Spine
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The dimensions and shapes of vertebral body endplates of inferior L4, inferior and superior L5, and superior S1 were analyzed. Computed tomographic scans parallel to each endplate were used to develop a standardized geometric model of the boundaries of each vertebral body. ⋯ Although the female endplates are smaller than their male counterparts, the overall shapes are similar.
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A retrospective cohort study of Michigan workers' compensation cases involving back injuries in 1986 and 1987 with incidence and outcome data. ⋯ The relative risk of compensable back injury is generally higher for females in white collar occupations, higher for males in blue collar occupations and approximately equal in service occupations. Although the risk of back injury is related to occupation, the same occupational factors do not operate as a barrier to return to work.
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Case Reports
Ossification of the ligamenta flava with severe myelopathy in a black patient. A case report.
A case of symptomatic ossification of ligamenta flava in a black man from Martinique (French West Indies) is reported. ⋯ Ossification of ligamenta flava may occur in black people. An incomplete postoperative recovery may be observed in such cases of unusual subacute compressive myelopathy.
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A case of a late infantile atlantoaxial rotatory fixation is reported for which transoral anterior release was performed. ⋯ The authors suggest that careful transoral anterior release of the atlantoaxial joint permits successful reduction in a case of chronic fixed atlantoaxial rotatory fixation combined with cord compression.
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Eighteen patients with lumbar instability from fractures, postlaminectomy syndrome, or infection were treated prospectively with minimally invasive retroperitoneal lumbar fusions. ⋯ This preliminary study of 18 patients illustrates that endoscopic techniques can be applied effectively through a retroperitoneal approach with the patient in the lateral position. Unlike the patients who had undergone transperitoneal procedures described in previous reports, in these preliminary 18 patients, there were no cases of retrograde ejaculation, injury to the great vessels, or implant migration.