Bmc Musculoskel Dis
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X-ray images of lumbar degenerative diseases often show not only claw osteophytes, but also pairs of osteophytes that form in a direction away from the adjacent disc. We have investigated the direction of the formation of anterior lumbar vertebral osteophytes across the lumbar vertebrae using a sufficient number of lumbar radiographs, because osteophytes images can provide essential information that will contribute to the understanding of the pathology and progress of lumbar spine degeneration. ⋯ Our study showed that pairs of osteophytes frequently formed in the direction of the adjacent disc in the upper lumbar vertebrae (L1-L2 and L2-L3) and in the direction away from the adjacent disc in middle or lower lumbar vertebrae (L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1).
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Bmc Musculoskel Dis · Dec 2008
Comparative StudyThe association of BMI and knee pain among persons with radiographic knee osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional study.
Many people with radiographic knee osteoarthritis (RKOA) do not present with pain. It is suspected that such persons tend toward lower body mass index (BMI). The purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between BMI and knee pain among persons with RKOA. ⋯ Among subjects with RKOA, those presenting with an elevated BMI had a greater likelihood of knee pain compared to subjects with a normal BMI, and this chance rose with each successive elevated BMI category. As BMI is a modifiable risk factor, longitudinal research is needed to confirm these findings and elucidate the mechanisms underlying this relationship.
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Bmc Musculoskel Dis · Nov 2008
Differential gene expression associated with postnatal equine articular cartilage maturation.
Articular cartilage undergoes an important maturation process from neonate to adult that is reflected by alterations in matrix protein organization and increased heterogeneity of chondrocyte morphology. In the horse, these changes are influenced by exercise during the first five months of postnatal life. Transcriptional profiling was used to evaluate changes in articular chondrocyte gene expression during postnatal growth and development. ⋯ Differential expression of genes encoding matrix proteins and matrix-modifying enzymes between neonates and adults reflect a cellular maturation process in articular chondrocytes. Up-regulated transcripts in neonatal cartilage are consistent with growth and expansion of the articular surface. Expression patterns in mature articular cartilage indicate a transition from growth to homeostasis, and tissue function related to withstanding shear and weight-bearing stresses.
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Bmc Musculoskel Dis · Sep 2008
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyCost-effectiveness of decompression according to Gill versus instrumented spondylodesis in the treatment of sciatica due to low grade spondylolytic spondylolisthesis: a prospective randomised controlled trial [NTR1300].
Nerve root decompression with instrumented spondylodesis is the most frequently performed surgical procedure in the treatment of patients with symptomatic low-grade spondylolytic spondylolisthesis. Nerve root decompression without instrumented fusion, i.e. Gill's procedure, is an alternative and less invasive approach. A comparative cost-effectiveness study has not been performed yet. We present the design of a randomised controlled trial on cost-effectiveness of decompression according to Gill versus instrumented spondylodesis. ⋯ Currently, nerve root decompression with instrumented fusion is the golden standard in the surgical treatment of low-grade spondylolytic spondylolisthesis, although scientific proof justifying instrumented spondylodesis over simple decompression is lacking. This trial is designed to elucidate the controversy in best surgical treatment of symptomatic patients with low-grade spondylolytic spondylolisthesis.
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Bmc Musculoskel Dis · Sep 2008
Management of chronic knee pain: a survey of patient preferences and treatment received.
A range of interventions exist for the management of knee pain, but patient preferences for treatment are not clear. In this study the management received by people with chronic knee pain, their management preferences and reasons for these preferences were recorded. ⋯ Most chronic knee pain is managed with medication despite concerns about safety, efficacy and cost, management guidelines recommendations and people's management preferences. Previous experience and perceptions of need were major determinants of people's preferences, but many people were unaware of management options. Appreciating patient preferences and provision of more information about management options are important in facilitating informed patient/clinician discussion and agreement.