Spine
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Retrospective database analysis. ⋯ Thromboembolic events are potential complications of cervical spine surgery. The highest rates of VTE were identified in those patients undergoing posterior cervical fusion. Regardless of approach, DVT and PEs resulted in increased mortality rates and hospitalization. We recommend a thorough preoperative assessment to identify patients at risk for VTE and treat accordingly to decrease the incidence of these thromboembolic events.
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Multicenter Study
Lenke 1C and 5C spinal deformities fused selectively: 5-year outcomes of the uninstrumented compensatory curves.
Multicenter review of prospectively collected data. ⋯ In Lenke 1C and 5C adolescent idiopathic scoliosis deformity patterns fused selectively, the uninstrumented compensatory curves adjust to match the instrumented primary curve and do not seem to progress between 1 and 5 years postoperatively.
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Systematic review of diagnostic studies. ⋯ There is a need for a consensus on criteria to define and classify lumbar spinal stenosis. At present, the most promising imaging test for lumbar spinal stenosis is magnetic resonance imaging, avoiding myelography because of its invasiveness and lack of superior accuracy. Electrodiagnostic studies showed no superior accuracy for conventional electrodiagnostic testing compared with magnetic resonance imaging. These tests should be considered in the context of those presenting symptoms with the highest diagnostic value, including radiating leg pain that is exacerbated while standing up, the absence of pain when seated, the improvement of symptoms when bending forward, and a wide-based gait.
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Multicenter Study
Variation in outcomes across centers after surgery for lumbar stenosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis in the spine patient outcomes research trial.
Retrospective review of a prospectively collected database. ⋯ There is a broad and statistically significant variation in short- and long-term outcomes after surgery for SPS and DS across various academic centers, when statistically significant baseline differences are adjusted for. The findings suggest that the choice of center affects outcome after these procedures, although further studies are required to investigate which center characteristics are most important.