Spine
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The authors developed a rat-tail model to investigate the hypothesis that vertebral wedging during growth in progressive spinal deformities results from asymmetric loading in a "vicious cycle." ⋯ The findings confirm that vertebral growth is modulated by loading, according to the Hueter-Volkmann principle. The quantification of this relationship will permit more rational design of conservative treatment of spinal deformity during the adolescent growth spurt.
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A cost-effectiveness analysis of lumbar discectomy based on existing efficacy data and newly gathered cost data. ⋯ For carefully selected patients with herniated discs, surgical discectomy is a cost-effective treatment. Discectomy's favorable cost-effectiveness results from its substantial effect on quality of life and moderate costs.
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The case report presented herein shows tortuosity of the vertebral artery in a patient with cervical myelopathy. This case led the authors to evaluate 22 other patients who also had undergone anterior cervical fusion. They were studied before operation by either magnetic resonance imaging angiography or selective vertebral angiography. ⋯ This study suggests that vertebral artery loop formation is developed associated with cervical spondylotic changes. During the anterior decompression of cervical spondylotic myelopathy or radiculopathy, the looped vertebral artery could be injured by an excessive wide rejection of the bone or disc material. In the case of vertebral artery migration, the looped vertebral artery can even be injured by routine procedures.
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This study analyzed bony features of the posterior ilium and relevant vital structures using cadavers and dry ilium specimens. ⋯ The ideal area of the posterior ilium for bone graft harvesting was found in Zone 1. Zones 2 or 3 may be considered it a greater quantity of cancellous bone graft is required; however, the risk of injury to the sacroiliac joint and superior gluteal vessels in these zones is increased.