Spine
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Reinforcement of thoracolumbar burst fractures with calcium phosphate cement. A biomechanical study.
A biomechanical study on the stabilization of thoracolumbar burst fractures. ⋯ This hydroxyapatite cement compound augments anterior column stability in a burst fracture model. This technique may improve outcomes in burst fracture patients without the need for a secondary anterior approach.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Functional restoration for chronic low back pain. Two-year follow-up of two randomized clinical trials.
Two randomized, prospective clinical trials involving 238 chronic low back disability patients were carried out. Results at 2-year follow-up are presented. ⋯ The functional restoration program seems effective in various parameters compared with the less intensive programs, but the differences in outcome in the two parallel studies indicate the necessity of testing a treatment program in different settings, in that the statistical variation may be a major factor in results of different studies.
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Reciprocal angulation of vertebral bodies in the sagittal plane in an asymptomatic Greek population.
A prospective study conducted on several roentgenographic parameters of the standing sagittal profile of the spine in an asymptomatic Greek population. ⋯ In the results of this study, a reliable table of reference for roentgenographic parameters in the sagittal plane of the spine was established in an asymptomatic Greek population. The parameters are similar to those used in previous studies. Thus, these data should be considered in preoperative planning and postoperative evaluation of achieved correction during restoration procedures of the spine in the sagittal plane.
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Comparative Study
Metallic artifacts in magnetic resonance imaging of patients with spinal fusion. A comparison of implant materials and imaging sequences.
Devices for spinal fusion were compared with respect to their influence on magnetic resonance images. In addition, different magnetic resonance pulse sequences were evaluated to elicit their susceptibility to imaging artifacts. ⋯ By choosing appropriate spinal fusion devices as well as pulse sequences, postoperative magnetic resonance imaging examinations can give acceptable results, in spite of the presence of metallic implants.
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The study group consisted of 53 patients who underwent 75 operations for spine metastases. Patient and tumor demographic factors, preoperative nutritional status, and perioperative adjunctive therapy were retrospectively reviewed. ⋯ The results indicate that preoperative protein depletion and perioperative administration of corticosteroids are risk factors for wound infection in patients undergoing surgery for spine metastases. Perioperative correction of nutritional depletion and cessation of steroid therapy may reduce wound complications.