The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society
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Few studies have directly evaluated the association of lumbar lordosis and segmental wedging of the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs with the prevalence of spinal degenerative features. ⋯ Significant associations were found between lumbar lordosis evaluated in supine position and segmental wedging of the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs and the prevalence of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the association between spondylolysis, isthmic and degenerative spondylolisthesis and vertebral and disc wedging at the segmental level.
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Low-dose aspirin for the prevention of cardiovascular disease is recommended to be discontinued at least 7 days before spinal surgery. ⋯ The intraoperative blood loss during spinal fusion surgery was similar in both groups. However, the blood drainage after surgery was significantly higher in the aspirin group despite stopping aspirin 7 days before surgery. Hence, surgeons should pay careful attention to postoperative blood loss and complications related to hemorrhage in patients who have been taking low-dose aspirin.
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Image navigation has improved the safety and ability to perform complex spinal procedures where visibility is not optimal or anatomic deformity is present. Numerous published studies are available demonstrating its effectiveness in improved pedicle screw placement in complex multiplanar deformities. Studies have also demonstrated image navigation technology versatility; however, stabilization of the lumbopelvic junction with navigated iliac bolt fixation has not been reported. ⋯ Image-navigated iliac fixation allows for safe and accurate placement of bilateral iliac bolts without PSIS percutaneous reference frame interference. Image guidance eliminates fluoroscopic radiation exposure and extensive soft-tissue dissection and facilitates both traditional and anatomic iliac bolt placement techniques.