Spine
-
Peer-reviewed literature was reviewed and summarized. ⋯ A successful arthrodesis is the fundamental surgical goal for patients with chronic pain of spinal origin. However, a successful fusion does not always correlate with a successful clinical result.
-
Comparative Study
Biomechanical testing of posterior atlantoaxial fixation techniques.
An in vitro biomechanical study of C1-C2 posterior fusion techniques was conducted using a cadaveric model. ⋯ The results clearly indicate the screw-rod system's equivalence in reducing relative atlantoaxial motion in a severely destabilized upper cervical spine, as compared with the transarticular screw-wiring construct. These findings mirror the previously reported clinical results attained using this new screw-rod construct. Thus, the decision to use either screw construct should be based on safety considerations rather than acute stability.
-
A literature review and synthesis were performed. ⋯ Some clinical or experimental support can be found in the literature for 10 specific mechanisms or proposed mechanisms of spinal cord stimulation.
-
A case of lower-extremity myelopathy induced by physical exertion in a patient with Type 2 (failure of segmentation) congenital kyphosis is reported. ⋯ Although Type 2 congenital kyphosis is a rare entity, it should be followed carefully and corrected surgically when appropriate. A history of exertional myelopathy may be an early sign of spinal cord impingement and is an indication for surgical decompression.
-
Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Intraoperative neurophysiologic detection of iatrogenic C5 nerve root injury during laminectomy for cervical compression myelopathy.
A retrospective and prospective study was conducted to investigate intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring during cervical laminectomy to detect iatrogenic C5 nerve root palsy. ⋯ In an effort to reduce postoperative C5 nerve root palsy, the clinician should consider intraoperative deltoid and biceps transcranial electrical motor-evoked potential and spontaneous electromyography monitoring whenever there is potential for iatrogenic C5 nerve root injury.