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
-
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the anatomic features of the cervical spine using computed tomography (CT) to select safer screw insertion techniques, particularly emphasizing the location of the transverse foramen. ⋯ We suggest that in cases in which pedicle screw insertion is difficult, lateral mass screws (LMS) can be inserted safely and longer sizes can be selected. In contrast, in cases in which LMS insertion is difficult, the insertion of pedicle screws can be performed relatively easy.
-
The Myelopathy Disability Index and the Neck Disability Index are widely used to assess outcome in cervical spine surgery. Short Form (SF) 36 is a generic measure of health which can be used to measure health gains across a wide variety of conditions. The aim of the current study is to assess long-term outcomes using these measures in a cohort of patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). ⋯ We have used generic and condition-specific outcome measures of health and shown that in patients with CSM treated surgically, up to 70% can expect improvement in their quality of life. These outcome measures are easy to collect and provide objective evidence of changes in quality of life and disability and can help quantify the potential health gains that can be achieved.
-
Computer-assisted navigation systems are largely used for pedicle screws positioning in degenerative and traumatic spine surgery. In oncologic spine surgery its use is still developing and could be extended for tumor identification and excision. Aim of this paper is to present our experience. ⋯ Navigation system can improve surgical accuracy in screws placement and tumor localization and excision. Learning curve and technical aspects must be considered to avoid potential serious mistakes.
-
Adolescent idiopathic scoliotic (AIS) deformity induces excessive oxygen consumption correlated to a bilateral increase of lumbo-pelvic muscles timing activity (EMG) during gait. Wearing a brace, the usual treatment for AIS, by supporting the spine and the pelvis, would generate lumbo-pelvic muscular relaxation and consequently reduce excessive oxygen consumption. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term effect of bracing on gait biomechanics in scoliotic spine when compared with normal braced spine. ⋯ Bracing changed neither the oxygen consumption nor the timing of the lumbo-pelvic muscles activity in both groups during gait. However, in brace the timing activity of bilateral gluteus medius muscles tended to decrease in AIS patients and increase in healthy subjects. Moreover, braced AIS patients had more restricted frontal hips and shoulder motion as well as pelvis rotation than braced healthy subjects.
-
To analyze the prospectively collected data in a series of patients treated with single- or multilevel ACDF with a stand-alone, zero-profile device, focusing on clinico-radiological outcome, complications and technical hints, and to review the literature on such new devices. ⋯ The Zero-P device is safe and efficient, even in multilevel cases. Dysphagia is minimal, extensive anterior osteophytectomy is unnecessary and technical hints may ease the surgical workflow. This is the largest series, with the longest follow-up, reported.