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 purpose of this study is to evaluate the learning curve of thoracic pedicle screw (TPS) placement of an inexperienced apprentice in scoliosis with the free-hand technique. ⋯ For an apprentice, an experience of at least 60 screw placements under the direction of an experienced surgeon is needed for inserting the TPS in scoliosis using the free-hand technique independently.
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The curve pattern of idiopathic scoliosis is important for making decisions concerning bracing. However, whether the curve pattern changes during brace treatment have not been fully documented. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes of curve pattern during brace treatment in skeletally immature patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). ⋯ Changes in curve pattern can occur during brace treatment. Patients with less skeletal maturity and those treated with a Boston brace are more susceptible to this phenomenon.
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The authors report an extremely rare cause of cervicomedullary cord compression by anomalous ectatic vertebral arteries. ⋯ Anomalous course of the vertebral artery can result in symptoms of high cervical cord compression. Vasculopexy can result in lasting cure from symptoms.
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Idiopathic scoliosis affects the locomotor system; however, it can considerably impair the function of cardiovascular and respiratory systems. The aim of the study was to assess parameters indicating the physical capacity of adolescent girls with mild or moderate idiopathic scoliosis. ⋯ The maximum oxygen intake and the output during the PWC170 test is lower in girls with moderate scoliosis than in the control group. The value of maximum oxygen intake and output obtained during the PWC170 test in girls with mild scoliosis does not differ significantly from the values obtained in the control group. The number of vertebrae involved in scoliotic deformation and the number of curvatures cause significant decrease in only the relative value of the output obtained during an exercise test.
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Posterior migration of spinal cord is a common complication of posterior cervical decompression, whereas anterior migration of spinal cord after anterior cervical decompression has not been reported previously. This report presents a case of anterior migration of spinal cord after cervical corpectomy. A 65-year-old male underwent a cervical corpectomy of the C4 and C5 for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. ⋯ However, at 12 months postoperatively, the patient complained that improved gait aggravated again, and the MRI showed an anterior migration of the spinal cord at the level of the C4 and C5, and a compression of spinal cord at the level of caudal endplate of C3. Secondary surgery, laminaplasty of C3 and C4 was conducted. The postoperative MRI showed that the spinal canal increased at the C3 and C4 levels, and the spinal cord went through smoothly without sharp turning.