Spine
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A retrospective study. ⋯ The prevalence of PJK at 7.8 years postoperation was 39%. PJK progressed significantly within 8 weeks postoperation (59%) and between 2 years postoperation and ultimate follow-up (35%). Older age at surgery (>55 years) and combined anterior and posterior spinal fusion were identified as risk factors for developing PJK. The SRS outcome instrument was not adversely affected by PJK, except when PJK exceeded 20 degrees.
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A retrospective study of postoperative pain management with intrathecal morphine. ⋯ Intrathecal morphine in the moderate dose range of 9 to 19 microg/kg (mean 14 microg/kg), provides safe and effective postoperative analgesia in the immediate postoperative period for patients with idiopathic scoliosis undergoing PSF and SSI. Higher doses did not result in significantly better analgesia and had a greater frequency of respiratory depression requiring PICU admission.
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Biomechanical human cadaveric study comparing straight and scoliotic spines with healthy and degenerated L4/5 discs. ⋯ Disc pressure profilometry below long spinal constructs found asymmetric loading with the greatest loads at the concave inner anulus, especially in the presence of disc degeneration, scoliosis, and decompensation. For the degenerated cases, there was substantial disc pressure profile asymmetry despite only mildly severe scoliotic curvatures. These results suggest that scoliosis surgeons should minimize end-vertebra tilt, maximize lumbar curve, and balance correction at the time of surgical intervention. These results combined with prior animal studies suggest a compounding effect of asymmetric loading and progression of disc degeneration.
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Prospective outcomes study involving patients with chronic disabling occupational spinal disorders (CDOSD) diagnosed with (n = 199) or without (n = 1124) postinjury opioid-dependence disorder (ODD), based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-fourth edition cirteria. ⋯ Iatrogenic prescription opioid dependence may be a risk factor for less successful long-term work and health outcomes, even after detoxification from opioids as part of an interdisciplinary functional rehabilitation program. Chronic prescription opioid dependence in this patient population is also associated with a significantly higher prevalence of comorbid psychiatric conditions, both axis I and II.
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A radiographic study was conducted to investigate sacral morphology in a children and adolescent population with developmental L5-S1 spondylolisthesis. ⋯ The sagittal sacral morphology is a constant anatomic variable specific to each individual and unaffected by the position of the patient in space. The anatomy of the sacrum in children and adolescents with L5-S1 spondylolisthesis is particular and different from a control group. This study suggests that sacral anatomy may have a direct influence on the progression of spondylolisthesis; a lower STA and higher sacral kyphosis may be 2 factors predisposing to vertebral slip in developmental spondylolisthesis.