Dtsch Arztebl Int
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Lumbar disc surgery is among the more common spinal procedures. In this paper, we report the current treatment recommendations for patients with symptomatic disc herniation. ⋯ Longer symptom duration and lower motor scores are associated with worse outcome and a lower chance of neurologic recovery. The recovery rate for motor deficits ranges from 33% to 75%, depending on the timing and modality of treatment as well as the motor score.
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Cardiovascular diseases due to arteriosclerosis are the most common causes of death and disability in both men and women. Hypercholesterolemia, a treatable risk factor, is often detected after a delay in women, and then inadequately treated. It is, therefore, important to know the sex-specific aspects of cholesterol metabolism and to address them specifically. ⋯ Lowering high cholesterol levels, especially in postmenopausal women, may prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases.