Spine
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Radiographic analysis of the upper cervical spine was performed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had C1-C2 instability. ⋯ In patients with C1-C2 instability, not only cervical flexion but also cervical retraction constantly led to both maximal C1-C2 flexion and subluxation. In some patients with severe C1-C2 instability, protrusion also resulted in C1-C2 subluxation, even though the C1-C2 was maximally extended.
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A repeated-measures design using a cadaveric model was used in this preliminary investigation on the effectiveness of spine-board transfer techniques. ⋯ The participants of this study were able to restrict flexion-extension motion equally well with thelog-roll maneuver as with the lift-and-slide technique. However, more research is needed to fully ascertain the effectiveness of spine-board transfer techniques.
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To evaluate a new surgical treatment consisting of neurolysis of the great occipital nerve and section of the inferior oblique muscle. DESIGN.: A retrospective study of 10 patients operated for greater occipital neuralgia. ⋯ This surgical technique gives good results on greater occipital neuralgia if patients are well chosen. Nerve release is justified by the frequency of associated anatomic abnormalities.
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Mechanical testing of cadaveric lumbar motion segments. ⋯ Severe disc degeneration causes the anterior vertebral body to be stress-shielded during the usual erect posture, and yet severely loaded whenever the spine is flexed. This could help to explain why this region is frequently the site of osteoporotic fracture, and why forward bending movements often precipitate the injury.
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Retrospective study with independent evaluation of patient outcomes approximately 1 year post-intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET). OBJECTIVE.: To assess functional status, symptoms, and subsequent treatments of patients treated with IDET. ⋯ At 1-year post-IDET, half of patients were dissatisfied with their outcome. The percentage of patients on disability remained constant. The estimated proportion of patients undergoing fusion was predicted to be 15% at 1 year and 30% at 2 years.