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 review the current understanding and data of sagittal balance and alignment considerations in paraplegic patients. ⋯ Current available literature data have not defined normal sagittal parameters for paraplegic patients. There are significant differences in postural sagittal parameters and muscle activations in paraplegic and non-spinal cord injury patients that can lead to differences in sagittal alignment and balance. Treatment goal in spine surgery for paraplegic patients should address their global function, sitting balance, and ability to perform self-care rather than the accepted radiographic parameters for adult spinal deformity in ambulatory patients.
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In this paper, the authors propose classifying the epiphenomenon of spinal deformity in two different categories: structural deformity, when the main driver of the observed deformity is a fixed and stiff alteration of the spinal segments, and compensatory deformity, which includes cases where the observed deformity is due to focal abnormalities. This last category comprises, but is not limited to, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, disc herniation, infection or tumor, hip disease or neurological disease (such as Parkinson's disease). ⋯ The compensatory mechanisms involved in adaptive deformity represent an attempt to maintain a global alignment, to escape from pain or to control body posture. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary material.
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Correction of rigid cervical deformities often requires osteotomies to realign the spine. Cervical pedicle subtraction osteotomy can be technically challenging due to the presence of cervical nerve roots and usually can only be performed at C7 or T1 due to the presence of vertebral arteries. In contrast, anterior cervical osteotomy can be performed throughout the cervical spine and is a safe and effective method for correction of both sagittal and coronal cervical deformities. We describe the anterior cervical osteotomy technique with a review of the pertinent literature. ⋯ Anterior cervical osteotomy is a safe and effective technique for correction of rigid cervical deformities. Spine surgeons should be familiar with this technique to optimize clinical outcome in patients undergoing cervical deformity correction.
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This investigation aimed to examine the extent to which case-based discussion with experts could influence the audience's opinions on the treatment of patients during a continuing medical education event for spine surgeons. ⋯ On the basis of our results, case-based discussion driven by experts, as a form of teaching, has a measurable effect in terms of changes in the learners' opinions.
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To investigate the sagittal spino-pelvic alignment (SSPA) in patients with rapidly destructive coxarthrosis (RDC). ⋯ The present study suggests that the static factors of a reduction in the lumbar lordotic angle and greater posterior pelvic tilt, the dynamic factors of small ΔLL values and large ΔPIA values and the complex interaction of these two types of factors, may play important roles in the development of RDC.