Spine
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A questionnaire survey was mailed to members of the Cervical Spine Research Society, the Herodiuus Sports Medicine Society, and to members of the authors' Department of Orthopaedics. ⋯ There is no consensus on the postinjury management of many cervical spine-injured patients. Further research, education, and discussion on this topic are needed.
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A prospective study evaluating the efficacy of epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) in decreasing perioperative blood loss in idiopathic scoliosis. ⋯ Based on these preliminary findings, we believe that EACA is helpful in decreasing blood loss in patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation, and may decrease the number of autologous units needed to maintain safe perioperative hemoglobin levels, thereby improving safety and lowering cost associated with scoliosis surgery.
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Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons that have dichotomizing axons to the lumbar facet joint and to the sciatic nerve were investigated in rats using a double fluorescent labeling technique. ⋯ In rats approximately 3% of DRG neurons innervating the lumbar facet joints have dichotomized axons projecting to the sciatic nerve.
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Comparative Study
Comparison between sheep and human cervical spines: an anatomic, radiographic, bone mineral density, and biomechanical study.
The quantitative anatomic, radiographic, computerized tomographic, and biomechanical data of sheep and human cervical spines were evaluated. ⋯ Although several differences were found between human and sheep cervical spines, the small intergroup standard deviations and the good comparability with the human spine encourage the use of the sheep cervical spine as a model for cervical spine research. On the basis of the quantitative data obtained in this study, the sheep motion segment C3-C4 seemed to be the most reliable model for the corresponding human motion segment.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Nonoperative treatment versus posterior fixation for thoracolumbar junction burst fractures without neurologic deficit.
A prospective clinical trial was conducted. ⋯ Short-segment posterior fixation provides partial kyphosis correction and earlier pain relief, but the functional outcome at 2 years is similar. Early activity to the point of pain tolerance can be safely allowed.