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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There are few prospective studies on surgical outcomes and survival in patients with metastatic disease to the spine. The magnitude and duration of effect of surgery on pain relief and quality of life remains uncertain. Therefore, the aim of this clinical study was to prospectively evaluate clinical, functional, quality of life and survival outcomes after palliative surgery for vertebral metastases. ⋯ The potential for immediate and prolonged improvement in pain, function and quality of life in patients with symptomatic vertebral metastases should be considered during the decision-making process when selecting and counselling patients for surgery.
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To investigate: (1) the risk factors for radiologic cranial adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) after single-segment PLIF at the same level, and (2) the impact of the ASD on the clinical outcomes. ⋯ Radiologic degeneration of the cranial adjacent segment after single-segment PLIF did not significantly correlate with clinical outcomes. Age was a risk factor for radiologic degeneration, however, there was no significant correlation between degeneration and preoperative radiologic factors and bone mineral density (BMD).
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Odontoid diameter in some individuals may not be large enough to accommodate two 3.5-mm cortical screws for anterior odontoid fracture fixation. The study was performed to evaluate, in a Brazilian population, the diameter of the odontoid process and the feasibility of using two 3.5-mm cortical screws for anterior odontoid fracture fixation. ⋯ The insertion of two 3.5-mm cortical screws was possible for anterior fixation of odontoid fracture in 57 (65%) individuals of our study, and there was no statistical difference between males and females.