Spine
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Prospective study. ⋯ Both methods are effective in the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease. Modified MIS-TLIF is a safe and effective procedure that can significantly reduce the occurrence of injury to the dura and nerve root during decompression and the interbody fusion procedure.Level of Evidence: 3.
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Retrospective study of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). ⋯ We successfully differentiated OVFs and MVFs based on MRI with high accuracy using the CNN model, which was statistically equal or superior to that of the spine surgeons.Level of Evidence: 4.
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Delphi expert panel consensus. ⋯ Although telemedicine was initially introduced out of necessity, this technology most likely will remain due to evidence of high patient satisfaction and significant cost savings. This study was able to provide a framework for appropriate telemedicine utilization in spine surgery from a panel of experts. However, several questions remain for future research, such as whether or not an in-person consultation is necessary prior to surgery and which physical exam maneuvers are appropriate for telemedicine.Level of Evidence: 4.
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Genetic cross-over study of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and its associated risk factors. ⋯ Genetic association between IDD and risk factors in the general population was revealed by association network. Important gene-related molecular pathways and chemical drugs closely related to IDD have been found. Further study can provide guidance for the treatment and prognosis of IDD.Level of Evidence: N/A.
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Observational Study
A Natural History of Patients Treated Operatively and Non-Operatively for Spinal Metastases Over 2 Years Following Treatment: Survival and Functional Outcomes.
Prospective observational study. ⋯ We found that patients treated operatively and nonoperatively for spinal metastases benefitted from treatment in terms of HRQL. Two-year mortality for the cohort as a whole was 70%. When prognosticating survival, the NESMS appears to be an effective utility, particularly among patients with scores of 0 or 1.Level of Evidence: 2.