Spine
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Survey of surgeon members of the Scoliosis Research Society. ⋯ Compared with disease estimates in the general population, spine surgeons have a higher prevalence of MSDs. Our cohort underwent surgical intervention for lumbar (7.1%) and cervical (4.6%) disc disease at rates far exceeding disease estimates in the general population. Increased awareness among spine surgeons may lead to earlier treatment and, ultimately, enhanced preventive measures.
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In vitro biotribological wear particulate investigation. ⋯ The analysis of the particles generated from an articulating PEEK-on-PEEK nucleus replacement device shows debris within size ranges typical of other total joint arthroplasty implants, with relatively round morphology, along with the results suggesting a reduced particle load. These attributes tend to diminish the potential of these PEEK particles to elicit an inflammatory response.
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Prospective cohort. ⋯ These results indicate that preoperative radiographic parameters that may indicate the absence of gross instability in degenerative spondylolisthesis are not reliable in predicting radiographic fusion in a single-level non-instrumented fusion.
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Changes in the vertebral body adjacent to the end plate may be associated with degenerative disc disease. These changes can be separated on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and have been described by Modic. It is assumed that these end plate changes represent a process that is progressive. ⋯ Our findings reflect the dynamic nature of pathological changes in the spine and have demonstrated that Modic changes are reversible. They also raise further doubt that these MRI changes should be used as an indicator of clinical symptoms or of surgical outcome.
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Controlled laboratory and cross-sectional study designs. ⋯ Analysis of PM architecture demonstrates that its average Lf and passive biomechanical properties resemble those of the lumbar erector spinae muscles. In addition, PM sarcomere lengths were confined to the descending portion of the length-tension curve allowing the muscle to become stronger as the hip is flexed and the spine assumes a forward leaning posture. These findings suggest that the human PM has architectural and physiologic features that support its role as both a flexor of the hip and a dynamic stabilizer of the lumbar spine.