Spine
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Axial computed tomography scans (CT) in 20 consecutive patients with idiopathic right thoracic scoliosis and anterior correction and fusion with a dual rod dual screw system. ⋯ Anterior instrumentation and correction of thoracic scoliosis with a dual rod dual screw system enable a correct and safe screw placement using a standard open approach. Excessive bicortical screw perforation should be avoided in order not to endanger the thoracic aorta.
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A prospective study on postoperative meralgia paresthetica after posterior thoracolumbar spine surgery on the Relton-Hall frame. ⋯ Postoperative meralgia paresthetica is a common but benign complication of posterior thoracolumbar spine surgery. Degenerative spinal disorders, overweight/obesity, and longer surgical time are factors related to a higher incidence of LFCN injury. The clinical outcome is always excellent, and complete recovery can be expected within 2 months.
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This was a retrospective study of 4,310 patients undergoing spinal surgery between 1994 and 2003. ⋯ Patients with unobtainable data pose a much higher risk (P = 0.0121) for postoperative neurologic deficits. Multiple Stagnara wake-up tests are strongly recommended when evoked potential data cannot be obtained.
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Prospective study on pinealectomy in primates. ⋯ To our knowledge, this is the first report of pinealectomy in nonhuman primates. Of the 18 monkeys, 10 had a loss of melatonin secretion, for a mean of 29 months after surgery. Because none of the monkeys had scoliosis develop, this study strongly suggests that the possible etiologic factors producing idiopathic scoliosis in lower animals are different from primates, and findings in lower animals cannot necessarily be extrapolated to human beings.
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An in vitro mechanical study on porcine motion segments. ⋯ The data show the limitations of an in vitro model for studying fluid flow-related intervertebral disc mechanics. During loading, outflow of fluid occurred, but inflow appears to be virtually absent during unloading. Poro-elastic behavior cannot be reproduced in an in vitro model.