Spine
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The literature concerning the potential use of olfactory ensheathing cells for repairing damaged spinal cord was reviewed. ⋯ Olfactory ensheathing cells from olfactory lamina propria in the nose are among the best transplants for "bridging" descending and ascending pathways in damaged spinal cord.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Discriminative and predictive validity assessment of the quebec task force classification.
A prospective cohort study of workers with low back pain who had been absent from work for more than 4 weeks was conducted. ⋯ The Quebec Task Force Classification demonstrated good predictive ability by discriminating between subjects with and those without distal radiating pain.
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A test-retest design was used. ⋯ Interexaminer reliability of the McKenzie lumbar spine assessment in performing clinical tests and classifying patients with low back pain into syndromes were good and statistically significant when the examiners had been trained in the McKenzie method.
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A biomechanical study of human cadaveric sacra using insertional torque and bone mineral density was conducted to determine the optimal sagittal trajectory of S1 pedicle screws. ⋯ The screws directed into the apex of the sacral promontory of the S1 pedicle resulted in an average 99% increase in peak insertional torque (P = 0.005), as compared with bicortical S1 pedicle screw fixation. Tricortical pedicle screw fixation correlates directly with bone mineral density.
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Prospectively collected data from regular clinical follow-up evaluations were tabulated, analyzed, reviewed using a patient self-reported questionnaire. ⋯ The clinical classification system helps in differentiating different presentations of thoracic disc disease and their final outcome. Video-assisted thorascopic surgery appears to be a safe and efficacious method for the treatment of refractory symptomatic thoracic disc herniations. The current data suggest that the procedure has an acceptable long-term outcome, with an 84% overall subjective patient satisfaction rate, and with objective long-term clinical success achieved in 70% of patients.