The open orthopaedics journal
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The minimal anterolateral acromial approach offers a less invasive access to the proximal humerus. Functional impairment following this procedure may be caused by paresis of the deltoid muscle as a result of iatrogenic injury to the axillary nerve. It was addressed whether electromyography (EMG) of the deltoid muscle gives evidence for an axillary nerve lesion in association with the minimal anterolateral acromial approach. ⋯ Most patients presented with subclinical and most likely trauma- related neurogenic lesions of the deltoid muscle following the anterolateral acromial approach. Despite the fact that the axillary nerve does not function normally following this less-invasive approach for fixation of proximal humerus fractures, this does not appear to affect the clinical outcome. Prospective studies with larger sample sizes are required to determine the effect of axillary nerve retraction in the more commonly used deltopectoral approach.
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We evaluated the safety and effectiveness of the minimally invasive Superion(®) Interspinous Spacer (VertiFlex, Inc., San Clemente, CA) in patients with moderate LSS. ⋯ Preliminary results with the Superion Interspinous Spacer suggest that it is an effective and safe treatment option for patients with moderate LSS who are unresponsive to conservative care.