Spine
-
Comparative Study
Efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of posterior cervical spine fractures.
A retrospective study using two independent, blinded musculoskeletal radiologists to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging in detecting posterior element fractures of the cervical spine. ⋯ Magnetic resonance imaging was not effective in recognizing bony injury to the cervical spine and in particular was not as sensitive or as specific as computed tomography in identifying cervical spinal fractures. Computed tomography remains the study of choice for the detection and precise classification of bony injuries to the cervical region, especially when plain radiographs are difficult to evaluate. Magnetic resonance imaging, although not as effective as computed tomography in defining specific bony disorders, remains the gold standard in the evaluation of spinal cord injury, occult vascular injury, and intervertebral disc disruption (hyperextension injury), including herniation and other soft tissue disorders (hematoma, ligament tear).
-
Comparative Study
Proximal kyphosis after posterior spinal fusion in patients with idiopathic scoliosis.
For this retrospective study, preoperative and postoperative radiographs of posterior spinal fusions for idiopathic scoliosis were reviewed. ⋯ In this study, 32 (46%) of 69 patients had abnormal proximal kyphosis after undergoing posterior spinal fusion. A preoperative junctional kyphosis of more than 5 degrees above the proposed proximal instrumented vertebrae indicates that extending the fusion to a higher level in the thoracic spine would be beneficial in avoiding this problem.
-
Comparative Study
Contralateral recurrent lumbar disc herniation. Results of discectomy compared with those in primary herniation.
The surgical outcomes of patients who underwent discectomy for contralateral recurrent herniation and primary herniation were evaluated. ⋯ Clinical results in patients reoperated on for contralateral recurrent lumbar disc herniation compare favorably with those reported after primary discectomy. The improvement of pain in the low back and lower limbs reported by the majority of patients 2 years after reoperation suggests that fusion is not needed in this patient population.
-
A case of os odontoideum diagnosed using kinematic magnetic resonance imaging is presented. ⋯ Kinematic magnetic resonance imaging can evaluate the cervical spine in an axially loaded position throughout its range of motion. This modality may be a useful method for diagnosing and classifying abnormalities of the spine.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Influence of estrogen-progestin treatment on back pain and disability among slim premenopausal women with low lumbar spine bone mineral density. A 2-year placebo-controlled randomized trial.
A 2-year randomized controlled trial. ⋯ It seems that this regimen may have alleviating effects on nighttime back pain and functional back disability in slim osteopenic premenopausal women.