Spine
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Comparative Study
Worker recovery expectations and fear-avoidance predict work disability in a population-based workers' compensation back pain sample.
Prospective, population-based cohort study. ⋯ Among individuals with acute work-related back pain, high pain and disability, low recovery expectations, and fears that work may increase pain or cause harm are risk factors for chronic work disability.
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Comparative Study
An MRI investigation into the function of the transversus abdominis muscle during "drawing-in" of the abdominal wall.
An operator blinded dual modality trial of measurement of the abdominal muscles during "drawing-in" of the abdominal wall. ⋯ The MRI results demonstrated that during a drawing-in action, the transversus abdominis contracts bilaterally to form a musculofascial band that appears to tighten (like a corset) and most likely improves the stabilization of the lumbopelvic region. Real-time ultrasound imaging can also be used to measure changes in the transversus abdominis during the draw-in maneuver.
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Interobserver and intraobserver reliability study of improved method to evaluate radiographs of patients with scoliosis. ⋯ Variability of Cobb measurements compares favorably with previously published series. The classification was more reliable than achieved by unassisted observers evaluating the same radiographs. The same principles may be applicable to other radiographic measurement and evaluation procedures.
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Multicenter Study
Refinement of the SRS-22 Health-Related Quality of Life questionnaire Function domain.
Prospective observational case series. ⋯ With a minor revision of question 18 (related to going out) the internal consistency of the SRS-22 Function domain has been improved in idiopathic scoliosis patients < 18 years of age. Deletion of question 15 (related to financial considerations) has a variable, small effect depending on patient group. Retention of question 15 is recommended unless a cultural variable, such as differences in healthcare payment schemes, substantially lowers domain psychometric properties.
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Histologic changes in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and the nociceptive stimulation thresholds were studied in rats. ⋯ The higher concentration of TNF used induced allodynia and hyperalgesia responses. Because the region showing the histologic changes was significantly larger after application of the higher concentration of TNF, the reaction of the DRG may be related to pain.