Spine
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Multicenter Study
The role of fluoroscopy in cervical epidural steroid injections: an analysis of contrast dispersal patterns.
A multicenter, retrospective analysis of cervical epidurograms. ⋯ The loss of resistance technique may not be an adequate method for ensuring accurate needle placement in blindly performed cervical epidural injections. The use of epidurography can improve the accuracy of needle placement and medication delivery to targeted areas of pathology.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Reduction in postoperative pain after spinal fusion with instrumentation using intrathecal morphine.
The efficacy of intrathecal (spinal) morphine in the treatment of pain after posterior spinal fusions was assessed. ⋯ Relatively high-dose spinal morphine administration provides simple, reliable postoperative pain control after posterior spinal fusions. This may contribute to reduced postoperative respiratory morbidity and an improved outcome.
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A human cadaveric model was used to evaluate balloon vertebroplasty in traumatic vertebral fractures. ⋯ The present study suggests that balloon vertebroplasty may be a safe and feasible procedure for the restoration of traumatic thoracolumbar vertebral fractures.
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A systematic review of prospective cohort studies in low back pain. ⋯ Psychological factors (notably distress, depressive mood, and somatization) are implicated in the transition to chronic low back pain. The development and testing of clinical interventions specifically targeting these factors is indicated. In view of the importance attributed to other psychological factors (particularly coping strategies and fear avoidance) there is a need to clarify their role in back-related disability through rigorous prospective studies.