Spine
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Prospective study evaluating the oblique lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). ⋯ In light of this data, we suggest that oblique lumbar MRI can precisely demonstrate nerve roots in foraminal and extraforaminal areas. This technique is a simple and useful diagnostic tool for extraforaminal lumbar disc herniations.
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Cerebral activation by lumbar mechanical stimulus was investigated by functional magnetic resonance imaging in healthy subjects and patients with chronic low back pain (LBP). ⋯ Chronic LBP patients showed increased tenderness at the lower back, higher aversive reaction to pain, and augmented LBP-related cerebral activation. The LBP-related activation is characterized by the absence of sensory-discriminative component and the involvement of PCC.
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Biomechanical study using human cadaver spines. ⋯ Cervical TDR at 2 levels can provide near-normal mobility at both levels without destabilizing the implanted segments or affecting adjacent segment motions. These observations lend support to the notion that single or multilevel cervical TDR may be advantageous when compared to fusion.
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Experimental study. ⋯ The biomechanical stability of the same size screws inserted at the expanded and nonexpanded pedicles are the same after 3 months. Even dilation of the pedicle decreases the pullout strength of the screw at the beginning, and the pull out strength of both sides became equal after 3 months. The remodeling capacity of pedicles and overgrowth of bone on screws may have an effect on this result.
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Retrospective case series. ⋯ Due to high incidence of SCMs, all patients with CSDs must be evaluated with MRI, before surgery. Neurosurgical interventions are recommended even for neurologically asymptomatic Type I SCM before spinal deformity surgery; however, patients with Type II SCM can be treated safely without a need of neurosurgical intervention.