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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The aim of this study was to define the influence of whiplash injuries on the perceived condition of health 3 years after injury. We evaluated remaining symptoms and the use of health services. Insurance companies provided reports and medical certificates from traffic accidents in Finland in 1998, for those injured who had agreed to take part in the study. ⋯ Although some of the injured had improved in the long term, some reported that their health condition was worse after 3 years than at the 1-year follow-up. The percentage of respondents reporting a significant health deterioration remains unchanged 3 years after the whiplash injury. These findings illuminate the importance of early recognition of risk factors for long-term disability and the primary treatment and rehabilitation procedures.
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A 13-year-old male achondroplastic dwarf with fixed thoracolumbar kyphosis was treated by segmental pedicle screw fixation, posterolateral fusion combined with one stage two level posterior column resection. Preoperative and postoperative kyphosis angles were 97 and 32 degrees, respectively. Combination of segmental pedicle instrumentation with posterior column resection is a treatment option even in immature achondroplastic patients.
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The goal of this study was to observe scoliotic subjects during level walking to identify asymmetries--which may be related to a neurological dysfunction or the spinal deformity itself-and to correlate these to the severity of the scoliotic curve. ⋯ The most significant and marked asymmetry was seen in the transverse plane, denoted as a torsional offset of the upper trunk in relation to the symmetrically rotating pelvis. This motion pattern was reflected by a ground-reaction-force asymmetry of the free rotational moment. Further studies are needed to investigate whether this behaviour is solely an expression of the structural deformity or whether it could enhance the progression of the torsional deformity.