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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The aim of the study was to compare myoelectric manifestation in neck muscle endurance and fatigue characteristics during sub-maximal isometric endurance test in patients with cervical radiculopathy and asymptomatic subjects. An additional aim was to explore associations between primary neck muscle endurance, myoelectric fatigability, and self-rated levels of fatigue, pain and subjective health measurements in patients with cervical radiculopathy. ⋯ NME testing in the primary neck muscles seems to be an important factor to take into consideration in rehabilitation.
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Currently, the diagnosis of pedicle screw (PS) loosening is based on a subjectively assessed halo sign, that is, a radiolucent line around the implant wider than 1 mm in plain radiographs. We aimed at development and validation of a quantitative method to diagnose PS loosening on radiographs. ⋯ The angle between the PS axis and the cranial endplate showed good ability to change in PS loosening. A change of this angle of at least 2° had a relatively high sensitivity and specificity to diagnose screw loosening.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
A comparison of spinal anesthesia characteristics following intrathecal bupivacaine or levobupivacaine in lumbar disc surgery.
While bupivacaine is the most frequently used local anesthetic for spinal anesthesia, use of levobupivacaine in clinical practice has advanced recently. The aim of our study was to compare the clinical and anesthetic effects of isobaric bupivacaine and isobaric levobupivacaine when administered intrathecally in patients undergoing lumbar disc surgery. ⋯ Our results showed that block recovery time was shorter in the levobupivacaine group, this may be a disadvantage for longer operative procedures. But with proper patient selection this can be eliminated. Recovery time was shorter in levobupivacaine group. Therefore, postoperative neurological examination can be done earlier. In addition, early mobilization can be an advantage for postoperative recovery.
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Sleep apnea is a multi-factorial disease with a variety of identified causes. With its close proximity to the upper airway, the cervical spine and its associated pathologies can produce sleep apnea symptoms in select populations. The aim of this article was to summarize the literature discussing how cervical spine pathologies may cause sleep apnea. ⋯ Pathologies of the cervical spine present significant additional etiologies for producing obstructive sleep apnea in select patient populations. Knowledge of these entities and their pathophysiologic mechanisms is informative for the clinician in diagnosing and managing sleep apnea in certain populations.
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Comparative Study
Computed tomography morphometric analysis of C2 translaminar screw fixation of Wright's technique and a modified technique in the pediatric cervical spine.
To establish reference data on the dimensions of C2 lamina to guide the use of translaminar screws with Wright's technique and a modified technique for pediatric patients in different age groups. ⋯ Our investigation provides insight into the anatomy of C2 lamina in six pediatric age groups. Compared to adults, the benefits of C2 translaminar screws fixation are more obvious in the pediatric spine which has a large C2 lamina. Compared to Wright's technique, the modified technique should insert a screw with bigger insert angle and shorter screw length.