Spine
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Comparative Study
The role of paraspinal muscle spindles in lumbosacral position sense in individuals with and without low back pain.
A two-group experimental design with repeated measures on one factor was used. ⋯ Patients with low back pain have a less refined position sense than healthy individuals, possibly because of an altered paraspinal muscle spindle afference and central processing of this sensory input. Furthermore, muscle vibration can be an interesting expedient for improving proprioception and enhancing local muscle control.
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Comparative Study
Muscle response pattern to sudden trunk loading in healthy individuals and in patients with chronic low back pain.
A quick-release method in four directions of isometric trunk exertions was used to study the muscle response patterns in 17 patients with chronic low back pain and 17 matched control subjects. ⋯ Patients with low back pain, in contrast to healthy control subjects, demonstrated a significantly different muscle response pattern in response to sudden load release. These differences may either constitute a predisposing factor to low back injuries or a compensation mechanism to stabilize the lumbar spine.
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Comparative Study
The effect of age on inflammatory responses and nerve root injuries after lumbar disc herniation: an experimental study in a canine model.
An experimental investigation on the effect of age on pathologic events surrounding the herniated disc and at the adjacent nerve root. ⋯ There is an effect of age on the inflammatory response and nerve root injury caused by the herniated disc. The apparent neuroprotective mechanism in the young animal, and the apparent inflammatory and resorption changes of the nucleus pulposus fragment in the older animal are quite intriguing.
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A clinical series of patients with unilateral radiculopathy treated with the anterior cervical foraminotomy procedure. ⋯ Patients treated with the anterior cervical neural foraminotomy procedure have equivalent or better outcomes than those who undergo current cervical procedures. It appears to be a good alternative procedure for carefully selected patients with unilateral cervical radiculopathy and avoids a fusion of the disc space.
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Case Reports Comparative Study
Approaching the upper thoracic vertebrae without sternotomy or thoracotomy: a radiographic analysis with clinical application.
The distribution of the lowest vertebra tangential to the suprasternal notch and the lowest intervertebral disc visualized above the sternum was determined on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. The method is illustrated in seven patients undergoing upper thoracic spinal reconstruction to define a surgical approach without sternotomy or thoracotomy. ⋯ Upper thoracic vertebrae can be exposed without sternotomy or thoracotomy by a low left suprasternal approach. Midsagittal cervicothoracic MRI can identify the thoracic vertebrae above the sternum, thereby determining whether a low suprasternal approach is feasible. Otherwise, a lateral extracavitary or transpedicular approach can be used to avoid sternotomy or thoracotomy.