Spine
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Calculate the apparent pseudarthrosis rate for anteriorly plated cervical spine fusions using different threshold levels of intervertebral rotation. ⋯ The apparent pseudarthrosis rate was highly dependent on the threshold of motion used to define a pseudarthrosis.
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Retrospective study of large-magnitude thoracic curves (> or =90 degrees ) treated with pedicle screw constructs. ⋯ Thoracic pedicle screw constructs can be safely used for large-magnitude curves. Curve correction (68%) is powerful for these curves, which are stiff and difficult to manage. Correction should be performed carefully with consideration given to convex compression for cases with concomitant hyperkyphosis for these "at risk" spinal cords. Screw accuracy (96.3%) was excellent in this review. The authors found that screws can consistently be placed according to the preoperative plan even in these large-magnitude curves.
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Classic twin study. ⋯ Genetic factors do not play an important role in the liability to neck pain in persons 70 years of age or older.
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A critical review of published literature from 2 decades. ⋯ The present data indicate that clinical outcomes and fusion rates statistically differ among the various subgroups of degenerative disc disease. Concerning the use of instrumentation, it appears that it may have greater clinical benefit in patients with DDDsp than DDDn. These findings underscore the importance of delineating specific clinical diagnoses when documenting results of lumbar fusion. This information might also be useful for both selecting surgical candidates and discussing anticipated operative outcomes.
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An in vitro study was conducted to determine the biomechanical properties of a new simple, percutaneous, posterior fixation technique for the lumbar spine involving a new implant, the so-called Lumbar Facet Interference Screw. ⋯ Results of this study indicate that the new Lumbar Facet Interference Screw fixation yields initial biomechanical stability similar to translaminar screw fixation, yet inferior biomechanical stability compared to pedicle screw fixation. Although these results are encouraging, additional biomechanical studies including cyclic loading tests have to evaluate the mid- and long-term stabilization capacity of this new minimally invasive fixation technique before human application.