Spine
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A radiographic study of the sagittal sacral deformity in spondylolisthesis. ⋯ The entire sacrum in spondylolisthesis can develop a significant kyphotic deformity in the sagittal plane, and this is associated with other abnormalities found in the lumbosacral spine. Sacral deformity is a significant factor in the assessment of the sagittal contour of the patient with L5-S1 spondylolisthesis.
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The pull-out strength of sacral screw fixation after cyclic loading was tested using young human cadaveric specimens. ⋯ In a young population, screw orientation (anterolateral or anteromedial) was more important in determining pull-out strength than screw depth (unicortical or bicortical) after fatigue loading, anteromedially directed screws being significantly stronger than laterallyplaced screws. Bone mineral density of the S1 body andinsertion torque were good preoperative and intraoperative indicators of screw pull-out strength.
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A correlative design using stepwise regression analysis. ⋯ The results of this study strongly support the hypothesis that spinal physical capacity in chronicity is not explained solely by the sensory perception of pain. The anticipation of pain and the fear-avoidance belief about physical activities were the strongest predictors of the variation in physical performance.
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An assessment of magnetic resonance imaging techniques of the iliolumbar ligament. ⋯ Only images of the iliolumbar ligament obtained through computer reformatting of three-dimensional volume averaging from L3 to the sacral ala correlated with the ligament's structural characteristics.
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A retrospective study of vertebral artery injury diagnosed during the last 6 years in our institution. ⋯ Vertebral artery injury should be suspected in cervical trauma patients with facet joint dislocation or transverse foramen fracture. Magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography is a helpful test to rule out vascular injury. Vertebral artery injury affects the extracranial segment at the same level as the cervical fracture. This is a retrospective review that did not permit drawing conclusions about the effects of early surgical stabilization in the treatment of cervical spine injuries with associated vertebral artery injury; however, surgical stabilization may avoid propagation and embolization of the clot located at the site of the lesion.