The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society
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Spinal fusion is a commonly performed surgical procedure. It is used to treat a variety of spinal pathologies, including degenerative disease, trauma, spondylolisthesis, and deformities. A mechanically stable spine provides an ideal environment for the formation of a fusion mass. Instrumented spinal fusion allows early ambulation with minimal need for a postoperative external immobilizer. Several biomechanical and clinical studies have evaluated the stability offered by different posterior instrumentation techniques and the effects of reduced instrumentation. ⋯ The V construct exhibited enhanced stability compared with UPS construct in all loading modes. It provides bilateral fixation and preserves the anatomic integrity of the superior facet joint. The novel construct may offer advantages of less invasiveness, significant reduction in operation time, duration of hospitalization, and costs of implants, which would require further clinical evaluation.
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Many studies report an association between low back pain (LBP) and reduced back muscle endurance and consider this to indicate muscular dysfunction. However, few have investigated the potentially confounding influence of psychological factors on performance during such endurance tests. ⋯ It is important that the underlying nature (psychological or physiological) of performance deficits be identified during such tests because this may influence the interpretation of prospective studies reporting risk factors for LBP and dictate the particular treatment or interventional approach required to remedy the situation in individuals with LBP.
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Case Reports
Anterior discectomy and total disc replacement for three patients with multiple recurrent lumbar disc herniations.
Although results of primary discectomy are generally excellent with relief of leg pain, recurrent lumbar disc herniation is relatively common ranging from 5% to 25%. Patients with recurrent herniation may undergo revision surgery; however, this carries with it increased risks and lower success rates. Many surgeons will advocate a fusion in addition to repeat discectomy after the third recurrent herniated disc. With the approval of lumbar total disc arthroplasty, there now exists another option for the patient with three or more recurrent disc herniations to preserve motion, theoretically decrease the rate of adjacent-level disease, and ameliorate the patient's symptoms. ⋯ Recurrent disc herniation is a relatively common problem that may be difficult to treat. Traditionally, a patient presenting with three or more recurrent disc herniation may likely have undergone revision discectomy with fusion. The current case report suggests that TDR may be an alternative option in select patients.
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Ambulation limitation is the hallmark of impairment in lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Capacity and performance have been defined as two distinct aspects of disability. Previous literature suggests that a person's walking capacity may not be reflected in their daily walking performance. ⋯ Walking capacity and walking performance in LSS appear to be different constructs. Survey instruments appear to reflect capacity rather than performance. This dissociation between walking capacity and walking performance has implications for the clinical management and outcomes assessment of people with LSS.
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Surgical indications for lumbar burst fracture remain controversial. Potential indications for surgery include 50% canal compromise, 50% loss of vertebral height, 30° of kyphosis, and posterior element fracture or disruption of the posterior ligamentous complex. Different surgical approaches are available depending on fracture characteristics. It is possible that a minimally invasive approach could allow for a safe and effective treatment with fewer comorbidities than the traditional open technique. ⋯ The traditional approach to an anterior lumbar corpectomy and posterior pedicle screw fixation involves significant postoperative pain and frequent ileus. This minimally invasive approach allowed for early mobilization, resumption of diet, and discharge from the hospital on postoperative day two.