The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society
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It is known that positioning patients on the Jackson and Andrews operative tables causes changes in lumbar lordosis and pelvic rotation. However, it is unknown if the relationship between the iliac crest and underlying lumbar levels, in particular the L4-L5 interspace, changes from standing to prone on these tables. ⋯ Approximately 30% of patients demonstrated changes in the relationship between the iliac crest and lumbar levels between standing and positioning prone. The intraoperative position of the iliac crest aligned more accurately with the L4/L4-L5 spine level on the Jackson and Andrews frame compared with preoperative standing radiographs respectively. Further biomechanical studies should investigate the implication for lumbopelvic fixation.
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Traditional approaches to thoracic disc herniation are technically demanding and, if incorporating thoracotomy, can be associated with significant morbidity. New procedures have allowed discectomy with less pain and morbidity. ⋯ Our early experience suggests that MI-ECA may be a valuable option in the management of thoracic disc herniation.