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 if there are differences in thoraco-lumbar disc characteristics between elite skiers and non-athletic controls as well as between different types of elite skiers, with diverse training histories, using a novel quantitative MRI method. ⋯ Differences in quantitative disc characteristics were found not only between elite skiers and non-athletic controls but also between subgroups of elite skiers with diverse training histories. The differences in the disc measures, reflecting tissue degradation, are likely related to type and intensity of the physical training. Future studies are encouraged to explore the relation between disc functionality, training history and pain to establish adequate prevention and rehabilitation programs.
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Magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) allow more frequent outpatient lengthenings to better mimic the physiological growth. The assessment of distractions with radiographs raised concerns regarding ionizing radiation exposure in growing children. The aim was to assess the necessity of radiographs after every lengthening of MCGR. ⋯ Radiographs taken after routine lengthenings of MCGR are not likely to reveal any significant finding, since only 0.9% of planned radiographs displayed a mechanical complication. Exposing growing children to radiation with an intention of checking the MCGR device after every lengthening could not be justified. Obtaining post-lengthening radiographs with a decreased frequency and after a significant complaint or clinical finding may be considered.
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Four-rod instrumentation and interbody fusion may reduce mechanical complications in degenerative scoliosis surgery compared to 2-rod instrumentation. The purpose was to compare clinical results, sagittal alignment and mechanical complications with both techniques. ⋯ III.
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Review Meta Analysis
Surgical outcomes following hemivertebrectomy in congenital scoliosis: a systematic review and observational meta-analysis.
Hemivertebrectomy is widely used definitive correction surgery in congenital scoliosis due to hemivertebrae. It may be done either as combined anterior and posterior approach or a single-stage posterior approach only. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare two techniques with regards to blood loss, operative time, deformity correction and complications. ⋯ IV.
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Review Meta Analysis
The role of TaqI, ApaI and BsmI polymorphisms of VDR gene in lumbar spine pathologies: systematic review and meta-analysis.
The objective of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between TaqI (rs731236), ApaI (rs7975232) and BsmI (rs1544410) polymorphisms of the VDR gene and lumbar spine pathologies such as lumbar disc herniation and lumbar disc degeneration. ⋯ Our findings indicate that TaqI and ApaI polymorphisms of the VDR gene are important risk factors for developing lumbar spine pathologies. Moreover, the TaqI polymorphism is a risk factor for lumbar disc degeneration.