Journal of spinal disorders & techniques
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J Spinal Disord Tech · Apr 2005
Comparative StudyNatural history of patients with lumbar disc herniation observed by magnetic resonance imaging for minimum 7 years.
The aim of this work was to elucidate the relation between the clinical course and morphologic changes of lumbar disc herniation on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). ⋯ Clinical outcome did not depend on the size of herniation or the grade of degeneration of the intervertebral disc in the minimum 7-year follow-up.
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J Spinal Disord Tech · Apr 2005
Lumbar synovial cysts of the spine: an evaluation of surgical outcome.
Our aim was to study the outcomes and results of surgically treated patients with synovial cysts of the lumbar spine in our institution. ⋯ Spinal cysts are commonly found at the L4-L5 level, the site of maximum instability. MRI is the tool of choice for diagnosis. The etiology is still unclear, but underlying spinal instability has a strong association for formation of spinal cysts and worsening symptoms. Synovial cysts resistant to conservative therapy should be treated surgically. Resection and decompression with fusion remain an appropriate option. The optimal approach for patients with juxtafacet cysts remains unclear. The best surgical treatment approach for each particular individual appears to remain speculative.
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J Spinal Disord Tech · Apr 2005
Reliability analysis for digital adolescent idiopathic scoliosis measurements.
Analysis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) requires a thorough clinical and radiographic evaluation to completely assess the three-dimensional deformity. Recently, these radiographic parameters have been analyzed for reliability and reproducibility following manual measurements; however, most of these parameters have not been analyzed with regard to digital measurements. The purpose of this study is to determine the intra- and interobserver reliability of common scoliosis radiographic parameters using a digital software measurement program. ⋯ Most common radiographic parameters for AIS assessment demonstrated good or excellent reliability for digital measurement and can be recommended for routine clinical and academic use. Preoperative assessments and coronal measures may be more reliable than postoperative and sagittal measurements. The reliability of digital measurements will be increasingly important as digital radiographic viewing becomes commonplace.
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J Spinal Disord Tech · Apr 2005
Case ReportsDiscography-induced acute lumbar disc herniation: a report of five cases.
The reported complication rate of provocative lumbar discography is low, ranging from 0-2.5%. We report five cases of acute lumbar disc herniation precipitated by discography, a previously unreported complication. The cases reported comprise of four men and one woman with ages ranging from 23-45 years. ⋯ In each case the patients' symptoms failed to resolve necessitating surgical intervention in all cases. In conclusion, annular deficiency is an obvious predisposing factor to discogram related disc herniation. New onset or a persistent exacerbation of radicular symptoms following provocative discography merits further investigation.
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J Spinal Disord Tech · Apr 2005
Clinical TrialMicrosurgical posterior herniotomy with en bloc laminoplasty: alternative method for treating cervical disc herniation.
At the present time, the anterior cervical discectomy and fusion procedure is widely accepted for treating cervical disc herniation. Recently, however, several authors have reported new disease due to degeneration of an adjacent segment. On the other hand, posterior discectomy, which can preserve mobility at the affected disc level, has been considered risky and technically difficult, especially for central or paracentral disc herniation. We are performing a new surgical technique, microsurgical posterior herniotomy with en bloc laminoplasty, for patients with myelopathy and radiculomyelopathy caused by cervical disc herniation. ⋯ This technique was safe and effective. Radiographically, the range of motion in the cervical spine and at the affected disc levels was preserved. In the future, this surgical procedure can become an alternative method for cervical disc herniation treatment.