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 goal of our efforts was to develop a modified drill that allows a safe milling of the dorsal osteophytes located close to the dura. ⋯ The newly developed drill with the polished tip is a safe and high-quality alternative to conventional drills. Further investigations have to be done, to proof the advantages of the new drill.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Limaprost alfadex and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for sciatica due to lumbar spinal stenosis.
Limaprost, a prostaglandin E1 analog, has vasodilatory properties and increases blood flow of the nerve root. However, it has not been clarified whether limaprost affects pain sensation associated with radiculopathy due to lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of oral limaprost with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for radiculopathy. ⋯ These obtained findings suggest that the effects of limaprost seem to be limited to radicular pain, not for LBP. Overall, a combination treatment might be more effective in the management of radiculopathy induced by LSS than monotherapy with either agent.
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Comparative Study
Pelvic joint fusions in patients with chronic pelvic girdle pain: a 23-year follow-up.
Fusion of the sacroiliac joints (SIJ) has been a treatment option for patients with severe pelvic girdle pain (PGP). The primary aims were to evaluate the long-term outcomes in patients who underwent SIJ fusion and to compare 1-year outcomes with long-term outcomes. The secondary aim was to compare patients who underwent SIJ fusion with a comparable group who did not. ⋯ Patients treated with SIJ fusion had moderate disability and pain 23 years after surgery, and the 1-year outcomes were sustained 23 years after surgery. Although many fused patients reported good outcome, this group did not differ from the comparable non-surgical group.
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Comparative Study
Tandem age-related lumbar and cervical intervertebral disc changes in asymptomatic subjects.
To investigate the frequency of tandem lumbar and cervical intervertebral disc degeneration in asymptomatic subjects. ⋯ Degenerative findings in both the lumbar and cervical spine, suggesting tandem disc degeneration, was common in asymptomatic subjects. These results provide normative data for evaluating patients with degenerative lumbar and cervical disc diseases.