Journal of orthopaedic science : official journal of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association
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The ligamentum flavum hypertrophy is considered to be one of the important causes of development of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Several histologic and biologic mechanisms in hypertrophied flavum have proposed. However, no study that investigated the relationship between clinical outcome and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy has been published. The purpose of this study was to identify a new classification of LSS, in ligamentous and nonligamentous stenosis, according to the cutoff value of the area proportion of the ligamentum flavum in the spinal canal, and to assess the value of surgical and conservative treatments for LSS based on the classification of the ligamentous stenosis. ⋯ Ligamentous stenosis in LSS patients had favorable outcome on conservative treatment with prostaglandin E1 derivative.
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The Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent tsunami devastated the northeastern part of Japan. Low back pain is thought to increase after a natural disaster and is related to various factors. The aim of this study was to examine the influencing factors of "Living environment" and "Subjective economic hardship" on new-onset of low back pain in the chronic phase for the survivors of the earthquake evaluated by a self-report questionnaire. ⋯ Subjective economic hardship was significantly associated with new-onset of low back pain in the chronic phase for survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
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The Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ) was developed by the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) for assessment of lower back pain and lumbar spinal disease. We aimed to translate the JOABPEQ into Thai and test its reliability and validity in the Thai context. ⋯ The Thai version of JOABPEQ had satisfactory internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity; it can be used as a reliable tool for assessing quality of life for lumbar spinal disease patients in Thailand.
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For shoulder arthroscopy, few anatomical landmarks are available and inexperienced surgeons tend to be adrift due to the limited visual field of the scope. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the useful landmarks around the glenoid for accurate orientation, and also the safe distance to avoid suprascapular nerve injury during surgical procedures around the glenoid. ⋯ The locations of anatomical landmarks surrounding the glenoid were reliably demonstrated using our clock face indication system. The expected distance from the labral surface to the suprascapular nerve was approximately 23 mm, irrespective of the size of the scapula.
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The presence of short malunion of clavicle fractures could result in alterations in static scapular position and dynamic scapular motion. Nevertheless, no report has ever addressed the kinematic changes of the scapula in patients with short malunion of clavicular fractures. The goal of this study was to compare the changes of shoulder function, and the consequent scapular kinematic changes between the fractured side and the sound side of the shoulder in non-surgically treated patients. ⋯ This study showed that significant changes in scapular kinematics and shoulder function were found after short malunion of clavicle fractures. Recognition and evaluation of the changes could lead to a comprehensive framework regarding the treatment of shortened clavicle fractures.