Studies in health technology and informatics
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Stud Health Technol Inform · Jan 2002
The significance of correlation of radiographic variables and MOS short-form health survey for clinical decision in symptomatic low back pain patients.
To assess any correlation between SF-36 scores and several lateral roentgenographic variables of the lumbar spine, both in low back pain patients and asymptomatic volunteers. The clinical relevance of the method proposed in this study to make a surgical strategy on the basis of distinct lateral roentgenographic parameters and conversely was assessed by independent radiologists and physicians. ⋯ SF-36 scores were correlated with distinct lateral roentgenographic variables of the lowermost lumbar spine (L4-S1) in low back patients, and of the whole lumbar spine in asymptomatic individuals. Clinical decision should not be taken on the basis of radiological evidence of pathology because clinical decision seems to be more accurate when is taken on the basis of combined SF-36 and roentgenographic data. However, clinical examination is mandatory to SF-36 questionnaire and radiographic analysis.
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Stud Health Technol Inform · Jan 2002
Study of the rib cage deformity in children with 10 degrees-20 degrees of Cobb angle late onset idiopathic scoliosis, using rib-vertebra angles--aetiologic implications.
The aim of the study is to compare the rib-vertebra angles (RVAs) between children with 10 degrees - 20 degrees of Cobb angle late onset idiopathic scoliosis (LOIS) and non-scoliotic children. ⋯ It has been reported that RVAs is an expression of the resultant muscle forces, which act on each rib. It was also suggested that RVA asymmetries by weakening the spinal rotation-defending system are aetiological for idiopathic scoliosis, (Burwell et al 1992). This study shows that scoliotic children with small curves have underdeveloped thoracic cage compared to nonscoliotic counterparts. The differences are more apparent in the scoliotic children with thoracic curves. It is suggested that the differences of the RVAs between right and left side in this group are an expression of asymmetric muscle forces acting on the thoracic cage. It is concluded that asymmetric muscle forces participate in the pathogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis on the thoracic cage, which deforms early.
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Stud Health Technol Inform · Jan 2002
Visible Korean Human: another trial for making serially-sectioned images.
In this ongoing study, we are trying to make Visible Korean Human (Mar 2000--Feb 2005). The complete MRIs and CTs of the Korean cadaver's entire body are scanned. The cadaver is serially-sectioned at 0.2 mm thickness without any missing images. ⋯ Fifth, small pixel size (0.2 mm x 0.2 mm) and thin thickness (0.2 mm) of sectioned images will be more helpful in showing the small anatomical structures greater than 0.2 mm. Sixth, the additional segmented images will be more helpful in making the 3D image and virtual dissection software. The Visible Korean Human will be the basis for making better 3D image and virtual dissection software which will be more helpful in medical education.
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Stud Health Technol Inform · Jan 2002
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialThe role of rigid vs. dynamic instrumentation for stabilization of the degenerative lumbosacral spine.
This is a prospective comparative randomised study to compare the immediately postoperative effects of a rigid versus dynamic instrumentation for degenerative spine disease and stenosis on the standing sagittal lumbar spine alignment and to investigate if a dynamic spine system can replace the commonly used rigid systems in order to avoid the above mentioned disadvantages of rigid fixation. ⋯ Both rigid and dynamic instrumentations restored lumbar lordosis, sacral tilt, distal lordosis and increased the foraminal diameter at the level L4-L5 resulting in an indirect decompression of the nerve roots at this level . Both rigid and dynamic instrumentations applied in the lumbosacral spine to treat degenerative disease secured L3 to S1 sagittal spine profile close to preoperative levels, that should theoretically guarantee a pain-free postoperative course. This study supports the belief that the dynamic system can be used with the same indications with the rigid in degenerative lumbar spine because it can offer equally good short-term results regarding sagittal spine alignment while simultaneously it has the previously mentioned advantages (avoidance stress shielding etc).