Spine
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Observation and survey of values, beliefs, and conflicts of interest. ⋯ This study describes a process used to assess values, beliefs, and conflicts of interest among members of a scientific task force, and how this was used to create "guiding principles" to assist the research team in deliberations, particularly when conflict arose. Most members of the Neck Pain Task Force had potential conflicts of interest with various stakeholders, but there was marked diffusion of these potential conflicts and no evidence that any funder or other vested interest stakeholder was likely to have a significant impact on the deliberations or conclusions of the Neck Pain Task Force.
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Iterative discussion and consensus by a multidisciplinary task force scientific secretariat reviewing scientific evidence on neck pain and its associated disorders. ⋯ The Scientific Secretariat found the conceptual model helpful in interpreting the available scientific evidence. We believe it can assist people with neck pain, researchers, clinicians, and policy makers in framing their questions and decisions.
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Best evidence synthesis. ⋯ The Neck Pain Task Force undertook a best evidence synthesis to establish a baseline of the current best evidence on the course and prognosis for whiplash-associated disorders. We identify a number of gaps in the current knowledge, and provide recommendations for the conduct of future studies.
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Prospective consecutive series. ⋯ Balloon kyphoplasty with calcium phosphate cement secured with posterior long and short fixation in the thoracolumbar and lumbar spine, respectively, provided excellent immediate reduction of post-traumatic segmental kyphosis and significant spinal canal clearance and restored vertebral body height in the fracture level in an equal amount both in the short and the long instrumentation.
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This is a prospective observational study of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in a cohort of patients undergoing spinal surgery. ⋯ CRP is more applicable, predictable, and responsive in the early postoperative period compared with ESR. The postoperative kinetics of CRP derived in this study seems to be conserved regardless of operation, magnitude, or region. Knowledge of the kinetics allows assessment of the degree of difference between actual and expected values. Using a second rise or failure to decrease as expected for CRP is sensitive for infection. A negative test is reassuring that infection is unlikely.