Spine
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An extensive outcome questionnaire using a visual analog scale, the North American Spine Society Satisfaction Questionnaire, a Modified Roland and Morris disability index, and a modified Oswestry Disability Index was used to assess the outcome of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for those with neck pain. ⋯ Properly selected patients who present with a primary indication of chronic neck pain report a high percentage of change in their self-perceived level of pain and function when treated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Patients' self-expressed improvement with surgical management, as compared with their preoperative dissatisfaction because of their neck condition, documents that this surgical treatment is a reasonable option.
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A biochemical and histochemical study investigating the role of CTGF/Hcs24 in the ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) was conducted. ⋯ According to the study results, CTGF/Hcs24 may not only be an important factor in the development of endochondral ossification in OPLL, but may also be responsible for initiating osteogenesis in spinal ligament cells.
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Relations between standing stability and body posture parameters in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
A retrospective study of standing imbalance and body posture in 71 able-bodied girls and subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis was conducted. ⋯ The use of backward stepwise multiple correlations highlighted the interaction between several body parameters and their relation to standing stability in both able-bodied girls and scoliotic subjects. The scoliotic group displayed a much larger number of correlations between standing stability and body posture parameters than the nonscoliotic group. Standing imbalance was related to altered body posture parameters measured in the frontal and horizontal planes only. Although the correlation coefficients were relatively high, factors other than body posture parameters appeared related to standing imbalance in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. These findings support the concept of either a primary or a secondary dysfunction in the postural regulation system of scoliotic subjects.
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A case of acute low back pain caused by pseudogout attack of the lumbar facet joint is reported. ⋯ Pseudogout attack of the lumbar facet joint is rare, but this clinical entity should be added to the differential diagnosis of acute low back pain.