Spine
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A longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging investigation of lumbar disc degeneration in asymptomatic individuals was conducted. ⋯ The results indicate that the extent of disc herniation, the lack of sports activities, and night shift work are significant risk factors for the development of lumbar disc degeneration and its progression.
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The authors report a case of an atlas fracture at the anterior arch. ⋯ On plain radiographs, fractures of the atlas and anterior aspect in particular may remain occult. Accurate diagnosis of atlas fractures depends on further radiologic investigations including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Experience in treating atlas fractures is insufficient because of a paucity of literature. Immobilization with a firm cervical collar is the treatment of choice in stable atlas fracture.
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A cross-sectional study design was used. ⋯ The Spurling test is not very sensitive, but it is specific for cervical radiculopathy diagnosed by electromyography. Therefore, it is not useful as a screening test, but it is clinically useful in helping to confirm a cervical radiculopathy.
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Cadaver dissection and case reports were used to describe a novel technique of lumbar interbody arthrodesis that accesses the intervertebral disc through a posterolateral intertransverse process approach. ⋯ This preliminary report suggests that lumbar interbody arthrodesis can be accomplished with a posterolateral intertransverse process approach. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first published report describing this approach for performing an interbody arthrodesis. The intertransverse lumbar interbody fusion (ILIF) approach avoids the need for either intraabdominal dissection or violation of the spinal canal-neural foramen in accessing the disc. This technique may therefore present an opportunity to accomplish a minimally invasive approach to lumbar fusion.
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Normal and spondylolytic pediatric spine movements with reference to instantaneous axis of rotation.
A radiologic study of lumbar kinematics in the pediatric spine was conducted. ⋯ The instantaneous axis of rotation deviated cranially as the stage of pars defects advanced, and as the wedge deformity increased. Kinematic alteration of the lumbar spine in pediatric patients with spondylolysis may affect chondrocytes of the endplate, perhaps contributing to the consequent spine deformities occurring secondarily to spondylolysis.