Spine
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Retrospective cohort study using National inpatient sample administrative data. ⋯ We used multivariate analysis to identify significant risk factors for visual loss after spine surgery. National population-based estimate of visual impairment after spine surgery confirms that ophthalmic complications after spine surgery are rare. Since visual loss may be reversible in the early stages, awareness, evaluation and prompt management of this rare but potentially devastating complication is critical.
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A case report and clinical discussion. ⋯ There are no pathognomonic findings of blastomycosis on magnetic resonance imaging. Fungal osteomyelitis is rarely identified in this country, and blastomycosis is even less often diagnosed. This case illustrates that fungal osteomyelitis should be considered in the radiographic differential diagnosis until a definitive diagnosis is made through biopsy.
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A retrospective investigation of patients who underwent decompressive surgery for cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). ⋯ Patients having cervical surgery for OPLL should also undergo simultaneous studies of the thoracic spine looking for tandem OPLL and/or OLF. The frequency of tandem lesions in this series was 23 of 68, with 6 requiring subsequent surgery for an evolving thoracic myelopathic deficit.
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A technical report of fluoroscopy guided placement of augmented iliosacral screws in osteoporotic insufficiency fractures of the sacrum. ⋯ In general, fractures are treated by reduction and fixation to restore the biomechanical function of the injured bone. These principles should be applied to elderly patients with osteoporotic fractures as well. The technique reported here is adapted to the special demands of the elderly patient, i.e., minimally invasive, support of the weakened bone by cement augmentation, bone protective screw positioning and safety due to navigation support.