Spine
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Case studies of patients with cervical spondylotic amyotrophy used compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs) of deltoid and biceps brachii muscles and central motor conduction time (CMCT). ⋯ The average percentage range of deltoid and biceps brachii muscle CMAPs' amplitude determined at the onset of illness correlated significantly with postoperative recovery. Surgical intervention of the cervical spine should be performed in patients in whom the average percentage of CMAPs' amplitude in deltoid and biceps brachii muscles ranges from 30% to 50%.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Antifibrinolytic agents reduce blood loss during pediatric vertebral column resection procedures.
Retrospective multicenter review. ⋯ EBL associated with VCR was highly variable and in many cases exceeded the patient's BV. AF agents were not routinely used and we had insufficient data to assess the efficacy of aminocaproic acid. Both aprotinin and TXA resulted in less EBL than when no AF was used; however, the effect of the reduction varied by site. Aprotinin has since been removed from the market. When normalized to patient size and levels excised, the use of TXA resulted in a reduction in intraoperative EBL.
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Multicenter Study
Cervical spine trauma in diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis: injury characteristics and outcome with surgical treatment.
Retrospective study of a consecutive series of operatively managed patients with cervical fractures with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) presenting to 3 institutions over an 8 year period. ⋯ The current findings pinpoint the potential for medical and surgical complications in this high risk subgroup. Surgeons should be aware of the unique aspects associated with treatment of these injuries.
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Prospective study in a morbidly obese population after bariatric surgery. ⋯ Bariatric surgery, resulting in significant weight reduction, was associated with a significant decrease in low back and radicular pain as well as a marked increase in the L4-L5 intervertebral disc height. Reduction in body weight after bariatric surgery in morbidly obese patients is associated with a significant radiographical increase in the L4-L5 disc space height as well as a significant clinical improvement in axial back and radicular leg pain.