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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Chronic low back pain (cLBP) is a common health condition worldwide and a leading cause of disability with an estimated lifetime prevalence of 80-90% in industrialized countries. However, we have had limited success in treating cLBP likely due to its non-specific heterogeneous nature that goes beyond detectable anatomical changes. We propose that omics technologies as precision medicine tools are well suited to provide insight into its pathophysiology and provide diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. Therefore, in this review, we explore the current state of omics technologies in the diagnosis and classification of cLBP. We identify factors that may serve as markers to differentiate between acute and chronic cases of low back pain (LBP). Finally, we also discuss some challenges that must be overcome to successfully apply precision medicine to the diagnosis and treatment of cLBP. ⋯ Omics technologies have identified associations between inflammatory and pain pathways in the pathophysiology of cLBP. However, in order to integrate information across the range of studies, it is important for the field to identify and adopt standardized definitions of cLBP and control patients. Additionally, most papers have applied a single omics method to a sampling of cLBP patients which have yielded limited insight into the pathophysiology of cLBP. Therefore, we recommend a multi-omics approach applied to large global consortia for advancing subphenotyping and better management of cLBP, via improved identification of diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.
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Case Reports
Stepwise approach for vertebral hemangioma in children: case-reports and treatment algorithm proposal.
To discuss a treatment algorithm for vertebral hemangioma in children. ⋯ Given the lack of international guidelines and consensus with regard to treatment of VHs in children, we believe our proposal for a stepwise approach combining clinical and radiological characteristics of the lesion may help guide treatment of this condition in children.
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To propose an alternative method of surgical technique to address gibbus deformity in meningomyelocele with open wound simultaneously. ⋯ Ilizarov kyphectomy technique is an alternative procedure that can provide a safe and effactive method to address severe kyphosis deformity with skin breakdown. However, a comparison should be drawn to other procedures, while including more patients with longer follow-up.
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Cesarean sections (CS) under spinal anesthesia may lead to newly developed low back pain (LBP) after anesthesia. The cause of this pain is still unknown. This subject was investigated. ⋯ This study shows anesthesia type as spinal or general was not associated with increased persistent LBP. Performing more spinal than general anesthesia in the cesarean section may be false data about the increased rate of LBP after CS.
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Review Meta Analysis
Preoperative epidural steroid injections do not increase the risk of postoperative infection in patients undergoing lumbar decompression or fusion: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Epidural corticosteroid injections (ESI) are a mainstay of nonoperative treatment for patients with lumbar spine pathology. Recent literature evaluating infection risk following ESI after elective orthopedic surgery has produced conflicting evidence. Our primary objective was to review the literature and provide a larger meta-analysis analyzing the temporal effects of steroid injections on the risk of infection following lumbar spine surgery. ⋯ II.