Spine
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The time courses of nerve growth factor content and pain-related behavior were examined using experimental disc herniation models. ⋯ These data suggest the possibilities that elevated nerve growth factor level is partly involved in pain behavior and further the combined model mimicking the clinical situation, which causes the marked neuronal responses, is helpful to advance the understanding of the mechanisms underlying sciatica due to lumbar disc herniation.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of the functional rating index and the 18-item Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire: responsiveness and reliability.
Retrospective design. ⋯ The Functional Rating Index seems preferable to the 18-item Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire for use in clinical trials and clinical practice.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of exercise for patients with chronic neck pain.
A randomized controlled trial with single-blind outcome assessments. ⋯ At week 6, patients with chronic neck pain can benefit from the neck exercise program with significant improvement in disability, pain, and isometric neck muscle strength in different directions. However, the effect of exercise was less favorable at 6 months.
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Retrospective review of all percutaneous vertebroplasties performed in the authors' institution from November 1994 to June 2002. OBJECTIVE.: To determine the factors affecting the outcome of percutaneous vertebroplasty for the treatment of persistent painful osteoporotic fractures. ⋯ Appropriate patient selection is essential for achieving clinical success. Better results can be expected in patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of I and when the level managed is confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging and the vertebral body height loss is less than 70%.