Spine
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Selective lumbosacral radiculography and block was performed on 106 patients, using 60% Conray or Dimer-X and 1% lidocaine mixed with corticosteroid. The technique of this method is reported, and the radiculographic findings and diagnostic value of this method are discussed. According to our experience, this method is technically simple and very useful in determining the limit of the lumbosacral nerve root lesion, and occasionally can be used to relieve radicular symptoms. We think it is an especially excellent diagnostic technique for disorders featuring nerve root entrapment in the lateral foraminal recess, in which accurate localization cannot be determined by the other auxiliary diagnostic measures.
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The influence of backrest inclination and lumbar support on the shape of the lumbar spine in sitting positions has been studied radiographically on 38 healthy subjects. Four angles of backrest inclination and four different sizes of lumbar support were studied. In addition, the lumbar support was placed at three different lumbar levels. ⋯ Increases in the backrest-seat angle had only minor effect on the lumbar lordosis. A lumbar support, on the other hand, had a significant influence: the lordosis increased with increasing support. The location of the lumbar support with respect to the level of the spine did not significantly influence the measured angles.
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The results of a long-term study of 28 patients operated on for adhesive lumbar arachnoiditis are presented. The technique involved was microscopic lysis of adhesions. The first case of surgery was performed in 1966 and the last, in 1970, with followup through 1976. ⋯ Some conclusions are drawn regarding the causes of this condition with some emphasis on the role of Pantopaque, multiple surgeries, and other trauma. The conclusion is that surgical attack on arachnoiditis is a straightforward surgical exercise that, when carried out with appropriate caution, produces no further neurologic deficits and some short-term improvement. However, the authors feel that this procedure should not be performed at the present time because there does not appear to be a method for preventing the reaccumulation of the scar tissue and subsequent recurrence of the symptoms.