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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Review Case Reports
Calcifying pseudo-tumor of the spine: description of a case and review of the literature.
A case of calcifying pseudo-tumor of the thoracic spine, a rare lesion with tumor-like behavior and a probable inflammatory-reactive origin, is described. The clinical-pathological and neuro-radiological aspects of this lesion are discussed in relation to surgical treatment. In accordance with the other cases reported in the literature, the case observed confirmed the benign behavior of the lesion and the effectiveness of surgical treatment for achieving complete resolution of clinical symptoms without any recurrences, even when removal is only subtotal.
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The overall frequency of troublesome neck pain is estimated to be about 34%, and it was observed that the frequency of complaints lasting 1 month or longer was higher in women than in men. The prevalence increased with age, with regard to both pain duration and chronic pain. Approximately 14% of a randomly selected population meets the criterion for chronic neck pain: complaints lasting more than 6 months. ⋯ For a diagnosis of radicular and myelopathic syndromes, the functional and neurological examination is enhanced by neurophysiological assessment. Electromyography (EMG) performed with needle electrodes is the oldest method for diagnosing nerve root compression and anterior horn cell syndromes, and is claimed to have no false-positive results. For cervical myelopathy, as a routine examination sensory evoked potentials (SEPs) by stimulation of tibial nerve and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) from the upper and lower extremities are recommended.
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Osteoporosis results in low-energy fractures of the spine. The load necessary to cause a vertebral fracture is determined by the characteristics related to the vertebral body structure, mineral content, and quality of bone. ⋯ Fall prevention strategies can further decrease the possibility of fracture. A comprehensive approach to osteoporosis can favorably alter the disease.
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Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are associated with a series of clinical consequences leading to increased morbidity and even mortality. Early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention is desirable in order to remobilise patients and prevent further bone loss. ⋯ In cases of acute fractures, kyphoplasty has the potential to reduce kyphosis and restore the normal sagittal alignment of the spine. The complex nature of systemic osteoporosis, coupled with the intricate biomechanics of vertebral fractures, leads to a clinical setting which is ideally treated interdisciplinarily by the rheumatologist and spine surgeon.