Spine
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In vivo flexion-extension and axial rotation magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the cervical spine were performed inside a positioning device. ⋯ Compared with the results of previous biomechanical studies of human cadaver cervical spines, kinematic MRI provides additional noninvasive data concerning the physiological changes of the neuroforaminal size during flexion-extension and axial rotation in healthy individuals.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Lessons from a trial of acupuncture and massage for low back pain: patient expectations and treatment effects.
A subanalysis of data derived from a randomized clinical trial was performed. ⋯ The results of this study suggest that patient expectations may influence clinical outcome independently of the treatment itself. In contrast, general optimism about treatment, divorced from a specific treatment, is not strongly associated with outcome. These results may have important implications for clinical trial design and recruitment, and may help to explain the apparent success of some conventional and alternative therapies in trials that do not control for patient expectations. The findings also may be important for therapy choices made in the clinical setting.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Radiofrequency facet joint denervation in the treatment of low back pain: a placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess efficacy.
A prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial was performed. ⋯ Although radiofrequency facet joint denervation may provide some short-term improvement in functional disability among patients with chronic low back pain, the efficacy of this treatment has not been established.
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Comparative Study
Subtotal corpectomy versus laminoplasty for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a long-term follow-up study over 10 years.
A retrospective study was conducted. ⋯ Subtotal corpectomy and laminoplasty showed an identical effect from a surgical treatment for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy. These neurologic recoveries usually last more than 10 years. In the subtotal corpectomy group, the disadvantages were longer surgical time, more blood loss, and pseudarthrosis. In the laminoplasty group, axial pain occurred frequently, and the range of motion was reduced severely.
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A consecutive series of female patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treated between 1968 and 1977, either with distraction and fusion using Harrington rods (n = 145) or with a brace (n = 122), were followed for at least 20 years after completion of the treatment. ⋯ Patients treated for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis appeared to function well with regard to marital status and number of children. The scoliotic curve did not seem to increase as a result of childbearing. Minor problems occurred during pregnancy and delivery. Some patients, however, experienced a slight negative effect in their sexual life.