The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society
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Surgical instrumentation used for posterior craniocervical instability has evolved from simple wiring techniques to sophisticated implant systems that incorporate multiple means of rigid fixation for the cervical spine. Polyaxial screws and lamina hooks in conjunction with occipital plating and transitional rods for caudal fixation theoretically allow for fixation points at each vertebra along the posterior aspect of the cervical spine. However, the potential for anatomical constraints to prevent intraoperative instrumentation at the desired vertebral level exists. The biomechanical implications of such "skipped segments" have not been well documented. ⋯ There was no statistical difference between the three-point fixation treatment group and the sequential fixation group in flexion extension bending. Lateral bending and axial rotation demonstrated an increase in total overall ROM with partial fixation compared with fixation at all levels. Axial rotation in particular showed increased mobility in the lower cervical spine for the partial fixation group. In the instance where surgeons are not able to apply sequential fixation at diseased levels, especially for the lower subaxial cervical spine, particular attention to limitation of lateral bending and axial rotation by the use of external orthotics must be considered.
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Although numerous studies have been published, controversy still exists regarding fusion and nonsurgical treatment for symptomatic degenerative lumbar spine conditions. Definite conclusions are difficult to draw because of differences in patient inclusion criteria, fusion technique, nonoperative treatment regimen, and clinical outcome measures used to determine success. ⋯ Substantial improvement can be expected in patients treated with fusion, regardless of technique, when an established indication such as spondylolisthesis or DDD exists. CLBP patients are less disabled and experience less improvement.
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Perforation of the esophagus after anterior cervical spine surgery is a rare, but well-recognized complication. The management of esophageal perforation is controversial, and either nonoperative or operative treatment can be selected. ⋯ To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report concerning the use of a longus colli muscle flap for esophageal perforation after anterior cervical spine surgery.
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A growing population of patients with osteoporosis and fragility fractures has developed. Fragility fractures, including vertebral compression fractures, have been associated with increased mortality. Early operative interventions for patients sustaining hip fractures have been found to reduce mortality. ⋯ Kyphoplasty did not seem to effect the survival of patients with a vertebral compression fracture.