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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No clinical CT-based classification system is currently in use for lumbar foraminal stenosis. MRI scanners are not easily available, are expensive and may be contraindicated in an increasing number of patients. This study aimed to propose and evaluate the reproducibility of a novel CT-based classification for lumbar foraminal stenosis. ⋯ The novel CT-based classification correlates well with the MRI grading system and can safely and accurately replace it where required.
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We aim to critically review the effectiveness and safety of coccygectomy with special regard to long-term outcomes. ⋯ IV.
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Lumbar Modic change (MC) can serve as a diagnostic marker as well as an independent source of chronic low back pain (CLBP). This study aimed to test for the existence of serum biomarkers in CLBP patients with MC. ⋯ This is the first study to assess the blood serum biomarker profile in individuals with CLBP with MC. Several biomarkers were suppressed, while two markers (IL-1sRII and HGF) were elevated among MC patients, irrespective of MC type or size, with CLBP compared with asymptomatic controls.
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To investigate radiological risk factors for recurrent lumbar disc herniation (rLDH) after percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED). ⋯ This study showed that low grade of surgical-level disc degeneration, senior grade of adjacent-level disc degeneration, a high DHI, and a large sROM were the radiological independent risk factors for rLDH after PTED.
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Bias undermines evidence-based decision making. To counter this, surgeons must be aware of biases that may influence studies' reported outcomes. Lumbar spinal stenosis often requires operative intervention, with multiple available surgical strategies. Our aim was to assess the role that country of origin plays in published surgical outcomes for lumbar spinal stenosis. ⋯ Diagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with the consistently applied reference standard and blinding.