Spine
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Comparative Study
Differential biomechanical effects of injury and wiring at C1-C2.
An in vitro study compared the biomechanics of the upper cervical spine among three groups of cadaveric specimens, each with a different source of instability: transverse-alar-apical ligament disruptions, odontoid fractures, or odontoidectomies. The responses of the three groups were again compared after a uniform posterior cable and graft fixation was applied to the specimens. ⋯ The three different injuries produce different spinal biomechanical responses. To best promote fusion, posterior cable and graft fixation should be used with an adjunctive stabilizing technique to treat all three injuries.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Randomized trial of radiofrequency lumbar facet denervation for chronic low back pain.
A prospective double-blind randomized trial in 31 patients. ⋯ Radiofrequency lumbar zygapophysial joint denervation results in a significant alleviation of pain and functional disability in a select group of patients with chronic low back pain, both on a short-term and a long-term basis.
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Evaluation of pedicle screw position in thoracic and lumbar spine fixation using plain radiographs and computed tomography. A prospective study of 35 patients.
This was a prospective study of 35 consecutive patients in whom pedicle screw position was assessed after surgery, using lateral radiographs and computed tomography. ⋯ Although the accuracy of computed tomographic imaging is better than that of plain radiographs, the difference does not reach statistical significance. Postoperative use of plain radiographs remains a reliable method for evaluation of pedicle screw insertion in the absence of neurologic deficit.
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This is a retrospective review of all patients requiring either Cotrel-Dubousset or Moss Miami rod removal. All initial spinal instrumentations were for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis from 1985 through 1994. Twenty-two patients who underwent rod removal for late-developing infection constitute the study group. ⋯ Late-appearing infection with spinal instrumentation can be treated with device removal, primary skin closure, and short-term oral antibiotics. The infections affect soft tissue, not the bone.
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Impact of the type of brace on the quality of life of Adolescents with Spine Deformities.
A group of 102 brace-treated adolescents, aged 10-19 years with spine deformities participated in a cross-sectional study. ⋯ In cases of different orthoses of proven similar effectiveness in controlling the scoliotic curves, the use of bracing with the lowest impact on the quality of life should be recommended.