Spine
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Prospectively collected data from regular clinical follow-up evaluations were tabulated, analyzed, reviewed using a patient self-reported questionnaire. ⋯ The clinical classification system helps in differentiating different presentations of thoracic disc disease and their final outcome. Video-assisted thorascopic surgery appears to be a safe and efficacious method for the treatment of refractory symptomatic thoracic disc herniations. The current data suggest that the procedure has an acceptable long-term outcome, with an 84% overall subjective patient satisfaction rate, and with objective long-term clinical success achieved in 70% of patients.
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The literature concerning the potential use of olfactory ensheathing cells for repairing damaged spinal cord was reviewed. ⋯ Olfactory ensheathing cells from olfactory lamina propria in the nose are among the best transplants for "bridging" descending and ascending pathways in damaged spinal cord.
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A case report of craniocervical spine lesions including basilar impression, atlantoaxial dislocation, and syringomyelia, with osteogenesis imperfecta is presented, and the literature is reviewed. ⋯ For patients with atlantoaxial dislocation, syringomyelia, and basilar impression without clinical symptoms or signs of brain stem compression, occipitocervical spine fusion alone at the reduction of the atlantoaxial dislocation may be indicated because these procedures improve neurologic deficits and prevent postoperative development of basilar impression and enlargement of syringomyelia.
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A retrospective chart review was conducted for 112 patients who underwent revision posterior lumbar spine decompression, fusion, and segmental instrumentation. ⋯ Number of levels fused and age seem to be the most significant factors predicting hospital stay, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and transfusion in patients undergoing revision posterior lumbar spine decompression, fusion, and segmental instrumentation.
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A radiographic and morphologic study was conducted to investigate low-grade spondylolisthesis in cases with preexisting isthmic spondylolysis of L5. ⋯ The authors considered that the slips with and those without deformities of the sacral table had developed in adolescence and adulthood, respectively. Using new radiographic parameters that indicate widening and tilting of the sacral table, low-grade isthmic spondylolis thesis can be categorized into "adolescent and adult vertebral slips."