Spine
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Survival analyses of a large cohort of published lumbar spine compression fatigue tests. ⋯ A spinal fatigue model which predicts the risk of in vitro lumbar spinal failure within a narrow confidence interval has been developed. Age and sex were found to have significant effects on fatigue strength, with sex differences extending beyond those accounted for by endplate area disparities.
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Validity and reliability of a back pain questionnaire. ⋯ The study showed that the psychometric properties of the original QDS have been preserved when translated into Arabic and can be used to measure disability in Arabic societies.
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Observational anatomic study. ⋯ Medial branches of the cervical dorsal rami were discernible in cervical posterior approach laminoplasty and were frequently found adjacent to C4 and C5 spinous processes. The medial branches sometimes supplied motor fibers to the semispinalis capitis muscle. Knowledge of the course of these branches might be helpful for avoiding injury during laminoplasty.
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Experimental, human cadaveric study. ⋯ Polymethylmethacrylate cement augmentation clearly enhances pedicle screw fixation in osteoporotic vertebrae when tested in pure pullout. The technique used for cement injection and choice of specialty screws can have a significant impact on the magnitude of this effect. Fenestrated screws have the capacity to confine cement placement in the vertebral body and may provide enhanced safety from cement extrusion into the spinal canal. It is feasible to inject high-viscosity PMMA through this fenestration geometry, and higher-viscosity cement may enhance the fixation effect.
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Case report. ⋯ Calcifying pseudotumor of spine should be treated with a trial of Indomethacin before surgical option is offered, unless the patient has a significant progressive neurological deficit that requires urgent surgical intervention.