Spine
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Blinded review of selected and un-selected computed tomographic myelograms. ⋯ The shape of the vertebral body margin at the endplate is an important factor contributing to the development of disc herniations at L4-L5 and L5-S1.
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Report of a patient with an epidural abscess after halo pin intracranial penetration at the site of a previous cranioplasty. ⋯ The halo device should not be used for patients with a previous cranioplasty, especially if the pins cannot be inserted at other safe areas of the skull. A thorough medical history and physical examination of the skull are important before the application of a halo device. Computed tomography of the skull may be necessary before elective halo application for patients with concomitant head trauma, confusion, or intoxication and for patients with a previous cranioplasty to ascertain the safest pin sites.
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A retrospective case study of patients with intraspinal cyst having a distinct connection with the corresponding intervertebral disc. ⋯ Eight cases of intraspinal cysts communicating with the intervertebral disc presenting symptoms identical to those of disc herniation are presented. Because all cysts were connected to the corresponding disc and the development of the cyst was assumed to be related to underlying disc injury, it is proposed to name this clinical entity discal cyst.
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Comparative Study
Adolescents undergoing surgery for idiopathic scoliosis: how physical and psychological characteristics relate to patient satisfaction with the cosmetic result.
Patient satisfaction with the cosmetic result of spinal fusion surgery was studied in 42 cases of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Neutral or dissatisfied patients were compared with satisfied patients on several physical and psychological characteristics. ⋯ Most adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis expressed satisfaction with the cosmetic surgical result. Preoperative physical characteristics, psychological difficulties, and unrealistic expectations regarding postoperative cosmesis are associated with patient neutrality or dissatisfaction.
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Comparative Study
A comparison of fear-avoidance beliefs in patients with lumbar spine pain and cervical spine pain.
A prospective consecutive cohort study of patients with cervical spine pain and patients with lumbar spine pain referred to an academic medical center. ⋯ The associations among fear-avoidance beliefs, pain intensity, and disability differed between patients with cervical spine pain and patients with lumbar spine pain. Fear-avoidance beliefs were significantly different in subgroups of patients.