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 investigate intra- and inter-rater reliability of the ultrasound measurement of transversus abdominis (TrA) thickness and thickness change (difference between thickness at rest and during contraction) in asymptomatic, trained subjects. To define the number of repeated measurements that provide acceptable level of reliability. To investigate variability of the measurements over time of 5 days and the reliability of duplicate analysis of images. ⋯ Two repeated measurements for TrA thickness and at least three measurements for TrA thickness change are needed to achieve acceptable levels of intra- and inter-rater reliability. In healthy trained volunteers TrA thickness and thickness change are relatively stable parameters over a 5-day period. Duplicate analysis of the same images by two blinded observers is reliable.
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This is a prospective study of adolescent patients in whom idiopathic thoracic scoliosis was corrected by short anterior fusion through a mini-open thoracotomy approach. Clinical, radiological and pulmonary function results of minimal 2-year (2-6) follow-up are presented. ⋯ A good deformity correction without loss of correction or adding on, a good cosmetic result and good patient's satisfaction were achieved through shorter than end-to-end thoracic fusions. The radiological residual deformity is acceptable. Anterior correction of thoracic scoliosis with a short spinal fusion is recommended to keep the large part of the spine mobile. A very short fusion, small thoracotomy incision, low-profile implants and complete closure of parietal pleura are keys to prevent reduction in postoperative lung function.
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Comparative Study
Age-related changes in human cervical, thoracal and lumbar intervertebral disc exhibit a strong intra-individual correlation.
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is characterized as a multifactorial disease, in which the hereditary background is thought to be of high importance. Accordingly, one would expect all spinal levels (lumbar/cervical/thoracal) to be affected by above-average disc degeneration in genetically predisposed individuals. The aim of this study, therefore, was to analyze the amount of degenerative changes in different spine levels in humans from different ages. ⋯ The intra-individual correlation of degenerative changes in all three examined spine regions further supports the notion that individual, i.e. genetic factors are strong predisposing factor for the development of age-related disc alterations.
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In patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, ventral disease and loss of physiological cervical lordosis are indications for anterior approach. As bone graft and titanium cage present many drawbacks, expandable titanium cage has been recently introduced for this indication. The authors present the clinical and radiological outcomes in patients undergoing the placement of an expandable cage in the treatment of spondylotic myelopathy with straight or kyphotic cervical spine alignment. ⋯ Expandable titanium cage is an effective device, which achieves good clinical and radiological outcomes at a minimum 2-year follow-up.
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To study the anatomic parameters related to clival screw and establish reference data concerning the craniovertebral fixation technique. ⋯ Clival screw placement is a viable option for craniovertebral fixation. There is a safe scope for the screw length and angle of the screw placement. And, these parameters obtained in the present study will be helpful for anyone contemplating the use of clival screw fixation.