Spine
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Using a validated finite element model, the biomechanical effects of pars defect in a lumbar segment with and without different degrees of slip (up to 50% slip) were studied. ⋯ The stiffness of a spondylolisthetic motion segment decreases as the slip increases. Lateral bending and torsion are moment directions causing the greatest resulting motions.
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Retrospective radiograph and chart review of 28 patients with adult idiopathic scoliosis undergoing primary corrective surgery. Clinical and radiographic parameters were assessed before surgery, after surgery, and at a 2-year follow-up assessment. A self-perceived outcome questionnaire was administered to the study patients at a minimum 2-year follow-up assessment. ⋯ Surgery for adult idiopathic scoliosis using third-generation instrumentation techniques provides significant clinical improvement, scoliosis correction, maintenance of sagittal alignment, and patient satisfaction, with an acceptable complication rate.
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This retrospective study was designed to analyze the results of 22 patients treated for postoperative soft tissue defects of the spine. ⋯ Flaps are a useful adjunct in the treatment of patients with complex spine wounds. Sliding paraspinal muscle flaps can effectively close wounds from the high cervical to the low lumbar area in one operative procedure. These patients can go on to successful spine fusion.
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Multicenter Study
Risk factors for failure and complications of intradiscal electrothermal therapy: a pilot study.
A bi-institutional, retrospective clinical data analysis. ⋯ The only risk factor found to be associated with IDET outcome was obesity, which was a strong predictor of failure. Obesity should be considered a relative contraindication to performing IDET.
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Clinical Trial
Physical impairment index: reliability, validity, and responsiveness in patients with acute low back pain.
Cohort study of patients with acute low back pain undergoing physical therapy. ⋯ The Physical Impairment Index appears to be a reliable and valid measure of physical impairment for patients with acute low back pain and may be useful as an adjunct outcome measure for studies involving these patients. Further research on patients with chronic pain is needed before it can be advocated for outcomes research with this population.