Spine
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Comparative Study
Mechanical stiffness of segmental versus nonsegmental pedicle screw constructs: the effect of cross-links.
A biomechanical study in porcine spines of the construct stiffness effects of segmental pedicle screws. Stiffness effects of supplementation of nonsegmental screw constructs with cross-links was also evaluated. ⋯ Segmental pedicle screw constructs increased mechanical stiffness compared to nonsegmental constructs in our fusion models. Placement of a single cross-link with nonsegmental screws eliminated statistical differences for 3 and 4-vertebral level constructs, and may be a satisfactory alternative in this clinical setting. Caution in applying these results inlonger constructs is recommended, given persistent increased stiffness found for the segmental 5-vertebral level models.
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A prospective follow-up study. ⋯ In addition to neurologic deficits, cervical spondylotic myelopathy also causes sexual dysfunction. Most of these patients had an abnormal psychogenic erection and normal reflexogenic erection. Along with neurologic recovery, most patients had improvement in sexual function after surgery.