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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To present a rare case of multiple compressive thoracic intradural cysts with pathologic arachnoid ossification, review the literature and present the surgical options. Few reports have identified the existence of arachnoid calcifications and intrathecal cysts causing progressive myelopathy. The literature regarding each of these pathologies is limited to case reports. Their clinical significance is not well studied, although known to cause neurologic sequelae. ⋯ On last examination, the patient's neurologic status had not improved, but had stabilized. The rate of neurologic improvement from excision and decompression is variable, but it may still be warranted in the face of progressive neurologic deficits.
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Despite the advantages of modern instrumentation techniques, the treatment of severe rigid idiopathic scoliosis could be very demanding. Traction can provide better, safer correction and minimize complications related to forceful intra-operative maneuvers; however, several side effects are associated with prolonged periods of traction. The aim of this work is to review the clinical and radiographic results of limited perioperative halo-gravity traction in severe rigid curves analyzing its efficacy, advantages and possible complications and comparing it to classic two staged corrections performed without traction. ⋯ Limited halo-gravity traction is an efficient, safe modality in the treatment of severe rigid adolescent scoliosis. The application of gradual traction over a limited period of 2 weeks led to better correction, shorter operative time with no significant complications.
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Intracranial haemorrhage is a rare complication of spinal surgery. Three cases of cerebral or cerebellar haemorrhages following spinal operations with CSF loss are reported, and the literature was reviewed. ⋯ The dangerous complication of intracranial haemorrhage has to be kept in mind when patients have moderate cerebral symptoms after CSF loss due to spinal operations.
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Case report and literature review. ⋯ Chordoma is a highly uncommon epidural neoplasm of the thoracic spine and is vanishingly rare in elderly patients. This report documents the oldest reported patient with thoracic spine chordoma at 89-year-old. Their locally aggressive behavior typically prompts consideration of aggressive surgical resection. When tailored to the individual patient, such procedures are feasible without excessive morbidity even in elderly patients.
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Pre-clinical wear testing of intervertebral disc prostheses is commonly carried out according to ISO 18192-1. Ten million multiaxial loading cycles are applied at a frequency of 1 Hz. At this frequency, testing takes about 4 months. ⋯ However, a loading frequency of 1 Hz is probably closer to physiology than 2 Hz since the loading amplitudes prescribed by ISO 18192-1 are high. They rather represent movements like tying shoes or standing up from a chair than walking or sitting. The authors therefore suggest testing at 1 Hz.