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
-
Previous studies on the natural history of moderate to severe idiopathic scoliosis show contradictory results. Some studies reported an increased incidence of back pain and disability in severe curves, while other studies reported no difference in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) compared to age-matched adult controls. None of these studies addressed HRQoL using currently recommended and validated questionnaires. ⋯ Patients with idiopathic scoliosis and curves of 45° or higher have reduced HRQoL. Although many patients experience back pain, the disability reported on the ODI was limited. Scoliosis had noteworthy effect on choice of education.
-
This study aimed to investigate the changes of the posterior paraspinal muscles (PPM) and psoas muscle in patients with low back pain (LBP) over time. ⋯ The study revealed significant quantitatively muscular changes in males and females, especially in the posterior paraspinal muscles in only three years' time.
-
To develop and test synthetic vertebral stabilization techniques ("vertebropexy") that can be used after decompression surgery and furthermore to compare them with a standard dorsal fusion procedure. ⋯ Synthetic vertebropexy is able to reduce lumbar segmental motion, especially in flexion-extension. The spinolaminar technique affects shear forces to a greater extent than the interspinous technique.
-
Lateral lumbar interbody fusion with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (Mis-LLIF) can establish indirect decompression by lifting the vertebra with a large intervertebral cage, which causes less damage to the posterior elements. Thus, Mis-LLIF is expected to reduce the incidence of adjacent segment disease (ASD). The aim of the study was to compare the occurrence of ASD between Mis-LLIF and conventional open transforaminal interbody fusion (TLIF). ⋯ The incidence of R-ASD or S-ASD was not significantly reduced in the Mis-LLIF group compared to the TLIF group, with greater ∆H potentially being a contributing factor. Using a thin cage in both TLIF and Mis-LLIF may decrease the occurrence of ASD.
-
Aortic abdominal calcification (AAC) is associated with spine-related conditions, such as lower back pain and reduced bone mineral density. Similar to peripheral vascular disease, AAC possibly reduces blood flow to the lumbar posterior paraspinal muscles (PPM) which may lead to atrophy and increased fatty infiltration. ⋯ This is the first study to demonstrate a significant and independent association between AAC and PPM morphology. The results of this study improve our understanding of the interaction between AAC and spinal musculature, with AAC being a reason for atrophy of the PPM.