Spine
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A retrospective chart analysis of pediatric trauma patients with suspected cervical spine injury was performed. ⋯ In obtunded and intubated pediatric trauma patients with suspected cervical spine injury, the clearance protocol using cervical spine MRI was effective and cost-efficient.
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Comparative Study
Simplifying outcome measurement: evaluation of instruments for measuring outcome after fusion surgery for chronic low back pain.
A comparative evaluation of outcome instruments and global assessment was performed. ⋯ Patient global assessment is a valid and responsive descriptor of overall effect in randomized controlled trials of treatment for chronic low back pain.
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A case was reported in which paradoxical air embolism arose from the patent foramen ovale in scoliosis surgery. ⋯ It is critical to detect a patent foramen ovale before surgery and cerebral embolization intraoperatively. This might permit ascertainment of the etiologic diagnosis in case of a complication in surgery for scoliosis.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Characteristics of patients with chronic low back pain selected for surgery: a comparison with the general population reported from the Swedish lumbar spine study.
A group of surgical candidates with chronic low back pain was compared with a random sample of the general population. ⋯ The surgical candidates in the current study resembled the average Swedish citizen with back pain. Although selected for treatment because of symptom severity, they did not otherwise differ substantially from the general population with back pain. On the contrary they unexpectedly were affected only a little by depressive symptoms, distinguishing them from patients with chronic low back pain in pain clinics and rehabilitation centers. Therefore, the results of the this outcome study are not generally applicable to every patient with chronic low back pain.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Chronic low back pain and fusion: a comparison of three surgical techniques: a prospective multicenter randomized study from the Swedish lumbar spine study group.
A multicenter randomized study with a 2-year follow-up period and an independent observer was conducted. ⋯ All the fusion techniques used in the study could reduce pain and improve function in this selected group of patients with severe chronic low back pain. There was no obvious disadvantage in using the least demanding surgical technique of posterolateral fusion without internal fixation.