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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Severe rigid spine deformity with sharp curve can be effectively corrected by posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR). Meanwhile, high risk of this procedure also has been recognized generally. The aim of this study is to review and evaluate the role of preoperative skull-femoral traction prior to PVCR for extremely severe rigid spinal deformity with sharp angular curve >150°. ⋯ Preoperative skull-femoral traction effectively mitigates the neurological risks of PVCR for extremely severe rigid spinal deformity with sharp curve. During traction, scoliosis can be improved more significantly and easily than kyphosis.
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We estimated the annual changes in radiographic indices of the spine in cerebral palsy (CP) patients and analyzed the factors that influence its progression rate. ⋯ The scoliosis Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis angle, and apical vertebral translation in the GMFCS level IV-V CP patients progressed with age. These findings can predict radiographic progression of scoliosis in CP patients.
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The practice of giving certain authors equal credit in scientific publications has become increasingly common in some medical specialties. However, whether this trend also exists in major spine journals remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of the practice of giving authors equal credit in major spine journals. ⋯ The practice of ECA in original research articles is increasingly common in major spine journals. A guideline for authors regarding when and how to designate equal credit is warranted in the future.
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The risks of drains in spine surgery (e.g., increasing venous plexus bleeding, maintaining CSF leakage, and infections) must be balanced with their benefits (e.g., reduced rate of postoperative hematoma and seroma formation). Little is known about factors that influence surgeons' decision to employ a drain. ⋯ In terms of indication, duration, and safety measures, use of drains in spinal surgery is heterogeneous. The majority of surgeons prefer drains to suction in most cases, except for microdiskectomies, for which only 31% will use a drain. Nearly all colleagues discontinue drains by day 4.
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In recent years, a marked increase of spinal operations prompted a debate on quality issues. Besides obvious factors, such as the surgical technique, medication safety has been identified as one of the major risk factors for patients undergoing anesthesia and surgery. While the issue has already been addressed by hospital pharmacist and anesthesiologists, the prescription of correct medication remains within the surgeons' responsibility. We, therefore, investigated medication-related errors in spinal instrumentation patients and applied current medication reconciliation strategies. ⋯ Medication safety could be significantly improved by implementation of counter-measures specific to the identified risk factors.