Spine
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Retrospective study. ⋯ APSF with FSAG for dystrophic deformity in NF-1 successfully reconstructed a reliable spinal column with a rich bone stock. The FSAG and surrounding vertebral bodies were free from postoperative erosion due to dystrophic changes and maintained their stability for a long time.
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Retrospective review. ⋯ The lumbar retroperitoneal transpsoas MIS LIF is a safe alternative to traditional open operations for many spinal conditions. As with most minimally invasive techniques, there is a learning curve to be overcome to minimize the risk of iatrogenic nerve injuries. Our refined technique of the MIS LIF during a 3-year period has led to a significant reduction of the incidence of postoperative numbness of nearly 60% (from 26.1%-10.7%).
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Prospective clinical study of intraoperative transcranial motor-evoked potentials (TcMEP) amplitudes and postoperative motor deficits. ⋯ We determined the cutoff amplitude for predicting postoperative motor deficits in thoracic spine surgery. The results may help establish the alarm criteria for thoracic spine surgery.
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Animal study. ⋯ In this model of acute noncompressive disc herniation, NP caused the elevation of epidural IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ--all attenuated by IFN-γ blockade. IL-1β and IL-10 were both significantly elevated by saline alone and their response was not prevented by IFN-γ blockade. This model may prove useful for the study of the biochemical processes by which NP induces inflammation-induced nerve root irritation and radiculopathic pain.