Spine
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A prospective observational study of patients with sciatica. ⋯ The 3-dimensional DW-SSFP MRI with high spatial and sufficient contrast is an excellent technique to define the nature of sciatica and assists in prognostication and possibly in management.
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Comparative Study
In vivo analysis of atlantoaxial motion in individuals immobilized with the halo thoracic vest or Philadelphia collar.
In vivo biomechanical comparison of the halo thoracic vest (HTV) and the Philadelphia collar (PC). ⋯ Under the extremes of flexion and extension bendings, the current study demonstrated that there was no significant difference in restriction of sagittal motion at C1-C2 when using the PC instead of the HTV in a group of 20 young normal adults. In light of the current biomechanical data and a selected review of literature, it is concluded that the use of a PC is sufficient for the treatment of stable odontoid fractures.
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A retrospective study of a consecutive series of all patients with pyogenic spinal infections treated at a single institution over a 10-year period. ⋯ The current data suggest that chronic liver failure and the presence of a distant nonspinal infection are possible risk factors for neurologic involvement in patients with pyogenic spinal infections. These risk factors have not been previously described. This knowledge warrants closer surveillance for neurologic deficit in patients with these conditions.
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A retrospective investigation of clinical and radiologic outcomes after surgical treatment for 2-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). ⋯ Surgical managements of 2-level CSM using ACDF or ACCF were found to be similar in terms of clinical outcomes. However, 2-level ACDF was found to be superior to 1-level ACCF in terms of operation times, bleeding amounts, and radiologic results.