Journal of spinal disorders & techniques
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J Spinal Disord Tech · Dec 2003
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialThe use of postoperative subcutaneous closed suction drainage after posterior spinal fusion in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.
BACKGROUND The purpose of this prospective study was to assess the impact of closed suction drainage on transfusion requirements, frequency of dressing changes, and wound healing following posterior spinal fusion in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. METHODS Thirty patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: drain or no drain. ⋯ Three of 12 patients in the undrained group demonstrated a wound complication rate compared with no complications in the drained group. CONCLUSION In conclusion, subcutaneous closed suction drainage can improve immediate postoperative wound care without significantly increasing blood loss and transfusion requirements for patients undergoing surgery for idiopathic scoliosis.
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J Spinal Disord Tech · Aug 2003
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialLumbar spine arthroplasty: early results using the ProDisc II: a prospective randomized trial of arthroplasty versus fusion.
This study represents the first 39 patients with at least 6-month follow-up enrolled in a prospective randomized Food and Drug Administration study evaluating the safety and efficacy of the ProDisc II versus the control, a 360 degrees lumbar spinal fusion. Data were collected preoperatively and at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (ODQ), and patient satisfaction rates were evaluated at these intervals, as well as range of motion, return to work, and recreational and ambulatory status. ⋯ A trend was identified at 6 months in patient satisfaction rates favoring ProDisc versus fusion (P = 0.08), and motion was significantly improved in ProDisc patients compared with the fusion group (P = 0.02). Ambulatory status as well as recreational activity improved faster in the ProDisc group. The data suggest that total disc arthroplasty may be an attractive option as opposed to lumbar fusion for the surgical treatment of disabling mechanical low back pain secondary to lumbar disc disease.
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J Spinal Disord Tech · Aug 2002
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialLocal application of steroids following lumbar discectomy.
In this prospective randomized clinical study, the effectiveness of epidural steroids to reduce pain following lumbar disc surgery was assessed. Sixty-one patients undergoing lumbar discectomy were included. They were assigned randomly to receive, immediately after removal of the disc, either 80 mg methylprednisolone acetate (Depomedrol) or the same amount (2 mL) of saline. ⋯ Statistically significant back pain relief was observed on postoperative days 1, 2, 6, and 14 in the study group (the group that received steroids). No difference between the two groups was found 1 year after surgery or when leg pain was compared. No side effects that could be related to the steroids were observed.