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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Displaced spinopelvic dissociation with cauda equina syndrome is still unclear challenging problem with multiple instabilities. This retrospective study tried to evaluate and analyze the results of surgical decompression and lumbopelvic fixation of these injuries. ⋯ Surgical decompression and lumbopelvic segmental fixation can enhance neurological recovery and combat any structural instabilities associated with the displaced spinopelvic dissociation injuries with a hopeful clinical results.
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The aim of this study was to evaluate early ASD at short-term follow-up in fused and unoperated patients with degenerative disc disease, using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis of the area, signal intensity and their product, i.e., MRI index of the central bright area of the disc as well as measures of intervertebral disc height and Pfirrmann grading scale. The further purpose was to determine whether fusion accelerates ASD compared with non-surgical treatment in short-term follow-up. ⋯ Decrease in the parameters of quantitative MRI analysis indicated early degeneration at discs adjacent to lumbar spinal fusion. Fusion had an independent effect on the natural history of ASD during short-term follow-up. Continued longitudinal follow-up is required to determine whether these MRI changes lead to pathologic changes.
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Comparative Study
Comparison between continuous and discontinuous multiple vertebral compression fractures.
The majority of multiple vertebral fractures (MVFs) occur under high-energy conditions; however, some cases occurring under minor-energy conditions exist. Fractures in successive vertebrae (continuous type) and in skipped vertebrae (discontinuous type) can exist. ⋯ Discontinuous MVFs generally caused by mild outer force, and often occurred at the thoracolumbar junction. Continuous MVFs, frequently, were caused by high-energy trauma.
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Historically, metastatic spine tumor surgery has been palliative for pain control, to maintain neurologic and ambulatory function. The thought of curing cancer with limited metastatic disease by resecting the primary and the metastatic lesions is becoming more common. Multilevel spondylectomy for resection of metastatic disease has been reported in the literature, mostly at the thoracic or lumbar level with some success. Reconstruction of the lumbosacral junction after tumor resection is a difficult endeavor and several techniques have been utilized. Subcutaneous anterior pelvic fixation has been described for the treatment of unstable pelvic fractures. ⋯ The authors describe a novel percutaneous rod technique and construct for buttressing a posterior spinal construct to a subcutaneous anterior pelvic fixator after tumor resection of the lumbo-pelvic junction. They manage to salvage a difficult situation for which they should be commended. This technique may be useful in situations where instrumentation has to be preformed to the pelvis: i.e., in tumor reconstruction, fusions such as neuromuscular scoliotic disease to the pelvis, to augment a lumbo-pelvic construct when a nonunion occurs or in osteoporotic patients as a salvage procedure.
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Vertebral deformities often occur in patients who recall no trauma, and display no evident fracture on radiographs. We hypothesise that vertebral deformity can occur by a gradual creep mechanism which is accelerated following minor damage. "Creep" is continuous deformation under constant load. ⋯ Minor damage to an old vertebral body, even if it is barely discernible on radiographs, can accelerate creep to such an extent that it makes a substantial contribution to vertebral deformity.