Spine
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A cross-sectional population study of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes. OBJECTIVE.: To examine the pattern and prevalence of lumbar spine MRI changes within a southern Chinese population and their relationship with back pain. ⋯ LDD is common, and its incidence increases with age. In a population setting, there is a significant association of LDD on MRI with back pain.
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Prospective case series. ⋯ SIJ blocks with triamcinolone acetonide are beneficial for some patients with SIJ pain without spondyloarthropathy. The SIJ blocks showed a long-lasting efficacy in two-thirds of the patients; however, the duration of its efficacy was shorter in patients with a history of lumbar/lumbosacral fusion. These findings suggest the need for further studies.
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Retrospective cohort. ⋯ In the elderly, adjusted rates of cervical spine fusions rose 206% from 1992 to 2005. Marked geographic variation was noted. Future studies should evaluate the efficacy and complications associated with these procedures in the elderly, and better define surgical indications and patient outcome.
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A retrospective study. ⋯ The study has shown that low-dose spine CT is a reliable method in evaluating screw placement in patients with AIS after posterior scoliosis surgery with titanium implants, using the here proposed grading system. The new grading system of screw misplacement was feasible and in line with the general agreement about the harmlessness of misplacement with minor pedicle breach. The reliability of low-dose spine CT in evaluation of lateral and medial cortical perforations was substantial. To reduce the radiation load, the postoperative assessment of titanium implants should be performed with low-dose CT.
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A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent posterior cervical fusion during a 1-year time period. ⋯ rhBMP can safely be used in patients undergoing posterior cervical fusion, as it does not produce complications at the rate previously seen with its use in the anterior cervical spine.