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 evaluate safety of coblation of simulated lytic metastases in human cadaveric vertebral bodies by measuring heat distribution during thermal tissue ablation and comparing it to radiofrequency ablation (RFA). ⋯ In addition to RFA, the application of coblation is a safe method to ablate vertebral lesions with regards to heat distribution at heat-sensitive neural spots. The measured temperatures did not harbor danger of thermal damage to the spinal cord or the spinal nerves.
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There exist not much data regarding the surgical treatment of pure congenital kyphosis (CK) in the literature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of closing wedge osteotomy with posterior instrumented fusion in patients with congenital kyphotic deformity. ⋯ Closing wedge osteotomy with posterior instrumented fusion is an efficient method of surgical treatment in terms of sagittal balance restoration and deformity correction in patients with congenital kyphosis.
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Surgery for spinal metastasis is often associated with significant morbidity. Despite a number of preoperative scoring systems/scales and identified variables that have been reported to predict complication risk, clinical studies that directly evaluate this issue using multivariate analysis are scarce. The goal of our study was to assess independent predictors of complication after surgery for spinal metastasis. ⋯ Patients older than 40 years or patients who have metastatic lesions involving three or more contiguous vertebral levels appear to be at higher risk for complication. Patients older than 65 years have the greatest likelihood of complication.
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We present an uncommon and yet interesting congenital anomaly and discuss the difficulties with diagnosis and controversies in management. C1 arch deficiency is an important consideration in the differential diagnosis of neck pain in children. ⋯ No definitive guidelines exist for the management of this congenital anomaly. Indications for surgical intervention prior to any neurological disturbance are unclear, and restricting a child from partaking in healthy activity may not be necessary. We discuss the anomaly and identified management strategies as reported in the literature so far.
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Evaluation of risk factors for survival in patients surgically treated for symptomatic spinal epidural metastases (SEM). ⋯ Primary tumor type, presence of visceral metastases and performance status are significant predictors for survival after surgery for symptomatic SEM and should be evaluated before deciding on the extent of treatment. More accurate prediction models are needed to select the best treatment option for the individual patient.