European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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Augmenting healing through a single application of an exogenous growth factor or bone morphogenetic protein is not a new concept. The use of autologous growth factors through platelet isolation and concentration provides multiple endogenous growth factors to the healing site. ⋯ At 6 months the combination of autologous growth factors to the Pro Osteon 500R plus aspirated bone marrow resulted in the greatest bending stiffness but not ultimate load. Autologous growth factors can be isolated from platelets and concentrated to provide multiple growth factors to the fusion site to aid in spinal fusion.
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Recent literature shows that the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) in adolescents living in Western countries approaches that of adults 18-55 years of age. Moreover, epidemiological studies have also shown that the frequency of different rheumatic disorders in developing countries is similar to that found in Western industrialized regions. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of LBP and to explore some risk factors among adolescents living in different zones of Mozambique. ⋯ Median age was 13 years (age range 11-16 years) and 46% were boys. Several episodes of LBP interfering with usual activities during the previous year were reported by 13.5% of the sample. Living in the wealthier urban center (as compared with the peripheral regions) and walking >30 min per day to and from school were associated with an increased risk of LBP (OR 3.1, 95% CI 0.99-9.48, and OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.61-14.28, respectively).