine
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This study was used to evaluate the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging findings and clinical findings after whiplash injury. ⋯ Although disc pathology seems to be one contributing factor in the development of chronic symptoms after whiplash injury, it may be unnecessary to examine these patients in the acute phase with magnetic resonance imaging; correlating initial symptoms and signs to magnetic resonance imaging findings is difficult because of the relatively high proportion of false-positive results. Magnetic resonance imaging is indicated later in the course of treatment in patients with persistent arm pain, neurologic deficits or clinical signs of nerve root compression to diagnose disc herniations requiring surgery.
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Comparative Study
The association between clinical findings on physical examination and self-reported severity in back pain. Results of a population-based study.
A cross-sectional population-based study of back pain. ⋯ Assessment of severity in back pain can only partly be based on the clinical findings of a physical examination. There is a relatively weak agreement between the results of physical examination and the subjective reporting of pain and disability.
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Case Reports
Total en bloc spondylectomy. A new surgical technique for primary malignant vertebral tumors.
The study of seven patients with primary malignant or benign aggressive tumors who underwent a new aggressive surgical technique termed "total en bloc spondylectomy" is reported. ⋯ The advantages of total en bloc spondylectomy include resection of the involved vertebra(e) in two major blocs, rather than in a piecemeal pattern, and completion of the procedure during one surgical session posteriorly. The "total en bloc spondylectomy" offers one of the most aggressive modes of therapy for primary spinal malignancy.