Spine
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A retrospective follow-up study of spine geometry after posterior instrumentation and fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). ⋯ Spinal growth as indicated by an increase in spinal length can be measured in a significant proportion of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis after posterior instrumentation and fusion. Some of these study participants will develop a crankshaft phenomenon but Cobb angle progression is not a reliable indicator of this complication, since it may occur without any detectable growth of the spine.
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Clinical Trial
Diverging intramuscular activity patterns in back and abdominal muscles during trunk rotation.
An intramuscular electromyographic study was performed on trunk rotations during sitting and standing. ⋯ During trunk rotations the activity patterns for various trunk muscles could drastically change, and even be the opposite, between the two body sides, within the same type of task, depending on several factors such as initial position, effort level, sitting or standing, and external shoulder resistance.
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In an attempt to increase fusion while decreasing the neurologic risk associated with complete reduction of high-grade spondylolisthesis, the authors have used a technique of partial lumbosacral kyphosis reduction, posterior decompression, and pedicle screw transfixation of the lumbosacral junction. ⋯ In high-grade spondylolisthesis, this posterior approach is safe and effective in obtaining a solid arthrodesis, restoring sagittal balance, and improving function. These results reinforce the impression that it is the partial reduction of the slip angle, not the percentage slip, in high-grade spondylolisthesis that is important in obtaining optimal results.
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Comparative Study
Histologic evaluation of the efficacy of rhBMP-2 compared with autograft bone in sheep spinal anterior interbody fusion.
The sheep anterior lumbar spinal fusion model was used to study the efficacy of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2)-collagen composite in comparison with autograft to enhance spinal interbody fusion. Comparisons were drawn from temporal radiographic and end-point biomechanical and histologic data. ⋯ The study demonstrates that rhBMP-2 can lead to earlier radiologic fusion and a more consistent increased stiffness of the segments when compared with autograft in sheep anterior lumbar interbody fusion. Furthermore, a three times higher histologic fusion rate is attainable with significantly reduced fibrous tissue around the implant when rhBMP-2 is used.
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A case report is presented involving a subdural hematoma after cervical epidural steroid injection. ⋯ It is important to acknowledge that spinal hematomas can occur after cervical epidural steroid injection, as prompt recognition and treatment could improve the prognosis for recovery. The sequelae of a cervical subdural hematoma after epidural steroid injection remain potentially devastating.